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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Vol. 763 No. 3

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 38, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 39 to 103, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 104 to 110, inclusive, answered orally.

Culture Ireland

Sandra McLellan

Question:

111 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the vital importance of Culture Ireland to the promotion and protection of Irish culture throughout the world, the steps he will take to ensure the continued success of Culture Ireland. [21411/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

133 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he recognises the work of Culture Ireland in promoting Ireland abroad; if a value for money audit will be completed in advance of any decision to abolish the body and the contribution of the voluntary advisory board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21681/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 133 together.

I am satisfied that the international promotion of Irish arts through my Department's Culture Ireland is making notable contributions — exemplified through its regular grant and showcase programmes and as instanced by my recent initiative, an International Celebration of Irish Culture to mark St Patrick’s Day. Since its establishment, Culture Ireland has to date promoted and supported over 6,600 Irish cultural projects and events in over 74 countries, ranging across music, theatre, dance, literature, film, visual art and architecture. In 2011 alone, and excluding over 500 events as part of the Imagine Ireland initiative, Culture Ireland supported another 330 tours, events and projects by Irish artists across five continents.

In addition, Culture Ireland continues to aid the promotion of Irish cultural and creative excellence in Europe and in key export markets, such as China. Working in tandem with the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, agri-food and science, it is assisting in providing fresh and innovative opportunities. Our EU Presidency in 2013 now presents an additional platform for cultural links to be enhanced with key European partners. My Department, through Culture Ireland, is leading on the international dimension of the Cultural Programme for the EU Presidency.

At Government level, it will be recalled too that the recent visit to Ireland of Vice-President Xi Jinping provided a major boost to the profile of Irish culture and heritage in China, as well as strengthening our overall relationship with the People's Republic and with their most senior leadership. On the occasion of that visit, through Culture Ireland, my Department assisted the Government in organising a special performance of Riverdance, which took place in Dublin in honour of the Vice-President and his delegation, building on the extraordinary success and impact that this show has generated in China over the last decade.

Questions Nos. 112 and 113 answered with Question No. 110.

Architectural Heritage

Catherine Murphy

Question:

114 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline any proposals he might have in relation to the State taking direct ownership of the former Irish Houses of Parliament building on College Green, Dublin, currently owned by Bank of Ireland; if such a plan exists, the public use he envisages for the building; if he will make known the response of Bank of Ireland to any such proposals raised by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21635/12]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies on this matter. As outlined in those replies, I met the Chair and Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues. At the time of my initial suggestion, the future ownership of the Bank was in question. My raising of the College Green issue was exploratory and it came to unintended public attention. Clearly, too, it caught the public imagination.

This building was the first purpose-built Parliament in Europe. Completed in 1739, it served as Ireland's Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801. By extension, the question of its future use was entirely appropriate, given its resonances throughout public, cultural and civic life in this country. However, the ownership of Bank of Ireland is no longer a matter for debate. The building, which is its landmark building, remains in the ownership of the Bank and is the biggest of its branches. I am continuing my dialogue with the Bank on this matter and, in particular, around the Building's continued availability for arts and cultural events and purposes.

Departmental Bodies

Michael Moynihan

Question:

115 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way he intends to maintain the autonomy of each of the national cultural institutions in the proposed reorganisation of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21687/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced its Public Service Reform Plan on 27 November 2011. Appendix IIA to that Plan sets out a number of bodies to be rationalised, amalgamated or abolished in 2012. Actions in respect of my own Departmental remit include the following:

Combine the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Crawford Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland, while retaining separate identities.

Merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library, while maintaining separate identities.

Clearly, the amalgamation and merger of these bodies raises complex issues, which my Department is currently examining. In that context, the views of the various interested parties are being noted and considered. The artistic and curatorial autonomy of each of the institutions is, of course, a major consideration in this regard. My Departmental has established a high-level Reform Committee and is liaising with the various bodies with a view to implementing the Government's Decision in these matters as effectively and efficiently as possible. I expect to be reverting to Government on progress made in relation to this process by end-June of this year.

Tourism Promotion

Michael McGrath

Question:

116 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the involvement he has had with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in planning The Gathering; the meetings that have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21683/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

131 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budget that has been allocated by the cultural institutions for marketing cultural institutions and heritage sites for the Gathering tourism initiative. [21415/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 131 together.

While The Gathering event is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I am conscious of the tourism potential of our heritage and culture for attracting the Irish Diaspora to our shores and I welcome my fellow Minister’s initiative. The Minister has stated that he expects The Gathering to be one of the biggest tourism initiatives ever staged in Ireland. It will be a year-long event in 2013, where people at home and abroad can play a part in the country’s recovery, potentially bringing in 325,000 extra tourists and providing a major economic stimulus.

I believe that The Gathering is a hugely important and timely initiative for the tourism sector and one that my Department, together with the cultural and heritage bodies which operate under its aegis, including the National Cultural Institutions, will be pleased to support and participate in. While no specific funding has been identified for marketing in relation to The Gathering, the Directors of the Cultural Institutions are aware of the potential increase in visitor numbers that could be achieved during the event. As such, they will ensure that 2013 marketing plans for their Institutions will be carried out with The Gathering in mind and with a view to attracting more of these visitors.

I would also see the proposed Gathering as an excellent opportunity to enhance genealogical tourism. In that context, officials from my Department are working closely with their colleagues in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and in agencies within its ambit — Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Genealogical records made available through my Department and bodies under its aegis have been extremely popular with the public, at home and abroad. The success of the digitisation project of the 1901-1911 Censuses is the best proof of this. This website, hosted and managed by the National Archives of Ireland, has proved to be phenomenally popular, with over 698 million hits and over 14 million individual visits to date. The Certificate of Irish Heritage has now been linked to that site.

Departmental Bodies

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

117 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to proceed with the amalgamation of the National Archives and The National Library despite the stated opposition of archivists and historians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21689/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

122 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the current status of the proposal to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21347/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, in November 2011 the Government announced a number of amalgamations and mergers of bodies that come within the ambit of my Department. Details of these can be accessed on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at www.per.gov.ie. Clearly, the amalgamation and merger of these bodies, including the consolidation of boards, raises complex issues, which my Department is currently examining. In that context, the views of the various interested parties are being noted and considered.

My Department has established a high-level Reform Committee and is liaising with relevant bodies, including the National Archives, the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Library, in order to implement the Government's Decisions in these matters as effectively and efficiently as possible. I expect to be reverting to Government on progress made in relation to this process by end-June of this year.

Arts Plan

Derek Keating

Question:

118 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to extend the State’s arts and memorabilia by way of exhibition to parishes and communities in the Lucan and Clondalkin area of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21345/12]

Derek Keating

Question:

132 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to promote arts and heritage in the greater west Dublin area; his plans to extend some of the State’s art such as paintings and sculptures and important memorabilia to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 132 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the State's art collections to which he refers are held mainly by the national cultural institutions. The management of these exhibitions and exhibition material is an operational matter for which the individual institutions have responsibility and this is reflected, in particular, in the legislative basis under which the national cultural institutions operate. These institutions include the National Museum, the National Gallery, the National Library IMMA, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Crawford Art Gallery. Arrangements are made from time to time for the loan of artefacts and works in the national collections to regional museums and galleries, provided conditions as to security, accreditation and so forth are met.

The Arts Council also has a collection consisting of some 1,000 works of contemporary Irish art. The collection represents emerging, as well as more established, artists. Over 80% of the collection is on loan to public institutions around the country. The Council operates a Loan Scheme enabling organisations such as schools, hospitals, local authorities, public galleries and other public institutions to borrow works of art from its collection for periods of up to two years, so as to ensure that the maximum number of people have access to this extensive collection of contemporary Irish art. Details of how to apply are available on the Council's website (http://virtualgallery.artscouncil.ie/loan.html), as is a virtual tour of the collection.

My Department is committed to providing annual funding to certain other cultural institutions which hold collections of moveable cultural heritage of national importance, or collections that are unique in the country and relate to matters of national interest, or that relate to international culture. These institutions and their collections are accessible to the public. Such institutions include the Hunt Museum, Archbishop Marsh's Library and the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

The Deputy may be aware that the AIB recently has entered into a partnership with the State in respect of its art collection. Crawford Art Gallery is to house this gift of 39 key pieces from the AIB as an addition to the permanent collection on view there. The AIB will also be making available a further 991 works for exhibition by publicly funded galleries through the aegis of the Crawford Art Gallery. The collection was exhibited in the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork for several weeks and has now moved to Limerick. It is proposed that a number of works of art from this collection will continue to be exhibited in a number of publicly funded galleries through the aegis of the Crawford Art Gallery. In addition, the Great Southern art collection was secured by the State some years ago and is also held in the Crawford Gallery. Works from this collection have been exhibited in many other galleries and indeed in my own Department's office in Killarney.

Finally, some of the most ambitious capital projects funded under my Department's ACCESS scheme are art galleries, such as the Carlow Contemporary Art Gallery, the Niland in Sligo and the Limerick City Art Gallery. These galleries draw regularly on the national collection for exhibitions.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 110.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he continues to monitor, promote and support all forms of the arts with particular reference to the need to ensure the retention and creation of the maximum possible number of jobs throughout the sector and with the added benefit of the ability of the sector to attract additional funding and support from the wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21602/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

422 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total number of persons employed directly or indirectly in the arts at present; if he will endeavour to ensure that such numbers are retained or expended with particular reference to both the economic and cultural benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 422 together.

My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. The importance and impact of arts and culture is an essential element to our identity, profile, confidence and place in the world. The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts and cultural sectors make to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country.

Within the current economic constraints, our investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever due to the employment intensity of the sector. The arts are a significant economic contributor and employer in their own right and they are also important building blocks for those economic policies the Government has identified as crucial for our economic recovery. The arts underpin policies in attracting foreign direct investment, in the creation of an imaginative labour force, in establishing an innovative environment in which the creative and cultural industries can thrive and in cultural tourism.

A report entitled An Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland, published by the Arts Council in 2011, updates a previous independent evaluation by consultants Indecon of the economic impact of the arts, published in 2009. The updated report shows that the arts provide significant direct and indirect employment. The sector supports 21,328 jobs and contributes €306.8 million in taxes. The arts also impact on the wider creative industries, contributing €4.7 billion to the economy and supporting 79,000 jobs.

In relation to the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, there are 11 specific actions to be undertaken by my Department and the agencies under its remit in the areas of arts, culture and creative enterprise. Together, I believe that we can work to realise the explicit and implicit targets set for these areas. The relevant actions (under section 7 of the Plan) are set out below:

7.14 Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprise

7.14.1: Take actions as set out in the Creative Capital Report prepared by the Audiovisual Strategic Review Steering Group to double the value of the film and audiovisual sector by 2016 to over €1 billion, double employment to over 10,000 and increase cultural exports of Irish audiovisual production

Steps Necessary for Delivery

Timeline Responsible body

Work with the audiovisual industry to grow exports

Ongoing 2012 Irish Film Board

Undertaking a range of skills initiatives to address medium to long-term challenges for the sector

Ongoing 2012 Irish Film Board

Leveraging investment in data centers and cloud computing to create distribution and fulfillment opportunities for the digital content industries.

Ongoing 2012 Irish Film Board

7.14.2

Through Culture Ireland, maximise the business opportunities abroad for cultural and artistic businesses and enterprises by promoting Irish artists world-wide and showcasing our strengths in culture and creativity.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG/IDA

7.14.3

Through Culture Ireland, undertake joint marketing activities with the enterprise development agencies to build ‘brand Ireland’ in this sector.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG/Enterprise agencies

7.14.4

Leverage the potential for language and roots tourism, working with Tourism Ireland, the National Archives of Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG/ Tourism Ireland, National Archives of Ireland / Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners

7.14.5

Roll-out further cultural digitization initiatives, in partnership with the private sector, in order the leverage our unique cultural offerings and bring them to a wider internationalaudience.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG

7.14.6

Through the Arts Council, support over 50 venues, approximately 200 festivals and 400arts organisations in 2012, supporting employment in communities across the country, both directly through funding artists and organisations and indirectly in the tourism sector and the wider economy.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG

7.14.7

Ensure continuity in the provision of heritage services nationally through an allocation of €48m for 2012.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG

7.14.8

Invest in quality customer offerings through the National Cultural Institutions and regional cultural bodies and enterprises to enhance our overall tourism offering and to make Ireland a destination of cultural distinction for the cultural tourists globally.

Ongoing 2012 DAHG

7.18.9

Support research activities of relevance to the sector including research in the areas of digital networks, communications and radio spectrum optimization, semantic web and sensor web, big data and data analytics, and their application in sectors such as film and television, social media and publishing

Ongoing 2012 Research funders and Prioritisation Action Group

Commemorative Events

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

121 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the preparations for the proposed commemoration of the centenary of a number of significant historical events between 1912 and 1922; if there will be any public consultation on the proposed commemorations; the extent of the involvement of the general public in the commemorations; if he is liaising with the Northern Ireland Assembly, the British Government or the Scottish and Welsh Governments for any of the commemorations; the proposed cost of these commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21346/12]

My Department has responsibility for the development of a commemorative programme for the Decade of Centenaries 2012 to 2022, which will present the economic, social and cultural history of the period, although official consideration at this time is currently being focused on the period 2012 to 2016. The All-Party Oireachtas Consultation Group on Commemorations, of which I am chair, has now met on a number of occasions. This Group recently received a delegation from the Unionist Centenary Council and, at its meeting of May 22nd, it is planned to receive a delegation from Dublin City Council. The Group has also received submissions from a number of other local authorities and groups, and full engagement with these and other interested parties is planned.

An Expert Advisory Group of eminent historians has also been established, which will advise Government and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on both the overall commemorative programme and on any specific issues which may arise. This Group, chaired by Dr Maurice Manning and supported by Dr Martin Mansergh, will have its second meeting tomorrow (May 2nd). It is expected to consult widely with scholars, with universities, with educational and cultural bodies, with local historical associations and committees, and with individuals, where appropriate. It will seek to encourage original research at local and national level, at all times acknowledging the identities and traditions which are part of the historic story of the island of Ireland and Irish people worldwide.

In addition, the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly's Committee on Sovereign Matters, under the Chairmanship of Mr Frank Feighan, TD, is undertaking a study on how best to approach the series of commemorations. I understand that this Committee last met on April 23rd and that a delegation from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund gave presentations in terms of their plans.

To date in 2012, there have been a number of significant centenary commemoration events. In early March, I participated, with my Northern Ireland counterpart, Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, in the launch of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and Heritage Lottery Fund lecture series entitled "Remembering the Future”. In late March, First Minister Peter Robinson visited the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at Iveagh House in Dublin to offer to an invited audience his reflections on Carson’s influence and on Irish Unionism. The centenary of the introduction of the Third Home Rule Bill on April 11th was marked by a commemorative event in Waterford. At this event, the legacy of John Redmond, the Parnellites and the Home Rule Movement was highlighted by expert speakers.

Last week, I was privileged to address a conference of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in Belfast about the Ulster Covenant, the centenary of which will be marked on September 28th of this year. In addition, the county libraries of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan will host exhibitions on the Ulster Covenant, with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Other events planned this year within the ambit of my own Department include the exhibition "Home Rule: Ireland at the Cross Roads 1900-1914”, which will open on May 25th at the Hugh Lane Gallery, the completion of the restoration of Erskine Childers’ yacht, Asgard, and the continuation of the National Library of Ireland’s Europeana World War I collection roadshows. At these roadshows, families from all of Ireland will be afforded the opportunity to contribute artefacts and stories from their family experience of World War I to a pan-European exhibition.

I am very grateful for the support of the Oireachtas Consultation Group and the Expert Advisory Group. I also very much appreciate the contributions and assistance of officeholders from Britain and Northern Ireland to recent commemorative events. I hope to continue and develop these exchanges, particularly with the assemblies of Wales and Scotland, over the course of the Decade of Commemorations. I would like to emphasise my personal welcome for all suggestions and contributions to the development of the commemorative programme. If the Deputies have any particular interests or concerns in this regard, I would be glad to hear from them.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 117.

Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga

Dessie Ellis

Question:

123 D’fhiafraigh Dessie Ellis den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an féidir leis cur síos a dhéanamh ar na tuarascálacha iniúchta ón gCoimisinéir Teanga a cuireadh os comhair an Oireachtais ó osclaíodh an oifig, agus ar aon ghníomh atá déanta ina leith; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21656/12]

I dtús báire, ní miste dom a chur i gcuimhne don Teachta gur oifig neamhspleách reachtúil í Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga agus, i gcomhréir le forálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, go bhfuil an Coimisinéir Teanga neamhspleách i bhfeidhmiú a chuid dualgas. An méid sin ráite, tuigim go bhfuil 3 thuarascáil den chinéal ata luaite ag an Teachta curtha faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais go dáta ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga. Baineann na tuarascálacha sin leis an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí, le hArd-Mhúsaem na hÉireann agus le Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte. Tá na sonraí maidir leis na tuarascálacha ata i gceist ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie. Faoi fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, níl aon ról reachtúil agamsa, mar Aire, maidir le tuarascálacha den chineál seo.

Appointments to State Boards

Sandra McLellan

Question:

124 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the five year contract of the chief executive of Culture Ireland expired in April 2012, if this contract has been renewed. [21410/12]

The contract of the Chief Executive of Culture Ireland did not expire in April 2012 and he remains contracted to my Department until the end of May 2012. The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that this is a personnel matter and I do not intend to make any announcement on this issue until the appropriate juncture.

Scéimeanna Teanga

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

125 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil sé d’acmhainn ag a Roinn, agus ag gach eagras atá bainteach leis a Roinn, a riachtanais faoi na scéimeanna teanga a chomhlíonadh; agus an bhfuil foireann ag a Roinn agus ag gach eagras Stáit a bhfuil go leor Gaeilge acu chun a riachtanais faoi na scéimeanna teanga a chomhlíonadh. [21653/12]

Cuireann Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla creat ar fáil chun feabhas a chur ar sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí trí Ghaeilge de réir a chéile, ionas gur féidir dualgais an Stáit a chomhlíonadh ar bhealach comhtháiteach atá i gcomhréir leis na hacmhainní atá ar fáil. Tá an tAcht á chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimiúil, i gcomhréir leis an éileamh ón bpobal ar sheirbhísí ar leith agus de réir mar a thiocfaidh feabhas ar chumas an Státchórais líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a mhéadú agus a fheabhsú thar thréimhse ama.

Léiríonn na scéimeanna teanga atá daingnithe go dáta faoin Acht go bhfuil cur chuige réadúil agus praiticiúil glactha ag comhlachtaí poiblí maidir le soláthar níos fearr de sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sheachadadh, ag tógáil san áireamh cumas na gcomhlachtaí sin ó thaobh nan-acmhainní daonna agus airgeadais atá ar fáil dóibh. Leagtar béim ar leith sna scéimeanna teanga ar a thábhachtaí is atá sé cumas Gaeilge na mball foirne a fheabhsú trí oiliúint chuí a chur ar fáil dóibh.

Aithníodh ón tús go bhfuil acmhainní teoranta ag comhlachtaí poiblíó thaobh seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar agus go bhfuil dúshláin ar leith ann dóibh dá réir líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí sin a fheabhsú. Mar aitheantas ar an dúshlán sin, tá an-bhéim leagtha ag mo Roinnse ar a thábhachtaí is atá sé go gcuirfí na hacmhainní cuí ar fáil do chomhlachtaí poiblí le gur féidir leo a gcuid seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a fheabhsú.

Ar na tionscnaimh a forbraíodh i gcomhar le gníomhaireachtaí eile le blianta beaga anuas, tá:

córas um Dhearbhú Cáilíochta d'Aistritheoirí agus d'Eagarthóirí;

bunachair shonraí de théarmaí agus de logainmneacha ar líne —www.focal.ie agus www.logainm.ie;

acmhainní cuimhne aistriúcháin Gaeilge;

gluais de chomharthaí agus de théarmaí eile ar líne —www.gaeilge.ie;

bunachar sonraí de théarmaí an Aontais Eorpaigh agus de théarmaí dlíthiúla i nGaeilge; agus

líne chabhrach do cheisteanna ar gach gné den Ghaeilge —www.freagra.net.

Tá an cheist maidir le cumas comhlachtaí poiblí seirbhísí a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge agus ceist na hearcaíochta don Státchóras fite fuaite lena chéile. Ar ndóigh, is ar an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe atá an fhreagracht maidir le polasaí earcaíochta don Státchóras.

Ní miste aird a tharraingt ar an méid atá ráite sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge ina leith seo, is é sin go ndéanfar socruithe cuí chun cur leis an líon oifigeach sa Státchóras atá in ann feidhmiú go dátheangach agus go mbunófar na socruithe sin de réir a chéile, ag aithint na srianta earcaíochta atá ann faoi láthair. Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé ráite sa Straitéis go ndéanfar cláir oiliúna teanga a fhorbairt chun cur le líon na n-oifigeach sa Státchóras atá in ann seirbhísí a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge. Beidh an cur chuige is oiriúnaí chun feidhm a thabhairt do na bearta éagsúla sin á scrúdú mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise.

Ó thaobh comhlachtaí poiblí de, is gnó do na comhlachtaí sin a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar na dualgais atá orthu faoin Acht ar an gcaoi chéanna is a chomhlíontar dualgais faoi aon reachtaíocht eile. Faoi fhorálacha an Achta, is ar Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga atá an cúram monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na ndualgas sin agus céimeanna a ghlacadh lena chinntiú go gcomhlíontar iad.

State Properties

Denis Naughten

Question:

126 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to maximise the use of public properties and properties that have a scientific interest in terms of public access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21603/12]

There are approximately 750 national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of my Department, including Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, and Kilmainham Gaol. The day-to-day management of these national monuments lies with the Office of Public Works (OPW). There is significant public access to these properties and, in many cases, guided tours are available. Information about these properties and about access to them is available on the OPW's website at www.heritageireland.ie.

My Department, through its National Parks and Wildlife Service, manages 6 State-owned national parks, as well as 78 nature reserves, 66 of which are in State ownership. National parks and nature reserves are generally open year round. Information on public access to the national parks and nature reserves and their scientific significance can be found on my Department's National Parks and Wildlife's website at www.npws.ie. To encourage and maximise use of these wonderful facilities, access is free of charge in all cases.

There is evidence to suggest that Ireland's historic and natural environment is an increasingly important element of our national tourism product. Investment in the conservation of our built and natural heritage has the dual benefits of preserving these properties for the enjoyment of present and future generations, while also improving the local and national economy through the generation and expansion of responsible sustainable tourism. It is, therefore, my intention to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, public access and appropriate visitor use of national parks and nature reserves. Such access and use must be consistent with the ethos of the parks as natural places of peace and tranquillity set in scenic landscapes, as well as being compatible with the conservation and biodiversity considerations that are of necessity associated with the management of heritage properties. For example, the national parks and nature reserves are largely covered by designations under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and all activities within these sites must be consistent with the requirements of the Directives.

Within the constraints imposed by current economic conditions, I will invest in visitor facilities in parks and nature reserves to maximise their sustainable use and enjoyment. To this end, and building on previous investment in this area, my Department is working on proposals to further develop visitor facilities such as walking routes, enhanced signage and interpretation.

As regards visitor centres, in the last few years my Department has opened modern top quality centres at Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo, and Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Offaly. Also, I will shortly open the new Burren National Park Visitor Information Point in Corofin, Co. Clare, while work is progressing on the redevelopment of Killarney House in Killarney National Park.

Scéimeanna Teanga

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

127 D’fhiafraigh Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta a mheasúnú a thabhairt ar an scéim is déanaí a deimhníodh anuraidh. [21649/12]

Glacaim leis go bhfuil an Teachta ag tagairt don dara scéim teanga don Bhord Pleanála a daingníodh anuraidh. Tá sonraí na scéime sin ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, www.coimisneir.ie. Aithnítear go bhfuil acmhainní teoranta ag comhlachtaí poiblíó thaobh seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar agus go bhfuil dúshláin ar leith ann dóibh dá réir líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí sin a fheabhsú. Tá sé tábhachtach go gcuirtear na srianta reatha earcaíochta agus airgeadais atá ar chomhlachtaí poiblí san áireamh nuair atá scéimeanna á measúnú.

Léiríonn na scéimeanna teanga atá daingnithe go dáta faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 go bhfuil cur chuige réadúil agus praiticiúil glactha ag comhlachtaí poiblí maidir le soláthar níos fearr de sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sheachadadh, ag tógáil san áireamh cumas na gcomhlachtaí sin ó thaobh na n-acmhainní daonna agus airgeadais atá ar fáil dóibh. Táim sásta go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ón uair a tháinig an tAcht i bhfeidhm maidir le comhlachtaí poiblí a bheith ag soláthar seirbhísí i nGaeilge don phobal agus maidir le feabhas a bheith tagtha ar líon agus ar chaighdeán na seirbhísí i nGaeilge atá ar fáil ón Státchóras.

Ní miste a rá gur gnó do na comhlachtaí poiblí a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar na dualgais atá orthu faoin Acht ar an gcaoi chéanna is a chomhlíontar dualgais faoi aon reachtaíocht eile. Faoi fhorálacha an Achta, is ar Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga atá an cúram monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na ndualgas sin agus céimeanna a ghlacadh lena chinntiú go gcomhlíontar iad.

Questions Nos. 128 and 129 answered with Question No. 110.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Barry Cowen

Question:

130 D’fhiafraigh Barry Cowen den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, cé mhéid cruinnithe a bhí ann mar gheall ar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; cad é an méid oibre atá déanta ar naoi réimse difriúla chun líon na ndaoine a labhraíonn an teanga a mhéadú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21669/12]

Martin Ferris

Question:

147 D’fhiafraigh Martin Ferris den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, cé chomh minic is atá an Fochoiste Idir-Rannach atá ag plé leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge tar éis bualadh le chéile; cathain a bhí an cruinniú deireanach aige; cén dul chun cinn atá déanta aige; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21658/12]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 130 agus 147 le chéile.

Is sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 a leagtar amach polasaí an Rialtais maidir leis an nGaeilge. Tá sé ráite i gClár an Rialtais 2011-2016 go dtabharfaidh an Rialtas tacaíocht don Straitéis agus go ndéanfaidh sé na spriocanna indéanta atá luaite inti a chur i gcrích. Aithnítear sa Straitéis féin go bhfuil gá le cur chuige céimneach chun bearta éagsúla na Straitéise a chur i gcrích. Le linn 2011, thug oifigigh mo Roinne faoi chéim an bhunaithe den Straitéis inar díríodh ar bhunú na struchtúr eagraíochtúil agus oibríochtúil, mar atá ráite i bplean forfheidhmithe mo Roinne don Straitéis don bhliain 2011.

Bunaíodh struchtúir ar leith chun an Straitéis a sheachadadh agus eagraítear cruinnithe, de réir mar is gá, faoi na struchtúir seo:

Tá an Coiste Rialtais ar an nGaeilge agus ar an nGaeltacht, a bhfuil an Taoiseach ina chathaoirleach air, ag déanamh maoirseachta ar an dul chun cinn leis an Straitéis.

Tá Grúpa Oifigeach Sinsearach, atá comhdhéanta d'oifigigh ardleibhéil ó Ranna cuí, ag tacú leis an gCoiste Rialtais.

Tá Grúpa Idir-Rannach, a bhfuil mise, mar Aire Stáit, mar chathaoirleach air, ag déanamh comhordú ar chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise.

Tá Aonad Straitéise i mo Roinn freagrach as pleanáil agus feidhmiú na Straitéise a threorú.

Maidir leis an nGrúpa Idir-Rannach, bhí an chéad chruinniú den ghrúpa ann ar an 8 Feabhra 2012 chun cur i bhfeidhm réimsí sonracha gnímh sa Straitéis a bhrú chun cinn ar bhealach comhtháite. Bhí ionadaithe sinsearacha ó na Ranna ábhartha i láthair agus beidh an chéad chruinniú eile den ghrúpa ann ar an 27 Meitheamh 2012.

Mar atá luaite sna Ceisteanna, tá 9 réimse gnímh leagtha amach sa Straitéis. Tá trí ghrúpa oibre ardleibhéil bunaithe ag mo Roinnse leis na príomhpháirtithe leasmhara chun dlús a chur le feidhmiú réimsí gnímh éagsúla den Straitéis. Eagraítear cruinnithe de na grúpaí oibre seo, de réir mar is gá:

Grúpa oibre idir mo Roinnse agus an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna chun tosaíochtaí a aithint maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise i réimse gnímh an oideachais, ag tabhairt san áireamh na laincisí ar acmhainní i láthair na huaire.

Grúpa oibre idir mo Roinnse, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge chun idirdhealú a dhéanamh idir na feidhmeanna ar leith a bheidh á gcomhlíonadh ag na comhlachtaí poiblí seo faoin Straitéis ar bhealach a chinnteoidh go mbeidh an luach is fearr ar airgead ag an Státchiste agus nach mbeidh aon dúbláil soláthair ann.

Grúpa oibre idir mo Roinnse, an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus an Roinn Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta maidir le hinfheistíocht fiontraíochta sa Ghaeltacht.

Mar thoradh ar chinntí polasaí a thóg an Rialtas ar an 31 Bealtaine 2011 maidir leis na struchtúir fhorfheidhmithe don Straitéis agus maidir leis an sainmhíniú nua don Ghaeltacht, tá oifigigh mo Roinne ag tabhairt tús áite do dhréachtú an Bhille Gaeltachta 2012, a thabharfaidh feidhm, de réir mar is cuí, do na cinntí Rialtais.

Ar an 26 Aibreán 2012, d'fhógair mé dhá thionscnamh shuntasacha faoin Straitéis. Ar an gcéad dul síos, chuir mé tús leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga sa Ghaeltacht faoina mbeidh plean teanga á ullmhú ag leibhéal an phobail do gach ceantar Gaeltachta i gcomhréir leis an Straitéis. Ar an dara dul síos, d'fhógair mé an Clár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh, a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige an Ghaeilge a threisiú mar theanga teaghlaigh agus pobail sa Ghaeltacht i gcomhréir leis an Straitéis. Faoin gClár seo, tá sé beartaithe ag mo Roinnse 12 beart ar leith a thógáil chun tacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil a gclann le Gaeilge nó a dteastaíonn uathu a gclann a thógáil le Gaeilge. Tá tuilleadh eolais faoin Straitéis ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne, www.ahg.gov.ie.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 116.

Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 118.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 111.

National Monuments

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

134 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commission an independent battlefield site assessment of the GPO and Moore Street, Dublin. [21412/12]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

140 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has given further consideration to making any decision regarding the approval to build on the historic site of 14/17 Moore Street, Dublin, pending an independent battlefield assessment as recommended by the director of the National Museum; if he will meet the Save Moore Street group to discuss their proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21691/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

144 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the engagement there has been between Dublin City Council, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Governement and his Department regarding the issue of the Easter Rising site in the environs of Moore Street, Dublin 1; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority may dispose of the last two houses they own at 24/25 to the developer at a price agreed quite some time ago and not bearing any relationship to the drop in value of property; the effect of this on the designated National Monument; and the role of the National Assets Management Agency in all these proceedings. [12922/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 140 and 144 together.

As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, my role in relation to the national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore St is to make a determination on the application by the owner for consent under the National Monuments Acts to proposed works to those buildings. I have no function in relation to the adjoining development site. As part of the consent application process, the applicant was required to provide an assessment of the wider battlefield context of the national monument site. This has been received and is being examined. Also as part of the consent process, I have visited the monument site and met various representative groups, including the group referred to. A decision will be made on the consent application as soon as possible. I would like to point out that I have no function in relation to the National Asset Management Agency.

Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 109.

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

Question:

136 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided towards a history project (details supplied) of importance to all this island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21634/12]

The National Archives, which is funded directly by my Department, does not disburse funding to other bodies for digitisation projects of the nature referred to by the Deputy. However, under the National Archives Act, the National Archives can give advice on matters relating to archives. Therefore, staff in the National Archives is available to offer advice to the project in question, if such advice would be helpful.

I understand that the project is an important resource available to the public in its own right. I am very conscious of the importance of digitising material in order to protect our cultural heritage for future generations. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Archives have embarked on an extensive digitalisation programme of State records, most significantly in recent years the digitisation of the 1901 and 1911 census returns, which has generated huge interest, resulting in millions of visits to the National Archives website.

Foras na Gaeilge

Brian Stanley

Question:

137 D’fhiafraigh Brian Stanley den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aige moltaí Chomhchoiste Thithe an Oireachtais um Chomhshaol, Iompar, Cultúr agus Gaeltacht a chur i bhfeidhm maidir leis an tSamhail Nua Mhaoinithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21657/12]

Tuigim ó Chomhchoiste Thithe an Oireachtais um Chomhshaol, Iompar, Chultúr agus an Ghaeltacht go bhfuiltear ag súil tuarascáil agus moltaí i ndáil leis an díospóireacht ar an tSamhail Nua Mhaoinithe a chur ar fáil le linn mhí na Bealtaine. Ní mór dom a mheabhrú don Teachta, áfach, gurb é Foras na Gaeilge atá i mbun na hoibre seo ar an athbhreithniú ar an 19 eagraíocht bunmhaoinithe. Dá réir sin, glacaim leis go gcuirfidh Foras na Gaeilge moltaí an Chomhchoiste, mar aon leis na moltaí a tháinig chun cinn le linn an phróisis chomhairliúcháin phoiblí a chríochnaigh ar an 2 Aibreán 2012, san áireamh agus tuarascáil á réiteach aige do bhord Fhoras na Gaeilge. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh tuarascáil chríochnúil Fhoras na Gaeilge faoin bpróiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí réidh le dul os comhair na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas ag an gcéad chruinniú eile i bhfoirm rannach na teanga an samhradh seo.

Cultural Events

Seán Crowe

Question:

138 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the commitment made in the Programme for Government to extending Culture Night to two nights a year, when the second Culture Night is due to be held. [21417/12]

Following on from discussions between my Department and relevant stakeholders, including Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Temple Bar Cultural Trust and St. Patrick's Festival, it was agreed that the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the Culture Night concept and to consider making it a twice yearly event would be best met by the designation/delivery of an International Week of Irish Culture, based around the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This would allow for the cultivation and development of the solid foundations already in place to showcase to the world Ireland’s rich and varied cultural heritage and to promote Ireland as a destination for cultural tourists.

The initiative essentially envisages a 5-year development plan, commencing in 2012 and ultimately potentially linking with 2016 commemorations. This year, the emphasis was on:

the international launch of the "International Celebration of Irish Culture” brand abroad;

a series of programme activities based in existing cultural venues around the Merrion Square/Kildare Street areas of Dublin;

marketing the message of "I Love my City”; and

using the existing St. Patrick's Festival activity to promote Ireland and its culture, both domestically and internationally.

The initiative was well received and supported in both national and international spheres.

In addition, in further recognition of the commitment in the Programme for Government, Culture Night 2012 will be fostered and developed as a unique offering of memorable experiences, involving local arts, culture, heritage and communities, which will hopefully stimulate repeat visits to cultural attractions. Plans for the event are well underway and letters of offer of funding recently issued from my Department to locations that applied to participate in the 2012 regional event. The aim is to build on the success and popularity of Culture Night to date, which has seen the event grow from a relatively small scale cultural event staged in Dublin only in 2006 to the significant national cultural event it now is, with over 200,000 people in 30 locations across the island of Ireland participating in Culture Night 2011.

This year, for the first time, a smartphone/iPhone application will be developed for Culture Night in Dublin, which will allow participants to develop their own personal cultural trails around the city. It is hoped that this application will act as a platform for the possible development of other Culture Night applications in the participating regions in 2013 and beyond. I should mention that my Department is also supporting Music Day, to be held this year on 21st June.

Special Amenity Areas

Catherine Murphy

Question:

139 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he can advise on any proposals he has to develop the Liffey Valley Area in North Kildare and West Dublin, in particular the lands in and around the Liffey Valley special amenity area, into a National Park or other reserved area of national amenity under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21693/12]

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, that parts of the Liffey Valley are already covered by special designations. The area between Chapelizod and Lucan is protected by a Special Area Amenity Order and part of the Valley has also been identified as a proposed Natural Heritage Area.

I further understand that some years ago the Office of Public Works, in association with Dublin City Council and Fingal, Kildare and South Dublin County Councils, commissioned consultants to draw up a strategy for the Liffey Valley, resulting in the strategy document Towards a Liffey Valley Park, which was published in November 2006. The document set out a strategy to provide an integrated management framework for the Liffey Valley, and to create a process towards the establishment of a Liffey Valley Park which would be composed of a necklace of publicly owned spaces within this area. Accordingly, it would appear that the implementation of the steps to bring a park into existence in this area is primarily a matter for the local authorities concerned. The report did not recommend the designation of the Liffey Valley as a National Park.

Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 134.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 110.

EU Programmes

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

142 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the European Union media programme for the European audio visual industry, the number of projects that are running here. [21413/12]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

143 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the European Union’s culture and support programme for organisations working in the field of culture, the number of projects running here. [21414/12]

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

At present, there are two EU programmes operating in the culture and audio-visual areas for which I have responsibility:

1. The Media Programme is the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry. In Ireland, information on this Programme is available from Media Desk www.mediadeskireland.ie, which provides details on the operation of the Programme, successful projects and funding available at any given time.

2. The Culture Programme is the EU support programme for organisations working in the field of culture. In Ireland, information on this Programme is available from the Cultural Contact Point at www.ccp.ie, which provides comprehensive information on the operation of the Programme.

Periodically, there are calls from the European Commission seeking applications for financial support under the Programmes. The applications are then assessed by an independent body based in Brussels, the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA). The decisions on what support is provided are based on the merits of the applications. There is no quota for each country or no amount allocated to each country.

Information is available on these two Programmes at the websites I have referred to. Assistance with applications is also given, as is assistance with identifying funding partners, where relevant. Any Irish organisation wishing to apply for funding from either programme should make initial contact with the relevant office. The two Programmes will continue until the end of 2013.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 134.

Arts Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

145 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding currently available for the role of the arts in combatting mental health. [21416/12]

The Deputy will appreciate that I have no statutory responsibility in relation to mental health, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health. The Deputy may, however, find the website www.artsandhealth.ie of interest. This website is funded by the Arts Council, which is statutorily independent in these matters.

Audiovisual Industry

Brendan Smith

Question:

146 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the findings of the Creative Capital report on industrial relations in Ireland’s audiovisual industry; his views on whether the stalemate is damaging to Ireland’s reputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21692/12]

The whole area of the development of the Irish audiovisual industry, including industrial relations issues, was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital Report —Building Ireland’s Audiovisual Creative Economy. The Report was published in July 2011 and an Implementation Committee is at present examining the advancement of its recommendations. Specifically in relation to industrial relations, I understand that negotiations are ongoing between the relevant parties under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this juncture.

Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 130.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 110.

Departmental Expenditure

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

149 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the BER rating and annual heating costs of his Department. [21513/12]

The Taoiseach: As my Department is a public body, the office accommodation it occupies does not require a Building Energy Rating (BER). The heating cost for my Department in 2011 was €38,763.

State Honours System

Derek Keating

Question:

150 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 9 of 25 October 2011, and after extensive research by this Deputy with all the member states of the European Union, if he will consider a national civil award as discussed on 25 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/12]

The Taoiseach: The issue of a State honours system has been discussed many times since the foundation of the State but there has never been all-party support to sustain its development. I believe that such support would be required if consideration of an honours system were to proceed. While I would have no objections in principle to all-party consideration of this matter, I believe that the timing of any such consideration would have to take cognisance of other political priorities at this time. However, if the Deputy wishes to forward the research he mentions, I will have it examined.

Departmental Expenditure

Niall Collins

Question:

151 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the amount paid by his Department on external public relations and communications consultants; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21343/12]

The Taoiseach: My Department has incurred no spend in relation to engagement of external public relations or communications consultants from March 2011 to date.

Niall Collins

Question:

152 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21344/12]

The Taoiseach: My Department has incurred no cost in relation to hair and make-up since February 2011 to date.

Departmental Counsel

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

153 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Taoiseach in view of payments to a counsel retained by the State, the steps he has taken to widen the panels of counsel used by State Departments and agencies; the extent to which these steps were communicated to members of the Bar and solicitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21356/12]

The Taoiseach: My reply relates to the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office — which provide legal services to Government Departments and Offices and engage counsel where appropriate, though they do not as a rule provide services to the agencies — and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office have put arrangements in place to increase the number of junior and senior counsel briefed by the State pursuant to Section 7 of the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974. These arrangements are designed to ensure a more equitable distribution of State work to Counsel and to avoid situations where a small number of Counsel earn very large sums from the State. The arrangements are being monitored on a monthly basis by the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor.
The Offices operate a system of panels based on legal specialism. It is open to any Counsel who wishes to do so to apply to be placed on each panel appropriate to their expertise and it is from such panels that nominations of counsel are then made. A policy document on the briefing of Counsel and an application form for nomination of Counsel by the Attorney General are available on the Office of the Attorney General website.
With regard to the Director of Public Prosecutions, she is satisfied that access to positions on the panels of Counsel which she operates is sufficiently wide. The DPP panels are open to all eligible barristers. Appointment to them is made in a manner consistent with the Director's obligations under Section 7 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974. Separate panels are maintained for prosecution work i.e. Junior and Senior Counsel in the Circuit and Central Criminal Court; Judicial Review, Bail Applications, Habeas Corpus Applications, Health and Safety Prosecutions and applications relating to criminal assets.
A procedure is in place whereby the Director seeks expressions of interest from eligible barristers wishing to be considered for inclusion on these panels. This is communicated to barristers via the Bar Council and on the DPP's Office website. Where vacancies arise, appointments to the various panels will be made following consideration of expressions of interest by barristers and a selection procedure including an interview of shortlisted candidates. Applications are currently being considered under this process and it is intended that expressions of interest would be sought each year. This will be kept under review.
The DPP panels relate to work arising within the Dublin area only. Outside of Dublin, the practice of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has been to appoint a County Prosecutor (sometimes more than one) who undertakes all of the prosecution work for that County/area. County prosecutor positions are filled as vacancies arise around the country. A competitive procedure has been in place for a number of years including provision for interviews of shortlisted candidates. Upon a vacancy arising the position is advertised via the Bar Council and the DPP's Office website.

Departmental Agencies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

154 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Taoiseach the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21598/12]

The Taoiseach: Although no agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department have been abolished or merged since 2011, the number of bodies within my Department’s remit has been reduced substantially since 2009. In that year the the Active Citizenship Office and the Forum on Europe were closed, while in 2010 the National Economic and Social Forum and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance were dissolved. In November 2011, the Government published a Public Service Reform Plan with clear timelines attached. The National Economic and Social Council, which is under the aegis of my Department, was listed as one of the candidate bodies for critical review by the end of June 2012. The critical review is still on-going and is on course for completion by my Department by the end of June.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Question:

155 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the amount spent on drivers and ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21754/12]

The Taoiseach: There has been no cost incurred by my Department on drivers and Ministerial transport from February 2011 to date.

Foreign Conflicts

Finian McGrath

Question:

156 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason neutral Ireland is participating in a US-led, NATO, occupying force in Afghanistan; and if this is the end of Ireland’s independent foreign policy. [21449/12]

Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. This policy has been underpinned by a set of complementary values which includes the protection of human rights; support for development; and the promotion of disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Successive Governments have not interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland should avoid international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it enhances our capacity to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability through the United Nations, the European Union and in bilateral action.

As a member of the United Nations, and in accordance with the UN Charter, we also acknowledge that primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council, and we agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Council acts on behalf of all members. We take seriously the obligation we have assumed to give the Organisation every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter. Since 2001, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been deployed under the authority of the UN Security Council, which authorised the establishment of a force in the maintenance of security to enable the Afghan authorities as well as UN personnel to operate in a secure environment. ISAF has a peace enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

There are thirteen UN Security Council Resolutions relating to ISAF. The most recent of these, UNSCR 2011, which was adopted on 12 October 2011, extended ISAF's mandate for a further year, and called upon UN Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and resources to the operation. It also welcomed the long-term commitments made by Afghanistan's international partners, including NATO, the European Union (EU), neighbouring states and regional partners, to continue supporting Afghanistan beyond the "transition" period. Ireland supports continuing efforts to develop Afghanistan into a peaceful, democratic nation, based on respect for fundamental human rights, including the rights of Afghan women, and respect for the rule of law.

Seven members of the Permanent Defence Forces are serving with ISAF at its Kabul headquarters in non-combatant roles. Their deployment accords fully with both Irish and international law and in no way calls into question Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. The service of the Defence Forces with ISAF represents a further example of Ireland's commitment to participation in UN-mandated peace operations, a long-standing and key foreign policy principle for Ireland. I would also point out that other neutral and non-aligned States, including Austria, Finland and Sweden, also contribute troops to ISAF.

Missing Persons

John O'Mahony

Question:

157 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on an investigation into the disappearance of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/12]

The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department in November 2008. The family were concerned that there had been no contact from the individual and requested assistance in locating him. My Department has been providing consular assistance to the family since that time. In the weeks after the initial disappearance, the Embassy arranged a meeting, which was also attended by an Embassy official, between the family and the Dutch Police. At that meeting the Dutch Police gave assurances to the family that everything possible was being done to locate their missing relative. The Police Officer also provided his direct contact details to the family to that they could contact him if any new information was received by them.

The Embassy has actively monitored this case continuously and, in March this year, it was told that the Public Prosecutor had decided that the investigation into the disappearance would be re-examined. Following approaches by the Embassy to the Dutch police and Foreign Ministry last week, appointments have now been arranged between officials of our Embassy and the new Investigating Officer, and also with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the present status of the investigation and proposed future action into the disappearance of Mr. Grealis. The family will be informed of the outcome of these meetings.

Travel Advice

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

158 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is taking any special provisions or giving any special advice to persons travelling to the Eurovision song contest in Azerbaijan next month in view of the recent threats made against the event. [21510/12]

As the Deputy will be aware my Department provides up to date travel advice for citizens travelling abroad on its website www.dfa.ie. The Department’s Consular Section continuously liaises with its Embassies and other consular partners to ensure this information is accurate and updated when necessary. My Department strongly advises citizens to take out travel insurance and to register on line with the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie so that in the event of an emergency or natural disaster the nearest Irish embassy or consulate can contact them if necessary.

The travel advice for Azerbaijan was updated on 19 April 2012. The revised advice includes information on the security status and precautions to take. As Ireland has no diplomatic representation in Azerbaijan, the Embassy of Ireland in Turkey from which Ireland is represented in Azerbaijan will provide consular assistance if necessary. As provided for in the EU Treaties, other EU Member States with resident missions in Baku can also assist Irish citizens with consular assistance if required.

Departmental Agencies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

159 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21592/12]

There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department and none have been abolished during the period in question.

Official Engagements

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

160 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or representatives of Ireland have met or communicated with the candidate for the French Presidency, François Hollande, or his representatives; if so, whether his stance of the fiscal compact treaty and on the ESM was discussed; if so, what the outcome of those discussions were. [22014/12]

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have been very closely following debates all across Europe on the Stability Treaty, and in particular have been monitoring active debate in the context of elections in France. Ireland's network of diplomatic missions plays a key role in keeping the Government updated on the developments in their countries of accreditation. Officials from our Embassy in Paris, in the usual course of political and economic networking, have of course met with representatives of various candidates in the French Presidential election. In this context, a wide range of issues have been discussed, including current economic and financial issues. I am fully abreast of these.

The Government has long argued its strong view that recovery in Europe will only be achieved by the adoption of a balanced approach. The Stability Treaty will make a contribution to the restoration of stability and confidence in the euro, but Europe also needs to prioritise and to take actions to generate growth and to promote job creation. This remains a top-level priority for this Government. The Government has made it very clear that it will consider with great interest any new proposals to this end — from whatever quarter — and, where they make sense, will lend them support.

Tax Refunds

Sandra McLellan

Question:

161 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible to claim tax back further than four years when a person (details supplied) was overpaying tax for nine years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21509/12]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a tax refund claim, which is outside the four year limit provided for under Section 865 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 cannot be allowed. However, the Commissioners will examine whether, in the case in question, there is a possibility that a claim was made within the statutory time limit and will communicate directly with the Deputy.

Sports Capital Programme

Dessie Ellis

Question:

162 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Finance his plans to see that sports clubs which are awaiting general consent from the Minister for Finance, under section 67 of the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010, to a Deed of Covenant and charge for grants under the sports capital programme (details supplied) get this general consent as soon as possible; and if he will clarify the reason behind these delays and any possible negative results of the delay in clubs receiving the consent. [21537/12]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

181 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Finance his plans to give general consent under Section 67 of the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010 to the Deed of Covenant and Charge drawn up by Dublin City Council for grants received by a group (details supplied) in the years 2004 and 2007 under the Sports Capital Programme. [21526/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 181 together.

Applications made under Section 67 of the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010 are considered on a case-by-case basis. I have received the submission referred to in this PQ and I expect to be able to make a determination on it shortly.

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

163 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that electronic digital versions of school books, or e-textbooks, are subject to VAT at 23%; if so, if he has done any analysis on the reason for same and options for changing it, and if he will release this; and his views that e-textbooks should be exempted from VAT. [21539/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

182 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that electronic or digital versions of school books, or e-textbooks, are subject to VAT at 23%; if so, if he will consider exempting e-textbooks from VAT. [21540/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 182 together.

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In Ireland the zero rate applies to printed books, including atlases, children's picture, drawing and colouring books and books of music. Under the EU VAT Directive, all digitised publications, regardless of their rate when printed (for example, a book liable at zero rate), are treated as the supply of a service liable at the standard 23% rate of VAT. E-books, online newspaper subscriptions and online information services purchased via download over the Internet are also considered the supply of services liable for VAT at the standard rate. There is no option under EU VAT law to exempt e-books from VAT.

Tax Yield

Martin Ferris

Question:

164 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the amount that will be collected in VAT and PSO levies on electricity bills. [21739/12]

With regard to the VAT collected on electricity bills, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield for a particular sector or sub-sector of economic activity to be identified, the amount of VAT collected on electricity bills cannot be identified. In relation to the P.S.O. levy collected on electricity bills, I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources that the PSO levy determined for the year 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012 is €92.12m.

EU Treaties

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

165 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to recital five of the treaty establishing the European stability mechanism, if it is the case that, as a recital, this has lesser legal standing than the body of the treaty, comprising the articles. [22010/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

166 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that Article three of the treaty establishing the European stability mechanism, which states, inter alia, that the purpose of the ESM shall be to mobilise funding and provide stability support to members, if indispensable to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area as a whole and of its member states, would take precedence over recital five in any conflict over the interpretation of the treaty. [22011/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

167 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the treaty establishing the European stability mechanism, if it is the case that the greater legal status of article three over recital five would mean that, if Ireland needed to draw on the ESM for funding after the end of the current troika programme, the ESM would be unable, or unlikely, to refuse it, as this would likely undermine the financial stability of the euro area as a whole and of its member states, in contravention of article three. [22012/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 167, inclusive, together.

It is the intention of the State to ratify the Stability Treaty (assuming its acceptance by the People in referendum on 31st May) and to ratify the ESM Treaty (assuming its approval by the Oireachtas in primary legislation). It is not the intention of the Government to rely on any interpretation of the articles in the operative part of the European Stability Mechanism Treaty as being in conflict with or taking precedence over any recital in the preambles including recital number 5 as referred to in your questions. While it is a question for the ESM to decide whether to fund a particular applicant for financial assistance under the terms of the ESM, both Treaties make it clear that only countries that ratify the Stability Treaty will have access to the ESM from March 2013.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

168 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that Ireland has an effective veto over the ESM due to the fact that Ireland has to ratify the amendment to Article 136 of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union in order for the ESM to be established; if he has considered invoking this veto in order to have recital five of the ESM treaty removed or amended, and what the outcome of that consideration was; if he agrees that recital five is not in our national interest and that its removal or amendment, therefore, would be in our national interest; and if he has not considered invoking the veto over the ESM by refusing to ratify the amendment to Article 136, if he will explain why not. [22013/12]

On 25 March 2011, the European Council agreed to amend Article 136 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to insert the following text: ‘3. The Member States whose currency is the euro may establish a stability mechanism to be activated if indispensable to safeguard the stability of the euro area as a whole. The granting of any required financial assistance under the mechanism will be made subject to strict conditionality.'. Separately, a Treaty to establish the European Stability Mechanism has been agreed among euro area countries. This is an intergovernmental treaty that stands outside the EU Treaty framework. Both instruments are separate and contain their own requirements for entry into force.

The amendment to Article 136 will enter into force when approved by all Member States of the EU, including Ireland, according to their national requirements. The target date for this to be done is 1 January 2013. The ESM Treaty, will enter into force when ratified by signatories whose subscriptions represent 90% of the total initial subscriptions. The target date for this is 1 July 2012. The Government considers that it is strongly in Ireland's best interests for both instruments to enter into force as soon as possible. Not approving the amendment of Article 136 will not prevent the ESM Treaty from entering into force once the necessary conditions are met.

Tax Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

169 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a carbon rebate for agricultural contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22024/12]

I assume that the Deputy's question relates to the double deduction for carbon tax on farm diesel which I introduced in Finance Act 2012. Under this provision, farmers will be allowed a deduction in computing their farming profits or losses for the amount of additional carbon tax they incur on purchases of farm diesel following the proposed increase in the rate of carbon tax on certain fuels from 1 May 2012. The new deduction will be in addition to the existing deduction for carbon tax included in the cost of farm diesel used in the course of the farming trade. I do not intend extending this relief to agricultural contractors.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Micheál Martin

Question:

170 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the progress made on the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/12]

In response to the Deputy's question theMoriarty Tribunal made a number of observations and recommendations in relation to Financial Regulation. The report suggests that failures in regulation in the period concerned were related more to the attitude of the Regulator towards the regulated than any inadequacy in regulatory powers or the overall system then in place. This accords with the extensive analysis of Professor Honohan which concluded that there needed to be a greater degree of intrusiveness and assertiveness on the part of regulators. Recent reforms of the Central Bank have taken this point through new appointments at top level in the Bank; increased staffing and skills and a programme of legislative reform.

Findings of the Report

The Moriarty Report made the following observations and recommendations in respect of financial regulation:

1. The conduct of Guinness and Mahon Bank which gave rise to elements of the report (i.e. the operation of a tax avoidance scheme) failed to be regulated by the Central Bank under the last system but one (whereby there was a single Central Bank with regulatory functions). Since then the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) was established in 2003 and abolished in 2010.

2. Failures in regulation were related more to the attitude of the regulator towards the regulated than any inadequacy in regulatory powers.

3. The future vigilance of the regulator can best be ensured by the heightened vigilance of public representatives.

These findings are consistent with those of others, such as Professor Honohan in his report on financial regulation and the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Reforms of the Central Bank:

Significant changes have recently been made to the structure governing financial regulation and oversight of the Central Bank. These matters were included in the Central Bank Reform Act 2010.

The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, which was a constituent part of the CBFSAI, was dissolved, the posts of Chief Executive of the Regulatory Authority and Consumer Director were abolished. Two new posts — Head of Financial Regulation and Head of Central Banking — were created.

The Bank is now a single fully-integrated structure with a unitary Board, the Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the stability of the financial system overall, for prudential regulation of financial institutions and for the protection of consumer interests. The Governor remains solely responsible for European System of Central Banks (ESCB) related functions.

The Bank's statutory function of promoting the development within the State of the financial services industry was removed.

Annual Performance Statements on regulatory performance prepared by the Bank, presented to the Minister for Finance and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. (Note: this will be in addition to the Bank's Strategy Statement which is to be prepared at least every three years and its Annual Report and Accounts). A committee of the Oireachtas may call the Governor and/or the Heads of Functions to be examined on the Performance Statement.

Regular international peer reviews of regulatory performance with the report of same forming part of the Performance Statement for the relevant year.

In addition, the appointment of Professor Honohan as Governor and Mr. Elderfield as Head of Financial Regulation marked a significant change in attitude and approach. Mr. Elderfield is undertaking a very significant programme to enhance the Bank's regulatory capacity which has included the appointment of new staff at all levels within the organisation.

Enhancing the Supervisory and Enforcement powers of the Central Bank:

The Supervisory and Enforcement powers of the Central bank are due be strengthened via the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011. The Bill responds to the regulatory failures of the financial crisis. It strengthens the ability of the Central Bank to impose and supervise compliance with regulatory requirements and to undertake timely prudential interventions. It also provides the Central Bank with greater access to information and analysis and will underpin the credible enforcement of Irish financial services legislation in line with international best practice.

The Bill was published in July 2011 (Government Decision S180/20/10/1435 of 26 July 2011 refers) in accordance with the structural benchmark under the EU-IMF Programme. The Bill completed Second Stage in October 2011 and is anticipated that it will go to Committee Stage shortly.

Parliamentary Oversight:

The report suggested that the necessary change of attitude by regulators to bring about increased vigilance "can probably best be encouraged by increased vigilance on the part of elected representatives." The Central Bank Reform Act 2010 enhances accountability and oversight mechanisms relating to the governance of the Bank and its regulatory performance. A Committee of the Oireachtas will receive an annual Regulatory Performance Statement — a new mechanism to increase accountability in respect of regulatory obligations. This is in addition to more general provisions already in the Central Bank Act 1942 relating to the appearances of the Governor and certain office holders before Oireachtas Committees. It is also consistent with the recommendations of the C&AG in his special report on the Financial Regulator.

Revenue Matters:

Proposal 1: Proceedings involving civil and criminal aspects

The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that they have put administrative arrangements in place which are designed to enable the civil and criminal aspects of appropriate cases to be managed separately when required.

Proposal 2: Independence of the Revenue Commissioners

Section 101 of the Minister and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 has placed on a statutory basis the independence of the Revenue Commissioners in the exercise by the Commissioners of their statutory functions under the various taxation and customs enactments. This has given effect to the recommendation of the Report of the Tribunal into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters (that is, the report of Mr. Justice Moriarty), that the principle or convention of the independence of the Revenue Commissioners be placed on the more robust status of a legislative provision.

Proposal 3: Representations to Revenue by Office holders

In relation to this proposal I as Minister for Finance remain of the view that this recommendation could best be considered in the context of the Government's overall approach to political and parliamentary reform. Representations are a valid part of the political process. The Government may wish to consider whether this recommendation should be confined to Revenue, or to Office holders, or whether the Commissioners decision to publish data on the volume of representations made by each Deputy is an adequate response.

A further recommendation related to the transmission to other agencies of information obtained by Revenue under bilateral agreements has been considered. These agreements are international treaties which are very precisely drawn as to the purpose for which information may be used and would not permit such transmission. However if opportunities arise in the future, the Commissioners will consider the matter further. The Deputy will appreciate that Revenue is not in a position to comment on matters relating to individuals for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality.

Excessive Deficit Notifications

Pearse Doherty

Question:

171 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the reservations on reported data (details supplied) contained in EUROSTAT press release 62/2012 issued on the 23 April 2012. [21201/12]

The Excessive Deficit Procedure Notification Tables (Maastricht Returns) were published by the Department of Finance and Eurostat on 23rd April 2012. Eurostat has attached two reservations to Ireland's return. The first reservation refers to the statistical treatment of the July 2011 banking recapitalisation when a net amount of €16.5 billion was injected into Irish financial institutions. At the time of the end-September Maastricht return, it was indicated publicly that a full examination of the deficit-impacting amount of this transfer would be made before the next notification. The outcome of this exercise is that of the €16.5 billion injected in June 2011, €5.8 billion is classified as a deficit-increasing capital transfer.

This adds 3.7 per cent of GDP to the deficit for 2011 only. However, the recapitalisation of July 2011 was fully reflected in Ireland's General Government Debt reported to Eurostat in September 2011, so Ireland is no worse off. This is simply a statistical reclassification from financial transaction to capital transfer for deficit purposes. There is no impact on our debt position. The reason Eurostat expressed this reservation on the capital transfer amount is due to the fact that restructuring plans of AIB and IL&P, which were used in the analysis, are not yet finalised. This is a prudent approach by Eurostat. When these plans are finalised and if the final versions do not differ significantly from the ones used here, this reservation will be lifted.

The second reservation concerns the statistical treatment of the NAMA Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). A Eurostat 2009 special note on the financial crisis allows for the exclusion from general government debt and deficit statistics of a short-term new special purpose vehicle that is privately owned, is not expected to make losses and whose purpose is to deal with the financial crisis. The NAMA SPV was established with Eurostat's approval in this way with Irish Life as one of the private owners. However, as Irish Life is now in public ownership, Eurostat has attached a reservation to our Maastricht Returns.

However, this is not a concern as my Department has been notified that the sale of the Irish Life shareholding in the NAMA SPV to private investors has been agreed and it is anticipated that the transaction will be completed in the coming weeks. As a consequence, the statistical treatment of the NAMA SPV will be unchanged and it will continue to have no General Government impact.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

Question:

172 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 18 April 2012, if he will give details in respect of each covered institution, the number of employees with basic salaries of over €100,000; the number of employees with basic salaries of over €200,000; the number of employees with basic salaries of over €300,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21225/12]

I am advised by the covered institutions below that the information the Deputy seeks in his question is as follows:

Currently

Number of employees with basic salaries

AIB

PTSB*

IBRC

>€100k <€199k

804

52

119

>€200k <€299k

45

7

16

>€300k

12

2

8

For comparison purposes the information at end 2008 is as follows:

2008

Number of employees with basic salaries

AIB

PTSB*

IBRC

>€100k <€199k

956

62

155

>€200k <€299k

71

6

28

>€300k

16

1

9

*not including life company

In the time available, I am advised by Bank of Ireland that they are not in a position to provide the complete data sought. The bank will shortly supply the necessary details which I will then forward directly to the Deputy.

Financial Services Regulation

Finian McGrath

Question:

173 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a financial matter (details supplied). [21332/12]

While Bill payment companies are not currently regulated by the Central Bank, the Government is committed to having in place an effective regulatory/supervisory system for those firms which provide a household budgeting, a debt management and/or a debt advice service. I have asked my officials to bring forward proposals for an appropriate amendment at the Committee Stage of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 to provide for this regime. In relation to the details provided, I have been informed by the Central Bank that a provisional liquidator has been appointed to the company mentioned by the Deputy. It will be a matter for the liquidator to establish the amounts owed to customers and to distribute any available moneys accordingly. The Central Bank has no role with regard to the release of moneys.

Motor Fuels

Finian McGrath

Question:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding fuel rebate. [21338/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

175 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed any proposals from the international transport and haulage sector in relation to a fuel rebate for Irish licensed and tax compliant hauliers who are purchasing fuel here, in view of the reported decrease in haulage licenses by 1,300 over the past three years which represents approximately 10,000 job losses in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21384/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.

The Deputies may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputies will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.

Banks Recapitalisation

Gerry Adams

Question:

176 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form a year by year breakdown of the cost of the bank bailout since 2008. [21385/12]

The bank recapitalisation commitments made by the State to date are set out in the following table:

AIB/EBS

BoI

IL&P

IBRC (Anglo/INBS)

Total

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

Government preference Shares (2009) — NPRF

3.5

3.5*

7.0

Capital contributions (with Promissory Notes as consideration) /Special Investment Shares (2010) — Exchequer **

0.9

30.7

31.6

Ordinary Share Capital (2009) — Exchequer

4.0

4.0

Ordinary Share Capital (2010) — NPRF

3.7

3.7

Total pre-PCAR 2011 (A)

8.1

3.5

0

34.7

46.3

PCAR 2011:

Capital from Exchequer***

3.9

2.7

6.5

NPRF Capital

8.8

1.2

10.0

Total PCAR (B)

12.7

1.2

2.7

16.5

Total Cost of Recap for State (A) + (B)

20.7

4.7

2.7

34.7

62.8

*€1.7bn of BoI's government preference shares were converted to equity in May/June 2010 (€1.8bn still left in existence). The government also received €0.5bn from the warrants relating to BoI's preference shares (excluded from table above).

**The IBRC amount is made up of a total capital contribution for Anglo / INBS of €30.6bn and a special investment share of €0.1bn (INBS). The Anglo / INBS capital contribution impacted in full on the GGB in 2010. The consideration for the Anglo / INBS capital contribution was €30.6bn of promissory notes. These Promissory Notes are an amount due from the State to IBRC. Each year, on 31 March, €3.06bn is paid by the Exchequer to Anglo / INBS as part of the scheduled repayments of the promissory notes. The first such repayment was made on 31 March 2010.

***The Exchequer cost of the 2011 BoI recap is shown net of share sale to private investors (Completed in October, 2011)

This recapitalisation table split year by year is:

Anglo

INBS

AIB

EBS

BOI

ILP*

Total

2008

2009

4.0

0

3.5

0

3.5

0

11.0

2010

25.3

5.4

3.7

0.9

0

0

35.3

2011

0

0

12.7

0

1.2

2.7

16.5

2012

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

29.3

5.4

19.9

0.9

4.7

2.7

62.8

*In addition, the State is committed to acquiring Irish Life for €1.3bn to complete the recapitalisation of Irish Life and Permanent. It is expected that the proceeds of an onward sale of Irish Life in due course will reduce the amount the State has committed to the bank recapitalisation.

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

177 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due some form of tax refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21408/12]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that PAYE Balancing Statements (P21s) will issue shortly to the person concerned and the tax overpaid will be refunded.

Jack Wall

Question:

178 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) is in receipt of their proper tax allowances or if they are entitled to any arrears in regard to their taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21443/12]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the information available, the person concerned is in receipt of the correct tax credits and there are no overpayments arising for the years 2008 to 2011 inclusive.

Banks Recapitalisation

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

179 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the recent payment of €3.1 billion made to IBRC under the revised promissory note arrangement, the amount of that payment that was needed by IBRC to meet scheduled liabilities for 2012. [21476/12]

The Deputy will be aware that the March 2012 instalment of the promissory note was settled using a long term Government bond. The settlement of the instalment with a Government bond means that the State did not have to make a cash payment in respect of the 2012 Promissory Note payment to IBRC.

In relation to the scheduled liabilities of the bank, the Deputy will also be aware that the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operations of the bank. I have been informed by IBRC that the bank and banks in general runs their cash inflows and outflows on a collective (fungible) basis. The bank has also indicated that it does not manage, identify or allocate specific maturing asset inflows against specific contractual maturities.

The bank is funded largely by emergency liquidity assistance (ELA) from the Central Bank of Ireland. As these borrowing are short term rolling facilities, which are subject to the ongoing non-objection of a majority the ECB governing council, there are no scheduled ELA liabilities. However, notwithstanding this, both the Government and the ECB are keen to both get IBRC off large scale emergency borrowings from the Central Bank of Ireland and to find a way to re-engineer the promissory notes. The bank's scheduled liabilities relate to other public debt. These schedule liabilities, as noted above, are managed on a collective basis alongside the other cash inflows and outflows of the bank.

Departmental Staff

Sandra McLellan

Question:

180 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance the number of grades of civil servants who have been re-employed by his Department having taken early retirement packages or who have retired due to their reaching the age of retirement each year since 2008. [21490/12]

The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the Appropriation Accounts for the relevant years. The Appropriation Accounts are available online at www.audgen.gov.ie. The 2011 Appropriation Accounts have not yet been finalised by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 162.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 163.

Tax Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

183 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance , in view of the continuing slide in retail sales and the fact that in the first three months of 2012 sales have fallen by2.56%, and that retail sales have fallen in every quarter for the past four years despite his best efforts in urging consumers to increase spending, whether it is not now obvious that the increase in VAT has further deterred people from spending; his plans to try to encourage people to spend at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21558/12]

Notwithstanding a month-on-month increase in both February and March of this year, it is clear that retail sales remain weak. As discussed in the 2012 Stability Programme Update, there are a number of factors holding back consumer spending, including declining real disposables incomes and an elevated savings rate (reflecting inter alia balance-sheet repair, uncertainty and high unemployment). Since coming into office, the Government has brought forward a number of measures to support the domestic economy and job creation, including the Jobs Initiative, lending targets for the pillar banks and the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. I am confident that these policy actions will help underpin a stabilisation in consumer spending in the near term, followed by a gradual pick-up in private consumption in the years to come.

On the VAT increase introduced as part of Budget 2012, I would remind the Deputy of the need to restore order to the public finances. The Government is committed to doing so, and in a way which is least damaging to economic activity. Evidence suggests that direct taxes, such as income tax, are more harmful to economic growth than indirect taxes, such as VAT. This rationale informed our decision at Budget time to keep income tax rates, bands and credits unchanged, but to increase the standard rate of VAT. In the first quarter of 2012, VAT was up by 5.8% year-on-year and 3.2% ahead of profile. Although it is still early in the year, VAT receipts in the first quarter suggest that the annual Budget target of €9,995 million, or a 2.6% increase on 2011 receipts, is achievable.

Banking Sector Regulation

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

184 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if any consideration has been given to altering the remuneration policy in the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in order that it is in line with the public sector in view of the fact that the bank is fully nationalised. [21580/12]

I have asked the Board of the bank to consider the remuneration packages at the bank. The Board has consideredreductions in pay levels for individual staff in IBRC but has however, recommended to me its view that pay cuts should not be implemented at this time. The decision not to pursue pay cuts is on the basis that staff retention is a critical issue for IBRC. There has been considerable reduction in staff numbers and current staff are being regularly headhunted by Banks and other organisations. It is the Board's view that further pay cuts would create a risk for the bank in relation to the retention of staff and would impact negatively on the bank's ability to deliver its mandate.

The Board has indicated its view that the skills of staff within IBRC are integral to the successful delivery of the bank's asset recovery programme on behalf of the State and, by extension, the taxpayer. In this context, IBRC have also pointed out to me that a 20% reduction was applied to the salaries of senior management in the former Anglo Irish Bank immediately post nationalisation. These adjusted lower salaries have remained in place in the organisation for subsequent replacements to those roles. It should also be noted that IBRC does not operate a performance based incentive plan. The bank had further indicated that total remuneration paid to the top 50 individuals in the organisation in 2009 has reduced by 15% as at March 2012. In addition, total staff costs in the organisation have reduced by 48% from end 2008 to end 2011 and this includes 6 months of additional cost resulting from the merger with INBS in 2011.

Since nationalisation there has been a 60% reduction in total headcount in the combined Anglo Irish Bank and INBS organisations from close to 2,250 in January 2009 to 919 today. IBRC also employs 184 front line staff in its NAMA servicing unit. As part of this reduction, there has been an extensive re-structuring and streamlining of the management structures in IBRC. Of the 50 most senior people employed pre-nationalisation, 34 (or 68%) have since left the Bank. I have accepted the Board's position at this time. However, I have asked that the situation in relation to remuneration be kept under review. I have also conveyed my view that downward pressure is to be exerted in relation to the remuneration packages of any new staff recruited to the bank.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

185 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21591/12]

Michael McGrath

Question:

188 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of bodies and agencies under his aegis; and his proposals for review of operation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21608/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 188 together.

The following table lists bodies which fall under the aegis of my Department:

Bodies under the aegis Department of Finance

Name of Body

Financial Services Ombudsman Council

Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal

National Development Finance Agency (NDFA)

National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee

National Asset Management Agency

NewERA and the Strategic Investment Fund

Sealúchais Árachais Teoranta

State Claims Agency Policy Committee

Credit Union Advisory Committee

Commission on Credit Unions

Irish Bank Resolution Company Limited

Central Bank Commission

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal

Educational Building Society

No agencies under the remit of my Department have been abolished in 2011. I am not aware of any plans to merge or abolish any bodies under the remit of my Department in 2012.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

186 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the success of the cycle to work scheme since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21606/12]

Section 7 of Finance (No. 2) Act, 2008 introduced a change to the benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation regime in respect of bicycles. The scheme enabled an employer to purchase a bicycle and certain bicycle-related (safety) accessories for an employee, without the employee being liable for BIK. The scheme complemented the existing TaxSaver commuter scheme and was intended to encourage more employees to cycle to and from work. In addition to reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions, more people cycling to work would improve health and fitness levels.

The tax relief on the cost of a bicycle and equipment is allowed once in a period of five years, this being regarded as a reasonable lifespan for a bicycle. The employer would save on employer's PRSI on the value of the benefit provided to the employee; the employee would save on income tax, employee's PRSI and income levies on the value of the benefit received from the employer.

It is estimated (from industry figures1) that approx. 30,000 bicycles are sold per year under this scheme. This could suggest a cost to the Exchequer in excess of €5m per annum in gross tax foregone; the actual figure would be dependent on the amount claimed per bike. However a number of offsetting factors need to be borne in mind. The Exchequer receives VAT on cycle sales and jobs are provided in the sales and servicing sector, i.e. bikes continue to need spares, maintenance, etc. Also, it is recognised that increased use of cycling is of value in itself from a health and environmental viewpoint. 1(Irish Bicycle Business Association “Report on the Cycle To Work Scheme Tax Incentive, 14th October, 2011,

http://www.ibba.ie/IBBA_Report.pdf)

Tax Yield

Michael McGrath

Question:

187 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue earned from the departure tax in each month since June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21607/12]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the revenue yield from the air travel tax in each month since June 2011 is as follows:

€m

Jun-11

3.1

Jul-11

3.5

Aug-11

4.1

Sep-11

3.7

Oct-11

3.2

Nov-11

2.8

Dec-11

2.4

Jan-12

2.3

Feb-12

2.1

Mar-12

2.1

Apr-12

2.6

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 185.

Banking Sector Regulation

Gerry Adams

Question:

189 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 24 April 2012, if he or his officials are aware of the fees charged by a company (details supplied) to IBRC for their advisory services; if he or his officials sought to find out the fee charged by the company to IBRC once he or his officials became aware of this engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21764/12]

As already indicated the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including fees incurred in relation to the procurement of advisers. While I and my Department are aware of the bank's policy in relation to procurement it is not the practice to establish the cost of each individual arrangement the bank enters into. That said overall expenditure is monitored on an on-going basis through monthly management accounts, interim accounts and annual reports etc. and matters of concern are raised at an appropriate level.

Gerry Adams

Question:

190 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 18 April 2012, if he will confirm whether IBRC travelled to London to meet a company (details supplied) before or after both IBRC and the company became aware that the company was unsuccessful in its bid for the US loan sale portfolio; if he will outline whether the purpose of IBRC travelling to London to meet with the company concerned IBRC’s desire to engage it for advisory work; if he will confirm the number of other unsuccessful bidders for the US loan sale portfolio with whom IBRC travelled to meet; if he will confirm the number of staff from IBRC who attended the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21765/12]

As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank. I have no function in relation to routine meetings arranged or attended by staff of the bank, when those meetings took place or the number of staff from the bank attending such meetings. As the matter of the engagement of the company to which the Deputy refers has been the subject of a considerable number of Parliamentary Questions, it would appear that the Deputy has concerns relating to this engagement. As of yet, it does not appear that the Deputy is in a position to set out his concerns in a manner that will allow the matter to be comprehensively addressed. If the Deputy is concerned that something untoward has taken place or that some wrongdoing has occurred the Deputy should raise the matter with the relevant authorities. Alternatively, if the Deputy is in a position, having consulted with his sources, to set out his concerns I would be happy to refer the matter to the Board of the bank for consideration.

Gerry Adams

Question:

191 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials have met with the former MEP and Fine Gael Party member Pat Cox in his newly announced capacity as paid adviser to a company (details supplied) regarding the company providing a servicing platform for mortgages in Permanent TSB; if he will detail the date of such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21766/12]

I can confirm that neither I nor any officials from the Banking Division of my Department have met Mr. Cox in his capacity as paid adviser to the company mentioned in the Deputy's question.

Gerry Adams

Question:

192 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned about Permanent TSB awarding a contract for the servicing of its mortgage to a company (details supplied) when two if its six shareholders were working in Bank of Scotland (Ireland) during its lending into the Irish property market and whose chief executive was a board member at Bank of Scotland (Ireland) during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21768/12]

Notwithstanding the State's shareholding in the bank, Irish Life and Permanent operates in an arm's length capacity from the State in relation to commercial issues. It is a matter for the board and management to determine and implement operational policy in their organisation. Therefore, commercial decisions such as these are solely a decision for the bank.

Gerry Adams

Question:

193 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if Permanent TSB or AIB under their respective relationship framework agreements with him are required to seek approval from him before awarding contracts for the servicing of their loans by outside third parties such as a company (details supplied) which now has a former MEP and Fine Gael member as a paid adviser; if the awarding of such contracts by Permanent TSB or AIB would be subjected to a public tendering procurement process similar to the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21769/12]

While the State holds a majority shareholding in both AIB and Irish Life and Permanent, they are not covered by formal public procurement rules as the banks' commercial remit makes them subject to market forces. Under the Relationship Frameworks the Boards of these banks' are responsible for the day to day operations of the bank including the awarding of contracts. Neither AIB nor PTSB are required to seek formal approval before awarding contracts of any nature, though certain other transactions do require Ministerial approval. The Relationship Frameworks were published on the Department of Finance website on 30 March 2012, the relevant links are published below for your convenience:

http://banking.finance.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Allied-Irish-Banks1.pdf

http://banking.finance.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Irish-Life-and-Permanent1.pdf

Gerry Adams

Question:

194 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the chief executive of a company (details supplied) which now has a former MEP and Fine Gael Party member as a paid advisor to seek Government contracts, will be subjected to a fitness and probity test by the Central bank of Ireland in view of their previous position as board member of Bank of Scotland (Ireland) during its period of lending into the Irish economy which continues to cause problems for the property market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21770/12]

I have been informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that the company referred to in the Deputy's question is not a regulated financial services provider and therefore neither the company nor its employees are subject to the Central Bank of Ireland's Fitness and Probity regime.

Gerry Adams

Question:

195 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail the impact the reported loan sale of Lloyds TSB, former Bank of Scotland (Ireland) of €400 million of Irish property loans at 75% haircut on their loan value could have for the National Assets Management Agency Irish loans sale and NAMA meeting its minimum objectives of redeeming all €30 billion of NAMA bonds in full during the lifetime of its operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/12]

I am informed by NAMA that in developing their strategy for asset disposals they take account of any deleveraging that is occurring in the markets in which NAMA operates. I am reassured by the Board of NAMA that it continues to expect that it will meet its obligations by 2020. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specifics of the press reports of the loan sale referred to by the Deputy.

EU-IMF Agreement

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

196 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the expected date of exit from the troika programme, that is, the estimated date that the agreed funding will have to be fully used, taking into the account the recent agreement on the promissory notes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21776/12]

As the Deputy is aware, the programme is envisaged to run to the end of 2013. All programme funding must be drawn down by that date. While the arrangement regarding the recent March promissory note payment does not affect the programme timeframe, it does mean that the Exchequer has additional cash reserves of €3.06 billion at its disposal. On the basis that we fully draw-down the remaining EU-IMF funds available under our programme and taking account of the current projections for the State's financing needs, I understand from the NTMA that the programme covers Ireland's financial requirements until the end of 2013.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

197 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the expected date of exit from the excessive deficit procedure, that is, the year, and month if available, when it is estimated the deficit will become less than 3% of GDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21777/12]

On the basis of my Department's current budgetary forecasts, Ireland's General Government deficit is expected to be below 3% of GDP in 2015. The deadline for correcting the excessive deficit was extended to 2015 in December 2010 upon Ireland's entry into the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support.

Budget Deficits

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

198 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the expected year in which Ireland will first have to meet with the structural deficit target of 0.5% of GDP, as set out in the fiscal compact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21778/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

199 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated budget impact — that is, the difference, positive or negative, in budget deficit or surplus — which will be required in order to comply with the structural deficit rule in the first one to five years of compliance, against a base case of not having to comply with it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21779/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

The forecasts set out in the 2012 Stability Programme Update are consistent with a General Government Balance of just under — 3% of GDP in 2015. As discussed in the document, the exact size of the structural component of this is, of course, uncertain. Not only do technical estimates differ depending on the approach used, but it is also the case that estimates of the structural balance further out the forecast horizon are not fixed — policies being implemented at present, together with future measures, can be expected to impact positively on the figures.

As I have said on a number of occasions, reducing the structural element of the deficit will require policy action, though not necessarily taxation and expenditure adjustments. Other options are available and it is the Government's intention to pursue these. Such measures include labour market reforms, together with investment in technology and infrastructure. By boosting the productive capacity of the economy, the ambitious programme of microeconomic reforms that is already underway is expected to help reduce the structural element of the deficit by the middle part of the decade. For example, the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 and the Pathways to Work initiative include reforms aimed at addressing some of the skills mis-match in the labour market, which should help lower the unemployment rate. This would have a structurally beneficial impact on the public finances, on both the revenue and expenditure sides. In other words, the structural fiscal position is set to improve with these microeconomic reforms.

Under the Stability and Growth Pact, when a country is in excessive deficit (i.e. has a General Government Balance in excess of — 3% of GDP), the focus of the fiscal effort is on reducing the headline deficit to below 3% of GDP. In our case, the time path to achieve this objective is end-2015. Once a country comes out of excessive deficit, the focus is on bringing a country's public finances into line with its agreed medium-term budgetary objective.

As discussed in the 2012 Stability Programme Update, Ireland's medium-term budgetary objective (MTO) currently stands at -0.5% of GDP. This objective was set under the Stability and Growth Pact and well in advance of the Stability Treaty. Furthermore, as noted above, estimates of the structural deficit vary in an Irish context. What we can say is that we are making progress towards the achievement of our MTO, and further progress will be made in the post-2015 period on a phased basis, in accordance with a timeline to be agreed.

National Debt

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

200 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the year in which Ireland will first have to comply with the debt brake rule, as described in the fiscal compact, that is, reducing Ireland’s debt to GDP ratio from its level in the first year of required compliance, by 1/20th of the difference between that figure and the 60% target stipulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21780/12]

As part of the reforms to the Stability and Growth Pact, contained in the so-called ‘6-pack' of legislative reforms, Member States with a debt-to-GDP ratio in excess of 60% will have to reduce the part of their debt ratio above the 60% threshold by 1/20th annually. This will have to be done irrespective of the Stability Treaty, though it also forms part of the Treaty. Ireland and the other Member States currently in excessive deficit on the basis of the deficit criterion are not subject to the debt correction rule at this time. In Ireland's case, we must first stabilise our debt-to-GDP ratio — it is forecast that this will be achieved next year. After coming out of excessive deficit, and as a Programme country, we will be able to avail of a three-year transition period before the full 1/20th rule will apply. This means that Ireland will not be fully bound by the rule until 2019, though in the 2016-18 period, we will need to make ‘sufficient progress' in terms of reducing our debt ratio. Finally, I would also point out that, when it comes to meeting the debt requirement, it is reasonable to expect that economic growth will do most of the ‘heavy lifting'.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

201 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated paydown of general Government debt required to meet the debt brake stipulation in each of the first five years from when Ireland must adhere to the debt brake rule as stipulated in the fiscal compact, that is, ensuring that the debt to GDP ratio reduces by 1/20th of the gap between where it is and the target of 60% of GDP, including the assumptions used per year for real and nominal GDP growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21781/12]

The focus of Government presently is on stabilising the General Government debt to GDP ratio and beginning the process of reducing it to a lower, safer level over time. This will be done through the implementation of further budgetary consolidation as well as policies which foster employment and economic growth. The recently published Stability Programme Update (SPU) estimates that by the end of current forecast horizon in 2015, the debt to GDP ratio will be 117.4 per cent, down from a peak of 120.3 per cent next year.

The debt correction requirement in the Inter-Governmental Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union is to reduce that part of the debt ratio which is above the threshold rate of 60 per cent annually by at least one-twentieth of the difference between the actual rate and the threshold rate. It is important to remember that this requirement is already part of the revised Stability and Growth Pact. We will have to fulfill this requirement irrespective of the Stability Treaty. A transition period will apply for all countries, including Ireland, that are currently subject to the excessive deficit procedure. During this transition period, which would last for three years following the correction of the excessive deficit, the requirement under the debt correction rule is deemed to be fulfilled if we are making “sufficient progress” towards compliance.

Based on the fiscal projections set out in the recently published SPU, Ireland will be coming out of the excessive deficit procedure by the end of the current forecast horizon as a result of reducing the General Government deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP in 2015. Therefore the three year transition period referred to above will apply. This means that it will be 2019 before the debt correction requirement in the Inter-Governmental Treaty fully kicks in. As there are presently no specific macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts for the period post 2015, the exact policies that will be required, as well as the level of paydown of General Government debt that would be required to ensure compliance with the Inter-Governmental Treaty debt correction rule are conjecture at this stage.

In terms of the fiscal implications of this debt correction rule, it is important to remember that it is the debt to GDP debt ratio that is important, not the overall nominal level of General Government debt. In other words, on the basis of reasonable assumptions over the medium-term, we can expect economic growth to do much of the work in this regard.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

202 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the economic rationale for setting the debt to GDP ratio target at 60%, as stipulated in the fiscal compact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21782/12]

At 60%, the target debt-to-GDP ratio set out in the Fiscal Compact is in line with the reference value for the debt ratio contained in the Stability and Growth Pact. So irrespective of the Stability Treaty, we — like all EU Member States — are committed to reducing our debt-to-GDP ratio to the 60% reference value. This will be achieved over time, and it is reasonable to expect that growth will do most of the ‘heavy lifting' in this respect. Such a target is designed to inter alia ensure that the borrowing requirements of governments do not crowd out private investment (e.g. by pushing up interest rates), to reduce uncertainty and to help secure the long-term sustainability of the public finances.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

203 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts that compliance with the structural deficit rule, as stipulated in the fiscal compact, requires bringing the debt to GDP ratio to approximately 25%, as per the analysis provided found at a website (details supplied), and if not, the reason therefor; if not, the debt to GDP ratio he believes that will meet the structural deficit rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21783/12]

There is no requirement to bring the debt to GDP ratio to 25 per cent. The debt correction requirement in the Inter-Governmental Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union is to reduce that part of the debt ratio which is above the threshold rate of 60 per cent annually by at least one-twentieth of the difference between the actual rate and the threshold rate. It is important to remember that this requirement is already part of the revised Stability and Growth Pact. We will have to fulfill this requirement irrespective of the Stability Treaty. I am aware of the analysis published, which shows that on the basis of certain assumptions, including regarding the deficit in the public finances and nominal economic growth rates, public debt could converge to a low level in the long-run.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Question:

204 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reducing the VAT charged on life-saving equipment such as lifejackets to help encourage their purchase and make them more affordable for sea travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21850/12]

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT Directive does not make specific provision for a reduced or zero rate to apply to safety equipment, including life saving equipment, and as such they are subject to the standard VAT rate, which is currently 23%. However, for historic reasons the zero rate of VAT applies to safety clothing, including lifejackets, for children up to 10 years of age, while the supply of such clothing for adults and children older than 10 years is liable to VAT at the 23% rate. As Ireland applied the zero rate to clothing and protective clothing for children up to 10 years of age on 1 January 1991, we are entitled to retain that zero rated application. However, as the standard VAT rate applied to safety equipment and safety clothing for adults and older children at 1 January 1991, it is not possible to apply a reduced or zero rate to them.

Departmental Reports

Michael McGrath

Question:

205 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of the measures implemented in his Department on foot of each of the 50 recommendations in the report of the independent review panel on strengthening the capacity of the Department of Finance, the Wright report, of 3 December 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/12]

As regards the recommendations for improvement to the budgetary process, to a large extent these recommendations have been superseded by the major reforms introduced since this Government took office in 2011. In the first instance, the establishment of an entirely separate Department of Public Expenditure and Reform introduces a new focus upon issues of expenditure management, and incorporates a unified focus upon public service reform and innovation. In the Medium Term Fiscal Statement of November 2011, the Government mapped out its fiscal plan on a multi-annual basis, setting out the overall level of budgetary consolidation it is estimated is required to adhere to budgetary targets as well as the split between revenue and expenditure measures for each of the years out to 2015. In the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 which was published by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in December 2011, a new Medium Term Expenditure Framework has been established, with multi-annual expenditure ceilings laid down for all Departments. The expenditure ceilings, which are fully consistent with the Government’s agreed overall fiscal policy, replace the old-fashioned and incremental estimates processes which were subject to criticism in the Wright Report.

In July 2011, the Government established the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council ("Fiscal Council") on a non-statutory basis. The functions assigned to the Council encompass the proposals made in the Report. In the period since its establishment, the Fiscal Council has published two fiscal assessments and a report on strengthening Ireland's fiscal framework. Provision for the establishment of the Fiscal Council on a statutory basis is included in the General Scheme of the Fiscal Responsibility Bill published on 26 April 2012 in the context of the referendum on the ratification of the Fiscal Stability Treaty. The Fiscal Council is assigned the function of monitoring compliance by the Government with the budgetary rules set out in the Treaty.

A senior HR Manager was appointed to my Department in September 2011. Measures have been taken to increase the complement of skilled staff in areas such as economics, banking, financial services and policy analysis. Within the context of the Department's Employment Control Framework (ECF), my Department has examined the skill level of staff and has addressed the issue via a combination of direct employment and secondment. The Department is currently in the process of being restructured by the Secretary General, John Moran who was appointed on 6 March 2012, to meet the fiscal and economic challenges ahead. A revised Statement of Strategy has been approved and a new organisational structure is being rolled out that is focused towards the identification and implementation of measures that will contribute to enhanced confidence and delivering sustainable growth in our economy.

Tax Yield

Michael McGrath

Question:

206 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield from the carbon tax in 2012; if this money is ring-fenced to improve energy efficiency and alleviate fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/12]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the expected yield from Carbon Tax in 2012 is €370.7 million (excluding VAT). It is the general practice not to ring-fence revenues for specific purposes but rather take an overall view on priorities in the context of expenditure decisions which, of course, are dependent on Exchequer revenues.

Michael McGrath

Question:

207 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised by betting duty in each of the past five years; his plans for reform of betting duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21872/12]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of revenue raised by betting duty in each of the past five years is as follows:

Year

2007

36,437,009

2008

36,667,784

2009

30,988,780

2010

30,919,211

2011

27,096,522

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.

Consultancy Contracts

Michael McGrath

Question:

208 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of external consultants currently working for or in his Department; the work they are carrying out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21873/12]

The Department is paying for the services of one external consultant who is providing specialist support to the work on mortgage arrears arising from the recommendations contained in the Interdepartmental Report on Mortgage Arrears. In addition, until recently the Shareholding Management Unit in the Department was being advised in relation to bank restructuring matters, by the consultants McKinsey.

International Monetary Fund

Michael McGrath

Question:

209 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current funding commitment to the International Monetary Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21874/12]

The IMF is a quota-based institution. Each member is assigned a quota, broadly based on its size relative to the world economy. A member's quota determines its maximum financial commitment to the IMF, its voting power, and has a bearing on its access to IMF financing. Quotas are denominated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs*), the IMF's unit of account.

Ireland's IMF quota is currently SDR 1,257.6 million, or 0.528% of the total quota share of the IMF, since 4 March 2011 when the 2008 Quota Review came into force. Details of transactions on the Central Bank's IMF accounts are set out in the Annual Report on Ireland's Participation in the IMF and the World Bank (available at www.finance.gov.ie). Ireland’s quota is due to increase to SDR 3,449.9 million, or 0.724% of the total quota share of the IMF, when the 2010 Quota changes are implemented. The 2010 reforms need to be approved by the IMF Board of Governors which requires acceptance by 113 member countries representing 85 percent of the total voting power.

*At 27 April 2012 1 euro = SDR 0.85381

National Asset Management Agency

Michael McGrath

Question:

210 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on recent developments in respect of the National Asset Management Agency special purpose vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21875/12]

The NAMA SPV was originally established with Eurostat's approval and with Irish Life as one of the private owners. However, as Irish Life is now in public ownership, Eurostat attached a reservation to our Maastricht Returns in which it raised concerns about the private sector ownership of the NAMA SPV and consequently the treatment of NAMA for the purposes of calculating General Government Debt. My Department has notified Eurostat that the sale of the Irish Life shareholding in the NAMA SPV to private investors has been agreed and it is anticipated that the transaction will be completed in the coming weeks. As a consequence, we expect that the Eurostat treatment of the NAMA SPV will be unchanged.

Credit Review Office

Michael McGrath

Question:

211 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the operation of the credit review office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21876/12]

The Credit Review Office (CRO) was established under Section 210(1)(b) of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 and commenced operations in April 2010. The CRO reviews decisions by the pillar banks to refuse, reduce or withdraw credit facilities (including applications for restructured credit facilities) from €1,000 up to €500,000. Each review will only apply to a specific declined credit application up to €500,000 and not to any other borrowings which may exist. Therefore, applicants who may have total borrowings above this limit are not excluded from the review process. The tables below illustrate the activity of the CRO up to 29 February 2012, the date of the most recent CRO quarterly report:

Application Rec’d but held at Office until eligibility confirmed with Bank

Overturned by Internal Appeals / got credit*

Abandoned / Withdrawn by customer**

Application Received and proceeding through Review process

CRO Decision

Total

Banks’ Credit Decision Upheld

Bank’s Credit Decision Disputed / Bank Subsequently Provided Credit More work required by Borrower and Bank or withdrawn by customer

AIB

4

6

6

4

23

27,878

BoI

4

7

6

5

20

26,775

Total

8

13

12

9

43

53,151.53**** only tracked since May 2011-new procedures

**considered withdrawn/abandoned if no response after 6 months

***includes applications awaiting eligibility confirmation

Formal Appeals

Banks’ Credit Decision Upheld

Jobs at risk

Bank’s Credit Decision Disputed / Bank Provided Credit

Jobs protected

Total Numbers

€3,798,553

228+22p/t

€4,747,000

521+21p/t

AIB

€1,803,200

131+9p/t

€2,258,300

218+9p/t

BoI

€1,995,753

97+13p/t

€2,488,700

303+12p/t

Another function of the CRO is to assist my Department in monitoring the progress of the pillar banks in achieving their lending targets. In his fifth quarterly report of August 2011 the Credit Reviewer stated that it would be a challenge for each of the banks to reach their €3bn sanction target for new and restructured facilities. Following publication of the report, some robust meetings took place between the CRO, the Department of Finance and the pillar banks, which resulted in increased lending activity in the following two quarters and the annual targets being met.

The main aim of the CRO is to ensure that credit is not refused to viable businesses with valid credit propositions. Insofar as this aim is concerned, I consider that a satisfactory solution has been found in all cases. I would also advise the Deputy that the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 contains a commitment to assess the CRO to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require. It is intended to commence this process shortly.

EU Treaties

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

212 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 18 April 2012, on the negotiations leading to the revised ESM treaty, if he will elaborate on his statement that he had suggested that before creating any such link between the ESM and stability treaties that careful consideration be given to any possible market implications; if it is the case that he suggested that the failure to include such a link could have led to market instability, or a negative market reaction, or failed to reassure the markets. [22016/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

213 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 18 April 2012, on the negotiations leading to the revised ESM treaty if he will elaborate on his statement that the linkage between the ESM and stability treaty ratification was accepted in the interests of securing agreement on the ESM; if it is the case that he was agreeable to the linkage between the ESM and stability treaty ratification because he believed this would facilitate the securing of agreement on the ESM by making it more likely that the Irish people would support the stability treaty in any referendum; and if he at any point communicated this belief to the other participants in the negotiations. [22017/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

As I have stated before, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty, was signed by Euro Area Member States on 2 February 2012. The original version of the Treaty was signed on 11 July 2011, but it has been modified to incorporate decisions taken by the Heads of State or Government (HoSG) of the Euro Area on 21 July and 9 December 2011 aimed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism. It also reflects the political decisions reached among leaders at their informal meeting on 30 January concerning the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (Stability Treaty) in the Economic and Monetary Union.

In my previous replies to the Deputy on this issue, I outlined that our approach to these negotiations was informed by the need to secure agreement on the revised ESM Treaty, including the additional flexibilities and the commitment to a review of its capacity. We viewed these as positive developments which are in Europe's interest and in Ireland's interest. The linkage between the ESM and Stability Treaty ratification was accepted in the interests of securing agreement on the ESM and its accelerated entry into force by July 2012. In the negotiations, the Government sought to ensure that it was made clear that the link between ratification of the Stability Treaty and the ESM Treaty applied only to new applications for assistance under the ESM, and that it will not affect the transfer to the ESM of undisbursed amounts under the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) for Ireland and other programme countries. The Government also sought to ensure that sufficient time was provided for ratification of the Stability Treaty before the link enters into effect.

The Stability Treaty is part of a broader package of measures aimed at improving confidence in the Euro Area, which include the ESM. It is entirely logical and reasonable that a country receiving the support of its partners under the ESM should be prepared to run sensible budgetary policies as required under the new Treaty. That is the basis of the linkage. We believe the linkage between the Treaties will further contribute to confidence, solidarity and financial stability in the euro area. These measures have the collective aim of restoring market confidence to the EU as a whole. Our approach to the discussions on these issues was informed, inter alia, by that concern.

The basis on which we agreed to the linkage is outlined above, as it was in previous replies to the Deputy on this issue. Finally, I would remind the Deputy that the decision to hold a referendum on the Stability Treaty was taken, on the basis of advice from AG's, once discussions on the Stability Treaty had concluded.

Tax Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

214 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views that only VAT registered users be eligible for VAT rebate on diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22019/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

215 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether farmers who are not registered for VAT should be allowed to recover the VAT element of invoices received from VAT registered contractors for work done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22020/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under EU VAT rules, traders, including farmers, who are registered for VAT, collect VAT on the goods and services that they sell and are entitled to recover the VAT they incur on business inputs used in the production of goods or delivery of services. VAT registered farmers are therefore eligible to recover VAT incurred on diesel as a business input.

Farmers who are not registered for VAT are not entitled to recover VAT, including that charged by VAT registered contractors, and are not required to charge VAT on their sales. However, these farmers are compensated under the farmers' flat-rate scheme for the VAT incurred on their purchases by means of a 5.2% flat-rate addition to the prices at which they sell their agricultural produce and services to VAT-registered traders. In addition, farmers who are not registered for VAT may be entitled to a refund under the Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 25) Order 1993 for tax borne on the construction of farm buildings, fencing, drainage and reclamation of farm land.

Departmental Expenditure

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

216 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the BER rating and annual heating costs of Trinity College, UCD, DCU and his Department’s main offices in Dublin, Tullamore and Athlone. [21513/12]

The most recent Building Energy Rating (BER) for my Department's Tullamore office is a C3 (Display Energy Certificate issued in August 2009 to cover period up to September 2010) while the most recent BER rating for my Department's Marlborough Street complex in Dublin is an E2 (Display Energy Certificate issued in October 2010 to cover period up to October 2011). With regard to the Marlborough Street complex the Deputy should note that this complex consists of a number of buildings including older listed stone buildings such as Tyrone House (built circa 1740) which are not energy efficient.

A Display Energy Certificate is in the process of being produced for my Department's Athlone office. This process was delayed due to the recent conversion from oil boilers to more efficient gas boilers. It is expected that a certificate will issue to be completed within the next month. The combined fuel and gas costs for the three sites in 2011 was €139,548.51.

In relation to the three independent higher level institutions referred to in the question the Deputy should note that (a) obtaining and displaying a Display Energy Certificate (incorporating a BER rating) and (b) payment of heating costs are both administrative matters for the individual bodies themselves. Accordingly the information requested is not collated centrally within my Department.

FÁS Training Programmes

John McGuinness

Question:

217 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy in relation to assisting apprentices who are now unemployed and have not, although not through any fault of theirs, completed their apprenticeships; if funding has been made available to assist organisations in this area; where applicants should apply for such assistance; if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be examined with a view to assisting them to complete their apprenticeship; the number of such persons that have been assisted to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21900/12]

I am informed that the level of new FÁS apprentice entrants (registrations) by employers reduced significantly in the period 2006-2011 from 8,306 to 1,307. There was a slight increase in registrations from 1,204 in 2010 to 1,307 in 2011. In 2012, FÁS apprenticeship programmes will continue to be provided for an estimated 1,200 new registrants and more generally for an existing apprentice population of approximately 13,000 at various stages of their apprenticeship. To assist redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeship FÁS has put the following interim measures in place:

The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme (RAPS) provides opportunities for redundant apprentices to complete the minimum duration for off-the-job training and assessment with FÁS approved employers for Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7 of the standard based apprenticeship programme. The scheme provides apprentices with a weekly training allowance to complete the minimum period of 26 weeks at Phase 3 and Phase 5 or the minimum period of 12 weeks at Phase 7. Currently there are 559 redundant apprentices on the scheme with employers, with 31 having completed their training and assessments.

A change in rules to allow progression without completing on-the-job elements and to recognise prior learning have been developed to tackle the issue of the lack of availability of on-the-job components of apprenticeships.

FÁS has introduced a Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM) (this mechanism will provide redundant apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge against the occupational standard for the specified trade over a number of days in a FÁS Training Centre) to enable eligible redundant apprentices initially in the trades of Brick and Stonelaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical, Plastering, Plumbing and Cabinet Making to progress towards the completion of their apprenticeship. Those who successfully pass the Competency Determination Mechanism will be progressed for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate — Craft.

Refresher Programme for Redundant Referred Apprentices To assist referred apprentices who wish to progress, FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have developed a short duration programme to prepare redundant apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments. This programme will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in from November 2012.

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

If a FÁS registered apprentice's employment has been terminated due to insufficient work being available he/she should:

Inform FÁS Services to Business immediately of his/her redundant status.

Register with the local DSP Employment Services Office for assistance in securing new employment to enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training.

Information regarding employment vacancies can also be accessed by telephoning Jobs Ireland at Freephone 1 800 611 116.

Keep FÁS Services to Business informed of all details relating to his/her apprenticeship employment with a FÁS approved employer so that this time may be credited in calculating the finish date of his/her apprenticeship.

In the Deputy's question he makes reference to a specific individual and I can confirm to the Deputy that the individual in question has been placed on the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme (RAPS) with a named employer since the 23rd April, 2012.

School Staffing

Seán Crowe

Question:

218 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review his decision to cut two teaching posts and a resource teacher from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, a measure that if implemented, equates to a 50% reduction in the schools staffing complement; if he will ensure funding is made available for the retention of these key positions that are essential if the school is to continue delivering a high standard of education to children under its care. [21207/12]

The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/2013 school year can also be affected by changes in their enrolment, the impact of budget measures and the reforms to the teacher allocation process. The reform of the allocation process is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools so there will inevitably be some schools that will lose posts and some schools that will gain posts.

There is an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board met on 18th and 19th April. A total of 367 schools submitted appeals to the Appeals Board. These appeals were considered in accordance with the appeals criteria set out in Department Staffing Circular 0007/2012.

205 schools had their appeals upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board. A summary outcome of the appeals is now published on my Department's website. Individual schools have been notified of the outcome of their appeals. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Seán Crowe

Question:

219 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review his decision to cut, in one calendar year, four teaching posts and two special needs assistants from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, and reinstate these key positions that are essential if the school is to continue delivering a high standard of education to children under its care. [21208/12]

The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/2013 school year can also be affected by changes in their enrolment, the impact of budget measures and the reforms to the teacher allocation process. The reform of the allocation process is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools so there will inevitably be some schools that will lose posts and some schools that will gain posts.

There is an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board met on 18th and 19th April. A total of 367 schools submitted appeals to the Appeals Board. These appeals were considered in accordance with the appeals criteria set out in Department Staffing Circular 0007/2012.

205 schools had their appeals upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board. A summary outcome of the appeals is now published on my Department's website. Individual schools have been notified of the outcome of their appeals. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support which now includes a requirement for them to have regard to the overall cap on numbers. Schools have been advised to make applications to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012. Schools will subsequently be advised by the NCSE of their allocation for the 2012/13 school year, based on the number of valid applications received and in the case of SNA support, the extent of the care needs of qualifying children.

In considering applications for SNA support for the new school year, the NCSE will take into account the individual care needs of all qualifying children, supports freed up due to any school leavers, and the identified care needs of newly enrolled children with special educational needs. The NCSE will advise the school by late May/early June of their SNA allocation for the 2012/13 school year.

Schools Building Projects

Simon Harris

Question:

220 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) may expect new school accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21217/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

221 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which had applied for and been granted planning permission, and on whose behalf a formal tender process had been commenced, has now been told it will not receive a new school building until 2015 at the earliest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21219/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in the five year construction programme and is listed to proceed to construction in 2015/2016. The building project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The design team are currently working on completing the stage 2(b) submission which will then be submitted to my Department for review. For the purposes of the 5 Year construction programme new school building projects as well as major extensions have been prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the funding available each year for the provision of school accommodation to meet the increasing demographic requirements it has not been possible to advance all projects to construction concurrently.

Redundancy Payments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

222 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [21319/12]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

223 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delays in many former special needs assistants receiving redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21320/12]

Extra resources have been assigned to the Redundancy Unit to ensure that Special Needs Assistants that have been made redundant would have their claims for payment processed as quickly as possible. The assignment of the staff has helped to reduce the period of the backlog significantly. Applications received in October 2011 are currently being processed in date order of receipt and every effort is being made, within the resources available, to process these applications as quickly as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that in the context of the employment control framework it is only possible to reassign limited staffing resources from within the existing staff cohort of my Department to deal with redundancy payments whilst at the same time ensuring that other priority functions such the payment of teachers on a fortnightly basis continues.

Capitation Grants

Peter Mathews

Question:

224 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information regarding primary and secondary schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21354/12]

My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools and post primary schools within the free education scheme. As the Deputy is aware Budget 2012 provided for a 2% reduction in the funding for capitation and related grants to primary and second level schools in both 2012 and 2013 and a further 1% in 2014 and 2015.

Due to my decision of 21st February last, to retain posts from previous disadvantage schemes in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 primary schools, it was necessary to generate alternative savings within the primary education budget. This has been achieved by bringing forward to this year 1.5% of the 2% reduction in overall capitation funding originally scheduled for 2013. The funding arrangements made by my Department for post primary schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.

My Department provides funding to Community and Comprehensive schools on a budget basis that is based mainly on pupil numbers, but also take into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as age of buildings, size of school etc. With regard to the VEC sector financial allocations are made to VECs as part of a block grant. VECs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of this grant and each is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and perceptions of need.

My Department provides funding to voluntary secondary schools by way of per capita grants. Fee charging schools do not receive any capitation or related grants from my Department. The capitation rates requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables. 1: Post Primary Grants. The following rates apply to Voluntary Post Primary schools.

2011

Standard Capitation Grant

€317

School Services Support Fund (SSSF)

€201

Grants for Secretaries

Basic Secretarial Grant

€36

SSSF Secretary Grant

€24

Grants for Caretakers

Basic Caretaker Grant

€30

SSSF Caretaker Grant

€18

Special Class Grant

€191

Irish and Bilingual Grants

All subjects taught through Irish

€115

Maximum of 4 subjects taught through Irish (per subject)

€23

Traveller Capitation

€201

Book Grant

Non-DEIS schools

€24

DEIS Schools

€39

Programme Grants

Junior Certificate Schools Programme

€60

Transition Year Pupil

€95

Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

€151

Physics and Chemistry

€13

2: Primary Per Capita Rates

The following rates are for mainstream pupils, pupils in special classes in mainstream schools and pupils in Special Schools. Special School capitation is paid under FLE.

Rates for Special School pupils and pupils in Special Classes in mainstream primary schools

2012

Under 12

12 years + (where different)

Mainstream Rate

€183

Visual Impairment

€880

Hearing Impairment

€880

Profoundly Deaf

€903

Mild General Learning Disability (Mainstream School)

€469

€697

Mild General Learning Disability (Special school)

€584

€880

Moderate General Learning Disability

€880

Severe/ Profound General Learning Disability

€903

Specific Learning Disability (Mainstream School)

€469

€697

Specific Learning Disability (Special school)

€584

€880

Emotional Disturbance

€880

Severe Emotional Disturbance

€903

Physical Disability

€880

Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

€903

Specific Speech and Language Disorder

€880

Multiple Disabilities

€903

Traveller Children

€258

Out of Control

€903

Ancillary

€147.00

Book Grant

Deis Schools

€21

Non — Deis Schools

€11

Departmental Programmes

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

225 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the operating costs of the Springboard programme over the past four years and the operating budget for this year. [21378/12]

Springboard was first launched in May 2011. During 2011, payments totalling €8.7 million were made to providers. For 2012 funding of €8 million has been allocated to meet the carry over costs of Springboard 2011 programmes. The provision of €10 million from the National Training Fund to support the further roll-out of Springboard in 2012 was also announced as part of Budget 2012. A new range of courses will be launched under Springboard 2012 in the coming weeks.

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

226 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the issues faced by a number of highly qualified immigrants struggling to find employment; if he will outline any consideration given to amending the criteria for Springboard to include those not in work who cannot access jobseeker’s allowance benefit and single parent benefit. [21379/12]

The Springboard initiative is targeted at unemployed people who have lost their jobs as a result of the recession and who would benefit from upskilling or reskilling in order to get back into sustainable employment. A new range of Springboard courses for 2012 will be launched in the coming weeks. The eligibility criteria for access to the new round of courses is being informed by an evaluation of the first phase of the initiative. Further details will be available when the courses are launched.

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

227 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of extending the Springboard scheme to cover the needs of graduates that are currently long term unemployed. [21380/12]

It is already open to unemployed graduates to apply for courses funded under the Springboard programme. A first stage process evaluation of Springboard, which was published by the HEA in February 2012, shows that 53.5% of Springboard participants had either an ordinary level or honours degree and almost 17% had a postgraduate qualification.

Third Level Fees

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

228 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of waiving all fees associated with higher and third level education for the long term unemployed. [21381/12]

Under the terms of my Department's free fees scheme the Exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees in respect of eligible first-time undergraduate students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of study which are a minimum of two years duration in an approved institution. Students who are entitled to free fees must pay a student contribution charge to their higher education institution.

Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the relevant scheme. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Students qualifying for a grant will also have their fees and/or student contribution paid on their behalf.

Springboard is a specific initiative to provide free part time higher education places targeted at unemployed people who have lost their jobs as a result of the recession and who would benefit from upskilling or reskilling in order to get back into sustainable employment. Since it was launched in May 2011 almost 5,000 unemployed people have been supported to undertake higher education courses under the Springboard programme. The roll out of Springboard 2012 is now underway and a new range of Springboard courses will be launched in the coming weeks.

In addition, as one of the measures included in the joint Government-Industry ICT Action Plan to boost the domestic supply of ICT graduates for Irish employment opportunities, more than 760 free places have been provided on 17 new graduate skills conversion programmes. The programmes are targeted at jobseekers who would have the capacity and underlying aptitude, as well as an honours degree in a cognate discipline, to undergo an intensive programme of study and work experience to acquire honours degree level ICT programming skills. Further details of the Springboard and ICT Skills Conversion programmes are available on www.bluebrick.ie.

Schools Refurbishment

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

229 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider his decision to refuse funding for roof works to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal following its application under his Department’s emergency repairs grant. [21401/12]

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme for a new roof. As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the terms of the scheme it cannot be considered for funding. The school authority has been informed of this decision.

School Staffing

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

230 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the drop in curricular support available to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, Inishowen’s first and only Irish language secondary school, following cutbacks to disadvantaged area posts; the way he proposes to ensure that this temporary school is not prevented from becoming permanent due to these cuts. [21402/12]

Teacher allocations are approved annually in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment.

My Department has published the staffing arrangements at post primary level for the coming school year, 2012/13. The staffing arrangements reflect the requirement for schools to manage the provision of subjects and the provision of guidance from within the standard staffing allocation. The details are set out in Department Circular 0009/2012 which is available on my Department's website.

In accordance with these arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e., curricular concessions. My Department is currently in the process of notifying schools of the outcome of their applications for curricular concessions. The allocation processes at post primary level also includes an appeals mechanism under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. The final staffing position for all schools at post primary level will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and any appeals to the Staffing Appeal Board will have been considered.

Schools Building Projects

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

231 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills following their recent whole school evaluation, if he will consider re- prioritising the band rating for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for their proposed building project to ensure that more than 500 students and teachers no longer have to navigate this split-level campus and endure challenges like changing for PE in toilets and eating their lunch in school corridors. [21403/12]

As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place.

This announcement represents major advances in how the school building programme is publicised, and will provide certainty to patrons and school communities concerning the major school building projects that my Department is in a position to progress. The band rating for the school, referred to by the Deputy, is in line with the Amended Criteria for Prioritising Large Scale Projects that was devised following consultation with the Education Partners and is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie. My Department does not propose to adjust this band rating.

Site Acquisitions

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

232 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the efforts of County Donegal Vocational Education Committee to secure a site at Buncrana, County Donegal, of adequate dimensions to facilitate a three-school campus, incorporating schools (details supplied). [21404/12]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

233 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider re-prioritising the band rating for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for its proposed building project; and if he will acknowledge that its existing temporary facilities are completely inadequate. [21405/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.

As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan, is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place. This announcement represents major advances in how the school building programme is publicised, and will provide certainty to patrons and school communities concerning the major school building projects that my Department is in a position to progress.

The band rating for the school concerned, referred to by the Deputy, is in line with the Amended Criteria for Prioritising Large Scale Projects that was devised following consultation with the Education Partners and is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie. My Department does not propose to adjust this band rating.

In relation to the proposed Campus Development, there has been ongoing contact with Donegal VEC and Donegal County Council in relation to identifying a suitable site in the Buncrana area for a Campus Development. A number of potential sites that were identified to date have been deemed unsuitable. The Department will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders in relation to identifying a suitable site and we understand that there may be moves to zone suitable land as part of the Development Plan process in Donegal. The acquisition of a site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally.

Schools Building Projects

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

234 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kildare was downgraded from 1.1 to 1.2 status on the 2012 school building programme, particularly when an application for the summer works scheme was refused in 2011 because of the school’s high priority status on the building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21431/12]

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the status of the application for capital improvement works from the school to which he refers has not been downgraded. As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place. This announcement represents major advances in how the school building programme is publicised, and will provide certainty to patrons and school communities concerning the major school building projects that my Department is in a position to progress.

School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. These projects will, in general, complete the design stages of architectural planning and secure planning permission and other necessary statutory approvals. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when those projects, including a project for the school in question, will be progressed.

Higher Education Grants

Mattie McGrath

Question:

235 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person who is under financial difficulties and is being assisted by the Money Advice and Budgetary Agency can be refused a higher education grant for their children to continue in third level education; the contacts he has had with other State agencies who are assisting families in difficult financial circumstances or who are availing of advice from MABS; how he suggests families in such difficult financial circumstances can send their children to third level education; his plans to review the criteria for higher education grants to take into account families' expenditure on rent, mortgages and other household loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21450/12]

The assessment of means under my Department's student grant scheme is based on gross income from all sources. Therefore, all income is assessed from the same starting point, eliminating any distortion which might arise from different spending decisions. The means test arrangements of the student grant scheme are applied nationally. In the case of both employed and self-employed applicants, gross income is assessed with certain specified social welfare and health service executive payments excluded. The eligibility of an applicant, or the level of the grant awarded, may be re-assessed by the awarding authority in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year. The applicant should in the first instance contact the relevant awarding body and notify them of the change in circumstances.

I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income. In addition, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves also provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies. My Department engages on an on-going basis with other Government Departments in relation to student supports.

Departmental Bodies

Shane Ross

Question:

236 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether HETAC is or will be taking new applications before the merger of HETAC, FETAC into the new National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; when this merger is expected to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/12]

In the light of the necessary preparations for the amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) into the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI), new applications for registration will not be accepted until the establishment of the new agency. The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011, which provides for the amalgamation, was introduced in Seanad Éireann. The Bill passed Seanad Committee Stage on 29 March 2012. I intend that the Bill will be enacted in the current term and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Ireland (QQAAI) will be established shortly thereafter.

Schools Building Projects

Shane Ross

Question:

237 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will revise the decision to delay extension works on a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21455/12]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in the five year construction programme and is listed to proceed to construction in 2015/2016. The building project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The design team are currently working on completing the stage 2(b) submission which will then be submitted to my Department for review.

For the purposes of the 5 Year construction programme new school building projects as well as major extensions have been prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the funding available each year for the provision of school accommodation to meet the increasing demographic requirements it has not been possible to advance all projects to construction concurrently.

State Examinations

John O'Mahony

Question:

238 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of part-time or unemployed temporary, CID teachers employed for supervision of junior and leaving certificate exams in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21469/12]

John O'Mahony

Question:

239 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired secondary teachers employed as supervisors for junior certificate and leaving certificate in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21471/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. This includes the employment of superintendents for the examintions. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Departmental Staff

Sandra McLellan

Question:

240 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of grades of civil servants who have been re-employed by his Department having taken early retirement package or that have retired due to them reaching the age of retirement , each year since 2008. [21488/12]

The information requested is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Higher Education Grants

Patrick Deering

Question:

241 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their student grant application appeal. [21498/12]

An appeal has been received by my Department from the student to which the Deputy refers. The appeal is currently under consideration and a response will issue as soon as the review process is completed.

School Staffing

Michael Lowry

Question:

242 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in County Tipperary that submitted appeals to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board against the loss of a teacher under the changes to staffing schedules for smaller schools as introduced in Budget 2012, and based on their increased projected enrolment for the academic year 2012/2013; if he will provide figures on the number of small schools in County Tipperary that were unsuccessful in their appeal; if he will provide details on the number of small schools in County Tipperary that will now lose a teacher as a result of the changes to the staffing schedules for schools with fewer than four teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21511/12]

Peter Mathews

Question:

253 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 253 together.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board met on 18th and 19th April. A total of 367 schools submitted appeals to the Appeals Board. These appeals were considered in accordance with the appeals criteria set out in Department Staffing Circular 0007/2012. 205 schools had their appeals upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board. A summary outcome of the appeals is now published on my Department's website. Individual schools have been notified of the outcome of their appeals. The next meeting of Staffing Appeals Board is due to be held on 14 June 2012. The latest date for other schools to submit appeals is 1 June 2012. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Gerry Adams

Question:

243 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the level of cooperation from the religious orders in relation to their contribution to the payment of compensation for victims of institutional abuse; the amount that has been paid thus far; if he remains committed to attaining a 50:50 split in the cost of compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21516/12]

The cost of the response to residential institutional abuse is now estimated to exceed €1.36 billion. The Government believes that this cost should be shared on a 50:50 basis, between the State and those who were responsible for the management of institutions. The contribution of the 18 congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement amounted to €128 million. They have since committed to contribute some €110 million to the proposed Statutory Fund for former residents, of which €21.05m has already been received. They have also offered properties they valued at a further €235.5m to different State bodies and voluntary organisations. Of the properties offered to the State, 12 have been identified as of potential immediate benefit and the transfer of these properties is being pursued. The value of these 12 properties, based on the congregations' own valuations is approximately €60m.

This House will be aware of my disappointment at the congregations' offers which fall well short of realising a 50:50 sharing of the costs of the response to residential institutional abuse. I am continuing to pursue the 50:50 division with the management bodies involved and have proposed the transfer of school infrastructure to the State for the benefit of the taxpayer as one mechanism to allow those involved the opportunity to shoulder their share of the costs.

Redundancy Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

244 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application for redundancy payment will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21524/12]

A redundancy application from the person referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department on 17th October 2011. This application has now been reached for processing and it is expected that payment will issue to the person concerned on the payday of Thursday 24th May 2012.

School Transport

Seán Crowe

Question:

245 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if plans are being considered, that if implemented, will increase the minimum mileage limit that qualifies primary and post primary school children from availing of subsidised school transport. [21525/12]

The current distance eligibility criterion is 3.2 kilometres and 4.8 kilometres respectively for primary and post primary school transport services. There are no plans to change these criteria for the 2012/13 school year.

Bullying in Schools

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

246 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the national anti-bullying coalition safe school programme would need the support of a uniform approach where victims could speak out about their situations with the confidence that they would be addressed properly and efficiently at a time when young people attending schools are under severe pressure; if he will outline the way our schools structures could ensure that this uniform approach was forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21552/12]

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced details of a forum to explore ways to tackle the problem of bullying in schools. This Anti-Bullying Forum is due to take place on the 17th of May 2012 and will bring together a range of experts, support groups and representatives of the schools sector including parents and students. It is envisaged that there will be a range of speakers on the day of the Forum which will include contributions from my Department, the National Anti-Bullying Coalition (NABC), an acknowledged academic or other expert in the field of anti-bullying and contributors from the school sector from the various perspectives of school principal, parent and pupils. The Forum will also give other stakeholders an opportunity to give their views.

The objective of the Forum will be to explore with all the relevant stakeholders how best to tackle bullying in schools and to consider what changes or updating of existing practices and procedures are required to achieve this having regard to what is feasible to implement in the current financial climate. Bullying is a problem I take very seriously and I hope that the Forum will provide an opportunity to set out a road map on how best to tackle all forms of bullying in our schools.

I am also establishing a working group on tackling bullying. The outcomes and recommendations from the Forum will assist the working group in its deliberations. This working group will include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and will draw upon the expertise of a range of organisations throughout their work. In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the first phase to be addressed by the Working Group will be homophobic bullying.

Higher Education Grants

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

247 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can be entered as a 2011 postgraduate applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21556/12]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student should qualify for a grant. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant awarding authority. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate. No appeal has been received in my Department to date in this case.

Special Educational Needs

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

248 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans, arising from the publication of the report into the link between the swine flu vaccine and narcolepsy, to provide examination support for children who have developed narcolepsy; if he has spoken with the Department of Health regarding their needs during examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/12]

I can confirm that a number of meetings have taken place between officials at my Department and the Department of Health, with representatives from SOUND (Sufferers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder). A meeting was also recently arranged between SOUND and the State Exam Commission. A central contact point has been established for SOUND with the State Exam Commission, to address issues in relation to the reasonable accommodations which can be made for children with narcolepsy who are taking state exams this year, and I understand that arrangements are being put in place in this regard, where required.

Departmental Agencies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

249 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21589/12]

For the Deputy's information:

In March 2012 the Irish Research Council was established. This new Council is a merger of the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET). This has resulted in a saving of €100,000 in salary costs.

Since September 2011, the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) is within the remit of Dublin West Education Centre alongside the Department's largest support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).

In June 2011, the functions of the National Educational Welfare Board transferred to the newly established office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The Deputy will be aware that there are a number of major structural reform projects that are being progressed in the Education sector. These are: 1) The establishment of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland which involves merger of the National Qualifications Authority, FETAC and HETAC. These amalgamating bodies have already made major savings in preparation for amalgamation. The purpose of the agency is in making awards in further and higher education, administering the National Framework of Qualifications and quality assuring education and training providers. The amount expected to be saved by the merger is in the region of €1 million annually. 2) The amalgamation of 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs)/establishment of 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The ETBs will take over the work of VECs and will have an expanded role in the delivery of further education and training across the country. The new bodies will be better positioned to establish shared services and to provide support services to schools not just within the VEC sector but to primary schools and other second level schools in their areas. They can contribute significantly to driving in particular an agenda of encouraging aggregated procurement of supplies and services. Departmental estimates suggest that by 2016 following full implementation, savings of the order of €3.2million can be made annually. 3) The establishment of SOLAS, the new agency to reform, co-ordinate and fund further education and training programmes including developing a seamless interaction with the National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES) on activation measures. 4) A single awarding authority for student grants. City of Dublin VEC will operate as the new single student grant awarding authority to replace the existing 66 grant awarding bodies. Implementation of the new arrangements is being phased in from 2012/13 academic year. 5) It is also proposed to dissolve the Education Finance Board on the establishment of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund. The purpose of this agency is to pay education grants to former residents and their relatives from the €12.7m provided by the religious congregations pursuant to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement. The recently published Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill 2012 provides for the dissolution of the EFB and the transfer of its functions in relation to the remaining moneys available to the new Residential Institutions Statutory Fund. 6) The consolidation of Higher Education provision under the Strategy for Higher Education to 2030.

School Staffing

John McGuinness

Question:

250 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the negative impact the pupil teacher ratio, reduction in grants and the removal of the minor works grant is having on a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; his policy in relation to these matters; the action he will take to assist such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21633/12]

This Government has protected education as much as it can. Far greater reductions in expenditure and in the number of public servants are being made in other sectors relative to those in schools. But there are limits to the level of expenditure on education and the number of teaching posts we can afford.

The budget measures in relation to the staffing schedule were focused on small primary schools. The Government fully recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a major feature of our education landscape. However, this does not mean that small schools can stand still or never have their staffing levels changed to something that is more affordable and sustainable in difficult and challenging times. Teachers in small schools cannot be immune from the requirement that is being asked of all public servants to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources.

As part of the new staffing arrangements small primary schools that were due to lose a classroom post under the budget measure and who are now projecting increased enrolments for September 2012 were given access to the appeals process. Schools that were projecting increased enrolments to the required levels had their appeals provisionally upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board at its recent meeting. The retention of these classroom posts will be subject to confirmation of the actual pupil numbers in these schools in September.

School Accommodation

Dara Calleary

Question:

251 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application for additional accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo will be processed; if he will expedite the application now that all documentation has been submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21722/12]

The school in question was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a Mainstream Classroom under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2011. The school authorities have recently requested additional funding associated with this building project. The application is currently being assessed and the school authorities will be notified of the decision shortly.

Higher Education Grants

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

252 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills how he justifies the abolition of postgraduate grants and the raising of fees to €3,000. [21723/12]

My priority as Minister for Education and Skills is to preserve access to undergraduate higher education courses despite the difficult circumstances in our public finances. As a result, no changes were made to the eligibility criteria for undergraduate students in Budget 2012. It is also worth emphasising that 41% of all undergraduate students currently receive a grant and pay no student contributions. Nevertheless, in the context of the necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, new students entering postgraduate courses from the 2012/13 academic year onwards will not be entitled to any maintenance payment under the Student Grant Scheme. Existing postgraduate students will not be affected.

However, those students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme. In access terms, the requirement to pay a fee is considered to be a greater obstacle to entry than lack of maintenance support at postgraduate level. This is why I opted to maintain the fee-payment ahead of maintenance payments for postgraduate students.

In addition, a further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. However, there will be a new income threshold for this payment which will be lower than the standard grant threshold. The income threshold for this level of grant is currently being determined in the context of the formulation of the student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year. Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

In addition to this, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Also the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities.

While it is regrettable that any changes need to be made to student supports, I believe this approach will continue to provide resources for a relatively wide number of post-graduate students and allow us to maintain the high level of supports provided to undergraduate students.

I take it that the Deputy's reference to fees relates to the level of Student Contribution. In order for this country to adhere to its agreed economic recovery programme and to reduce the budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2015 it is necessary to seek to reduce expenditure across all areas of the Department. As with student supports, this involves difficult decisions including the decision in Budget 2012 to increase the Student Contribution to €2,250 for the 2012/13 academic year. While the Government considered a range of saving options for the 2012-2015 period as part of the budget process last year, final decisions have not been made in respect of student contribution increases for 2013 and beyond. More savings will have to be found and further increases to the student contribution in future years cannot be ruled out. This is one of the options that was included in the Department's Comprehensive Expenditure Report, published last December.

In recognition of the financial pressures that the student contribution may place on families, this Department, through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) requested higher education institutions to consider putting in place arrangements under which a student may opt to pay the student contribution in two instalments in a given academic year. It should be noted that the student contribution is paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under the Department's Student Grant Scheme. Tax relief is also available for second and subsequent siblings to alleviate the costs for families.

Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 242.

Schools Building Projects

Seán Crowe

Question:

254 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure funding is provided for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [21746/12]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for a new school building from the school to which he refers. The school authority in question has identified a site which it considers suitable as a location for the construction of a permanent building for the school. However, the site in question is not currently serviced and is not immediately accessible. Instead, it forms part of a larger site which is undeveloped and is unlikely to be developed in the near future.

The cost of providing infrastructure to the proposed school site would be significant. As such, this site is not considered a viable option for any school until the adjoining lands are developed so that the full cost of providing services and infrastructure to the entire site is not borne by my Department or the relevant VEC. As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan, is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place.

Finian McGrath

Question:

255 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding in respect of schools (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of the health and safety issues. [21794/12]

The schools referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to carry out concrete repair works to their school buildings. As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the terms of the scheme it cannot be considered for funding. The school authority has been informed of this decision.

Ciara Conway

Question:

256 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made, if any, in relation to plans for a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21810/12]

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

In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. Other school building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when this project will progress to tender and construction stage.

FÁS Training Programmes

Sean Fleming

Question:

257 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the fees charged by FÁS in respect of persons on the construction skills certification scheme regarding FETAC certificates under this scheme, for each year from 2000 to 2012; the total amounts received each year by FÁS under this scheme and the payments made by FÁS to FETAC each year under this scheme in respect of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21823/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): The information the Deputy sought covers a 12 year period and is not readily available. I have asked FAS to collate this data as soon as possible. When received I will forward directly to the Deputy.

Sean Fleming

Question:

258 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of FETAC certificates issued in relation to the construction skills certification scheme for each year from 2000 to 2012; the income received from FÁS or other sources in respect of these certificates during each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21824/12]

The information the Deputy sought covers a 12 year period and is not readily available. I have asked FAS to collate this data as soon as possible. When received I will forward directly to the Deputy.

Sean Fleming

Question:

259 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of safe pass cards issued by FÁS in each year from 2000 to 2012; the income received in respect of these safe pass cards for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21825/12]

The information the Deputy sought covers a 12 year period and is not readily available. I have asked FÁS to collate this data as soon as possible. When received I will forward directly to the Deputy.

Third Level Fees

Paul Connaughton

Question:

260 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology is increasing fees by 73%, which is particularly difficult for part-time students part way through their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21851/12]

Under the terms of my Department's Free Fee Initiative the Exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees in respect of eligible students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of study which are a minimum of two years duration in an approved institution. With effect from the 2011/2012 academic year, a new student contribution charge was introduced in higher education. This charge replaced the Student Services Charge and applies to all full-time students who currently benefit under the "free fees" scheme.

Where students are not eligible for free tuition fees, including students attending part-time course, they are liable to pay the appropriate tuition fee as determined by the third level institution. Such institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, the level of fees to be charged in such cases is a matter for the institution concerned. As the Deputy may also be aware, tax relief is available at the standard rate of taxation in respect of expenditure on fees associated with part-time higher education.

School Curriculum

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

261 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available for students in primary and secondary schools who wish to learn sign language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21602/12]

I wish to advise the Deputy that Irish Sign language (ISL) has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science (Skills) to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.

A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL in order that it will achieve greater recognition and use in the education system are currently in place. These include:

the special schools for the deaf/hearing impaired have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class.

funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf school-going pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children, pupils, their siblings and parents.

funding is also made available through the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to enable individual teachers and whole school staff to undertake courses in Irish Sign Language which are available throughout the country through a variety of providers.

In addition, the Visiting Teacher Service for Children and Young People with a Hearing Impairment is provided by my Department from the time of referral through to third level education. The Visiting Teacher service provides advice and support to ensure that the needs of children and young people with hearing impairment are met. This service is available at pre-school, primary and post-primary levels. Specifically, the service works in partnership with parents of pre-school children with hearing impairment, visiting their homes and/or meeting them in groups to inform, advise and offer guidance in matters pertaining to their education and overall development and in helping their children to derive maximum benefit from the educational opportunities available.

The Deputy may be aware that assessment, rehabilitation and information services for children with hearing impairment and their families are funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE), either directly or indirectly. Services provided include communication therapy and lip reading classes as well as sign language classes.

Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recently published its Policy Advice on the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Ireland which makes a number of recommendations for the improvement of educational provision for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, including recommendations relating to ISL provision. This policy advice is available on the NCSE's website www.ncse.ie. My Department is currently establishing a working group to consider and implement the recommendations of this report.

Special Educational Needs

Pat Breen

Question:

262 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21615/12]

I wish to advise the Deputy that Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year. At that point, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years. My Department, at that stage, may allocate resources towards an education component of such provision. The policy of my Department is that Special Schools may make an application to my Department to retain pupils over the age of 18 who are pursuing courses leading to accreditation at level 3 or above of the National Qualifications Framework (Junior Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied/FETAC 3); for one additional year, in order to complete these courses.

I can confirm that my Department has received an application from St. Anne's Special School seeking to retain the pupil referred to by the Deputy for an extra year, and my Department will revert to the school authorities regarding this application shortly.

School Staffing

Brendan Smith

Question:

263 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list the primary schools in each county that will lose a teaching post from September 2012 due to the staffing schedule changes announced in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21965/12]

As part of the new staffing arrangements the 73 small primary schools that were due to lose a classroom post under the budget measure and who are now projecting increased enrolments for September 2012 were given access to the appeals process. 34 of these small schools projected increased enrolments to the required levels had their appeals provisionally upheld by the Staffing Appeals Board at its recent meeting. The retention of these classroom posts will be subject to confirmation of the actual pupil numbers in these schools in September. The summary outcome of the appeals board meeting is on my Department's website. I have included for the Deputy's information the list of the remaining 39 schools that are due to lose a classroom post as a result of the budget measure. Some of these 39 schools did not submit appeals to the April meeting of the Appeals Board.

List of Small Schools Losing a Mainstream Classroom Post Due to Budget

County

Name of school

Address of school

Roll Number

Enrolment on 30 September 2011

September 2012 Classroom Posts

Cavan

S N Maodhog

Cnoc Brighde, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.

17630E

49

2

Clare

Boston N. S.

Tubber, Gort, Co. Galway.

10763L

12

1

Clare

S. N. Eoin Baiste

Ballyvaughan, via Galway, Co. Clare.

17633K

49

2

Cork

SN Carraig an IME

Macroom, Co. Cork.

17079K

12

1

Cork

Togher NS

Dunmanway, Co. Cork.

17281F

50

2

Cork

Maulatrahane Central NS

Maulatrahane, Leap, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

19978I

50

2

Donegal

SN Arainn Mhor II*

Arainn Mhor, Co. Dhun na nGall.

16384K

12

1

Donegal

S N Gort An Choirce*

Leitir Ceanainn, Co. Dhun na nGall.

16819T

76

3

Donegal

S N Loch An Iubhair*

Anagaire, Leitir Ceanainn, Tir Chonaill.

16829W

49

2

Donegal

S N Chonaill*

Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag, Co. Dhun na nGall.

18219F

78

3

Donegal

Ayr Hill NS Ramelton

Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

18251B

49

2

Donegal

Gaelscoil Chois Feabhaill

GAA, Bun an Phobail, Co Dhun na nGall

20144M

81

3

Galway

SN An Ard Mhoir*

Carna, Co. Na Gaillimhe.

10591I

49

2

Galway

Scoil Mhuire*

An Tuairin, Beal An Daingean, Co. Na Gaillimhe.

11261P

78

3

Galway

SN Baile An Leasa

Dunmore, Tuam, Co. Galway.

17760R

49

2

Galway

Cloghans Hill NS

Tuam, Co. Galway.

17922R

12

1

Galway

SN Cill Solain

Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

18113M

13

1

Galway

Ballymacward Central

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

19283T

81

3

Kerry

Scoil Paroisteach

Tralee, Co. Kerry.

18233W

50

2

Kerry

Fibough National School

Caislean na Mainge, Co. Chiarrai.

18756I

49

2

Kilkenny

Wandesforde Mixed NS

Castlecomer Co. Kilkenny.

14476F

49

2

Kilkenny

SN Bhrighde

Cuan, Carlow.

17174E

49

2

Laois

Scoil Abbain Cillin

Maganey, Athy, Co. Kildare.

17557U

82

3

Laois

Rathdomhnaigh N S

Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

18075H

49

2

Leitrim

S N Rosan

Carrigallen Co. Leitrim.

17558W

12

1

Longford

Killasonna Mixed N S

Killasonna, Granard Co. Longford.

14300O

50

2

Longford

Baile An Clochain N S

Ballycloghan, Carraig Bhuidhe, Co. Longford.

17724N

12

1

Mayo

Keenagh NS

Keenaghbeg PO, Beal Atha An Fheadha, Co. Mayo.

14923E

13

1

Mayo

SN An Chorrain

Gob a Choire, Co. Mhaigh Eo.

16295L

12

1

Offaly

Edenderry 2 N S

Edenderry Co. Offaly

15638K

82

3

Roscommon

Kilteevan N S

Roscommon, Co.Roscommon.

14966W

49

2

Roscommon

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal

Fiobhach Disert, Beal Atha na Sluaighe, Co. Roscomain.

18005J

12

1

Roscommon

Scoil Mhuire

Ballyleague, Lanesboro PO, Co. Roscommon.

18061T

81

3

Sligo

Dromore West Central

Dromore West, Sligo.

19688W

82

3

Tipperary

SN Colmain Naofa NS

Tir Da Glas, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

17640H

50

2

Tipperary

SN An Droma

Thurles, Co. Tippearary.

18322V

82

3

Westmeath

Ard Na Gcraith N S

Walderstown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

18764H

81

3

Wexford

Killegney N S

Killegney, Clonroche, Enniscorthy Co. Wexford.

15883A

13

1

Wicklow

Redcross 1 NS

Redcross, Co. Wicklow.

14829M

49

2

*Asterisks denotes Gaeltacht schools.

Schools Refurbishment

Pat Breen

Question:

264 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 14 February 2012, the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21975/12]

The school in question was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a resource room and boiler replacement under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2010. The school authorities have sought additional funding towards this project and in September 2011, my Department's Planning and Building Unit requested further supporting information. To date, this information has not been received. When the requested information is received a final decision will be communicated to the school authority.

Higher Education Grants

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

265 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student’s (details supplied) parent’s pension is being taken into account for their means tested income for a grant in the vocational education committee maintenance grant year 2011-2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22008/12]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

266 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances in which a students parent’s pension income is counted in the student's reckonable income for their maintenance grant application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22009/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. As previously stated in my reply to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question Number 394 of 18th April 2012, reckonable income for student grants purposes is gross income from all sources whether it arises in the State or not. It includes income from pensions. Officials of my Department have been in contact with the VEC concerned and I understand that the applicant applied as a dependent mature student when he commenced his study. His application is therefore assessed based on his parents' income and that of his own.

The applicant is already in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance from the Department of Social Protection in respect of his living costs. In addition, he was awarded a part fee grant under the Student Grant Scheme based on the reckonable income details submitted. If the applicant is not satisfied with the rate of fee grant awarded by the grant awarding authority, that decision may be appealed to the awarding authority's appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate.

Public Sector Remuneration

Michael McGrath

Question:

267 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the income of a public servant that is subject to the pension levy, with particular regard to the various types of allowances paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21315/12]

The "pension levy" or pension-related deduction (PRD) was introduced with effect from 1 March 2009 via the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Under the Act the deduction is calculated by reference to ‘remuneration'. Remuneration for this purpose is defined at section 1 of the Act as "emoluments to which Chapter 4 of Part 42 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 applies or is applied and payable by or on behalf of a public service body to a public servant for his or her services as a public servant." This definition includes non-pensionable pay including overtime, allowances and benefit-in-kind.

Election Costs

Niall Collins

Question:

268 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total cost of the 2011 Dublin West by-election; if he will provide a sub-heading breakdown of the costs and the cost of holding a recount as ordered by one of the candidates. [21392/12]

Returning Officers are required to submit accounts to the Department of Finance within six months of holding an election. The final accounts for the recent by-election were submitted this week and will be examined in detail. I am advised that a single bank account was used for the by-election, the Presidential Election and the Referendums, which were held simultaneously. General costs, such as staff, premises, preparation etc will apply to all of these events and as such it will not be clear from the final accounts which costs relate specifically to the by-election.

However, I have been informed that some €92,000 in costs were incurred by the Returning Officer purely as a result of the by-election. This includes Returning Officer fees, fees for one additional Poll Clerk per ballot box, count staff, clerical and administration costs. In addition, some €274,707 was incurred for the free-postage scheme for candidates and some €10,460 was incurred by OPW.

Departmental Agencies

John Deasy

Question:

269 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are any plans to include the inland fisheries under the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman. [21744/12]

As the Deputy may be aware the Programme for Government contains a commitment to extend the Ombudsman Act to ensure that all statutory bodies are covered. My Department is currently examining the steps necessary to implement this commitment which would have the effect of including Inland Fisheries under the remit of the Ombudsman.

Departmental Programmes

Michael McGrath

Question:

270 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cross-Border programmes, initiatives and areas of co-operation which his Department is currently engaging in with its counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21870/12]

There are two EU cross-border Programmes specifically focused on the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These are the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE) and the INTERREG Programme. The current PEACE III Programme (2007-2013) has a total allocation of 333m euro and INTERREG IVA (2007-2013) has an allocation of 256m euro. Both Programmes are co-funded by the EU Commission, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. The INTERREG Programme also receives some funding from Scottish partners, as parts of western Scotland are covered by the Programme. The Programmes are managed by Special EU Programmes Body, a North South body established under the Good Friday Agreement and sponsored jointly by my Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland.

The Programme for Peace and Reconciliation was created in order to build a more peaceful and stable society across the region. Over the past 15 years, thousands of individual projects, all working towards this objective, have been supported under the programme. The INTERREG IVA Programme aims to foster a more prosperous and sustainable region. It builds on the success of previous programmes and supports beneficial collaborations in a range of areas such as tourism, enterprise, environment, rural development and health. My Department, and other Irish Departments, work and co-operate with northern counterparts on an ongoing basis. The Government continues to work for greater economic co-operation to accelerate the process of recovery and creation of jobs on this island.

Public Service Contracts

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

271 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of competitions that have been held by the Office of Public Works to select the building management company for a civic centre (details supplied) and whether there have been competitions and public tendering to select service providers for that management company including in the area of security; if he will also indicate when the OPW will run the next public tender for management of the facility and for all service providers of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22030/12]

The building management contract for Northside Civic Centre was publicly advertised and, following a pre-qualification process, tenders were invited from a number of suitable firms and a contract was placed. The security service was part of the building management service and not a separate tender competition. The management service will be re-advertised and tendered publicly this year. The security aspect of the service contract will again be part of the tender.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Micheál Martin

Question:

272 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made on the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/12]

Recommendation 62.15 of the Moriarty Tribunal Report (March 2011) is that the Standards Commission could appoint an inspector to audit the financial affairs of an office holder, within the meaning of the Ethics Acts, by the voluntary and positive election of the office holder, at any time during his/her period in office and for a defined period thereafter. I am examining another possible approach, namely, to allow the Standards Commission to audit an office holder's financial affairs, but only in the case of an investigation by the Commission of the office holder for an infringement of the Ethics Acts or the Electoral Acts involving his personal financial affairs. Such an approach would allow an office holder's financial affairs to be audited where there is a real concern about standards in public life.

Following the recent Government Decision responding to the Mahon Tribunal, I am reviewing the detailed set of recommendations contained in the Mahon Report related to ethics as well as those contained in the Moriarty Report in order to formulate proposals for those recommendations falling to this Department to progress. In that context, I will consider in consultation with the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government and the Attorney General what steps may be necessary in terms of root-and-branch reworking of the ethics framework.

Departmental Expenditure

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

273 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the BER rating and annual heating costs of Áras an Uachtaráin, the National Convention Centre and the Department of Finance on Merrion Street. [21513/12]

The Office occupied by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at Government Buildings is a shared building used by staff of both this Department and staff of the Department of Finance. The full year heating costs for 2011 were €37,470. The Office of Public Works are responsible for the payment of utility bills for Áras an Uachtaráin. They have informed me that the annual heating costs for the premises for 2011 were €59,229. Both Government Buildings and Áras an Uachtaráin are exempt from requiring BER certification as they are protected structures. Payment of heating costs for the National Convention Centre is not a matter for my Department or the Office of Public Works.

Sale of State Assets

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

274 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review the proposal to sell the National Lottery. [21550/12]

As the Deputy is aware, I announced on 4th April 2012 that the Government has decided to hold a competition for the next National Lottery licence and that the licence will be for a 20 year period. The new licence will involve an upfront payment to the State, with some of the payment being used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Children's Hospital. The ongoing provision of a fixed percentage of annual lottery turnover for good causes will be a condition of the licence. The Government has decided that this percentage is to be retained at 30.5% which was the level that was achieved in 2011. I consider that where the State identifies opportunities to generate additional revenues that do not impact on taxpayers, we need to pursue them.

State Properties

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

275 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in relation to his formal instruction and consent to a deed of waiver to transfer a small strip of land in order to rectify a mapping error (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21564/12]

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently considering the possibility of granting a deed of waiver to transfer the land in question. Discussions are ongoing with Cork County Council to clarify certain issues before making any decision to grant a deed of waiver to the applicants in this instance. When these discussions are concluded the matter will be finalised.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

276 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of non-commercial State agencies that operate performance-related award schemes for their CEOs. [21578/12]

Access to a Performance Related Awards Scheme is no longer included in employment contracts of CEOs of Non Commercial State Agencies. Currently, there are two CEOs in Non Commercial State Agencies who continue, as they are legally entitled to, under the terms of their contracts of employment, to avail of Performance Related Award Schemes.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

277 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21596/12]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ 20116/12 answered on Tuesday 24th April, 2012.

Sean Fleming

Question:

278 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of bodies and agencies under his aegis; and his proposals for review of operation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21609/12]

With regard to the number of bodies and agencies under my aegis, I refer the Deputy to my answer to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald (PQ Ref No: 5539/12) on 31 January 2012 which lists the bodies and agencies of each Department. Those Offices of State etc., who have their own Vote (see Appendix 1) and for which I am responsible are:

Vote 13 — Office of Public Works.

Vote 14 — State Laboratory.

Vote 16 — Valuation Office.

Vote 17 — Public Appointments Service.

Vote 18 — Commission for Public Service Appointments.

Vote 19 — Office of the Ombudsman.

Regarding proposals for the review of operation of these bodies, as the Deputy will be aware, the Public Service Reform Report, published in November 2011, outlined the programme of public service reforms and improvements which are designed to deliver the commitments made in the Programme for Government. The radical streamlining of state bodies is a key element in the reform programme and to this end, the Report listed 48 bodies which are due to be rationalised by end 2012 and a further 46 bodies which are to be critically reviewed by June 2012. The Commission on Public Service Appointments, which is due to be merged with Office of the Ombudsman, is listed as one of the 48 bodies to be rationalised by end of 2012.

Those bodies which are under my Department and which are listed for critical review by June include:

National Development Finance Agency (Merge National Development Finance Agency in to OPW/National Procurement Service).

Valuation Office (Merge the Valuation Office, the Property Registration Authority and Ordnance Survey).

Disciplinary Code of Appeals Board and the Independent Mediator (Abolish/Merge with new employment rights body listed under Appendix IIa of the Public Service Reform Plan).

State Laboratory (Merge Forensic Science Laboratory Medical Bureau of Road Safety into State Laboratory).

Office of the Ombudsman (Amalgamate Office of the Data Protection Commissioner with the Office of the Ombudsman. There are also a number of related actions including merging the functions of the Language Commissioner and merging the back-office functions of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children into the Office of the Ombudsman).

Public Procurement

Sean Fleming

Question:

279 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that current procurement processes for publicly funded construction contracts gives adequate opportunity for small and medium enterprises to be successful in tendering for work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21610/12]

I am very aware that public procurement can be an important source of business for local enterprises. Current guidelines including Circular 10/10 —"Facilitating SME Participation in Public Procurement" issued by my Department require public bodies to promote participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the award of public contracts. These guidelines set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote SME involvement in a manner that is consistent with the principles and rules of the existing public procurement regulatory regime. The guidance also highlights practices that are to be avoided because they can unjustifiably hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts. The key provisions of the guidance include:

works and related services contracts with an estimated value of €50,000 or more to be advertised on the www.etenders.gov.ie website. While there is no requirement to advertise works projects below €50,000 on www.etenders.gov.ie or elsewhere, the principle of transparency and non-discrimination still needs to be satisfied. Where a Contracting Authority does not advertise for projects below €50,000 and has satisfied the principles in some other way, five firms should be invited to tender with the expectation that five tenders will be submitted;

all public works and related services contracts up to €250,000 to be procured using an "Open" procedure, an "Open" procedure admits all contractors to the tendering stage providing they meet the minimum qualification standards set by the contracting authority;

ensuring that the levels set by contracting authorities for suitability criteria are justified and proportionate to the needs of the contract. National guidelines for contracting authorities in relation to minimum standards for suitability criteria for construction contractors interested in tendering for public works projects are published on the Capital Works Management Framework available at www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie. These guidelines take account of the principles of transparency, proportionality and fairness under the EU Treaty;

permitting applicants to pre-qualify on the basis of self-declaring that they meet the qualification criteria without having to submit all of the required evidence which can be a significant administrative burden for an SME. Evidence in support of the declarations is only sought at the contract award stage; and sub-dividing larger requirements into lots where this is practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money.

All policy, guidance and implementation measures relating to capital projects are published on the Construction Procurement Reform website www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie where the Capital Works Management Framework provides a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents are available to download for all contracting authorities to provide a consistent approach to the management of public works projects.

Tendering is dealt with through a range of guidance notes and template documents such as Suitability Assessment Questionnaires, Instructions to Tenderers and Forms of Tender which may be downloaded and modified to suit each particular tender competition.

National Lottery Funding

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

280 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of allocations of National Lottery funding to Departmental expenditure programmes in 2011. [21750/12]

The surplus generated by the National Lottery is transferred annually to the Exchequer and is applied to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. The amount transferred to the Exchequer from the National Lottery surplus, together with details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant Lottery supported subheads, are published each year in Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) which gives a breakdown of allocations by programme. The provisional outturns for National Lottery supported subheads for 2011 are set out in Appendix 1 of the 2012 REV. The Appendix can be viewed at http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Rev-20121.pdf.

Public Service Staff

Michael McGrath

Question:

281 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a policy across the public service with regard to employees working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21857/12]

My Department has responsibility for e-working policy in the civil service. This is outlined in Circular 4/2003: Pilot schemes to promote e-working in the civil service. Most government departments introduced pilot e-working schemes.

In 2009, the Minister for Transport published "Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future” which represented a new transport policy for Ireland for the period 2009-2020. As part of the Smarter Travel Policy Framework, an interdepartmental working group, comprising of representatives from the then Departments of Transport, Finance, Enterprise Trade and Employment, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Environment Heritage and Local Government, HSE and the Office of Public Works was established to consider how best to progress the issue of e-working in the civil and public service. The conclusion of that working group was that although e-working was technologically feasible, it was likely that progress would be (a) over the long term as the public service engages in a process of transformative change and (b) through the initiatives of individual departments or agencies in promotinge-working as an accepted practice.

The transformation agenda accepted by both parties to the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 recognises that previously agreed work-life balance policies and arrangements may need to be reviewed and revised in the context of more integrated public services operating with a reduced cohort of staff. Under any such review of these arrangements, options for e-working may be considered where feasible. This would be a matter for each public service body to consider in light of their own business requirements.

Land Transfers

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

282 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Abbey Island Burial Ground, Derrynane, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21888/12]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to transfer land at Abbey Island, Burial Ground, Derrynane, Co. Kerry to Kerry County Council. The OPW is now in correspondence with Kerry County Council and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor in order to finalise the matter. I expect that progress on this can be reported within one month.

Job Protection

Billy Timmins

Question:

283 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a company (details supplied) and its intention to move jobs out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/12]

Jack Wall

Question:

305 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a submission (details supplied); if he has contacted the company involved; the results of such consultations if any; if he has met the trade union involved; the results of the meeting and the up, to date position of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 305 together.

Vodafone Ireland announced on 22 March that it had completed a review of the company's contracted mobile call-centre operations. As a result of this review, the company adopted a new model for its mobile customer care, resulting in a move to a new provider, Teleperformance. Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin have entered a six-week consultation process with employee representatives. With effect from 8 May, 27 Vodafone roles and 290 Rigney Dolphin contract roles will transfer to Teleperformance. Rigney Dolphin will remain a provider to Vodafone for other purposes. I have been assured by Vodafone Ireland that the transfer of service will observe the Transfer of Undertakings — Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.

I recently met with Vodafone Ireland and the company has confirmed that it is likely that work will move to the Teleperformance site in Newry. I also met representatives of the workers, their Union and local public representatives. I understand this transfer process will be a matter for Teleperformance, although Vodafone will continue to participate in the consultation period. I understand that Vodafone has agreed with Teleperformance that in the event of a move to Newry, all affected Vodafone and Rigney Dolphin employees will have the option to transfer to Newry when their role relocates. Teleperformance have guaranteed that terms and conditions will carry forward to Newry for those who choose to move, and alternatives for those who choose not to transfer will be discussed through the consultation process. While the situation that has arisen on this occasion is regrettable, it is nevertheless reflective of the competitive forces that affect the sector concerned.

In my meeting with Vodafone, the company made it clear that this decision has been taken for commercial reasons and they are not in a position to reverse it. The company have indicated that the work which they have on fixed line customer service is not under review and is performing well.

Trade Relations

Martin Ferris

Question:

284 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of imports and exports between this country and Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela between 2000 and 2011 for each individual year and to provide details of the main items. [21833/12]

Total Merchandise export and import figures for the years 2000 to 2011 are shown in the first two tables under in Appendix 1.

The table in appendix 2 shows total services import and export figures for 2003 to 2010. 2003 is the first year for which services trade figures are held by my Department and 2010 is the latest year for which CSO services statistics are available for individual countries. Of the 10 countries listed in the Deputy's question, Ireland had services trade with 6 of these, as shown in the table in Appendix 2.

Merchandise Trade

Exports

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

Argentina

48,801

57,846

26,345

23,632

24,309

34,513

34,956

30,763

29,950

34,180

64,425

60,312

Bolivia

472

77

345

171

243

277

571

560

896

847

2,010

4,792

Brazil

206,012

225,755

124,772

141,666

151,164

146,906

147,218

161,630

183,254

211,334

259,555

311,037

Chile

36,958

37,728

36,260

42,078

28,574

48,817

47,072

38,520

35,021

30,202

39,161

50,410

Colombia

24,465

32,717

35,275

28,561

22,435

22,852

28,893

36,011

28,474

26,588

29,679

31,733

Ecuador

5,599

5,123

6,214

3,931

5,348

12,683

11,116

5,788

14,536

7,358

9,000

9,133

Guyana

391

625

524

4,058

1,320

819

553

1,189

671

1,182

1,030

962

Paraguay

23,648

23,406

9,662

311

311

1,585

391

1,233

278

281

657

919

Uruguay

6,018

3,811

5,492

5,657

3,634

5,787

5,413

9,731

9,597

8,337

10,548

9,854

Venezuela

39,244

40,574

28,297

20,657

20,672

31,624

46,342

46,298

76,543

39,714

46,209

53,062

Imports

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

(€,000)

Argentina

38,922

34,424

45,388

44,230

38,784

68,951

80,132

99,318

87,938

108,472

100,844

167,065

Bolivia

49

99

94

132

53

45

66

61

197

304

796

448

Brazil

127,297

135,794

159,321

221,491

233,040

209,550

189,980

240,911

214,498

157,760

166,424

210,239

Chile

27,912

34,292

37,084

39,102

43,529

51,361

60,383

59,817

45,451

49,718

55,469

58,636

Colombia

17,680

16,563

16,315

14,770

17,829

6,920

6,627

12,586

11,177

5,029

6,522

12,892

Ecuador

728

754

678

550

1,084

1,693

1,741

1,790

1,417

1,383

1,681

1,981

Guyana

44

84

28

26

4

32

82

211

0

11

97

1,726

Paraguay

555

243

81

50

58

627

328

105

27

38

292

1,374

Uruguay

1,158

748

1,589

329

835

707

5,276

2,090

2,729

7,030

6,192

3,760

Venezuela

8,177

13,253

5,921

2,891

467

282

592

886

2,006

146

1,209

394

Services Trade

Exports (€m)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Argentina

*

28

35

38

40

30

29

37

Brazil

46

56

*

112

122

199

218

180

Chile

0

6

19

21

27

28

35

72

Colombia

9

17

23

39

40

51

62

74

Uruguay

0

2

13

13

18

*

*

*

Venezuela

50

9

*

27

20

28

0

0

Imports (€m)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Argentina

9

8

7

3

3

3

7

14

Brazil

*

8

*

8

14

70

10

49

Chile

0

1

*

4

4

7

2

9

Colombia

13

5

1

9

1

2

0

6

Uruguay

0

*

0

0

0

0

*

*

Venezuela

39

*

*

3

2

*

0

0

Please note

*Suppressed for confidentiality reasons

Top Ten Merchandise Exports and Imports

Argentina: 2006/2007

Exports

Argentina

Exports (€m)Jan-Dec 06

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 06

Exports (€m)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

% change onJan-Dec 06

35

31

-12%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

12

36%

11

36%

-12%

Computers

12

33%

7

24%

-36%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0

0%

3

10%

>>100%

Organic chemicals

1

3%

3

10%

>100%

Beverages

1

2%

1

4%

48%

Photographic apparatus; optical goods; watches clocks

2

5%

1

3%

-39%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

1

4%

1

3%

-28%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

3

7%

1

2%

-72%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

1

2%

1

2%

-28%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0

1%

0

1%

-10%

Argentina

Imports (€m)Jan-Dec 06

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 06

Imports (€m)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

% change onJan-Dec 06

80

99

24%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

60

75%

72

73%

21%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

5

7%

11

11%

>100%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

3

4%

4

4%

25%

Beverages

3

4%

3

3%

8%

Vegetables and fruit

3

3%

2

3%

-1%

Meat and meat preparations

1

1%

2

2%

>100%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

1

2%

2

2%

10%

Rubber manufactures

0

0%

0

0%

98%

Computers

0

0%

0

0%

>>100%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0

0%

0

0%

-4%

Argentina

Exports (€m)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€m)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

31

30

-3%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

11

36%

14

47%

28%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

3

10%

4

13%

19%

Organic chemicals

3

10%

3

11%

10%

Computers

7

24%

2

7%

-72%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0

1%

1

5%

>100%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

1

2%

1

4%

79%

Beverages

1

4%

1

3%

-30%

Photographic apparatus; optical goods; watches clocks

1

3%

1

3%

-18%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

1

3%

1

3%

-19%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1

2%

1

2%

-16%

Argentina

Imports (€m)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€m)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

99

84

-15%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

72

73%

69

82%

-5%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

11

11%

5

6%

-53%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

4

4%

3

4%

-21%

Vegetables and fruit

2

3%

2

3%

-7%

Computers

0

0%

1

1%

>100%

Plastics in primary forms

0

0%

1

1%

>>100%

Beverages

3

3%

1

1%

-71%

Meat and meat preparations

2

2%

0

0%

-81%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

2

2%

0

0%

-90%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

0

0%

0

0%

>100%

Argentina

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

29,950

33,490

12%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

13,935

47%

14,968

45%

7%

Computers

2,104

7%

5,719

17%

172%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

3,360

11%

3,838

11%

14%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

3,856

13%

1,823

5%

-53%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

1,061

4%

1,423

4%

34%

Medical Devices

777

3%

1,328

4%

71%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

827

3%

1,067

3%

29%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

1,411

5%

934

3%

-34%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

595

2%

392

1%

-34%

Contact Lenses and other optical goods

788

3%

382

1%

-52%

Argentina

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2008

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

87,938

100,976

15%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

69,023

78%

85,365

85%

24%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

4,017

5%

3,717

4%

-7%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

1,900

2%

3,102

3%

63%

Vegetables and fruit

2,820

3%

2,988

3%

6%

Computers

1,165

1%

1,640

2%

41%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

858

1%

1,028

1%

20%

Meat and meat preparations

457

1%

784

1%

72%

Aircraft engines and parts

0%

670

1%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

5,329

6%

613

1%

-88%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

33

0%

252

0%

664%

Argentina

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

34,180

64,425

88%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

15,112

44%

24,916

39%

65%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

934

3%

14,365

22%

1,438%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

6,208

18%

6,347

10%

2%

Aircraft engines and parts

95

0%

4,266

7%

4,391%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

3,838

11%

3,770

6%

-2%

Soft Drink concentrate

1,422

4%

2,389

4%

68%

Medical Devices

1,328

4%

2,157

3%

62%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

1,067

3%

1,554

2%

46%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

1,882

6%

1,127

2%

-40%

Aircraft and Parts (not including engines)

9

0%

858

1%

9,433%

Argentina

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

108,472

100,844

-7%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

92,688

85%

82,297

82%

-11%

Vegetables and fruit

3,001

3%

5,021

5%

67%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

3,717

3%

4,361

4%

17%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

3,184

3%

3,869

4%

22%

Plastics in primary forms

57

0%

1,376

1%

2314%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

1,028

1%

985

1%

-4%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

1,640

2%

807

1%

-51%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

613

1%

476

0%

-22%

Meat and meat preparations

848

1%

415

0%

-51%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

252

0%

196

0%

-22%

Argentina

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

64,425

60,312

-6%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

24,916

39%

26,384

44%

6%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

6,347

10%

17,072

28%

169%

Soft Drink concentrate

2,389

4%

5,041

8%

111%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

3,770

6%

4,067

7%

8%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

404

1%

2,582

4%

539%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

1,554

2%

1,960

3%

26%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

362

1%

1,015

2%

180%

Plastics in primary forms

236

0%

478

1%

103%

Medical Devices

2,157

3%

359

1%

-83%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

14,365

22%

318

1%

-98%

Argentina

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

100,844

167,065

66%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

82,297

82%

103,081

62%

25%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

4,361

4%

45,687

27%

948%

Vegetables and fruit

5,021

5%

5,932

4%

18%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

3,869

4%

3,732

2%

-4%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

807

1%

3,702

2%

359%

Plastics in primary forms

1,376

1%

1,436

1%

4%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

985

1%

809

0%

-18%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

476

0%

719

0%

51%

Meat and meat preparations

415

0%

660

0%

59%

Plastics in non-primary forms

39

0%

328

0%

741%

Bolivia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

571

560

-2%

Beverages

99

17%

150

27%

52%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

59

10%

107

19%

81%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

83

15%

88

16%

6%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0%

76

14%

Computers

211

37%

52

9%

-75%

Organic chemicals

61

11%

29

5%

-52%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

23

4%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

9

2%

18

3%

100%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

28

5%

11

2%

-61%

Manufactures of metals

0%

6

1%

Bolivia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

66

61

-8%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0%

39

64%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

5

8%

13

21%

160%

Cereals and cereal preparations

0%

3

5%

Vegetables and fruit

14

21%

2

3%

-86%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

23

35%

2

3%

-91%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

0

0%

1

2%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

0

0%

1

2%

Manufactures of metals

1

2%

0

0%

-100%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

0

0%

0%

Cork and wood

23

35%

0%

-100%

Bolivia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

560

896

60%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

76

14%

383

43%

404%

Computers

52

9%

126

14%

142%

Beverages

150

27%

100

11%

-33%

Organic chemicals

29

5%

77

9%

166%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

69

8%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

88

16%

67

7%

-24%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

107

19%

55

6%

-49%

Metalworking machinery

0%

5

1%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

23

4%

5

1%

-78%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

11

2%

4

0%

-64%

Bolivia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

61

161

164%

Vegetables and fruit

2

3%

112

70%

5,500%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

13

21%

38

24%

192%

Cereals and cereal preparations

3

5%

5

3%

67%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

2

3%

3

2%

50%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

0%

1

1%

Manufactures of metals

0

0%

1

1%

Unclassified Trade incl. Shannon Free Airport Trade

0%

1

1%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

0%

0

0%

Leather; leather manufactures; dressed furskins

0%

0

0%

Computers

0%

0

0%

Bolivia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

896

826

-8%

Computers

126

14%

237

29%

88%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

100

11%

159

19%

59%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

67

7%

102

12%

52%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

5

1%

69

8%

1,280%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

55

6%

65

8%

18%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

77

9%

55

7%

-29%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

383

43%

51

6%

-87%

Dairy products

0%

32

4%

Specialised industrial machinery

0%

30

4%

Aircraft engines and parts

0%

11

1%

Bolivia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2008

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

197

305

55%

Vegetables and fruit

148

75%

159

52%

7%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0%

54

18%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

38

19%

34

11%

-11%

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

0%

25

8%

Dairy products

0%

15

5%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

0%

10

3%

Meat and meat preparations

0%

4

1%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

1

1%

2

1%

100%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

3

2%

1

0%

-67%

Manufactures of metals

1

1%

1

0%

0%

Bolivia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

847

2,010

137%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

60

7%

612

30%

920%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

245

29%

530

26%

116%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

102

12%

249

12%

144%

Metalworking machinery

2

0%

199

10%

9,850%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

69

8%

101

5%

46%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

159

19%

77

4%

-52%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

69

8%

64

3%

-7%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

55

6%

62

3%

13%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

0%

41

2%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

34

2%

Bolivia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

304

796

162%

Vegetables and fruit

159

52%

692

87%

335%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

0%

43

5%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

54

18%

42

5%

-22%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

33

11%

8

1%

-76%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

0

0%

7

1%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

10

3%

1

0%

-90%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

0%

1

0%

Specialised industrial machinery

0%

1

0%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

0%

1

0%

Manufactures of metals

1

0%

0

0%

-100%

Bolivia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

2,010

4,792

138%

Aircraft engines and parts

12

1%

3,522

73%

29,250%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

530

26%

819

17%

55%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

249

12%

170

4%

-32%

Plastics in primary forms

34

2%

99

2%

191%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

101

5%

57

1%

-44%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

64

3%

38

1%

-41%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

41

2%

31

1%

-24%

Specialised industrial machinery

5

0%

26

1%

420%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

62

3%

22

0%

-65%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

4

0%

6

0%

50%

Bolivia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

796

448

-44%

Vegetables and fruit

692

87%

293

65%

-58%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

68

15%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

42

5%

32

7%

-24%

Cork and wood

0%

23

5%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

8

1%

14

3%

75%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

7

1%

7

2%

0%

Cereals and cereal preparations

0%

5

1%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

1

0%

2

0%

100%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

1

0%

1

0%

0%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0

0%

1

0%

Brazil

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

147,218

161,630

10%

Computers

31,405

21%

42,016

26%

34%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

42,872

29%

40,041

25%

-7%

Organic chemicals

33,441

23%

35,686

22%

7%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

4,299

3%

9,573

6%

123%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

5,700

4%

8,930

6%

57%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

8,060

5%

5,326

3%

-34%

Chemical materials and products

1,632

1%

3,977

2%

144%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3,968

3%

3,541

2%

-11%

Photographic apparatus; optical goods; watches clocks

2,470

2%

3,131

2%

27%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

2,460

2%

2,888

2%

17%

Brazil

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

189,980

240,911

27%

Vegetables and fruit

25,212

13%

57,738

24%

129%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

26,736

14%

35,748

15%

34%

Metalliferous ores and metal scrap

34,034

18%

31,937

13%

-6%

Meat and meat preparations

30,014

16%

27,673

11%

-8%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

24,412

13%

18,933

8%

-22%

Cereals and cereal preparations

39

0%

17,861

7%

45,697%

Footwear

6,694

4%

7,953

3%

19%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

3,292

2%

6,217

3%

89%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

5,217

3%

5,922

2%

14%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

2,197

1%

4,727

2%

115%

Brazil

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

161,630

183,234

13%

Organic chemicals

35,686

22%

60,112

33%

68%

Computers

42,016

26%

39,693

22%

-6%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

40,041

25%

38,261

21%

-4%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

5,326

3%

11,789

6%

121%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

9,573

6%

9,193

5%

-4%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

8,930

6%

6,049

3%

-32%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3,541

2%

5,155

3%

46%

Chemical materials and products

3,977

2%

2,807

2%

-29%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

2,888

2%

2,034

1%

-30%

Photographic apparatus; optical goods; watches clocks

3,131

2%

1,747

1%

-44%

Brazil

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

240,911

208,637

-13%

Vegetables and fruit

57,738

24%

64,074

31%

11%

Metalliferous ores and metal scrap

31,937

13%

32,311

15%

1%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

35,748

15%

25,401

12%

-29%

Cereals and cereal preparations

17,861

7%

18,532

9%

4%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

18,933

8%

13,215

6%

-30%

Meat and meat preparations

27,673

11%

12,629

6%

-54%

Organic chemicals

1,785

1%

10,877

5%

509%

Footwear

7,953

3%

8,436

4%

6%

Computers

3,896

2%

7,233

3%

86%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

5,922

2%

2,453

1%

-59%

Brazil

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 09

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 09

% change onJan-Dec 08

183,254

213,718

17%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

38,261

21%

75,432

35%

97%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

60,112

33%

58,486

27%

-3%

Computers

39,693

22%

44,116

21%

11%

Medical Devices

6,069

3%

7,915

4%

30%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

11,789

6%

6,222

3%

-47%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

9,193

5%

4,350

2%

-53%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

518

0%

3,397

2%

556%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

5,155

3%

3,048

1%

-41%

Contact Lenses and other optical goods

1,747

1%

2,606

1%

49%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

2,034

1%

2,289

1%

13%

Brazil

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 09

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 09

% change onJan-Dec 08

214,498

156,315

-27%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

25,401

12%

39,255

25%

55%

Vegetables and fruit

64,647

30%

34,878

22%

-46%

Meat and meat preparations

15,959

7%

14,670

9%

-8%

Alumina, zinc and other ores and Scrap Metal

32,311

15%

12,581

8%

-61%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

11,220

5%

9,282

6%

-17%

Computers

7,414

3%

6,964

4%

-6%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

13,238

6%

6,229

4%

-53%

Footwear

8,536

4%

5,908

4%

-31%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,552

1%

5,284

3%

240%

Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials

0%

4,268

3%

Brazil

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

211,334

259,555

23%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

76,816

36%

96,476

37%

26%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

52,013

25%

51,524

20%

-1%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

46,399

22%

50,736

20%

9%

Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials

5

0%

16,843

6%

336,760%

Medical Devices

7,915

4%

13,491

5%

70%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

4,777

2%

8,101

3%

70%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3,048

1%

3,724

1%

22%

Soft Drink concentrate

2,263

1%

3,626

1%

60%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

6,222

3%

2,655

1%

-57%

Contact Lenses and other optical goods

2,606

1%

2,583

1%

-1%

Brazil

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

157,760

166,424

5%

Alumina, zinc and other ores and Scrap Metal

12,581

8%

37,757

23%

200%

Vegetables and fruit

34,931

22%

36,610

22%

5%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

40,723

26%

31,862

19%

-22%

Meat and meat preparations

14,739

9%

13,997

8%

-5%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

5,286

3%

8,508

5%

61%

Cereals and cereal preparations

509

0%

7,443

4%

1,362%

Footwear

5,898

4%

4,814

3%

-18%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

6,963

4%

4,222

3%

-39%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

6,228

4%

2,584

2%

-59%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

944

1%

2,184

1%

131%

Brazil

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

259,555

311,037

20%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

96,476

37%

116,957

38%

21%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

51,524

20%

64,166

21%

25%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

50,736

20%

57,356

18%

13%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3,724

1%

20,249

7%

444%

Soft Drink concentrate

3,626

1%

11,296

4%

212%

Medical Devices

13,491

5%

9,319

3%

-31%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

8,101

3%

5,677

2%

-30%

Plastics in primary forms

493

0%

3,552

1%

620%

Contact Lenses and other optical goods

2,583

1%

3,234

1%

25%

Chemical materials and products

2,503

1%

2,796

1%

12%

Brazil

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

166,424

210,239

26%

Alumina, zinc and other ores and Scrap Metal

37,757

23%

57,654

27%

53%

Vegetables and fruit

36,610

22%

50,005

24%

37%

Aircraft and Parts (not including engines)

0

0%

25,360

12%

Meat and meat preparations

13,997

8%

17,114

8%

22%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,508

5%

10,751

5%

26%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

31,862

19%

8,962

4%

-72%

Aircraft engines and parts

1,402

1%

7,941

4%

466%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

1,537

1%

5,711

3%

272%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,860

1%

3,223

2%

73%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

4,222

3%

3,211

2%

-24%

Colombia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

28,893

36,011

25%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,080

28%

8,465

24%

5%

Organic chemicals

496

2%

6,351

18%

1,180%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

12,068

42%

5,939

16%

-51%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

447

2%

4,953

14%

1,008%

Beverages

2,012

7%

3,227

9%

60%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

2,348

8%

2,744

8%

17%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

602

2%

1,366

4%

127%

Computers

834

3%

1,052

3%

26%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

791

3%

584

2%

-26%

Chemical materials and products

72

0%

343

1%

376%

Colombia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

6,627

12,586

90%

Vegetables and fruit

1,695

26%

6,942

55%

310%

Coal, coke and briquettes

835

13%

1,827

15%

119%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

2,139

32%

1,677

13%

-22%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

535

8%

796

6%

49%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

459

7%

553

4%

20%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

397

6%

373

3%

-6%

Certain other misc products (incl. Estimates)

94

1%

134

1%

43%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

116

2%

98

1%

-16%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

36

1%

44

0%

22%

Organic chemicals

0%

38

0%

Colombia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2008

% change onJan-Dec 2007

36,011

28,361

-21%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,465

24%

8,280

29%

-2%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

5,939

16%

5,278

19%

-11%

Organic chemicals

6,351

18%

4,269

15%

-33%

Beverages

3,227

9%

2,031

7%

-37%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1,366

4%

1,711

6%

25%

Computers

1,052

3%

1,640

6%

56%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

2,744

8%

1,568

6%

-43%

Specialised industrial machinery

262

1%

993

4%

279%

Chemical materials and products

343

1%

486

2%

42%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

4,953

14%

444

2%

-91%

Colombia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

12,586

10,660

-15%

Vegetables and fruit

6,942

55%

4,655

44%

-33%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

0

0%

2,257

21%

Coal, coke and briquettes

1,827

15%

1,254

12%

-31%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,677

13%

1,217

11%

-27%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

796

6%

516

5%

-35%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

373

3%

235

2%

-37%

Certain other misc products (incl. Estimates)

134

1%

220

2%

64%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

98

1%

175

2%

79%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

30

0%

32

0%

7%

Beverages

8

0%

19

0%

138%

Colombia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec-08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec-08

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec-09

% of total ExportsJan-Dec-09

% change onJan-Dec-08

28,474

26,407

-7%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,280

29%

8,362

32%

1%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

5,278

19%

5,809

22%

10%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

444

2%

3,554

13%

700%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

4,269

15%

2,455

9%

-42%

Computers

1,640

6%

1,842

7%

12%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

1,711

6%

1,567

6%

-8%

Medical Devices

1,681

6%

886

3%

-47%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

2,031

7%

768

3%

-62%

Plastics in non-primary forms

0%

260

1%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

214

1%

252

1%

18%

Colombia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec-08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec-08

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec-09

% of total ImportsJan-Dec-09

% change onJan-Dec-08

11,177

5,025

-55%

Vegetables and fruit

4,753

43%

2,398

48%

-50%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,202

11%

1,102

22%

-8%

Coal, coke and briquettes

1,132

10%

534

11%

-53%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

516

5%

399

8%

-23%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

636

6%

205

4%

-68%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

2,257

20%

112

2%

-95%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

241

2%

111

2%

-54%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

32

0%

41

1%

28%

Manufactures of metals

8

0%

28

1%

250%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

20

0%

24

0%

20%

Colombia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

26,588

29,679

12%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,496

32%

11,398

38%

34%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

1,889

7%

4,238

14%

124%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

1,567

6%

3,712

13%

137%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

5,809

22%

3,623

12%

-38%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

768

3%

1,903

6%

148%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

3,554

13%

1,392

5%

-61%

Medical Devices

886

3%

886

3%

0%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

2,455

9%

877

3%

-64%

Soft Drink concentrate

252

1%

588

2%

133%

Specialised industrial machinery

113

0%

291

1%

158%

Colombia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

5,029

6,522

30%

Vegetables and fruit

2,402

48%

2,619

40%

9%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,102

22%

1,543

24%

40%

Coal, coke and briquettes

534

11%

1,034

16%

94%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

399

8%

231

4%

-42%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

3

0%

209

3%

6,867%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

205

4%

183

3%

-11%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

20

0%

169

3%

745%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

4

0%

161

2%

3,925%

Certain other misc products (incl. Estimates)

0%

108

2%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

111

2%

83

1%

-25%

Colombia

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

29,679

31,733

7%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

11,398

38%

8,016

25%

-30%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

4,238

14%

7,836

25%

85%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

3,623

12%

4,459

14%

23%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

3,712

13%

3,783

12%

2%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

268

1%

2,223

7%

729%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

1,903

6%

2,118

7%

11%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

1,392

5%

855

3%

-39%

Medical Devices

886

3%

837

3%

-6%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

877

3%

602

2%

-31%

Soft Drink concentrate

588

2%

512

2%

-13%

Colombia

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

6,522

12,892

98%

Vegetables and fruit

2,619

40%

5,914

46%

126%

Coal, coke and briquettes

1,034

16%

3,937

31%

281%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,543

24%

2,080

16%

35%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

231

4%

417

3%

81%

Certain other misc products (incl. Estimates)

108

2%

152

1%

41%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

209

3%

79

1%

-62%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

83

1%

60

0%

-28%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

56

1%

60

0%

7%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

34

1%

43

0%

26%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

161

2%

31

0%

-81%

Chile

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

47,072

38,520

-18%

Chemical materials and products

23,570

50%

14,868

39%

-37%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

11,799

25%

7,486

19%

-37%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

255

1%

5,505

14%

2,059%

Beverages

1,453

3%

2,273

6%

56%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

531

1%

1,835

5%

246%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

913

2%

1,043

3%

14%

Computers

1,583

3%

950

2%

-40%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

607

1%

782

2%

29%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

2,648

6%

714

2%

-73%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1,302

3%

651

2%

-50%

Chile

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

60,383

59,817

-1%

Beverages

36,242

60%

36,255

61%

0%

Vegetables and fruit

9,541

16%

11,540

19%

21%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,330

2%

2,443

4%

84%

Computers

2,306

4%

2,383

4%

3%

Meat and meat preparations

4,278

7%

2,355

4%

-45%

Footwear

2,435

4%

2,324

4%

-5%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

46

0%

463

1%

907%

Pulp and waste paper

102

0%

451

1%

342%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

218

0%

352

1%

61%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

161

0%

246

0%

53%

Chile

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

38,520

34,914

-9%

Chemical materials and products

14,868

39%

16,640

48%

12%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

7,486

19%

5,932

17%

-21%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

1,835

5%

1,820

5%

-1%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

613

2%

1,799

5%

193%

Computers

950

2%

1,391

4%

46%

Beverages

2,273

6%

1,372

4%

-40%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

782

2%

1,043

3%

33%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

1,043

3%

756

2%

-28%

Dairy products

481

1%

522

1%

9%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

651

2%

420

1%

-35%

Chile

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

59,817

31,883

-47%

Beverages

36,255

61%

11,684

37%

-68%

Vegetables and fruit

11,540

19%

9,860

31%

-15%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

2,443

4%

3,739

12%

53%

Footwear

2,324

4%

2,359

7%

2%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

0%

935

3%

Meat and meat preparations

2,355

4%

477

1%

-80%

Computers

2,383

4%

397

1%

-83%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

246

0%

339

1%

38%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

10

0%

278

1%

2,680%

Manufactures of metals

30

0%

277

1%

823%

Chile

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec-08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec-08

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec-09

% of total ExportsJan-Dec-09

% change onJan-Dec-08

35,021

29,881

-15%

Chemical materials and products

16,640

48%

13,860

46%

-17%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

5,932

17%

6,102

20%

3%

Medical Devices

1,043

3%

1,406

5%

35%

Computers

1,391

4%

1,377

5%

-1%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

204

1%

1,136

4%

457%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

756

2%

897

3%

19%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

407

1%

675

2%

66%

Aircraft engines and parts

397

1%

622

2%

57%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

1,799

5%

577

2%

-68%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

420

1%

541

2%

29%

Chile

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec-08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec-08

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec-09

% of total ImportsJan-Dec-09

% change onJan-Dec-08

45,451

49,511

9%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

25,068

55%

32,771

66%

31%

Vegetables and fruit

9,952

22%

8,443

17%

-15%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

3,739

8%

3,057

6%

-18%

Footwear

2,359

5%

1,419

3%

-40%

Meat and meat preparations

500

1%

1,214

2%

143%

Aircraft engines and parts

46

0%

595

1%

1,193%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

285

1%

308

1%

8%

Computers

398

1%

264

1%

-34%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

339

1%

250

1%

-26%

Feeding stuff for animals (excl. unmilled cereals)

935

2%

224

0%

-76%

Chile

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

30,202

39,161

30%

Chemical materials and products

13,860

46%

18,849

48%

36%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

6,386

21%

8,903

23%

39%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

1,441

5%

2,090

5%

45%

Medical Devices

1,406

5%

1,782

5%

27%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

1,136

4%

1,636

4%

44%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

675

2%

1,102

3%

63%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

502

2%

1,069

3%

113%

Soft Drink concentrate

859

3%

609

2%

-29%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

540

2%

608

2%

13%

Dairy products

326

1%

555

1%

70%

Chile

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

49,718

55,469

12%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

33,095

67%

38,124

69%

15%

Vegetables and fruit

8,444

17%

11,474

21%

36%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

3,057

6%

3,378

6%

11%

Footwear

1,419

3%

884

2%

-38%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

264

1%

314

1%

19%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

94

0%

302

1%

221%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

250

1%

194

0%

-22%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

24

0%

159

0%

563%

Rubber manufactures

13

0%

101

0%

677%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

308

1%

84

0%

-73%

Chile

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

39,161

50,410

29%

Chemical materials and products

18,849

48%

19,505

39%

3%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

8,903

23%

9,608

19%

8%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

2,090

5%

5,291

10%

153%

Soft Drink concentrate

609

2%

4,073

8%

569%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

1,636

4%

2,381

5%

46%

Medical Devices

1,782

5%

2,323

5%

30%

Specialised industrial machinery

298

1%

1,764

3%

492%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

1,102

3%

1,415

3%

28%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

608

2%

795

2%

31%

Dairy products

555

1%

780

2%

41%

Chile

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

55,469

58,636

6%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

38,124

69%

36,860

63%

-3%

Vegetables and fruit

11,474

21%

11,048

19%

-4%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

3,378

6%

4,708

8%

39%

Crude fertilisers and minerals, excl. coal, petroleum etc.

0%

1,414

2%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

314

1%

1,122

2%

257%

Dairy products

0%

726

1%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

302

1%

581

1%

92%

Inorganic chemicals

0%

499

1%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

159

0%

238

0%

50%

Footwear

884

2%

209

0%

-76%

Ecuador

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

11,116

5,788

-48%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

4,787

43%

1,296

22%

-73%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,385

12%

1,182

20%

-15%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

530

5%

839

14%

58%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

2,275

20%

709

12%

-69%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

4

0%

509

9%

12,625%

Organic chemicals

232

2%

432

7%

86%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

48

0%

272

5%

467%

Beverages

107

1%

183

3%

71%

Plastics in primary forms

59

1%

168

3%

185%

Power generating machinery and equipment

0%

65

1%

Ecuador

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

1,741

1,790

3%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

876

50%

1,093

61%

25%

Vegetables and fruit

433

25%

501

28%

16%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

17

1%

104

6%

512%

Chemical materials and products

22

1%

40

2%

82%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

23

1%

19

1%

-17%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

15

1%

12

1%

-20%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

2

0%

7

0%

250%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

1

0%

3

0%

200%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

35

2%

3

0%

-91%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

2

0%

2

0%

0%

Ecuador

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

5,788

14,536

151%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

509

9%

8,124

56%

1,496%

Computers

37

1%

2,334

16%

6,208%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,182

20%

1,195

8%

1%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

709

12%

1,062

7%

50%

Organic chemicals

432

7%

1,053

7%

144%

Beverages

183

3%

379

3%

107%

Specialised industrial machinery

7

0%

121

1%

1,629%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1,296

22%

60

0%

-95%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

45

1%

58

0%

29%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

839

14%

54

0%

-94%

Ecuador

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

1,790

777

-57%

Vegetables and fruit

501

28%

713

92%

42%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

12

1%

25

3%

108%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

19

1%

14

2%

-26%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1

0%

5

1%

400%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

7

0%

5

1%

-29%

Manufactures of metals

0

0%

4

1%

Computers

0

0%

3

0%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

3

0%

2

0%

-33%

Footwear

0

0%

2

0%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

1

0%

1

0%

0%

Ecuador

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 09

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 09

% change onJan-Dec 08

14,536

7,358

-49%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

1,062

7%

3,598

49%

239%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

8,124

56%

1,759

24%

-78%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,195

8%

1,131

15%

-5%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

379

3%

164

2%

-57%

Specialised industrial machinery

121

1%

153

2%

26%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

1,053

7%

114

2%

-89%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

60

0%

105

1%

75%

Medical Devices

10

0%

88

1%

780%

Computers

2,334

16%

77

1%

-97%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

58

0%

57

1%

-2%

Ecuador

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 09

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 09

% change onJan-Dec 08

1,417

1,382

-2%

Vegetables and fruit

676

48%

844

61%

25%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

677

48%

484

35%

-29%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0%

17

1%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

14

1%

10

1%

-29%

Medical Devices

0

0%

7

1%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

7

1%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

25

2%

5

0%

-80%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

5

0%

4

0%

-20%

Iron and steel

0%

2

0%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

2

0%

1

0%

-50%

Ecuador

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

7,358

9,000

22%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

3,598

49%

4,372

49%

22%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

105

1%

2,279

25%

2,070%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,131

15%

1,165

13%

3%

Medical Devices

88

1%

280

3%

218%

Specialised industrial machinery

153

2%

248

3%

62%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

164

2%

179

2%

9%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

114

2%

173

2%

52%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

77

1%

113

1%

47%

Soft Drink concentrate

57

1%

69

1%

21%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0

0%

49

1%

Ecuador

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

1,383

1,681

22%

Vegetables and fruit

845

61%

1,250

74%

48%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

0%

237

14%

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and preparations thereof

484

35%

99

6%

-80%

Iron and steel

2

0%

28

2%

1,300%

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

0

0%

21

1%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

10

1%

12

1%

20%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

12

1%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

5

0%

9

1%

80%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

1

0%

3

0%

200%

Meat and meat preparations

0%

3

0%

Ecuador

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

9,000

9,133

1%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

4,372

49%

5,215

57%

19%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

113

1%

1,380

15%

1,121%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

1,165

13%

1,323

14%

14%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

2,279

25%

491

5%

-78%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

49

1%

230

3%

369%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

179

2%

210

2%

17%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

173

2%

93

1%

-46%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

19

0%

73

1%

284%

Soft Drink concentrate

69

1%

72

1%

4%

Specialised industrial machinery

248

3%

22

0%

-91%

Ecuador

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

1,681

1,981

18%

Vegetables and fruit

1,250

74%

946

48%

-24%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

237

14%

508

26%

114%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

9

1%

226

11%

2,411%

Meat and meat preparations

3

0%

52

3%

1,633%

Aircraft engines and parts

0%

38

2%

Plastics in primary forms

12

1%

35

2%

192%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

0%

30

2%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

12

1%

27

1%

125%

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

21

1%

22

1%

5%

Manufactures of metals

0%

18

1%

Guyana

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

553

1,189

115%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

522

94%

533

45%

2%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

0%

518

44%

Beverages

0%

85

7%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

0%

50

4%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

3

1%

2

0%

-33%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

2

0%

1

0%

-50%

Chemical materials and products

12

2%

0

0%

-100%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

0

0%

0%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

14

3%

0%

-100%

Guyana

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

82

211

157%

Beverages

76

93%

171

81%

125%

Cork and wood

0%

29

14%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

0%

6

3%

Vegetables and fruit

0%

5

2%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0%

0

0%

Specialised industrial machinery

0

0%

0

0%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

2

2%

0

0%

-100%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

0%

0

0%

Metalliferous ores and metal scrap

4

5%

0%

-100%

Metalworking machinery

0

0%

0%

Guyana

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

1,189

671

-44%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

533

45%

528

79%

-1%

Dairy products

0%

87

13%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

0%

51

8%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

2

0%

3

0%

50%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

1

0%

1

0%

0%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

0%

1

0%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

518

44%

0

0%

-100%

Beverages

85

7%

0%

-100%

Chemical materials and products

0

0%

0%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

50

4%

0%

-100%

No Imports in this period

Guyana

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 09

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 09

% change onJan-Dec 08

671

1,182

76%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

528

79%

556

47%

5%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

0

0%

409

35%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

51

8%

127

11%

149%

Medical Devices

0%

90

8%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0%

0

0%

Specialised industrial machinery

0%

0

0%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

0

0%

Dairy products

87

13%

0%

-100%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

3

0%

0%

-100%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

1

0%

0%

-100%

Guyana

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan- Dec 08

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec 09

% of total ImportsJan- Dec 09

% change onJan- Dec 08

0

11

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

6

55%

Cereals and cereal preparations

2

18%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

0

1

9%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

0

1

9%

Specialised industrial machinery

1

9%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

0

0

0%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0

0%

Crude fertilisers and minerals, excl. coal, petroleum etc.

0

0%

Road vehicles

0

0%

Travel goods, handbags and similar containers

0

0%

Guyana

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

1,182

1,030

-13%

Soft Drink concentrate

556

47%

505

49%

-9%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

409

35%

254

25%

-38%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

0%

212

21%

-

Medical Devices

90

8%

42

4%

-53%

Manufactures of metals

0%

8

1%

-

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

127

11%

7

1%

-94%

Specialised industrial machinery

0

0%

1

0%

-

Textile fibres and their wastes

0%

1

0%

-

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0

0%

0

0%

-

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

0%

0

0%

-

Guyana

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

11

97

782%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

1

9%

95

98%

9,400%

Crude fertilisers and minerals, excl. coal, petroleum etc.

0%

22%

Specialised industrial machinery

1

9%

0

0%

-100%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

0

0%

0

0%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

6

55%

0%

-100%

Cereals and cereal preparations

2

18%

0%

-100%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

1

9%

0%

-100%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0

0%

0%

Guyana

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

1,030

962

-7%

Soft Drink concentrate

505

49%

635

66%

26%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0%

122

13%

Medical Devices

42

4%

80

8%

90%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

212

21%

79

8%

-63%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0%

33

3%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

7

1%

13

1%

86%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

254

25%

0

0%

-100%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0

0%

0

0%

Manufactures of metals

8

1%

0%

-100%

Textile fibres and their wastes

1

0%

0%

-100%

Guyana

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

97

1,726

1679%

Alumina, zinc and other ores and Scrap Meta

0%

1,677

97%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

0%

35

2%

Cork and wood

0%

7

0%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

95

98%

6

0%

-94%

Specialised industrial machinery

0

0%

1

0%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

0

0%

0

0%

Crude fertilisers and minerals, excl. coal, petroleum etc.

2

2%

0%

-100%

Paraguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

391

1,233

215%

Computers

1

0%

963

78%

96,200%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

2

1%

162

13%

8,000%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

99

25%

57

5%

-42%

Beverages

16

4%

45

4%

181%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

4

1%

6

0%

50%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

268

69%

0%

-100%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

1

0%

0%

-100%

Paraguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

328

105

-68%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

66

20%

25

24%

-62%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

1

0%

20

19%

1,900%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

30

9%

17

16%

-43%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0%

10

10%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

0%

7

7%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

0%

7

7%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

6

6%

Leather; leather manufactures; dressed furskins

10

3%

3

3%

-70%

Manufactures of metals

15

5%

3

3%

-80%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0%

2

2%

Paraguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

% change onJan-Dec 2007

1,233

278

-77%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

57

5%

143

51%

151%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

162

13%

50

18%

-69%

Beverages

45

4%

49

18%

9%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

31

11%

Computers

963

78%

3

1%

-100%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

6

0%

2

1%

-67%

Paraguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

% change onJan-Dec 2007

105

27

-74%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

17

16%

8

30%

-53%

Cork and wood

0%6

2

2%

Leather; leather manufactures; dressed furskins

3

3%

6

22%

100%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

20

19%

6

22%

-70%

Road vehicles

0%

1

4%

Beverages

0%

0

0%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1

1%

0

0%

-100%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

1

1%

0%

-100%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

0

0%

0%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

7

7%

0%

-100%

Paraguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

278

281

1%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

143

51%

183

65%

28%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

49

18%

39

14%

-20%

Plastics in primary forms

31

11%

32

11%

3%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0%

19

7%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

50

18%

4

1%

-92%

Medical Devices

2

1%

2

1%

0%

Chemical materials and products

0%

2

1%

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

0%

0

0%

Shannon Free Airport Trade and Unclassified Trade

0%

0

0%

Computers

3

1%

0%

-100%

Paraguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2008

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2008

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

% change onJan-Dec 2008

27

38

41%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

8

30%

35

92%

338%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

3

8%

Leather; leather manufactures; dressed furskins

6

22%

0

0%

-100%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

6

22%

0

0%

-100%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

0

0%

0

0%

Computers

0%

0

0%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0%

0

0%

Cork and wood

6

22%

0%

-100%

Road vehicles

1

4%

0%

-100%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

0

0%

0%

Paraguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

281

657

134%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

0%

230

35%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

183

65%

169

26%

-8%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

19

7%

111

17%

484%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

58

9%

Plastics in primary forms

32

11%

34

5%

6%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

39

14%

33

5%

-15%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

0%

7

1%

Specialised industrial machinery

0%

6

1%

Chemical materials and products

2

1%

4

1%

100%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

4

1%

3

0%

-25%

Paraguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

38

292

668%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

269

92%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

35

92%

18

6%

-49%

Contact Lenses and other optical goods

0%

4

1%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

0

0%

1

0%

Vegetables and fruit

0%

0

0%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

0%

0

0%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0%

0

0%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

0%

0

0%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0%

0

0%

-

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3

8%

0%

-100%

Paraguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

657

919

40%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

230

35%

342

37%

49%

Specialised industrial machinery

6

1%

256

28%

4,167%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

169

26%

139

15%

-18%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

33

5%

55

6%

67%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

7

1%

37

4%

429%

Plastics in primary forms

34

5%

35

4%

3%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

58

9%

28

3%

-52%

Aircraft engines and parts

0%

12

1%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

3

0%

7

1%

133%

Chemical materials and products

4

1%

4

0%

0%

Paraguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

292

1,374

371%

Plastics in primary forms

269

92%

1,268

92%

371%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

0%

67

5%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

0%

28

2%

Medical Devices

0%

9

1%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

0%

1

0%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0%

1

0%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

1

0%

0

0%

-100%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

0%

0

0%

Leather; leather manufactures; dressed furskins

0%

0

0%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

0%

0

0%

Uruguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

5,413

9,731

80%

Hides, skins and furskins, raw

1,552

29%

4,680

48%

202%

Plastics in primary forms

636

12%

745

8%

17%

Beverages

339

6%

706

7%

108%

Computers

134

2%

676

7%

404%

Specialised industrial machinery

10

0%

625

6%

6,150%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

545

10%

614

6%

13%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

228

4%

572

6%

151%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

8

0%

320

3%

3,900%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

233

4%

230

2%

-1%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

153

3%

186

2%

22%

Uruguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2006

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

5,276

2,090

-60%

Vegetables and fruit

1,149

22%

914

44%

-20%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

0%

672

32%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

0%

112

5%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

68

1%

77

4%

13%

Cork and wood

0%

75

4%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

0%

74

4%

Computers

0%

33

2%

Beverages

68

1%

26

1%

-62%

Non-metallic mineral manufactures

0%

25

1%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

24

1%

Uruguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

9,731

9,597

-1%

Manufactures of metals

5

0%

2,782

29%

55,540%

Hides, skins and furskins, raw

4,680

48%

1,886

20%

-60%

Beverages

706

7%

1,008

11%

43%

Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus

572

6%

869

9%

52%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

186

2%

696

7%

274%

Plastics in primary forms

745

8%

645

7%

-13%

Computers

676

7%

514

5%

-24%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

320

3%

345

4%

8%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

12

0%

202

2%

1,583%

Specialised industrial machinery

625

6%

199

2%

-68%

Uruguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

2,090

2,052

-2%

Meat and meat preparations

8

0%

1,339

65%

16638%

Vegetables and fruit

914

44%

300

15%

-67%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

672

32%

199

10%

-70%

Computers

33

2%

77

4%

133%

Iron and steel

0%

40

2%

Plastics in non-primary forms

0%

38

2%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

77

4%

23

1%

-70%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

8

0%

13

1%

63%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

3

0%

7

0%

133%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

5

0%

5

0%

0%

Uruguay

Exports (€000)Jan- Dec-08

% of total ExportsJan- Dec-08

Exports (€000)Jan- Dec-09

% of total ExportsJan- Dec-09

% change onJan- Dec-08

9,597

8,304

-13%

Medical Devices

869

9%

2,064

25%

138%

Hides, skins and furskins, raw

1,886

20%

1,140

14%

-40%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

202

2%

1,072

13%

431%

Manufactures of metals

2,782

29%

1,039

13%

-63%

Computers

514

5%

821

10%

60%

Plastics in primary forms

645

7%

803

10%

24%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

1,008

11%

471

6%

-53%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

696

7%

353

4%

-49%

Specialised industrial machinery

199

2%

155

2%

-22%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

345

4%

85

1%

-75%

Uruguay

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec-08

% of total ImportsJan- Dec-08

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec-09

% of total ImportsJan- Dec-09

% change onJan- Dec-08

2,729

7,023

157%

Meat and meat preparations

1,882

69%

6,425

91%

241%

Vegetables and fruit

300

11%

409

6%

36%

Medical Devices

0%

56

1%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

23

1%

35

0%

52%

Computers

77

3%

27

0%

-65%

Chemical materials and products

0

0%

14

0%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

0%

11

0%

Dyeing, tanning and colouring materials

1

0%

10

0%

900%

Aircraft and Parts (not including engines)

0%

9

0%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

13

0%

7

0%

-46%

Uruguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

8,337

10,548

27%

Medical Devices

2,064

25%

2,910

28%

41%

Hides, skins and furskins, raw

1,140

14%

1,622

15%

42%

Plastics in primary forms

803

10%

1,110

11%

38%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

62

1%

762

7%

1,129%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

841

10%

750

7%

-11%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

471

6%

638

6%

35%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

1,072

13%

565

5%

-47%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

366

4%

555

5%

52%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

85

1%

318

3%

274%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

15

0%

316

3%

2007%

Uruguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

7,030

6,192

-12%

Meat and meat preparations

6,425

91%

4,855

78%

-24%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

0

0%

419

7%

Vegetables and fruit

416

6%

408

7%

-2%

Medical Devices

56

1%

142

2%

154%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

27

0%

60

1%

122%

Chemical materials and products

14

0%

53

1%

279%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

0%

47

1%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0

0%

33

1%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

33

1%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

35

0%

26

0%

-26%

Uruguay

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

10,548

9,854

-7%

Medical Devices

2,910

28%

2,474

25%

-15%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

638

6%

1,428

14%

124%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

750

7%

1,160

12%

55%

Plastics in primary forms

1,110

11%

1,119

11%

1%

Hides, skins and furskins, raw

1,622

15%

768

8%

-53%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

555

5%

687

7%

24%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

565

5%

486

5%

-14%

Manufactures of metals

267

3%

473

5%

77%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

762

7%

463

5%

-39%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

126

1%

175

2%

39%

Uruguay

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

6,192

3,760

-39%

Meat and meat preparations

4,855

78%

2,033

54%

-58%

Makeup Products, Softdrink Concentrate, Hair products

419

7%

1,134

30%

171%

Vegetables and fruit

408

7%

220

6%

-46%

Plastics in primary forms

33

1%

143

4%

333%

Sugar, sugar preparation and honey

47

1%

46

1%

-2%

Cork and wood manufactures (excl. furniture)

21

0%

34

1%

62%

Iron and steel

0%

33

1%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

25

0%

22

1%

-12%

Shannon Free Airport Trade and Unclassified Trade

0

0%

20

1%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

26

0%

17

0%

-35%

Venezuela

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2006

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2006

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2007

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2007

% change onJan-Dec 2006

46,342

46,298

0%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

20,387

44%

12,990

28%

-36%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

11,263

24%

11,297

24%

0%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

9

0%

6,987

15%

77,533%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

3,079

7%

5,192

11%

69%

Computers

7,043

15%

2,294

5%

-67%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

250

1%

1,831

4%

632%

Beverages

581

1%

1,769

4%

204%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

809

2%

1,036

2%

28%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

2

0%

1,006

2%

50,200%

Dairy products

742

2%

520

1%

-30%

Venezuela

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

46,298

76,543

65%

Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

12,990

28%

46,760

61%

260%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

11,297

24%

15,754

21%

39%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

6,987

15%

4,713

6%

-33%

Organic chemicals

262

1%

2,617

3%

899%

Dairy products

520

1%

2,252

3%

333%

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

1,036

2%

1,036

1%

0%

Other transport equipment

0%

1,000

1%

Beverages

1,769

4%

753

1%

-57%

Computers

2,294

5%

625

1%

-73%

Specialised industrial machinery

39

0%

273

0%

600%

Venezuela

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 07

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 07

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 08

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 08

% change onJan-Dec 07

886

1,918

116%

Computers

1

0%

1,426

74%

142,500%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

237

12%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

104

12%

167

9%

61%

General industrial machinery and equipment and parts

0%

26

1%

Photographic apparatus; optical goods; watches clocks

16

2%

21

1%

31%

Specialised industrial machinery

1

0%

12

1%

1,100%

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and parts

0

0%

11

1%

Furniture and parts thereof; bedding, cushions etc

0%

11

1%

Iron and steel

0%

3

0%

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products

1

0%

1

0%

0%

Venezuela

Exports (€000)Jan- Dec-08

% of total ExportsJan- Dec-08

Exports (€000)Jan- Dec-09

% of total ExportsJan- Dec-09

% change onJan- Dec-08

76,543

39,577

-48%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

15,754

21%

20,947

53%

33%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

46,760

61%

14,237

36%

-70%

Computers

625

1%

1,606

4%

157%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

4,713

6%

687

2%

-85%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

753

1%

549

1%

-27%

Dairy products

2,252

3%

358

1%

-84%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

58

0%

273

1%

371%

Essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preps

213

0%

254

1%

19%

Medical Devices

64

0%

123

0%

92%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

2,617

3%

115

0%

-96%

Venezuela

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec-08

% of total ImportsJan- Dec-08

Imports (€000)Jan- Dec-09

% of total ImportsJan- Dec-09

% change onJan- Dec-08

2,006

146

-93%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

167

8%

53

36%

-68%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

0%

44

30%

Computers

1,426

71%

42

29%

-97%

Specialised industrial machinery

12

1%

5

3%

-58%

Footwear

1

0%

1

1%

0%

Pacemakers, cds, dvds and other digital media

1

0%

1

1%

0%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

11

1%

0

0%

-100%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

1

0%

0

0%

-100%

Paper, paperboard and articles thereof

0

0%

0

0%

Manufactures of metals

0

0%

0

0%

Venezuela

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2009

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ExportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

39,714

46,209

16%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

21,028

53%

25,053

54%

19%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

14,237

36%

8,974

19%

-37%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

1,663

4%

3,885

8%

134%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

115

0%

3,765

8%

3,174%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

105

0%

1,194

3%

1,037%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

273

1%

860

2%

215%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

549

1%

577

1%

5%

Soft Drink concentrate

254

1%

548

1%

116%

Dairy products

358

1%

277

1%

-23%

Medical Devices

123

0%

275

1%

124%

Venezuela

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2009

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2009

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

% change onJan-Dec 2009

146

1,209

728%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

44

30%

720

60%

1,536%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

42

29%

219

18%

421%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

1

1%

99

8%

9,800%

Crude animal and vegetable materials

0%

54

4%

Aircraft and Parts (not including engines)

0%

50

4%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

0

0%

48

4%

Medical Devices

0%

9

1%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

0

0%

3

0%

Footwear

1

1%

2

0%

100%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

0

0%

2

0%

Venezuela

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Exports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

46,209

53,062

15%

Medical and pharmaceutical products

25,053

54%

20,490

39%

-18%

Infant foods and other misc. edible products and preparations

8,974

19%

14,293

27%

59%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

3,885

8%

6,951

13%

79%

Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)

3,765

8%

5,291

10%

41%

Coffee, tea cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

1,194

3%

1,664

3%

39%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

860

2%

850

2%

-1%

Spirits\Whiskey, Beer\Cider and other Beverages

577

1%

583

1%

1%

Aircraft engines and parts

13

0%

534

1%

4,008%

Soft Drink concentrate

548

1%

442

1%

-19%

Stents, Pacemakers, digital media, Artificial Body Parts etc

154

0%

442

1%

187%

Venezuela

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2010

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2010

Imports (€000)Jan-Dec 2011

% of total ImportsJan-Dec 2011

% change onJan-Dec 2010

1,209

394

-67%

Medical Devices

9

1%

90

23%

900%

Misc Plastic, Stents, Other Misc Articles

99

8%

76

19%

-23%

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits

0%

53

13%

Computers, Computer Parts and Storage Devices

219

18%

49

12%

-78%

Plastics in primary forms

0%

45

11%

Manufactures of metals

0%

30

8%

Non-alcoholic Beverages, Beer and Wine

1

0%

26

7%

2,500%

Electronic Components and integrated circuits

3

0%

23

6%

667%

Telecommunications and sound equipment

48

4%

1

0%

-98%

Articles of apparel; clothing accessories

2

0%

1

0%

-50%

Tribunals of Inquiry

Micheál Martin

Question:

285 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress made on the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/12]

The Moriarty Tribunal made two recommendations for changes to company law, as follows:

That a provision similar to section 172 of the UK Companies Act, 2006 be adopted, together with the adoption of additional implementation or enforcement measures.

That consideration be given by the Oireachtas, and/or by the Company Law Review Group, to enacting provisions similar to those contained in Part 14 of the UK Companies Act, 2006, governing the control of political donations and expenditure.

The Government considered that provisions in the forthcoming Companies Bill, which will consolidate and give a statutory footing to the duties of directors, meet the objectives of the first recommendation above. The first, and main, part of the Companies Bill, including the provisions on directors' duties, was published in "soft copy" in May 2011. With regard to the second recommendation above, the Government intends to impose restrictions on corporate donations within electoral, and not company law. Accordingly, provisions to this effect are contained in the Electoral Amendment (Political Funding) Bill, which comes within the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and which is currently before the Oireachtas.

Job Creation

Derek Keating

Question:

286 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that areas of Dublin (details supplied) have large numbers of residents who are long-term unemployed; his strategy to address particular black spots like this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/12]

There are two major elements to the Government's response to unemployment —Pathways to Work and the Action Plan for Jobs. The aim of Pathways to Work is to develop a new approach to engaging with people on the Live Register, particularly those who are long-term unemployed. The public employment services are being reformed as part of this process, to provide better targeted services to both job seekers and employers.

Pathways to Work includes the objective of ensuring that at least 75,000 of those currently long-term unemployed will move into employment by 2015. The labour market activation measures outlined in Pathways to Work include over 85,000 job placement/work experience places to be delivered in 2012 by the Department of Social Protection, and over 450,000 training and education places to be delivered by the Department of Education and Skills. The Action Plan for Jobs underpins the work of the enterprise development agencies under my Department's remit, which provides a range of supports to companies including in the areas of interest to the Deputy.

Specifically targeting communities, a new Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Development Programme has been developed for the maintenance or establishment of a strong business development function in the Community Enterprise Centres funded by Enterprise Ireland. Action Community and Enterprise Ltd manages two Enterprise Centres in Bawnogue and Neilstown which accommodate 42 small enterprises that account for 143 jobs. Enterprise Ireland has also supported the recent refurbishment of the Neilstown Enterprise Centre under the previous CEC Development Scheme 2007/09.

I understand that applications have been made under the current CEC programme for funding for Business Development Managers for Neilstown, Killinarden and Bolbrook/Brookfield Enterprise Centres. The decision on applications for funding will be announced in June. In 2011, South Dublin County Enterprise Board assisted 38 projects to the value of €357,682 which resulted in the creation of 45 jobs. 464 training participants availed of South Dublin CEB training/mentoring courses in 2011. During 2012, South Dublin CEB will continue to support enterprise development in the area through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level.

International Agreements

Willie O'Dea

Question:

287 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his position on the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement; if he will be instructing MEPs from Government parties to support the matter when it comes before them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21329/12]

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is an international trade agreement that aims to help countries work together to tackle more effectively large-scale Intellectual Property Rights violations by clamping down on counterfeiting and piracy. It aims to strike a fair balance between the interests of the parties concerned, including citizens, consumers, civil society and business; and to guarantee all safeguards and exemptions provided by existing or European norms, such as fundamental rights, privacy and freedom of speech. Ireland, along with 21 other Member States signed ACTA on 26 January 2012.

Following public concerns regarding ACTA, the Commission has decided to refer the Agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union to assess whether it is in any way incompatible with the EU's fundamental principles in particular with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Commission Legal Service is currently finalising the written submission that will accompany the question.

MEPs are democratically elected to represent the citizens of the European Union and act independently in that role in the EU Parliament. As a Member of the European Parliament and a representative of the people of Europe, it is their responsibility to fully inform themselves of the merit of this Agreement for the people of Europe prior to any vote. Accordingly, my Department is available to provide MEPs with background briefing should that be required.

Commercial Rent Reviews

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

288 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if under the proposals of the action plan for jobs, action 1.15, he sought an ending of upward only rent clauses operated by Departments and agencies, as a mechanism for reducing charges. [21364/12]

In order to progress the commitment in the Action Plan for Jobs concerning Government charges on business (Action 1.15), I wrote to my Ministerial colleagues in March, asking them to examine all charges which are levied on business by their Departments and associated bodies, with a view to identifying which of these costs can be reduced or frozen to the end of 2013 or beyond. It is a matter for each Department or agency, where appropriate, to consider the potential for reducing rental costs as part of this exercise. The Land Conveyancing and Law Reform Act 2009 abolished upward-only rent reviews for all new leases signed on or after 28 February 2010.

As far as my own Department is concerned, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development operate significant property portfolios. While both agencies hold leases that pre-date 28 February 2010, the IDA Ireland and Shannon Development have confirmed that, where businesses are in difficulty, they have, on a case by case basis, responded to and facilitated companies' requests for reduced rent and they will continue to do so. The IDA has informed me that they have not increased any client rents since 2010.

Economic Competitiveness

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

289 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the areas of the economy considered by him or the Competition Authority as part of the action 1.32 of the action plan for jobs and their relevant economic value. [21365/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

290 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the criteria and relevant scoring matrix, used to identify the economic areas for further detailed investigation under action 1.32 of the action plan for jobs. [21366/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.

Action point 1.32 of the Action Plan for Jobs commits to the identification of any sheltered areas of the economy where competition is restricted and the commissioning of studies on such areas where appropriate. In order to meet the Q 1 commitment to identify sheltered areas of the economy where competition is restricted the Competition Authority undertook an exercise to identify any such sheltered areas.

Having identified an initial range of areas of the economy that are likely to be sheltered in some way from competition, the Competition Authority applied its prioritisation principles to identify those that would potentially benefit the most from a market study. The five prioritisation principles are: Significance of the issue or effect of the conduct in question; Impact of the Competition Authority's action; Wider economic significance of the market involved; Strategic significance and Risks, resources and costs.

A detailed explanation of each of these prioritisation principles and how they are applied is outlined in the Competition Authority's Prioritisation Principles booklet which can be found on its website at http://www.tca.ie/images/uploaded/documents/Prioritisation%20booklet.pdf .

The Authority is now engaged in a detailed scoping exercise to enable an informed decision to be taken on which sheltered area will be subjected to an in-depth study.

EU Funding

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

291 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the envisaged Social Finance Foundation will be structured in such a way as to the enable it to make an application under the EU progress micro enterprise fund. [21367/12]

Loans from the Microfinance Loan Fund will be administered under the remit of the Social Finance Foundation on behalf of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The European Progress Microfinance Facility is a European Investment Fund (EIF) initiative to support entrepreneurship and employment through microfinance activities. It was established by the EU Commission in 2010. Initial engagement has already taken place between Social Finance Foundation and the EIF in relation to the EU Progress Microfinance Guarantee Facility. Formal application will be made for the EU Progress Microfinance Guarantee Facility on establishment of the Micro-finance Fund. A rigorous due diligence process is required to secure EIF accreditation.

Enterprise Support Services

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

292 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and location of community enterprise centres funded by Enterprise Ireland. [21368/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

293 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses supported by each of the community enterprise centres funded by Enterprise Ireland. [21369/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

294 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of community enterprise centres funded by Enterprise Ireland that operate upward only rent clauses with their small and medium enterprise tenants. [21370/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 294, inclusive, together.

There are 132 Community Enterprise Centres that have been completed or approved for funding from Enterprise Ireland and their locations are listed in the following tabular statement.

The number of businesses supported by each Community Enterprise Centre is a day-to-day operational matter for the centre concerned. However, I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that according to a Community Enterprise Centre survey conducted in November 2011, in which 95 centres responded out of 110 centres surveyed, there were 775 tenants in the 95 Community Enterprise Centres that responded to the survey.

Clauses in rent agreements between the Community Enterprise Centres and their tenants are a matter for the parties concerned. However, I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the survey of Community Enterprise Centres found that each respondent centre mentioned that they conduct a yearly review with tenants to examine rent rates and facility charges. These centres stated that they have reduced their rents, in some cases significantly, to compete with private sector market space since the downturn in the economy.

Community Enterprise Centres 2012:

Map Ref No.

RegionBorder

County

Location

1

Cavan

Kilgarry

2

Cavan

Killeshandra

3

Cavan

Cootehill

4

Cavan

Blacklion

5

Cavan

Bailieborough

6

Cavan

Cavan

7

Cavan

Kingscourt

8

Donegal

Carndonagh

9

Donegal

Donegal town

10

Donegal

Convoy

11

Donegal

Letterkenny

12

Donegal

Ballyshannon

13

Donegal

Glenties

14

Donegal

Moville

16

Donegal

Taughboyne

17

Donegal

Lifford

18

Donegal

Ballybofey and Stranorlar

19

Leitrim

Drumshanbo

20

Leitrim

Corry

21

Leitrim

Ballinamore/Ballyconnell

22

Leitrim

Carrick-on-Shannon

23

Leitrim

Manorhamilton

24

Leitrim

Mohill

25

Leitrim

Drumkerrin

26

Louth

Ardee

27

Louth

Drogheda

28

Louth

Dundalk

29

Louth

Greenore

30

Monaghan

Ballybay

31

Monaghan

Castleblayney

32

Monaghan

Emyvale

33

Monaghan

Monaghan

34

Monaghan

Carrickmacross

35

Sligo

Collooney

36

Sligo

Sligo

37

Sligo

Easkey

38

Sligo

Ballymote

Dublin

39

Dublin

Coolock

40

Dublin

Darndale

41

Dublin

Liberty

42

Dublin

Nth Kings Street

43

Dublin

Oxmantown

44

Dublin

Steppingstone

45

Dublin

Ballymun

46

Dublin

Bolton St

47

Dublin

Balbriggan

48

Dublin

Blanchardstown

49

Dublin

Tallaght (Bolbrook)

50

Dublin

Tallaght (Brookfield)

51

Dublin

Avonbeg

52

Dublin

Neilstown

53

Dublin

Killinarden

54

Dublin

Bawnogue

55

Dublin

Clondalkin

56

Dublin

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (Nutgrove)

57

Dublin

Fingal

58

Dublin

Terenure

Mid East

59

Kildare

Allenwood

60

Kildare

Athy

61

Kildare

Clane

62

Meath

Kells

63

Meath

Navan

64

Meath

Trim

65

Wicklow

Arklow

66

Wicklow

Wicklow

Midlands

67

Laois

Portarlington

68

Laois

Mountmellick

69

Longford

Longford

70

Longford

Granard

71

Offaly

Ferbane

72

Offaly

Edenderry

73

Offaly

Kilcormac

74

Westmeath

Athlone

75

Westmeath

Mullingar

Sth/Sth East

76

Carlow

Carlow

77

Cork

Macroom

78

Cork

Youghal

79

Cork

Mitchelstown

80

Cork

Knockgriffin (Middleton)

81

Cork

Bantry (Allihies)

82

Kilkenny

Kilkenny

83

Kilkenny

Piltown

84

Waterford

Dunhill

85

Waterford

Lismore

86

Waterford

Waterford

87

Waterford

Cappoquin

88

Waterford

Portlaw

89

Waterford

Tallow

90

Waterford

Dungarvan

91

Waterford

Kilmacthomas

92

Wexford

Wexford

93

Wexford

Enniscorthy

94

Wexford

Tagoat Yola

95

Tipperary South

Clonmel

96

Tipperary South

Tipperary

97

Tipperary South

Carrick-on Suir

West

98

Galway

Ballinasloe

99

Galway

Tuam

100

Galway

Clonberne

101

Galway

Letterfrack

102

Galway

Galway

103

Galway

Dunmore

104

Mayo

Kiltimagh

105

Mayo

Ballyhaunis

106

Mayo

Brickins Logboy Tulrahan

107

Mayo

Castlebar

108

Mayo

Claremorris

109

Mayo

Foxford

110

Mayo

Ballina

111

Mayo

Killala

112

Mayo

Claremorris

113

Mayo

Crossmolina

114

Roscommon

Boyle

115

Roscommon

Castlerea

116

Roscommon

Arigna

117

Roscommon

Ballaghaderreen

118

Roscommon

Roscommon

Mid West

119

Clare

Ennistymon

120

Clare

Kilkee

121

Kerry

Killarney

122

Kerry

Farranfore

123

Kerry

Ballylongford

124

Kerry

Kenmare

125

Kerry

Kilgarvan

126

Kerry

Roughty Valley

127

Kerry

Caherciveen

128

Limerick

Limerick

129

Limerick

Kantogher

130

Limerick

Kilmallock

131

Limerick

Murroe

132

Limerick

Bruree

133

Tipperary North

Rearcross

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

295 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the consideration being given under action 3.4 of the action plan for jobs to develop clustering of business to address employment differentials across the State. [21371/12]

Action 3.4 of the Action Plan for Jobs makes a commitment to "support industry-led clustering in key areas of opportunity, based on new models, industry proposals, and newly developed niche market strategies". In March, a working group comprising officials of my Department, Forfás, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland met to progress development of an approach and a programme to support industry-led clustering. The group identified a number of sectors which have the potential to progress clustering, particularly in the form of collaborative industry-led networks which seek to identify mutual objectives and, which if tackled collaboratively, can have a positive impact on the capability of companies to grow and create employment, wherever they are located.

The group also identified some of the key principles which a clustering programme should embody, taking account of best practice. Early stage consultations with industry were undertaken during April. It is intended that industry proposals for the establishment of collaborative networks to drive clustering will be invited during Quarter 2 2012, with an active roll-out of the programme taking place in the latter half of this year in line with the Action Plan for Jobs.

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

296 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the consideration being given to working with Invest NI to develop business clusters along the Border region. [21372/12]

In the context of regional and all-island economic development, and recognising the opportunity to pursue mutually beneficial cross border co-operation on aspects of economic policy and infrastructure/spatial planning, IDA Ireland cooperates on a number of initiatives with Invest Northern Ireland. Both agencies also share a strategic focus on attracting companies from the targeted sectors of ICT, Financial Services and Clean technologies.

One of the success stories of this co-operation between the two agencies is the jointly developed North West Business and Technology Zone (NWBTZ). The fundamental aim has been to capitalise on the combined strengths of Letterkenny and Derry City as an economic corridor, to develop compatible infrastructure and property solutions, which are now in place, and to make the region more attractive for investment. The initiative has provided the catalyst for Eircom, Bytel and BT to invest independently in the telecoms infrastructure between Letterkenny and Derry and has also led to the development of Project Kelvin, which is the first direct International Communications link of its kind into the North West of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The economies of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland both have a highly educated workforce and IDA Ireland highlights this competitive advantage to perspective investors. The skills pool available, both north and south of the Border, are presented to potential investors as a key competitive advantage of investing in the Border region on the island of Ireland. Up to 15% of IDA supported companies in the Border region employ staff living in Northern Ireland, increasing employment and prosperity in areas of north of the Border. A recent example of this is Paypal who chose to invest in Dundalk based on the pool of skilled staff it could recruit from the large catchment area incorporating both sides of the Border. While IDA does seek to influence location, the final decision as to where to locate is taken by the investor.

Innovation Fund Ireland

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

297 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will details the management fees and administration costs associated with Innovation Fund Ireland. [21373/12]

The management fees associated with investments made under Innovation Fund Ireland are agreed confidentially between the parties involved and are commercially sensitive. I am therefore not in a position to provide this information. The administration of the Fund is carried out by Enterprise Ireland and the National Pensions Reserve Fund as part of their day to day operations and is met from the overall administrative budgets of the bodies concerned.

Public Procurement

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

298 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail any increase in the number of small and medium enterprise winning Government procurement contracts. [21374/12]

Public procurement affords an opportunity for SMEs to secure new business and grow employment; approximately €14 billion will be spent by public bodies this year in purchasing goods and services. The Government is keen to ensure that SMEs have access to procurement opportunities and the Action Plan for Jobs contains a number of measures designed to improve SME access to those opportunities. These include:

ensuring that pre-qualification criteria (e.g. turnover, insurance thresholds, experience) for public procurement contracts are proportionate,

the assignment by Enterprise Ireland of advisors and mentors to help client companies prepare better for public procurement opportunities, and

encouraging more SMEs to register on the Government's eTenders website to enable forthcoming procurement opportunities to be brought to their attention.

The impact of these actions will be measured over time.

The number of companies currently registered on the eTenders website stands at over 72,000. Approximately 90% of these are SMEs. I understand that the National Procurement Service is currently evaluating tenders for an upgraded eTenders website, which will include a facility to generate reports giving details of contracts awarded. Ultimately, however, the award of a contract to any particular company is a matter for the procuring authority in question, having regard to the content of the tenders received and the criteria under which they are assessed.

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

299 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an overview of the scoping work and initial research conducted into the role of social enterprise in job creation as outlined in action 6.7 of the action plan for jobs. [21375/12]

Clare Daly

Question:

304 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps which he has taken in relation to social enterprise with reference to the below statements from the Labour Party and Fine Gael Manifestos of 2011 county enterprise boards will, be mandated to develop a specific support package for start-up Social Entrepreneurs, Labour Party Manifesto 2011 support for social enterprises to engage in the public procurement and public sector contract opportunities, as is the case in Italy, the UK, and France, A strategy to support the acquisition of assets to community trusts which would assist communities to generate income. An instruction from central Government to State agencies to view social enterprises as important stakeholders in regenerating local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21551/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 304 together.

The Programme for Government states that: "The Government will promote the development of a vibrant and effective social enterprise sector. We will instruct agencies to view social enterprises as important stakeholders in rejuvenating local economies. We will continue support for social innovation projects for young people through education, community and voluntary structures." To progress this commitment, the Action Plan for Jobs (Action 6.7) includes an undertaking to conduct a report on the potential of social enterprises to create jobs. I have asked Forfás to carry out this work on my behalf.

The project scoping work and initial research has been carried out and has involved discussions with a number of relevant parties, including Scottish Enterprise, Meitheal Mid-West, the Cooperative Development Society, and Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd. Further consultation will take place with a wider range of stakeholders. The report will identify the actions required by Government and other relevant bodies and agencies to support job creation in the sector. It will examine mechanisms to capture the demonstration effect of locally driven initiatives already in place to nurture new enterprise and employment, as well as identifying ways to promote and develop social enterprise initiatives. The report will also briefly discuss how social enterprises can contribute to wider policy objectives. I have asked Forfás to complete their work and to report to me by the end of the year.

Trade Missions

Willie O'Dea

Question:

300 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of costs of the recent trade mission to China; the names and roles of all persons who formed part of the trade mission; the other persons who attended as part of the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21399/12]

The total estimated net cost of the recent Trade and Investment to China for my Department and agencies under my Department's auspices is €122,400. Given the short timeline since the completion of the trade mission, there are some costs that have yet to be finalised. The cost is broken down as follows:

Department/Agency

€’000

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

3.0

Enterprise Ireland

74.0

IDA Ireland

41.5

Forfas

3.9

Total

122.40

130 executives from 90 exporters participated on the trade mission. The trade mission was the largest of its kind in recent years and was an important part of building the profile of Ireland and the technical excellence of its exporters.

Trade Mission personnel from the Department and Agencies

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation:

Richard Bruton, T.D. — Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation,

John Maher — Private Secretary to Minister Bruton,

Ciaran Conlon — Special Adviser to Minister Bruton,

Gerard Monks — Principal Officer, Trade Policy, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Enterprise Ireland — Official Participants,

Frank Ryan, CEO,

Kevin Sherry, EI, Executive Director.

Other EI persons who attended:

Sarita Malone: Events Manager, Events Management Division EI,

Jacqueline Whelan: Asst. Exec. Events Management Division EI,

Joe Breslin: Manager, Beef and Sheepmeat Division EI,

Philip Singleton: China Market Team EI,

Xiaojing Yue: China Market Team EI,

Alan Hobbs: Manager Press Relations and International Communications EI,

IDA Irish Executives:

Barry O'Leary: CEO

Eileen Sharpe: Divisional Manager, Internal Consultancy and Business Process Transformation Group and IT,

Kieran Donoghue: Divisional Manager, Financial Services Division /Open Innovation,

Kathleen Guo: Project Executive, Growth Markets Division.

Forfás

Martin Shanahan, CEO.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Question:

301 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the original budget for the Patents Office Ptolemy computer system upon its purchase; the amount it has cost to date, including and excluding new feature requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21453/12]

Ptolemy is the bespoke administration system of the Irish Patents Office, which facilitates the administration and maintenance of all Patent, Trademark and Industrial Design applications applied for in, or designating Ireland. This encompasses both Irish (national) applications and those filed in the European Patents Office (EPO), OHIM (Community Trademarks) and WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation — International Trademarks and Patent Cooperation Treaty patent applications). It supports all aspects of the creation and maintenance of the electronic registers for Patents, Trademarks and Designs including payments and renewals, maintaining customer details, assignments, etc.

There are currently (as at 31 December 2011) 88,044 Patents, 89,624 Trademarks and 1,652 Designs registered and in force in the State, all of which are managed and maintained by the Ptolemy system. The Ptolemy system also manages the receipt and processing an average of 65,000 individual fee payments per annum. The Ptolemy system supports various on-line services which are of considerable benefit to its customers via the Patents Office website. These include the facility to pay certain fees on-line, to view and search the Patents, Trademarks and Designs registers and database, view and search Patent specifications and to view and search the fortnightly produced Patents Office Journal. Delivery of these services is in line with best international practice. Versions of the Ptolemy system are installed in a number of Patent and Trademark administrations worldwide, including Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, South Africa and New Zealand.

The Patents Office Ptolemy computer system was originally developed in stages over the period 1998 to 2002. The total cost of this initial development was €1.914 million. Since 2002 the system has continued to be developed and maintained to meet changes, including changes in legislation, the adoption of new international agreements in intellectual property protection, and changes in the supported software platforms on which Ptolemy runs. The system has also been upgraded by the inclusion of new functionality to increase the efficiency of the Patents Office and to deliver improved customer service. The cost of on-going support and development in the ten years since the system was fully commissioned in 2002 averages €456,600 per annum, which is broken down between new functionality development at €147,200 per annum and on-going support and maintenance at €309,400 per annum.

The use of information and communications technology has delivered considerable efficiencies for the Patents Office. The 2010 Annual Report of the Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks notes a staff complement in the Office of 46 full time equivalents, which is less than half the staff complement ten years previously. This staff reduction represents a very significant and on-going reduction in the cost of service delivery, while the quality of service has been greatly enhanced through the application of new technology e.g. online payments, free access to registers and database searching, and electronic publication of the Patents Office Journal.

While these systems continue to deliver considerable value through enhanced processing efficiencies and improved customer service, in order to assure my Department that the on-going support and development of the Patents Office systems are delivered in the most effective manner, an external independent review of this support was commissioned in late 2011. The result of this review is expected very shortly, and will provide guidance on the further enhancement and development of the system.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

302 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of money the State is spending on job creation programmes per year; the number of jobs that have been created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21482/12]

The role of Government is to not to create jobs, but to provide the environment where successful businesses can become established, grow and generate jobs. In addition to taking the policy decisions to underpin a competitive environment for business, the Government provides a range of supports to enterprise across a number of Departments and agencies. Funding for these supports is allocated in the annual Estimates of the relevant Departments.

From my own Department's perspective, enterprise supports are provided by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), Shannon Development, and InterTradeIreland. The total allocation to these agencies in 2012 is €460.39 million. In 2011, there were over 300,000 people employed in companies supported by these enterprise development agencies. More than 28,000 of these jobs were created in 2011.

The Action Plan for Jobs contains 270 measures for delivery across all Government Departments and 36 agencies which will support job creation this year. So far this year, the creation of almost 3,400 jobs has been announced in respect of companies wishing to invest, or expand an existing operation, in Ireland. In addition, my Department secured an increase in its capital budget for 2012 despite severe budgetary constraints. Between 2012 and 2013 almost €1 billion has been committed for capital supports for enterprise.

Employment Rights

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

303 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will intervene and enforce under section 10 of the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2007 a determination from the Employment Appeals Tribunal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21512/12]

Following previous representations in December 2011, I had already requested the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) to intervene on my behalf in this matter and seek enforcement of the €50,000 award. In this instance, prior to NERA's involvement, the case had already been brought before the Circuit Court and a Court Order was issued by the Dublin Circuit Court dated 4 May 2011. An Execution Order dated 7 June 2011 contains a certificate from the Sheriff of the City of Dublin dated 11 July 2011 indicating he was unable to enforce the judgement as the business named on the execution order had ceased trading.

Following NERA's intervention, the company's solicitor wrote to NERA stating that the company "is no longer trading and ceased any trading operations in or about September 2010. The only remaining assets in the Company are secured by a debenture in favour of its bankers." NERA has established that a petition to wind up the company was made to the High Court last November. In the circumstances outlined, unfortunately, it is unlikely that the award made can be enforced. It is my intention this Autumn, in the context of the forthcoming Workplace Relations Bill, to consider how a new and more effective method of enforcing these awards can be developed.

Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 299.
Question No. 305 answered with Question No. 283.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

306 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21594/12]

My Department currently has 13 State Agencies supporting us in our work. These are:

1. Enterprise Ireland

2. IDA Ireland

3. Science Foundation Ireland

4. Shannon Development

5. County and City Enterprise Boards (35)

6. National Standards Authority of Ireland

7. InterTradeIreland (the North / South Business Development Body)

8. Forfás

9. National Consumer Agency

10. The Competition Authority

11. Irish Auditing and Accounting Standards Authority

12. Personal Injuries Assessment Board, and

13. The Health and Safety Authority

The Public Sector Reform Plan published in November 2011 outlines a timeline for completion of a critical review of all of the State agencies and bodies across Government in the context either of merger, amalgamation or abolition. A number of agencies within my Department's remit are included in the Plan and I can provide the Deputy with an update of progress in relation to the agencies of my Department in this context.

In the context of Regulatory Agencies and Statutory bodies, my Department is working to effect the merger of the National Consumer Agency (NCA) and the Competition Authority. The role of the NCA is to enforce consumer law, promote better understanding of consumer rights and advocate on consumer issues, while the Competition Authority is the State body responsible for enforcing Irish and European Competition Law in Ireland. Government approved in July 2011 the draft Heads of a Bill to allow for the merging of functions as well as well as other changes to consumer and competition law and this is with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting. It is anticipated that in effecting the merger, initial set-up costs will be incurred and minimal savings are expected to result from the merging of functions.

As regards the Enterprise development agencies under my Department, a number of developments are in progress. Forfás is the national policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation and I have considered how the policy and research functions of this Agency can be integrated with my Department's resources to further enhance the formulation and development of national enterprise policy. A proposal in this regard has been developed and will be discussed with the Board of Forfás in the coming weeks. Following this engagement, an Implementation Group will be convened. Such an amalgamation will improve efficiencies/synergies between the Department and Forfás, but will not lead to immediate financial savings.

As agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) support micro-enterprises (employing up to 10 people) in the start-up and expansion phases and also promote economic activity and entrepreneurship in their areas. Government has recently approved the establishment of a new "one-stop-shop" micro-enterprise support structure through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the formation of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). Meetings of the Implementation Steering Group will now be convened to facilitate detailed discussions with all relevant parties to ensure the final nature of any restructuring addresses the range of issues arising both from an organisational and policy perspective. In conjunction with this development, my Department is seeking formal advice from the Office of the Attorney General regarding appropriate legislation. Any potential for savings will be determined in line with the final nature of the restructuring.

The Deputy may also wish to note developments with regard to Shannon Development. Since December last, my Department has been in discussion with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and with Shannon Development, the regional development company dedicated to promoting and developing the Shannon Region of Ireland, with a view to formulating proposals for the future enterprise role of Shannon Development. A Memorandum for Government is being prepared which will address both this issue and that relating to the tourism functions of Shannon Development. Savings will arise due to the streamlining of Shannon Development's activities and the elimination of duplication of work by public bodies and will be determined in line with the final nature of any restructuring.

Separate to the Public Sector Reform Plan, there is underway in my Department a significant reform project relation to the Employment Rights and Industrial Relations bodies within my Department's remit. I have announced my intention to streamline the work of five bodies currently dealing with employment disputes in the workplace into a two tier structure. Four of the existing bodies — the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT), the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) and the Labour Court (LC) — are currently within my Department's remit and one — the Equality Tribunal — is currently within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I expect this reform and streamlining project to deliver a measurable improvement in the quality of services provided to users of the State's employment rights/industrial relations dispute resolution services and to reduce the cost of accessing such services for both users and to the State. I have appointed a dedicated Project Team to drive this reform initiative and announced an ambitious timeline for delivery. A number of important reforms have already been delivered to date on this project including:

A new single contact portal called "Workplace Relations Customer Services" is fully operational since the beginning of this year and provides a single point of entry into the system for employment rights and industrial relations information. It has dealt with over 3,500 complaints in the first quarter of 2012 and has assisted in eliminating the backlog for Rights Commissioner hearings.

A Single Complaint Form that deals with over 100 first instance complaints was launched on the 4th of January this year, which replaced the 30 forms previously in use. Over 70% of all complainants in March 2012 used the new form.

The new workplace relations interim website www.workplacerelations.ie went live on the 4th of January this year. This website brings together, in one place, information on all aspects of employment rights and industrial relations.

Delivery of a pilot Early Resolution Service has commenced. This service will assist parties to a dispute to resolve the issue themselves with the assistance of a Case Resolution Officer. The pilot will be evaluated and the outcome of the evaluation will inform the design of the mainstream service to be provided by the Workplace Relations Commission in the future.

In parallel, work has commenced on the drafting of a Workplace Relations Bill to give effect to the new structure proposed.

The total annual cost of the State's Workplace Relations Services amounted to some €20m in 2010. It is expected that significant savings, in terms of both reductions in staff numbers and increased efficiency and productivity, will be generated by the end of 2013 by which time the majority of the Workplace Relations Reform Programme will have been implemented.

Trade Missions

Terence Flanagan

Question:

307 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on his recent visit to China and the deals done; his further views on the future for the relationship between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21864/12]

In March of this year, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and I led a seven day trade and investment mission to China. The Mission I led incorporated a seven day programme covering Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. Some 130 Executives from 90 companies accompanied the delegation. During the Mission itself, An Taoiseach and I witnessed significant contract signings from 14 companies totalling more than €35m at business events organised by Enterprise Ireland. All together, these business events were attended by more than 900 Irish company representatives and their Chinese customers and partners and the contracts signed covered a wide range of sectors including: clean technologies, mobile software, international services, healthcare, consumer products, education and industrial technologies.

In addition to these signings, a number of significant Memorandums of Understanding were signed between Irish companies and their Chinese counterparts. These are essential building blocks in developing business in China. These covered areas such as International Education, Financial and International Services. It is expected that these signings will also contribute significantly to future export growth for Irish companies. In addition, Enterprise Ireland signed an MOU with their Chinese counterparts (CCPIT), which will see enhanced cooperation and a focus on working closer together on sectors of mutual interest.

Over the course of the trade and investment mission, IDA Ireland met with 16 companies and financial institutions. China is a key strategic focus for securing new sources of Foreign Direct Investment to Ireland over the medium to long term. There are, however, some short term investments to be won and IDA expects to secure a number of investments over the coming months. IDA Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's ICBC Financial Leasing, a global leader in aircraft leasing and part of ICBC, the world's largest bank. This means that IDA Ireland is now partnered in China with ICBC, which has an unrivalled client base and network. The key focus for IDA will be to build on the momentum generated by the Mission and to capitalise on the increasing awareness of Ireland as both a trading partner and a potential location for FDI to Ireland.

China is central to Ireland's Asian trade strategy. Significant opportunities for Irish business exist in areas like ICT and life-sciences as well as the tourism, farming and food sectors. Contacts made during the mission with education, banking and legal sectors open the prospect of valuable new channels of training and other services exports. The Trade Mission in March was a very important step in growing closer ties and contacts with our Chinese counterparts and that is given physical form with the agreement of both countries to enter in to a strategic partnership for mutually beneficial co-operation.

Youth Employment Action Plan

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

308 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with regard to the development of a youth employment action plan as identified by the European Commission, if he will introduce a dedicated youth employment action plan that prioritises training and education for young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22026/12]

In December 2011, the European Commission launched a "Youth Opportunities Initiative" in response to the growing problem of youth unemployment across the EU. The initiative calls on Member States to work on preventing early school leaving, help young people to develop skills relevant to the labour market, ensure the provision of work experience and on-the-job training, and help young people find a first good job. The Government is responding to the issue of youth unemployment through the measures outlined its labour market initiative, Pathways to Work, which includes various training, education and work experience measures delivered by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection.

Under Pathways to Work, the Department of Social Protection is committed to supporting over 85,000 job placement, work experience and Back to Education beneficiaries this year, including through the JobBridge internship programme. The Department of Education and Skills will provide over 450,000 education and training places this year across the range of provision in the higher education, further education and training sectors. These places will include provision for school leavers and self-referred clients, although the long-term unemployed will be a priority target.

In addition to the training and education opportunities outlined in Pathways to Work, many young people will benefit from the employment opportunities that will arise from the Government's Action Plan for Jobs. The objective of the Action Plan is to create an extra 100,000 net new jobs between 2012 and 2016, with the longer-term objective of having two million people at work by 2020.

Question No. 309 withdrawn.

Pension Provisions

Dara Calleary

Question:

310 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if any provisions exist or if she has plans to introduce provisions, whereby the holder of a private pension policy, the value of which is under a certain figure, may reclaim the full value of the policy if they cancel the policy early. [21436/12]

Pensions are a long-term investment aimed at ensuring that people have an adequate income in retirement. Government policy supports this aspiration through generous tax reliefs and we are currently reforming the pension system to ensure its future sustainability. At the moment, people are generally only permitted to access their pension savings at the retirement age defined in their pension schemes. Schemes may also have early retirement provisions from age 50 and when retirement is caused by ill-health, benefits may be paid regardless of age. In the case of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) and Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs), benefits may be taken at any time after age 60 and from any age in the case of ill-health.

There are a number of reasons why early withdrawals of pension savings are generally not permitted, nor desirable, the principal one being that funds, and the associated tax relief on contributions, are designed to support people in later life to ensure they have an adequate income. This requires that pensions must be long term vehicles based on the principle that savings will be "locked away" until retirement.

Allowing access to pension savings before retirement or pension age would be a significant change to pension policy and the basis of pension savings in Ireland. At the request of the Economic Management Council (EMC) the issue has been considered in detail by an inter-departmental ad-hoc group, chaired by the Department of Social Protection. The group concluded that the principle of pension savings being "locked away" until pension age should be maintained and reported this to the EMC. The Interdepartmental Group on Mortgage Arrears also examined the issue of early access to pensions and did not recommend such an approach.

The idea of allowing people to access their pension savings early to pay off mortgage debt or to increase their spending power may seem attractive, particularly at the moment. However, the resulting reduction in pension savings could have significant negative consequences longer term and in particular, fails to address the group who may be most affected by personal debt or mortgage arrears.

Younger people are unlikely to have significant pension savings and where their pension scheme has incurred losses, as many have over the past number of years, early withdrawal of funds would mean very poor value for money. There is no guarantee the funds could be repaid or that people could make up these losses. Where people are close to retirement, an early withdrawal of funds could significantly diminish the pension they receive as they may not have time before retirement age to fill the gap left by such a withdrawal.

Only 51% of people in employment aged 20 to 69 have pension coverage. This relatively low rate of pension coverage is a concern. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reforming the pension system to progressively achieve universal coverage, with particular focus on lower-paid workers and so a National Employment Pensions Scheme based on an automatic enrolment approach is being developed. Allowing people access to their pension savings before pension age would run totally counter to the policy of encouraging more people to save more for their retirement.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government has recently engaged the OECD to conduct an independent review of long term pension policy in Ireland. The review will encompass the totality of pension provision in Ireland — State, private, occupational and public sector. The issue of early access to pension savings will be considered in this context.

FÁS Training Programmes

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

311 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the core strategy utilised by FÁS, the State training agency, of interviewing unemployed persons and referring them for training; if it is effective in getting them off jobseeker’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21482/12]

The FÁS Employment Service, which deals with the interview process referred to, has been transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from the beginning of this year. Under the current National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) system, all those who are unemployed and signing on are referred to the employment service when they reach three months singing on. These NEAP clients are prioritised for assistance by the Employment Service. That assistance may include referral to FÁS training, but also help and advice on job search, referral to jobs or employment programmes, referral to assistance from other relevant public agencies, and assistance in accessing education opportunities.

During 2011, over 100,000 people were referred to the (then FÁS) Employment Service under EAP, and some 80,000 people attended for interview. Data on outcomes are available for persons (some 81,900) who were referred for the first time during 2011. Outcomes were measured as at the end of January 2012, when it was found that 65% had left Live Register while 35% were still on it.

65% left Live Register:

64% (53,300) of the total referred to FÁS (81,900) had left the Live Register by the end of January 2012.

15,900 (19% of the total referred) were placed in jobs, training or education and, of those, 4,700 (30%) were placed in jobs.

24,600 were interviewed and then left the Live Register without further intervention (30% of the total referred).

12,900 did not attend for interview but left the Register (16% of those referred).

36% still on Live Register:

36% (28,600) of the total referred to FÁS (81,900) were still on the Live Register at the end of January 2012.

25,000 were interviewed but not placed in jobs/training/education (31% of referred).

2,800 did not attend for interview and are still on the Live Register (3% of those referred).

400 were awaiting interview (1% of those referred).

300 were active with the Local Employment Service.

The former FÁS Employment Services are now being integrated into the new National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES). This will see the establishment of a single "one stop shop" public employment and benefits service with clear targets for rolling out a new approach which includes:

better targeting of services through profiling those entering the live register,

responsibility for delivering a more regular engagement with those on the Live Register at appropriate intervals, specifically targeting and tailoring the approach in so far as it is possible. Interventions will include referral to group engagement, education and/or training and placement/work experience opportunities at appropriate intervals,

provision of recruitment and job-matching services for employers and the unemployed,

the provision of appropriate career guidance support as part of the engagement and referral system,

effective communication and marketing of NEES services to employers,

more meaningful engagement between the Department of Social Protection and employers both nationally and at a local level,

improved service provision and monitoring of effectiveness through the roll out of a public services card, and

the implementation of sanctions against those who refuse to engage with the activation process.

Employment Support Services

Brian Walsh

Question:

312 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of internships that have been offered by each of the 34 local authorities under the JobBridge scheme; the nature of these internships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21773/12]

The total number of internship placements that have commenced to date is 6,648. Of these, 192 placements have commenced within the local authorities. 19 local authorities have participated in the Scheme. The largest take up is from Cork, Clare, Galway and North Tipperary County Councils who have commenced 38, 26, 21 and 21 interns respectively. The remaining 86 internship placements are covered across 15 local authorities. The placements within local authorities cover a wide range of areas such as Professional, Specialist Sciences, Construction, Administration, Clerical, Management, Supervisory, Sales and Marketing, Information Technology and Arts and Literature.

Question No. 313 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

314 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of an application for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21189/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4th April 2012 and the appeal will be assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Anne Ferris

Question:

315 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21192/12]

The person concerned was refused disability allowance following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. He was also disallowed on the grounds that his weekly means exceeded the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance purposes. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was registered on 29th February 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.

The huge increase in the numbers of appeals to the office has also resulted in a large backlog in dealing with correspondence, which is dealt with in chronological order. While this is regretted, priority in the office is given to the registration and preparation of files for appeals, scheduling oral hearings and the issue of decisions. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Community Employment Schemes

Catherine Murphy

Question:

316 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there is an exclusion from community employment schemes for those EU citizens living here and who are in receipt of disablement benefit from their home country; the training options open to persons in this category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21193/12]

The criteria for participating on the Community Employment (CE) programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. The core eligibility criterion for CE is that the person is in receipt of a qualifying Irish social welfare payment, as defined on the Department's public website. This requirement is based on Government policy and Departmental guidelines and has been the rule since CE commenced in 1994. Those persons not meeting the eligibility criteria under the Community Employment Part-time Integration or Part-time Job Options, or who are signing for credits, or receiving social welfare benefits from a different country, are not eligible to participate on Community Employment.

The aim of CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. The CE programme is one of a range of training and employment programmes available for unemployed persons. All of these programmes have specific objectives and eligibility criteria that address the specific needs of a wide range of participants.

Unemployed persons who are not in receipt of the required social welfare payments can still participate on many education and training programmes. Such persons are advised to contact their local Employment Services Office where an Employment Services Officer will be happy to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them. Within the current very difficult budgetary constraints, the number of places on Community Employment will remain at 23,300 in 2012.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

317 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for carer’s allowance. [21227/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Barry Cowen

Question:

318 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for invalidity pension. [21228/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Barry Cowen

Question:

319 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on review of carer’s allowance. [21230/12]

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

Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. 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.

Barry Cowen

Question:

320 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for carer’s allowance. [21231/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29th March 2012 and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 321 withdrawn

Barry Cowen

Question:

322 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for disability allowance. [21241/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. 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

Barry Cowen

Question:

323 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21243/12]

I confirm that an application for carer's allowance has been received from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and he will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

324 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare may expect a decision on appeal for carer’s allowance. [21245/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case on 2nd May 2012. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

325 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21247/12]

I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Barry Cowen

Question:

326 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21249/12]

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

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

327 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21250/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case on 2nd May 2012. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

328 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21256/12]

I confirm that an application for carer's allowance has been received from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and he will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

329 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for carer’s allowance. [21260/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 16th April 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. 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

Barry Cowen

Question:

330 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21262/12]

The person in question is currently in receipt of half-rate carer's allowance in conjunction with another primary social welfare payment. I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application from the person in question for an increase in carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Redundancy Payments

Barry Cowen

Question:

331 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for statutory redundancy. [21263/12]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue in early May 2012.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

332 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21264/12]

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

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

333 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for invalidity pension. [21265/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

334 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21266/12]

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the care recipients are not so disabled as to require full- time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 8th November 2011, he was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review or appeal within 21 days. There is no record of an appeal having been received in this case. If the circumstances have changed, it is open to the person in question to submit a new claim for carer's allowance to the Department for investigation and decision.

Barry Cowen

Question:

335 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21267/12]

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

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

336 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer’s allowance. [21268/12]

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the ground that the care recipients are not so disabled as to require full- time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified of this decision and the reason for it. She has appealed the decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her case. This information has been forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration. On receipt of the medical assessor's opinion on the additional information, a deciding officer will review the original decision and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. If, after this review, the decision remains unchanged the case will be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.

Question No. 337 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick Deering

Question:

338 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their application for carer’s allowance. [21292/12]

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

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

339 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused hearing aid benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21321/12]

In order to qualify for the audiological benefit scheme, certain PRSI conditions must be met. Persons aged 25 year or over must have:

(a) paid a total of 260 reckonable PRSI contributions since first starting work; and

(b) have 39 such contributions paid or credited in the tax years on which the particular claim is based.

In this instance, as the person concerned is aged over 66, several years can be considered in order for him to satisfy this second condition — 1998/99 or 2003 or 2004. Only PRSI contributions paid at classes A, E, H, or P are reckonable for the purposes of this scheme. The person concerned was self-employed since at least 1988 and has paid PRSI at Class S. As this class of contribution is not reckonable for this benefit, unfortunately, the person concerned does not qualify.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Question:

340 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21323/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1st February 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Finian McGrath

Question:

341 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 and when an oral hearing will be arranged in respect of same. [21337/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

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

Redundancy Payments

Dan Neville

Question:

342 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding redundancy payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21353/12]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment will issue in early May 2012.

Social Welfare Benefits

Catherine Murphy

Question:

343 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a carer’s allowance was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21355/12]

The above named was refused carer's allowance on two separate issues, firstly that she was employed outside the home for more than 15 hours per week, contrary to the conditions of eligibility for the scheme, and secondly on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 25 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and the reason for it.

Additional information was received in respect of the number of hours she works per week and this aspect of her application was subsequently approved. However, her application remained refused on review as the care recipient does not meet the medical criteria for receipt of carer's allowance. The person in question was notified accordingly on 9 February 2012. There is no record of a carer's allowance application ever having been received in respect of her brother. On 30 April a claim form and return envelope issued to the person concerned at the address supplied. On its completion and return to carer's allowance section, her application will be processed as soon as possible.

Question No. 344 withdrawn.

School Meals Programme

John Lyons

Question:

345 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the allowance to a school (details supplied) under the school meals programme; the school enrolment on which the allocation is based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21362/12]

The school meals programme operated by the Department provides funding towards the provision of food services for disadvantaged children through two schemes. The first is the statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by this Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects.

The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy, under the school meals local projects scheme, for the 2011/12 year is €38,304. This allocation is the same as that provided for the 2010/11 year when funding was allocated for the provision of a light lunch for 152 children. As the budget allocation for the school meals programme has not increased in recent years, it is not possible at this time to adjust the level of funding provided to individual schools irrespective of a change in the school enrolment. Applications for increased funding under the school meals local projects scheme are being retained on file by the Department and may be considered for additional funding at a future date, should such additional funding for the scheme become available.

Live Register

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

346 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of third level education graduates currently on the live register. [21383/12]

The number of third level graduates currently on the live register cannot currently be provided; my Department has recently started to collect educational attainment for live register customers in the context of calculating their "Probability of Exit" for activation purposes. This is being extended to local offices over the coming year but is currently done in nine offices for new live register customers and thus the information is not widely available. Occupation details are collected for all live register customers and this is the closest available proxy for educational attainment. As of the end of March there were 434,054 people on the live register, I have included a breakdown by occupation grouping of this number for your information.

Total

Percentage Occupation

Managers and administrators

16,836

3.9%

Professional

23,057

5.3%

Associate professional and technical

12,210

2.8%

Clerical and secretarial

40,977

9.4%

Craft and related

104,946

24.2%

Personal and protective service

51,931

12.0%

Sales

46,610

10.7%

Plant and machine operatives

70,440

16.2%

Other occupation

49,104

11.3%

No occupation

17,943

4.1%

Total

434,054

100.0%

Social Welfare Appeals

Niall Collins

Question:

347 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21397/12]

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

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

348 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21435/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 3rd April 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Employment Support Services

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

349 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is reviewing the criteria of JobBridge to allow persons who receive a widow’s pension to participate in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21462/12]

The National Internship Scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months. Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register. The key objective of labour market policy is to keep those on the Live Register close to the labour market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that those on the Live Register availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.

For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 of the last 6 months. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time. Individuals who are in receipt of a widow's pension can access the Work Placement Programme, which provides participants with a work experience placement of between two and nine months. During this time participants may be able to retain their social welfare entitlements. My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

350 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application now under appeal for supplementary welfare allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21465/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30th April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Redundancy Payments

Tom Hayes

Question:

351 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment of redundancy will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21470/12]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and payment will issue directly to the person's nominated bank account in the coming weeks.

Question No. 352 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

353 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the review of rent supplement limits in certain Wicklow towns has been concluded; the towns that were included in the review; the evidential findings of the review on the rent levels in each town; the outcome of the review for limits in each town; and if the limits have not been changed in any of the towns, the justification for same. [21474/12]

The new maximum rent limits which came into force on 1 January 2012 are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that value for money is achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation. The analysis of the rental market for Wicklow carried out by the Department found that rental prices for Bray were having a distorting effect on the prices for Wicklow as a whole. Accordingly, for the purpose of establishing rent limits for Co. Wicklow, Bray was excluded. Department officials have completed a separate analysis of the rental market in the Bray, Delgany and Greystones area. Local rent limits are now in place and are set out in the tabular statement below:

Rent Supplement Rent limits for Bray, Greystones and Delgany

County

Single person in shared accommodation

Couple in shared accommodation

Single person

Couple with no children

Couple or one-parent family with 1 child

Couple / one-parent family with 2 children

Couple / one-parent family with 3 children

Bray, Greystones and Delgany areas

€275

€300

€450

€625

€725

€800

€850

Wicklow (rest)

€240

€290

€440

€525

€625

€670

€740

Social Welfare Appeals

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

354 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21480/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Finian McGrath

Question:

355 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21496/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Finian McGrath

Question:

356 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21517/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 26th January 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Pat Breen

Question:

357 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a non contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21518/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have now been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Community Employment Schemes

Brian Stanley

Question:

358 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection when her financial review of community employment schemes will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21543/12]

A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway. This review of CE Schemes has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for my Department. Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the financial review of CE schemes will take longer than originally envisaged to complete. This will allow more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and for my Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of Community Employment which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review. The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply. Department Officers are supporting any schemes that have identified a requirement for on-going supports while the review is underway.

Brian Stanley

Question:

359 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection when her review of community employment schemes being carried out by a person (details supplied) will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21544/12]

The Community Employment Scheme is included in a policy review of the overall range of employment support, activation and work schemes operated by the Department. The aim of the review is to assess the schemes, individually and in combination, "in the light of their contribution to the Department's policy objective of supporting people of working age into employment" and to "recommend any changes to the current range of schemes/programmes seen as required on the basis of the analysis carried out".

The review is being carried out by an Assistant Principal Officer of the Department under the overall direction of a Principal Officer. An advanced draft of the review report was completed in March. It is currently subject to oversight from the Policy Committee of the Department, prior to being submitted to senior management for consideration. As is normal for such reviews within the Department, its conclusions and recommendations will also be the subject of consultation with stakeholders of the range of programmes involved. It is envisaged that this consultation will take place in June. A separate financial review of the Community Employment Scheme is also being carried out.

Social Welfare Appeals

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

360 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used in determining the recent withdrawal of domiciliary care allowance and carer’s allowance from a number of recipients in County Laois and County Offaly; the number of appeals received from counties Laois and Offaly following the withdrawal of these payments; the time frame involved in dealing with these appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21549/12]

Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) cases are routinely reviewed to ensure that the conditions for receipt of the payment continue to be met. Cases are reviewed based on either the recommendation of the medical assessor when the claim is initially processed or on the basis of information received about a change of circumstances which potentially affects the continued entitlement of a case already in payment. Scheduled reviews, on the recommendation of the medical assessor, are based on the prognosis of the child's disability and how their care requirements may change over time.

DCA 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 ongoing medical or therapeutic services the child may be receiving. This information is then sent for review by one of the Department's medical assessors who will provide an opinion to the deciding officer on whether the child still meets the medical criteria for receipt of the payment.

The decision of the deciding officer is communicated to the customer in writing and they are given the option to appeal 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 another medical assessor. In this way, the process affords parents/guardians every opportunity to provide additional information and to have this information assessed at an early stage with payment restored where necessary, in advance of an appeal hearing.

Eligibility for the DCA is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking account of all the evidence submitted. Carer's Allowance is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full time care and attention to elderly people or to people with disabilities and whose income falls below certain limits. Where the person being cared for is under 16 years of age, one of the qualifying conditions for receipt of Carer's Allowance is that a Domiciliary Care Allowance must be in payment for the care recipient.

I understand from the Social Welfare Appeals Office that statistics are not maintained on a county by county basis and it is not in a position, therefore, to supply the information sought by the Deputy in relation to counties Laois and Offaly. For the first quarter of 2012, the average time taken to process DCA appeals decided by summary decision is 27.8 weeks and 43.4 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing. In the case of carer's allowance appeals, the corresponding figures are 29.6 weeks and 46.8 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date on which it is finalised.

Social Welfare Benefits

John O'Mahony

Question:

361 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21554/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 16th November 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 16th January 2012 advising of the decision. The person concerned has requested a review of the decision and the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the person concerned will be notified of the decision.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

362 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to restoring the autism allowances to children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21555/12]

In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance (DCA), a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention substantially in excess of another child of the same age without the disability and must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Qualification for the scheme is not based on the particular disability of the child but on the level of additional care required. Autistic Spectrum Disorder is treated in the same manner as any other disability when processing an application for DCA.

The Department took over responsibility for the scheme in April 2009. As there were no agreed national medical guidelines for the scheme while it was administered in the Health Service Executive, an Expert Medical Group was established in advance of the transfer. This Group was chaired by the Department's Chief Medical Advisor and comprised of senior medical personnel from the HSE, as well as eminent professionals in the areas of physical disabilities which affect children, and child psychiatry/psychology. The primary purpose of this Group was to agree a set of consistent and objective guidelines for use nationally in determining eligibility of children for the scheme. The report of the Group was reviewed independently by external medical experts.

The Group considered that the most appropriate way for the Department to conduct assessments for medical eligibility was by assessing evidence submitted by the claimant rather than by way of individual examination by the Department's Medical Assessors, as they are not involved in advice or treatment of the child and the diagnosis of the child's condition by their GP is not in dispute.

The process in operation in 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. This evidence is assessed by designated Departmental Medical Assessors who provide an opinion to the deciding officer as to whether the child meets the medical criteria for the payment.

In assessing the medical evidence and written reports, the Medical Assessor is required to make a determination as to whether the information contained in the application demonstrates that the child requires substantial continuous additional care and attention. In this regard, the medical evidence and supporting documentation are key to assisting the Medical Assessor to determine if the child meets the scheme qualifying criteria.

It is open to any person who is not satisfied with the decision in their case to appeal that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Any new or additional information received after the issue of the decision and before the appeal is heard, is further assessed by another medical assessor. In this way, the process affords applicants every opportunity to provide additional information and to have this information assessed and the decision revised, if warranted, at an early stage in advance of an appeal hearing.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

363 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of State agencies in her Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21597/12]

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a Board. No statutory body under the aegis of the Department has been merged or abolished since 2011.

The report on Public Service Reform proposes the integration of the regulatory functions of the Pensions Board with the Financial Regulator and the merging of the Pensions Ombudsman with the Financial Services Ombudsman. These proposed rationalisations are the subject of a critical review under the Public Service Reform Programme. This review will include identifying any potential savings arising from such an amalgamation. I have recently commissioned the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as an independent expert to review Ireland's pension arrangements. This review has commenced and I expect that the OECD will also comment on the governance structures in the pensions sector.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen

Question:

364 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21613/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 23rd April 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. 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.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

365 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a review of a rate of disability allowance will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21603/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

366 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance has been stopped, in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 and when same will be reinstated. [21616/12]

There is no record of a rent supplement application in respect of the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to apply for rent supplement she should complete an application pack and return the information requested to the Central Rents Unit, P.O. Box 11758, Dublin 24. Application packs are available at local health centres or by calling lo call number 1890 800 698.

Employment Support Services

Brendan Griffin

Question:

367 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider the possibility of a youth guarantee scheme here, similar to the Dutch scheme for 18-27 year olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21625/12]

Pathways to Work sets out the Government’s policy responses to labour market activation. The objective is to ensure that Ireland’s greatest resource, its people, will no longer remain on the Live Register for lengthy periods without an appropriate offer of assistance from the State. To achieve this objective the Government has committed itself to a range of ambitious targets. Two of the most important commitments are:

My Department will engage with each person who becomes unemployed in the future with a view to reducing the average time spent on the Live Register from 21 months today to less than 12 months by the end of 2015.

In addition working with the Department of Education and Skills we will provide in excess of 542,000 places on job placement/work experience and training and education in 2012.

These are significant commitments at a time of reduced resources and reflect the importance placed by this Government on labour market activation measures. However, I am conscious of the particular problems relating to youth unemployment and the need to secure cross departmental involvement in the development of appropriate policy responses. Pathways facilitate such cross departmental co-operation and the effectiveness of the measures announced are being monitored on a quarterly basis.

I note that my colleague Deputy Lyons has indicated that he will be asking the Jobs, Social Protection and Education Committee to give consideration to the development of a youth guarantee proposal. I look forward to reviewing the proposals of the Committee when they are to hand.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

368 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance now under appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response. [21632/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th July 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12th December 2011 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Employment Support Services

Martin Heydon

Question:

369 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection when the JobBridge scheme will be open to those in receipt of the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21643/12]

The National Internship Scheme is currently limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months. Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register. The key objective of labour market policy is to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that Live Register members availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.

For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 of the last 6 months. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.

Individuals who are in receipt of a one parent family payment however can access the Work Placement Programme, which provides participants with a work experience placement of between two and nine months. During this time participants may be able to retain their social welfare entitlements. My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis. The extension of JobBridge to those in receipt of certain benefits forms part of this broader review process. This review process is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that I may be in a position to present formal proposals very shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits

Paul Connaughton

Question:

370 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21715/12]

I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Code

Simon Harris

Question:

371 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the consultations held to date in connection with the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme; her plans to hold a full public consultation on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21716/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

372 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has conducted any form of cost benefits analysis on the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme and the impact this would have on local businesses and employment levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21717/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

373 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has held any consultations with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in connection with the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme and the impact this may have on small and medium enterprises here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21718/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 to 373, inclusive, together.

The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay, whereby employers would directly meet the costs of sick absence for an initial period of illness, is being considered in the context of the need to reform the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries in this area; the need to address the deficit in the social insurance fund; the need to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and in the wider context of enhancing the health of the workforce and addressing levels of absenteeism. I hosted a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay on 20th February 2012. This seminar was attended by a broad range of key stakeholders and afforded an initial opportunity to discuss the complex issues involved. The report of that seminar will be published in the near future and will provide the basis for more detailed consultations with key stakeholders, including other relevant Government Departments such as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, over the coming months.

Before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme, a range of complex issues need to be examined in detail. The cost/benefit analysis of the scheme will be contingent on how these issues are addressed and how the scheme would ultimately be structured. The analysis of the potential impacts will be developed and refined as the consultations with key stakeholders progress.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

374 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite the decision on entitlements to disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [21719/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Public Services Card

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

375 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection when will the new card for social welfare recipients be used, that is, the biometric card [21727/12]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Public Services Card (PSC) which is being introduced to act as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required. The card will provide public service providers with verification of an individual's identity thus reducing the resources currently required to do so each time a member of the public tries to access a public service while at the same time making it harder for people to use false identities.

PSCs are issued following a robust registration process and incorporate identification features including a photograph and an electronic signature. The Department has been piloting the registration processes and ICT systems at three of its offices. This exercise started in July in Tullamore and was subsequently extended to Dublin (Kings Inn) and Sligo. The PSC issue facility was put into production at the beginning of October. Nearly 7,000 PSCs have been issued to date. These cards are available to be used by many public service bodies including the Department of Social Protection. For instance the cards issued can be used to collect social welfare payments at post offices.

In addition to establishing that the processes work in practice and that the supporting ICT systems work correctly, the pilot also aimed to establish the resources needed to deploy registration in Local Offices countrywide. Sanction for additional resources to support this has been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and these are currently being sourced and deployed. The pilot has also indicated the need for legislative changes to support the new processes and these have been proposed in the current Social Welfare Bill. The Department is now finalising plans for a national roll-out of the new cards on a phased basis commencing in May of this year.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Creed

Question:

376 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21729/12]

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, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Peter Mathews

Question:

377 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21731/12]

The continued entitlement of the person concerned to domiciliary care allowance was reviewed in December 2011. The case was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was no longer medically eligible for the allowance. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 7th December 2011 and she has appealed the decision. As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the case will be further examined and forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.

Child Care Services

Barry Cowen

Question:

378 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific steps she has taken in relation to setting up adequate child care provision before one parent family payment changes are introduced; if an interdepartmental task force has been established; the routes of ongoing communication with other Departments that have been set up; the communications that have occurred to date; if any provisional costings have been laid out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21732/12]

The one-parent family payment (OFP) has played an important role in providing income support to lone parents. Changes have been made to the payment since its introduction in 1991, reflecting the changes taking place in society, the labour market and the expectations and realities of parents' lives, and particularly of mothers, in terms of work and care. These reforms continue that change. They recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children, while, at the same time, having an expectation that parents will not remain outside of the workforce indefinitely. They aim to provide the necessary supports to lone parents to participate in education and training, to develop their skills, and to enter or move in the labour market and, ultimately, to achieve financial independence.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, 2012, introduces changes to the structure of the payment and the age of the youngest child at which the payment ceases. These changes are being brought in over time. I have acknowledged that reforming the OFP will require a whole of Government response. I am engaging with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister for Education and Skills to have a co-ordinated, cross-departmental approach to ensuring that the required level of services is in place to support lone parents as their youngest child reaches the relevant age thresholds.

At the same time, the development of the National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES) and the profiling of jobseekers, which is already underway in my Department, will lead to a better identification and understanding of the supports that individual customers need and the extent to which these are available and affordable. As part of this cross-departmental approach, discussions have already been taking place between officials from my Department and from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with regard to the development of a policy framework around after-school care, and, in the short-term, the assessment of the extent of the current provision of such care, the costs of such care to parents, and the demand for such services from lone parents.

Question No. 379 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

380 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was not paid a rent supplement for a period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21736/12]

There is no record of a rent supplement application in respect of the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to apply for rent supplement he should complete an application pack available at local Health Centre or by calling 1890 800 698 and return completed application to the Central Rents Unit, P.O. Box 11758, Dublin 24.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael McGrath

Question:

381 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21743/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the basis of the documentary evidence or, if required, will hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

382 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of scheduled reviews of domiciliary care allowance recipients that were undertaken in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21751/12]

The Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since 1st April 2009. Statistics relating to the allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme. Scheduled reviews, on the recommendation of the medical assessor, are based on the prognosis of the child's disability and how their care needs may change over time.

The total number of scheduled reviews undertaken in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (to date), based on recommendations from medical advisors, are set out in the table below. As responsibility for the Allowance only transferred to this Department from the HSE in April 2009 and the shortest review period is 12 months, the first review was not carried out until mid 2010.

Year

Reviews

Still Eligible

Not Eligible

Pending

2010

134

80

54

0

2011

403

176

224

3

2012 (to date)

506

86

57

363

Barry Cowen

Question:

383 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of domiciliary care allowance who have lost their allowance in 2012; the total number of recipients currently; the total number of recipients in November 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21752/12]

Individual DCA cases are routinely reviewed to ensure that the conditions for receipt of the payment continue to be met. Reviews are scheduled based on the recommendation of the medical assessor (MA) when the application is initially processed, based on the potential for the care needs of the child to change over time. The scheduling of reviews is not based on the particular disability of the child but on the potential for change to their care needs.

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 ongoing 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 revised 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 different 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.

In response to recent customer requests, the timeframe for the return of the completed review form has been extended from 21 to 60 days and the customer will also be advised at initial award stage of their scheduled review date, with notification issuing 2-3 months before that date. This will allow parents to have any documentation they may wish to submit available in advance of the review date.

A total of 129 domiciliary care allowance recipients who were found to no longer satisfy the medical criteria have had their allowance stopped to date in 2012. On 31st March 2012, there were 24,176 customers in receipt of the allowance in respect of 25,966 children. This compares to 24,048 customers who were in receipt of the allowance in respect of 25,873 children on 30th November 2011.

Michael Creed

Question:

384 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of a recent diagnosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21774/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 30th March 2012. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion, a decision will issue to the customer. The Deputy should note that, currently, it can take up to 8 weeks to process a DCA application.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Question:

385 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social protection appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21775/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st February 2012. and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Jim Daly

Question:

386 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which an appeal of an oral hearing for a State pension be held in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21786/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

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

Social Welfare Code

Patrick Nulty

Question:

387 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if, on the basis that the National Administrative Procedures Manual includes the requirement to notify the SWA section of exceptions in cases where the rent is above the relevant maximum limit, and on the basis that these procedures have been consistently reaffirmed in SWA circulars on rent limits at least since 2007 and as recently as 22 December 2011 in section 6.4 of SWA Circular 21/11 and on the basis that in the answer to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 21 March 2012, the Minister stated that statistics are not available on the exact number of cases where rent supplement was paid in excess of the maximum rent limit; her views on whether the lack of available information is a cause for concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21791/12]

The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible tenants 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. There are currently approximately 95,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement, with €436m provided in 2012.

The Deputy is correct to state that the Department's officials administering rent supplement are required to notify the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) section of cases where rent supplement is awarded above the relevant maximum limit appropriate to the case under review. However, statistics are not readily available on the exact number of cases where rent supplement was paid in excess of the maximum rent limit. The Department is currently reviewing the reporting process with a view to providing comprehensive and accessible information.

Community Employment Schemes

Patrick Nulty

Question:

388 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse reductions to community employment schemes which operate within the Centre for Independent Living Network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21792/12]

I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment (CE) Projects such as the Centres for Independent Living (CIL) in providing a service to both participants and the community. However due to the current economic circumstances, the 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 CE in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under CE. Department officials have met with representatives of CIL on a number of occasions and are aware of the challenges facing these centres and are supportive within the parameters set down for CE. There will be no decrease in the number of CE places allocated to CIL in 2012.

Social Welfare Appeals

James Bannon

Question:

389 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21798/12]

Payment of illness benefit to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 5th 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.

James Bannon

Question:

390 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21801/12]

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the ground that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified of this decision and the reason for it. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessor (MA) for consideration. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the MA and the deciding officer's decision remained unchanged following this review.

She subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). An appeals officer (AO), having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned and she was notified accordingly. The SWAO subsequently recalled her file on foot of further information received by them however, upon review, the AO decided that this information did not warrant a reversal of the original decision. The decision of an AO is final and may only be reviewed in light of new evidence or fresh facts being presented that were not to hand at the time of appeal.

Question No. 391 withdrawn.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

392 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) cannot appeal the decision and under what circumstances an appeal can be allowed after the 21 days has passed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21805/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that no appeal has been lodged in this case. The legislation provides that an appeal must be made within 21 days of the notification of the Deciding Officer's decision but may be accepted after this period with the approval of the Chief Appeals Officer. Factors to which the Chief Appeals Officer would have regard would include the reasons for the delay, the length of the delay, the question at issue, the prospects of success and the interests of justice.

Question No. 393 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Dan Neville

Question:

394 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick and if all arrears will issue. [21813/12]

The person concerned was awarded carer's allowance with effect from 2 June 2011 in respect of two care recipients. One of the persons she was caring for has since passed away. Her first entitlement in respect of the second care recipient reached her local post office on 19 April 2012. Arrears of allowance due to her in respect of both care recipients less any other payment made on her behalf for this period, and less any overpayments that have occurred (if relevant) issued to her by cheque on 20 April 2012.

Community Employment Schemes

Terence Flanagan

Question:

395 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for community employment scheme cuts for persons with disabilities and to ensure that there are no further cuts in budget 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21821/12]

I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment (CE) projects providing services for persons with a disability 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 CE in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under CE.

A financial review of CE schemes is underway. This review has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes themselves and for the Department. No final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the review. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places, 23,300, allocated in 2012. The existing commitment in relation to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply.

Michael McCarthy

Question:

396 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the process involved for a sporting organisation (details supplied) in hiring a person under the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21830/12]

The process is that the organisation requesting a person under a Community Employment Scheme makes contact with the local Department of Social Protection Community Services Office (in this case Bantry, Co. Cork) to make an application.

Social Welfare Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

397 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the policy rationale behind the amendment to the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012 relating to entitlements to jobseeker's benefit for those in part-time employment; if, as is suggested in the Department of Social Protection briefing note of 23 April (details supplied), this has been introduced on the basis of anecdotal evidence; if there is any analysis to support the anecdotal evidence cited, and if she will release it; and her estimate of the number of persons currently in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit who are also working part-time who will move to full-time work as a result of this measure. [21831/12]

The amendment to the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012 relating to entitlements of persons on jobseeker's benefit acts to implement a savings measure announced in Budget 2012. It is estimated that saving of the order of €5.9m will be achieved in 2012 as a result of the measure. In line with other Budget measures, this measure will not impact on any person whose sole income is from social welfare.

The detail referenced from briefing on the measure was provided as a point of information reflecting the view of some employers. In that context, the briefing went on to state that the effect of the measure would be to reduce the contribution from jobseeker's benefit to the weekly amount of total income and help towards a reduction in the reliance on the welfare system among those who currently avail of a mix of welfare and earned income.

The 2006 Review of the Application of the Unemployment Benefit and Assistance Schemes Conditions to Workers who are not Employed on a Full-Time Basis, found that the scheme definition of a period of interruption of employment, whereby a person must be fully unemployed for at least three days in any period of six consecutive days, may have a disincentive effect. This effect may occur where a part-time worker is discouraged from taking up work for more than three days per week. Consistent with this finding it may be noted that some 40% of the casual and part-time jobseeker's benefit customers who avail of a mix of welfare and earned income, claim benefit in respect of three days and work for three days each week.

The measure may act to reduce disincentives to higher levels of employment for this group. However, no estimate of the number who will move to full-time work as a result of this measure has been produced.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

398 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection her estimate of the number of single parents who will no longer be entitled to one parent family allowance subsequent to the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012 that will take up employment as a result of the activation measures being introduced in the Bill; and if she will release any additional analysis conducted by her on the projected impact of these measures. [21832/12]

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, 2012, introduces changes to the structure of the one parent family payment (OFP) and the age of the youngest child at which the payment ceases. From 3 May 2012, new customers will receive the one parent family payment until their youngest child reaches the age of 12, from January 2013, age 10 and from January 2014, age 7. For existing customers there will be a tapered phasing out period to 2015 to enable them to access education and training and prepare them for their return to the labour market.

The average weekly recipients, both new and existing, affected by these changes over the period 2012 to 2015 are 170 (2012), 765 (2013), 2,210 (2014) and 4,510 (2015). When the youngest child of a lone parent reaches the age of 7, if the parent is still in need of income support, they can apply for the jobseeker's allowance (JA) which is paid at the same basic rate as OFP, and which has the same increases for each additional qualified child, and receive the activation supports attached to that payment.

They will then be profiled and their individual needs will be assessed. This will facilitate the agreement of a progression plan with those customers, the development of their case management to assist them to either improve on existing skills or learn new ones, and their gradual move towards or entry into the labour force. It is not known how many customers will take up employment as a result of the activation measures introduced in 2012. Other than the impact figures provided above, no additional analysis of the specific age changes to OFP is currently available.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick Nulty

Question:

399 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when the claim will go into payment and arrears will issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21883/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 1st November 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 16th January 2012 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion, the case will be further examined and will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.

Question No. 400 withdrawn.

Medical Aids and Appliances

John McGuinness

Question:

401 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a full grant towards the cost of hearing aids in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21889/12]

The available grant is half the cost of the hearing aids, subject to a maximum of €500 per aid. The person concerned is qualified and her application was approved on 11th March 2012.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

402 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21890/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the basis of the documentary evidence or, if required, will hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Question:

403 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21892/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Question:

404 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for disability allowance now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21897/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the person concerned was assessed by a Medical Assessor of the Social Welfare Services who was of the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for Disability Allowance. He appealed this decision and in that context he was assessed by another Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for Disability Allowance. At this stage, the Department of Social Protection have been requested to submit relevant documents to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in this case. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Question:

405 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if domiciliary care allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21899/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code

Brendan Griffin

Question:

406 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that is being made in relation to introducing a fair social welfare system for self-employed people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21612/12]

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

Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits to self-employed persons would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. Among the issues that the Advisory Group is currently considering is the issue of providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which is due to be completed in mid-2012, will examine this matter.

Self-employed individuals may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments. Those who have been previously self-employed can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for jobseeker's allowance or disability allowance, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

407 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a refusal for welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and when same will be dealt with. [21951/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised. 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.

Willie Penrose

Question:

408 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21957/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Willie Penrose

Question:

409 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); if same will now be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21958/12]

There is no record in the Department of an application for domiciliary care allowance having been received from the person concerned.

Question No. 410 withdrawn.

Community Employment Schemes

Pat Breen

Question:

411 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Clare can be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21976/12]

In April 2000, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) introduced capped limits on the amount of time that a person could participate on Community Employment. Community Employment capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants though the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, avail of the programme.

In order for a participant to remain on CE for more than one year, certain conditions must be met. One condition is that a participant must have a minimum of a 156 week period on the Live Register, Community Employment, other recognised training interventions such FÁS training, or a combination of all these. Of these 156 weeks, 52 weeks must have been continuously spent on the Live Register prior to start in order to qualify for CE in the first place. Unfortunately, the person referred to does not have the appropriate level of qualification time to remain on CE past his finish date of 22 June 2012. It is not possible within current regulations to extend his participation further; however, he may be advised to discuss further training or employment options with his local Employment Services. The Ennis Office can be contacted on 065-6868280 to arrange same.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jim Daly

Question:

412 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21995/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Youth Employment Action Plan

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

413 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the development of a youth employment action plan as identified by the European Commission, whether we could have support for young entrepreneurs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22029/12]

Primary responsibility for employment policy, incentives and job creation, in the main lies, with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. As the Deputy will be aware, many actions being undertaken by Government in respect of supporting employment range across a number of Departments and Agencies.

In respect of actions undertaken by the Government, a range of reforms and incentives to support, protect and create jobs, were introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative in May 2011. In February 2012, the Government published a comprehensive ‘Action Plan for Jobs' and identified a range of specific actions to drive job creation under a range of headings. These actions are spread across numerous Departments and Agencies encompassing a whole of Government approach to protecting and creating jobs.

As part of these processes, the Department of Social Protection offers a number of supports which encompass people under 25 years of age. The Employer (Job) PRSI Incentive scheme was launched in 2010 and has now been simplified and extended as part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. Under the scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012, who has been unemployed and in receipt of an eligible payment for 6 months or more, they will be exempt from paying employers' PRSI for 18 months. The job must be new and additional, be for at least 30 hours a week and last for at least six months. The exemption is available for new and additional employees up to 5% of employers existing workforce or, for smaller companies, a maximum of 5 new jobs.

I launched the National Internship Scheme, JobBridge in 2011 to provide work experience placements for interns for a 6 or 9 month period. The aim of the national internship scheme is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills. Additionally, Tús — the community work placement initiative became operation in mid 2011 and provides part-time work opportunities for those aged 18 and over.

At the end of 2011, the European Commission adopted a new "Youth Opportunities Initiative" which called on Member State to work on preventing early school leaving; helping young people develop skills relevant to the labour market; ensuring work experience and on-the-job training and helping young people find a good first job. The Commission urged Member States to make better use of the European Social Fund and put forward a range of actions for Member States to consider. The Government actions fully support the Commission's initiative.

Wildlife Conservation

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

414 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views that there should be an easing of regulations regarding the trimming of roadside hedges or trees on H-S ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22018/12]

Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2010 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. Hedgerows and scrub are important as wildlife habitats and they need to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity. These provisions are subject to certain specific exceptions, one of which permits these activities during the prohibited period on grounds of public health and safety, notably where road hazards may require hedge trimming or vegetation clearance.

Irish Language

Micheál Martin

Question:

415 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will make a statement on the progress made so far with the implementation of the 20 year strategy for the Irish language. [13656/12]

As the Deputy is aware, the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 was published on 21 December 2010, following cross-party support in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Programme for Government 2011-2016 states that the Government will support the Strategy and will deliver the achievable goals proposed therein. The Strategy itself recognises the need for a phased approach to achieve its various measures. During 2011, my Department undertook the establishment phase of the Strategy during which the organisational structures were established, as set out in my Department’s implementation plan for the Strategy for 2011.

The following organisational structures have been established to deliver the Strategy:

The Cabinet Committee on the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, chaired by An Taoiseach, is maintaining oversight of progress on the Strategy.

A Senior Officials Group, consisting of high-level officials from relevant Departments, is supporting the Cabinet Committee.

An Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by myself, as Minister of State, is coordinating the implementation of the Strategy.

The Strategy Unit in my Department is responsible for directing the planning and implementation of the Strategy.

In addition, the following high-level working groups have been established with key stakeholders to progress the implementation of various areas of action in the Strategy:

A working group between my Department and the Department of Education and Skills to identify priorities regarding the implementation of the Strategy in education, taking current resource constraints into consideration.

A working group between my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge to distinguish between the individual functions to be carried out by these public bodies under the Strategy in a way that will ensure the best value for money for the Exchequer and the avoidance of duplication of provision.

A working group between my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding enterprise investment in the Gaeltacht.

Following policy decisions taken by Government on 31 May 2011 with regard to the implementation structures for the Strategy and the new definition for the Gaeltacht, my Department is currently giving priority to the drafting of the Gaeltacht Bill 2012, which will give effect, as appropriate, to the Government's decisions.

I should also mention that I announced two major initiatives under the Strategy on 26 April 2012. Firstly, I announced the launch of the language planning process in the Gaeltacht, under which a language plan will be prepared at community level for each Gaeltacht area, in accordance with the Strategy. Secondly, I announced a Family Language Support Programme, which aims to strengthen the Irish language as the household and community language in the Gaeltacht, in accordance with the Strategy. Under this programme, my Department intends to undertake 12 specific measures to support Gaeltacht families who are raising their children through Irish or who wish to raise their children through Irish. More detailed information on the implementation of the Strategy is available on my Department's website, www.ahg.gov.ie.

Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 109.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

417 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21585/12]

I can inform the Deputy that no bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group have been abolished or merged since the establishment of the Department on 2 June 2011. As the Deputy is aware, the Government announced a series of rationalisation measures in the Public Service Reform Plan on 17 November 2011. A number of amalgamations, mergers and critical reviews of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are currently being progressed, as required under the Reform Plan. Details of these are reflected in the Plan, which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform —www.per.gov.ie .

As the Deputy will be aware, the priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State agencies provide that rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this stage to outline projected savings for each State body to be rationalised. However, the implications from this decision are currently being examined within my Department with a view to identifying savings, as well as opportunities for efficiencies and more effective service delivery.

Question No. 418 answered with Question No. 109.

Arts Plan

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

419 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he continues to use the arts as a vehicle to promote the national identity and image thereby contributing to economic revival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21986/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

423 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which he has promoted the national identity through arts and heritage over the past 12 months to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21990/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

424 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken or proposes to take to maximise and promote the arts as a means of generating economic and social benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21991/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419, 423 and 424 together.

The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies within its remit and I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector. In the context of the 2013 Estimates, I will, of course, be endeavouring to maximise continuing Government support for the arts.

As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2012 is €63.241 million. The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, that investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector.

In addition, my Department through Culture Ireland supports Irish arts worldwide by creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues, presenting outstanding Irish creative work to international audiences through showcases at key global arts events including the Edinburgh Festivals and Venice Biennales, as well as through special initiatives such as the recently concluded Imagine Ireland initiative in the United States.

As the Deputy is aware, I wrote to him on 25 April 2012 setting out details of all arts bodies and/or groups that received funding since 1 June 2011, the amount of the funding provided and the purpose of the funding. I also supplied details of all funding provided by Culture Ireland to organisations from June 2011 to date. In addition, I forwarded details received from the Arts Council of all funding provided by it to arts practitioners, arts groups and venues in 2011 and 2012.

In relation to the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, there are 11 specific actions to be undertaken by my Department and the agencies under its remit in the areas of arts, culture and creative enterprise. Together, I believe that we can work to realise the explicit and implicit targets set for these areas. The relevant actions (under section 7 of the Plan) are set out as follows.

7.14 Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprise

7.14.1

Take actions as set out in the Creative Capital Report prepared by the Audiovisual Strategic Review Steering Group to double the value of the film and audiovisual sector by 2016 to over €1 billion, double employment to over 10,000 and increase cultural exports of Irish audiovisual production

Steps Necessary for Delivery

Timeline

Responsible body

Work with the audiovisual industry to grow exports

Ongoing 2012

Irish Film Board

Undertake a range of skills initiatives to address medium to long-term challenges for the sector

Ongoing 2012

Irish Film Board

Leverage investment in data centres and cloud computing to create distribution and fulfilment opportunities for the digital content industries.

Ongoing 2012

Irish Film Board

7.14.2

Through Culture Ireland, maximise the business opportunities abroad for cultural and artistic businesses and enterprises by promoting Irish artists world-wide and showcasing our strengths in culture and creativity

Ongoing 2012

DAHG / IDA

7.14.3

Through Culture Ireland, undertake joint marketing activities with the enterprise development agencies to build ‘brand Ireland’ in this sector

Ongoing 2012

DAHG / Enterprise agencies

7.14.4

Leverage the potential for language and roots tourism, working with Tourism Ireland, the National Archives of Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners

Ongoing 2012

DAHG / Tourism Ireland, National Archives of Ireland / Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners

7.14.5

Roll-out further cultural digitization initiatives, in partnership with the private sector, in order the leverage our unique cultural offerings and bring them to a wider international audience

Ongoing 2012

DAHG

7.14.6

Through the Arts Council, support over 50 venues, approximately 200 festivals and 400 arts organisations in 2012, supporting employment in communities across the country, both directly through funding artists and organisations and indirectly in the tourism sector and the wider economy

Ongoing 2012

DAHG

7.14.7

Ensure continuity in the provision of heritage services nationally through an allocation of €48m for 2012

Ongoing 2012

DAHG

7.14.8

Invest in quality customer offerings through the National Cultural Institutions and regional cultural bodies and enterprises to enhance our overall tourism offering and to make Ireland a destination of cultural distinction for the cultural tourists globally

Ongoing 2012

DAHG

7.14.9

Support research activities of relevance to the sector including research in the areas of digital networks, communications and radio spectrum optimisation, semantic web and sensor web, big data and data analytics, and their application in sectors such as film and television, social media and publishing

Ongoing 2012

Research funders and Prioritisation Action Group

Architectural Heritage

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

420 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he expects to carry out restoration works towards the protection of buildings throughout the country in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21987/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

421 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of endangered heritage sites or buildings throughout the country; his future intentions in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21988/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has examined the possibility of availing of the opportunities arising from the economic downturn to improve, upgrade or refurbish heritage sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21993/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 421 and 426 together.

My Department is responsible for the legislative framework, general policy development and promotional awareness of Ireland's built heritage. My Department also provides some limited funding for the built heritage directly or through the OPW. €2,005,000 has been provided in this year's Estimates for built heritage capital. My Department also provides funding to the Heritage Council which in turn supports many heritage projects throughout the country. My Department is providing a total of €4,811,000 of Exchequer Funding for the Heritage Council in 2012 together with €1,500,000 from the Department's share of the Environment Fund. Final allocations for future years have not been decided.

The management and delivery of specific conservation projects is generally carried out through bodies such as the OPW, local authorities and heritage organisations that receive grants awarded by the Heritage Council. This does not include private investment in conservation projects. Information in relation to the total number of endangered heritage sites, buildings and excavations suitable for conservation and restoration projects is not available to my Department.

In relation to protected structures, section 59 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides for a planning authority to serve notice to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of such structures. On the basis of information submitted by the planning authorities to my Department, there were 19 such notices served nationwide in 2008, 27 in 2009 and 10 in 2010, figures for 2011 will be available shortly.

In 2011 my Department set up an Expert Advisory Committee representing key stakeholders to review the operation of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This review includes an examination of how the legislation is operating in practice regarding the protection and management of architectural heritage from a central and local government perspective and the need, in the light of current economic circumstances, to consider alternative ways of supporting the conservation of protected structures.

In the context of the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015, the Department is developing various policy actions which contribute to the protection and appropriate re-use of our built heritage and aims to deal with on-going strategic objectives indirectly effecting our architectural heritage such as climate change, adaptive re-use for historic properties and a forward plan-led approach to cultural heritage and urban design in our towns and cities.

The scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State's built heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow.

Question No. 422 answered with Question No. 120.

Questions Nos. 423 and 424 answered with Question No. 419.

Arts Council

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

425 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote the arts through the education system with particular reference to primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21992/12]

The Deputy will appreciate that I have no statutory responsibility in relation to the education system, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills. However, I understand that the Arts Council, through its various funding schemes has provided support to projects in this area. Further details are available on the Council's website at www.artscouncil.ie.

My Department, together with the Department of Education and Skills, has also provided support to NAPD (National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals) for the Creative Engagement Programme which focuses on providing quality arts participation in second level schools. My Department is continuing its engagement with the Department of Education and Skills to finalise a Charter for Arts in Education and I hope to agree this with the Minister for Education and Skills in early course.

Question No. 426 answered with Question No. 420.

Arts Funding

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

427 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total number of applications for support received so far this year in his Department or bodies under his aegis from various groups involved in the performance of the arts throughout the country; the extent to which he has been in a position to respond favourably to such requests; his intentions and his ability to meet such demands in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/12]

I refer the Deputy to his Parliamentary Question No 309 of 6th March 2012, in which he sought information and details of the number of bodies and or groups, voluntary or otherwise, supported directly or indirectly in the past twelve months by my Department. In response to that question a letter issued to the Deputy dated 25th April 2012 containing the large amount of information sought. As the Deputy is aware, my Department has supplied details to him of all bodies and/or groups that received funding since 1st June 2011, the amount of the funding provided and the purpose of the funding. My Department has also supplied details of all funding provided by Culture Ireland to organisations from June 2011 to date. In addition, I forwarded to him details received from the Arts Council of all funding provided by it to arts practitioners, arts groups and venues in 2011 and 2012.

My Department does not operate a formal application scheme to cater for groups involved in the performance of the arts. As the Deputy is aware, primary responsibility for funding for the arts rests with the Arts Council, which is statutorily independent in this regard. Notwithstanding this, my Department does receive applications for support and assistance and, to date this year, some 300 applications have been received from various groups involved in the performance of the arts throughout the country. Unfortunately, my Department is not in a position to offer financial support in these cases, which are referred on to the Arts Council.

Questions Nos. 428 and 429 answered with Question No. 109.

Natural Gas Network

Brian Walsh

Question:

430 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the involvement of Bord Gáis Éireann in the establishment of Irish Water will represent an opportunity for the expansion of the natural gas network in conjunction with work carried out on water services infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21452/12]

The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ), which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain the national network system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is statutorily responsible for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.

The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be met as a prerequisite. The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. This is designed to obviate against uneconomic projects which would increase costs for all gas consumers. The policy framework allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.

Having full regard to CER's network connections policy, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns not already connected to the national gas network, with detailed economic analysis based on criteria outlined in the policy. The study was published in April 2010 following approval by the CER. The Gaslink report found that 35 towns, when appraised on an individual basis or as a group, did not qualify for connection on economic grounds. The report can be accessed at www.gaslink.ie.

Gaslink continues to keep under review the towns which did not qualify for connection under the Study, and other towns, on an ongoing basis. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually resulting from the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.

The recent decision to establish Irish Water within the BGÉ Group reflects the Government's confidence in BGÉ. BGÉ's experience and management expertise in key areas such as raising finance, operating and investing in critical network infrastructure and delivering excellent customer service, can be quickly deployed to assist in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water. It would be premature at this stage to speculate on the scope for any operational synergies over time between the respective operation, maintenance and development of the gas networks and the water networks by the two entities with the Bord Gáis Group.

Broadcasting Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

431 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if those licence payers who now have coverage through repeater stations, which are going to be turned off this autumn on instruction from him at RTE will not be able to avail of the same quality coverage as others. [21221/12]

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the Saorview TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ and therefore not one in which I, as Minister, have a function. That said, I have made enquiries of Saorview and can now provide the following information. Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage.

Work has been ongoing across the country to prepare the transmission sites for the move from analogue to digital terrestrial television. However, it is virtually impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include local topography, for example. RTÉ is conscious of the needs of communities and is making efforts to ensure areas with larger population centres are provided with the Saorview service. To date, RTÉ has committed to improve coverage in the following areas: Glenties, Bandon, Carlingford and Dingle. Coverage improvements in these areas will not be possible until the analogue TV service is switched off.

In addition to Saorview, RTÉ has developed Saorsat, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. Saorsat launched last month — in March 2012. Currently, Saorsat provides access to the RTÉ channels including the new RTÉ channels developed for SAORVIEW. TG4 is expected to be available shortly. TV3 has not yet made a decision. RTÉ is not obliged to provide this satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. I am informed that with this satellite service, Ireland will have a national TV network covering 100% of the population for the first time.

I have been further informed by RTENL that certain areas serviced by transposers, self-help community systems and repeater stations are not being replaced or upgraded by RTENL. To receive SAORVIEW, homes that currently use these systems will need to readjust their aerials to point to a Saorview transmission site. In a small number of cases some homes may need to use the Saorsat satellite service.

The cost of upgrading to either SAORVIEW or SAORSAT is the once-off cost associated with upgrading TV equipment to digital, for affected cases. SAORVIEW or SAORSAT is free to use for everyone with the correct TV equipment. A SAORSAT installation, including the cost of installing a satellite dish and set top box currently costs €300-€350. A full SAORVIEW installation costs about €200 (for set top box and adjustment or replacement of aerial). As with SAORVIEW equipment costs, it is expected that the cost of SAORSAT equipment will reduce as we approach the 24 October analogue switch off date.

Should the Deputy have further questions about specific areas, I am happy to pass them on to RTÉ on his behalf. Information on coverage is available from the dedicated Saorview website www.saorview.ie. Information on Saorsat is available on www.rtenl.ie.

Telecommunications Services

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

432 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of broadband penetration for small and medium enterprises across the State. [21376/12]

Ireland's telecommunications market has been open to competition since 1999 and since then has developed into a well-regulated market supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Despite the current economic difficulties, significant private sector investment continues to be made in the provision of broadband products and services.

The State is not a provider of services, except in instances of clear market failure such as in the cases of both the National and Rural Broadband Schemes. Such interventions are always subject to EU State Aid clearance to ensure no unacceptable level of market distortion takes place. Between these private and public investments, at least a basic broadband service is now available right throughout the country including to SMEs. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.

The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. It will also be a key enabler for SMEs who wish to engage with cloud computing, or to expand their business by transacting online. Generally, high speed services are available for larger businesses. However, access and cost can sometimes be a challenge.

The rate of internet adoption by SMEs continues to be a cause of concern. While Irish consumers have shown a significant enthusiasm for purchasing online, figures suggest that much of this expenditure is going abroad as indigenous firms appear to be slow to embrace the opportunities presented by online marketing and sales. Encouraging and facilitating Irish SMEs to adopt digital in their day-to-day business will be a strong focus of both the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce Report, which will be published tomorrow and the forthcoming National Digital Strategy for which a completion date is the target by year-end.

Energy Conservation

James Bannon

Question:

433 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding an application in respect of grant assistance for solar water heating in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21531/12]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 765 from him of 18 April last. There has been no change in the matter since then.

Fisheries Protection

Emmet Stagg

Question:

434 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the damage done to returning to sea, salmon smolts, by hydro electric plants and by sea lice that assemble in large numbers in the vicinity of fish farms; and the action he proposes to take to prevent this recurring loss of returning salmon stock. [21570/12]

In relation to the issue of salmon smolts going to sea, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) operate 10 large-scale hydro electric stations located on the Rivers Shannon, Erne, Liffey, Lee and the Clady/Crolly. ESB have advised that during the downward salmon migration to sea (March-early June), the ESB operate a salmon smolt generation protocol involving evening and early night-time generation on their Kaplan sets (the most fish-friendly type of turbine). These turbine sets are run at near to maximum efficiency and smolt losses are minimised. The effectiveness of these running regimes has been shown to result in survival rates of between 88-92% for these stations. The ESB operated salmon hatcheries that further mitigate the small scale losses.

Smaller hydroelectric schemes such as Leixlip, operate differently as water is selectively discharged over spillway gates or through fish passes to prevent smolt losses. On relatively small hydroelectric plants Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have advised that there is also a requirement to fit fine mesh screens to the intake point during the spring migration period to prevent smolts being taken into and through the turbine. As an additional safeguard, provision is also made for spilling water over a weir so as to provide an alternative downstream route.

As regards the issue of sea lice from marine salmon farms, IFI advise that an important scientific study conducted by IFI on the impact of sea lice infestation of outwardly migrating salmon smolts from a number of rivers on Ireland's West Coast was published earlier this year. This scientific study, conducted over a 3 year period, concluded that sea lice — induced mortality can be significant and that sea-lice larvae emanating from farmed salmon may influence individual survivorship and population conservation status of wild salmon in the river systems examined.

As part of the development of fish farming, the protocols for the control of sea-lice infestation at salmon farms is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in which I have no role. I am fully supportive of sustainable aquaculture development and I strongly support the ongoing efforts of the Minister, his Department and the agencies operating under its aegis to ensure that all such activity complies with our obligations under the Habitats Directive and other EU legislation designed to protect our environment.

These measures are necessary to ensure that protection is afforded to declining native wild salmon stocks and to the valuable angling tourism sector valued at €100 million per annum by Fáilte Ireland and IFI that supports jobs in our coastal and rural communities.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

435 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21587/12]

While no agencies have been abolished or merged by my Department in 2011 or to date in 2012, my Department oversaw the creation of Inland Fisheries Ireland in 2010 which replaced 8 Fisheries Boards, 8 Fisheries cooperatives and the National Salmon Commission. My Department is currently reviewing the rationalisation proposals for agencies under its aegis as set out in the Public Service Reform Plan with the objective of addressing them within the required timeframe set out in the plan.

Broadcasting Services

Derek Keating

Question:

436 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to have legislation to govern and control advertising in the broadcast media in view of the recent commencement of advertisements late in the evening on TV3 giving out telephone numbers for escort services and what can be determined as sex lines; if he will examine this problem; if he judges it to be a serious problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21755/12]

Responsibility for the regulation of premium rate phone numbers, and advertising of these, including those referred to in the Deputies question, is a matter for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The BAI and ComReg are independent statutory bodies and as such I as Minister have no role in this matter. The enactment of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act, 2010 transferred the responsibility for the regulation of premium rate services (PRS) in the State from the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services Limited (RegTel) to ComReg.

In relation to the regulation of premium rate services, ComReg, as the competent authority in this jurisdiction, has a Code of Practice in place. The Code derives from the original RegTel Code and has been operated by ComReg since July 2010, pending the further development of a Code in this area. Service Providers of premium rate telecommunications services are required to comply with the provisions of the Code of Practice.

There are a number of specific provisions in this Code of Practice which are pertinent to the advertisement of premium rate chat services. Chatline services of the type that the Deputy refers to are not defined as Sexual Entertainment Services, but rather as Virtual Chat Services. However, the Code of Practice addresses Services of a Sexual Nature, in section 8.4 of the Code and consequently the Code includes provisions governing the promotion of such services. The Code also administers, under Section 5.2, and in particular, Section 5.2.3 of the Code that service providers must ensure that services are not used in any way to promote or facilitate prostitution. Compliance with this code is a matter for ComReg.

The BAI has responsibility for certain types of advertising rules. Section 8(9) of the BAI's General Commercial Communications Code (GCCC) makes general provisions for premium rate telecommunications services and requires that commercial communications for such services comply with Irish and European legislation and with the rules, regulations and Codes of Practice issued from time to time. The GCCC also makes a more general provision in relation to matters of offence, harm and dignity, and a range of rules under section 3.2 of the Code deal with these issues. For information also, ComReg inform me that a new Code of Practice will come into force on the 5 June 2012, and will update the rules around these types of services.

Sale of State Assets

Sean Fleming

Question:

437 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the activities of Bord Gáis that are proposed to be sold as part of the sale of State assets; if he will indicate the preliminary work that has been carried out to date; when the advertising process will commence to appoint external consultants to assist in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21829/12]

The Government has decided that Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) Energy business will be included as part of the assets disposal programme. Bord Gáis Energy operates as a competitive, dual-fuel, all-island energy business, with some 470,000 gas customers and over 400,000 electricity customers. Bord Gáis Energy sells gas and electricity in all market segments; with related activities including call centre management, billing, sales and marketing. Through its Home Services Team, it offers customers a wide range of products and services to help increase their overall energy efficiency. Bord Gáis Energy also owns and operates a significant portfolio of wind energy assets as well as the 445MW gas-fired power plant in Whitegate.

In Northern Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy has 149 MW of wind development projects. Through its Firmus subsidiary, it offers competitive electricity and gas supplies to Northern Ireland consumers, including the distribution and supply of gas in its franchise area of ten towns in Northern Ireland.

Bord Gáis Energy is a dynamic and successful company which has delivered real benefits for consumers as it has invested and grown in power generation and energy supply. The Government has reiterated its commitment to retaining BGÉ's gas networks and interconnectors in State ownership as strategic infrastructure which is fundamental to Ireland's security of energy supply and the economy.

Following the Government's decision on State asset disposals, a group including my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA has been tasked with progressing all policy, regulatory, legislative and financial issues to be addressed prior to the disposal of Bord Gáis Energy. The work will be ongoing over the coming months. The timing of recruitment of any external advisors for the process has not yet been decided.

Property Tax

Peter Mathews

Question:

438 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the proposed property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21507/12]

An independently chaired Inter-Departmental expert Group has been established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. The Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me shortly. Following consideration of the Group's recommendations, I will bring proposals to Government on the full property tax as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the structure and modalities of the full property tax.

Environmental Policy

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

439 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be a total reappraisal of slurry application and spreading dates, taking into account prevailing weather conditions more than any other consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22022/12]

Restrictions in relation to the application and spreading of slurry, generally referred to as ‘closed periods', are set out in The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010. These Regulations transpose the Nitrates Directive and are the basis of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. The objective of the Regulations is to protect ground and surface waters, including drinking water sources, through, inter alia, the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers.

The Nitrates Regulations were reviewed in 2010 and, amongst the wide range of submissions considered by an independently chaired Expert Advisory Group established by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine, were a number seeking increased flexibility with regard to the arrangements for the closed periods for the spreading of organic fertilisers. The Expert Advisory Group, however, did not propose a change to the dates set out in the Regulations. The selection of the closed periods in the Nitrates Regulations was informed by meteorological data over a 30 year period. Conditions for the spreading of slurry have generally been good this spring.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Micheál Martin

Question:

440 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made on the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/12]

On 15 December 2011, I published the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill. In developing this Bill I have had particular regard to recommendations made in the Moriarty Tribunal Report, published in March 2011. The Bill has passed all stages in the Seanad and is currently before the Dáil at second stage. It will, when enacted, fundamentally change the way politics is funded and conducted in Ireland. The Bill provides that political parties will be required to submit their annual accounts to the Standards in Public Office Commission for publication. This provision will address the Moriarty Tribunal recommendation that all income of political parties be disclosed. It will go beyond this recommendation by providing that the expenditure of parties is also reported and open to public scrutiny.

The Tribunal recommended that all political donations, apart from those under a modest threshold, be disclosed. The Bill provides that the threshold at which donations must be declared by a political party to the Standards in Public Office Commission will fall from €5,078.95 to €1,500. The declaration threshold for a donation received by a candidate or elected representative is to be reduced from €634.87 to €600. There is provision for a reduction from €5,078.95 to €200 in the threshold at which donations must be reported by companies, trade unions, societies and building societies in their annual reports or returns. In addition the Bill provides for a reduction in the threshold for donors other than companies, trade unions, societies and building societies, in reporting donations to the Standards in Public Office Commission, from a figure of €5,078.95 to €1,500 for aggregate donations given in the same year.

The Moriarty Tribunal Report noted that the desirability and feasibility of a complete ban on private political funding is pre-eminently a matter for the Oireachtas, and for public debate and consideration, having regard to constitutional issues that might arise and to the national financial exigencies. With reference to this comment in the Tribunal Report, a noteworthy provision in the Bill is the introduction of a ban on the acceptance of donations over €200 for political purposes from a corporate donor unless the donor has registered with the Standards in Public Office Commission. The Government's objective is to restrict the influence of corporate donors. Such donations will also need to be accompanied by a statement confirming that the donation has been approved by a general meeting of the members of the body, or by its trustees.

As a further reforming measure, the Bill provides that the maximum amount that can be accepted as a political donation by an individual is being reduced from €2,539.48 to €1,000. This €1,000 limit will apply in respect of donations to a member of either House of the Oireachtas, a Member of the European Parliament or a member of a local authority, as well as a candidate at a Presidential, Dáil, Seanad, European Parliament or local election. The maximum amount that can be accepted as a donation by a political party, an accounting unit of a political party or a third party is being reduced to €2,500. The current figure is €6,348.69. This Bill will significantly enhance the openness and transparency of political funding in Ireland, issues that were central to the recommendations made in the Moriarty Tribunal Report.

Water Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

441 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the proposed new water meters will be housed in boundary boxes adjacent to the tap-off point on the main road where the mains water supply normally runs that are often hundreds of metres away from the property being charged; if this is in keeping with best international practice; if he will allay the concerns of property owners on the security of this arrangement and potential repair and replacement responsibilities. [22241/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

444 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if homeowners will be able to monitor their household’s water usage following the installation of water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21325/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

445 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if water meters will be covered by warranty following their installation; the length of time this warranty will be valid; the way repair and maintenance costs will be administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21326/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

446 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is envisaged that water meters will be installed above or below ground; the steps that will be taken to ensure meters are neither a safety risk or physically obtrusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21327/12]

Dara Calleary

Question:

447 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when recruitment will commence for the installation of water meters with An Bord Uisce. [21335/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

463 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households in the State that may face a flat rate bill for water usage when the new charge regime is introduced in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21477/12]

Nicky McFadden

Question:

468 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if households with private wells will be subject to water charges for registration, inspections or other; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21508/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

488 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify who will install water meters if his proposed plans proceed; the qualification that will be necessary and the way citizens will be able to achieve this qualification. [21881/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 441, 444 to 447, inclusive, 463, 468 and 488 together.

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Government has decided that Irish Water, a new State-owned water company to be established as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group, will be responsible for the metering programme. In common with meters for other utility services, the meters will be the property of Irish Water which will also be responsible for repair and maintenance of the meters.

It is intended that the installation of water meters in households connected to public water supplies will commence later this year and that installation contracts will be awarded by Irish Water to private contractors. The nature of the work will involve minor excavation and reinstatement works and will provide much needed employment in the construction sector. The types of jobs involved could include general operatives, plumbers, fitters, supervisors, contract managers and accounts and administration staff. The recruitment of staff to carry out installation works and ensuring that they have the skills to carry out the necessary works will be the responsibility of the private contractors. The procurement strategy for the metering programme will be finalised with Irish Water and no contracts have yet been awarded. Tender processes will be managed in accordance with national and EU procurement rules. The technology used will be a matter for public procurement by Irish Water and technology will be a specific criterion for the procurement of the meters.

In keeping with international practice regarding water metering, the meters will be installed at the boundary of the property, most typically in the footpath at the front of a house. All necessary health and safety measures will be considered in the installation phase. As is the case with other utility services which are supplied on a metered basis, households will be able to access their water meter and therefore will be in a position to monitor their water usage. They will also be able to query such meter reads with a dedicated customer service centre and customers will receive bills several times a year, as is the case with other utility services.

It is not possible to indicate the number of households that may be subject to an assessed charge at the time water charges will commence as this will depend on progress with the metering programme and the date on which charges are introduced. The approach to be taken for the setting of charges will be determined as part of the regulatory process.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Dara Calleary

Question:

442 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when funding for the replacement of the pipe network from Bunbeg, Derrybeg to Glassagh made by Donegal County Council under the Rosses regional public water supply scheme will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21195/12]

Donegal County Council has completed its countywide watermains rehabilitation strategy required as part of its water conservation programme. This strategy identifies specific defective water supply networks requiring rehabilitation and/or replacement. Work on three high priority contracts is already underway and is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 -13. In parallel with these works, Donegal County Council is in the process of procuring consultants to prepare contract documents and oversee implementation of the next phase of watermain rehabilitation contracts. I understand that the Bunbeg Derrybeg to Glashagh Lower pipe replacement will be one of the Council's priority contracts in this next phase.

Household Charge

Gerry Adams

Question:

443 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 849 of 18 April 2012, if anyone in his Department has had any contacts with the Local Government Management Agency in relation to their plans for an advertising campaign on the household charge; if he was kept informed of their plans for an advertising campaign; if the costs for the advertising campaign were known to him; where the money to pay for the advertising campaign at a national level was sourced; if his attention has been drawn to the total costs of the advertising campaign on the household charge; when he became aware of same; what that figure is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21218/12]

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The administration costs, including those in relation advertising, are a matter for the LGMA and the county and city councils. My Department is represented on the Household Charge Project Board which is overseeing the household charge and I am kept informed of the Board's decisions, including those in relation to advertising. The household charge administration costs are being recouped from the Local Government Fund, into which the proceeds of the household charge are being paid by the LGMA. The cost of advertising undertaken to date is €302,954.

Questions Nos. 444 to 447, inclusive, answered with Question No. 441.

Property Tax

Clare Daly

Question:

448 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will explain the make-up of the committee that is examining proposals for the introduction of a new property tax; it’s terms of reference; the timescale for reporting; and if it is going to meet interested parties or allow submissions to be made. [21336/12]

An independently chaired Inter-Departmental expert Group has been established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. The Group otherwise comprises representatives at senior official level from my Department, the Department of Finance, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me shortly. Following consideration of the Group's recommendations, I will bring proposals to Government on the full property tax as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the structure and modalities of the full property tax. Written submissions to the Group were invited from interested organisations and members of the public before 16 March, 2012. A total of 112 submissions have been received. In addition, the Group has held meetings with interested parties.

The terms of reference of the Group are:

To consider the design of a property tax for approval by Government to replace the household charge that is equitable and informed by previous work and international experience.

The property tax is to:

meet the immediate financial requirements of the EU/IMF programme;

provide a stable funding base for the local authority sector in the medium and longer terms; incorporating an appropriate element of local authority responsibility subject to any national parameters;

be collected centrally by the most cost efficient and effective means;

facilitate easy and/or phased payments by households;

be easily determined (e.g. on a self assessment basis), and having regard to the information currently available (or to be made available through registrations for the household charge) on residential property and/or house ownership details;

ensure the maximum degree of fairness between and across both urban and rural areas.

The Group is also to consider the appropriate arrangements for:

a robust audit function; and

strong enforcement and penalty provisions for non-compliance.

Building Regulations

John Paul Phelan

Question:

449 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if members of The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists will be considered for inclusion in the register of approved inspectors, section ref 5.1 on the register of professionals under the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21352/12]

The Building Control Act 2007, among other things, provides for the registration of persons entitled to use the titles of Architect and Building Surveyor. A variety of routes to registration are provided for in relation to both registers having regard to the academic qualifications, professional attainment and practical experience of prospective candidates for registration. Depending on their own personal circumstances, it may be open to members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists to seek inclusion on one or other of the aforementioned registers.

I have recently released for public consultation proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations which will provide for

(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;

(b) the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;

The draft regulations and an explanatory document to inform the public consultation process are currently available on the Department's website www.environ.ie. The closing date for submissions in relation to the proposed regulations is 24 May 2012.

The explanatory document also identifies a number of additional Building Control reform measures that are currently under consideration, including proposals to achieve independent inspection and certification of building works by persons included on a register of approved competent persons. It is intended that the proposed register of approved inspectors and certifiers would be comprised of persons who (a) are included on either of the registers of architects or surveyors referred to above or are a Chartered Engineer and (b) are willing to commit to abiding by a proposed Code of Practice for inspecting and certifying the compliance of building projects with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Local Authority Charges

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

450 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to introduce a progressive rates system for businesses. [21377/12]

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function. The Commissioner of Valuation, who has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.

The Commissioner, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been reviewing various options for streamlining the valuation process and speeding up the national revaluation programme. In this regard, the Government recently approved the drafting of a Valuation Bill to amend the Valuation Act. Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the current funding requirements of local authorities. Rates provide the means by which local authorities can fund the services essential to communities, and therefore business, across the full range of local activities including roads, water and waste services, fire and emergency, libraries and a range of community, amenity and social activities.

I have asked local authorities to exercise restraint in setting their Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in the context of the adoption of their 2012 budgets. From the adopted Budgets for 2012 submitted to my Department by the 88 rating local authorities, 68 authorities have maintained their ARVs at 2011 levels and 19 local authorities have reduced their ARVs. One local authority has increased its ARV and will continue to increase it until 2015, but this is a technical adjustment and legal requirement following the extension of a town boundary. Overall, the average change of ARV from 2011 to 2012 shows a decrease of 0.31%. I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under consideration in my Department.

Household Charge

Niall Collins

Question:

451 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person (details supplied) is liable to pay the household charge and the non principal private residence charge, or if a waiver applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property in the State on the liability date of 1 January is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. An owner of a residential property in the State on 31 March, which is not his/her principal private residence is liable to pay the non-principal private residence (NPPR) charge by 30 June, unless otherwise exempted. As such, a person who owns a residential property in the State which is not his or her main or sole residence is liable for the NPPR charge regardless of which country he or she normally resides in.

Planning Issues

Simon Harris

Question:

452 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the remedies available to householders whose properties are infringed upon by overhanging trees; if the provisions of the 1946 Forestry Act which address this situation are still in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21387/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area. Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned. The 1946 Forestry Act is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Household Charge

Simon Harris

Question:

453 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the exclusion of properties owned by the Catholic church from the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21388/12]

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 Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge.

The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—

Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,

Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,

Voluntary and co-operative housing,

Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,

Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and

Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).

The waivers which apply concern—

Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and

Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.

Planning Issues

Gerry Adams

Question:

454 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a culture which existed in local government where, despite a developer being conditioned to submit a cash bond prior to construction of a development, the local authority accepted a paper bond instead; if he will survey the extent of this practice across each planning authority in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21393/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

455 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will initiate an inquiry into the process that was in place in Louth County Council allowing them to accept a paper bond from a developer in place of a cash bond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21394/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

456 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will quantify the value of expired paper bonds on estates that have not been completed or taken in charge in each planning authority in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21395/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 to 456, inclusive, together.
I am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations. The Committee includes representatives from the Irish Banking Federation, local authorities, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, NAMA and the construction sector. The Committee is meeting on a regular basis with the aim of publishing a report on progress achieved within the next 12 months. In the meantime, work is ongoing on implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group and real progress is already being made with regard to the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates.
While planning authorities are making progress in securing the co-operation of developers, financial institutions and/or bond holders, thereby obviating the need to use Exchequer resources to fund such work, the ongoing work of the Committee includes an assessment of the framework for the operation of bonds. This is taking account of existing legislative provisions, statutory guidance and practical experience in the operation of bonds in order to determine what further policy advice and action are necessary in this regard. Section 34 (4)(g) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000-11 allows a local authority to impose a condition on a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of the development. The legislation does not specify the type of security required.
However, guidance issued to planning authorities stresses that, in the case of residential development, planning conditions must require the giving of sufficient security prior to commencement of development, and that the authorities must ensure that they are in a position to draw down the security in cases where a developer fails to satisfactorily complete a residential development, or phase of a development, within the specified period.

Burial Grounds

Gerry Adams

Question:

457 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in which Dundalk Burial Board have agreed in principle to facilitate burials by the Muslim community in St Patrick’s Cemetery but have withdrawn this due to legislation from 1888 which requires burials to take place in a coffin; if he will review that legislation to allow equality to the Muslim community in death. [21396/12]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 483 of 24 April 2012. The position is unchanged in that my Department will consider the basis for the provision in question and determine whether a review would be beneficial.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

458 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to Dormant Account Inspection Reports, which have been completed by the Central Bank of Ireland, if he will agree that these reports have been undertaken under Sub-section 5(c)of section 33AK Central Bank Act 2003 which prescribes that the Central Bank may disclose information where the bank acts as an agent for some other party; his views on whether the inspections carried out to date were carried out further to the Dormant Accounts Acts and accordingly, as a creature of those Acts, that the Central Bank was acting as the Dormant Accounts Board’s agent in carrying out the inspection reports; accordingly, if he will considers that it is appropriate, as a matter of statute law, that the Central bank should publish the reports, or at very least, make them available to Dormant Accounts Board, which is mandated by primary statute law; which is to say that, in the circumstances, the Central bank is permitted to disclose the inspection reports regarding the financial institutions, they being contributors to the Dormant Accounts Fund, that the Central Bank supervises under Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act, 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21424/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

459 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will seek a report from the Central Bank of Ireland regarding its intentions in respect of future inspections of the sixty or so financial institutions that contribute to the Dormant Accounts Fund, only two of which, so far unnamed, have been inspected to date, with the inspection reports unpublished and not, so far, furnished to the statutory Dormant Accounts Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21425/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.

The Central Bank, acting on behalf of the Minister for Finance, engaged PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) to carry out inspections of dormant accounts over a two year period. Under the Dormant Accounts Act 2001, as amended, and the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003, the Central Bank may authorise inspectors for the purpose of ensuring compliance by financial services providers with the provisions of this legislation. I did not authorise the PwC inspections under the Dormant Accounts legislation and my Department had no role in regard to the reports. The Central Bank was, in the circumstances, acting on its own authority and not, as suggested, acting as an agent of the Dormant Accounts Board.

The advice provided by the Central Bank is that it is not permitted to disclose confidential information concerning the banks that it supervises; I must respect the independence of the bank in such matters. Under the Dormant Accounts legislation, where, following an inspection, there is reason to believe that an institution is in breach of any provision of the legislation or there is a material defect in the systems, procedures and practices referred to in section 22 (1) (c) of the 2001 Act, the inspector must prepare a report, in writing, and submit a copy to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I have no plans at present to seek a report from the Central Bank regarding its intentions in respect of future inspections of the financial institutions that contribute to the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Household Charge

Willie O'Dea

Question:

460 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the household charge in respect of an estate (details supplied). [21438/12]

James Bannon

Question:

475 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Longford is on the list of estates qualifying for a waiver of the household charge; if this waiver is based on a technicality such as one house being vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21582/12]

James Bannon

Question:

483 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria used by his Department when assessing unfinished housing estates, in view of the fact that residents (details supplied) in County Longford are of the opinion that the estate in which they are living has been categorised incorrectly and that in fact, it has not been assessed at all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21797/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 460, 475 and 483 together.

As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, launched by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:

Category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;

Category two, where a receiver has been appointed;

Category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and

Category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.

Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include, inter alia:

the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting facilities, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;

the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;

the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;

the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;

the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned and,

where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.

This categorisation formed the basis for the list of those unfinished developments eligible for a waiver on the annual household charge.

Only households in developments in categories three and four are eligible for the waiver from payment of the household charge. The list of developments in which households are eligible for the waiver in 2012 is set out under the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012. A revised list of estates will be prescribed for 2013 after which time the waiver for unfinished housing developments will end. Throughout this period it is anticipated that the numbers of categories 3 and 4 developments will decrease significantly as my Department continues to work with local authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, including through the Public Safety Initiative.

Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. 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 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge. Queries in respect of specific elements of estates as listed in the Statutory Instrument should be addressed to the relevant local authority.

Brian Walsh

Question:

461 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending existing legislation pertaining to the non-principal private residence and household charges to allow for the deferral of liability to pay while the property remains vested in the executor of a will, until such time that it is disposed of or bequeathed to a beneficiary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21446/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively. Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.

Both Acts contain common provisions dealing with the situation where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies. The legislation provides that the personal representative of the deceased person is not, in respect of that residential property, liable to pay the household charge or the charge on non-principal private residences relating to a year in which the liability falls after the date of death of the deceased person and before the date of issue of a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person. The specific provisions are contained in section 4(3) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and, in relation to the charge on non-principal private residences, in section 4(7) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended.

In addition, both Acts provide that where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies and, at the date of his or her death, a household charge or a charge on non-principal private residence (and any related late payment penalties) remains unpaid in relation to that property, no further late payment penalties are payable in relation to that property until a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person issues to the personal representative of such deceased person.

The personal representative of such deceased person is, as soon as a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person issues to him or her, liable to pay to the relevant local authority the full amount due and owing by the deceased, at the date of his or her death, in respect of the household charge or the charge on non-principal private residences and any related late payment penalties. Where the full amount owing is paid by the personal representative within 3 months of the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased, he or she shall has no further liability. Where the full amount owing is not paid by the personal representative within 3 months of the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased, he or she is liable to pay late payment penalties, in addition to the full amount, from the date of issue of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased.

These provisions are contained in section 7(3)-7(6) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and section 6(3)-6(6) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended. I have no proposals to amend the legislation as suggested.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

462 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money he has paid to the agency responsible for collecting the household charge, that is the local Government Management Agency up to 20 April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21448/12]

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The proceeds from the household charge received by the LGMA are being paid into the Local Government Fund. A total of €968,973 has been recouped to the LGMA from the Local Government Fund up to 20 April, 2012.

Question No. 463 answered with Question No. 441.

Local Authority Housing

Finian McGrath

Question:

464 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will start a redevelopment plan in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [21495/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I refer to the reply to Question No. 132 of 14 March, 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Patrick Deering

Question:

465 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the sewage treatment plant at a location (details supplied) in County Carlow will be upgraded. [21499/12]

Patrick Deering

Question:

466 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when will the sewage treatment plant at a location (details supplied) in County Carlow will be upgraded. [21500/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 466 together.

The Tullow/Rathvilly/Hacketstown Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 as a scheme to start in the programme period. Proposals for advance works in Rathvilly and Hacketstown are currently being evaluated by my Department and it is expected that a decision on these will be conveyed to the local authority in the near future.

Fire Stations

Patrick Deering

Question:

467 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when funding be made available for the refurbishment and upgrade of the fire station in Bagenalstown, County Carlow. [21501/12]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority for the available capital funds.

Correspondence has been received in my Department from Carlow County Council in relation to proposals for works at Bagenalstown fire station, and these are currently under consideration. Further investment in the fire service in Carlow will be considered within the current constraints on the fire service capital programme and having regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from fire authorities nationwide.

Question No. 468 answered with Question No. 441.

Household Charge

Finian McGrath

Question:

469 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding property tax. [21533/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. 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 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. Late payment penalties apply after 31 March, 2012 and any unpaid household charges and late payment penalties remain as a charge against the residential property concerned.

An independently chaired Inter-Departmental expert Group has been established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. The Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me shortly. Following consideration of the Group's recommendations, I will bring proposals to Government on the full property tax as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the structure and modalities of the full property tax.

Water Services

Brian Stanley

Question:

470 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the standards for septic tanks will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21545/12]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 802 of 18 April 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.

An Bord Pleanála

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

471 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the An Bord Pleanála staffing levels for each of the last five financial years; the roles assigned to staff members; the wages paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21559/12]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

472 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current waiting time for a decision by An Bord Pleanála from the receipt of the initial appeal or application; the waiting times for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21560/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 472 together.

Comprehensive information in relation to both staffing, salary costs and compliance with the statutory objective period for the years up to and including 2010 can be found in the Board's annual reports which are available on the Board's website www.pleanala.ie. At the end of December 2011 there were 158.1 whole time equivalent employees of the Board (including Board members). At end March 2012, the equivalent figure was 151.9. Audited figures in respect of remuneration for the financial year 2011 will be available on the Board’s website in due course.

Private Residential Tenancies Board

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

473 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the annual income and expenditure of the Private Residential Tenancies Board for each of the past five financial years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21561/12]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

474 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the number of complaints made to the Private Residential Tenancies Board; the number of hearings held; the number of appeals for each of the past five financial years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21562/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 473 and 474 together.

I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established on 1 September 2004 under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The PRTB's annual reports and accounts are available on the website www.prtb.ie and the most recently published report and accounts relate to 2010. The annual reports include statistics on dispute resolution figures.

Question No. 475 answered with Question No. 460.

Household Charge

Brendan Smith

Question:

476 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the household charge and whether it is properly due from private apartment owners on Dublin Docklands Development Authority sites when the owners already pay management fees of €2,500 which specifically include a local authority, Dublin City Council, charge of €350 for local services; if such owners were or should have been excluded from the charge; if this matter can now be revisited and if a reduction in the city council charge will be made; if these owners were not exempt in the household charge legislation, if this matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21583/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts. The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge.

The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—

Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,

Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,

Voluntary and co-operative housing,

Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,

Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and

Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).

The waivers which apply concern—

Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and

Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.

I have no proposals to provide for an exemption in regard to residential property in respect of which management fees are being paid.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

477 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21590/12]

As part of a rigorous appraisal of the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I announced, in October, 2011, further measures in relation to the rationalisation programme with the overall number of agencies being reduced from 21 to 12. The Government recently approved for publication proposed legislation, the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2012, which will be a key facilitator in the Department's agency rationalisation programme.

The Bill will allow my Department to dissolve the Local Government Computer Services Board, the Local Government Management Services Board and An Chomhairle Leabharlanna. In their place a single agency — The Local Government Management Agency — will provide the shared services in industrial relations, ICT, procurement and library services for all 34 local authorities. The dissolution of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna could provide a once-off windfall to the State through the disposal of their headquarter buildings.

The two Limerick Regeneration Agencies will be dissolved with roles to be replaced through the development of the joint management arrangement for Limerick City and Limerick County Council as a step to the merger of the two Councils.

The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) has been established and is operating on an administrative basis. It rationalises the functions of the National Building Agency (NBA), the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) and the Centre for Housing Research (CHR). The AHP and the CHR have been closed down and the NBA ceased operating in June 2011. The NBA headquarters was sold in March 2012 for €2.84 million.

Comhar (Sustainable Development Council) was discontinued at the end of 2011 and its sustainable development role has been integrated into the work of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2011 proposes to amend existing dormant accounts legislation so as to dissolve the Dormant Accounts Board and transfer the statutory functions of the Board to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Bill was published on 5 September, 2011. It has passed all stages in the Seanad and is currently at Second Stage (resumed) in the Dáil.

Initial savings in the order of €1.9 million have been achieved in the agency rationalisation process and I anticipate that this should rise significantly. At the end of March 2012, the total staff number employed by State agencies under my Department's aegis was 782.9 whole time equivalents (WTE), a reduction of 168 WTE (18%) as compared to 951 at end 2008. Agency staff numbers are targeted to fall to 712 by 2015 — a reduction of 239 (25%) on the 2008 figure.

John McGuinness

Question:

478 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 399 of 3 May 2011 and No. 65 of 31 March 2011 if he will outline the action he has taken to resolve this matter; if he will expedite a resolution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21726/12]

Arrangements for the appointment of the Chairpersons and the nomination of the majority of non-architect members to the Professional Conduct Committee and to the Appeals Board in line with Sections 23 and 24 respectively of the Building Control Act 2007 are currently in hand and I expect this matter to be finalised in the near future.

Household Charge

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

479 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that a development (details supplied) in County Sligo does not have to pay the household charge. [21742/12]

As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, launched by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:

Category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;

Category two, where a receiver has been appointed;

Category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and

Category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.

Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include, inter alia:

the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting facilities, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;

the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;

the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;

the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;

the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned and,

where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.

This categorisation formed the basis for the list of those unfinished developments eligible for a waiver on the annual household charge. Only households in developments in categories three and four are eligible for the waiver from payment of the household charge. The list of developments in which households are eligible for the waiver in 2012 is set out under the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012. It is a matter for the relevant local authority to interpret and apply the relevant provisions.

A revised list of estates will be prescribed for 2013 after which time the waiver for unfinished housing developments will end. Throughout this period it is anticipated that the numbers of categories 3 and 4 developments will decrease significantly as my Department continues to work with local authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, including through the Public Safety Initiative.

Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. 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 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.

Building Regulations

Patrick Nulty

Question:

480 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will undertake a review of pyrite testing standards for quarries to ensure that they conform with best international practice; if he will introduce statutory standards for pyrite testing of homes and other buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21788/12]

The Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC) provides for a system of harmonised technical specifications for construction products. There is a suite of European Standards and Guidance Documents dealing with the use of aggregates in concrete, bituminous mixtures, mortar, etc. The standards set out the testing requirements for aggregates depending on their end use and the guidance documents provide further guidance on the use of the standards.

I.S. EN 13242:2002 is a harmonised European Product Standard for "Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials" for use in civil engineering works. It sets out the rules for producers to demonstrate conformity with the standard. It requires initial type testing before an aggregate is placed on the market, and these tests to be repeated if the aggregate comes from a new source, if there is a major change in raw materials or when the aggregate is to conform to a new requirement.

Standard Recommendation (SR) 21, published by the National Standards Authority (NSAI) in 2004, provides guidance on the use of I.S. EN 13242:2002. It was revised in 2007 to give additional specific guidance on reducing the risk of reactive forms of pyrite being present in material fill for use under concrete floors in dwellings and buildings. The revised standard includes a detailed sample specification which sets out the results expected of hardcore, when tested in accordance withI.S. EN 13242:2002. The pyrite panel, which I set up in September 2011, is due to report to me shortly. On receipt of its report, I will give consideration to any recommendations it may contain in relation to a requirement for a common testing standard for buildings affected by pyrite.

Patrick Nulty

Question:

481 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce statutory standards for the remediation of buildings affected by pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/12]

The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations and detailed Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) outlining how compliance with the regulations can be achieved in practice. The Building Regulations set out the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, including houses and extensions. Works carried out in accordance with the guidance in the TGDs is considered, prima facie, evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations. However, an approach other than that set out in the guidance is not precluded, provided compliance with the relevant requirements can be demonstrated. I will give careful consideration to any recommendations which the report of the independent Pyrite Panel may contain in relation to standards for the remediation of buildings affected by pyrite.

Housing Associations

Patrick Nulty

Question:

482 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will bring forward statutory regulation of housing associations to ensure that they comply with best practice in governance structures and financial viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21790/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Government’s Housing Policy Statement, published in June 2011, identifies approved housing bodies (AHBs) as key partners in the delivery of social housing. This recognises both the constrained funding levels available for local authority construction programmes and the capacity and track-record of the voluntary and cooperative housing sector.
AHBs are uniquely placed to help drive the achievement of the housing supply responses set out in the policy statement. However, the move from capital funded programmes of construction and acquisition by approved housing bodies to more revenue funded options presents challenges for them. As such, I intend to develop an enabling regulatory framework for the sector that will provide support and assurance both to the sector itself and to its external partners as it takes on the expanded role envisaged for it in the policy statement and to underline its status as a viable and attractive investment opportunity for financial institutions.
I will develop this framework in consultation with the sector but I expect that it will:
assist approved housing bodies to develop key governance and management structures to facilitate an expanded remit;
provide independent scrutiny and validation of such bodies' competences; and
place sustainable housing management policies and practices at the heart of a coordinated approach to the development of the sector.
The development of such a regulatory framework which is both robust and harmonised with the varying capacities of individual AHBs will take some time. In the interim my Department is actively working with the sector on the development of a voluntary code which I expect most bodies will endorse. This code, which should be finalised and agreed in the coming months, will serve as a learning opportunity for the sector and for my Department as we develop a longer-term statutory framework that will best support the enhanced role of AHBs. I expect that the code will set out, inter alia, key basic principles of good governance and financial management and will also set out the range of reporting obligations that currently apply to the sector.
Question No. 483 answered with Question No. 460.

Departmental Agencies

James Bannon

Question:

484 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm or deny that a shortage of staff within an Bord Pleanála is having an impact on the planning decisions for the International Trade Hub planned in the midlands and Athlone, County Westmeath, by a Chinese company, which could create up to 9000 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department has no knowledge of any such delay. Under section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, it is a statutory objective of An Bord Pleanála to determine appeals and certain other matters within 18 weeks. The statutory objective period was achieved in 81% of all cases in 2011, a significant increase on the figure of 63% achieved for 2010.

Community Development

James Bannon

Question:

485 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason there has been a delay in the approval process in relation to an application for additional funding for a sports hall (details supplied) and community centre in view of the fact that the application was submitted through the relevant EU notification system on 13 January 2012 and this centre is urgently in need of equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21804/12]

The process with regard to Axes 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) approving funding in excess of the State Aid de minimis limit of €200,000, under the Basic Services and Village Renewal measures, will shortly be finalised. I understand the importance of resolving this issue as soon as is possible. All Local Development Companies will be notified as soon as the process has been completed and all regulatory requirements have been met.

Referendum Services

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

486 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the names and addresses of each of the suppliers contracted to provide materials, leaflets, internet services and so on, for the upcoming referendum. [21811/12]

The Office of Public Works arranges for the provision of a range of services to facilitate the conduct of a referendum by the Referendum Returning Officer and the Local Returning Officers in each constituency. Additional services contracted by my Department to date on behalf of the Referendum Returning Officer in respect of the upcoming referendum are set out in the following table:

Name and Address of supplier

Service provided

Snap, Unit 1, National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Tickets for attendance at the Central Count Centre

Terminalfour, Second Floor, 110 Amiens Street, Dublin 1.

Hosting and operation of www.referendum.ie website

Eircom, 1 Heuston South Square, St Johns Road, Dublin 8.

Provision of telephone lines and broadband facilities at the Central Count Centre

Europus, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Na Gaillimhe

Translation services

Local Authority Staff

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

487 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of vacancies for all the local authorities across the country since the staffing moratorium began in March 2009; if he will also indicate the total number of vacancies by Department and by local authority since the same date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21853/12]

The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained. My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence.

The number of staff employed across all 34 local authorities at end of June 2008 was 37,243, compared to 28,765 at end of March 2012, a reduction of 8,478 whole time equivalent basis (WTE). The reduction of staff in local authorities is a net figure as given the nature of the front line services provided such as fire and emergency services, road and water services, beach supervision in summer months and other temporary seasonal services, some sanctions for exceptions to the moratorium need to be, and are, regularly approved. In this regard my Department has processed some 3,448 such requests since 2009. The staffing reductions for each local authority for the period June 2008 to March 2012 are outlined in the table below on a WTE basis.

My Department is working with local authorities to ensure that optimal numbers and critical posts are identified and that critical posts are filled. In this regard, there is a joint Departmental-Local Authority group established that is examining national trends and optimal organisation structures.

Local Authority

June 2008 — WTE

March 2012 — WTE

Reduction — WTE

Cork City

1,530.00

1,292.00

238.00

Dublin City

7,326.15

5,873.45

1,452.70

Galway City

563.50

437.24

126.26

Limerick City

599.40

446.86

152.54

Waterford City

491.00

346.10

144.90

Carlow

386.00

279.22

106.78

Cavan

492.00

391.10

100.90

Clare

909.00

758.39

150.61

Cork

2,964.00

2,128.85

835.15

Donegal

1,344.00

915.76

428.24

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

1,397.00

1,054.70

342.30

Fingal

1,696.15

1,351.20

344.95

Galway

1,171.14

779.74

391.40

Kerry

1,423.00

1,138.55

284.45

Kildare

1,227.50

853.90

373.60

Kilkenny

707.00

517.18

189.82

Laois

441.10

354.72

86.38

Leitrim

365.50

267.00

98.50

Limerick

863.00

624.25

238.75

Longford

391.60

292.01

99.59

Louth

762.61

633.91

128.70

Mayo

1,227.30

1,020.50

206.80

Meath

852.52

628.97

223.55

Monaghan

480.53

394.69

85.84

Offaly

538.00

392.60

145.40

Roscommon

582.50

442.88

139.62

Sligo

615.90

475.07

140.83

South Dublin

1,480.55

1,213.85

266.70

Tipperary North

658.00

478.42

179.58

Tipperary South

721.00

613.57

107.43

Waterford

605.50

459.00

146.50

Westmeath

598.97

448.53

150.44

Wexford

909.52

737.36

172.16

Wicklow

921.65

723.65

198.00

TOTAL

37,242.59

28,765.22

8,477.37

Question No. 488 answered with Question No. 441.

Security of the Elderly

Patrick Nulty

Question:

489 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an application for a pendant alarm under the seniors alert scheme was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if the decision can be urgently reviewed and the application granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21885/12]

There is no universal entitlement to grant assistance under the Seniors Alert Scheme. It is the responsibility of the Applicant Group to assess the eligibility of the beneficiary for grant support. The beneficiary must be 65 years of age, and live alone or with another eligible person within the operational area of the Applicant Group. Grant assistance is not available for people under 65 years of age or for older persons living with family members. In this case the person concerned is ineligible for grant support as she lives with a family member who is under 65.

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Willie Penrose

Question:

490 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if in the context in which an elderly disabled person is living in a condemned house, and whereby with the aid of family members, they wish to construct a new dwelling house, which would incorporate appropriate facilities including bathrooms and so on, for such a person, if he will indicate if there is any grant aid available from his Department to assist in the provision of such necessary facilities, or for insulation purposes, whereby the elderly person does not have the financial wherewithal to provide such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21953/12]

Under the terms of the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which are administered by the local authorities, grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist households to have necessary repairs, adaptations or improvement works carried out in order to meet the accommodation needs of persons with a disability. A Housing Adaptation Grant of up to €14,500 is also available in cases where a new house is being provided and where adaptations or specific works are required in order to meet the needs of a member of the household with a disability.

Household Charge

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

491 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households registered for the household charge; the number of these registrations entitled to waivers; the amount of money that has been raised to date by these registrations. [21996/12]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

492 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households in the State; the number of households liable to register for the household charge; the number of these entitled to waivers and the number of households exempt from the household charge and to detail the waivers and exemptions under the different categories. [21997/12]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

493 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the data he is using to calculate the number of households in the State for the purpose of collecting the household charge. [21998/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 to 493, inclusive, together.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. 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 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 30 April, 2012, a total of 737,946 property declarations have been processed by the household charge bureau. 722,610 registered for payment of the charge equating to some €72.5m. 15,336 residential property owners have registered for a waiver from payment of the charge. In addition, 178,000 postal applications have been received in the household charge bureau, which have yet to be processed; these equate to a further €17.8m. A further 15,500 declarations have been received by local authorities equating to some €1.5m. This gives a total number of 931,446 declarations made equating to €91.8m. According to Census 2011, there are 1,649,408 households in permanent housing units in the State.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—

Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,

Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,

Voluntary and co-operative housing,

Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,

Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and

Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).

The waivers which apply concern—

Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and

Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.

There are an estimated 50,000 entitled to claim waivers from payment of the household charge; some 18,000 in respect of entitlement to mortgage interest supplement and 32,000 in the context of unfinished housing estates.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

494 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who registered for the household charge that registered multiple properties; the details of the numbers of properties registered in these cases. [21999/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. 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 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The information requested in respect of declarations processed to date, which has been complied by the Local Government Management Agency, is set out in the following tables. The data do not include 193,500 declarations which have been made but have not yet been processed by the LGMA.

No. of Residential Properties Registered

1

2 to 10

11 to 20

21 to 30

31 to 40

Registered for Payment

476,881

77,541

1,018

213

86

Registered for a Waiver

12,887

546

15

9

2

No. of Residential Properties Registered

41 to 50

51 to 100

101 to 200

201 to 300

300 to 400

Registered for Payment

43

100

28

4

2

Registered for a Waiver

2

5

1

0

0

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

495 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the National Asset Management Agency properties have been registered for the household charge and if so, the number of properties registered in this category; if any of these properties are eligible for a waiver and if so, the number of same. [22000/12]

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.

Section 2 of the Act provides the meaning of residential property for the purposes of the legislation. Section (2)(2)(a) provides that a building—

(i) from which no income has been derived since the building's construction,

(ii) that, since the building's construction, has never been used as a dwelling, and

(iii) that forms part of the trading stock of a business as defined in section 2(3),

is not a residential property for the purposes of the Act.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—

Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,

Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,

Voluntary and co-operative housing,

Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,

Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and

Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).

The waivers which apply concern—

Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and

Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.

Citizenship Applications

Jack Wall

Question:

496 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a green card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21322/12]

The parents of the person concerned were granted permission to remain in the State in 1999 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This permission is currently valid until 11 June, 2013. I understand that the person concerned entered the State on the same date as her mother. Given that she is currently over 16 years of age, in line with current legislation, I would advise that she, through her parents, contact her local Garda Immigration Officer as soon as possible in order to regularise her status in the State by means of formally registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. In the unlikely event that she encounter any difficulties in this regard, I would advise that she should write to the Irish National Immigration Service (INIS), PO Box 10003, Dublin 2, to seek such permission.

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

Courts Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

497 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, the salaries of each County Registrar, their names, grades, and counties in which they are based; if he will provide details of any expenses they have claimed and are entitled to claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21458/12]

The management and administration of the courts including responsibility for the provision of information is a matter for the Courts Service. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the information as set out in the following table:

County Registrar

County

Patricia Casey

Carlow

Deirdre O’Mahony

Cork*

Kevin Doherty

Leitrim and Sligo

Mairead Ahern

Louth*

Mary Enright

Kilkenny*

Imelda Brannigan

Longford

Elizabeth Sharkey

Westmeath*

Eithne Coughlan

Kildare

Niall Rooney

Waterford*

Susan Ryan

Dublin

Fintan Murphy

Mayo*

Joseph Smith

Cavan* and Monaghan

Patrick Wallace

Clare and Tipperary*

Marian Chambers Higgins

Galway*

Geraldine O’Connor

Donegal*

Patrick Meghan

Limerick*

Paul Featherstonhaugh

Laois

William Lyster

Roscommon

Padraig Burke

Kerry*

Mary O’Malley

Meath

Verona Lambe

Offaly

Marie V. Garahy

Wexford*

Mary Delahanty

Wicklow

The current salary for the County Registrar position for Dublin is €145,952 and for Cork is €134,064. The salary for all other posts is €123,045 (pre-1995 standard rate) or €129,521 (personal pensionable contribution rate) depending on the date of their appointment. It should be noted that County Registrars have been subject to the reductions imposed in both Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interests Acts of 2009.

County Registrars serving as District Probate Registrars (denoted with an asterisk above) receive an allowance of either €7,486 (standard) or €7880.25 (PPC rate). Travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of official duties are paid in accordance with the rates sanctioned by the Department of Finance. Details of the expenses paid to County Registrars by the Courts Service in 2011 are set out in the following table.

No. of County Registrars

Travel

Subsistence

Total

23

€26,974.41

€7,492.67

€34,467.08

Finally, it should be noted that expenses paid to County Registrars when acting as Returning Officer are a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Crime Prevention

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

498 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to deal with the threat to our young persons of cyber bullying; if there are plans in place, or being put in place, to deal with this growing social problem which has a very detrimental effect on our younger population who rely on this new technology constantly when communicating with their friends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21483/12]

I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy about the importance of tackling cyberbullying. I am pleased to say my Department is playing an active role in the effort to defeat the phenomenon but I recognise that it is a difficult issue to address effectively. That however, will not deter us in our efforts to counteract it and to assist children, their parents and teachers in dealing with it and in recovering from it. I will outline several of the initiatives and projects currently in place to assist those who are confronted with the problem, but at the outset, I want to stress that anyone having difficulties with internet content should, in the first instance, direct their remarks or complaint to the service provider.

As regards measures in place, I want to begin with the Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU because it is so important to have full engagement by service providers. The Principles were adopted on a voluntary basis in 2009 by the major social networking website operators based on an initiative from the EU Commission. They provide good practice recommendations for social networking providers to enhance the safety of children and young people using these services. In particular, they provide that social networking services should provide a mechanism for reporting inappropriate content, respond to notifications of illegal or inappropriate content or conduct and should review their systems for examining and responding to such reports. The EU Commission monitors the implementation of the Principles on an ongoing basis.

Turning now to more specific initiatives, I want to outline the variety of activities supported by the Safer Internet Ireland (SII) project. It is funded by the EU's Safer Internet Programme and draws together the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), ISPCC Childline, the National Parents Council (Primary) and the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland in providing Safer Internet awareness, hotline and helpline functions. The project is coordinated by my Department's Office for Internet Safety (OIS). Each of the partners in the SII project performs a specific function. The NCTE, an Agency of the Department of Education and Skills, manages the Webwise initiative (www.webwise.ie) which is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre. Webwise provides parents, teachers and children with educational resources, advice and information about potential dangers on the internet and enables users to minimise or avoid these risks.

The NCTE also operates the www.watchyourspace.ie website. It provides advice for young people on how to manage their online activities so as to avoid problems. ISPCC’s Childline service receives funding from the project to support it in responding to young people who may have encountered difficulties in their use of the internet and other technologies, including cyberbullying. The project also provides funding to the National Parents Council (Primary) for a national confidential helpline providing information and support for parents if their children encounter issues on the internet, particularly cyberbullying. The NPC also delivers internet safety workshops for parents in schools nationwide. These workshops focus on strategies for improving communication between parents and children and negotiating boundaries to children’s internet use.

The annual Safer Internet Day has become an important occasion. It is part of a global drive to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people. The Day is supported by the EU and has been marked since 2004 in a growing number of countries. Safer Internet Day 2012 took place on Tuesday 7 February with the theme “Connecting generations and educating each other”. Users, young and old, were encouraged to “discover the digital world together...safely”! The Webwise Primary School Programme was launched by my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on Safer Internet Day 2012. This is a programme developed by Webwise and Stay Safe for primary school teachers who wish to introduce internet safety into their teaching of the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum.

The Garda Primary Schools Programme makes a very important contribution. Introduced in 1991, it teaches children sensible and responsible patterns of behaviour. To mark Safer Internet Day 2012, a new module of the Programme entitled "Respectful Online Communication" was launched. It is targeted at 5th class children in primary schools and aims to address the social media element of the personal safety module of the Programme. It recognises the challenges that children and young people face in modern society, particularly when using new technologies. It aims not only to protect our children from predators or bullies but also to foster a sense of care and respect by them for others when online or when using mobile phones. Gardaí are presenting the module in primary schools throughout the country.

Finally, I want to recognise the contribution of almost 200 industry volunteers from Microsoft Ireland, UPC and O2 who, working with the NCTE's Webwise, gave internet safety presentations to over 15,000 pupils in schools across the country for Safer Internet Day 2012. The interactive presentations were given to children in senior primary classes — in 4th, 5th and 6th class. Pupils who attended Safer Internet Day Talk were given a Family eSafety Kit produced by UPC and Webwise. The pack contains a variety of fun activities and stickers as well as a Parents' Guide. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with our partners in the SII project, the industry and our EU partners to protect and to enhance the projects and initiatives already underway and to develop new responses where possible.

Garda Remuneration

Colm Keaveney

Question:

499 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total projected cost to the Exchequer of amending a scheme (details supplied) in respect of An Garda Síochána and making it identical to the arrangements made for the Civil Service in Statutory Instrument 188/1980 of the Superannuation Act 1909 in respect of the cut-off point of 1 June 1973. [21515/12]

The arrangements referred to by the Deputy were introduced for members of the Garda Síochána who were serving on or after 1 October, 1976. The number of members who retired prior to that date without reaching their pension age is not readily available and therefore it is not possible to provide the precise cost of amending the scheme as suggested by the Deputy.

Garda Operations

Michael McGrath

Question:

500 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money generated for the Exchequer by the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21871/12]

In accordance with section 21 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, an annual report on the activities of the Criminal Assets Bureau is prepared and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Included in such reports are details of all monies returned by the Bureau, in accordance with its statutory remit, for the benefit of the Exchequer. The following table contains the information sought by the Deputy in respect of the years 2006 to 2010. The figures for 2011 are currently being compiled and will be published in the forthcoming Criminal Assets Bureau Annual Report for 2011.

Year

Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005 €

Revenue legislation €

Social Welfare provisions €

2010

3,114,312.59

4,084,498.00

181,272.00

2009

1,421,332.11

5,100,494.72

160,335.00

2008

6,129,313.63

5,891,624.85

182,198.30

2007

254,651.94

10,009,459.56

136,623.59

2006

2,970,589.51

19,192,906.56

139,524.42

Rights of People with Disabilities

Denis Naughten

Question:

501 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21974/12]

It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.

The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, are in the process of assisting the Committee to assess the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.

One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of mental capacity legislation. The Government's Legislation Programme as announced on 11 January 2012, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in the current Dáil session. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework governing decision-making on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Micheál Martin

Question:

502 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made on the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/12]

Insofar as the report of the Moriarty Tribunal made recommendations concerning the future operation of tribunals of inquiry, many of these recommendations are anticipated by the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 which awaits Report Stage debate in the Dáil. Other recommendations are the subject of consultation with the Attorney General and other relevant Departments. I am informed by the Garda authorities that following their examination of the report of the Moriarty Tribunal, they are consulting with the Director of Public Prosecutions as to whether aspects of it may be pursued from a criminal point of view.

Garda Operations

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

503 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps An Garda Síochána are taking to deal with an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21188/12]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Ashbourne Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents as a result of anti-social behaviour. I am further informed that policing measures are in place to address such difficulties, including in areas that have been designated as hot spots for anti-social behaviour. Local Garda management has directed that additional high visibility patrols of the area take place. The local Community Policing Unit liaise closely with residents to address any issues of concern raised. The locality is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and local Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as required by Divisional Traffic Corps personnel.

Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources. Incidents of public disorder and other anti-social behaviours are dealt with by way caution, fixed charge penalty notice or by the initiating of criminal proceedings. Local Garda management is satisfied that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirements for the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service. I am further informed that the situation is being kept under review by Garda management.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

504 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for residency by persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21198/12]

The persons concerned were granted permission to remain in the State for one year in 2002 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This permission has been renewed on a regular basis and is currently valid until 6 May, 2013. I should inform the Deputy that the applications of both individuals referred to for a Certificate of Naturalisation have entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship. I have been informed by officials of my Department that the persons concerned were informed of this in letters recently issued to them. Once the prescribed fee and requested documents have been submitted, an invitation to a citizenship ceremony will issue to both applicants at which they will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State and receive their Certificates of Naturalisation.

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

Visa Applications

Barry Cowen

Question:

505 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) may expect a decision on an application for visa. [21288/12]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to was approved on the 26 April 2012. Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Barry Cowen

Question:

506 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) may expect a decision on an application for visa. [21289/12]

I can advise the Deputy that the initial decision to refuse the granting of the visa application referred to was upheld by a Visa Appeals Officer on the 26 April 2012. Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Citizenship Applications

Barry Cowen

Question:

507 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) may expect a decision on an application for naturalisation. [21290/12]

I can inform the Deputy that the application has entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship. A letter informing him of the position was issued to the person concerned at his previous address on 24 February, 2012. A letter has now been issued to the person concerned at his current address. Once the prescribed fee and requested documents have been submitted, an invitation to a citizenship ceremony will issue to him at which he will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State and receive his certificate of naturalisation.

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

Sentencing Policy

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

508 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has reviewed the proposals from Advocates for Victims of Homicide to end concurrent sentences for persons convicted of murder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21333/12]

The mandatory penalty for murder is life imprisonment. A sentence of life imprisonment means that the prisoner is subject to that sentence for the rest of his or her life. Such prisoners have no right to be released early at any stage. If granted temporary release the prisoner remains subject to the life sentence and can be recalled to prison at any stage. Accordingly imposing multiple life sentences, whether concurrently or consecutively, do not increase the severity of the sanction and have no effect in practice or in law.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

509 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will legislate to give effect to the recommendation in October 2010 by the working group on periodic payment orders that was set up by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns and chaired by Mr Justice John Quirke that legislation was required to allow cases be settled on the basis of PPOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21358/12]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce legislation to facilitate courts making provision for structured settlements in circumstances where lump sums are currently awarded as a consequence of individuals suffering catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another. In the High Court Working Group Report on Periodic Payments to which the Deputy refers, it is recommended that legislation be enacted to empower the courts to make periodic payment orders as an alternative to lump sum awards to compensate injured persons in cases of catastrophic injury where long term permanent care will be required. The Working Group also recommended that periodic payment orders should only be made where the court is satisfied that continuity of payment under the periodic payments order is reasonably secure.

The successful operation of a statutory scheme for periodic payments requires the establishment of a financial infrastructure to ensure that continuity of payment is secure. In this regard the Working Group recommended that the State, through the agency of the National Treasury Management Agency, be empowered to provide injured victims with the necessary security for periodic payments either by the provision of annuities to insurers and others or in such other manner as may be appropriate. Alternatively it was recommended that consideration be given to the introduction of a statutory scheme whereby payments made under periodic payment orders will be statutorily protected and guaranteed.

With respect to security of payment, the NTMA is conducting an actuarial review to examine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of periodic payment orders as an alternative to lump sum payments, or other options. The review will examine in particular the feasibility of the State acting as an annuity provider to insurers and indemnity providers in personal injury actions to enable compliance with the security of payments principle. The outcome of the review will inform the development of proposals underway in my Department to meet the Government's commitment to legislate in this area. The review is expected to be completed in June 2012.

Citizenship Applications

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

510 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the application for naturalisation will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied). [21406/12]

I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As the processing requirements and time taken to complete necessary checks vary from case to case, it is not possible to provide a specific date for determination of an individual application. I can inform the Deputy that good progress continues to be made in reducing the time taken to process the generality of applications.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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

Immigration Policy

Michael McNamara

Question:

511 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is possible for non EU volunteers who entered the country after 1 January 2011 and who volunteer for the maximum three year period to return to their country of origin and then reapply for entry into the country again on the same basis; if not, the minimum break required before they could be considered for a new period of volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21407/12]

The immigration permission granted to a volunteer is on the basis that the non-EEA national is undertaking to carry out a specific task voluntarily for a recognised charitable organisation for a defined period of time. It is never the intention that the person would remain long term in the State as a volunteer. Merely returning home and then applying to re-enter would not appear to be in keeping with the spirit of this policy. That is not to exclude the possibility that in very special circumstances a particular individual could apply to have their case considered as an exception but in the normal course the three-year limit must apply.

The new policy for volunteers was introduced on 1 January 2011 and any person coming here after that date would be aware of the rules in advance. Moreover since the earliest a person could exceed their three year allowance is 1 January 2014 there should be sufficient time for all the parties concerned to make their plans accordingly.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

512 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected that Garda clearance will be forthcoming in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if this application will be expedited. [21429/12]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application on behalf of the person concerned was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 27 March 2012. The application was processed and returned to the registered organisation involved on 5 April 2012.

Citizenship Applications

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

513 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); the date on which the application was received in his Department; and when a decision will issue. [21479/12]

I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in December, 2009. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As the processing requirements and time taken to complete necessary checks vary from case to case, it is not possible to provide a specific date for determination of an individual application. I can inform the Deputy that good progress continues to be made in reducing the time taken to process the generality of applications.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Departmental Staff

Sandra McLellan

Question:

514 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of grades of civil servants who have been re-employed by his Department having taken early retirement package or that have retired due to them reaching the age of retirement, each year since 2008. [21492/12]

I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Questions 589, 597 and 605 on 24th April 2012.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589, 597 and 605 together.

It is assumed that the Deputies are primarily interested in whether any staff of my Department, who benefited from either the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme in 2009 or the transitional arrangement that operated up to 29 February, 2012 which allowed public servants to retire on pensions calculated on the basis of the salary scales prior to the January 2010 pay reductions, have subsequently been re-employed by my Department. Accordingly the information set out below covers the period of both these Schemes. Information prior to 2009 is not readily available.

The Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER), which was in place from 01 May 2009 to 23 October 2009, allowed public servants, who had not yet reached minimum retirement age, to retire without any actuarial reduction applied to their pension entitlements. A total of 51 staff in my Department availed of the ISER, none of whom were re-employed by my Department. Under the terms of the ISER persons who availed of the scheme are not eligible for re-employment by their former public service employer.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 provided that the superannuation benefits of public servants, who retired within a “grace period” from 01 January 2010 to 29 February 2012, were unaffected by the pay reductions introduced for all public servants under that Act. A total of 116 staff in my Department retired within this “grace period”. A number of these staff retired under the terms of the Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme (CNER) while others had reached normal retirement age. None of these staff have been re-employed by my Department.

While none of the above staff were re-employed, it should be noted that on occasion, retired public servants may be re-engaged by my Department on a short term basis because of their particular knowledge and expertise in a particular area, for example, to serve on interview boards.

Property Repossessions

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

515 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of repossession orders that were made on properties in County Meath in the year 2011, in tabular form per property type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21577/12]

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of statistics.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that cases in which a plaintiff seeks possession of lands and/or premises can be granted by the Circuit Court sitting locally or the High Court which has full jurisdiction. The Courts Service has informed me that in 2011 there were 22 Orders for Possession of Property granted by Trim Circuit Court. All of these orders related to residential property. It is important to note that orders for possession do not necessarily equate with repossessions as it is up to the person or company who obtained the order for possession to pursue its execution.

The Courts Service has further advised that the statistics maintained in relation to possession orders issued by the High Court are not maintained by reference to property type or by county and it would require a disproportionate amount of staff time which cannot be justified in current circumstances. I am informed however that the High Court granted 281 possession orders in respect of the entire country during 2011.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

516 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21595/12]

During 2011, the following State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality were abolished:

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) was dissolved on 31 March 2011. This body was set up to monitor and report on paramilitary activity across Ireland and also to monitor the security normalisation measures undertaken by the British Government in Northern Ireland.

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IMCD) was dissolved on 31 March 2011. This body was responsible for overseeing the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons. It was established by an agreement between the Irish and British Governments, signed on 26 August 1997, and by legislation enacted in both jurisdictions.

The Prisons Authority (Interim) Board was abolished as a result of a Government decision taken on 26 July 2011. This Board was established in 1998. In line with its policy to abolish agency boards, where appropriate, and make agency managers more directly accountable to Ministers, and on foot of its commitment to more effective financial scrutiny in the Programme for National Recovery, the Government saw no case for the continued existence of this Board.

The radical streamlining of State bodies is a key deliverable of the Public Service Reform Plan, which was published in November 2011. This streamlining includes the rationalisation of 48 bodies by the end of 2012, as well as the critical review of a further 46 bodies to take place by the end of June 2012. Details of the bodies involved are set out in Appendices IIa and IIb of the Plan which can be found at: http://reformplan.per.gov.ie/files/2012/01/Public-Service-Reform-28112011.pdf

While these rationalisations will deliver savings to the taxpayer, the real benefits lie in the simplification of the administrative landscape, thereby ensuring greater accountability, less duplication of effort and more transparent lines of responsibility of public servants. It is not possible at this time to specify anticipated savings on an individual State body basis. The Public Service Reform Plan indicated that across the public service as a whole, savings of 20 million euro in enhanced service efficiencies and value-for-money are envisaged from the rationalisation programme.

With regard to State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality, the bodies which are to be rationalised, amalgamated or abolished during 2012 are:

Equality Tribunal (Rationalise the industrial relation / employee rights institutions — Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employee Appeals Tribunal, National Employment Rights Authority, and Equality Tribunal into single agency). The purpose of the Equality Tribunal is to deal with all complaints of discrimination in employment and access to goods and services under the terms of equality legislation.

Equality Authority, Human Rights Commission (Merge to form new Human Rights and Equality Commission). The purpose of the Equality Authority is to ensure that all people in the country are treated equally and to ensure that discrimination on certain grounds does not occur. The Authority provides information to the public on the equality legislation and it can, at its discretion, provide legal assistance to people who wish to bring claims of unlawful discrimination. The Irish Human Rights Commission works to promote and protect human rights in Ireland.

The merger of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission will create a new and enhanced Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. It will lead to strengthened institutional arrangements to protect and promote human rights and equality in the State. Last October, I established a Working Group to advise me on practical arrangements in that regard, including on matters relating to the legislation that will be necessary to effect the merger. The Working Group reported and its report was published on 20 April. I intend to bring my proposals for legislation in this matter to Government shortly. While there will be savings, estimated as being in the region of €500,000, on administrative costs due to the merger, regard has to be had to the disproportionate cuts suffered by these two bodies in previous years in deciding how such savings will be applied in 2013 and subsequent years.

With regard to State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality, the bodies which are subject to critical review in 2012 are:

Property Services Regulatory Authority (Merge with the Private Residential Tenancies Board). The purpose of the Property Services Regulatory Authority is to set and enforce standards in the provision of property services by auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents.

Reception and Integration Agency, Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and Refugee Appeals Tribunal (Rationalise various Refugee structures). The purpose of the Reception and Integration Agency is to accommodate asylum seekers in RIA accommodation centres while their applications for asylum are processed and to coordinate the provision of services to asylum seekers in RIA accommodation. The purpose of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is to investigate applications from persons seeking a declaration for refugee status and to issue appropriate recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Equality. The purpose of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is to decide appeals of those asylum seekers whose applications for refugee status has not been recommended by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

Property Registration Authority (Merge the Valuation Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Property Registration Authority). The purpose of the Property Registration Authority is to act as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland.

Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (Amalgamate Office of the Data Protection Commissioner with the Office of the Ombudsman). The purpose of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is to protect the individual’s right to privacy by enabling people to know, and to exercise control over how their personal information is used, in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2001.

Prison Visiting Committees (Reduce or merge Visiting Committees as there is now a Prisons Inspectorate). A prison visiting committee is appointed to each prison and the committee’s function is to visit, at frequent intervals, the prison to which it is appointed and hear any complaints which may be made to them by any prisoner.

Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests (Subsume Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests into proposed Office of the Charities Regulator). The purpose of the Commissioners is to provide a variety of services to charities of a judicial or quasi-judicial nature in accordance with legislation governing charities.

Forensic Science Laboratory (Merge Forensic Science Laboratory into State Laboratory). The purpose of the Forensic Science Laboratory is to provide high quality scientific analysis and assistance to agencies involved in criminal investigation, mainly An Garda Síochána.

Immigration Status

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

517 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a foreign national prisoner granted parole while serving a life sentence will face the possibility of deportation or will be allowed to remain within the jurisdiction, and if the latter, under what immigration status. [21724/12]

In the absence of the specific details of the case referred to by the Deputy, it is not possible to indicate what immigration status — if any — would be granted to the individual in question. Each case is determined on its facts. As a general rule however it is the case that an immigrant convicted of a serious criminal offence can expect that fact to have the most adverse consequences in any consideration of whether s/he will be allowed to remain in the State.

Garda Stations

Tom Fleming

Question:

518 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will assist the endeavours of a village tidy towns committee (details supplied) in County Cork by refurbishing the structure of the Garda station and cleaning up the surrounds on site of the Garda station which currently is a blight on the streetscape of the village and will he ensure this strategically and geographically station will be utilised to serve the purpose it was put there for in the first place, especially in view of the escalating crime levels in rural areas [21725/12]

The programme of refurbishment of Garda stations throughout the country is based on agreed accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is progressed by the Office of Public Works, who have responsibility for capital expenditure in respect of Garda accommodation, in close co-operation with the Garda authorities. I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are currently involved in consultations with the Office of Public Works in relation to the upgrading of the station referred to by the Deputy. In addition I have been informed that the requirements of the station will be fully considered in the context of An Garda Síochána's accommodation programme and in the light of available resources.

Proposed Legislation

Finian McGrath

Question:

519 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on proposals from a group (details supplied) on the Personal Insolvency Bill. [21793/12]

On publication of the Heads of the Personal Insolvency Bill on 25 January 2012, both the Minister for Finance and I invited interested parties to submit their comments on the legislative proposals. In that context I can confirm that my Department has received submissions from the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association and the Credit Union Managers Association as well as from a small number of individual credit unions. In addition, representatives from my Department and the Department of Finance met with credit union representatives in March to brief them on the proposed legislation.

The submission from the group referred to by the Deputy has only just been received by my Department. The submissions and other comments on the General Scheme of the Personal Insolvency Bill received from credit union representatives and other interested groups and individuals are being taken into consideration in the overall context of the further development of the legislative proposals.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Derek Nolan

Question:

520 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints made to Gardaí in each county in relation to anti-social behaviour over the past five years; the nature of the complaints made; the action that was taken to tackle each complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21814/12]

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.

Derek Nolan

Question:

521 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of behaviour warnings, good behaviour contracts and anti-social behaviour orders that have been handed out to adults and children since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/12]

Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act, which relates to anti-social behaviour by children, was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and finally to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court. With regard to adults, they include a warning and the making of a civil order by the court.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to 31 March 2012, 3,222 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 2,076 to children. Fifteen good behaviour contracts were made in respect of a child. In addition, four civil orders (in respect of adults) and three behaviour orders (in respect of children) have been issued by the courts. In setting up the regime in the Act the intention was that the different interventions would address the problem behaviour. If they succeeded, there would be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It is only if they failed to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question, that a court order would be applied for.

Garda Stations

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

522 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations closed under recent announcements that involved the transfer of more than two or more members of the force from the closing station. [21816/12]

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

523 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations closed under recent announcements that involved the transfer of a Garda Sergeant and two or more gardaí. [21817/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as of 29th February 2012, the personnel strength, broken down by rank, of each Garda Station that has either been closed or is due to close was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station

Strength

Date of Closure

Garda

Sergeant

Inspector

Carrigaholt

0

0

0

30/03/12

Bellacorick

1

0

0

30/03/12

Glenisland

0

0

0

30/03/12

Tourmakeady

1

0

0

30/03/12

Mulranny

1

0

0

30/03/12

Cootehall

0

0

0

30/03/12

Loughglynn

0

0

0

29/04/12

Tarmonbarry

2

0

0

29/04/12

Shanagolden

1

0

0

30/03/12

Doon

1

0

0

30/03/12

Glenville

1

0

0

30/03/12

Castletownsend

0

0

0

30/03/12

Ballygurteen

0

0

0

30/03/12

Knocknagree

1

0

0

30/03/12

Ballyfeard

1

0

0

30/03/12

Goleen

1

0

0

30/03/12

Inchigeela

1

0

0

30/03/12

Ballylongford

0

0

0

30/03/12

Moyvane

0

0

0

30/03/12

Clochan

0

0

0

30/03/12

Ballinure

0

0

0

30/03/12

Ballinderry

0

0

0

30/03/12

Ballywilliam

0

0

0

30/03/12

Baldwinstown

1

0

0

30/03/12

Clontibret

0

0

0

30/03/12

Smithborough

0

0

0

30/03/12

Tullyvin

0

0

0

30/03/12

Doochary

0

0

0

30/03/12

Dunkinealy

0

0

0

29/04/12

Culdaff

0

0

0

29/04/12

Bunnanadden

0

0

0

30/03/12

Kiltyclogher

2

0

0

30/03/12

Drumkeeran

2

1

0

29/04/12

Geashill

0

0

0

30/03/12

Corrandulla

1

0

0

29/04/12

Whitehall

33

5

2

29/04/12

Rush

4

0

0

29/04/12

Harcourt Tce

66

10

0

31/05/12

Dalkey

28

1

0

30/06/12

Garda Transport

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

524 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to purchase any extra Garda vehicles and patrol cars for certain rural areas that have lost local Garda stations this year; and if the Garda Commissioner has developed any local policing plans to increase the mobile patrolling of rural areas that have lost local Garda stations. [21818/12]

The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a procurement process for the supply of Garda vehicles is currently being finalised by the National Procurement Service with a view to putting in place a contract which will allow for the provision of additional Garda cars. This is a matter which will be pursued in the light of An Garda Síochána's identified policing requirements and the availability of financial resources.

In that overall context the Garda authorities have informed me that they are not in a position to indicate the stations to which additional vehicles will be made available during 2012. However, they have also informed me that the allocation of Garda cars throughout the country will continue to be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis in response to operational priorities.

Departmental Bodies

Sean Fleming

Question:

525 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the decentralisation of the Equality Authority to Roscrea, County Tipperary; if the review has been completed on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided in October of last year to merge the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission to form a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). I established a Working Group to advise me on practical issues in relation to implementation, including powers and functions for the new body, other issues in relation to the necessary legislation and on the best location for the IHREC. The Group has now reported and its Report was published on 20 April 2012.

The Group recommends that the IHREC should have a single office in Dublin in a premises that is accessible to people travelling from outside the capital and to people with disabilities. The Group makes the point that the bulk of staff of the two existing bodies are based (in two separate premises) in Dublin. Dublin therefore is the most cost-effective location, as well as being the most accessible location for people in other regions.

In relation to the Equality Authority's office in Roscrea, the Group concludes that operation of this office imposes an extra administrative cost and burden and that having staff of such a small organisation split between separate premises would undoubtedly make the task of integrating the two existing organisations more difficult. Having considered all the options carefully, and while being conscious of the contribution that staff in Roscrea have made to the Equality Authority, the Working Group recommends that the Roscrea office be closed. The Group acknowledges that there are complex HR issues that need to be managed proactively by management in the new Commission and by the Department over a period of time and that the appropriate transition arrangements should be in place to ensure that the interests of the Roscrea-based staff are protected in the transition.

I am currently examining this and indeed all the recommendations made by the Working Group and will bring my proposals in relation to the various recommendations set out in the Report to Government shortly.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

526 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of the Coroners Bill; when it is expected that it will reach Dáil Éireann; if he will report on the current main provisions contained in the bill and if a wide range of stakeholders were consulted in preparation for the bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21847/12]

The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. The Bill, as published, provides for the comprehensive reform of the existing legislation and structures relating to coroners and provides for the establishment of a new Coroner Service. The Bill incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000 and the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003 and it aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights and, particularly, the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State.

The key elements of the Bill include—

enhancing inquiry and inquest processes,

establishing the office of Chief Coroner to provide leadership and direction in all coronial matters;

providing the necessary legal framework for the establishment of a new Coroner Service;

moving to a smaller number of full-time coroners;

statutory requirement to ensure that family members are notified at significant steps of the coronial process;

clarifying a specific regime for coroner post-mortem examinations, including provision for retention and release of body parts and bodily samples, and

promoting cooperation between coroners and other agencies also involved in investigations of deaths.

It would be my hope to progress the Coroners Bill this year.

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin County and City coronial districts.

Funeral Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

527 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received and reviewed a copy of the National Council of the Forum on End of Life’s April 2011 report — the Funeral Industry in Ireland, the Case for Reform and Regulation; if he will consider introducing new regulations for the funeral service provision sector in view of the fact that there are currently no barriers to entry and no licensing in an industry responsible for the burial and cremation of the approximately 29,000 people who die here each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/12]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has not received a copy of this report. In addition, regulation of the funeral service provision sector does not fall within my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality.

Sentencing Policy

Finian McGrath

Question:

528 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support a matter (details supplied). [21605/12]

The decision on any sentence imposed in a criminal case is a matter for the courts, which are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their functions. If a defendant wishes to appeal against a conviction or the severity of the sentence imposed, there are procedures in place for an appeal to be made to the appropriate court. The Courts have made it clear that the Executive cannot operate a parallel or alternative system of justice by intervening in the sentences imposed by the courts. There are however powers for the Executive to manage the sentences imposed by the courts.

Prisoner Releases

Finian McGrath

Question:

529 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has examined the model of releasing non-violent prisoners under a community supervision programme. [21959/12]

I understand the Deputy is referring to the introduction of a pilot project, the Community Return scheme, in October, 2011 under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered earned early temporary release with supervised community service. The pilot project was introduced in line with the recommendations of the Thornton Hall Project Review Group and is being overseen by a steering group comprising representatives of my Department, the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service. The scheme is applicable to suitably assessed prisoners who are serving sentences of more than one and less than eight years. Those participating are granted renewable temporary release having served at, or after, the 50% stage of their sentence with a condition of their release to undertake supervised community service. As of 30 April, 2012, a total of 161 prisoners have been released under the scheme.

As announced yesterday with the launch of its new three year strategic plan, the Irish Prison Service will begin the national roll out of the Community Return Programme in conjunction with the Probation Service. Under this strategy, the Prison Service intends to increase the number of prisoners benefitting from this structured form of release over the course of the next three years by working towards the placement of 400 prisoners per annum serving sentences of one to eight years. It is envisaged that there would be no more than 150 prisoners participating in this scheme at any one time and all prisoners will be carefully assessed before being approved for the scheme.

This is but one element of a comprehensive strategy which provides for a structured form of release leading to improved resettlement and reintegration opportunities for prisoners along with providing for work to the benefit of communities. However, as I said yesterday "In all things balance is critically important and I emphasise the fact that in all of this the most vital strategic target is the enhancement of public safety. As a key element of the Criminal Justice System, the Irish Prison Service, along with An Garda Síochána and the Courts, has a critical role to play in this regard and it is vitally important that, when what some commentators have described as the inevitable tension between care and custody becomes an issue, we must never lose sight of the need to put public safety and the integrity of the Criminal Justice System to the forefront".

Proposed Legislation

Dara Calleary

Question:

530 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons behind delays on the personal insolvency legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21980/12]

Dara Calleary

Question:

531 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the concerns expressed by the EU, ECB, IMF in relation to the personal insolvency legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21981/12]

Dara Calleary

Question:

532 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the introduction of the personal insolvency legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21982/12]

Dara Calleary

Question:

533 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for future communications with the Troika in relation to the personal insolvency legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21983/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 to 533, inclusive, together.

The Personal Insolvency Bill is currently being drafted by my Department in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General and Parliamentary Counsel. This is a very lengthy and complex Bill from a legal standpoint, with proposed provisions which do not currently exist in Irish law. While it was hoped that the Bill would be published by 30 April, work on its development is still proceeding in the context of the many submissions received on the Bill which include, the report of the Joint Oireachtas Justice Committee received in early March following their completion of hearings on the Bill. The Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the provisions of the Bill are legally robust. This requires careful legal drafting of the text and full consideration of issues which emerge during the drafting process.

The Troika team was in Dublin in the past fortnight and progress on the Bill was discussed with them. They are supportive of the provisions contained in the General Scheme of Bill which I published on 25 January last along with my colleague the Minister for Finance. They appreciate the complexities involved in drafting a Bill of this nature and understand that some additional time is required to finalise the text in preparation for publication. I expect that the Bill will be one of the matters for discussion with the Troika in the context of their next quarterly review in early July.

I can assure the Deputy that the Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and the revised time frame for publication of the Bill is now the end of June next with the strong intention to commence Second stage in the Dáil prior to the Summer recess to facilitate early passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas in the Autumn session.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Barry Cowen

Question:

534 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment that has taken place for the Irish Army in 2011; and the future recruitment that is due to take place this year. [21291/12]

I am advised by the Military Authorities that a total of 494 general service recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force in 2011. A further 29 recruits were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force up to 30 Jan 2012. In addition, there was an intake of 32 Cadets from the 2011 Cadetship competition. The Government has decided to accept my recommendation that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed serving cadre there will be phased recruitment of General Service Recruits in 2012 within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. A recruitment competition was launched on Monday 2 April 2012, the closing date for which was 22 April 2012. Along with General Service recruitment a limited number of Instrumentalists will be enlisted in 2012. The 2012 Cadetship Competition was also advertised last week.

Irish Red Cross

Finian McGrath

Question:

535 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the current three year term of Government appointed members of the Irish Red Cross Central Council expires at the end of April 2012; if he will be appointing four new Government appointees for a period of three years; when he will be announcing the names, qualifications and experiences of his nominees; and the way the four persons were chosen. [21503/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

536 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the Irish Red Cross, for the first time in its 73 year history will appoint its own chairperson for a three year term in May 2012; if the Irish Red Cross will advertise this vacancy publicly; and the procedures, if any, for putting suitably qualified candidates forward for consideration. [21504/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

537 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if in May 2012 the Irish Red Cross will appoint members to its board; in view of the fact that his Department is a significant donor to the Irish Red Cross 2012 grant, circa €850,000, and further in view of the fact that he will have five representatives on the Board, four nominees and a Department official, if he has sought assurances that current IRC members with long term service on the board, such as the vice chairman with 21 years' service and the treasurer with 12 years' service, will step down and make way for new candidates. [21505/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 to 537, inclusive, together.

As the Irish Red Cross Society is not a State Body, there is no requirement for Government to advertise publicly in advance of nominations being made by it to the Society's General Assembly. Following its recent decision to amend the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939, the Government may nominate up to 10% of the membership of the General Assembly. On the basis of the Society's current overall membership, which in turn dictates the size of its General Assembly, the maximum number of Government nominees is four. I intend to propose four names for nomination by Government shortly.

I am aware of the fact that it is the firm view of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that membership of the Society's Board of Directors is a matter for the Irish Red Cross itself. In these circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to seek assurances on the future make-up of the Board but I am satisfied that appointments to a new Board of Directors will be made shortly in accordance with the Society's recently revised Constitution and Rules. The Deputy may wish to note that there is no provision in the Constitution or Rules for the Minister for Defence to have five representatives on the Board.

A further change made by the Government's recent decision to amend the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 is that the Society shall shortly appoint a Chairperson, in accordance with its own Constitution and Rules. The process of appointing a Chairperson is therefore a matter for the Society itself.

Finian McGrath

Question:

538 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence in November 2010 the former Head of International Department (details supplied) at the Irish Red Cross was dismissed by the Society for whistleblowing on a range of governance and financial matters, their unfair dismissal case before the Employment Appeals Tribunal will be heard on 9 May 2012, in view of the fact that his Department’s official (details supplied) who sits on the Irish Red Cross Board was the formal administrator of the persons internal disciplinary hearing, if his Department will be appearing before the Tribunal as a witness. [21506/12]

The calling of witnesses to appear before the Employment Appeals Tribunal in relation to this case is a matter for the Tribunal itself. My Department will co-operate fully with any such request made by the Tribunal.

Vaccination Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

539 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No 113 of the 26 January 2011 if the information requested has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/12]

To date the information requested from the Deputy when he was Minister for Defence has not been provided. I am informed by the Military Authorities that the compilation of the information provided to personnel who were prescribed Lariam is ongoing. As soon as it is complete I will arrange to provide the information direct to the Deputy who requested it. Lariam is a malaria chemo-prophylactic agent first authorised for use in 1989 by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), which is the statutory regulatory body charged with regulating the use of medicines, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available in Ireland. Research has shown that it is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. While certain risks associated with the use of the drug were highlighted in Drug Safety Newsletters in 1996 and 2003, the Irish Medicines Board remained of the view that the benefit/risk profile for the product remained acceptable. The IMB continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate. Lariam remains the medication of choice for the Defence Forces for missions to sub-Saharan Africa and continues to be certified by the Irish Medicines Board.

Army Barracks

Robert Troy

Question:

540 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a detailed description of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath; the size of the site; the number and size of buildings; the facilities and services available on the site in order that any perspective clients would be aware of the exact description of the site. [21575/12]

Columb Barracks Mullingar is located on Ashe Road adjacent to the centre of Mullingar and consists of 24 acres. Approximately 10 acres comprises the main barrack area with the remaining 14 acres consisting of a camp field. There are a large number of buildings in the barracks which generally date from the early 19th century. The main building is a three story block which surrounds the main square and there are also a number of additional buildings on the remainder of the site. The majority of buildings were in use up to the time of the closure of the barracks. A small number of buildings are in a relatively poor condition and were not occupied in the recent past. As the barracks was a functioning entity up to the 30th March there are water, electricity and gas services on site.

When the Government took the decision to close a number of Military Barracks, I asked officials from my Department to enter into discussions with other Government Departments, Local Authorities, State Agencies and community groups regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. In this regard officials from my Department have met with officials from the various agencies and discussions are ongoing. 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.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

541 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Defence the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since in 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21588/12]

The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Army Pensions Board, the Civil Defence Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. There are no plans to merge or abolish the Army Pensions Board.

In July 2011, the Government approved a proposal to begin drafting legislation to transfer the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence. The Heads of the Civil Defence (Repeal) Bill were subsequently agreed by Government and the Bill is currently being drafted. If enacted, the Bill will repeal the Civil Defence Act, 2002, dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer its functions, property rights, liabilities and other responsibilities to the Department of Defence. Such changes will not have any impact on Civil Defence operations nationally and Civil Defence will continue to operate from Roscrea as a Branch of the Department. The transfer of the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence is expected to realise savings in running costs of approximately €60,000 per annum.

Coiste an Asgard was the company set up to manage the National Sail Training Scheme. In September 2008, the company's sail training vessel ‘Asgard II' sank in the Bay of Biscay. In December 2009, the previous Government announced that the National Sail Training Scheme was to be discontinued and the funding for 2010 was cancelled. Up to and including 2009, the company had been receiving funding from the National Lottery of approximately €800,000 per annum. The Company has been inactive since and there are no crew or staff left on the payroll. The winding-up process is well advanced and it is anticipated that the company will be in a position to close by the end of this year, following a final audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Forestry Sector

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

542 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the Irish Forestry Unit Trust which has been buying up trees for many years on behalf of investors who have bought up to €100,000 worth of trees, if he will state who these investors are and the amount of taxpayer’ money they have received in grants to date. [21961/12]

The Company named is a private company and my Department does not have details of its individual investors. I can confirm that the Company named has received payments under the forestry schemes operated by my Department. However, for reasons of confidentiality, it is not the Department's policy to disclose such details to third parties.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

543 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that 1.2 million trees were assigned to each household here as part of the Year 2000 People’s Millennium Forests Project Household Tree Scheme, over 1.2 million native oak, ash, birch, alder and scot’s pine trees, many of which now are semi-mature, ownership certificates were issued with individual plot numbers to every household, the way he plans to sell off State forests which include the 1.2 million trees belonging to those households, in view of the fact that each household holds an ownership certificate and a cover letter signed by the then Minister of the Environment; and what will happen to their trees in the event of a sale. [21962/12]

The People's Millennium Forests Project was a flagship Millennium project sponsored by the National Millennium Committee and AIB and managed by Coillte in association with Woodlands of Ireland. The mission of the People's Millennium Forests Project was to ensure that all future generations can enjoy the benefits of Ireland's native forests. There were 16 sites involved in this project, 14 of which are in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. One element of the Project was the "Household Tree Scheme" whereby each household in Ireland had a native tree planted at one of the 13 sites of the 14 sites in the Republic of Ireland, with the 14th site exclusively for the protection of a unique native yew wood in Killarney.

While a certificate was issued to each household in relation to the "Household Tree Scheme", it did not confer legal ownership of the tree to that household. The context in which the trees were planted is that they would be part of a woodland community that would remain in place in perpetuity. People were invited to participate in the People's Millennium Forests Project by visiting the forests and to enjoy the ever-changing natural environment of native woodland with its associated flora and wildlife.

I am aware that 12 of the 16 sites involved in the Peoples Millennium Forest Project form part of the Coillte forest estate. As announced by the Government in February, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed. The protection of the People's Millennium Forests is one of the issues to be considered in the decision-making process in relation to the possible sale of Coillte assets.

Agriculture Appeals Office

Dara Calleary

Question:

544 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals, to each payment scheme operated by his Department in 2011 and to date in 2012; and to advise the number of decisions which were overturned as a result of these appeals. [21196/12]

Details of appeals in respect of 2011 and 2012 to the Agriculture Appeals Officer are set out in the tables. The decisions are categorised by those allowed, partially allowed and revised by the Department i.e.:

Allowed: Where the Appeals Officer accepts the case put forward by the appellant and overturns the penalty.

Partially Allowed: This category includes cases where an Appeals Officer decides that a reduced or lesser penalty should apply.

Revised by the Department: This category includes cases where the Department has revised its original decision based on new information submitted by the appellant to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

The Appeals Office operates on a statutory basis under the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 and the Appeals Officers are independent under the Act. The Deputy Director, who was acting as Director, retired at the end of February 2012 and the processing of appeals may have been delayed while the post remained unfilled. However, a Deputy Director has been appointed and arrangements are under way to appoint a Director and the office is fully operational.

Appeals to the Agriculture Appeals Office — 2011 (position at 27/4/12)

Scheme

Received

Allowed

Partially Allowed

Revised by Dept.

Not Upheld

Not yet Decided

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

27

5

1

15

6

Bio Energy Scheme

3

1

1

1

Development of the Organic Sector Scheme

4

2

2

Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme

5

1

4

Early Retirement from Farming Scheme

18

6

3

4

5

Farm Improvement Scheme

6

4

2

Farm Waste Management Scheme

3

2

1

Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme (FEPS)

1

1

Grassland Sheep Scheme

2

1

1

Installation Aid Scheme

6

6

Non-Valuation Aspects of Reactor Scheme

5

5

Organic Farming Scheme

11

3

1

2

5

Poultry Welfare Scheme

1

1

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)

236

34

37

15

118

32

Single Farm Payment Scheme

324

13

18

127

126

40

Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme

1

1

Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme

83

2

3

29

45

4

Appeals to the Agriculture Appeals Office — 2012 (position at 27/4/12)

Scheme

Received

Allowed

Partially Allowed

Revised by Dept.

Not Upheld

Not yet Decided

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

16

16

Agri-Environment Options Scheme/Organic Farming Scheme

42

1

41

Bio Energy Scheme

2

2

Dairy Efficiency Programme

1

1

Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme

2

1

1

Early Retirement from Farming Scheme

4

1

3

Farm Improvement Scheme

1

1

Grassland Sheep Scheme

4

4

Installation Aid Scheme

1

1

Non-Valuation Aspects of Reactor Scheme

3

1

2

Organic Farming Scheme

3

1

1

1

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)

68

3

3

62

Single Farm Payment Scheme

113

27

24

62

Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme

2

1

1

Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme

48

15

1

32

Other schemes not under the Agriculture Appeals Office:

Name of Scheme

2011

2012 (to date)

No. of appeals

No. of which successful

No. part successful

No. of appeals

Of those decided to date

No. of which successful

No. part successful

Afforestation Grant Scheme

55

19

11

20

3

0

Forest Environment Protection Scheme

13

3

4

1

0

0

Forest Road Scheme

22

12

2

2

1

0

Native Woodland Scheme

3

2

0

3

0

0

Woodland Improvement Scheme

6

4

0

2

0

0

Forest Reconstitution Scheme

2

1

0

3

0

0

Grant Payments

Michael McCarthy

Question:

545 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21197/12]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011. Following completion of the validation process, payments issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 19 January 2011 and 21 January 2011 respectively.

John O'Mahony

Question:

546 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their 2010 single farm payment; the reason for the delay in making this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21199/12]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. There were issues that arose in relation to the transfer of entitlements and matters arising from the Review of ortho-photos, which forms part of the controls over the Land Parcel Identification System. All of these matters are resolved thereby allowing payment to issue under the next 2010 Scheme run very shortly.

Agri-environmental Options Scheme

Michael Moynihan

Question:

547 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the agri environmental options scheme will be opened for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21313/12]

I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environmental Options Scheme to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale. Any decision on a new AEOS will be taken in the context of 2013 Estimate in order to remain within the agreed expenditure ceiling for 2013. I will be examining the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year with a possible closing date for applications of end September and a commencement date of January 2013. Any new scheme will need to take account of the review of the Commonage Framework Plans to be completed by mid summer.

Horticulture Sector

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

548 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospect of the ending of the commercial growing of tulips here in view of the importance of the wider commercial flower and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21334/12]

The moist Irish climate is not ideally suited to commercial tulip production. In addition, only certain Irish soils are suitable for this crop. While some outdoor growers have ceased tulip production in recent years others, that are operating under protective structures, continue and some are planning to expand their tulip production. Cut flower and bulb production in Ireland represents a very small proportion of overall horticultural output and tulip production was always a small part of the cut flower and bulb production sector. For example, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine estimates for 2011 valued Irish cut flower and bulb production output at just under €2m, compared to an overall horticultural output farm gate value of €289m.

Forestry Sector

Pat Breen

Question:

549 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on a forestry appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21390/12]

A decision issued to the person named on 24 April 2012 refusing the application because of the exposed nature of the site proposed for planting. It is open to the person named to appeal that decision.

Departmental Staff

Sandra McLellan

Question:

550 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of grades of civil servants who have been re-employed by his Department having taken early retirement package or that have retired due to them reaching the age of retirement , each year since 2008. [21485/12]

In June 2010, a Laboratory Analyst who retired under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement was re-engaged by my Department on a contract basis to provide 70 days training to Department staff on inspections at fish farms. Sanction for this contract was received from the Minister for Finance and it is expected that the contract will be completed at the end of May 2012. An Assistant Secretary General who retired under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement in October 2010 was re-engaged by my Department on a part-time contract basis since. Sanction for this contract was received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which expires in October 2012.

In 2012, one Superintending Senior Research Officer, two Senior Research Officers, and one Superintending Veterinary Inspector were also re-engaged on a contract for services basis for a limited period. In the period 2008 to date, 8 retired veterinary staff applied to the Department to be rostered for meat inspection, as and when required, on a contract for services basis. In the same period, 3 retired laboratory staff were re-engaged for laboratory duties on a contract for services basis and these contracts have since terminated. Normal pension abatement rules were applied in all these cases.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Brendan Griffin

Question:

551 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21494/12]

It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, especially from an economic perspective, as it contributes to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families. While it has proven necessary to reduce the budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme, the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for 2012 have been designed to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers, whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in Disadvantaged Areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme. In proposing the changes in question, the intention is to better focus the Scheme, which is to the benefit of the majority of those farming in areas with recognised constraints, while at the same time attempting to cater for those genuinely prevented from achieving the revised minimums.

However, specific provision will be made under the 2012 Scheme for those farmers, who had a stocking density less than 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, where that lower stocking density was as a result of adherence to lower stocking by agri-environmental measure. All applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, will be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation on the grounds that his or her participation in one of the above measures resulted in the lower stocking density. In addition, the principles of force majeure/exceptional circumstances will also be provided for in the process and provision will also be made for new entrants to farming. A new entrant to farming is defined as someone who commenced farming in their own right and at their own risk at some point since 1 January 2010.

Grant Payments

Jim Daly

Question:

552 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in respect of their transfer entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21497/12]

Two applications were received on 13 May 2011 requesting the transfer of 12.69 and 24.82 Single Payment entitlements respectively from the person named to two other persons by way of lease. These applications have been processed and as the entitlements transferred represent all of the entitlements held by the person named, there are no entitlements left in his account and consequently no payment is due to the person named for the 2011 scheme year.

Forestry Sector

Niall Collins

Question:

553 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a felling licence application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21502/12]

My Department received the application for a general felling licence on the 14 October 2011 and it was referred to the Forest Service inspector for consideration. Following receipt of the forestry inspector's report it was necessary to refer the application to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for environmental reasons. The proposed felling area is located within 3 km upstream of a designated site. The application was referred to the NPWS on the 12 April 2012 and the NPWS has two months to respond to the Felling Section of my Department. When this response is received my Department will be able to progress the matter further.

Fisheries Protection

Martin Ferris

Question:

554 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of audits that have been carried out by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in the past year on pelagic vessels. [21519/12]

Operational aspects in relation to sea fisheries control operations are a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). I have asked the SFPA to respond directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Bodies

Martin Ferris

Question:

555 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the salaries, travel and subsistence paid to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority board members between 2006 and 2011. [21520/12]

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority executive board members are paid at the Civil Service Principal Officer standard scale. The Chair of the Authority is paid at the Civil Service Principal Officer higher scale. Travel and subsistence payments are operational matters for the Authority; in this regard the Department has forwarded the request to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Martin Ferris

Question:

556 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff currently employed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Inland Fisheries Ireland. [21521/12]

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has advised my Department that the number of staff currently employed by the Authority at end of Q1 2012 is 91 (headcount). Inland Fisheries Ireland is under the remit of the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources.

Harbours and Piers

Martin Ferris

Question:

557 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will withdraw the proposed new berthing charges. [21522/12]

The recently published draft new Rates and Charges Order sets out the first proposed changes in almost a decade to the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros a' Mhíl. The draft has been published following an extensive review of the existing Rates and Charges Order for the Fishery Harbour Centres that came into effect in 2003. The 21-day period for public consultations closed on Friday 20th April and a total of 85 submissions were made by stakeholders.

The submissions received will now be examined closely by my Department and all submissions will be given full consideration before I finalise the new order. My officials are willing to meet with interested parties to discuss the draft Rates and Charges Order, to provide any necessary clarification and to listen to and consider alternative suggestions to the individual charges included in the draft order. It is only when I have reflected on all the matters raised in the consultation process that I will finalise a new Rates and Charges Order for the harbours.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

558 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the proposed increases in harbour charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21567/12]

The recently published draft new Rates and Charges Order sets out the first proposed changes in almost a decade to the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres, at Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros a' Mhíl. The draft has been published following an extensive review of the existing Rates and Charges Order for the Fishery Harbour Centres that came into effect in 2003. A 21-day period for public consultations closed on Friday 20th April and a total of 85 submissions were made by stakeholders. The submissions received are being examined closely by my Department and all submissions will be given full consideration before the new Order is finalised.

Representatives of the Dingle Boatmen have indeed made a formal submission in relation to the charges. I am well aware of the valuable contribution that the harbour and its customers make to both the local and national economies. The harbour delivers both for the Fishing Industry and the Tourist Industry and I am pleased to say that in 2011 my Department invested almost €700,000 at the harbour from its capital programme. The valuable contribution made by the Dingle boatmen to the local tourist trade and in providing valuable employment is well known and acknowledged. It is not my intention to levy charges for use of the harbour facilities at a level that will affect them disproportionately. At the same time, it is my intention that the new rates and charges will spread the costs fairly and in a balanced way among all the harbour users.

Given the variety of the boats in use and the various charges applicable it may be useful for the representatives of the boatmen to meet with my Department's officials with a view to getting clarity on the level of charges applicable and offering their suggestions.

Grant Payments

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

559 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a REP scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21573/12]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and received payments for the first three years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. During the course of an on farm inspection on 28th July 2011, areas which were in non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted and a penalty was applied in relation to non-compliance associated with the Conservation/Management practices pertaining to archaeological monuments in the agri-environmental plan of the person named.

An appeal against the decision to impose a penalty has been submitted by the person named. My Department is now arranging to pay the first 75% payment in respect of 2011, less the amount of the penalty, pending the outcome of the appeal. Payment will issue in the new few days. The balancing 25% payment will issue when the appeal process is finalised and will take account of any adjustment arising out of the appeal outcome.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

560 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in respect of each county, the number of participants in the disadvantaged area scheme in 2011 who had stocking levels of less than 0.3 livestock units per hectare; the average area farm of each of these participants; the average payment made to each of these farmers under the disadvantaged area scheme in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21576/12]

The following Table shows the numbers of beneficiaries, by county, under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose stocking density was less than 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare, the amount paid and the declared area, together with the average area and average payment, as requested.

County

Paid <0.3 lu

Amount Paid

Declared Area

Paid < 0.15

Average Area

Average Amount

Carlow

29

€64,081.56

976.08

0

33.66

€2,209.71

Cavan

279

€567,030.60

7,946.84

8

28.48

€2,032.37

Clare

435

€917,541.21

11,754.48

5

27.02

€2,109.29

Cork

586

€1,397,912.66

22,747.46

22

38.82

€2,385.52

Donegal

2,179

€5,725,692.30

92,542.57

398

42.47

€2,627.67

Dublin

27

€68,009.30

1,407.63

2

52.13

€2,518.86

Galway

1,556

€3,676,126.33

69,145.29

225

44.44

€2,362.55

Kerry

1,254

€3,345,709.94

70,269.92

67

56.04

€2,668.03

Kildare

19

€28,740.56

672.71

0

35.41

€1,512.66

Kilkenny

66

€124,370.99

1,771.97

0

26.85

€1,884.41

Laois

55

€92,540.58

1,309.49

2

23.81

€1,682.56

Leitrim

477

€1,087,388.68

15,211.41

12

31.89

€2,279.64

Limerick

171

€307,470.31

4,301.49

2

25.15

€1,798.07

Longford

111

€192,683.23

2,085.39

1

18.79

€1,735.88

Louth

36

€60,106.91

816.20

2

22.67

€1,669.64

Mayo

1,996

€5,083,181.24

95,232.55

394

47.71

€2,546.68

Meath

50

€81,982.68

1,643.58

0

32.87

€1,639.65

Monaghan

166

€267,367.05

3,036.72

2

18.29

€1,610.64

Offaly

101

€174,677.36

2,487.97

2

24.63

€1,729.48

Roscommon

357

€649,312.04

7,512.67

2

21.04

€1,818.80

Sligo

462

€998,778.74

18,000.10

19

38.96

€2,161.86

Tipperary

235

€447,100.10

7,743.87

5

32.95

€1,902.55

Waterford

84

€175,911.44

3,524.12

0

41.95

€2,094.18

Westmeath

112

€188,850.41

2,771.20

1

24.74

€1,686.16

Wexford

104

€180,437.26

2,741.21

1

26.36

€1,734.97

Wicklow

168

€403,839.57

10,811.11

13

64.35

€2,403.81

Overall

11,115

€26,306,843.05

458,464.03

1,185

41.25

€2,366.79

It will also be noted that the Table contains detail of the numbers who benefited under the 2011 Scheme who did not achieve the minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare. As the Deputy will be aware, there was provision under the 2011 Scheme and previous years, whereby compliance with the minimum stocking density requirement was waived where the holdings of given applicants where constrained in the level of stock which could be maintained, due to compliance with the requirements of recognised Agri-Environmental measures.

It is my intention that specific provision will be made under the 2012 Scheme for those farmers, who had a stocking density less than 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, where that lower stocking density was as a result of adherence to lower stocking by agri-environmental measure. All applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, will be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation on the grounds that his or her participation in one of the above measures resulted in the lower stocking density.

In addition, the principles of force majeure/exceptional circumstances will also be provided for in the process and provision will also be made for new entrants to farming. A new entrant to farming is defined as someone who commenced farming in their own right and at their own risk at some point since 1 January 2010.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

561 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21584/12]

There were no State agencies abolished or merged in 2011. The Government decided that three bodies under the aegis of my Department should be reviewed.

1. National Milk Agency— to consider abolishing or merging with Bord Bia.

2. Irish Marine Development Office— functions to be subsumed into the Marine Institute.

3. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) — to consider subsuming certain functions into this Department. (The marketing functions of BIM had been transferred to Bord Bia prior to the period in question).

These reviews are to be finalised by the end of June 2012.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

562 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 584 of 14 February 2012, the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [21601/12]

This person named was the subject of a Satellite inspection in 2010 which resulted in the imposition of a sanction of between 3% and 20% arising from a over-declaration of eligible land on the land parcel declared by the applicant. As a result the person named submitted an application in 2011 which reflected the determined area in 2010. In response to Parliamentary Question 32674/11 on 3rd November, I confirmed that the person named was entitled to lodge an appeal in relation to the results of the 2010 Satellite Inspection.

The applicant submitted an appeal, which led to the need to carry out a ground inspection, which took place in mid December 2011. Following this inspection, the eligible area was increased from 14.57 hectares to 19.27 hectares. The advisor of the person named was informed of the outcome by letter on 20 February 2012. On 8th March 2012 a supplementary payment of €597.56 was made to the person named. There has been no further communication on behalf of this applicant in the interim.

Harbours and Piers

Dara Calleary

Question:

563 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a funding application for a slipway (details supplied) in County Mayo. [21641/12]

Kilcummin Slipway is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department has received an application from Mayo County Council for funding for a total of 26 projects. Kilcummin slipway has been identified as the 4th priority. The Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2012 is currently under consideration and my Department will give full consideration to this request from Mayo County Council in the context of available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Forestry Sector

Dara Calleary

Question:

564 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has made any concessions for forestry owners who have been denied the SEPS part of their premium because they are not in REP scheme in view of the fact that REP scheme may have closed during the course of their forestry contract and that many of these forestry owners are now in the replacement agri-environment options scheme. [21714/12]

The Forest Environmental Protection Scheme (FEPS) provides a top-up payment for a maximum period of 5 years, in addition to the standard Afforestation Scheme premium payment. One of the conditions of the scheme is that in each of the five years the applicant must be in REPS at the time of application for the annual FEPS premium. If their REPS membership ceases before the end of their 5-year FEPS term, this makes them ineligible for continued payment of FEPS premiums. Their standard Afforestation Scheme premium would continue for the period of their contract (20 years in the case of farmers). The linkage of eligibility for FEPS is to the REPS Scheme and it was not extended to the new Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS).

Grant Payments

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

565 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in a REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [21728/12]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in March 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. An issue has arisen due to the sale of lands by the person named which requires a change of category under the Biodiversity option. This is currently being investigated with the intention of an early resolution and payment in respect of 2011.

Trade Missions

Terence Flanagan

Question:

566 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on his recent visit to China and the deals done; and his views on the future for the relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21859/12]

I had the great honour of leading the largest ever Irish trade delegation to China, from 15-22 April, 2012, from the meat, dairy, seafood, beverages, bloodstock and agri-services sectors and government bodies. It was the most ambitious trade delegation ever which my Department, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland brought together, with a total of 51 Irish companies and 127 individuals involved. This was in addition to Government agencies such as Teagasc, BIM, the Marine Institute, the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and leading universities involved in the provision of educational courses in food safety and agricultural science.

The purpose of the visit was to facilitate the development of the kind of close political, official and commercial relationships that are intrinsic to doing business in China. The Trade Mission was, I believe, an excellent example of the practical collaborative action between government, industry, universities and research institutes that has helped to increase the profile of Ireland as a major producer of high quality food and a centre of excellence in terms of food safety, sustainable production systems, animal breeding and genetics.

China is a key strategic trade partner for Ireland and has a strong demand for imports of quality food, given the size of its population and concerns over food security and safety. Ireland is strategically placed to be a key supplier of quality meats, dairy products, beverages, seafood and other products and services to China. Already in 2011, Ireland has exported €240m of these products to China.

From a political perspective there were also some very significant achievements, following from ongoing discussions with the Chinese side prior to my visit. These included:

1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Chinese Inspection and Quarantine Service on sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues, including the setting up of a working group on market access on beef. Ireland is the first country in the EU to have set up such a working group with China and is only one of three countries in the world to date to have such a working group.

2. Signing of a MOU with the Ministry of Agriculture on mutual cooperation in the agri-food and fisheries areas, building on the expressed wish of Chinese Vice President Xi that Ireland and China develop deeper cooperation in agriculture.

3. Signing of a MOU between the Department and the Chinese Inspection and Quarantine Service on the export of Horse feed to China. An Irish feed company, Connollys, is the first foreign company to be approved to export horse feed to China.

4. Renewal of Bovine semen protocol.

5. Signing of a MOU between the Marine Institute and Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences.

Some very significant commercial outcomes were also achieved during the visit including:

The announcement of a $50 million project involving an Irish company in a joint venture to partner China in establishing its national equine facility.

The opening up of the Chinese market and the awarding of business to the first foreign company from Kilkenny for the export of horsefeed to China.

The signing of agreements between BIM and eight Irish Seafood companies to supply China with commercial samples of boar fish to China.

Signing of an Agreement between SAMCO and Pioneer on the supply of machinery for maize growing (Enterprise Ireland).

The setting up of an Ireland-China Food Hub for Irish food and drink exporters, a shared Office facility, which will be managed by Bord Bia and which will target the Chinese market and provide practical solutions and support for Irish companies already in the Chinese market and those seeking to enter the market.

I was also present at the signing of an agreement between UCD and United Dairies which envisages the development of a demonstration farm in China that would use equipment manufactured in Ireland and operated by Chinese staff, trained in Ireland.

I was also particularly delighted to have taken part in the dedicated Sino/Irish Forum on ‘Building a Safe and Sustainable Future for Food' in the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences. This forum served to highlight and build awareness in China amongst key officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chinese Administration of Quarantine Supervision and Inspection Services and well as key opinion informers and policy makers in China of the high level of official control measures applied to the production of Irish food products and the science underpinning the efficiency and sustainability of Irish food production.

The invitation from the Nanjing Agriculture University to make a key note speech on Ireland's contribution to the future of sustainable agriculture in the context of the major global challenges of food security and climate change was also a key highlight for me of the Trade Mission. Overall, I am very proud of the collaborative approach taken and of the very significant achievements arising from the Trade Mission.

Grant Payments

Niall Collins

Question:

567 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money that remains to be paid from agri-environment options scheme 2010; the number of farmers affected, broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21877/12]

The table details the number of applicants, on a county by county basis who have yet to receive any payment under the 2010 Agri Environment Options Scheme. The outstanding amount due to farmers is approximately €700,000 in respect of 2010.

County

Number

Carlow

3

Cavan

25

Clare

29

Cork

76

Donegal

71

Dublin

3

Galway

67

Kerry

47

Kildare

5

Kilkenny

15

Laois

21

Leitrim

25

Limerick

37

Longford

6

Louth

16

Mayo

81

Meath

23

Monaghan

12

Offaly

16

Roscommon

30

Sligo

22

Tipperary

52

Waterford

13

Westmeath

20

Wexford

41

Wicklow

16

Total

772

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks are ongoing and my Department is dealing with applications on which queries and issues arose in the course of this administrative checking process. Further payments are issuing on an ongoing basis as these queries are resolved.

John McGuinness

Question:

568 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made, if any, in resolving the outstanding claims for farm payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite a response in view of the unusual circumstances and hardship of the case. [21895/12]

The Deputy will recall, from the undertaking I gave in an earlier reply, that a comprehensive letter issued to the person named outlining his involvement in the Single Payment Scheme since its inception, to date. The person named replied in writing to my Department, raising a number of issues. A further letter has recently issued from my Department to the person named, addressing the issues that are in question.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

569 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the agri-environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied). [21952/12]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payment totalling €833.31 issued in respect of 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Similar checks are carried out in respect of payment for the 2011 scheme year. These checks have been successfully completed and full payment totalling €4,999.97 issued in respect of 2011 — 75% on 14 February and 25% on 15 February 2012.

On-farm Investment Schemes

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

570 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the farm contractors in Ireland Limited, if the FCI advocates that VAT-registered contractors be preferred for all farm work and all Department agri-funded schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/12]

Under the on-farm investment schemes funded by my Department all works must be completed in full compliance with the Department specifications. The choice of contractor is a matter for the applicant.

EU Directives

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

571 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be an extension of allowed ploughing dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22023/12]

Restrictions in relation to ‘allowed ploughing dates' are set out in the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010 commonly referred to as the Nitrates Regulations. Responsibility for these Regulations rests with my colleague, Minister Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

These Regulations transpose the EU Nitrates Directive into law in Ireland with the objective of these Regulations being the protection of ground and surface waters including drinking water sources, through the application of measures to reduce the risk of nutrient enrichment from Agriculture to water. These Regulations require that where arable land is ploughed between the 1st July and the 30th November, the necessary measures shall be taken to provide for emergence, within 6 weeks of ploughing, of green cover from a sown crop. It further requires that where grassland is ploughed between the 1st July and 15th October, the necessary measures shall be taken to provide for emergence by 1st November of green cover from a sown crop. In effect, these conditions require that land is not ploughed and left unsown at that time of the year when the risk of nutrient loss from the soil or directly as a result of soil being washed from land is at its greatest.

Under Ireland's first Nitrates Action Programme which came into force in 2006, the first date for ploughing without the need for establishment of a subsequent crop was set at the 16th of January. This date was however revised to the 1st December following scientific work to evaluate the environmental consequences of revising the date and this revision facilitates the earlier ploughing of land in advance of spring sowing. I understand from my colleague, Minister Hogan that the current Nitrates Action Programme runs until the end of 2013 and will be subject to review during 2013.

Adoption Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

572 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a letter will issue detailing non-identifying information on the natural mother of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when this person may expect an appointment with a social worker from the regional adoption service, St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, County Cork,as this is where their file is being held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21434/12]

Tom Hayes

Question:

573 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff and social workers employed in the regional adoption service, St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, County Cork for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the expenditure forthat Department for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21439/12]

Tom Hayes

Question:

574 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average time an adopted person has to wait to receive a letter of non-identifying information from regional adoption services; the average length of time an adopted person has to wait to receive an appointment to meet a social worker; the waiting period for a trace to commence in theregional adoption service in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21442/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 574, inclusive, together.

As the queries raised are of an operational nature, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information in this regard. Last year the HSE Regional Adoption Services agreed to take responsibility for the adoption files of the Sacred Heart Adoption Society in respect of homes in Bessborough, Co. Cork; St Peters, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath and Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and I have been advised by the Office of the National Director, Children and Family Services HSE that the files have since been transferred to the HSE in their entirety. A system has been put in place to manage all queries from the region, including former clients of Sacred Heart Adoption Society, i.e. children born in the Sacred Heart Homes (now adults) and birth mothers. Queries are being dealt with in the HSE Regional Adoption Department in order that enquirers can be offered a meeting with a social worker/counsellor to deal with requests as promptly as possible. The HSE is responding to individual queries and encourages anyone seeking their personal data to communicate directly with the HSE South Adoption Unit, St Stephens Hospital, Glanmire, Co.Cork (tel. 021 4858650).

Family Resource Centres

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

575 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fact that family resource centres do invaluable work in our communities, if she will provide an assurance that the level of funding will be sustained to such a level that no services that they provide will have to be cut now or in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21600/12]

The Family Support Agency, under my Department, operates the Family Resource Centre Programme. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. There are 107 family resource centres throughout the country funded under the programme. The programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level. Family Resource Centres have an important role to play, in harnessing local community efforts, in support of improved outcomes for children and young people which is a key objective of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

On 5th December 2011, the Government announced the funding levels being made available to my Department in 2012. As part of the national effort to address Ireland's fiscal deficit, the Family Support Agency, like all other State bodies, has been asked to make significant savings across all the programmes which it administers. The Agency is required to achieve savings of 5% per annum over 2012-2014 on the costs of the Family Resource Centre Programme. The Family Support Agency has written to the family resources centres advising them of the reduction in funding and the need to plan for change. The Agency is acutely aware of the challenges that the reduction in funding raises for the family resource centres throughout the country. The Agency has not stipulated how centres should apply the reduction in funding.

The family resource centres are asked to focus, in particular, on addressing the scope for greater efficiency and for reduction in the administration and overhead costs associated with the day-to-day running of the centres, with the objective of supporting as far as possible, the services that the centres provide to families and groups at local level. The Family Support Agency has advised that family resource centres should work with the two regional support agencies that provide support and training to them and are available to provide guidance to assist centres to manage within the resources available. In 2012 an allocation of €26.465m has been made available to the Family Support Agency to fund its services for families. This includes funding of over €15m for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

Youth Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

576 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views regarding cuts to the youth work funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22028/12]

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of some €56.806m for current expenditure and €1.5m for capital expenditure was allocated in 2012 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The distribution of the capital funding is under active consideration at present and a decision in relation to its distribution will be announced shortly.

In light of the significant reduction in the overall current budget for the youth sector over the past few years, the emphasis has been, and will continue to be, on preserving front line youth services. In determining financial allocations to initiatives and schemes in 2012 officials from my Department have met with representatives of the youth sector on an ongoing basis with a view to determining how best to minimise the impact of the reduction on youth services. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to the development of a new youth policy framework which my Department is currently progressing. Through this work a clear policy framework will emerge that will aim to enhance the development, participation and support of young people. I intend that the policy framework will also facilitate and promote co-ordination and cohesion across departments and front line youth services. This will ensure that the funding available in future years will be used as effectively as possible.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

577 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding available to an organisation (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21440/12]

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. One of these schemes is the Youth Service Grant Scheme which provides support to national youth organisations. The Deputy might wish to note that under this Scheme funding amounting to €1,645,457 in 2012 is provided to the Catholic Guides of Ireland, the Irish Girl Guides and Scouting Ireland Ltd. In addition, the organisation referred to by the Deputy has received funding under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

To support my Department's commitment to the development of quality, front-line youth projects and services which address the changing needs of young people and their communities, I have ensured that, as part of the Government's Capital Review published in November 2011, capital funding available for youth projects will increase to an annual amount of €1.5m in 2012. My Department is currently developing a strategy for the implementation and administration of this measure so as to ensure impact, resource effectiveness and value for money. Information in relation to the distribution of this funding will issue in the near future to administering agencies such as the Vocational Education Committees.

Subhead C.6 of Vote 43 for my Department also contains a funding resource allocation of €500,000 in 2012 to support community groups and organisations with an involvement in the provision of supports and services to children and young people under the application based National Lottery Funding Scheme. It will be open to the organisation to apply for funding from this source and details of the funding scheme, including the related application form, are available on my Department's website www.dcya.gov.ie.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

578 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of State agencies in her Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21586/12]

I would like to inform the Deputy that the position in respect of public bodies under the auspices of my Department is that there are four agencies funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Family Support Agency, the National Educational Welfare Board and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the children detention schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001. They are also funded through my Department's Vote. I can inform the Deputy that none of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department have been abolished or merged since 2011. There are plans to merge the back office function of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children's Office into the Ombudsman/Information Commissioner's Office and discussions are ongoing in this regard.

There are also plans to merge the Family Support Agency into the new Child and Family Support Agency with a view to its establishment in 2013. The Family Support Agency was established under the Family Support Agency Act 2001 and transferred to my Department in 2011. It is a dedicated Agency with clearly defined functions and responsibilities in the area of family services and policy. In November 2011, the Family Mediation Service which was part of the Family Support Agency transferred to the Legal Aid Board which comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality.

The National Educational Welfare Board was established in 2002 under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 as the statutory agency with responsibility to ensure that every child attends school regularly, or otherwise receives a certain minimum education, and provides a service to most disadvantaged areas and the most at — risk children and young people. I propose to review the role of the National Educational Welfare Board by the end of June 2012 in the context of the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency and a working group has been established to progress this.

There are currently no plans to rationalise or review the functions of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. It should be noted that following enactment of the Child Care Amendment Act 2011 the Children's Act Advisory Board was subsequently dissolved by means of the commencement by the Minister of Health of Part 6 of the Child Amendment Act 2011.

Foreign Adoptions

Michael Creed

Question:

579 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will be in a position to sign a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation to facilitate the adoption of Russian children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21761/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

585 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding a bilateral adoption agreement with Russia (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21886/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 585 together.

The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It sets out minimum standards regarding intercountry adoption and covers issues such as subsidiarity, consent and financial considerations. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act, 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system.

A limited number of adoptions from Russia are currently being processed under transitional arrangements as provided for in the Adoption Act, 2010. Under the provisions of the legislation, such adoptions may take place up to the end of October 2012, with the possibility of the Adoption Authority granting approval for an extension of up to one year. Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and there appears to be no immediate prospect that this will happen. In the circumstances, adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bi-lateral agreement developed to the standards of the Hague Convention.

An official delegation from Ireland recently visited Russia and held preliminary discussions regarding the potential for a bilateral agreement. I have received an initial assessment from the Adoption Authority which will inform the next steps to be taken in relation to this matter. My Department is in discussions with the Adoption Authority on this assessment and other issues which will influence any policy decisions to be taken in this regard. I am aware of the need to bring clarity to the situation in respect of Russia and I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.

The immediate priority of the Adoption Authority is the development of administrative arrangements with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention. Any future bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would also be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Convention.

Finian McGrath

Question:

580 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects to receive the report from the Adoption Authority following the visit to Ethiopia; if she will take the necessary steps to ensure that a bilateral agreement is concluded between the Irish and Ethiopian authorities so that adoptions from Ethiopia can commence under the Adoption Act 2010 as there are thousands of Irish families who are waiting to adopt a child and give them a home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21834/12]

Adoptions from Ethiopia, effected under the transitional arrangements provided for in the Adoption Act 2010, are ongoing and are currently being examined, and recognised, by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI). These transitional arrangements may lead to adoptions from Ethiopia taking place up to the end of October 2012. The Adoption Act 2010 also contains provision for a one year extension to declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt which may lead to a one year extension to this date.

Ethiopia is not a signatory of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. In these circumstances, adoptions from Ethiopia which are not covered by the transitional arrangements referred to above would require a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Ethiopia. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states who have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State.” Any bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Hague Convention.

A delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) visited Ethiopia in April and held exploratory meetings with the Ethiopian authorities regarding the system of adoption which operates in that country. The delegation, in the course of its visit, held preliminary discussions with the Ethiopian authorities around the potential for a bilateral on intercountry adoption. The AAI is currently preparing a report for me on its assessment of the situation which will inform the next steps to be taken.

Health Service Staff

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

581 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of individual social workers, not WTE, currently in place in the State; the same figure for end 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21860/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

582 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social worker posts still vacant as a result of the early retirement scheme; if she will commit to filling all of these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21861/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

583 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number social workers of all types who availed of the early retirement scheme; if she will commit to filling all of these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21862/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

584 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of additional social worker positions she plans to fill this year; the timetable for filling these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21863/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 581 to 584, inclusive, together.

The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The latest data available are in respect of March, 2012. These show that the total number of social workers employed in the HSE and in directly funded agencies was 2,627. The number of individuals employed in social worker grades at end 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 2,418, 2,674 and 2,674 respectively. It is important to note that these figures apply to all social workers employed by the HSE, and indeed by a range of other public and publicly funded bodies, to fulfil a range of roles, some of which fall outside the child welfare and protection services. For example, social workers are employed in hospitals to assist patients and families with the social aspects of their illness, in the mental health services, in primary care and in relation to older people. It is also important to note that these figures represent the number of individuals employed and not the whole time equivalent figure, which provides a more accurate and meaningful representation of the quantum of services provided.

The latest information from the HSE indicates that 31 social work staff availed of the early retirement scheme. The HSE is actively reviewing the impact of recent retirements at national and regional level. The National Director of Children and Families Services, Gordon Jeyes, will apply his discretion over the course of the year to the filling of vacancies, having regard to identified need and subject to services being delivered within available resources. The HSE has in place an agreed Service Plan for 2012 and this includes the recruitment of 10 additional social workers as part of the establishment of a multi-disciplinary team for children in care and detention.

I am very much aware of the financial and service challenges facing the HSE in 2012. The challenges are such as to require acceleration of the reform programme across child and family services, leading to the establishment of a new and dedicated Children and Family Support Agency, to which the Government is fully committed. The Government has made additional budgeting provision of €19m for child welfare and protection services compared to the funding made available last year. This compares to a reduction of €14m which was made in the HSE's 2011 National Service Plan which was approved in December 2010. The additional funding made available for 2012 provides further impetus to the comprehensive reform of service delivery which is under way and which is aimed at generating the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

My Department will be working very closely with the HSE throughout the year to ensure that the priorities set out in the HSE National Service Plan are implemented where they relate to children and family services. We have set an ambitious programme of work, one which is designed to significantly strengthen the policy, legislative and practice framework. Our shared goal is the delivery of appropriate, effective and consistent services, notwithstanding the very challenging and demanding circumstances in which these services are delivered.

Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 579.

Legislative Programme

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

586 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no overall regulation of the cosmetic industry in Ireland. [21566/12]

Officials of my Department are currently working on the Licensing of Health Facilities Bill which will provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health service providers. The legislative proposals are being prepared broadly in line with recommendations made by the Madden Commission in 2008 and are designed to improve patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers do not operate below core standards which are applied in a consistent and systematic way. The intention is to have a proportionate system which has the confidence of the public. Standards and other requirements will be enforceable through inspection and imposition of sanctions as necessary. Licensing will be targeted at areas which are not currently subject to regulation. It is expected that outline proposals for the new system of licensing should be finalised by year end. In the meantime I am making arrangements to put better information in place for people who are planning to undergo cosmetic surgery in Ireland.

Health Services

Martin Ferris

Question:

587 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when children from schools (details supplied) in County Kerry will be screened at their local dental clinic. [21855/12]

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

Martin Ferris

Question:

588 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of primary schools in County Kerry, the children of which have been screened at their local dental clinics and those that are still waiting to be screened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21856/12]

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

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

589 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has applied for the Plunkett Home in Boyle, County Roscommon, to be registered as a 41 bed unit and that 19 beds that have been closed at the home will not be reinstated; if he will restore as soon as possible these much needed facilities which provide a vital and valuable service for the elderly of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21191/12]

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

Hospital Services

Billy Timmins

Question:

590 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding transplants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21194/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

617 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding living-donor kidney transplants. [21331/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 617 together.

The total number of both living and deceased donor kidney transplants increased at Beaumont Hospital from 172 in 2010 to 192 in 2011. While this increase is to be welcomed, I am aware that there is an urgent need to expand the kidney transplantation programme at the Hospital to provide transplantation to the large number of patients who are waiting for kidney donation. For many patients transplantation is now the treatment of choice for end stage organ failure. Transplantation adds years of life as well as quality of life to organ recipients.

In November 2011, Beaumont Hospital submitted a proposal to the HSE to develop a purpose-built transplant unit on site and to develop the national kidney transplant services. The plan envisages increasing the number of transplants to around 250 per annum and it outlines the capital and revenue costs. Discussions are underway between the Hospital and the HSE to identify the resources to implement the expansion of the transplantation programme at the earliest opportunity.

The following revised reply was received on 1 May 2012

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 617 together.

The total number of both living and deceased donor kidney transplants increased at Beaumont Hospital from 121 in 2010 to 192 in 2011. While this increase is to be welcomed, I am aware that there is an urgent need to expand the kidney transplantation programme at the Hospital to provide transplantation to the large number of patients who are waiting for kidney donation. For many patients transplantation is now the treatment of choice for end stage organ failure. Transplantation adds years of life as well as quality of life to organ recipients.

In November 2011, Beaumont Hospital submitted a proposal to the HSE to develop a purpose-built transplant unit on site and to develop the national kidney transplant services. The plan envisages increasing the number of transplants to around 250 per annum and it outlines the capital and revenue costs. Discussions are underway between the Hospital and the HSE to identify the resources to implement the expansion of the transplantation programme at the earliest opportunity.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

591 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health of the €55m in additional funding allocated to the fair deal scheme; the revised extra amount which is expected to be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21211/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

592 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of beds expected to be provided for this year in the fair deal scheme; the number originally budgeted for in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21212/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.

The total budget for long-term residential care in 2012 is €994.7m. This is effectively the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme albeit that transitional arrangements must also be facilitated from within the subhead, i.e. people in contract beds, people who choose to remain on subvention and people who were in public nursing homes prior to the commencement of the scheme. Additional funding of €55 million was originally allocated to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme for 2012. However, the Minister for Health subsequently decided to transfer €13 million of the €55 million for a pilot scheme of increased and targeted community care interventions in 2012. The Special Delivery Unit is working with the HSE to develop and implement this pilot scheme.

The decision in relation to the transfer of funding was taken following analysis of a report into the care needs assessment process (CSAR process) which determines whether a person requires long-term residential care. The report was based on an audit of 1,200 persons in long-term residential care. It found, among other things, that while in 93% of the cases long-term residential care was recommended,in 40% of the cases the individuals were not considered for interventions such as Home Care Packages. In a further 40% of the cases it is not clear if they were considered for such packages.

The HSE's National Service Plan 2012 estimated that a net additional 1,270 people would be supported under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme by end-2012. However, the €13m transfer outlined above occurred after the Plan was published. The HSE now estimates that it will support a net additional 640 people by end-2012. However, it should be noted that the pilot scheme of increased and targeted community care interventions being developed by the Special Delivery Unit should reduce the number of people applying for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme by ensuring that as many people as possible are empowered to remain in their homes for as long as possible in line with their wishes and Government policy.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

593 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21213/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

594 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a private company will be carrying out the review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21214/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 593 and 594 together.

When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme was introduced in October 2009, a commitment was made to review its operation after three years. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work. The Terms of Reference for the review are being finalised at present. The Department will be seeking tenders through the public procurement process for the carrying out of the review.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

595 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for the fair deal scheme; the mean average wait; the same figures for this time last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21215/12]

As of 17 April, all applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme which had been determined on or before 16 April had been approved for funding. Therefore, there is no placement list for funding at present.

On average, applications for the Scheme take between 4 to 6 weeks to process, from receipt of completed application to date of determination. Depending on the level of complexity of the individual case, processing of the application may take longer. For example, in cases where ancillary State support is sought, additional factors may impact on the timeframe, e.g. the HSE must establish title of a property before a decision can be made and establishing title can be a lengthy process in some cases. This timeframe was the same at this time last year.

There was no placement list for funding this time last year. The placement list for funding only came into effect when the scheme re-commenced in June 2011 following a one month suspension while the examination of funding was being carried out. As the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is resource capped, the placement list is critical in facilitating the HSE to operate within the budget for the scheme. It also ensures equity of access to funding nationally because applicants are placed on the list in chronological order by date of determination of their application.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Billy Kelleher

Question:

596 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients, inclusive of inpatient, outpatient, radiological and day-cases, whose treatment was funded by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2010, the same figure for 2011, the number treated by it since July 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21223/12]

In 2010 there were a total of 20,603 surgeries carried out which were funded by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, this figure includes both in-patients and day case. There were 3,515 radiology treatments in 2010 and 9,521 outpatient treatments. The figures for 2011 were 14,482 surgeries of which 3,775 were carried out between July and December, 1,784 radiology treatments of which 450 were between July and December, and 2,951 outpatient treatments.

Medical Cards

Barry Cowen

Question:

597 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21270/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

598 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21271/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

599 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review of a medical card. [21272/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

600 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21273/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

601 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21274/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

602 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21275/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

603 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21276/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

604 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21277/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

605 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21278/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

606 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21279/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

607 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21280/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

608 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21281/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

609 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21282/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

610 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21283/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

611 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21284/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

612 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21285/12]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Barry Cowen

Question:

613 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment for an operation to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [21286/12]

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

Medical Cards

Barry Cowen

Question:

614 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [21287/12]

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

Pension Provisions

Brendan Ryan

Question:

615 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 23 February 2012, if he will identify which former health board areas have cleared their backlog relating to the retrospective element of a circular (details supplied) and which health board areas have not cleared their backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21293/12]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Denis Naughten

Question:

616 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to secure services for persons with an intellectual disability at a location (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21328/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

622 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that he will not cut services for persons with a disability at Cregg House, Sligo. [21444/12]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

656 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to ensure the future viability of Cregg House Wisdom Services, a school-residential care service for the intellectually disabled with hundreds of residents in Sligo following further serious cuts to its budget by the Health Service Executive. [21849/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616, 622 and 656 together.

Wisdom Services is a voluntary body operated by the Daughters of Wisdom and provides services for people with a disability in the North Western Region. It supports over 200 service users with 111 on campus, 75 in the community and 20 day attendees. The HSE contracts for services with Wisdom Services through a service agreement on an annual basis. Service Agreements are used with a range of providers across many services as the means by which the state contracts for services with voluntary or non statutory providers. Wisdom Services is not a limited company so the order has a liability for any deficits.

Under the HSE National Service Plan 2012, the disability budget nationally is being reduced by 3.7% in 2012. The NSP states that at least 2% of this should not impact on services and needs to be generated from other savings and increased efficiencies. I am aware that Wisdom Services is experiencing financial difficulties and has estimated that it will have a significant budget deficit in 2012, even before cost containment measures take effect. The HSE has been working with Wisdom Services for some time to try and reduce the deficit which has been building up since 2010. Although Wisdom Services has a cost containment plan for 2012, and has had some success, it still faces significant challenges to address the deficit.

I share the HSE's disappointment that a service level agreement to continue the current service has not been agreed at this point for the provision of services in 2012. The reduction in the budget for 2012 is consistent with other disability service providers in the region. While the HSE appreciates the difficulties for Wisdom Services, it is not possible for additional funding to be allocated to address the deficit in Cregg House. In this context, the Department of Health is reassured that the HSE and Wisdom Services are working together to ensure that all service users will continue to receive the care and support they require, and that discussions are ongoing in this regard. These discussions are also considering the most appropriate arrangements and funding for the various services delivered by Wisdom Services.

Question No. 617 answered with Question No. 590.

Community Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

618 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene with the Health Service Executive to ensure the continued access of an organisation (details supplied) and other voluntary groups to the St. Felim’s complex in Cavan town; if, in the event of there being no willingness, for whatever reason, on the part of the HSE to reverse its notice to quit directive to the organisation, that he would insist on the HSE offering access to alternative suitable premises in the Cavan town area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/12]

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

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

619 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/12]

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

Medical Aids and Appliances

Gerry Adams

Question:

620 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health , further to Parliamentary Question No. 1225 of 18 April 2012, the location of the ten insulin pumps; the total value of the insulin pumps; if he will elaborate on the limited service that is to begin in May which is mentioned in the response; if a decision has been made in relation to the two dietitian posts at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, which have been frozen due to the recruitment embargo, which has prevented the insulin pumps from being used. [21426/12]

I understand that the HSE replied to the Deputy on the 23rd April in relation to the question asked on the 18th April. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the further matters that he has raised.

Adoption Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

621 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health his plans to eliminate the backlog of 15,000 cases that were transferred to the Health Service Executive from an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21441/12]

As this issue is a matter for my colleague Minister Fitzgerald at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, I have sourced the information from her department. Last year the HSE Regional Adoption Services agreed to take responsibility for the adoption files of the Sacred Heart Adoption Society in respect of homes in Bessborough, Co. Cork; St Peters, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath and Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and I have been advised by the Office of the National Director, Children and Family Services HSE that the files have since been transferred to the HSE in their entirety. A system has been put in place to manage all queries from the region, including former clients of Sacred Heart Adoption Society, i.e. children born in the Sacred Heart Homes (now adults) and birth mothers. Queries are being dealt with in the HSE Regional Adoption Department in order that enquirers can be offered a meeting with a social worker/counsellor to deal with requests as promptly as possible. The HSE is responding to individual queries and encourages anyone seeking their personal data to communicate directly with the HSE South Adoption Unit, St Stephens Hospital, Glanmire, Co. Cork (tel. 021 4858650).

Question No. 622 answered with Question No. 616.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Timmins

Question:

623 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/12]

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.

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

624 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the terms of the indemnity agreement with a company (details supplied) regarding the Pandemrix vaccine; if the company can be called to account financially or in any other manner as a result of the finding that the vaccine is linked to narcolepsy in children vaccinated with it in this State; if he will investigate the granting of this indemnity; if he will set out the other such agreements with pharmaceutical companies that are in place; if he will review the policy of granting such indemnity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/12]

In response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the HSE procured two vaccines. The HSE, with the approval of my Department and the Department of Finance, indemnified the suppliers from and against loss and damage in respect of any claim against the supplier arising from or in connection with the use and administration of licensed or unlicensed vaccine supplied. The indemnity clause in relation to the supplier in question has been forwarded to the Deputy. This was a necessary response in order to ensure that Ireland could access the vaccine as early as possible during the pandemic. All European countries that accessed pandemic vaccines indemnified the companies who supplied them. No similar agreements with pharmaceutical companies are currently in place.

Health Services

Heather Humphreys

Question:

625 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Health his views on the long waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the North East; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in certain instances the problem could be greatly exacerbated due to these long delays resulting in greater costs; the steps being taken to improve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/12]

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

Medical Cards

Sandra McLellan

Question:

626 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a temporary medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21468/12]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

627 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21532/12]

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

Health Services

Peter Mathews

Question:

628 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if support services will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding autistic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21541/12]

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.

Brian Stanley

Question:

629 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that children in primary schools in counties Laois and Offaly receive their first dental check up in sixth class; and if he will lift the recruitment embargo to allow retired dentists to be replaced to provide dental checks in first class as was the practise. [21546/12]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Clare Daly

Question:

630 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, whereby kidney transplants which the hospital aims to carry out within three to six months of the initial test are taking up to 14 months and that it would appear that a major reason for the backlog is that there has been no cover provided for a psychologist who is on maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21548/12]

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. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Cosmetic Surgery

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

631 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the assistance he will provide to a group (details supplied). [21565/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

651 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress that has been made in addressing the health concerns of the 1,500 women here who have been affected by PIP breast implants and specifically if he will report on the outcome of the recent meeting between the Chief Medical Officer and the three clinics in providing the PIP breast implant procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21842/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631 and 651 together.

Since concerns were first raised regarding the issue of breast implants provided by the now defunct French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) and my Department have been in constant touch with European and UK investigators of the matter. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of my Department along with officials of the IMB met with members of the PIP Action Group on 23rd March last and discussed their very reasonable concerns. The meeting was very constructive and identified a number of follow on activities which the Department will take to help these women in their unsatisfactory dealings with one of the treating clinics. In the meantime the CMO has continued to engage with the treating clinics with a view to reaching an acceptable arrangement for resolving this serious issue for all concerned. The CMO is due to meet with the Group again later this week and will advise them of developments since they last met.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

632 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21593/12]

In 2011, the following four agencies were dissolved/subsumed. The extent of saving varies between organisations and the majority of staff were redeployed to other public service bodies. Efficiencies derive from economies of scale and the elimination of duplication in areas such as recruitment, procurement, payroll and ICT systems. Savings also arise from the dissolution of Agency Boards, some of which attracted payment of travel and subsistence and/or Board fees.

Agency

Function

The Office of Tobacco Control (Subsumed into the HSE, 1st January 2011)

Advised the Minister for Health and advise him or her in the implementation of policies and objectives of the government, on the control and regulation of tobacco products generally

The National Social Work Qualification Board (Subsumed into CORU, 31st March 2011)

Provided advice to the Minister on matters relating to the qualification of social workers and awarded professional qualifications in social work

The Children Acts Advisory Board (Subsumed into the Minister for Children and youth Affairs, 8th September 2011)

Advised the Ministers on policy relating to the co-ordinated delivery of services under the Child Care Act, 1991 (care, protection and welfare) and the Childrens Act, 2001 (detention)

The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (Subsumed into An Bord Altranais, 31st December 2011)

Monitored and advised on education and professional development of nurses and midwives

Currently in 2012, three agencies are being dissolved/subsumed with legislation at various stages of preparation.

Agency

Function

National Cancer Registry Board (To be dissolved and subsumed into the HSE)

To collect information for use in research into the causes of cancer, in education and information programmes, and in the planning of a national cancer strategy to deliver the best cancer care to the whole population

Opticians Board (to be subsumed into the Health and Social Care Professionals Council)

The functions of the Board include approval of the education and training of optometrists and dispensing opticians, registration of optometrists and dispensing opticians and control of the practice of optics, in accordance with rules made by the board with the approval of the Minister for Health

Drug Treatment Centre Board (to be dissolved and subsumed into the HSE)

The function of the Board is to provide effective, high quality client focused treatment for the population it serves

Ambulance Service

Brendan Smith

Question:

633 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, there are to develop a new service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21604/12]

The National Ambulance Service is developing deployment models that can use a range of available locations, to assist in providing rapid access to patients in emergency situations. The models considered will be based on the evaluation of geographical areas, call volumes, road networks and population density. This approach will allow for the appropriate placement of ambulances to meet the demands placed on the service. Examples, apart from existing ambulance stations, could include emergency dispatch points such as fire stations and HSE facilities. However, this process is at an early stage and no agreements have been reached by the National Ambulance Service with potential providers to date.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

634 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21631/12]

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

Dara Calleary

Question:

635 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be processed; if he will expedite this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21642/12]

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

Jack Wall

Question:

636 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. [21644/12]

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

Health Service Staff

Simon Harris

Question:

637 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the recent Health Service Executive report, Implementation of the Reform of the Intern Year, which describes a significant deficit in the number of intern posts available for the Government-funded expanded number of medical graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

638 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form the number of new medical graduates here and the corresponding number of available intern posts for each of the years 2007 to 2012, projected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21713/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 638 together.

The Health Service Executive recently provided my Department with a copy of the second interim implementation report on reform of the intern year. The report outlines progress made by the HSE, in collaboration with a range of partners, in the further implementation of reforms in intern training. It also raises concerns at the availability of intern posts to cater for the increasing numbers of EU graduates from Irish medical schools. The HSE has confirmed that the number of applicants for the July 2012 intake of intern posts is substantially less than that originally expected and that the existing number of intern posts is sufficient to cater for the EU applicants remaining in the recruitment process and some non-EU applicants.

Projections of the number of EU graduates from Irish medical schools suggest that the increase in graduates will begin to have a significant impact on the availability of intern posts from 2013 onwards. My Department and the HSE are considering a range of short term and longer term options to address this issue. The tabular information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Year

Number of EU graduates from Irish Medical Schools

Number of non EU graduates from Irish Medical Schools

Total number of graduates

Number of Intern Posts

2007

367

358

725

503

2008

N/A*

N/A*

680

503

2009

373

320

693

504

2010

525

255

780

521

2011

N/A**

N/A**

N/A**

557

2012

N/A**

N/A**

N/A**

567

* RCSI graduate data does not include EU and non-EU breakdown for 2008.

** The Higher Education Authority has indicated that the number of 2011 graduates is currently being compiled and the figure for 2012 will not be available until 2013.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Sandra McLellan

Question:

639 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be issued with a new scooter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21748/12]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

640 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable to have a person confined to their home for almost a year while they are waiting to get a new scooter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21749/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 639 and 640 together.

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Patrick Nulty

Question:

641 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if any cost benefit analysis to reductions in personal assistance services for persons with disabilities has been undertaken in view of the cost of rehabilitative, institutionalised or congregated care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21787/12]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

646 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse all cuts directed at persons with disabilities especially personal assistant hours and to ensure that there are no further cuts in budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21822/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

655 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will review the personal assistance services available to citizens with a disability to allow them to live independently in view of the significant cut to funding to these services that have already occurred and the need to ensure that citizens with a disability have access to independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/12]

Willie Penrose

Question:

663 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will revisit the proposed 3.7% cut in personal assistance funding which if implemented will have the effect of reducing personal assistance hours, which will also impact upon the important assistance and work provided by personal assistants which enables persons with significant disabilities to lead independent lives of their own choosing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21901/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 641, 646, 655 and 663 together.

The Health Service Executive National Service Plan for 2012 sets out a reduction of 3.7% in funding to disability services. However the Service Plan states that at least 2% of this should not impact on services and needs to be generated from other savings and increased efficiencies. In this context and as part of the ongoing collaborative work of the National Consultative Forum on Disability, a number of representative organisations and some of their membership have already met to begin a process with the HSE to identify and agree a framework for addressing efficiencies, with minimal impact on frontline services. The HSE will endeavour to ensure that residential, day, respite and personal assistant services are protected where possible from reductions in frontline services. As a first step, the HSE has introduced a general reduction of 3.7% from the budget of disability agencies, pending the outcome of its discussions with agencies at a local level. Pending the implementation of the National Service Plan 2012 reduction, it is not possible at this stage to foresee the allocation for 2013.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of assisted living services, including Personal Assistant service to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant / home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with physical and/or sensory disability. The HSE aims to minimise the impact of the 3.7% cut on service users and their families as much as possible. With regard to personal assistant / home support hours, service efficiencies will be achieved through a process of negotiation with service providers around the unit cost of providing the service, rather than reducing the number of PA hours. In this context the HSE National Disability Unit is engaging with each HSE region to identify models and approaches in place pertaining to Personal Assistance and Home Support Services. This process will identify the precise nature of the services available with the intention of identifying agreed models of service delivery. A consultation process to progress the agreed models will then take place through the National Consultative Forum on Disability.

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

642 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reasons a medical card which is valid to February 2018, is blocked in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/12]

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

James Bannon

Question:

643 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an update on an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21802/12]

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

Health Services

John Browne

Question:

644 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health when a change of doctor acceptance will be forwarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21809/12]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

645 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding prescribed medication in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21820/12]

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

Question No. 646 answered with Question No. 641.

Decentralisation Programme

Sean Fleming

Question:

647 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the decentralisation of the Health Information and Quality Authority which had been proposed for Portlaoise, County Laois and if he will provide an update on same. [21828/12]

The Deputy will be aware the Head Office of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is located in Mahon, Cork City. HIQA also has a Regional Office in Dublin City. There are no plans at present to decentralise the Authority to Portlaoise.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

648 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 7 February 2012, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21836/12]

I have been advised that a reply to Parliamentary Question (6689-12) No. 528 was issued on the 7th February by the Health Service Executive. I am forwarding a copy of the response for your information.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

649 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be provided with a long-stay residential bed for the course of their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21837/12]

The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.

Mental Health Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

650 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the Vision for Change policy; if he will indicate how much of the programme has been implemented so far and how much is still to be implemented; the amount that has been spent on the Vision for Change since it began and the estimated total funding of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21841/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

652 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the way the ring-fenced €35 million for mental health services under budget 2012 will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 652 together.

Although implementation of A Vision for Change has been slower than expected, significant progress has been achieved in the mental health services including shorter episodes of in-patient care, fewer involuntary admissions and the involvement of service users in all aspects of mental health policy, service planning and delivery. There are now 61 Child and Adolescent and 124 Adult Mental Health Teams working throughout the country. Progress has been made in closing the old traditional psychiatric hospitals and providing appropriate alternative community based facilities.

Developments on the Capital Programme are continuing with new Acute Units, Community Mental Health Centres, Residential Facilities, Day Hospitals and Day Centres being developed around the country. Mental Health projects being progressed include: a 54-bedded long stay facility as part of the Grangegorman Redevelopment Project, an acute in-patient psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital to replace the unit at St. Ita's, Portrane, residential units in Clonmel and Wexford etc. In relation to Child and Adolescent mental health services, two 20-bed in-patient units have been developed in Cork and Galway. Work is continuing on the development of the second phase of the Child and Adolescent Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview which will increase capacity from 6 to 12 beds and the development of an 8 bedded interim facility at St Loman's, Palmerstown. The Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Facility at Cherry Orchard, Dublin has also been completed and will open shortly.

At the time of publication of A Vision for Change in 2006, the estimated cost of the implementation of the 7-10 year development programme was €150 million. Up to the end of 2011, additional development funding of €54m had been allocated to the mental health services for this purpose. A special allocation of €35m for mental health was announced in Budget 2012 in line with the Programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children’s mental health services which will ensure, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team.

It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with a scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes based on an early intervention and recovery approach. Some of the funding will also be used to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention and response to self-harm presentations and to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems. Some provision will also be made to facilitate the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with A Vision for Change. Over 400 additional staff will be recruited to support these initiatives.

Question No. 651 answered with Question No. 631.
Question No. 652 answered with Question No. 650.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

653 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will ask the Health Service Executive to undertake an audit of all staff and resources that provide mental health services throughout the country to enhance the transparency of service provision here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21844/12]

In the context of developing policy on implementation of A Vision for Change and the planning for the restructuring and reorganisation of the HSE to provide a new system of governance which will involve seven Directorates, including a separate Directorate for Mental Health, it is not intended at this time to ask the HSE to undertake another audit in relation to mental health staffing or resources.

Services for People with Disabilities

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

654 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department will meet citizens with disabilities (details supplied) in view of their role in facilitating independent living for citizens with disabilities across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/12]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I met with representatives from the Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in July and December last year. In addition, I attended an Information Session arranged by the organisation in March of this year. I am happy to meet with CIL again at a time convenient to all and within the context of my other priorities.

Question No. 655 answered with Question No. 641

Question No. 656 answered with Question No. 616.

Health Services

Martin Ferris

Question:

657 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the length of time primary school children in north Kerry are awaiting dental screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21854/12]

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

Assisted Human Reproduction

Terence Flanagan

Question:

658 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21879/12]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department is examining policy proposals in the area of Assisted Human Reproduction and related practices in Ireland. I will be examining the proposals with a view to submitting them to Government later this year.

Medical Cards

Patrick Nulty

Question:

659 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the reason a full medical card was removed in respect of an older person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, who had a full medical card all their life; if the decision can be urgently reviewed and the full medical card granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21880/12]

If a person has been refused a medical card they can lodge an appeal within 21 days. Details of the appeals process are forwarded to the applicant with their refusal letter. As this refusal of a medical card renewal is a service matter, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

660 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will review the decision to refuse a full medical card, in view of changed personal circumstances in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [21884/12]

If a person has been refused a medical card they can lodge an appeal within 21 days. Details of the appeals process are forward to the applicant with their refusal letter. As this refusal of a medical card renewal is a service matter I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

John McGuinness

Question:

661 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early decision will be made on an application for the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21894/12]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

662 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21896/12]

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

Question No. 663 answered with Question No. 641.

Pension Provisions

Willie Penrose

Question:

664 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the reason persons who have retired from the psychiatric services in February 2012 (details supplied) have not received any of their entitlements in terms of their gratuity and pension notwithstanding they are now over two months retired from their positions, in which they have over 40 years' service; the steps he will take to rectify this matter for these people; if in this context he can confirm that there are not sufficient personnel allocated to the particular section to deal with the numbers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21902/12]

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

Health Services

Willie Penrose

Question:

665 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a child admitted to have dental treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21904/12]

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

General Medical Services Scheme

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

666 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the situation of diabetics on the medical card, who now can only get an appointment in Tallaght hospital diabetic clinic, Dublin, once in two years and whose general practitioners will not deal with them as they say they are not paid by the Health Service Executive for them and are in negotiation regarding payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21619/12]

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, a general practitioner (GP) is required to provide his/her patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card, including those patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, with all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP. In line with international best practice the HSE and the Department of Health are currently developing plans for the effective management of chronic diseases at primary care level. The initial focus in 2012 is on the establishment of an integrated model of care for the management of patients with diabetes whereby,

1. Uncomplicated Type 2 diabetes patients will be managed in primary care only.

2. Patients with complicated type 2 diabetes, as defined by the national model of diabetes care, will be managed both by primary and secondary care.

3. All patients with Type 1 diabetes, genetic causes of diabetes (MODY diabetes), secondary causes of diabetes, post-transplant diabetes, pregnancy and diabetes will be managed in secondary care only.

The integrated model of care for diabetes is to be rolled out on a phased basis as resources permit. Work is also continuing on progressing initiatives introduced in 2011, including the national multi-disciplinary foot care programme and the national retinopathy screening programme. As the other aspects of the Deputy's question relate to service matters it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Services

Brendan Smith

Question:

667 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to cease kitchen catering services at Monaghan General Hospital and St Mary’s nursing unit, Castleblayney, County Monaghan; if so, the way the necessary catering facilities will be provided for Monaghan General Hospital and St Mary’s nursing unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21963/12]

I understand from the HSE that following a review, and also taking into account the significant number of catering staff who have left the HSE services in Cavan/Monaghan, the HSE has taken the decision to merge a number of catering departments. It is planned that catering services for Monaghan Hospital, St Mary's Castleblayney and Associated Day Care/Outreach Catering Services will be provided from one site at St Davnet's Hospital. I am informed that the St Davnet's site has been selected due to its capacity to accommodate the merged catering services and its potential for future development. A working group is in place to oversee and implement this project.

Health Insurance

Ciara Conway

Question:

668 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the progress of universal health insurance; if he will provide details on the model being adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/12]

Ciara Conway

Question:

669 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if universal health insurance is introduced and citizens do not pay at point of access, if they will they be able to recoup expenses from the State for medications and whether these will be covered under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

674 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the action he has taken on a month by month basis, to progress the provision of universal health care since his coming in to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22003/12]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 668, 669 and 674 together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of the healthcare system with the objective of delivering a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not income. Every citizen will have a choice of insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premia for those who qualify for a subsidy.

There are a number of key initiatives in the reform programme which will play a critical role in improving our health service in advance of the introduction of universal health insurance. Significant work has already been undertaken to progress these. They include:

the strengthening of the primary care sector to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier. The Government has established a Universal Primary Care Project Team to oversee the introduction of universal primary care. In addition, the Government has given its approval to the preparation of Heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of free GP care in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. It is envisaged that the first phase in the Programme will provide for the extension of access to GP services without fees to persons with illnesses or disabilities to be prescribed by regulations under the new legislation.

reform of the acute hospital sector, including the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) which has been tasked with unblocking access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system. An important part of the Programme for Government is the establishment of independent not-for-profit trusts. As a first step, non-statutory hospital groups will be set up which will have a single clinical governance model, one budget and one employment ceiling. I clearly set out my policy on the formation of hospital groups in my letter of 28 March 2012 to the Chairman of the HSE as a Direction under Section 10 of the Health Act 2004. In this letter I stated that I intend to revert to my colleagues in Government to agree the arrangements for, and make up of, hospital groups where they are not already in existence. Preliminary work in this regard is already underway within the Special Delivery Unit. The hospital groups will be established on the clear understanding that the groupings and their governance arrangements will be reviewed prior to 2015 to ensure an appropriate environment for the introduction of UHI.

the introduction of the more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism for acute hospitals. A number of initiatives are already underway including a patient level costing project and a pilot initiative in relation to prospective funding of certain elective orthopaedic procedures, at selected sites.

In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance. The Group is tasked with helping to develop detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and to actively drive implementation of various elements of the health reform programme. The Group held its first meeting on 1 March 2012 and a second meeting took place on 4 April 2012. A project team comprised of senior Department of Health officials has also been established to support the work of the Implementation Group.

The initial work of the Group will focus on overseeing reform work in relation to the following work streams:—

Hospital Financing (e.g. Money-follows-the-patient, Hospital Care Purchase Agency),

Hospital Structures (e.g. Hospital Trusts),

Regulation of the Hospital Sector (e.g. Patient Safety Authority, Licensing),

Health Insurance Market (e.g. Risk Equalisation, Minimum Benefits),

Overarching UHI Design (e.g. detailed design of the UHI system, including the legislative framework and the package of services to be covered).

In certain respects, we are fortunate in being at the early stages of the reform process in that it enables us to learn from and use the experiences of other countries to inform, develop and advance implementation proposals. To that end, during 2011 my officials undertook a study visit to the Netherlands to examine the Dutch health insurance model and also hosted a seminar which was attended by international experts. In addition, the Implementation Group on UHI comprises both those with executive responsibilities within the health service and external expertise, including international experts working with the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. However, I should point out 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.

The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee different elements of the reforms as they are being put in place. It is also intended that it will consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.

Banned Substances

Denis Naughten

Question:

670 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to ban the use of methoxetamine as a legal high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/12]

Methoxetamine is a substance which is related to ketamine and its use is associated with hallucinations. Ketamine is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. To date, in Ireland, a small number of samples found to contain methoxetamine have been seized by Gardaí. My Department works closely with the Department of Justice and Equality, the Gardaí, the Revenue Customs Service, the Forensic Science Laboratory, the Irish Medicines Board and others to monitor the emergence of new psychoactive substances with a view to bringing these substances under control where necessary. Approximately 200 substances were controlled in May 2010 and a further 60 in November 2011.

Furthermore, the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 makes it a criminal offence to sell or supply substances which may not be specifically controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, but which have psychoactive effects. My Department in conjunction with other relevant organisations is closely monitoring availability of methoxetamine, and I will not hesitate to seek Government approval to ban the substance based on evidence that it poses a risk to public health.

Medicinal Products

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

671 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health his plans to add the medication Gilenya which is used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis to the list of Health Service Executive approved prescribed drugs in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21977/12]

The manufacturer of Fingolimod (Gilenya®) has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed under the High-Tech Drug Scheme. The list of medicinal products provided under the High-Tech Drug Scheme is reviewed on a regular basis. The application in respect of the product in question is currently under consideration.

Health Service Staff

Robert Troy

Question:

672 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied). [21978/12]

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

Medicinal Products

Seán Kyne

Question:

673 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 20 September 2011, if he will report on the progress to licence the cannabis-derived medication Sativex, which has been proven to alleviate the symptoms arising from multiple sclerosis in other states including the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/12]

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research. I am aware that claims have been made in respect of the possible health benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, for patients suffering from certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. I am also aware that cannabis-based medicinal products may be legally prescribed in other countries. My Department is currently examining how cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of MS in Ireland.

Question No. 674 answered with Question No. 668.

Health Insurance

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

675 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health what steps he has taken, on a month by month basis, to progress the provision of universal GP cover since his coming in to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/12]

The Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this reform programme, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within the first term of office of this Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with a defined illness. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. Once primary legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas, the details of the new arrangements will be announced. The Department is currently working on preparing legislation, which is intended to be published as soon as possible. The Government has given its approval to the preparation by the Department of Health of Heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of a free GP care in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Legislative Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

676 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the health legislation introduced, on a month by month basis, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the effect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/12]

The table below shows information in relation to primary legislation under the aegis of my Department enacted from 2009 to date, including the month in which the legislation was enacted.

Department of Health Acts 2009-April 2012

Month and Year Enacted

Title of Act

Purpose

April 2012

Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012

To provide for the creation of an offence of female genital mutilation, and other offences relating to female genital mutilation, for the better protection of girls and women; to provide for amendments to other enactments; and to provide for related matters.

March 2012

Clotting Factor Concentrates and Other Biological Products Act 2012

To provide for the procurement and making available of clotting factor concentrates and other biological medicinal products, including recombinant protein preparations, for the purpose of treating coagulation and other disorders and to provide for related matters.

February 2012

Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Act 2012

To enable a wider range of registered Medical Practitioners to provide medical services to eligible persons under the General Medical Services Scheme, to provide for modifications to the operation of that scheme, and to provide for related matters.

December 2011

Nurses and Midwives Act 2011

To enhance the protection of the public in its dealings with Nurses and Midwives and, for that purpose, to provide for a Board to be known as Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, or in the English language, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, to recognise midwifery as a separate profession, to provide for the registration, regulation and control of nurses and midwives, to enhance the high standards of professional education, training and competence of nurses and midwives, to investigate complaints against nurses and midwives and to increase the public accountability of the Board, to dissolve the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery, to repeal the Nurses Act 1985 and to provide for related matters.

December 2011

Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011

To amend the Health Insurance Act 1994, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, in particular to ensure that, in the interests of societal and intergenerational solidarity, the burden of the costs of health services be shared by insured persons by continuing to provide for a cost subsidy between the young and the old; to continue to provide, having regard to the principal objective of the Minister for Health and the Health Insurance Authority in performing their respective functions under the Health Insurance Act 1994, for tax credits to enable the old to have access to health insurance cover and to continue to provide for a means whereby any overcompensation arising from such tax credits may be repaid; and to provide for related matters.

July 2011

Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2011

To amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to allow for the development of regulations for the introduction of combined text and pictorial health warnings on tobacco products (as set down in Commission Decision No. 2003/641/EC of 5 September 2003).

July 2011

Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Act 2011

To amend the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to provide for the establishment of a new division of the Register of Medical Practitioners, the Supervised Division for the registration of medical practitioners to work in specific posts in the public health sector for a limited period of time.

December 2010

Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act, 2010

To provide for the dissolution of the Office of Tobacco Control; to repeal Part 2 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002; and to provide for related matters.

July 2010

Adoption Act 2010*

To provide for the dissolution of An Bord Uchtála and the establishment of a body to be known as Údarás Uchtála na hÉireann and in the English language as the Adoption Authority of Ireland; to provide for matters relating to the adoption of children; to give the force of law to the Convention on the Protection of Children and co-operation in respect of Intercountry adoption signed at The Hague on 29 May 1993; to provide for the making and recognition of Intercountry adoptions in accordance with Bilateral Agreements and with other arrangements; to provide for the recognition of certain adoptions effected outside the State; to repeal the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998; to make consequential amendments to otherActs and to provide for related matters.

July 2010

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2010

To amend the Health Act 1970 to provide for the charging of fees in respect of prescribed items dispensed by community pharmacy contractors to persons with full eligibility and to provide for matters connected therewith.

July 2010

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010

To provide for the dissolution of the Saint Luke’s Hospital Board; to amend the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, the Health Act 2007, the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 and the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009; to repeal section 44 of the Health Act 1947 and section 36(2) of the Health Act 1953; and to provide for related matters.

July 2010

Health (Amendment) Act 2010

To amend the Health Act 2004 to provide, in the public interest, for the furnishing by the Health Service Executive of information and documents to the Minister for Health and Children and to provide for matters connected therewith.

July 2009

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009

To dissolve the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Women’s Health Council, the National Cancer Screening Service Board, the Drug Treatment Centre Board and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, to provide for the exercise of certain functions relating to superannuation by the Minister for Health and Children, to provide for the amendment of the Health Act 1970, the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997, the Mental Health Act 2001, the Health Act 2007 and the National Cancer Registry Board (Establishment) Order 1991 and to provide for related matters.

July 2009

Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009

To amend the Health Insurance Act 1994, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 and the Insurance Act 1936, in particular to ensure that, in the interests of societal and intergenerational solidarity, the burden of the costs of health services be shared by insured persons by providing for a cost subsidy between the young and the old; to provide, having regard to the principal objective of the Minister for Health and Children and the Health Insurance Authority in performing their respective functions under the Health Insurance Act 1994, for tax credits to enable the old to have access to health insurance cover and to provide for a means whereby any overcompensation arising from such tax credits may be repaid; and to provide for related matters.

July 2009

Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2009

To amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to (a) allow for judicial discretion in imposing the periods of time a person convicted of an offence under the Act is suspended from the retail register (b) allows specialist tobacconists to advertise and (c) provides exemptions from the advertising ban for Airport Duty Free.

July 2009

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009

To provide for the establishment of a scheme to be known as the Nursing Homes Support Scheme under which financial support may be made available to persons in respect of long-term residential care services out of resources allocated to the Health Service Executive for the purposes of the scheme, to provide for the amendment of the Health Act 1970, to provide for the amendment of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, to provide for the amendment of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995, to provide for the amendment of the National Treatment Purchase Fund Board (Establishment) Order 2004 and to provide for related matters.

Note: The Adoption Act 2010* is now under the aegis of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Ministerial Appointments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

677 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the appointments he has made at Health Service Executive and Department of Health level, and within his own office, since coming into office; the role, salaries and allowances for those appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22006/12]

Since taking up office I have appointed two advisers, Mr Mark Costigan as Press Adviser and Mr Sean Faughnan as Special Adviser, both on the Principal Officer (Standard) salary level. Mr Faughnan has indicated to me his intention to reduce his work commitment from full time to one-third time. It is my intention to appoint Ms Maureen Windle, ex-Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Area Health Board on a two-thirds time basis, and one salary will accordingly be divided between the two individuals pro-rata in line with the time worked. Pending her formal appointment, Ms Windle has been based in the Department's offices in Hawkins House since 21 February.

Additionally, I have appointed a Personal Assistant, the payscale for which starts at €43,715 rising to €56,060, and two Civilian Drivers each on an annual salary of €32,965. My Constituency Office will be managed by a Personal Secretary at a salary ranging from €23,820 to €47,755. The post is currently vacant but will be filled.

I established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in my Department in mid-2011. A number of personnel have been seconded to this unit from the HSE. Additional expertise is being provided on a contract for services basis. I have appointed the following persons to the interim HSE Board since March 2011:

Name

Term of Office

Dr Ambrose McLoughlin (Chairperson) Secretary General, Department of Health

26/04/2012 — 14/08/2015

Dr. Tony Holohan Chief Medical Officer Department of Health

19/05/2011 — 07/02/2015

Mr. Paul Barron Assistant Secretary Primary Care and Eligibility Department of Health

19/05/2011 — 07/02/2015

Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa Assistant Secretary Finance, Reform, Information, EU/International, Research Department of Health

19/05/2011 — 07/02/2015

Ms Frances Spillane Assistant Secretary National HR Department of Health

9/03/2012 — 07/02/2015

Mr. Tony O’Brien Chief Operating Officer Special Delivery Unit Department of Health

9/03/2012 — 07/02/2015

Mr. Jim Breslin Secretary General Department of Children and Youth Affairs

9/03/2012 — 31/12/2012

Dr. Barry White HSE National Director Clinical Strategy and Programmes

19/05/2011 — 31/12/2012

Dr. Philip Crowley HSE National Director Quality, Risk and Clinical Care

19/05/2011 — 31/12/2012

Ms Laverne McGuinness HSE National Director Integrated Services — Performance and Financial Management

19/05/2011 — 31/12/2012

Mr. Brian Gilroy Formerly HSE National Director Integrated Services — Reconfiguration

19/05/2011 — 31/12/2012

As serving public servants the "one person, one salary" principle applies and accordingly none of the above receive additional remuneration for their membership of the Board. The following were appointed to the Board since March 2011 but have since resigned, and also received no additional remuneration in respect of their Board memberships: Mr. Michael Scanlan served on the Board as a member from 19 May 2011 to 31 December 2011 and as Chairperson from 1 January 2012 to 25 April 2012 (replaced by Dr Ambrose McLoughlin); Dr Martin Connor served on the Board from 6 June 2011 to 8 March 2012 (replaced by Ms Frances Spillane).

Departmental Expenditure

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

678 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the decisions made in relation to the health budget in budget 2010, budget 2011 and budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/12]

Our country has suffered a significant economic crisis which has led to a large fall in Exchequer revenues. Tax revenues fell from €47.25 billion in 2007 to €34 billion in 2010, a fall of 28% in just four years. We are now endeavouring to re-build our revenue base but we do not have the resources to fund all the services that we would like to provide. It is the Government's priority therefore to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that frontline services are protected while ensuring that patient safety remains the highest priority. The challenge for the health service has been to reduce the cost of providing care whilst maintaining and developing services to the maximum level possible within the available resources. The funding of the health services has been considered in the overall context of the state of the public finances, the need to control public expenditure and to meet the fiscal targets set out in the Programme for Government.

The 2010 Budget for the health services provided for €659 million in pay savings and €400m in non-pay savings. The pay savings of €659 million took account of general pay reductions, and higher reductions for those on higher pay on foot of the Report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration along with savings associated with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion. The non-pay savings of €400 million concentrated on areas which would not have a significant impact on front line services, such as reductions in drugs costs, further economies in areas such as procurement, and improved private income collection by public hospitals.

In 2011 further price reductions were applied in relation to pharmaceuticals, to achieve full year savings of €200 million in the cost of drugs. Further reductions in GP fees under the Financial Emergency Measures in Public Interest Act 2009 were applied, and the charge for treating private patients in public hospitals was increased by 21%. Along with further procurement economies, and reductions in pay as a result of the voluntary exit schemes, the objective was to mitigate as far as possible against affecting front-line services.

Marine Safety

Terence Flanagan

Question:

679 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new initiatives he is taking to ensure that there is a reduction in lives lost at sea and his views on the trend regarding sea deaths over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/12]

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB), reported over the period 2007-11, that there were 57 fatalities both at sea and on inland waterways. The trend, based on a three year rolling average has dropped from an average of 11 fatalities per annum to an average of ten fatalities per annum over the period, with the actual figure for 2011 being seven fatalities.

Initiatives that have been undertaken to increase safety awareness include the publication of a booklet entitled the "Code of Practice for the Safe Operation for Recreational Craft" and the issuing of Marine Notices which communicate important safety information to the maritime community. Marine Notices have issued, for example, on matters relating to the carriage of inflatable life rafts on small fishing vessels, safe manning of vessels including hours of work and Marine notices updating the Code of Practice for small fishing vessels and guidance on the selection of Personal Flotation Devices (PDFs) for use on board pleasure craft are planned for later this year. The legislative basis underpinning maritime safety is also being updated to take account of the International Conventions relating to the welfare and training of Seafarers and various general aspects of maritime safety.

Other recent initiatives include investment in a new Search and Rescue helicopter programme which will result in a more effective and efficient helicopter service, upgrading the Coast Guard's road transport and small boat fleet and updating the training framework for all Coast Guard volunteers. In addition, a new Integrated Communication System (ICS), which is operational at the new National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Dublin will be installed at Malin by mid-2012, and at MRSC Valentia possibly by year end.

Parking Regulations

Timmy Dooley

Question:

680 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recommendations of the Oireachtas transport committee regarding reforming clamping; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21316/12]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

681 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he agrees with Dublin City Council’s plans to increase clamping fees; his plans to regulate the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21317/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

690 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will rule out any increase in clamping charges in Dublin city (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22027/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 680, 681 and 690 together.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to regulate the vehicle clamping industry, I presented a discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht in December 2011 in which I outlined the principal issues to be addressed in regulating the industry, my proposals on the shape of appropriate legislation and invited its views. The Committee responded to me on 28 March in a comprehensive report which contained a number of recommendations, many of which will be reflected in the resulting legislation.

The Committee made several recommendations in relation to the level of declamping fees, to which I will have regard in framing the legislation. With regard to recent suggestions that clamping fees should be increased, the current maximum declamping fee that may be charged by public authorities for parking offences on public land was statutorily set in 1998 at £65 which, with the introduction of the euro, translated to €80. My Department has begun drafting the necessary legislation to regulate the clamping industry and I expect to be in a position to introduce a Bill in the Oireachtas later this year. In light of the forthcoming legislation, I have no proposals at present to modify the current arrangements in relation to declamping fees.

Public Transport

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

682 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the age at which persons start paying adult fares on public transport should be raised from 16 years to 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21359/12]

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

Cycle Facilities

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

683 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the creation of park and cycle parks at the edge of major cities here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21430/12]

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, responsibility for the delivery of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of cycling facilities in the Greater Dublin Area, is a matter for the NTA. Under its Sustainable Transport Management Grants Scheme, the NTA provides funding to local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists including cycle paths and cycle corridors. Parking facilities for bicycles is also being provided at a number of rail and Luas stations. Funding is also being provided by my Department through the NTA to relevant local authorities in the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford for a programme of public transport and sustainable measures and projects. These measures include the provision of a variety of cycling initiatives to include cycle corridors and cycle parking.

The proposal to facilitate car parking at rail stations for onward travel by bicycle raises some issues. Many of the car parks at rail stations are already heavily utilised by people parking their cars and taking the rail service to their destination. Releasing some of that limited car parking space and dedicating it to onward cycle based travel would potentially reduce public transport use, in that some people would be unable to obtain the car parking necessary for them to use the rail service. Equally the distance to be travelled by bicycle would be a negating factor in a lot of locations. However, the Department and the NTA will continue to develop and deliver the various measures that support increased cycle use including availing of opportunities to increase cycling potential associated with the rail network. There is a private carpark at Navan Road Parkway Station which is well served by bus from Dublin 15 and East Meath.

Driving Licences

Martin Heydon

Question:

684 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting time for applications for driver permits, new and renewals, both in County Kildare and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21456/12]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for driver permits, new and renewals. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Semi-State Companies

Sandra McLellan

Question:

685 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Bus Éireann vetting policy for recruitment of staff. [21457/12]

The issue raised is a matter for Bus 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 10 working days.

Search and Rescue Service

Michael McNamara

Question:

686 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the service that has replaced the Shannon Airport River Rescue Service at Shannon Airport, County Clare; the future plans for the equipment and buildings which are now lying idle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21557/12]

The Coast Guard will respond to any maritime incidents in the Shannon Estuary. The following Search and Rescue resources are available in the Shannon/Foynes area: Shannon Coast Guard Helicopter, Kilrush Inshore Lifeboat, Limerick City CRBI, Ballybunion CRBI, Kilkee Coast Guard Unit, Kilkee CRBI, Doolin Coast Guard Unit, Aran Islands Lifeboat and Galway Inshore Lifeboat. I understand that an inventory of previously operated marine equipment held by the Shannon Airport Authority has recently been completed and all serviceable equipment is to be donated to the State's primary response agencies and voluntary services operating along the Shannon Estuary.

Road Traffic Offences

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

687 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport as part of his initiative to tackle the problem of repeat offenders on our roads, if he will consider a system of breath alcohol analysers connected to the ignition of cars; if he will consider such a system for roll-out to other groups of motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21563/12]

Yes, I will consider it. Action No. 119 of the current Road Safety Strategy provides for the research and evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative correction/rehabilitation programmes for such offenders. My Department, the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Justice and Equality are currently analysing international best practice in this area. I anticipate receiving the recommendations arising from that analysis in the Summer and will, at that time, consider those recommendations in the context of current road traffic legislation, in consultation with the Courts Service, the Gardaí and the Department of Justice and Equality. It should be noted that legislation would be required.

Departmental Bodies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

688 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of State agencies in his Department which were abolished or merged since 2011; the name and purpose of each one; the amount saved by the merger or abolition; the number planned to be merged or abolished in 2012; the name and purpose of each one; the amount expected to be saved from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21599/12]

Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, six Public Bodies have been merged or abolished. No new ones have been established. Dundalk Port Company was merged with Dublin Port Company on 12 July 2011. Tralee and Fenit Harbour Authority transferred to the control of Kerry County Council with effect from 1 October 2011. Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour and Kinsale Harbour transferred to the control of Cork County Council, while Arklow Harbour transferred to the control of Wicklow County Council, with effect from 1 January 2012. The Board of Harbour Commissioners ceased to exist in each case. The current intention is that the last remaining harbour under the auspices of my Department, Bantry Bay, will be transferred to a more appropriate governance framework over the course of the next year.

My Department is also currently engaged in a review of ports policy which will, inter alia, consider the issue of port company restructuring. The merger of Dublin Tourism with its parent body, Fáilte Ireland, is now complete, while Coaching Ireland has been subsumed into the Irish Sports Council. The Public Service Reform Plan, www.reformplan.per.gov.ie, sets out full details of all agencies, including those under the aegis of my Department, which are to be rationalised in 2012 and 2013 and also those which are subject to critical review to be completed by June of this year. It is not possible to quantify the potential savings from rationalisation until the detailed arrangements in respect of each implementation have been worked through with the agencies in question.

Services for People with Disabilities

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

689 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the transport services that are in place for citizens with a disability in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/12]

Some 35 Rural Community Transport Groups are currently being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) to address social exclusion in their rural areas arising from lack of access to public transport. Older people and people with disabilities form the core customer base of the RTP which is operating in every county. According to 2010 performance monitoring figures, approximately 81% of services were defined as either fully (45%) or partially accessible(36%). In addition, many RTP services have passenger assistants on board their vehicles.

In line with a recent Government decision, I announced plans on 28 February to achieve greater levels of transport integration and co-ordinated delivery across a range of exchequer funded local and rural transport services incorporating the RTP, HSE non-acute transport, school transport and voluntary transport services. The National Transport Authority, which has been allocated responsibility for the RTP will, in conjunction with a national committee made up of key stakeholders, develop proposals for future integration based on a series of pilots which will trial how services in rural areas can be further enhanced and optimised while achieving necessary efficiencies. Accessibility will remain a core criterion in the further development of RTP. Public Transport accessibility is being progressed under the umbrella of Transport Access for All, which is my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The RTP has a key role in that regard. The plan is under review. It is hoped to publish an updated plan later this year.

Question No. 690 answered with Question No. 680.
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