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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Vol. 766 No. 1

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 13 to 99, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 100 to 109, inclusive, answered orally.

Petrochemical Embargo

Seamus Kirk

Question:

110 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the progress the EU has made in relation to its sanctions on Iran; if negotiations have been ongoing with the regime in relation to their nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/12]

Given the major concerns which exist over the Iranian nuclear programme (as documented in a series of UN Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency resolutions since 2006), and given Iran's continuing unwillingness to engage seriously on these concerns or to address the serious findings highlighted in the IAEA's reports, the international community has had little option but to impose several rounds of increasingly tough restrictive measures.

These include an EU embargo on Iranian petrochemical products which started on 1 May and a ban on crude oil imports to the EU which is due to take effect on 1 July. Under the terms of the Council Decision implementing these sanctions last January, a review of whether to proceed with the oil embargo and ancillary measures is to be conducted before 1 July. The review will be undertaken at the June Council.

I have no doubt that it was the EU's measures, complemented by tough bilateral sanctions implemented recently by the US, Canada and the UK, which were instrumental in triggering Iran's belated acceptance of talks recently. I welcome in this regard the discussions between the E3+3 and Iran which resumed in Istanbul on 14 April.

At the April Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended, EU High Representative Ashton briefed Ministers on these talks. She judged these to have been more constructive than earlier rounds, with the Iranian side attaching no preconditions to further talks and both sides agreeing on the need for confidence-building measures.

A further round of negotiations has been scheduled for 23 May in Baghdad. It is hoped that this will enable a clearer judgement to be made of the seriousness of commitment on Iran's part to making real progress.

Ultimately, the grave issues arising in relation to Iran's nuclear programme can only be resolved through diplomatic negotiations and not by any other means. Ireland, with its EU partners, will continue to lend strong support to High Representative Ashton and the other members of the E3+3 as they pursue the ‘twin-track' approach which is aimed at persuading Iran to negotiate seriously — and which now appears to be paying some dividends.

Human Rights Issues

Catherine Murphy

Question:

111 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has conveyed to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation or otherwise communicated to the Russian Government his position on the law introduced by the Saint Petersburg Legislative Assembly recently which has curtailed basic freedom of speech and expression and impinged on the liberties of gay, lesbian and transgender Russian citizens; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that convictions for spreading homosexual propaganda to minors have already taken place under the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25344/12]

I understand the legislation referred to by the Deputy has passed into law in the Saint Petersburg region. While this type of legislation purports to protect young people, it is more likely, in my view, to result in further stigmatisation, and even criminalisation, of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) young people. In fact, I am aware of reports that an individual has recently been convicted under this legislation and understand that he intends to appeal the verdict. A senior official in my Department was in contact with the Russian Embassy to express concern at this legislation when it was introduced last year. In addition, the European Union, with Irish support, raised this matter with the Russian authorities at an EU-Russia human rights dialogue held in Moscow last December.

Earlier this year, the EU communicated, formally, its concerns to the Russian Federation authorities about the legislation and Ireland has again been supportive of these efforts.

Just last week in a dialogue on human rights with the Duma of the Russian Federation the EU again underlined its concerns on this issue.

This Government is strongly committed to combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and considers that discriminatory legal or administrative provisions which curtail the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not acceptable.

Sandra McLellan

Question:

112 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that thirteen human rights defenders have been killed over the past three months in Colombia; if he will lobby at EU level for the condemnation of the ongoing killings and disappearances; his views on whether the EU, through Catherine Ashton, should urge the Colombian Government to guarantee protection for activists and respect for social movements that are calling for peace. [25351/12]

I am concerned at any reports of violence against human rights defenders in Colombia. I would fully expect the Colombian government, no less than any other government, to protect its citizens from attack. Human rights defenders and trade union representatives can be particularly vulnerable in this regard and additional vigilance is required in preserving their safety. The Deputy will be aware of the EU policy of dialogue with the government of Colombia. This offers the best way to support democracy and further the objectives of the Santos administration with regard to improving human rights and moving forward the peace process.

High Representative Ashton has voiced on many occasions the EU's support for the Colombian government's effort to improve security and to drive forward the peace process in a country which is emerging from decades of civil war.

As I have outlined on many occasions in the House, Ireland actively supports this policy of dialogue and engagement. I underlined Ireland's concerns over human rights, in particular at the alleged harassment of human rights defenders and trade union activists, when I met the vice-president of Colombia during his visit to Ireland in January 2012.

Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland will continue to support these efforts and to monitor the situation through our embassy in Mexico City.

Economic Partnership Agreements

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

113 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the negative impact that existing European Union trade policies are having on Africa; his views on the EU’s proposed Economic Partnership Agreements with Africa, whereby the EU’s desire to secure African raw materials and EU commercial interests will take priority over fair trading policies. [25359/12]

The European Union is strongly committed to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa. It employs a carefully differentiated approach to its engagement on trade with developing country partners.

Since 2002, the EU has been negotiating a series of new Economic Partnership Agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States. They were necessitated by World Trade Organisation (WTO) rulings that the unilateral trade preferences previously granted to the ACP countries established unfair discrimination between developing countries.

Several years ago, there were well-founded concerns that momentum was being lost in the negotiations and that the original shared commitment to the achievement of Agreements which serve the development needs of African countries was being lost. However, agreement was reached at the EU-Africa Summit in November 2010 that both sides should move "to conclude Economic Partnership Agreements that support socio-economic development, regional integration and the integration of Africa into the global economy".

The European Commission last year engaged actively and flexibly in renewed negotiations at the regional level. It also adopted a proposal in September, which is to be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of Trade Ministers, to set a deadline of 1 January 2014 for the conclusion of the negotiations.

The Government has at all stages made it clear that Ireland supports a negotiating approach that is as flexible as possible under WTO law and underlines the importance of a strong partnership approach. I do not agree with the suggestion that, in the negotiating process, EU interests are prioritised above fair trading policies. Both EU and African leaders have recognised clearly the potential benefits of these Agreements and, at their most recent meeting in March, the EU Trade Ministers acknowledged the need for flexibility and pragmatism on both sides to find solutions to outstanding issues.

Ireland will continue to work with our partners for Agreements which clearly support the development priorities and needs of the African countries and we will engage positively with the Commission on these issues during our Presidency of the EU next year.

Missing Persons

Denis Naughten

Question:

114 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 29 March 2012, the steps he has taken to assist with tracing the whereabouts of a person who went missing in the Netherlands in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24990/12]

The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department on 15 November 2008 when one of his sisters contacted our Embassy in The Hague seeking assistance in locating him. She advised that he had not been in touch with his family since 23 October which was unusual for him. Officials from my Department have remained in contact with his family since then and provided all possible consular assistance through our Embassy and the Consular Assistance section in Dublin. On 2 December 2008 an Embassy Official arranged and attended a meeting between two of his sisters and a Dutch Police Officer who had been assigned to the case. The Officer assured the sisters that everything possible was being done to locate their brother. He agreed to put a photo of their brother on the Dutch Police Intranet so that it would be available to police throughout the Netherlands. He also gave his contact details to the family.

I am informed that our Embassy contacted a Dutch television programme which features missing person's cases to ensure that this case was featured. Our Embassy has also provided the family with information and advice on placing advertisements in the Dutch media. In addition, our Embassy has also assisted the family by contacting the Irish citizen's bank in the Netherlands and his mobile phone company there. However, under Dutch law, information on private individuals (including bank activity and mobile phone usage), cannot be released, even to an Embassy or a member of the individual's family, without the individual's explicit consent.

The strictness of Dutch privacy laws and the limitations of my Department's role in missing person's cases were explained to the family during a meeting with them by my predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., on 4 March 2009.

On 14 March 2012, the family called to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ireland and handed in a letter expressing their dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by the Dutch police. The Dutch Public Prosecutor subsequently decided to re-examine the investigation into the disappearance.

On 7 May 2012 officials from our Embassy in The Hague met with the Dutch police officers responsible for the case to discuss the current status of their investigation. The Dutch police officers confirmed that they are following up on a number of items pertaining to the disappearance. Our Embassy will remain in contact with the police and keep the individual's family informed.

The family has expressed a wish to meet with the police officers and our Embassy has offered to facilitate this at its offices. Arrangements are being made to find a mutually suitable date for such a meeting.

While my Department cannot interfere in the legal process of another state, we will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal sympathy to the family and to assure them of my full appreciation of the distress the disappearance of their loved one has caused.

Human Rights Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

115 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will allocate humanitarian assistance to the 165,000 Saharuis living in the refugee camps in Algeria; if he will abstain from any support to Morocco in the European Union as long as Morocco does not respect the UN resolutions regarding the decolonisation of Western Sahara; and if he will demand full respect for human rights in the Western Sahara. [24994/12]

The humanitarian situation facing the Sahrawi people is a matter of profound concern. The majority of refugees from the Western Saharan conflict live in four camps in the desert regions of Tindouf in Algeria, all of which rely heavily on international aid. Ireland is one of a very small number of donors who have been involved in the provision of humanitarian support to the Sahrawi refugee population. Earlier this week, the Government approved €250,000 in support for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency which is one of the key agencies providing life-sustaining assistance to many of the refugees. This funding will help UNHCR to provide ongoing assistance to vulnerable people in the camps, notably in the areas of water and sanitation, health, nutrition and education. In addition to providing assistance in the Tindouf camps, UNHCR is also implementing a "Confidence Building Measures" programme which facilitates family visits between refugees living in the camps and their families in the Western Sahara.

Morocco is one of Europe's closest neighbours and is covered by the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy. The EU is engaged in wide-ranging cooperation with Morocco under the existing Association Agreement, including efforts to promote democratic reform and economic modernisation. Morocco is also a key partner for the EU in relation to tackling illegal migration. While Ireland disagrees with Morocco's policy in relation to Western Sahara, that would not in itself provide grounds for us to attempt to block overall EU cooperation with, or support for, Morocco as it seeks to introduce democratic reform and economic modernisation. In fact, I believe that the gradual process of democratisation underway in Morocco may assist in the long term in reaching a compromise with respect to Western Sahara. The EU's political dialogue with Morocco under the Association Agreement also provides an invaluable forum for raising concerns directly with the Moroccan Government as regards both the internal human rights situation in Morocco and the question of Western Sahara. Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, and the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the territory based on the principle of self-determination. Addressing human rights issues is a key ingredient to the successful resolution of the conflict. We will raise our concerns about human rights issues in Western Sahara with the Moroccan Government during the Universal Periodic Review of Morocco which is taking place in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. We will also continue our dialogue with both Morocco and Polisario, through the Moroccan Ambassador to Ireland and the local Polisario representative, so as to encourage support for the UN Secretary General's good offices mission and the efforts of Personal Envoy Ross to achieve some measure of political progress and increased confidence between both sides.

Election Observation Missions

John McGuinness

Question:

116 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action, in conjunction with the European External Action Services, he has taken in relation to elections in Armenia this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25196/12]

The Parliamentary elections in Armenia took place on 6 May. They were observed by an Election Observation Mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), as well as delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Parliament. The EU, other than the European Parliament, does not organise election observation missions in countries where elections can be credibly or systematically observed by other international organisations or local stakeholders. In order to avoid duplication, the EU does not deploy observation missions in the countries belonging to the OSCE area as EU member States are members and core funders of the OSCE, which organises monitoring missions in its member countries.

The EEAS does of course closely monitor political developments in Armenia, including through the local EU delegation, and this informs discussion by Foreign Ministers within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The joint report on the Armenian elections found that there had been a vibrant and largely peaceful campaign, with overall balanced media coverage, but that pressure on voters and a deficient complaints process had created an unequal playing field. These elections were held under a new electoral code which, in the judgement of the international observers, provided a sound legal framework for conducting democratic elections. However, stakeholders had failed to implement important aspects of the new law. The manner in which complaints were dealt with, the report found, had undermined the right to legal redress.

As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, I have taken note of the report. ODIHR will issue a comprehensive final report on the elections in the next few weeks, which will include recommendations for potential improvements. This final report will provide a basis for the work needed to improve electoral standards in Armenia before the Presidential election next year.

The EU Delegation in Yerevan will also be involved in cooperation with the OSCE Office and ODIHR on these issues, given that Armenia is in negotiations for an Association Agreement with the EU. The holding of elections in accordance with international standards is an important requirement in the latter context.

I have requested that our Embassy in Sofia, which is accredited to Armenia, remain in touch with the OSCE Office and with the EU Delegation in Yerevan in relation to their work on electoral standards. I hope to visit Armenia this year and to have an opportunity to discuss progress on this issue during my meetings with Armenian interlocutors.

Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 105.

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Barry Cowen

Question:

118 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has developed any plans for informal inter state dialogue within the OSCE over the course of 2012 based on the Corfu process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25189/12]

The OSCE, as the world's largest regional security organisation, plays an important role in ensuring peace, stability and security within the area which it covers (sometimes described as "from Vancouver to Vladivostok"). The collective goal of the Organisation, as agreed at the Astana Summit in December 2010, is to work towards a genuine Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community, rooted in agreed principles, shared commitments and common goals. The so-called ‘Corfu Process', a process of consultation among the OSCE's 56 member States, contributed to reaching agreement on this objective at the Astana Summit. Discussions in the interim have focused on how to achieve the goal of a Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community. As Chairman-in-Office, I circulated at the beginning of our Chairmanship a document entitled "From Astana to Dublin: Towards a Security Community, Building Blocks for 2012". Building on the mandate received at Astana, we want to identify the elements or "building blocks" of an action plan that could be put in place to reach this goal.This will be one of the themes for the Annual Security Review Conference to be held in Vienna on 26-28 June.

As part of this process, the Irish Chairmanship has proposed that we use the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in 2015 as an opportunity for OSCE participating States to measure the progress being made towards the security community. Discussions of this proposal are already underway. A Chairmanship food-for-thought paper was discussed at a meeting of OSCE Ambassadors on 8-9 May. This paper sets out a vision for the "Helsinki+40" concept which could, in time and subject to agreement, reinvigorate discussions about an OSCE security community. Consultations on this document will continue over the coming months. Our aim is to take a forward-looking approach, involving the Chairmanships up to and including 2015, with a view to having a concrete action plan, as mandated by the Astana Commemorative Declaration, completed by the 40th anniversary in 2015.

Overseas Missions

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

119 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Irish role in the UN observer mission in Syria; the future plans for the force; the timeline for its full deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25165/12]

On 21 April, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2043 (2012) authorising the establishment, for an initial period of up to 90 days, of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS). On 24 April, in response to a request from the UN to participate in this mission, the Government approved the deployment of up 6 members of the Defence Forces to UNSMIS.

On 11 May six members of the Defence Forces were deployed to UNSMIS as unarmed military observers. The presence of these observers is essential to international efforts to effect a change in conditions on the ground. Good progress has been made in relation to the overall deployment to UNSMIS and I understand that over 200 observers are now on the ground and that the full complement of 300 observers is expected to be in place later this week. An additional group of 75 civilian personnel is also being put in place.

The role of the Irish and other UNSMIS observers is to monitor and report on the security situation and on any transgression of the ceasefire agreement, as well as on the implementation of the six-point peace plan of Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN and Arab League Joint Special Envoy. The observers have set up monitoring units in the principal cities in Syria, including Homs, Deraa and Hama which have been the scenes of major conflict and shelling.

The ongoing violence and the continued difficulties in ensuring adherence to the 12 April ceasefire and promoting full compliance by all sides with the six-point peace plan are matters of great concern and underline the severity of the challenges faced by UNSMIS. Incidents such as the attack on a Syrian Army convoy accompanying a UNSMIS observer team (including the Norwegian Force Commander) which was visiting Deraa on 9 May and the improvised explosive attack on the UNSMIS convoy near Hama on 15 May are completely unacceptable.

Ireland and its EU partners will continue to offer the fullest possible support to UNSMIS and to Special Envoy Annan in their efforts to promote a peaceful settlement.

Overseas Development Aid

Pearse Doherty

Question:

120 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his commitment to reducing hunger in the global south is compatible with his efforts to promote the sale of Irish food and drink products in Africa; and if local production is being displaced by these Irish exports. [25357/12]

Combating global hunger and undernutrition is a central pillar of the Government's overseas development programme. We are making good progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2008 report of the Government's Hunger Task Force. Just last week, the Tánaiste and I announced that we have delivered on the commitment to direct at least 20 per cent of the Irish Aid budget to actions and programmes to reduce hunger. Reaching this target has involved a reorientation of elements of the development programme to ensure a stronger hunger response at country level and globally. The Africa Strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which we launched last September, aims to build a more coherent approach to Ireland's relations with Africa, across all sectors: development, political and the establishment of closer economic and trade links. This includes the encouragement of indigenous African production in the food sector, leading to a growth in African exports and increased two-way trade. The establishment of an Africa Agri-Food Development Fund, which was launched jointly by the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine in March, builds on this commitment and on the recommendations of the Hunger Task Force Report. It aims to involve the Irish private sector in greater trade and in investment in food production and processing in Africa. We believe that the private sector in Ireland has the potential to bring a wealth of expertise and technical knowhow to the Agri-Food sector in Africa.

A technical mission, which included representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Enterprise Ireland, visited Kenya and Tanzania last month. It confirmed the potential for the Fund in a changing Africa and identified a number of opportunities which will be presented to the Irish Agri-Food sector for their consideration in the coming weeks.

In both Kenya and Tanzania, food needs are increasing due to population growth and rapid urbanisation, and local production is unable to meet the growing demand. As Irish companies increase their trade with Africa, we anticipate that they will also explore opportunities for new investment with African partners, creating the potential to generate much needed jobs and economic growth. This approach reflects our commitment to working with our African partners to end extreme poverty and hunger and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and opportunity.

Human Rights Issues

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

121 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the Bahraini authorities should drop politically motivated criminal charges against Nabeel Rajab, a human rights activist, head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, and a member of the advisory committee of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East Division, who was arrested at the Bahrain International Airport on 5 May 2012, for four Twitter postings in which he criticised the Interior Ministry; and his further views on whether this is an attempt to silence one of the Bahraini Government’s most prominent critics. [25353/12]

I am monitoring closely the case of Mr. Nabeel Rajab, who was arrested on 5 May on his return to Bahrain from Lebanon for comments he had made on a social networking site criticising the Ministry of the Interior in Bahrain. Mr. Rajab has now been charged in court on 17 May with inciting protests through the use of social networks. Mr. Rajab's case highlights issues regarding respect for such fundamental rights as freedom of expression. Bahrain has an obligation, as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, not to place onerous restrictions on the exercise of free speech. Governments do not have to agree with the opinions and views of citizens but they must allow their citizens the freedom to express their views.

At Bahrain's Universal Periodic Review yesterday in Geneva, Ireland recommended that Bahrain amend any articles of its Penal Code that can be used to prosecute individuals for the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly or association, and bring its law in line with international standards established by the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. Officials in my Department have also raised my concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain with the Bahraini Ambassador in London. In addition, the Ambassador in Riyadh has relayed my concerns directly to the Bahraini authorities. Concerns about Mr. Rajab's detention have also been expressed to the Bahraini authorities by senior EU officials visiting Bahrain on 17 May.

I have already made clear on a number of occasions, including in this House, my own deep concern and that of the Irish Government and people regarding the general human rights situation in Bahrain. While I welcome the reforms already initiated by the Bahraini authorities in response to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, I remain concerned that more needs to be done to address the legitimate demands of those peacefully seeking reform and greater inter-communal dialogue. Demonstrations and unrest in predominantly Shia communities are still continuing, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive follow-up to the recommendations of the BICI report. A way must be found through dialogue to chart a new and inclusive future for Bahrain and I urge the Bahraini authorities and the opposition to engage genuinely and meaningfully in Bahrain's national reconciliation process.

Diplomatic Representation

Micheál Martin

Question:

122 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he has made to date in securing an agreement with the Vatican regarding the use of the Irish embassy to Italy in Rome as a dual host to an ambassador to the Holy See; if a timeframe exists for its re-establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25180/12]

As I have previously stated in this House, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that any discussion of the basis on which it might be possible to re-establish a resident Embassy in the future is best conducted in confidence and I do not intend to comment further on this aspect of the matter.

Northern Ireland Issues

Thomas Pringle

Question:

123 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene in the case of an Irish citizen (details supplied) who is being held at Maghaberry Prison, County Antrim, where they are receiving inadequate medical treatment for a life threatening disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25085/12]

Clare Daly

Question:

131 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade noting that Brian Shivers, currently imprisoned in Maghaberry Prison, County Antrim has had necessary medication for life limiting cystic fibrosis withheld from him, and that his family and solicitors allege a lack of knowledge and comprehension of the seriousness of his illness by the prison staff, if he will liaise with Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford, to ensure that the prison staff have adequate training and that Brian Shivers has continual access to all necessary treatment for cystic fibrosis. [24992/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 131 together.

I am aware of the case that has been raised by the Deputy, one which officials from my Department have been closely monitoring. It is my understanding that the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which is tasked with the delivery of prison healthcare services and the administration of medications within the Northern Ireland Prison Service, has investigated the allegations raised regarding the individual in question. As a result of this investigation it has committed to implementing additional checking measures so that Mr. Shivers has full access to the appropriate medication and to ensure that his condition is being managed effectively. The South Eastern Trust has also given an assurance that a small additional stock of medications would be kept specifically for Mr. Shivers, as a precautionary measure. I also understand that appropriate training has been provided to healthcare staff at the prison by a cystic fibrosis nurse consultant in relation to the management and awareness of cystic fibrosis, particularly in relation to Mr. Shivers.

I have directed officials from my Department to continue to monitor this case very closely.

Irish Communities Abroad

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

124 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is a prudent time for him to write a letter to President Obama asking him to do something for the undocumented Irish in America, in view of the number of Irish persons that reside there. [25200/12]

Denis Naughten

Question:

135 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on resolving the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/12]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

141 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he has made in recent months to advance the cause of the undocumented Irish in the United States. [25352/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent if any of progress made in the matter of undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 135, 141 and 199 together.

The welfare of the Irish abroad is a very important priority for the Government. There are particular concerns in the United States where addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements are priorities for the Government in its contacts with the US Administration and Congress.

The Government's keen interest in a resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish migrants is well recognised and accepted by our friends within US Administration and Congress. Their advice to us remains that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which this can be achieved.

With a view to helping some positive momentum around immigration issues insofar as they relate to Ireland, enabling Irish people to apply for E-3 temporary U.S. work visas has been a particular focus of our efforts. Proposals currently being discussed among members of the US Congress would, if adopted, make 10,500 E-3 visas available to Irish citizens each year.

During my visit to Washington in February this year, I reviewed progress on E-3 issues during meetings with Senators Leahy, Brown and Schumer and with the Friends of Ireland group in the House of Representatives and with Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns.

I also discussed prospects for progress with the Congressional Delegation led by leader Nancy Pelosi in Dublin in March.

During his recent visit to Washington, the Taoiseach raised immigration with President Obama and with Senators Leahy, Brown and Schumer and the Friends of Ireland Group.

While I am heartened by the advances that have been made so far towards bi-partisan consensus in the US Senate towards enabling Irish people to apply for E-3 visas, I am conscious that passing any immigration-related legislation in an election year in the US presents very significant challenges. Through our Embassy in Washington, the Government will continue to work closely with all relevant actors, including our friends in Congress and with Irish-American community representatives with a view to ensuring that every opportunity is taken to put an E-3 visa scheme in place.

Diplomatic Representation

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

125 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the enterprise development activity of each embassy and consular office abroad in the past 12 months. [20909/12]

Ireland has 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions as well as 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. While the specific activity of each mission in relation to the promotion of Ireland's economic and trade interests will necessarily differ, depending on market conditions and other factors, bilateral Embassies and Consulates in particular have a role to play in promoting trade and investment opportunities. Our Embassies and other offices abroad are generally small with one or two diplomats in many cases. Given the multi-faceted nature of their work and the wide range of promotional activity across the Embassy network it is not feasible to provide a detailed breakdown of the activity of each Embassy. However, I can assure the Deputy that the promotion of Irish trade and exports is a key priority for my Department and the entire Embassy network.

Embassies are engaged on a continuous basis in efforts to promote Irish products and services and in looking for new opportunities for Irish exporters in markets overseas. They frequently provide a platform to market Irish companies to a global audience. Embassies regularly host promotional events for, and in association, with State Agencies and they also actively contribute to the organisation and conduct of trade missions, including those where Enterprise Ireland client companies travel to markets overseas. The Trade and Promotion Division of my Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in planning such missions.

In putting together programmes of trade and promotional activity for Ministers and other visitors to their region, the Embassy network ensures that incoming high level visits are leveraged for maximum impact. The St. Patrick's Day period is, of course, an occasion for particularly intense activity by the Embassy network in this context but such promotional activity is ongoing throughout the year. As a matter of course, Ambassadors and other Embassy staff work constantly with key political, economic, business and media contacts in their countries of accreditation. The success of high level visits as well as of day to day promotional activity to advance Ireland's interests overseas is dependent on the Embassies nurturing these contacts in what is often a highly competitive environment, particularly in the major and emerging markets.

Embassies also have a key role to play in assisting in the resolution of problematic regulatory issues and gaining access to new markets for Irish products and services. Under the Government's Trade Strategy, 27 priority markets have been identified for the integrated promotion of trade, tourism and investment. These include the BRIC countries as well as other key emerging markets. In these countries, our Ambassador chairs a local market team which consists of the Embassy and representatives from the relevant State Agencies in the field. These market teams submit annual market plans as well as six monthly reports of activity, which are reviewed by the Export Trade Council, which I chair.

I would add that the role of my Department and the Embassy network in trade promotion and in building Ireland's economic reputation abroad is, of course, complementary to the wide range of enterprise development activity which other Government Departments and the State Agencies pursue in the domestic context to support Irish business in entering international markets. Enterprise Ireland and other State Agencies have a range of programmes in place to stimulate entrepreneurship, to encourage innovation, to provide funding and business space for enterprise, to assist companies to achieve scale and develop competitiveness and to develop management capabilities and strategies for growth.

Michael Moynihan

Question:

126 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total number of staff in our embassies abroad in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; their distribution by region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25198/12]

The staffing information for 2012 requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below in respect of Missions abroad. The figures take account of officers of other Government Departments and offices whose salaries and other costs are in some cases borne by the parent Department or office. Also included is a small number of staff indirectly engaged through local employment agencies. Comparable figures for each of the previous four years are not immediately available. Programme staff employed locally by Irish development Missions are not included.

Mission

Current staffing complement

Changes since 2008

Number of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officers posted from HQ

Comment and/or reason, where relevant

Abu Dhabi

12

+12

2

Mission established in 2009;Total includes 6 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff

Abuja

16

-1

2

Total includes 9 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff; local staff post suppressed

Addis Ababa

8

-1

4

Senior Development Specialist post currently vacant

Ankara

7

3

Athens

7

3

Atlanta

2

+2

1

Mission established in 2010

Beijing

24

-1

5

Total includes 8 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff

Berlin

12

5

Berne

5

2

Boston

5

2

Brasilia

6

2

Bratislava

4

-1

2

Local staff post suppressed

Brussels (Embassy)

14

-1

4

First Secretary post transferred to Perm Rep; includes Partnership for Peace Office;total includes 6 staff from other Departments and Offices

Brussels (PR-EU)

90

39

Total includes 45 staff from other Departments and Offices

Bucharest

7

2

Budapest

5

-1

1

Ambassador post currently vacant

Buenos Aires

5.4

2

Cairo

9

3

Canberra

9.5

2

Chicago

5.4

2

Copenhagen

6.4

-1

2

First Secretary post suppressed

Dar-Es-Salaam

7

-1

4

Ambassador post currently vacant

Dili

1

-2

1

Third Secretary + Head of Mission posts suppressedEmbassy closing in 2012

Edinburgh

3

-1

2

Third Secretary post suppressed

Freetown

3

2

Geneva

13

6

Total includes 4 officers from other Departments

Hanoi

8

5

Helsinki

5

2

Kampala

8

4

Kuala Lumpur

7.5

2

Lisbon

5

2

Lilongwe

4

-1

3

Senior Development Specialist post currently vacant

Ljubljana

5

-1

2

Local staff post suppressed

London (including Passport office)

51

-35

29

Certain passport functions and posts transferred to HQ and others suppressed including 20 local staff posts;total includes 4 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff and 6 officials from other Departments or officers

Lusaka

6

-1

3

Development Specialist post currently vacant

Luxembourg

5

-1

1

Third Secretary post suppressed

Madrid

14

4

Total includes 2 staff from other Departments and Offices

Maputo

8

5

Maseru

4

2

Mexico

7

3

Moscow

19

-2

6

Total includes 5 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff

New Delhi

18

-1

3

Total includes 9 Department of Justice and Equality visa office staff

New York — Consulate General

17

-1

5

Local staff post reassigned to Atlanta

New York — PMUN

16

+1

9

Development post added

Nicosia

5

2

Oslo

5

2

Ottawa

8

3

Paris

20

-2

7

Includes Mission to the OECD and UNESCO; 2 administrative posts suppressed, includes one officer from another Department

Prague

8

-1

2

First Secretary post suppressed

Pretoria

12

-1.5

4

Third Secretary currently vacant, part-time local staff post suppressed

Ramallah

5

2

Riga

3

-2

1

Third Secretary post suppressed, local staff post suppressed

Riyadh

10

-1

2

Third Secretary post transferred to Abu Dhabi

Rome

13.8

+1

3

First Secretary post suppressed, 2 local staff posts transferred from Embassy Holy See

San Francisco

5

-1

2

Local staff post suppressed

Seoul

6

2

Shanghai

7

3

Singapore

7

2

Sofia

6

2

Stockholm

5

2

Strasbourg

6

2

Total includes one officer from another Department

Sydney

5

2

Tallinn

3

-2

1

Third Secretary post suppressed, local staff post suppressed

Tel Aviv

5

-0.5

2

Part-time local staff post suppressed

The Hague

10

3

Total includes 2 officers from other Departments

Tokyo

11

3

Valletta

3

1

Vienna (Embassy)

8

3

Vienna (OSCE)

13

+8

6

Mission temporarily strengthened for Ireland’s OSCE chairmanship 2012

Vilnius

5

2

Warsaw

8

3

Total includes one officer from another Department

Washington DC

19

9

Total includes 3 officers from other Departments

Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 105.

International Agreements

Gerry Adams

Question:

128 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for implementing the national action plan on UNSCR1325, 2011-2014 since its launch in November last year, and which unit within his Department is leading the process of implementation. [25347/12]

Ireland's National Action Plan in relation to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was officially launched in November 2011. The Plan sets out how Ireland will promote and implement the objectives of UNSCR 1325 in its programme support activities, diplomatic advocacy and policy-making across the interrelated areas of peace, security and development. Implementation of the Plan remains an important priority for my Department. A meeting has been arranged between my officials and key stakeholders from civil society to discuss how best to take the NAP forward. One of the items for discussion will be the formation of a monitoring group under an independent chair which will oversee implementation. I look forward to productive discussions and cooperation in that format.

Work on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 is carried out by the Political Division of my Department, in close cooperation with the Development Cooperation Division.

Northern Ireland Issues

Thomas Pringle

Question:

129 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his involvement, if any, in relation to the conditions at Maghaberry Prison, County Antrim, in which numerous Irish citizens are imprisoned and subjected to these conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25084/12]

The issue of prisons within Northern Ireland and the conditions contained within is a devolved matter related to the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland and an executive agency of this Department, the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Arising from the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010 which led to the devolution of policing and justice, Dame Ann Owers and the Prison Review Team were commissioned to undertake a 360 degree review of the prison system which had a very strong focus on how best to protect the human rights of individual prisoners. Following this review, in October 2011 a report into prison reform was published by Owers which made forty recommendations related to prison reform in Northern Ireland. Much progress has been made to date in implementing the recommended reforms contained within this report. Where particular issues or allegations arise in relation to conditions in Maghaberry Prison or any other prisons in Northern Ireland which affect an Irish citizen, the Government will continue to raise the matter with the relevant authorities where appropriate. The full implementation of all of the recommendations of the Owers Report remains the most effective way to ensure that conditions within all prisons in Northern Ireland are of an acceptable standard.

Human Rights Issues

Pearse Doherty

Question:

130 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he will be urging Indonesia to adopt specific measures to ensure religious freedom, free expression, and accountability for abuses at the Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia at the UN Human Rights Council on 23 May 2012. [25354/12]

The next session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will take place in Geneva from 21 May to 4 June 2012. Fourteen countries will be reviewed at this session, including Indonesia. Under the UPR process, each UN member state is subject to a thorough review of its human rights by the UN Human Rights Council. The reviews are based on information provided by the state concerned, compilation reports prepared by the office of the UN high commissioner for human rights (OHCHR) and input from NGOs. As part of the UPR process, states have the opportunity to participate in an interactive dialogue with the state under review. The UPR process is a valuable contribution to raising standards and increasing awareness of human rights. Ireland will participate actively in the process, and will submit questions and recommendations with regard to a number of states.

Ireland does not have a resident embassy in Indonesia, which we cover from our embassy at Singapore. Mechanisms such as the UPR provide, therefore, a valuable forum in which to engage on issues which might otherwise not be covered bilaterally.

The 3rd Indonesia-EU human rights dialogue held on 2 May in Jakarta also provided a framework for open and constructive discussions between the EU and Indonesia on a wide range of human rights issues of mutual interest.

This dialogue took stock of progress in implementing key human rights commitments — including Indonesia's third national action plan on human rights (2011-2014). A broad range of issues was discussed such as non-discrimination and tolerance, the rights of detainees and prisoners, women's rights, freedom of the press, and the death penalty.

The issue of non-discrimination, especially with regard to the challenges to freedom of religion and belief, was given particular attention. Indonesia and the EU share the same convictions and standards on the issue of non-discrimination and tolerance. At the same time, both sides are aware of difficulties and challenges.

The EU welcomed the presence of a vibrant media in Indonesia and both sides underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of the press in law and practice, including the protection of persons exercising this freedom.

In the context of our efforts to strengthen and intensify our bilateral relationship with Indonesia we will continue to follow with interest the development of human rights legislation and protection in Indonesia.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 123.

EU Presidency

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if in the course of the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union, he might seek to encourage all EU member states to refocus on the visions and objectives set out by the founding fathers of the modern Europe; if he sees an opportunity for the Irish Presidency to reawaken the laudable ideals which motivated European leaders at a time of great social and economic stress; if he will attempt to encourage the modern European leaders to follow a path of unity, mutual support and recognition of each other’s existence and position as opposed to the pursuit of ultra-nationalistic tendencies which can only result in division and strife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25346/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which national governments throughout the EU are adequately focused on the achievement of the European project; if the growing tendency of re-naturalisation is being addressed in any great detail having particular regard to past experiences of a similar nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 197 together.

In my recent address to the Dáil to mark Europe Day, I referred to how, over the past six decades, the European Union has transformed a continent that for so long was torn apart by war and division which shattered the lives of millions and wiped out generations. Today's EU is built on the ideals set out by the founding fathers of the Union following the devastation of World War II. Based on the fundamental principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law, our Union has created peace, and it has given us a degree of prosperity, whatever we may feel about our current situation, that earlier generations of Europeans could only have dreamed of.

The EU has been good for Ireland. It has been central to our economic and social development and it has expanded our horizons. But Ireland has also made an important contribution to the development of the European Union, and I believe that we have more to offer. Our goal as Presidency will be to be an effective and efficient manager of EU business. The Presidency also provides us with an opportunity to shape policy and legislation which can have a positive impact on the lives of many. We will seek to promote measures aimed at boosting jobs and economic growth. Among the priorities emerging on that front are the importance of advancing agreement on the EU 2013-2020 budget to support the Union's efforts as a whole, promoting greater economic and social security across Europe by supporting the Europe 2020 process, and safeguarding stability through the operation of an improved and better coordinated system of economic governance. These measures will be good for Europe but also good for Ireland.

The Presidency will allow Ireland to highlight its strengths and capabilities on the world stage at a time when we are working to rebuild our positive reputation abroad. We have always seen the value in and been a supporter of the Community method because it ensures fairness to all Member States. In that regard, I agree very much with the sentiment in the Deputy's question that respect and mutual support are essential qualities among Member States in our Union. They are qualities without which we would not have made the progress we have made either as a Union or indeed as a Member State over our own forty years of membership, and they are qualities which will prove crucial to Europe's future success.

Diplomatic Immunity

Derek Keating

Question:

133 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the possible abuse of diplomatic immunity by some countries who have large delegations assigned to their embassy services here, if his attention has been drawn to abuses by such countries particularly related to traffic violations and parking offences; the status of such embassy staff and their families; the way disputes and complaints are addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24988/12]

There are currently 58 resident Embassies in Ireland. As advised in my reply of 29th of March, the operation of these Embassies is regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 as transposed into Irish law by the Diplomatic and Immunities Act 1967. Privileges and immunities of accredited diplomatic agents in Ireland are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, as incorporated into Irish law, by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1967 and as amended by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1976. Where traffic violations or other such issues concerning a resident Embassy or Embassy staff accredited here are brought to the attention of my Department by An Garda Síochána, the Department reminds resident Embassies about their obligations under Article 41.1 of the Vienna Convention 41.1 to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and informs the Embassies concerned which generally operate in compliance with Irish law. My Department works to ensure that the law is upheld and will assist, as appropriate, in any investigation being undertaken by the relevant Irish authorities.

My Department expects all those diplomatic agents duly accredited here, who are entitled to privileges and immunities in accordance with Article 31 of the Vienna Convention, to respect Irish laws and regulations, as indeed, we expect our Embassies abroad to respect the laws and regulations of the host country. I would recall that the purpose of diplomatic privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the effective performance of the functions of diplomatic missions. In addition, Article 31(4) of the Vienna Convention provides that the immunity of a diplomatic agent from the jurisdiction of the receiving state does not exempt him from the jurisdiction of the sending state. I would assure the Deputy that my Department will do everything it can consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure fair treatment for all.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 105.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 124.

Overseas Development Aid

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

136 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the advancement of global free market policies is the best route to African development. [25358/12]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

137 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the new focus on convergence between the areas of trade and development, his plans to invest more resources into the combined area of work. [25349/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

The Government's aid programme, and our development policy, are central to Ireland's foreign policy. Our programme is recognised internationally for its focus on the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, for its effectiveness in delivering development results in some of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa and for its partnership approach. We can be proud of the role Ireland has played in helping countries previously mired in poverty to make progress across the Millennium Development Goals. Africa is now a changing continent, with many countries achieving growth rates of over 5 per cent annually over the past decade. However, extreme poverty and hunger persist in some areas, and we have seen in recent times the devastating effect of humanitarian emergencies in the Horn of Africa and in the Sahel region. The Africa Strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade responds to the complexity of the African continent today. The Government is now building a more coherent approach to promoting Ireland's relations with Africa, based on the progress enabled by Official Development Assistance and creating new links in the areas of development, political relations and the promotion of economic and trade opportunities.

As Minister with responsibility for trade and development, I know that the provision of aid is only one element in the promotion of inclusive economic growth. Increased participation by developing nations in world trade has real potential to as an engine for economic growth, for equitable income distribution and for the elimination of extreme poverty. It generates revenues and employment, reduces prices on essential goods, and promotes technology transfer and increased productivity. I am determined that Ireland's aid programme will remain focused on the fight against poverty and hunger and that it will remain untied. However, it is in the interests of African countries and of Ireland that we prepare for expanded ties with African countries as they achieve greater economic and social development. I look forward to relationships with African countries which have moved away from aid dependency, which will involve strengthened trade, investment, tourism and people-to people links. This process will of course take time, and progress will be faster in some African countries than in others.

Ireland and our EU partners strongly support the multilateral rules-based trading system which is the central goal of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). At times of global economic challenge we need a WTO that is robust enough to apply transparent trade rules for the benefit of all and ensures that more trade opportunities are opened up for developing nations. We recognise that developing countries need support in order to participate fully in the WTO and to take advantage of global market opportunities. Ireland is playing its part in this process, including through the provision of financial support to the WTO's programme of technical assistance and training, and to bodies such as the Advisory Centre on WTO Law and the International Trade Centre. Last year, we provided over €2 million in such assistance for developing countries.

The Government also strongly supports the carefully differentiated approach by the European Union to its engagement on trade with developing countries in Africa. EU trade policy is helping the poorest economies by providing generous unilateral trade preferences through the Generalised System of Preferences Scheme. This includes the ‘Everything but Arms' scheme which provides duty-free and quota-free access for goods from Least Developed Countries. The EU is also negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, and Ireland is working with our partners to ensure that the negotiations lead to Agreements which will serve the development needs of African countries, based on their own poverty reduction programmes.

Genetically Modified Organisms

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

138 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of him working closely with the United States administration on African hunger and under nutrition, a country which promotes the use of genetically modified food, if he will clarify whether or not working closely with the US in this area will involve the Irish promotion of GM foods. [25356/12]

Ireland's support to reducing hunger and under-nutrition is guided by the national policies of each developing country, and in accordance with Ireland's policy of promoting local ownership of the development process. The use of genetically modified (GM) food and crops as part of this effort is a matter for the government of each developing country, and we respect their decision in this regard. Ireland will continue to focus on reducing hunger through improving smallholder farmer productivity, addressing maternal and infant under-nutrition and enhancing political commitment to tackle the root causes of hunger. As part of this, we look forward to engaging with other development partners, particularly developing country governments, civil society and our counterparts in the European Union, United States, and United Nations.

Global Food Security

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

139 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be encouraging representation from the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food to attend the meeting of the UN Committee on World Food Security in October 2012 in Rome, where the Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition will be approved. [25350/12]

The Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition, currently under development by Committee on Food Security of the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organisation, will set out priority areas of action for all stakeholders involved in development cooperation to effectively tackle global hunger and food and nutrition insecurity. It will draw on existing frameworks, consolidate and complement them, and, importantly, it will ensure coherence between them. The key areas for action in the current iteration of the Global Strategic Framework are all fully aligned with the recommendations of the Irish Hunger Task Force Report, which was published in 2008. They include the need to support smallholder farmers, and in particular women farmers, to boost their agriculture yields, and investing more in agriculture research and innovation to help poor farmers grow more nutritious food to feed their families. The work will also focus on support for proven nutrition interventions, with a special focus on pregnant women, mothers and infants and the need to support more effective governance in food and nutrition security at global, national and local levels.

Combating global hunger is a key pillar of our foreign policy and our overseas development assistance programme. Just last week the Tánaiste and I announced that we have delivered on our target of directing twenty per cent of the Irish Aid budget on hunger reduction. Reaching this target has involved a reorientation of our development programme to ensure a stronger hunger response at country level and at the global level. It clearly marks Ireland out in global terms as a nation that is committed to the fight against hunger. While officials in my Department are actively involved in the development of the Global Strategic Framework, lead responsibility for Ireland's engagement with the process rests with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and attendance at the thirty-eight session of the Committee on Food Security in Rome later this year is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D.

Human Rights Issues

Mick Wallace

Question:

140 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he has made to ensure that Irish airspace and airports cannot be used for extraordinary renditions, including flights which use Ireland en route to or from transporting prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25406/12]

Mick Wallace

Question:

142 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason that he does not consider flights that used Shannon Airport en route to or from the transporting of prisoners to Guantanamo Bay as rendition flights, despite them being acknowledged as such by the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the Irish Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25405/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 142 together.

The issue of extraordinary rendition has been raised on numerous occasions in this House. As has repeatedly been made clear, the Government is completely opposed to the practice of the extraordinary rendition of prisoners to or from any destination, including Guantanamo Bay. As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government states that the Government "will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airports and related facilities for purpose not in line with the dictates of international law". In this House on 17 January 2012, I stated: "We do not tolerate and will not tolerate the use of our airspace or airports for any illegal purpose — for torture, rendition or the unauthorised detainment of any individual". This position is unchanged; Ireland remains totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition.

Immediately following the first reports suggesting that the US was practising extraordinary rendition to transit prisoners, the then Government demanded and received specific assurances from the US authorities that such prisoners had not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. These assurances were confirmed at the highest political level. They are of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the Government. I am satisfied, as previous Ministers have been, that it is appropriate for the Government to rely fully on these assurances. It is likely that a small number of commercially leased aircraft which have been involved in legitimate commercial activities have also been involved at various times in activities related to extraordinary renditions. However, there is no evidence to suggest that any of these aircraft were carrying prisoners at any time when they transited through Irish airports, including Shannon Airport.

Where allegations have been made, including by members of the Oireachtas, these have been fully investigated by senior officers of An Garda Síochána. In no case has any evidence been adduced to support claims that extraordinary rendition had occurred. If anyone has evidence to suggest that any person subject to extraordinary rendition has transited an Irish airport during this process, this evidence should be made available to An Garda Síochána, so that an investigation can take place.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 124.
Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 140.

Bilateral Meetings

Micheál Martin

Question:

143 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to the Prime Minister or any members of the outgoing Greek Government recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24987/12]

I have had no bilateral contact with the Greek Prime Minister or any members of the outgoing Greek Government recently.

International Financial Services Centre

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

144 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if he will consider streaming online the meetings of the Ireland’s Financial Services Centre clearing house and related subgroups and working groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24830/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

145 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if any groups not currently represented on the International Financial Services Centre clearing house were asked to submit positions or policy papers to its discussions on a financial transaction tax; if he will accept submissions from other groups on this issue to the IFSC clearing house group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24831/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

146 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if he will in future report all discussions, submissions and reports related to the Ireland’s International Financial Services Centre clearing house group to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to which his Department is accountable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24833/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

147 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if he will in future consider making the submissions, minutes and reports of the Ireland’s International Financial Services Centre clearing house available to the public through his Department’s website; his views that submissions and lobbying performed by companies, industry representatives and interested bodies related to the IFSC are made open to public scrutiny when the discussions at the clearing housegroup inform and affect public policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24834/12]

The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 147, inclusive, together. My Department has worked to ensure the continued development and success of the international financial services industry in Ireland since the launch of the IFSC in 1987 with the support of Government Departments, Agencies and the industry through the mechanism of the IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG) which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. During this period, the IFSC has grown to employ 33,000 people and contributes over €1billion annually through corporation tax and payroll taxes. Last year the Clearing House Group assisted in the preparation of the Strategy for the International Financial Services Industry in Ireland 2011-2016 which sets the objectives of creating more than 10,000 net new jobs, protecting existing employment and consolidating the sector as a key driver of the Irish economy over the next five years. As the Deputy may be aware, I appear annually before a Select Sub Committee of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, most recently on 19 April 2012, where members had an opportunity to question me in relation to the revised estimates, outputs and impacts of the work of my Department. The Secretary General of my Department also appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on 3 May 2012 where members had the opportunity to question him about the role and work of the Department. As the Deputy is aware the legislative and policy framework for financial services including the international financial services industry and taxation policy are primarily the responsibility for the Minister for Finance and specific questions regarding these issues should be addressed to Minister Noonan and his Department. However, I am open and willing to exploring any additional mechanisms with regard to enhancing the accessibility of the deliberations of the IFSC Clearing House Group and have asked my Officials to consider the matter.

Departmental Expenditure

Niall Collins

Question:

148 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24835/12]

The Taoiseach: The total spend by my Department on photography from 10th March 2011 to end of April 2012 is €31,291.32. This figure includes photography costs for major events such as the Visit of President Obama and the Presidential Inauguration. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in house thereby reducing costs. The comparable cost in 2008 for example, was €83,398.00. For major events and inward state visits my Department continues to use the services of a professional photographic agency. As requested, the following table gives a breakdown of costs for each occasion a photographer was engaged since March 2011. A framework for the provision of professional photography services has been finalised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is now open to all Government Departments. My Department has contacted the service providers in the framework to provide a quote for its photographic requirements.
Departmental Spend on photography from 10th March 2011 to end of April 2012

Supplier

Description

Amount

2011

Maxwell Photography

Flight of The Earls

€30.25

Maxwell Photography

Aras Dissolution 01/02/2011

€78.04

Maxwell Photography

Fulbright Awards images 24/06/2010

€151.25

The Press Association

19-April-2011, The Press Association, Nottingham,

€139.30

Hackett Reprographics

Hackett’s Reprographics Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach’s delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011

€20.25

Maxwell Photography

Commemoration 24/04/2011

€502.45

Maxwell Photography

# 14/04/2011

€371.17

Maxwell Photography

Launch of Census 10/3/2011

€357.25

Maxwell Photography

Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011

€478.25

Maxwell Photography

A/C TAOI — Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011

€409.58

Maxwell Photography

Book of Condolence — Japan 22/03/2011

€402.84

Maxwell Photography

US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011

€401.42

Maxwell Photography

Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011

€60.50

Maxwell Photography

Mass New Dail 09/03/2011

€508.50

Maxwell Photography

Taoiseach Office P Call 09/03/2011

€538.75

Maxwell Photography

Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011

€391.13

Maxwell Photography

New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011

€492.17

Maxwell Photography

New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011

€780.75

Maxwell Photography

The Late Dr. Garret Fitzgerald’s Funeral 21-22 May 2011.

€2,395.50

My PhotoBook.ie

27 May 2011 — My Photo Book.ie

€140.80

Maxwell Photography

President Obama Visit all day 23 May 2011.

€4,537.50

Maxwell Photography

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Gov. Buildings.

€409.58

Maxwell Photography

British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011.

€629.50

Maxwell Photography

US Congressman on 16 May 2011, assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet.

€280.42

Maxwell Photography

Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11

€409.57

Maxwell Photography

Excellence Awards ON 09/06/2011

€857.60

Maxwell Photography

North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11

€812.21

Maxwell Photography

President of European Council 17-6-11

€562.04

Maxwell Photography

President Obama Visit 23 May 2011

€260.15

Maxwell Photography

Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011

€740.52

Maxwell Photography

Maxwells Invoice — New Ambassadors 30-6-11

€332.75

Maxwell Photography

Chinese Delegation — Invoice no 29476

€357.25

Maxwell Photography

Saudi Minister 14 June 2011 30/06/2011.

€280.42

Maxwell Photography

Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011.

€371.17

LK Photo

Costs relating to St Patrick’s Day Visit to Washington 2011

€2,106.14

Maxwell Photography

29/07/2011 — New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011.

€318.84

Maxwell Photography

29/07/2011- Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011.

€696.05

Maxwell Photography

Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011 29/07/2011.

€349.08

Hackett Reprographics

Product code FPP75DIG10-15, (QTY 10-15) 7x5 Digital Prints.

€30.76

J. Higgins Photos

Taoiseach’s Visit to New York — 4-5 May 2011

€303.30

Maxwell Photography

Arvato meeting with Taoiseach ON 21 Sept 2011 29/09/2011.

€560.84

Gettyimages

19 November 2011 — www.gettyimages.com

€212.96

Maxwell Photography

Photocall Taoiseach and New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011.

€340.92

Maxwell Photography

Photographer for the Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011.

€3,956.70

2012

Maxwell Photography

Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011.

€371.17

Maxwell Photography

Taoiseach — Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011.

€296.75

The Press Association

12/01/12 Photos of Prime Minister D Cameron with Taoiseach E Kenny 10 Downing St

€122.01

Maxwell Photography

Maxwells Photography — Inv no 30601 — British Irish council 13/01/12

€531.05

Maxwell Photography

Maxwells Photography — Photos/Taoiseach meeting with Dep PM Nick Clegg

€377.30

Maxwell Photography

Blue Star Programmes on 07/02/2012.

€539.36

Maxwell Photography

EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012.

€687.26

Departmental Staff

Gerry Adams

Question:

149 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the additional staff his Department plans to take on in relation to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be new appointments to the Civil Service or will be transferred from other Departments; if the posts will be open to competition internally in the Civil Service or externally; the total cost of the positions and the length of contracts that will be available to the new staff. [24917/12]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

150 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Taoiseach his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/12]

The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
In view of the temporary nature of the work involved in planning and preparing for the forthcoming EU Presidency the emphasis being taken in relation to the filling of posts is to manage as far as possible within existing departmental resources, to seek redeployment from elsewhere in the public service or to fill them by way of temporary recruitment following an open competition. Last year other Departments and Offices were asked if they would be able to second staff to my Department to work on the Presidency and two staff joined my Department following this process.
Following an open competition held earlier this year a number of graduates with qualifications on EU related disciplines are being recruited on a temporary basis to support Ireland's work on the EU Presidency. To date six graduates have been recruited from the panel and I expect four more to be recruited shortly. The employment contracts of staff recruited from the panel are for up to 18 months. The total annual salary cost to my Department of staff redeployed or recruited for the EU Presidency so far is €290,264, including employers, PRSI.
My Department also intends to recruit a number of Administrative Officer Economists later this year from a separate open competition that was held by the Public Appointments Service. The recruitment of graduates with specialist economic skills is considered necessary to support my Department's policy capacity in this important area.

Employment Statistics

Peter Mathews

Question:

151 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed by multinational corporations; the number of persons employed by small and medium size enterprises; the number of persons employed in agriculture; the number of persons employed by Government Departments, State agencies or other public sector bodies; the number of persons employed in any other relevant headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25019/12]

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. In line with EU requirements the QNHS collects sector of employment data according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev.2). The information you have requested cannot be specifically identified within this classification.

The most recent figures available are for Quarter 4, 2011.

The results indicated that there were an estimated 80,400 people employed in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector.

Table 1 below shows the numbers employed in each economic sector for Quarter 4, 2008 to Quarter 4, 2011.

In relation to public sector employment Table 2 below shows estimates of public sector employment taken from the Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS). Data is broken down by the different high level areas within the public sector and the most recent figures available for Q4 2011 estimate that there were a total of 392,300 persons employed in the public sector.

It should be noted that Department of Public Expenditure and Reform estimates of public sector numbers differ in coverage as they are based on full time equivalents and also exclude commercial semi-state bodies.

The latest available data in relation to small and medium size enterprise employment was published in the Business in Ireland report and refers to 2009.The number of persons employed by small and medium size enterprises in selected NACE sectors is shown in Table 3. The total numbers of persons employed in small enterprises in 2009 was 655,800, and for medium enterprises the corresponding figure was 245,100.

Information on employment in foreign multinationals from the same report showed that the estimated numbers employed in multinationals in 2009 was 258,500.This figure covers the non-financial business economy (i.e NACE B to N excluding K).

Table 1Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector,Quarter 4, 2008 to Quarter 4, 2011

Economic sector(NACE Rev. 2)

Q4 2008

Q4 2009

Q4 2010

Q4 2011

All persons

A

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

116,200

89,500

85,000

80,400

B-E

Industry

276,700

246,900

238,500

239,700

F

Construction

216,300

136,700

109,900

107,600

G

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles

290,300

265,600

267,400

262,000

H

Transportation and storage

90,300

93,200

95,800

91,100

I

Accommodation and food service activities

115,300

120,400

112,800

113,400

J

Information and communication

68,600

72,500

68,900

74,700

K-L

Financial, insurance and real estate activities

108,800

106,400

97,600

102,200

M

Professional, scientific and technical activities

111,700

103,900

98,200

94,000

N

Administrative and support service activities

66,700

62,200

58,800

62,800

O

Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

106,300

107,200

104,300

102,900

P

Education

153,900

148,000

152,400

143,300

Q

Human health and social work activities

229,300

233,700

234,300

238,000

R-U

Other NACE activities

104,200

101,400

99,400

95,600

Total Employment

2,054,600

1,887,700

1,823,200

1,807,800

Reference period: Q4 = Oct-Dec.

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

AnnexTable A1 Employment by Nace sector and occupation

NACE Principal Activity

Q4 2008

Q4 2009*

Q4 2010*

Q3 2011*

Q4 2011*

B-E

Industry

221,100

201,900

200,100

195,100

201,100

F

Construction

127,700

81,700

63,600

67,600

67,600

G

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles

318,100

277,200

278,000

280,300

274,800

H

Transportation and storage

68,800

63,200

67,400

66,600

62,600

I

Accommodation and food services

141,000

128,200

120,400

120,500

120,800

J

Information and communication

58,600

54,600

50,500

51,800

53,700

K-L

Financial, insurance and real estate

93,800

95,400

86,000

86,500

89,900

M

Professional, scientific and technical

80,000

72,900

68,800

66,500

65,900

N

Administrative and support services

86,200

74,000

71,900

79,700

76,900

O

Public administration and defence

119,600

119,400

116,800

112,600

114,800

P

Education

137,200

133,400

136,000

123,000

128,900

Q

Human health and social work

210,200

212,900

215,900

219,700

219,100

R-S

Arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities

50,800

48,900

48,600

46,600

47,100

Total

1,713,100

1,563,700

1,524,100

1,516,400

1,523,200

Public/Private Sector

Private sector

1,285,800

1,156,800

1,156,800

1,123,600

1,130,900

Public sector

427,300

406,900

406,900

392,800

392,300

Size of Enterprise

Less than 50 employees

600,400

550,200

540,900

535,300

547,800

50-250 employees

292,700

268,500

246,700

254,900

242,900

Greater than 250 employees

820,000

745,000

734,900

726,200

732,500

*Preliminary Estimates.

Table A1 shows the estimated trend in the number of employees over time broken down by the different classifications used in this release. It should be noted that the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment. The figures presented above refer most closely to the number of employees as estimated by the QNHS but differ in coverage in certain ways, such as the fact that a person with 2 jobs could be counted twice in the table and the exclusion of the Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector which is covered by the QNHS. The estimates presented above are particularly useful in assessing the impact of employment changes on overall average earnings and hours paid. For example if the proportion of Managers, professionals and associated professionals increases over time this would, all other things being equal, increase average earnings levels as this occupational group has higher than average earnings.

Table 2Table A2 — Public sector employment by sub-sector and quarter* ('000)

2008

2009

2010

2011

Annual absolute Change

Annual % change

Q4

Q4*

Q4*

Q4*

Civil service

42.7

40.8

39.6

39.3

-0.3

-0.8

Defence

11.2

10.6

10.4

10.2

-0.2

-1.9

Garda Siochana

15.3

14.6

14.4

13.9

-0.5

-3.5

Education

120.5

114.1

117.0

114.8

-2.2

-1.9

Regional bodies

40.2

37.3

35.2

33.6

-1.6

-4.5

Health

139.6

135.0

132.3

127.6

-4.7

-3.6

Total public sector excluding semi-state bodies

369.5

352.4

348.9

339.4

-9.5

-2.7

Semi-state

57.8

54.5

53.2

52.9

-0.3

-0.6

Total public sector including semi-state bodies

427.3

406.9

402.1

392.3

-9.8

-2.4

*Source: Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey.

Total public sector numbers are also published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a quarterly basis. Those differ in coverage from the estimates in Table A2 as Department of Public Expenditure and Reform estimates are based on full-time equivalents which will change over time based on both changes in working hours and number of persons employed. The estimates in Table A2 represent the estimated total number of employees within the public sector. Department of Public Expenditure and Reform estimates also exclude commercial semi-state bodies so for comparability purposes a figure excluding semi-state bodies is included in Table A2. Differences in the level of the two sets of estimates primarily reflect part-time employment within the different sectors which would generally cause estimates on a full-time equivalent basis (i.e. those produced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) to be lower. Differences in trend could be caused by changes in the proportion of part-time staff within the public sector and/or other changes in average working hours.

The CSO will undertake further analysis to produce estimates on total hours worked for future releases to give a better insight into changes in overall labour input within the public sector.

Table 3Number of active enterprises and persons engaged by sector and size class, 2009

Industry

Construction

Distribution

Services

Financial and Insurance

No. Total Business Economy

B-E

F

G

H,I,J,L,M,N,R,S

K

Class Size

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Active Enterprises

Persons Engaged

Small

<10 Micro

11,726

24,804

43,221

74,984

37,963

90,192

82,881

152,943

4,408

7,610

180,199

350,533

10-19

1,040

14,262

1,100

14,473

3,655

49,038

4,251

56,806

314

4,206

10,360

138,785

20-49

808

24,342

486

14,245

1,792

52,475

2,368

70,233

176

5,216

5,630

166,511

655,829

Medium

50-249

564

57,737

147

13,399

643

57,920

1,119

105,059

98

11,008

2,571

245,123

Large

250+

135

95,382

16

7,673

90

90,387

180

142,336

60

65,352

481

401,130

All sizes

All

14,273

216,527

44,970

124,774

44,143

340,012

90,799

527,377

5,056

93,392

199,241

1,302,082

Source: Business Demography.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

152 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25382/12]

The Taoiseach: I have been supplied with a Garda car under the Ministerial transport scheme and do not use a private car for official purposes.
There has been no cost incurred by my Department on Ministerial transport in respect of the Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State for European Affairs from March 2011 to date.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

153 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Taoiseach the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25553/12]

The Taoiseach: The following table details the amount spent on consultancy by my Department each year from 2008 to 2011 and the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts. In addition, details of consultancy expenditure recouped from the Change Management Fund in the Department of Finance during 2008, 2009 and 2010 is included.
Consultancies engaged by Department of the Taoiseach 2008 to 2011

Name of Consultant

Total cost of Project

Department

2008

Grant Thornton

€75,120

Goodbody

€7,200

QTS Limited

€1,694

Ipsos Mori

€9,952

Hudson Talent Management

€45,552

PA Consulting Group

€46,775

Raymond Burke Consulting

€3,376

National Forum on Europe

Austin Butler Design

€647

Caroline Erskine

€118,602

Lansdowne Market Research

€6,292

Ireland Newfoundland Partnership

Bernadette Kiely

€1,028

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

The Economist Intelligence Unit

€316,421

Isolde Goggins

€1,815

Isolde Goggins and Gillian Lauder

€85,305

RA Consulting

€9,030

2009

QTS Limited

€2,977

Ipsos Mori

€34,626

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

€54,471

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

Goodbody

€5,545

Ipsos Mori

€34,093

O’Neill Amarach Consultants

€11,876

Fitzpatrick Associates

€30,942

Economist Intelligence Unit

€25,633

2010

Mercer (Ireland) Ltd

€23,595

Mazars

€2,500

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

Goodbody

€3,117

Indecon

€13,930

2011

Tower Watson

€12,100

QTS Limited

€1,271

International Summits

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

154 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be attending the NATO summit in Chicago on 20 and 21 May 2012; the purpose of his attendance; if it has any significance for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24832/12]

As Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the NATO Summit in Chicago does not arise. In accordance with usual practice, an invitation was extended to the Taoiseach to attend a meeting which will take place on the margins of the NATO Summit between NATO Heads of State and Government and non-NATO countries who contribute to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland is one of the latter countries. This meeting will take place in Chicago on Monday 21 May following the NATO Summit. The Taoiseach will not be attending; Ireland will be represented at this meeting by a senior official of my Department.

It is expected that the discussion among ISAF contributors at this meeting will focus on the transfer of responsibility for security in Afghanistan from ISAF to the Afghan National Security Forces, a process which Ireland fully supports. In recognition of the importance that a secure environment plays in achieving a stable and democratic Afghanistan, Ireland has participated in the UN-mandated ISAF mission since 2002; seven members of the Defence Forces are currently serving in non-combat roles at ISAF HQ in Kabul.

Ireland has also seconded police and civilian experts to the EU Police Training Mission in Afghanistan. In addition, we have, since 2005, provided over €35 million in funding for humanitarian assistance and civil society development programmes as well as support for the Government of Afghanistan through the World Bank-managed Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.

European Union Budget

Michael McGrath

Question:

155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the overall size of the European Community budget; his views on whether it should be increased; the way that this could be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24836/12]

The size of the European Union budget is governed by the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which specifies the limits for spending under the various budget headings for seven years. The Commission made a formal proposal for the MFF 2014-2020 in June of last year. This proposal, which provided for a maximum of €1025 billion over seven years, is now the subject of active negotiations between the member States, principally in the General Affairs Council. The Government's view is that the overall size of the MFF proposed by the Commission last June provides a good basis for negotiations. Many Member States are pressing for a reduction in the overall amount and this is a key issue in the present negotiations. Ireland wants a properly funded and properly functioning EU, with the right mix of priorities, fair allocation of resources and a focus on jobs and growth. The EU must have a budget that is fit for purpose. EU funds must be spent in an efficient and effective way, and streamlined with the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Jobs and Growth. At the same time, the Budget must reflect current budgetary consolidation imperatives in Member States.

In a related but distinct process, the Commission issued a proposal on 25 April last for the European Union annual budget for 2013, which is negotiated in a separate legislative process involving the Council and European Parliament. This proposal is subject to the overall limit set out in the current MFF (2017-2013), and was for a Budget of €138 billion in Payments Appropriations, an increase of 6.8% over the 2012 Budget. This proposed increase arises to some degree by virtue of the fact that 2013 is the last year of the current EU budget cycle 2007-2013 and consequently, there is a large number of prior EU payment commitments that fall due next year. The Commission's proposed budget will be intensively debated over the coming months and will require approval by both the European Parliament and by EU Member States in the Council before it can be adopted. Ireland will engage actively in this process.

Northern Ireland Issues

Clare Daly

Question:

156 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is intended to legislate for article 20 of the Weston Park Agreement and, in the absence of legislation, if the Secretary of State intends to adhere to the spirit of the agreement by ensuring nobody is arrested and tried for events that happened before 1998 in relation to the Troubles in Northern Ireland; if the British Government will then release, without delay, Gerry McGeough, who has been sentenced and incarcerated on alleged offences dating back to 1981 and prior to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998; if the British Government will also release those prisoners who have been imprisoned without charge. [24838/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

163 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will inquire whether the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland intends to legislate for Article 20 of the Weston Park Agreement; if he will inquire whether the Secretary of State intends to adhere to the agreement by ensuring nobody is arrested and tried for events that happened before 1998 in relation to the Troubles in Northern Ireland; and if he will inquire if the Secretary of State will ensure the release of Mr. Gerry McGeogh who has been sentenced and incarcerated on alleged offences dating back to 1981 and prior to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 alongside other prisoners imprisoned without charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24977/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

182 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a person (details supplied). [25109/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 163 and 182 together.

The various measures included in the package agreed at Weston Park in August 2001 addressed four issues to assist in the successful implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: policing, normalisation, the stability of the institutions and decommissioning.

Proposed draft legislation by the British Government to deal with this specific issue as referred to in paragraph 20 of the Weston Park accord was formally withdrawn by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP, on 11 January 2006. The draft legislation, the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill, had been opposed by the majority of the Northern Ireland Assembly parties and the Secretary of State was compelled to withdraw the legislation when the only supporting party, Sinn Féin, could not accept certain aspects of the proposed legislation. The Government remains committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

On the particular issue of securing early release for Mr. McGeough, it is our understanding that the prisoner in question has initiated legal proceedings to secure an early release and judgment on this is pending. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage other than to confirm that officials from my Department continue to monitor developments very closely.

Diplomatic Representation

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

157 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is his intention to formally redesignate as opposed to temporarily designate the Villa Spada as the Irish Embassy to Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/12]

Following the decision to close the Embassy to the Holy See it has been decided to relocate both the offices of the Embassy to Italy and the residence of the Ambassador to Italy to the state-owned Villa Spada. It is expected that the transfer will be completed this year and that the full year rental savings, amounting to €445,000, will be realised in 2013. As I have previously stated in this House, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. However, as the economic situation improves, and in the context of the regular review of our diplomatic network, it may be possible to revisit the matter at some time in the future and to consider re-establishment of a resident Embassy to the Holy See on a modest basis. However, I would not expect any such development to impact on the decision to locate our Embassy to Italy in the Villa Spada.

Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 105.

Passport Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding renewal of passports in respect of children (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24862/12]

Passports have issued to all three applicants. The passports of the two older children seeking renewals were issued on 9 and 11 May, 2012 and that of the youngest child, a first time applicant, was issued on 17 May.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 105.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

161 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24937/12]

Graduate entry to the diplomatic service is at Third Secretary level. This is handled centrally by the Public Appointments Service. Unfortunately, due to the current moratorium on recruitment into the public sector, no Third Secretary competition is currently planned. In recent years, my Department has offered a limited number of short-term internships for graduates in the areas of human rights, conflict resolution, disarmament and legal affairs. As they arise, these internships are advertised through the careers offices of Irish third-level institutions.

The Department's Development Cooperation Division, which administers the Irish Aid programme, also offers a number of 18-month internships in development assistance to appropriately qualified candidates. It is expected that further such positions will be available in 2013.

Overseas Development Aid

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

162 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is his intention that Ireland, through Irish Aid, will use every opportunity our aid programme presents to promote and support the recent resolution of the UN Commission on Population and Development regarding Adolescents and Youth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24945/12]

The theme of this year's session of the UN Commission on Population and Development was ‘Adolescents and Youth'. This was particularly timely, given that the number of young people globally has now reached an all time high of 1.2 billion. The session focused on key challenges in meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people and adolescents, in line with the commitments made by the international community at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Maternal mortality, HIV prevalence and the unmet need for contraception all remain high among the 15-19 year age group in developing countries, most notably in sub-Saharan Africa. Providing reproductive health care services and information to young people is therefore vital for progress in achieving international development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

Ireland fully supports the comprehensive and forward-looking Resolution which, significantly, was adopted unanimously by the Commission. I very much welcome the emphasis in the Resolution on the key importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and on the need for governments to ensure access by young people to sexual and reproductive health care services, comprehensive evidence-based education on human sexuality and sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes. These are areas to which Irish Aid attaches particular priority and which we support on an ongoing basis through our development cooperation programme. In particular, through Irish Aid, the Government has a long standing relationship with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), whose work in the area of sexual and reproductive health is increasingly focused on meeting the needs of young people. Since 2006, Ireland has provided almost €34 million in core and project funding to UNFPA. Ireland will be a member of UNFPA's Executive Board in 2013 and I look forward to working closely with them on the full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action as we reach its 20th anniversary.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 156.
Questions Nos. 164 to 167, inclusive, answered with Question No. 105.

Ministerial Meetings

Micheál Martin

Question:

168 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have been in contact with the French Government recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/12]

I visited Paris on Sunday 6 May upon the election of President Hollande in my capacity as leader of the Labour Party. I have also had a number of informal exchanges with members of his transition team. The Taoiseach spoke by telephone to President Hollande on 9 May and congratulated him on his victory in the presidential elections in France. Their discussions focused on the referendum on 31 May on the Stability Treaty, and the reorientation of the European agenda towards a strong growth future. They will meet at the informal dinner of Heads of State and Government on 23 May in Brussels which will focus on the growth agenda. Officials from my own Department and from the Department of the Taoiseach are in ongoing contact with officials of the French Government.

Northern Ireland Issues

Micheál Martin

Question:

169 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way his Department works with other Departments to support efforts to develop mutual understanding trust and cooperation between the people on this island as well as deeper economic and social ties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23886/12]

The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), established as part of the Good Friday Agreement, plays a key role in developing deeper economic and social ties through bringing together relevant Ministers from the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. The NSMC also reviews the work of the North-South bodies, such as InterTrade Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a co-ordination role in regard to the work of other Departments in this jurisdiction on North/South matters. North South Ministerial meetings in all sectors have taken place in the last six months. Most recently, on 27 April, I met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in a meeting of the NSMC in Institutional format, where we discussed cross-cutting issues, including EU matters. A Plenary Meeting of the NSMC will take place on 15 June, when the Government and the Executive will review progress to date and discuss further cooperation to address current economic challenges.

In addition to the activities of the NSMC, the President, Taoiseach, and I, as well as other Members of the Government, regularly undertake visits to Northern Ireland. President Higgins most recently visited Derry on 24 April 2012 when he gave a lecture at Magee College in Derry. The Taoiseach visited Belfast on 18 April 2012 when he delivered the Chancellor's Lecture at the University of Ulster.

I addressed the Alliance Party Conference in Belfast on 18 April and held a bilateral meeting with Alliance Party Leader David Ford, who is also Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Reconciliation Fund administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade aims to assist individuals and organisations involved in reconciliation work and to encourage and facilitate better relations within and between the political traditions on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. The Anti-Sectarianism Fund provides financial assistance to projects in communities seeking new and more effective ways of addressing the urgent challenges posed by sectarianism and division in society. An Inter-Departmental Committee, comprised of representatives from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Education and Skills, Justice and Equality and from my own Department meets several times a year to review received applications and put forward recommendations for funding. Since 1982, the two Funds have disbursed some €37 million to over 800 projects. This year €2.7 million has been allocated to these activities and consideration of a first round of applications is underway.

I would also acknowledge the important role played by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and other Joint Oireachtas Committees which have increased their contacts and co-operation with Committees in the Northern Ireland Assembly and with other actors.

Fiscal Compact Treaty

Micheál Martin

Question:

170 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with any of the other European leaders recently regarding the EU Fiscal Compact treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22695/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

171 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met the Irish Farmers Association and Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association recently in relation to the Fiscal treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22701/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

172 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met the social partners in the context of the EU Fiscal Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21529/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

176 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his plan to inform persons about the EU Fiscal Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20013/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

177 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has attended any meetings on the forthcoming referendum on the EU Fiscal treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19785/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, 176 and 177 together.

I can confirm that I have met representatives and leaders of many of the social partners in the context of the Stability Treaty and the current referendum campaign. These have included representatives of the farming community as well as trade unions, business groups, women's groups and others. Both before and after the announcement of the date of the referendum on 27 March, I have participated in an extensive number of meetings related to the Stability Treaty. The Treaty and the referendum have also arisen in discussions I have had during meetings I have attended abroad in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The purpose of the government information campaign is to explain and inform the Stability Treaty. This week, delivery to all homes in Ireland of the government's second information leaflet on the Stability Treaty got underway. This complements the central element of the information, the distribution of the full Treaty text and short explanatory material; delivery of this concluded last week. Information material is also available online at www.stabilitytreaty.ie and is regularly added to and updated based on questions raised by the public. The public is being made aware of this through targeted advertising in the print, broadcast and online media and through use of social networking.

EU Presidency

Micheál Martin

Question:

173 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role his Department will be playing during Ireland’s presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/12]

Work is under way on the administrative planning for the EU Presidency which is being taken forward by my Department. This work involves close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, with other Government Departments and with the OPW. An Inter-Departmental group meets on a regular basis to update on policy and developments in this area. In tandem with this, a meetings coordinators network comprising all Departments was established early in 2012 and now meets on a monthly basis to discuss detailed logistical planning for events that will take place in Ireland during the Presidency. A Government decision of 20 December 2011 agreed, inter alia, that “additional resources in the order of €60 million, plus security costs”, is required to fund the Presidency and that Dublin Castle and other State-owned properties in Dublin will be the default venues for all Presidency-related events in Ireland. In addition, the planning approach agreed foresees the provision of centralised services to Departments for the Presidency where it is advantageous to do so.

This centralised approach, led by my Department, is being adopted in order to reduce overall resource costs, to ease the administrative burden for other Departments and to avoid duplication of effort. This includes the procurement of goods and services required for the Presidency and work is underway on a centralised procurement scheme for all goods and services that will be required for the running of the Presidency.

In formulating our Presidency programme priorities, my Department has placed a clear emphasis on realistic and achievable objectives shaped by national positions. Furthermore, as has been the practice of successive Presidencies under the post-Lisbon Treaty arrangements, the Presidency will be led by our Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

In tandem with the cross-cutting theme of job creation and economic growth, my Department has identified three key areas during the Presidency:

Working with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, to promote effective EU action in support of international peace and security;

Progressing Enlargement of the European Union;

Shaping progress on major Development dossiers.

Additionally, under the Lisbon Treaty the powers of the European Parliament have increased substantially under the ordinary legislative procedure. As such, early engagement with the Parliament on key legislative dossiers (such as the MFF) is now an integral and critical aspect of our Presidency.

Human Rights Issues

Micheál Martin

Question:

174 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the way China is addressing concerns regarding human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

179 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed human rights issues in China during his visit there; the meetings during which this issue was discussed; the responses he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 179 together.

Human rights are, and have always been, a priority of successive Irish Governments and a key plank of our foreign policy.

Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation.

The Taoiseach recently returned from his first official visit to China. During the visit, the Taoiseach and Premier Wen Jiabao released a joint statement establishing a Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation between Ireland and China. This new Strategic Partnership will facilitate practical, effective and result-oriented cooperation so as to further develop the bilateral relationship. It covers several important sectors including education, tourism, agriculture and food as well as science and technology. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and underlined the leading role of such exchanges for the development of bilateral relations.

The Strategic Partnership, which is a major step forward in bilateral relations, provides for a strengthened political and economic dialogue between China and Ireland and promotes closer consultation and cooperation between my Department and its Chinese counterpart.

The Strategic Partnership reaffirms the commitment of Ireland and China to respecting and safeguarding human rights. As indicated in the joint statement, Ireland and China will conduct exchanges of expertise in governance and rule of law on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

We are confident that, as China develops, it will be possible for further progress to be made in ensuring that individual rights are enjoyed by all China's citizens. We will continue to address these matters in a frequent and regular dialogue, including the EU human rights dialogue and also bilaterally.

Foreign Conflicts

Micheál Martin

Question:

175 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the ongoing situation in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19793/12]

I am deeply concerned at the current situation which has seen escalating violence in recent days, notably the appalling indiscriminate bombing that struck the city of Damascus on 10 May as well as continued shelling of urban centres, such as the town of Rastan, by Syrian armed forces. While there had been some initial diminution of violence following the ceasefire which originally came into effect on 12 April, this unfortunately has not been maintained and overall levels of violence and casualties are rising steadily. The overall pattern of the conflict has also altered in recent weeks, with more indiscriminate bombings and acts of random violence (including by opposition forces) while brutal repression and raids on civilian areas led by forces loyal to the Assad regime have continued. It is estimated that more than a thousand people have now lost their lives since 12 April, despite both sides to the conflict agreeing to a cessation of violence and of offensive operations.

I call upon the Syrian authorities as well as the armed opposition to desist immediately from these despicable acts of violence and to comply fully with all the elements of the six-point peace plan of UN/Arab League Joint Special Envoy Annan. In particular, the Assad regime must ensure the complete withdrawal of heavy weaponry and troops from population centres, the release of political detainees and full access for humanitarian assistance organisations. All sides, including opposition forces, must halt the violence if the ceasefire is to have any chance of taking hold.

The current situation in Syria was extensively discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 May which I attended. The Council recalled its full support to the Annan six-point plan, which remains the only realistic and agreed framework to bring an end to the violence and to promote a peaceful political transition in Syria.

The Council also welcomed the deployment of the UN Supervision Mission (UNSMIS), as authorised by UN Security Council Resolution 2043. This is a central element in the efforts towards achieving a complete and durable cessation of violence. Ireland is contributing a contingent of six military observers to the Mission, as per the Government decision of 24 April. The Irish contingent is now fully deployed in Syria and has joined the approximately 200 other military observers and 65 civilian staff of the 300-strong Mission already on site.

Recent attacks targeting UNSMIS personnel, such as that outside Deraa on 9 May and the attack on a convoy of four cars carrying UNSMIS observers near the city of Hama on 14 May, serve as stark reminders of the severity of the challenges faced by the Mission in fulfilling its mandate. Ireland, along with its EU partners, reiterates its call to the Syrian authorities to ensure the safety of the observers and to facilitate the full and prompt deployment of UNSMIS.

The humanitarian situation remains critical. Over 50,000 Syrians have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries and many civilians inside Syria are in need of sanitation, food and medical aid. Ireland is working closely with the UN and other international partners to address this situation and we urge the Syrian authorities to facilitate the delivery of aid, rather than continuously hindering the efforts of humanitarian organisations to speed up the provision of essential relief.

I very much regret the postponement of the Arab League-sponsored meeting scheduled for 16 May in Cairo whose objective was to build greater unity among the Syrian opposition. The international community has been quite clear that it will only engage with and support those opposition groupings committed to democratic values and a peaceful political transition in Syria. All such opposition parties, both inside and outside Syria, must make greater efforts to unite and work towards a much-needed common platform of values, reflective of the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian people, with a view to engaging swiftly in a genuine and inclusive process of political transition, as provided for under the Annan Plan.

Questions Nos. 176 and 177 answered with Question No. 170.

Irish Communities Abroad

Micheál Martin

Question:

178 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has attended meetings at which the worldirish.com web site venture was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17787/12]

Worldirish.com is a private sector online initiative led by John McColgan aimed at building closer links between the Irish at home and abroad. The idea emerged as a consequence of the first Global Irish Economic Forum in 2009 and was launched during the second Forum at Dublin Castle last October. I received a presentation on the new website during a meeting with Mr McColgan and members of the worldirish.com team on 16 September 2011. Officials from my Department remain in contact with the project team.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 174.

Human Rights Issues

Patrick Nulty

Question:

180 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that the human rights of persons (details supplied) all of whom are detained in Miami, Florida, are being upheld; if he has discussed their case with the ambassador to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25102/12]

I am aware of the cases to which the Deputy refers. As I have made clear in previous replies, the Government of Ireland has no standing in this matter.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 105.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 156.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

183 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25244/12]

Details are set out in the following table of a total of 8 retired officials of my Department who were temporarily re-engaged or who were already contracted to the Department during the period in question:

Grade

Position Held

Duration

1 Assistant Secretary

Head of Task Force in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012

Contract from 7 January 2011 to 31 December 2012

1 Deputy Secretary

Tánaiste’s Special Representative in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012

Contract for a maximum of 30 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2012

1 Assistant Secretary

Passport Appeals Officer

3-year contract from 20 January 2012 to deal with appeals as and when they arise

1 Assistant Secretary

To assist in the preparation of files for the National Archives

Contract for a maximum of 10 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2012

1 Development Specialist

Review of certain development cooperation projects

Contract for a maximum of 38 days from April 2010 to June 2012

1 Assistant Secretary

Chair of the Point 7 Constituency of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria

3-year contract for a maximum of 175 days from 31 December 2010

1 Counsellor

Relating to Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012

Contract from 4 February 2011 to 22 December 2011

1 Accountant

To provide technical support for the Finance Unit of Irish Aid

Two-month contract from February — March 2012

The policy of my Department regarding the re-hiring of retired officials is to do so to the minimum extent possible.

However, for certain once-off or short-duration projects, it is more productive and cost-effective to re-hire retired staff who already have the relevant expertise and experience than to go through a time-consuming and relatively expensive recruitment, induction and training process.

Where it occurs, retired staff are usually re-hired on a pension abatement basis, which means in effect that they continue to receive their pensions and are paid correspondingly reduced salaries by the Department.

There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Child Abduction

Gerry Adams

Question:

184 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with a person (details supplied) who is a victim of international child abduction; if his Department has provided any assistance to the family; and the current situation in relation to this matter. [25268/12]

The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department in 2007. Since then, my Department, through the Consular Assistance Section and Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, has afforded all possible consular assistance to the family of the person mentioned. I wish to inform the Deputy that this case has been raised with the Egyptian authorities at the highest levels on a number of occasions.

I raised the case when I met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister in February 2012. I had previously discussed the case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister at the United National General Assembly in September 2011. In February 2010 Minister Micheál Martin raised the case with the Foreign Minister during a visit to Cairo.

The Embassy met with family members on several occasions and is in regular contact with the Egyptian authorities, the latest meeting with the Foreign Ministry was as recent as 26 April 2012. Also the family of this person has had several meetings with the Head of Consular Services.

The Consular Section will remain in contact with the family and, with the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, will continue to provide all possible consular assistance.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 105.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

186 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25376/12]

The new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers does not apply to me in my capacity as Tánaiste.

Judicial Reviews

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

187 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to raise the question of a review or pardon of Mr. Leonard Peltier’s case with the American Embassy in Dublin. [25407/12]

I am aware that Leonard Peltier is a US citizen who was convicted in 1977 of the murders of two FBI Agents and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment. I also understand that a campaign has been mounted over the years seeking to overturn this conviction. I do not propose to make representations on this case.

Human Rights Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

188 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Ambassador to South Africa has presented his credentials in Zimbabwe; and if so, if he has made any representations to the authorities regarding human rights issues in the country. [25483/12]

On 19 April 2012, our Ambassador to South Africa presented his letter of appointment to the President of Zimbabwe. The formal presentation ceremony follows a strict protocol with the Head of State leading the conversation. The issue of human rights did therefore not arise in the course of President Mugabe's conversation with our Ambassador. However, Ireland's concerns on human rights have been consistently made clear to the Zimbabwean authorities and our Ambassador will continue to do so when he visits that country. The Zimbabwean authorities are aware that Ireland fully subscribes to the EU position on Zimbabwe. Since 2008, when violence broke out during the elections in Zimbabwe, the EU has implemented targeted restrictive measures against specified individuals and entities. These measures are a clear statement of our continuing concern at the state of human rights in that country.

At present, a reform process is underway in Zimbabwe which should lead to a revised constitution, reform of the electoral laws and the holding of elections within the coming months. The countries of the Southern African region, and notably South Africa, are playing the leading role in working with the parties in Zimbabwe to facilitate these steps, and the EU and the wider international community are supporting the process.

Ireland, both directly and through the EU, is working to respond to the development needs of the people of Zimbabwe. Since 2002, the EU has suspended support to the Government of Zimbabwe because of its failure to fulfil commitments on democracy and human rights. My Department, through Irish Aid, funds a programme of support to civil society, humanitarian assistance and people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

189 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25547/12]

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on all consultant expenditure and commissioning of such work is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations. The Department, through Irish Aid (Ireland's official development assistance programme), occasionally commissions outside expertise where the effective management, evaluation and review of the programme necessitates the use of such skills. Elements of the aid programme are highly technical such as the areas of HIV-AIDS, communicable diseases, nutrition, agriculture and others. It is essential if the aid programme is to remain at the cutting edge of development science that it utilises outside expertise from time to time for quality assurance and to provide access to the latest knowledge. Utilising external expertise on a temporary basis can also provide excellent value for money as the skills involved are only utilised on a needs rather than full-time basis.

Consultants are engaged only where specialised knowledge and skills are not available within the Department and where independent appraisal, audit, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects are required. Decisions on the need to commission outside expertise are subject to the establishment of appropriate business cases and an approvals process carried out by the Irish Aid Senior Management Group. National and international regulations are fully complied with in subsequent tendering processes. The level of expenditure on consultancy services is constantly monitored to ensure that it does not exceed the level required for the proper management, oversight, monitoring, evaluation and audit of the aid programme.

The following tables set out the details of consultants engaged by the Department in each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the names of consultants engaged in each year and show the significant reduction in contracts sought since 2010.

Year

Vote 27 Consultancy Expenditure

Vote 27 Number of Consultants

Vote 28 Consultancy Expenditure

Vote 28 Number of Consultants

2008

€4,429,056

87

€243,781

11

2009

€1,427,091

50

€41,770

3

2010

€1,494,615

50

€63,083

2

2011

€1,778,499

45

€25, 878

3

Vote 27 Consultants 2008

Achilles Procurement Services Ltd

EFTEC

Mary Buckley

Aine Costigan

Eilis Ryan

Mary Jennings

Aisling Swaine

Ellen Pieterse

Mary Mc Keown

Amy Rose Mc Govern

Ernst and Young

Michael Hegarty

ANJO Consulting LTD

European Forum For International Mediation and Dialogue

Michael Higgins

Anne Holmes

Frank Murray

Mike Kiernan

Anna Matveeva

FSG

Mr Jim O’Leary, Dept of Economics

Anne Gallagher

Gail Varian

Ms Beni Oburu

Anne Nolan

Gary Campbell

Niall Roche

Aoife Helly

Gerald Cawley

Neil Kennedy

Barry Johnston

Gernot Premper

ODI-Overseas Development Institute

Brian Barrington

Grace Wells

Orla Duke

Brian Mccarthy

Gregory Smith

Patrick Mcmullin

Cathy Gaynor

Helen O’Neill

Paud Murphy

Catherine Butcher

HLSP Ltd

Paul Isenman

Mary Jennings

Integra Economic Development Consultants Ltd

Paul Murphy

Clare Mulvaney

Intrac

Petrus Consulting Ltd

Diarmuid McClean

ITAD Ltd

Platinum One

Danny Rowan

J Fitzpatrick Associates

Pricewaterhouse Coopers Ltd

David Lovegrove

Jane Salvage

Real Events Solutions

David Weakliam

Jennifer Black

RGB Consulting

Debbie omas

Joanne Manchester

Roberto ED. Martinez

Declan O Neill

John Geraghty

Ronan Conroy

Deirdre Farrell

John Grindle

Sarah Jones

Deloitte And Touche

John O’ Regan

Sean Drysdale

Development Research Training

Kate Dyer

Sherry Mclean

DHR Ltd

Kevin Moore

SHL Ireland Ltd.

Diarmuid McClean

Laura Spring

Siobhan Wardick

Dr Barry Ryan

Margaret Fitzgerald

Vincent McCarthy

Vote 28 Consultants 2008

Art Agnew

Hugh Swift

Dr Tom Hardiman

Bianconi Research Ltd. (trading as RITS)

Sysnet

Cornwell Consulting

PA Consulting

E Delaney and Associates;

Long Road Productions

Farrell Grant Sparks

Millward Brown IMS

Vote 27 Consultants 2009

Aidan Mulkeen

ITAD Ltd.

Alan Fitzgibbon

James Saunderson

Amal Abordan

Jim Cannon

Beni Karuga

Jim Kinsella

Bernard Mc Loughlin

Johnny O’Regan

Bernard Wood

Karen O’Shea

Cathy Gaynor

Kevin Farrell

Channel Research

Kevin Moore

Ciara Eustace

Lorraine Whitty

Clare Herbert

Marcel Grogan

CR2 Social Development

Margaret Fitzgerald

Deirdre Farrell

Mary Buckley

DHR Communications and Davis Event Consultancy

Mary Jennings

Dr Colm Regan

Mary Mc Keown

Dr. Diarmuid O’Donovan

Matthias Fiedler

Dr. Kamal Kar

Mike Kiernan

Eleanor O’Gorman

Mokoro

ESRI

Partners

Fitzpatrick Associates

Peter McEvoy

Gerald Cawley

Real Event Solutions

Helen O’Neill

Rowan Oberman

Howard Dalzell

Ruth O’Doherty

Hunter Mc Gill

Tara Shine

Institute Of Public Administration

e Circa Group, Europe

INTRAC

UTILINK Ltd

Vote 28 Consultants 2009

Bianconi Research Limited (Trading as RITS)

J O Regan

Long Road Productions

Vote 27 Consultants 2010

Aodh O’Connor

Marcel Grogan

Benedicta Namuddu Karuga (Oburu)

Marie Smith

Bernard Mc Loughlin

Martin Greene

Cathy Doran

Mary Buckley

Cathy Gaynor

Mary Jennings

Chuck Lathrop

Mary Mc Keown

Cooney and Associates

Mary T Fanning-Walk Tall Consulting

DHR Communications

Mazars

Eamon O’Brien and Associates

Mokoro

Eamonn O’Reilly

Morina O’Neill

Eilis Murray And Patricia Hunt

Niall Roche

Emma Warwick

Nigel Sutton

Ernst and Young

Pamala Uwakwe

Francois Grunewald

Paul Isenmann

Fred Tottenham

Peter McEvoy

Helen Labanya

Philip Regan

INTRAC

Pieternella Pieterse

IOD PARC

Real Events

James Saunderson

Rodney Rice

Jim Cannon

SPN and MLC Consulting

Jim Fitzpatrick

SUAS

Jim Kiely

e Policy Practice

John Coughlan

Tierney and Associates

John Shiels

Tony Taffee

Johnny O’Regan

Tribal Consulting

Luis Bran

UCG

Vote 27 Consultants 2010

Bianconi Research Ltd.(Trading as RITS)

Mr. Tony Taaffe

Vote 27 Consultants 2011

80:20:00

Kevin Moore

Aisling Swaine

Lauren Bari

Bernard Mc Loughlin

Lizzie Downes

Bernie Crawford

Marcel Grogan

Carole Pretorius

Marie Therese Fanning

Caroline Burke

Mary Brady

Cathal Higgins

Mary Buckley

Cathy Gaynor

Mary Corbett

Cathy Roche

Mike Williams

Consultores HODI Lda

NUI Maynooth

CPW Consulting

Pat Mc Mullin

Deirdre Farrell

Paud Murphy

DHR Communications

Paul Sheane

Eilis Murray

Philip Regan

ERSI

Pirternella Pieterse

Fitzpatrick Associates

Rachel Kavanagh

Fred Tottingham

Rodney Rice

Humanitarian Policy Ltd

Ruth O Doherty

IOD PARC

Samia Saad

ISOS

Stefanie Meredith

ITAD

University College Dublin

James Saunderson

Valid International

John Geraghty

Vote 28 Consultants 2011

Bianconi Research Limited (now ISAS)

Mr. Tony Taaffe

B Connected Ltd.

Foreign Adoptions

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

190 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the embassy in Moscow received an invitation to attend a meeting with the Kazak adoption authority regarding the Hague Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25573/12]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to a meeting on adoption legislation which was jointly organised by the Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science and UNICEF on Friday 11 May in Astana. We understand that the purpose of the event was to inform Embassy representatives of updates in relation to Kazakhstan's adoption legislation. Ireland did not receive such an invitation; it was not in any case in a position to be represented at the meeting for scheduling/resource reasons. The Embassy of Ireland in Moscow, which is accredited to Kazakhstan, met with an official of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 May and expressed Ireland's strong interest in exploring the possibilities for inter-country adoption from Kazakhstan. This is an issue which I understand the Adoption Authority of Ireland is currently examining. The Embassy representative took the opportunity to convey to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during this meeting copies of letters, with an Embassy Russian translation, which had been sent to the Ministry of Education and Science by the Adoption Authority of Ireland. The Embassy representative requested that these be forwarded to that Ministry for attention and also indicated Ireland's willingness to develop direct contacts with the Ministry of Education and Science as well as the Embassy's willingness to meet with such representatives during future visits to Astana. The representative also requested that Ireland be added to the invitation list for any future such events so that consideration of Irish participation could be considered in a timely fashion.

Overseas Development Aid

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to engage with non-governmental organizations with a view to ensuring that aid is strategically directed to ensure maximum benefit to those for whom it was intended in the most sensitive areas on the continent of Africa with particular reference to the need to address the issues of famine human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/12]

The Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is sharply focused on the fight against global poverty and hunger. It is recognised internationally for its effectiveness, and for its concentration on some of the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Irish Aid channels a higher proportion of overall assistance through development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) than other international donors, reflecting the strong support of the Irish people for the work of NGOs and missionaries. This assistance is provided to support the long term development and humanitarian work of NGOs, in accordance with the objectives of the Government's aid programme.

This partnership between Irish Aid and NGOs is strategically directed to ensure that aid reaches those for whom it is intended with a particular focus on the poorest and most vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Irish Aid has established strict eligibility criteria to determine which NGOs are eligible to apply for significant grant funding. The main eligibility criteria include a proven organisational capacity for the effective use of funding and a solid track record of delivery. All proposals for funding from NGOs are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources. This appraisal process ensures that Irish Aid funding is directed towards those partners with the capacity to deliver in the fight against global hunger and poverty.

NGO programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure the intended objectives and goals are being accomplished. All programmes are evaluated and audited by independent experts as well as by the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Unit's work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of the Department.

The most recent international report on development assistance, the 2010 Survey of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, ranked Ireland highest among EU Member States for the delivery of our commitments on aid quality. Our NGO partners play a crucial role as we strive to achieve the maximum benefit from Ireland's development co-operation programme and its contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

I believe our continued focus on appraisal, regular monitoring, independent evaluations and audit provides assurance that those funds channelled though NGOs are very closely monitored and used for the purposes intended.

Humanitarian Crices

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number and location of countries on the continent of Africa now facing serious difficulty arising from starvation, war and/or human rights abuse; the extent to which he can influence the international community with a view to maximising the impact of aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he or his Department directly, or through the aegis of the EU or UN, have managed to monitor or influence the situation in the horn of Africa with particular reference to addressing the issues of starvation, conflict and human rights abuses; the efforts made to date to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

The Government, along with our EU partners, attach high importance to the development of relations with the countries of Africa, to supporting economic and social development and to responding to the effects of conflict and natural disasters on that continent. Our national approach is guided by the Africa Strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which I launched in September 2011. It sets out a framework for our policies in the political, development and economic areas in order to ensure that our engagement is as coherent and effective as possible. A fundamental principle of our approach is an emphasis on the promotion of political progress including the resolution of conflict, the strengthening of democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to work with African Governments, African regional organisations, communities in the priority countries for our aid programme, the UN, and humanitarian organisations to address the causes of conflict, instability and famine and food insecurity in Africa. We are also active in responding to the consequences of these problems, including the displacement of civilians and the humanitarian needs of affected people.

The EU has adopted comprehensive strategies to address the complex problems in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. In the case of the Horn of Africa region, the challenges faced in the region are immense, given the context of international and ethnic conflict, the issues of terrorism and piracy, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and the plight of an estimated 13 million people in need of emergency assistance. We are particularly focused on the ongoing crisis in southern Somalia, where famine was declared last year in six areas of the country and where access for humanitarian aid agencies remains a major challenge, most especially in areas controlled by the Islamist group, Al-Shabaab.

The EU's Strategic Framework on the Horn of Africa, which was adopted in November 2011, recognises the importance of a stable peace and respect for human rights, and the longer term need for economic and social development across the region. The EU and its Member States recognise that instability in the region poses a growing challenge not only to the security of its peoples but also to the rest of the world.

The EU is continuing to play a major role in support of the strengthening of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia, increased regional and international efforts on the political transition process, and the combating of piracy and terrorism. The EU has appointed a Special Representative who, in close consultation with the EU Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan, will help ensure coherence, impact and visibility for the Union's regional approach to the interrelated challenges facing the people of the Horn of Africa. Ireland recognises that a military and security approach can only have limited success in addressing the crisis in Somalia and the wider region, and we are strongly supportive of a comprehensive regional approach by the EU and the wider international community.

Ireland is also continuing to make a direct and practical contribution to the response to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. We have recently announced a further €2 million in funding for humanitarian agencies responding to the situation in Somalia, through the UN Common Humanitarian Fund. Ireland is also contributing personnel to the EU Training Mission working with the Transitional Federal Government for Somalia, including the Mission's Commander, who is an Irish Army Officer.

The humanitarian situation across the Sahel region of West Africa is now extremely severe, with fifteen million people struggling to obtain enough food to eat. Ireland has moved quickly to mobilise emergency funding for agencies operating in the region. An allocation of €5 million has been made available to a range of experienced partners for programmes on the ground for the provision of emergency food assistance and nutritional healthcare. Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps has also been mobilised, with a number of its expert personnel already working on the ground with UN agencies. Irish Aid's key Irish humanitarian NGO partners have been invited to submit proposals for additional funding. On this basis, a further announcement of support may be made in the coming days.

The EU and its Member States are also playing a significant role in addressing fragility, post-conflict rehabilitation, support for electoral processes, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, capacity-strengthening in the areas of justice and human rights, humanitarian response, and economic and social development, including through support for civil society, in a wide range of African countries.

Africa is the geographic focus for Ireland's development aid programme, with up to 80% of the aid budget devoted to the objective of ending extreme poverty and hunger, especially in the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We also regularly support and contribute personnel for EU Election Observer Missions, including recent missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal.

Ireland also strongly supports international human rights institutions focusing on Africa, including the International Criminal Court, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Council.

Trade Strategy

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new trading opportunities continue to be established at various locations; the extent to which such locations are in proximity to Irish embassies; the extent to which the opening of further embassies might be likely to assist in such efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25665/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new markets continue to be established for Irish products throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25666/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

Export-led growth is crucial for a small open economy like Ireland. The Government's Trade Strategy, formulated with the involvement of all the relevant Departments and State Agencies, seeks to build on our strengths in existing markets and to develop new opportunities in emerging economies. The Deputy will be aware that I established the Export Trade Council last year to oversee the implementation of the Strategy and that the membership includes Ministers, State Agencies and Departments responsible for trade, tourism and investment, as well as participants from the private sector. Under the Strategy, twenty seven priority market countries have been identified by the State Agencies in both established and emerging markets and there is a resident Embassy of Ireland in each of these. Our Ambassadors in these markets chair a local market team, with the involvement of the relevant State Agencies.

Emerging markets such as the BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are, of course, priorities under the Government's Trade Strategy in seeking to develop new trading opportunities. We are already increasing our trade foot print in these markets. In the five years between 2006 and 2011 our Merchandise Exports to them have increased by 66%. During 2012, under the programme of Enterprise Ireland trade missions agreed by Minister Bruton and myself, each of these markets is being targeted. As the Deputy will be aware the Taoiseach and a number of Ministers have already visited China this year. In addition to the BRICS countries, there is also a focus on other key emerging markets. For example, in March the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello TD, led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Turkey, involving a range of Irish companies, with the full support of the resident Embassy of Ireland in Ankara.

Our Embassy network is engaged on a continuous basis, and in close co-operation with the relevant State Agencies, in the drive to promote Ireland's economic reputation and trade. It is widely recognised as a very effective platform for accessing key political, economic and media contacts and business opportunities. The opening of an Embassy in the United Arab Emirates in 2009, to serve the crucial Gulf region alongside our existing Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and a new Consulate in Atlanta in 2011 was very much driven by economic and trading factors. Under the Government's Trade Strategy, all Government Departments and State Agencies are committed to monitoring the export environment and to deploying resources where they can have maximum impact in boosting Ireland's export growth. It would, of course, be desirable to open an Embassy of Ireland in a number of additional markets but this will have to await the availability of the necessary resources.

Human Rights Issues

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and/or UN or other global organisations have examined the issues of human rights abuses including the abuse of prisoners throughout the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25667/12]

Ireland and its European Union partners monitor closely the human rights situation in many countries throughout the world, including in the Middle East. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. We make known our concerns about particular violations of human rights to the Governments in question.

Ireland endorses the use of the full United Nations human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes supporting the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At the UN, the EU makes statements on the human rights situations in countries around the world; Ireland is fully associated with these statements.

The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts regular dialogues with a number of countries and raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.

At a bilateral level, officials in my Department engage in ongoing dialogue with Embassies here in Dublin and abroad to raise my concerns about specific cases, especially cases of persons who have been detained without due process or suffered mistreatment while in detention. Ireland also actively engages in the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review process in Geneva to address specific concerns and make recommendations to the country under review.

Ireland promotes full observance of universal human rights standards. Our active participation in multilateral organisations, including the EU and the UN, provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violation of human rights. We will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering the protection of human rights.

Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 132.

Western Balkans Issues

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he directly and together with his EU and UN colleagues remain focused on any issues arising in the Western Balkans with particular reference to the need to ensure and protect democracy and democratic structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/12]

All the countries of the Western Balkans were given a European perspective and their path to EU integration was confirmed as far back as the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki in 2003. The Summit Declaration also committed the EU to supporting the endeavours of the countries of the region to consolidate democracy, stability and to promote economic development. As the countries of the region continue to make progress in the realisation of their European perspective Ireland has been, and continues to be, fully supportive of their efforts in this regard and we work closely with our EU and international partners, including the UN, as well as the countries themselves in achieving this objective. I will give a few specific examples of this continued focus on the Western Balkans, particularly as regards protecting democracy and democratic structures to illustrate the point.

Starting with Albania, since the political agreement between the government and opposition was reached in November 2011, we have seen real efforts being made by both political sides to take reforms forward. There has been a significant expression of cross-party commitment to the EU, and democracy, agenda. An Action Plan was agreed in March to address the key priorities in the Commission's Opinion on Albania's application for EU membership, and the results are encouraging, including in the area of rule of law and fundamental rights. If progress continues I would hope to see Albania become an official candidate for EU accession in the near future. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Vjekoslav Bevanda, has shown commitment to resolving the outstanding issues which have prevented the EU-Bosnia Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) from entering into force, including giving effect to the Sejdic-Finci judgement. Delivering on these commitments will remain a challenge, but I firmly believe that they can be achieved. The UN High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, spoke about a "prevailing positive trend" in Bosnia towards Euro-Atlantic integration in his recent six-monthly report to the UN Security Council on the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. I would certainly echo these sentiments.

The successful and peaceful conduct of the recent local, parliamentary and Presidential elections in Serbia is testament to the strength of the democratic institutions there. The election results saw a democratic endorsement for Serbia's determination to pursue European integration. Once a new government has been formed, I look forward to Serbia's continued progress on the path to EU accession. This is not to say that further work and commitment is not required by Serbia, in particular with regard to its relations with Kosovo, but its advances are highly encouraging. In Kosovo, eligible voters were given the opportunity to vote in the Serbian parliamentary and presidential elections after agreement was reached to allow the OSCE to conduct ballot facilitation in Kosovo . As Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE, Ireland played a significant role in brokering the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia and encouraging local actors to play a responsible role.

The endorsement by the March European Council of the launch of a feasibility study regarding an EU-Kosovo SAA by the Commission is a positive step in the EU's tangible support for Kosovo and its EU aspirations. Pristina has demonstrated determination to implement the significant reforms required to progress its European integration objectives and Ireland, as is the case for all the countries of the Western Balkans, will continue to support Kosovo in achieving these reforms. In March this year, the European Commission launched a High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) with Macedonia. The HLAD places EU integration back at the forefront of the domestic agenda in Skopje and has reignited momentum towards achieving the necessary reforms required. The HLAD does not replace the accession negotiations, but rather places way markers to them. Finally, a decision on whether to open accession negotiations with Montenegro will be taken at the June European Council. I believe that Montenegro has done what was asked of it, including in the area of rule of law, and I hope that accession negotiations will be well underway when we take over the EU Presidency in 2013.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 124.

Human Rights Issues

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, together with his colleagues in the international community continues to focus on the top ten worldwide identified locations/countries affected by lack of democratic structures, failure to recognise human rights principles, detention without trial, genocide and/or ethnic cleansing; the degree to which the international community has managed to engage with authorities as such locations throughout the community [25671/12]

Neither Ireland nor, as far as I am aware, the European Union or the United Nations maintains a "top ten" list of countries in regard to the violations highlighted by the Deputy. In our foreign policy, which is expressed in direct contact with other countries or multilaterally through the EU, the UN, and other international bodies such as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (chaired this year by Ireland), we are working to alleviate incidences of war, terror, human rights or other abuses, and to enhance international peace and security.

Together with its EU partners, Ireland monitors closely the situation in many countries, including post-conflict countries, throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including official channels, National Human Rights Institutions and non-governmental/civil society organisations. We make known our concerns about particular violations of human rights to the Governments in question.

The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts regular dialogues with a number of countries and raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.

Ireland endorses the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes supporting the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. To complement this, the UN Human Rights Council has established a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which assesses the human rights record of all UN Member States. At the UN, the EU makes statements on the human rights situations in countries around the world. Ireland is fully associated with these statements.

Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Ireland promotes full observance of universal human rights standards. Our active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU and the UN provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violation of human rights. Ireland will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering the protection of human rights. We will also, through our official aid programme, continue to promote human rights and good governance in places of greatest need.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 105.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has been able to intervene in Syria in order to protect human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25673/12]

I have on a number of occasions stated clearly my grave concerns at the appalling situation in Syria. I have repeatedly condemned the unacceptable human rights violations and repression which are now estimated to have claimed well over 10,000 lives since the conflict first erupted in March 2011. While there was some brief improvement in the situation following the coming into effect of the April 12 ceasefire, this regrettably has not been sustained and recent days have unfortunately seen a resurgence in the number of attacks, shelling of towns and deadly bombings, resulting in further heavy loss of lives among combatants and civilians. There is no doubting the widespread international revulsion generated by the conflict over the last 14 months and in particular by the violence and killings associated with the repressive actions of the Syrian regime. The international community has been prompt to express its indignation and to compel the Syrian regime to change course, notably through the adoption by an overwhelming majority of a UN General Assembly Resolution on 16 February which condemned human rights violations in Syria and a UN Human Rights Council Resolution, adopted on 23 March, on the human rights situation in Syria.

The UN Human Rights Council has also initiated a process of inquiry through the establishment last August of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry. Mandated to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in Syria since the beginning of the conflict, and, where possible, to identify those responsible, the Commission, in its 23 February 2012 report, found that there has been a systemic impunity for human rights violations in Syria since March 2011. It also reported that Syrian state forces are suspected of having committed widespread, systematic and gross human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity, with the knowledge and consent of President Assad and senior members of his regime. The Commission is expected to publish a further report in the course of next month which may well pave the way for possible consideration by the UN Security Council of referral to the International Criminal Court for those suspected of involvement in serious human rights violations.

The European Union has, of course, also reacted to the violence in Syria. It has adopted a series of robust economic, political and diplomatic measures to compel the Syrian regime to cease its reprehensible attacks against the Syrian people. While actively supporting the efforts of the UN/Arab League Joint Envoy Kofi Annan to negotiate a ceasefire and mediate a peaceful settlement, the EU has also imposed several rounds of tough sanctions targeted on the Assad regime and those who support the repression. Last week's Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended, reiterated the EU's readiness to impose further sanctions and to step up the pressure on the Syrian regime as long as the violence and human rights abuses continue.

In saying all this, we must also be realistic about what the international community can accomplish in relation to the current situation in Syria. The absolute imperative must be to try to prevent Syria from slipping further into open civil war. It is crucial that both the Syrian authorities and the opposition forces abide by the ceasefire they committed to observe under Special Envoy Annan's six-point plan. In this regard, we must continue supporting the work of the Supervision Mission (UNSMIS), established by UN Security Council Resolution 2043, and of its observers who are gradually being deployed throughout the country and who are carrying out their duties in very difficult conditions.

Ultimately, the complete cessation of violence and implementation of the Annan Plan in full offer the best opportunity for ending the conflict and ongoing human rights violations and setting in train a process of urgently needed political reform and transition in Syria. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work steadfastly in support of this aim.

Tax Code

Brendan Griffin

Question:

203 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the seed capital scheme for starting small business; the take up rate of same; if he will give an example of the way the scheme works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24906/12]

The Seed Capital Scheme allows an individual, who makes a qualifying investment in a company, to set off the amount of that investment against his or her taxable income in any of the previous 6 years. The activities of the company are required to constitute a qualifying new venture. The individual is required to take up full-time employment with the company and to hold at least 15% of the issued ordinary share capital for the required period, which is usually three years. The scheme has been considerably simplified for investments made on or after 25 November 2011.

The following table sets out recent scheme statistics:

Tax Year

Number of Investors

Total Invested€

Total Tax Refund €

Average Refund per Investor €

Total Companies

2009

95

8,120,853

2,880,997

30,326

78

2010

64

4,954,725

1,797,022

28,078

54

2011

78

5,663,916

2,012,980

25,807

67

The following is an example of the way the scheme works in the case of an individual who invests €20,000 in a qualifying company on 01/05/2012:

The individual may set off the amount of that investment against his or her taxable income in any of the previous 6 years. The individual nominates, say, 2009 as the refund year and makes a claim to Revenue's Incentives Branch on the relevant forms providing details of the company concerned and the investment. If the individual earned €20,000 in 2009 that was taxed at the higher rate of income tax (41%), where that tax has not been repaid by reference to any other scheme or relief, he or she will receive a refund of tax of €8,200 i.e. 41% of €20,000.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

204 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the PRSI and tax breaks available to business for taking on new employees; the take up rate of same; if he will give an example of the way it works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24919/12]

Sections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide tax incentives for both employers and employees, to help the long-term unemployed to return to employment. The relief under Section 472A, known as the Revenue Job Assist scheme, allows qualifying employees, in addition to their normal tax credits, to claim certain income deductions, including additional deductions for qualifying children, for the three year period after taking up employment.

Section 88A provides an associated tax incentive for employers. Employers may claim a double deduction in computing the profits of the trade or profession in respect of the first 3 years wages paid to qualifying employees. This double deduction may also be claimed in respect of the employers PRSI contribution on such wages.

For example, if an employer provided employment to an individual earning €20,000, the employers PRSI would amount to €2,150. When computing the profits for corporation tax purposes, the employer can deduct double the amount of salary and employers PRSI paid in respect of that individual, i.e. an additional €22,150, which would result in a reduced liability to corporation tax saving the company €2,768.75 per annum.

Both incentives apply in respect of individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months and are in receipt of a specified social protection payment or who are in a category approved for the purposes of the scheme by the Minister for Social Protection with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

The latest year for which information is available on the take-up of the scheme is for 2009, when 200 employers and 390 employees participated, at a cost to the Exchequer of €0.3 million. Full details of the scheme for employees can be found in Revenue leaflet IT58 and for employers in Revenue leaflet IT59. These leaflets, along with a recently published guide entitled Supporting Job Creation — Tax reliefs, deductions and exemptions, are available on the Revenue Commissioners website at http://www.revenue.ie.

In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, an exemption from employers' PRSI for 18 months is available. Primary responsibility for this incentive rests with the Minister for Social Protection.

National Asset Management Agency

Pearse Doherty

Question:

205 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the terms upon which the National Asset Management Agency has provided the short-term funding to meet the Anglo promissory note payment due on 31 March; if he will confirm the amount provided by NAMA; the interest rate that will apply to NAMA’s contribution and consequently the amount of interest in monetary terms that will be paid to NAMA; if he will confirm that NAMA has provided the funding on an arms-length commercial basis at terms comparable to the terms that NAMA could otherwise obtain on the open market. [24847/12]

Acting on my direction, on 29 March 2012 the NAMA Board approved the short-term facility with Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited (IBRC) collateralised by an Irish Government bond. The €3.06 billion facility was drawn on the 3rd April 2012. The maximum maturity under the direction is 90 days. The facility was provided on an arms-length commercial basis with interest accruing on equivalent commercial terms to the terms on the proposed IBRC — Bank of Ireland collateralised facility i.e. the margin for Bank of Ireland over ECB funding is 135 basis points (currently a 2.35% all-in rate). Based on the current maximum maturity date of the facility, 30th May 2012, the interest earned by NAMA would be €11.4 million.

I am advised by NAMA that the rate earned on this facility is within the range of returns achieved on NAMA's short-term investments.

State Banking Sector

Pearse Doherty

Question:

206 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he expects Bank of Ireland to refinance the Anglo promissory note that was temporarily met by the National Asset Management Agency at the end of March 2012; and when he expects Bank of Ireland to hold an EGM to secure shareholder approval for the transaction. [24848/12]

As the deputy is aware, Bank of Ireland (the "Bank") announced on 29 March 2012 that the Bank had reached a conditional agreement to conduct a securities repurchase transaction with IBRC. The Bank stated:

"As the transaction is considered to be a related party transaction under Listing Rules, it is subject to independent stockholder approval. A circular containing additional details of the transaction and the date of the proposed Extraordinary General Court will be posted to stockholders once the circular has been approved by the UK Listing Authority and Irish Stock Exchange. It is anticipated that the transaction will become effective following satisfaction of all pre-conditions and independent stockholder approval."

This is a commercial transaction between the Bank and IBRC. The Bank has stated in their announcement on 29 March 2012 that they will issue a circular and schedule and Extraordinary General Court in due course.

National Asset Management Agency

Pearse Doherty

Question:

207 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will carry out an analysis of the 10,000 residential properties that the National Asset Management Agency says are associated with its loans, showing the number of dwellings that are occupied and vacant; and in respect of the vacant dwellings, the number being offered for sale or for rent; if there are vacant dwellings that are neither for sale or for rent; and the reason such properties are being kept vacant. [24849/12]

I am advised by NAMA that it is currently carrying out an extensive analysis of data on residential property under the control of its debtors. NAMA's best estimate, at this stage in its analysis, is that some 9,200 units are currently rented, 700 have been sold and 4,000 are vacant. This estimate is subject to additional refinement as the analysis proceeds.

I am advised by NAMA that a substantial number of the 4,000 vacant units are close to being made habitable, and will shortly be available for sale or rent, depending on the detail of the asset disposal and asset management plans which have been agreed with individual debtors and receivers.

Tax Code

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if it might be proposed to review the provision whereby family members employed in a family business are taxed at a higher level than non-family members in view of the need of the current economic situation and the desirability of encouraging the maximisation of employment opportunities by every possible means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24863/12]

The position is that family members employed in a family business are taxed at the same rate of tax as non-family members. Therefore, I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the disallowance of the employee tax credit (more commonly known as the PAYE tax credit) to a spouse and some children in respect of the PAYE tax due on their income from employment in a family business.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 472 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a tax credit known as the "employee tax credit" to an individual who has emoluments to which the PAYE system of tax deduction at source applies. However, the section prohibits the granting of this tax credit against the PAYE tax due on income from a family business payable to the spouse of a proprietary director (where the family business is conducted through a limited company) or payable to the spouse of a sole trader (where the family business is conducted as a sole trade).

While the same prohibition applies to income payable to the children of a proprietary director or of a sole trader, I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners there are circumstances wherein such children (provided they themselves are not proprietary directors of the family business) may be entitled to the PAYE tax credit against the PAYE tax due on income from a family business. Such circumstances are—

(a) (i) the son or daughter is what is known as a specified employed PRSI contributor for the purposes of the Social Welfare Acts, or

(ii) the PAYE and Universal Social Charge systems have been applied in full to the wages paid to the son or daughter;

(b) the terms of the employment are such as to constitute a full-time employment and the individual actually engages in the employment on a full-time basis (i.e. the son or daughter must throughout the relevant tax year devote substantially the whole of his/her time to the employment (this rules out children engaged on a part-time or temporary basis); and

(c) the wages from the employment in the relevant tax year must not be less than €4,572.

I do not have any plans to review the provision of the PAYE tax credit to individuals engaged in a family business.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which taxation and or incentive levels in respect of small enterprises wishing to retain existing staff numbers or take on new employees, have been progressed in the course of the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24864/12]

The Government has brought forward a number of improvements to incentives designed to help businesses retain staff and take on new employees over the past year. These include the measures set out as follows.

The Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) and Seed Capital Scheme commenced on 25 November 2011 following the receipt of State aid approval from the European Commission. These schemes replace the previous Business Expansion Scheme and Seed Capital Scheme and provide tax relief for investments in small and medium-sized enterprises. Under the EII, an initial 30% tax relief is available to investors with the potential for a further 11% relief at the end of the three year holding period, where the company has increased employment or spent at least 30% of the funding raised on research and development. The new schemes provide relief for investments in companies operating in most sectors of the economy.

Tax relief is also available for start-up companies. This scheme was introduced in Budget 2009 and provides relief from corporation tax on the trading income and certain gains of new start-up companies in the first three years of trading, and was modified in 2011 so that the value of the relief will be linked to the amount of employers PRSI paid by a company. Finance Act 2012 extended this scheme for the next three years to include start-up companies which commence a new trade in 2012, 2013 or 2014.

The Revenue Job Assist scheme is available to all employers who employ qualifying individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months. This scheme provides a double deduction from Income Tax and PRSI for employers. A deduction from Income Tax is also available for the employee. This scheme was extended in Finance Act 2012 such that individuals who are signing for PRSI credits can also qualify.

All companies in receipt of the R&D tax credit now have the option to use a portion of the credit to reward key employees who have been directly involved in the development of R&D. This option was introduced in order to help companies to retain key employees. It is envisaged that there would be no additional cost to the Exchequer as the bonus comes from the R&D credit already received by the company and the employee still pays the full tax liability on their other income. This change will be monitored closely and if abused will be removed.

The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate of 9% on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. This measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector. Initial analysis of the effectiveness of the 9% VAT rate indicates that employment numbers in the tourism and restaurant sector have increased, prices have reduced and Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers in 2012.

In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, an exemption from employers' PRSI for 18 months is available. Primary responsibility for this incentive rests with the Minister for Social Protection.

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

210 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the level of VAT that currently applies to any transaction related to a financial instrument carried out in Ireland; if VAT applies to any transaction involving bonds, shares, securities, derivatives or structured financial products carried out by a person, company or financial institution here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24881/12]

In general, transactions related to financial instruments are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT legislation must comply. The Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 provides that financial services supplied by a taxable person consisting of the issuing, transfer, or otherwise dealing, in bonds, shares, securities, derivatives or structured financial products are exempt from VAT.

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

211 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if any economic impact assessment has been carried out by him into the introduction of a possible financial transaction tax here either independently by ourselves, or taking into account an EU Commission proposal for such a financial transaction tax; if he will consider commissioning such an equality impact statement in order that policy makers and legislators have some research available to inform debate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24882/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

214 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will sanction the undertaking of an economic impact assessment on the introduction of a financial transaction tax rate that would apply a tax of 0.1% on shares and bonds, and a tax of 0.01% on derivatives as has been proposed by the European Union Commission and which is likely be introduced under the EU’s enhanced cooperation procedure from 1 January 2014, to ascertain the affect such a policy would have here and on our financial industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25000/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 214 together.

I understand the ESRI and the Central Bank have finalised an assessment of the impact of any potential Financial Transactions Tax. The assessment will be reviewed within the Department and I will consider making it available in due course. I thank the ESRI and the Central Bank for the work they have put into the assessment. The Deputy may be aware that the EU Commission published its own impact assessment when it issued the draft proposal to introduce a Financial Transactions Tax. This assessment is available at http://ec.europa.eu/taxation customs/resources/documents/taxation/other taxes/financial sector/summ impact assesmt en.pdf.

Public Service Staff

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

212 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the estimate of (details supplied) that savings to the Exchequer €257m could be achieved by 2013 by applying a cap of €100,000 on public service salaries and a further €20 million in savings could be achieved by capping civil service pensioners only at €50,000 in 2013; if he will estimate the savings that could be achieved by him requiring that every financial institution which owes its existence to State support and taxpayer forbearance introduce a salary cap at the level of a Teachta Dála across the board to all members of personnel and if the same were to be required of every other agency, authority, board, council, commission or institution with a payroll function that draws upon the public purse and furthermore by him requiring that the maximum payment to any retired person in 2013 be limited to the maximum level available to a Teachta Dála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24898/12]

Any matters relating to remuneration for public service employees are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following the report of the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) in February 2009, the then Government decided to implement a base salary cap of €500,000 to be applied to the CEO position at some of the covered institutions. This cap was waived on one occasion only in the case of the appointment of the CEO at Bank of Ireland and was sanctioned by the previous Government. The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Finance is currently undertaking a review of the remuneration policies and practices at the covered institutions. I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions and have committed to placing the details underpinning the review, when completed, into the public domain.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

213 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24936/12]

During 2012 and 2013, this Department will actively engage in a threefold action plan to meet its strategic objectives:

This will firstly involve training our existing teams so that they can develop greater technical, management and leadership skills necessary to the challenge. Using the performance management evaluation system, we will review our staff and identify any skills which need enhancing so as to use the training resources most effectively.

We will challenge and acknowledge the efforts of our key performing staff by further developing their skills and add to the value they contribute to the Department.

In parallel, we will be adding to our teams to supplement our skills base where gaps are identified. This will also be necessary for succession planning for the work of future generations of our Department.

The addition of any new staff will occur through a combination of employment via open competition and the secondment of staff from other areas of the Civil/Public Service and private sector.

With regard to the recruitment of graduates, a competitive competition by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is in place and panels are being formed in the following disciplines:

Human Resources (HR), Law, Accountancy, Economics, Finance/Banking and Tax Policy.

My Department is currently recruiting graduates in the Finance/Banking and Economic stream and will also recruit from the other streams following the interview process.

Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 211.

Derivatives Market

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

215 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the total market for over the counter trades in derivatives, and structured financial products in Ireland in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25001/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

216 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the total market for trades and transactions in shares, securities and bonds in Ireland for 2010, and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25002/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

The Central Bank published the Irish results early last year. The survey was conducted on turnover in April 2010 and can be found at http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/pages/bissurvey.aspx. While the global survey showed that trading activity in the OTC interest rate derivatives market increased by 24 per cent since the last survey in 2007, this represented a slowing of the rapid growth seen over the previous four surveys. The survey found that in Ireland, the increase in trading in OTC interest-rate derivatives between April 2007 and April 2010 was 6.6 per cent. Trading activity in these instruments increased marginally Ireland since the last survey in 2007, but average daily turnover actually declined, from €5.4 billion in April 2007 to €5.2 billion in April 2010. The next survey will take place in April 2013.

In relation to the total market for trades and transactions in shares, securities and bonds in Ireland for 2010, and 2011, last week, the Central Bank of Ireland launched statistics on market-based financing activities of financial and non-financial firms incorporated in Ireland at end-March 2012. This data, from the Central Bank's information release of 15th May http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/sis/Documents/2012m03 ie securities issues statistics.pdf, contains information on the volume of bonds and notes issued during March, as well as the market valuation of outstanding equity shares by sector of issuer at end-March. The sectors of the issuers are: banks; other financial intermediaries; Government; non-financial corporates and insurance companies and pension funds. The data also shows year-on-year differences in volumes since March 2011.

Tax Code

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

217 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the taxes, levies, charges or stamp duties that currently apply to transactions involving financial instruments, such as bonds, shares, securities, derivatives or structured financial products in Ireland; the rules governing each and the specific tax take for each one in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25003/12]

Stamp duty is a duty charged on a wide range of legal and commercial documents or instruments as opposed to the transaction underlying the instruments. The stamp duty chargeable in relation to transactions involving financial instruments is as follows.

Stocks and Marketable Securities

Stamp duty at the rate of 1% is chargeable on the instrument of transfer, including electronic transfers which are deemed by legislation to be instruments of transfer. The 1% rate applies to consideration (or market value if greater) paid in respect of the transfer. The charge also applies to an option over shares.

In 2011 the stamp duty from stocks and marketable securities was €194,764,520.

Bonds

Section 85 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption for the transfer of loan capital (including bonds) which does not carry a right of conversion into stocks or marketable securities.

Financial Services Instruments

Section 90 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption from stamp duty for a range of instruments which are used primarily in the financial services industry. The exemption does not apply if the instruments relate to Irish immovable property or to Irish stocks or marketable securities. Section 90 also provides for an exemption for the transfer of American Depository Receipts which are dealt in on a recognised stock exchange situated in the United States of America or Canada.

The transactions concerned are VAT-exempt and are not charged on a transactions basis to income tax or corporation tax.

International Agreements

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

218 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the work of his Department in seeking to deal with the extra-territorial effects of United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act; the issues addressed in bilateral engagements or other contacts with U.S. officials; if he will detail any specific areas of concerns for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25005/12]

The Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act (FATCA), which is part of the US Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, aims to combat tax evasion by US tax residents using foreign accounts. It includes certain provisions on withholding taxes and on the reporting of information by foreign financial institutions for US tax compliance purposes. It will come into effect from January 2013. In order to address the possible administrative burden which might arise for EU financial institutions as well as possible breaches of EU Data Protection legislation, the Governments of a number of Member States, with the support of the European Commission, took part in joint discussions with the US authorities to explore a practical way forward that supports the overall aim to combat tax evasion, while reducing the risks and burdens on EU financial institutions.

The approach focuses on the use of existing tax treaties for information exchange between tax authorities, rather than direct reporting by EU financial institutions to the US Internal Revenue Service. The US is preparing a model global agreement upon which reporting to the US by FATCA partner countries will be based. My Department and the Revenue Commissioners have been in contact with their counterparts in the US to explore the implementation of FATCA rules through the global approach being devised by the US. There are at this point no specific concerns for the State with regard to the US proposals. However, the burden on financial institutions will be reduced where countries enter into an agreement with the U.S., based on the global agreement. The global model agreement is expected to be available before the end of June this year.

Fiscal Policy

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

219 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding section 71 of the Finance Bill 2012 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25066/12]

The Deputy is referring to Section 83 of Finance Act 2012 which deals with the Export Refund Scheme. The reason the scheme will commence when the Minister for Finance so orders, is because of the time required to ensure the necessary systems and procedures have been put in place. As the Deputy will appreciate, the appropriate IT system required for the scheme to function effectively will have to be developed in line with the terms of the legislation. The Revenue Commissioners, who will be responsible for implementing the scheme, have commenced initial work on the development, but the development is just one of a number of ongoing IT developments within Revenue which must be scheduled with others across all tax codes. For this reason, I am not in a position at this moment to give a definitive commencement date.

European Stability Mechanism

Micheál Martin

Question:

220 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the recent request from the OECD for the extension of Europe’s firewall beyond the €700 billion acceptable to Germany. [19798/12]

On 27 March 2012 while presenting the OECD's Economic Surveys of the Euro Area and the European Union in Brussels, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said the Euro Area Finance Ministers meeting, taking place that week, needed to boost the firepower of the European stability funds to at least one trillion euros. He said that a credible financial firewall would provide governments with the breathing space they needed to focus crucially on revitalising Europe's economic growth and competitiveness. In order to further improve market confidence and in accordance with the agreement reached at the Euro Area Heads of State or Government (HoSG) meeting on 9 December 2011 and reiterated on 2 March 2012, the HoSG have reassessed the adequacy of the overall EFSF/ESM lending ceiling of €500 billion.

The Eurogroup concluded its review of the ESM capacity on 30 March and agreed in principle the following:

That the ESM will be the main instrument to finance new programmes as from July 2012. The EFSF will, as a rule, only remain active in financing programmes that have started before that date. For a transitional period until mid-2013, it may engage in new programmes in order to ensure a full fresh lending capacity of €500 billion.

The current overall ceiling for ESM/EFSF lending, as defined in the ESM Treaty, will be raised to €700 billion such that the ESM and the EFSF will be able to operate, if needed, as described above. As of mid-2013, the maximum lending volume of ESM will be €500 billion. The combined lending ceiling of the ESM and the EFSF will continue to be set at €700 billion.

In addition €49 billion out of the EFSM and €53 billion out of the bilateral Greek loan facility have already been paid out to support current programme countries. All together the euro area is mobilising an overall firewall of approximately €800 billion, equivalent to over $1 trillion. On 2 April, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría welcomed the measures announced by Eurogroup Finance Ministers meeting in Copenhagen to protect the euro area economies.

Tax Code

Patrick Nulty

Question:

221 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount that could be raised annually for the Exchequer if a wealth tax following the model of Switzerland, France, Norway, Canada and Luxemburg were to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25100/12]

Of the five "wealth taxes" mentioned by the Deputy, three — those in France, Norway and Switzerland — are wealth taxes as normally understood, that is, an annual recurring tax on wealth. To estimate the potential revenue from such a wealth tax, we would need to identify the wealth held by individuals. I am informed by the Central Statistics Office that the CSO institutional sector accounts do not give an indication of the number of households or persons classified by the categories of wealth they hold. These statistics are based on aggregate information collected from financial institutions and do not contain the demographic details which would enable such a breakdown of the statistics. So while the CSO's institutional sector accounts show that households held c. €126 billion on deposit in 2010, this is not broken down by income or wealth categories. However, I understand that, following discussions between the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform, the CSO and the Central Bank, the CSO has commenced a "Household Finance and Consumption Survey", which will include, inter alia, a survey of wealth. The first results of this survey will be available in 2014.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no statistical basis for compiling estimates in relation to a potential annually recurring tax on wealth. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy on the potential return from implementing a wealth tax system based on the models operating in France, Norway and Switzerland.

Luxembourg abolished its wealth tax on individuals in 2006 but still has a "net wealth tax" on companies, which is at 0.5% on the company's net assets — the assets of the company less debts — in the balance sheet at the end of the accounting period. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Corporation Tax returns do not require the value of company assets to be recorded so it is not possible to provide an estimate of the potential yield should such a tax be introduced in Ireland.

The only "wealth tax" among those listed by the Deputy where it is possible to make an estimate of the potential yield if a similar measure was introduced here is the newly introduced tax in the Province of Ontario in Canada. This is an income tax rather than a tax on wealth, as it applies to the portion of an individual's income in excess of CN$500,000 in a year.

The full year yield to the Exchequer from implementing a system on similar lines, where an additional tax of 3.12% would be applied to the excess of incomes above a threshold of €388,000 (the approximate equivalent of the Canadian threshold of CN$500,000), would be of the order of €73 million by reference to projected incomes for 2012.

The figure is an estimate from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. The figure is, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised. This potential yield may also be subject to significant behavioural effects.

Asset values increase and decrease over time and in the context of recent economic circumstances they may have declined considerably in many cases. Thus, if the value of an asset or of an individual's wealth is measured at a particular time there is no guarantee that the asset value or the individual's wealth will remain at that level or increase from that point. This would make it difficult to predict the potential yield from a wealth tax — and this would have to be borne in mind in terms of its consistency as a source of revenue.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) are, in effect, taxes on wealth, in that they are levied on an individual or company on the disposal of an asset (CGT) or the acquisition of an asset through gift or inheritance (CAT). However, they are not annual taxes on an individual's wealth. The rate of both these taxes is currently 30%, which I increased from 25% in Budget 2012. I also reduced the CAT group tax-free threshold for gifts/inheritances from parents to children (the Group A threshold) from €332,084 to €250,000. The introduction of wealth taxes similar to those referred to by the Deputy could have a negative impact on receipts from CGT and CAT. The overall net revenue result cannot therefore be estimated with any certainty.

The information set out in this answer is provided in the following table, as requested:

Country/Province

Type of “wealth tax”

Estimate of possible yield if a similar tax was introduced in Ireland

Canada — Province of Ontario

Additional 3.12% tax (2% income tax plus 1.12% surtax) on individual’s income over CN$500,000 (approx €388,000)

€73m (based on projected income levels and subject to possible behavioural impact)

France

“Solidarity tax on wealth” on all individuals with assets in excess of €800,000

Not available (see above).

Luxembourg

“Net wealth tax” at 0.5% on the net assets (assets of the company less debts) as shown in the balance sheet at the end of the tax period. (Wealth tax on individuals abolished in 2006.)

Not available (see above).

Norway

Annual tax at 1.1% on net value of assets in excess of NOK750,000 (approx €99,000) for single individuals and NOK1.5m (approx €198,000) for married couples.

Not available (see above).

Switzerland

Annual tax on net value of an individual’s assets (movable and immovable property, insurance policies, business assets). The rate is set locally and there is considerable variation between cantons and municipalities.

Not available (see above).

National Asset Management Agency

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

222 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if he will instruct the National Asset Management Agency and if necessary amend the NAMA Act to ensure that any sale of NAMA controlled property is done in an open and transparent manner unlike the recent sale of NAMA controlled land in Douglas, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/12]

I have no function in respect of the sale of private property by the National Asset Management Agency. NAMA has not disposed of any property directly itself. The NAMA Board has issued guidelines to be followed by its debtors and receivers in terms of the disposal of assets, which require, wherever feasible, their sale on the open market and their public advertisement. In any event, NAMA requires that an independent valuation process be undertaken in respect of all asset disposals.

In relation to the particular transaction to which the Deputy refers, I would draw the Deputy's attention to my response to a recent Parliamentary Question from Deputy McGrath [22511/12] in relation to the sale of land controlled by NAMA debtors in Cork. In that particular instance, NAMA advised me that the sales agent was acting on behalf of the debtor and that a competitive sales process was undertaken. The debtor was not in liquidation. I understand from NAMA that the sale was managed and implemented on behalf of the debtor by a firm of professional sales agents. Following wide engagement with viable interested parties, a special purchaser emerged in respect of the entire holding of 450 acres at a price considerably in excess of that guided by the retained professionals. It was the considered advice of the sales agent that the offer from this purchaser would be accepted. I further understand that NAMA, on receipt of this information, commissioned a second independent report by another professional firm, which agreed with the original guide price. On the basis of this independent valuation advice, which established that the price offered was 40% in excess of the 2 independent valuations and taking account of the fact that the offer was for the entire holding rather than for individual land plots within it, NAMA granted its approval to the debtor to proceed with the sale on the advised terms on the basis that this maximised the recovery for the taxpayer.

National Debt

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

223 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 1 May 2012 regarding analysis showing that compliance with the structural deficit target as set out in the Fiscal Compact Treaty would require an equilibrium debt to GDP ratio of, say 20 to 25% for nominal growth rates of 5% and 4% respectively in this case, his views on the analysis rather than the answer given in which he stated that he was aware of the analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/12]

What the analysis referred to by the Deputy shows is that on the basis of certain assumptions, including regarding the deficit in the public finances and nominal economic growth rates, the debt-to-GDP ratio could converge to a low level in the long-run. The analysis referred to by the Deputy is a technical, mathematical analysis. In it, it is assumed that nominal GDP grows at 4 per cent per annum and that the average deficit in the public finances is 1 per cent of GDP. On the basis of these assumptions and the application of a technical mathematical formula, it is possible to see how the debt-to-GDP ratio could converge to 25 per cent in the long-run. That said, it would also be possible to arrive at a very different long-run debt-to-GDP ratio using different assumptions. Compliance with the Stability Treaty does not require an equilibrium debt-to-GDP ratio of 20 to 25 per cent.

Tax Code

Simon Harris

Question:

224 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the reason a P45 has not been issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has ceased employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/12]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the employer in question is obliged to issue P45s to employees. In this case the non-issue of a P45 will be followed up by Kilkenny District, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Kilkenny.

Departmental Agencies

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

225 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the value of cash reserves and all other investments held by the National Treasury Management Agency and the National Pension Reserve Fund at the end of 2011 and at the end of March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/12]

I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency, as Manager of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), that the total value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Discretionary Portfolio at 31 December 2011 was €5.4 billion, including cash balances of €0.8 billion. The total value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Discretionary Portfolio at 31 March 2012 was €5.7 billion, including cash balances of €0.9 billion. It should be noted that the Fund has legally committed €1.2 billion to various fund investments, of which over €800 million has been committed to investment in Ireland.

I am also informed by the Agency that the NTMA held cash reserves and other investments on behalf of the State worth €17.4 billion on 31 December 2011 and €18.6 billion on 31 March 2012. These figures include cash held in the Exchequer Account at the Central Bank, cash held on deposit, Housing Financing Agency Guaranteed Notes, cash balances in the Dormant Accounts Fund and other Ministerial Funds.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Question:

226 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding VAT for small businesses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25228/12]

The annual turnover threshold for VAT registration depends on the nature of the business carried on. In general, there are two thresholds: the goods threshold, which is currently €75,000, and the services threshold, which is €37,500. Where 90 per cent or more of the turnover of a person or company consists of the supply of taxable goods, that person or company must register and account for VAT on sales if the total annual turnover of the business exceeds the goods threshold. I would point out that the goods threshold of €75,000 is third highest threshold in the EU with the majority of EU Member States having thresholds below €30,000. Some Member States do not operate any VAT registration threshold, requiring all businesses to register.

Registration thresholds reduce the administrative burden on both small businesses, often at the developmental stage, and on Revenue authorities. However, registration thresholds are not intended as a means of keeping small businesses permanently outside the VAT system. Therefore in setting registration thresholds levels, the objective is to strike an appropriate balance between the desirability of reducing the administrative burden on small businesses and the Revenue authorities and the need to avoid undermining tax compliance or causing competitive distortions relative to registered firms.

Public Service Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

227 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/12]

Information regarding the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired is detailed in the Appropriation Accounts. 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. During the period January 2012 to date, no retired public servant has been re-hired in my Department.

Tax Reliefs

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

228 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if tax reliefs are available for sportspersons upon retirement; the way in which these tax reliefs work; the sporting professions that are benefitting the most from these reliefs; and the total cost of these reliefs to the Exchequer. [25248/12]

Section 480A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for relief from income tax on retirement for certain income of certain sportspersons. The sportspersons who qualify are: athletes, badminton players, boxers, cricketers, cyclists, footballers, golfers, jockeys, motor racing drivers, rugby players, squash players, swimmers and tennis players. The earnings to which the relief applies are earnings from participation in the relevant sport such as prize money, performance fees etc., but not other earnings such as sponsorship fees, advertisement income or income from endorsements. The relief takes the form of a deduction from the sportsperson's participation earnings of an amount equal to 40 per cent of those earnings for any 10 tax years for which the sportsperson was resident in the State, starting with the tax year 1990/91.

The relief is given by way of repayment of tax and is to be claimed within four years from the end of the tax year in which the sportsperson ceases permanently to be engaged in that sport provided he or she is resident in the State in that year. The relief is withdrawn if the person subsequently recommences in that sport, though this does not prevent a further claim for the relief if and when the sportsperson finally retires at a later time.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief on retirement for qualifying sportspersons is set out in the following table for the tax years 2005 to 2009 inclusive. 2009 is the latest year for which the necessary detailed data is available.

Retirement relief for Qualifying Sportspersons

Year

Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m

2005

0.3

2006

0.2

2007

0.2

2008

0.2

2009

0.2

The information is not captured in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling a breakdown of the estimated cost of the relief by reference to sports code. Even if such a breakdown were available the obligation of the Revenue Commissioners to observe confidentiality in relation to the tax affairs of individual taxpayers or small groups of taxpayers would preclude them from providing it. In circumstances where a sportsperson has been an employee then he or she will be entitled to avail of the same reliefs as are available to all other employees on retirement in addition to the section 480A relief described earlier.

Tax Code

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

229 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the way the change to civil partnership legislation has affected cohabiting couples who are seeking to share tax credits when one is working and the other is not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25260/12]

The position is that changes included in Finance (No. 3) Act 2011 arising from the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 gave effect to specific provisions in relation to the taxation of civil partners under which they can elect to be jointly or separately assessed to tax or indeed to continue to be treated as single persons. It also allows for the transfer of tax credits between civil partners. The Finance (No. 3) Act 2011 also provided for a new scheme of tax relief for court ordered maintenance payments and asset transfers to a former financially dependent cohabitant, subsequent to the break-up of a cohabiting relationship. This also arose from the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010. However, apart from that, cohabitating couples are not recognised for the purposes of income tax law and they have no entitlement to transfer tax credits or tax bands between themselves. The civil partnership legislation and the subsequent tax legislation made no changes in this area.

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

230 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance if he has had any communication with the Department of Social Protection over the anomaly whereby people who are cohabiting are means tested for job seeker’s allowance but are not allowed share tax credits under the rules of the Revenue Commissioners; his plans to end this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25261/12]

The aim of the Department of Social Protection in means testing for job seeker's allowance individuals who are seeking employment is not the same as the Revenue Commissioners in administering tax credits which are available for offset against liability to income tax on earnings. The basis for the current tax treatment of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs. the Attorney General (1980), which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple, both of whom are working, to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income.

The Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the granting of tax credits based on the civil status of the claimant. A person who is single is entitled to a basic personal credit of €1,650 and this is doubled to €3,300 for a married couple or civil partners who are jointly assessed. Should the couple choose separate treatment or single assessment, each individual is entitled to a personal credit of €1,650. Married couples or civil partners can transfer tax credits and tax bands between the individuals, and this is of benefit where one of the individuals earns less that the 20% tax threshold of €32,800 or where one of the individuals has no income.

A cohabiting couple where both partners are working also get, in total, the same tax credits as a married couple or couple in a civil partnership (i.e. €3,300). However, they are treated as separate and unconnected individuals for the purpose of income tax and, accordingly, credits, tax bands and reliefs cannot be transferred from one partner to the other. The treatment of cohabiting couples for the purposes of social welfare is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. However, it is also based on the principle that married couples should not be treated less favourably than cohabiting couples. This was given a constitutional underpinning following the Supreme Court decision in Hyland v Minister for Social Welfare (1989) which ruled that it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.

Ministerial Staff

Gerry Adams

Question:

231 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25375/12]

In response to the Deputy's question costs for the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 are a matter for each Department. In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel under the new scheme, the total cost has been €133,246 for the period May 2011-to date in May 2012. This cost included mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers, travel and subsistence paid to the drivers and Employer PRSI contributions in respect of the two drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.

Departmental Staff

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

232 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the details of the academic qualifications and relevant training of the officials that were responsible for negotiating the Irish programme with the troika; their rank in the Civil Service; if any external consultants or advisors were employed for these negotiations; and the qualifications of same. [25397/12]

The troika negotiations are undertaken by a team of officials, led by the Secretaries General of the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform and the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. The negotiators are supported by a Programme Compliance Office in the Department of Finance as well as officials in my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Central Bank, NTMA and a range of other Government Departments and State agencies. In addition since the beginning of the negotiations with the Troika my officials have worked with a number of consultants, which, while not exclusively engaged to advise on the Irish Programme, contributed to the Irish authorities' negotiations with the troika. Consultancy firms in this category include Davy, Goldman Sachs, Lazard, McKinsey and Co., NM Rothchild and Sons Ltd, PWC, Barclays, Boston Consulting, Blackrock and Arthur Cox and Matheson Ormsby Prentice.

The following table outlines the Qualifications in my Department:

Qualification

Accountancy

Business

Economics

Law

Finance

Other*

Cert

7

4

7

3

9

73

Diploma and HDP

9

3

5

14

2

57

Degree

3

21

36

7

2

73

Masters

5

25

1

32

PHD

1

2

Professional

4

1

4

Misc

1

11

Total

24

33

74

25

14

252

Please Note: Some Officers carry more than 1 qualification and this table does not include individuals who are working in the Department on a pro bono basis.

*Includes but not limited to Degrees and Masters etc. in other disciplines; e.g Engineering, Sciences, Human Resources, Management, I.T. and Arts.

Banking Sector Credit Provision

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

233 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the level of lending to small and medium enterprises that was new loans and the level that were additional funding for 2011. [25428/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

234 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the level of lending to small and medium enterprises that was roll over or extensions to existing load facilities for 2011. [25429/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

235 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the level of lending to new small and medium enterprises in 2011. [25430/12]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

236 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the level of lending to existing small and medium enterprises in 2011. [25431/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 236, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, the banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion in the period 2011-2014. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20bn over this period. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks' deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013.

The Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. Both banks achieved their 2011 targets. The pillar banks are required to submit their lending plans to the Department and the Credit Review Office (CRO) at the beginning of each year, outlining how they intend to achieve their lending targets. The banks also meet with the Department and the CRO on a quarterly basis to discuss progress. The banks provide my Department and the CRO with monthly returns outlining their SME lending figures, broken down at a sectoral and regional level. The monthly management meetings with the pillar banks also provide a forum for the issue of SME lending to be raised by my Department.

Data provided by the Central Bank indicates that the drawdown of new lending by non-financial SMEs from credit institutions in Ireland was €3.1 billion in 2011. For the Deputy's information, the relevant statistics for credit made available to small business are accessible at: http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/cmab/Documents/ie Table A.14.1 Credit Advanced to Irish Resident Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.xls

In terms of the level of lending to small and medium enterprises that was roll over or extensions to existing loan facilities for 2011, the two pillar banks have provided me with the relevant data but as this material is commercially sensitive I cannot share it with the Deputy. Neither my Department nor the Central Bank has a breakdown of the level of lending between new and established SMEs in 2011.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Central Bank gathers and collates statistics on a wide range of Financial Services Sector activities on an on-going basis. As a general rule, my Department does not engage in a separate exercise to collect such statistics, but has access to and relies on statistics provided and published by the Central Bank.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Question:

237 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he has received representation on the illicit tobacco trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25433/12]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I receive representations on the illicit tobacco trade on an on-going basis. This Government together with the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco, regard the tackling of the illicit tobacco trade as a high priority area. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade is multifaceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.

The Revenue Commissioners have established a high level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax evasion and to oversee and optimise the detection of contraband and counterfeit tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco strategy, which is underpinned by annual action plans. This 3-year (2011-2013) strategy, which is published on Revenue's website www.revenue.ie, includes a number of programmes, which are designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for contraband tobacco in Ireland.

Financial Services Regulation

Clare Daly

Question:

238 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the number of occasions that his officials have been lobbied by entities registered in the Irish Financial Service Centre with respect to involvement in drafting these complex tax adjustment policies; the names of these lobbyists including Irish tax specialists; the special ruling or authorisations related to special purpose vehicle operation (details supplied) which have been developed following such discussions; and the estimated tax foregone as a result. [25501/12]

The Department of the Taoiseach, supported by the Department of Finance, has engaged with the international financial services industry in Ireland since the establishment of the IFSC in 1987 by providing a forum for the exchange of views and the co-ordination of effort through the mechanism of the IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG) and the related Working Groups. During this period, the IFSC has grown to employ 33,000 people and to contribute over €1 billion annually through corporation tax and payroll taxes. Last year the CHG prepared a Strategy for the International Financial Services Industry in Ireland 2011-2016 which is framed on the basis of an objective to create more than 10,000 net new jobs, to protect existing employment and business and to consolidate the sector as a key driver of the Irish economy over the next five years. This Strategy has been published and is available on both Departments’ websites.

The IFSC Clearing House Group (CHG) is a broadly based forum established to identify and consider issues of major concern to the continued and long-term development of the international financial services industry in Ireland. It considers issues such as the strategic development of new business opportunities, the progress of relevant legislation and it identifies, from time to time, the need for responsibility to be assigned for overseeing and reporting to the Government on any significant developments or initiatives for the international financial services industry in Ireland.

In the context of Budget and Finance Bill 2012, my Department considered submissions relating to IFSC tax issues from:

CHG Banking and Treasury Working Group — Tax Sub-Group,

CHG Banking and Treasury Working Group — International Asset Finance Sub-Group,

CHG Insurance Working Group — Fiscal and Accounting Sub-Group,

CHG Funds Working Group — Tax Sub-Group, and

Irish Banking Federation.

As the Deputy is aware, the recent Finance Bill contained a package of measures, designed to support the ambitious target of creating 10,000 jobs over the next five years as set out in the new strategy. In summary, the measures enhance the competitive position of the sector by:

reducing double taxation in the corporate treasury and aircraft leasing sectors,

providing clarity around the tax treatment of complex financial transactions in terms of stamp duty in particular,

addressing tax issues arising for investment funds due to the UCITS* IV Directive which was implemented on 1 July 2011, and

further easing the administrative burden in relation to non-resident investors in Irish investment funds.

None of the measures has a significant cost element and the majority are aimed at simplifying the tax treatment applying to complex financial transactions in order to make it easier to do business in Ireland. In relation specifically to the taxation of special purpose vehicles, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no special rulings or authorisations related to special purpose vehicles.

Section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that a special purpose vehicle may pay to holders of securities an amount corresponding to the amount of income it derives from the securitised assets. As the purpose of such vehicles is to transfer all the income and risk from securitised assets to the security-holders, payments to security-holders are fully deductible for tax purposes. The vehicle does not realise a profit and no tax liability arises. No additional tax would accrue to the State if payments to security-holders by the special purpose vehicles were not fully tax deductible, as the securitisation activity would not be located here in the first instance. *UCITS — Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities.

International Taxation Agreements

Clare Daly

Question:

239 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that Ireland currently is a party to 63 double tax treaties, he will explain the way and the reason a State approaches another to begin to establish a double taxation Treaty; and if he will further explain the process by which a double tax treaty with Bahrain, Belarus, Georgia, and Serbia became part of foreign and economic policy. [25502/12]

Ireland has currently 66 signed double tax treaties, of which 59 are in effect. The principal purposes of these treaties are, first, to avoid double taxation which would otherwise arise as a result of each of the signatory countries separately taxing the same income or gains without relief for the tax paid in the other country and, second, to assist in preventing tax evasion. In addition, treaties prohibit the imposition of discriminatory tax burdens on Irish citizens and companies by treaty partner countries, on one hand, and on their nationals by Ireland, on the other. Preventing double, or discriminatory, tax burdens is not only important in the case of countries that are already major trading partners but also in facilitating the growth of trade with countries and regions offering new markets for Irish business.

The negotiation and agreement of bilateral treaties requires the other country to have the capacity to conduct tax treaty negotiations; to be willing to pursue mutually beneficial outcomes; and, most important, to be agreeable to initiate negotiations in the first instance. Not all countries, including some with significant domestic markets, pursue an active expansion of their double tax treaty network. For a small open economy, an extensive treaty network is a vital part of the legal infrastructure facilitating external trade. Ireland seeks to progressively reduce the possibility of existing, and potential, trading partners doubly taxing, or discriminating against, Irish individuals or companies.

While proposals to revise existing treaties may be made by officials dealing directly with tax matters, the initial approach to propose a new treaty is typically made through diplomatic channels. An extensive double tax treaty network is important for countries that are competing for inward investment and encouraging the expansion of indigenous business beyond relatively small domestic markets — more treaties ensure more tax certainty for enterprises basing operations in Ireland or growing indigenous operations. In seeking to expand the overall treaty network, opportunities to strengthen coverage of specific regions are also pursued. For example, negotiations with 7 middle-eastern countries have been undertaken in recent years. The treaties mentioned in the Deputy's question were negotiated to address regional coverage in the context of the general expansion of the Ireland's treaty network which has been a key business objective for Revenue and my Department in recent years.

Clare Daly

Question:

240 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the Luxembourg based operations that avail of the provisions present in its double taxation Treaty with Ireland. [25503/12]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that taxpayer confidentiality considerations preclude the release of the names of companies or other persons availing of the provisions of any double taxation treaty.

Clare Daly

Question:

241 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that after entering into double tax treaties with other countries, the terms of the appropriate treaty can ensure that income in respect of underlying assets acquired by a special purpose vehicle can be paid to it without any withholding or other taxes, he will explain the way this procedure can provide a significant advantage for Ireland over the use of tax haven jurisdictions. [25504/12]

One of the principal purposes of a double tax treaty is to prevent the taxation of the same income in both the countries concerned — typically, as in the case of Ireland's double tax treaties, by the elimination or reduction of withholding taxes. Tax havens are excluded from tax treaty networks.

Mortgage Interest Rates

Terence Flanagan

Question:

242 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding mortgage rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25511/12]

It is not appropriate for me, as Minister for Finance, to comment on or become involved in the individual case of a borrower.

Fiscal Compact Treaty

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

243 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the basis on which the interest rate on any lending from the European Stability Mechanism will be calculated pursuant to Article 20 of the ESM Treaty; the reason the Treaty no longer contains explicit figures for the cost of funds, when these had been specified in the July 2011 version of the Treaty; if he sought at any stage to have a specified costs of funds inserted in the Treaty, in order to provide certainty on that matter should Ireland need to avail of the ESM; and if, notwithstanding his stated belief that Ireland will return to the markets for funding at the end of the current programme, his Department has made any estimate of the potential costs of funding under the ESM, by way of contingency planning. [25531/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

244 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the European Stability Mechanism and the interest rate it will charge on any lending, his views that the interest rate will be set in order to be an effective deterrent to members from borrowing from the ESM; if he will provide an outline of the expected financing costs of the ESM, as may have been supplied to him in the course of discussions in Europe on the establishment of the ESM; and if he will provide an outline of the expected operating costs of the ESM. [25532/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the original ESM Treaty signed on 11 July 2011 provided a predefined pricing structure for loans. Subsequently, the Euro Area Heads of State or Government (HOSG) agreed on 21 July 2011 in the context of the agreement on a new programme of support for Greece, to reduce the cost of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) to lending rates equivalent to those of the Balance of Payments facility close to, without going below, the EFSF funding cost and to lengthen the maturity of future EFSF loans to Greece. The HoSG also agreed that the EFSF lending rates and the maturities agreed upon for Greece would be applied to the EFSF loans for Ireland and Portugal.

On foot of the agreement of the HoSG on 21 July 2012 to lower interest rates and lengthen loan maturities for Greece, Portugal and Ireland and in the context of discussions on the pricing policy to apply to the ESM, it was agreed by Euro Area Member states that the ESM would allow for more flexibility in terms of pricing. In particular, the ESM Treaty, as signed on 2 February 2012, no longer includes an annex with predefined margins on its loans, and only stipulates that when granting stability support, the ESM shall aim to fully cover its financing and operating costs and shall include an appropriate margin.

The capital structure of the ESM was designed to ensure that it would receive the highest possible rating, thus ensuring the lowest possible cost of funding. It is not possible to say what the financing costs might be until the ESM goes to the market in due course and it will depend on market circumstances at that time. Similarly, it is not possible at this stage to say what the operating costs of the ESM will be for the purpose of calculating the pricing of loans to any country that may seek assistance.

In the ESM Treaty, article 5.6(f) provides that the Board of Governors shall decide, by mutual agreement, to the provision of stability support by the ESM, including the economic policy conditionality as stated in the memorandum of understanding referred to in article 13(3), and to establish the choice of instruments and the financial terms and conditions, in accordance with Articles 12 to 18 of the Treaty.

The interest rate to be charged is not intended to act as a deterrent. I do not believe that setting a deterrent interest rate would be in the interest of either a programme country or the broader Euro Area or the EU. Ireland's programme is on track — we are meeting all of our commitments. The question of Ireland accessing the ESM does not arise. Notwithstanding current uncertainty, it remains the case that we aim to return to the financial markets gradually, to ensure our successful emergence from the programme and on that basis the ESM is a helpful backstop.

Departmental Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

245 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25546/12]

The following table details the expenditure by my Department on consultancies in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Every effort is made to minimize costs in this area but, from time to time, certain specialist skills and expertise are required. Our ongoing contract with Arthur Cox is necessary because the unfolding financial issues of relevance to the stabilization and regulation of the Banking/Financial Services sector.

Year

Contractor

Payment €

2008

Hay Group Ireland, Lr. Mount Street, Dublin 2

114,344

2008

Petrus Consulting

4,114

2008

McCann Fitzgerald

63,024

2008

A&L Goodbody

182,008

2008

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

50,000

2008

Ernst and Young

193,901

2008

Arthur Cox

1,628,024

2009

Arthur Cox

4,173,689

2009

Mercer (Ireland) ltd

3,308

2009

Watson (Wyatt) ltd

7,290

2009

Hay Group Ireland ltd

4,860

2009

Life Strategies Ltd

32,805

2009

Hay Group Ireland

215,937

2010

PriceWaterhouse Coopers

118,580

2010

Arthur Cox and Company

4,804,884

2011

Arthur Cox and Company

1,373,060

2011

Charles Rivers Associates

60,500

2011

Aram International Partners LLC

121,000

2011

Mazars

52,454

2011

Niamh Hyland

24,657

2011

David Barniville

36,402

Mortgage Interest Relief

Michael McCarthy

Question:

246 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is eligible for mortgage interest relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25558/12]

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. On that basis I am advised by Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned is not currently receiving mortgage interest relief. If the person concerned has a secured loan, used to purchase, repair, develop or improve his principal private residence, then he may qualify for mortgage interest relief. The person must register for the relief so that Revenue Commissioners can, on the basis of the information he will be asked to provide, determine eligibility. To register, the person in question must complete and submit an application on-line at www.revenue.ie. Should he have any difficulty in completing the on-line application, he should contact the appropriate Revenue help line at 1890 46 36 26.

Late Payment of Taxes

Jim Daly

Question:

247 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the rate of interest charged by the Revenue Commissioners to business owners that are in arrears of payment of tax; his views on whether it is a fair rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25559/12]

The Finance Act 2009 provided for a reduction from 1 July 2009 of the rate of interest applied to late payment of tax. In the case of Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisition Tax, and Stamp Duty, the daily rate of interest was reduced from 0.0273% to 0.0219%, in effect an annual equivalent drop from 10 % to 8%. In the case of fiduciary taxes, e.g. VAT, PAYE/PRSI and Relevant Contracts Tax the daily rate was reduced from 0.0322 to 0.0274%, in effect an annual equivalent drop from 12% to 10%. The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for the timely collection and recovery of taxes and duties due to the Exchequer. Where businesses or individuals fail to meet their tax payment obligations on time, then they are liable to interest, as provided for in the Taxes Consolidation Act. Interest on late payment of tax operates not only as a compensation for the Exchequer for the late payment of monies due to it but also as an essential support for timely voluntary compliance by ensuring a level playing field between those who meet their obligations on time and those who pay late or who may attempt not to pay at all.

I am satisfied that the current regime as regards interest on late payment of taxes and duties, both the legislative basis and the administrative processes operated by Revenue, achieves the correct balance in supporting timely compliance and securing the revenues due to the Exchequer on a timely basis.

Departmental Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

248 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by the Revenue Commissioners in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of consultants engaged by Revenue Commissioners in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by the Revenue Commissioners in these years and for the future. [25561/12]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total amount of expenditure on consultancy in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the details requested are set out in the following tables. In accordance with "Guidelines on the Engagement of Consultants and other External Support" issued by the Department of Finance, consultant support is procured only where it is necessary and value for money is obtained.

The need for consultancy varies from time to time depending on business projects and priorities. As can be seen from the following tables Revenue's expenditure on consultancy is now at a significantly reduced level. It has decreased from €422,282 in 2008 down to €32,163 in 2011, which is very low especially when viewed against a total administrative expenditure in that year of €391.9m.

It must be acknowledged that the engagement of consultants is the appropriate approach for certain specialist activities or short term engagements. Nevertheless, Revenue seeks to identify administrative savings in this and other subheads, and only approves expenditure on consultancy on a business case basis:

Year

Count

Company

Reason

Cost

2008

1

Achilles Procurement

Legal Service Consultancy

€5,329

2

Alchemy Films

Technical Advice on Film Relief

€11,616

3

Arekibo Communications

Website Development and Design

€45,024

4

Arthur Nowlan

Valuations

€4,497

5

Ballycotton Marine Services

Maritime feasibility study/ Inspection of Cutter

€2,510

6

Bennis Design

Design Production

€23,821

7

Bull Inform. Systems Irl

IT related

€6,921

8

C. Moore and Associates

Independent evaluation of the Value for Money and Policy Review of IT External Resources Expenditure in 2006

€4,283

9

Catalysto Ltd

IT Design

€8,609

10

Costello Commercial

Valuations

€78,583

11

Cruickshank

Technical Advice

€2,370

12

Darlington Consulting

Ergonomic Assessment

€436

13

De Veeres

Valuations

€8,658

14

Dermot Geraghty

Technical Advice

€2,500

15

Dr Joseph Kiniry

R&D Tax Credit

€9,103

16

Geraldine Garland

Design work

€24,332

17

Gerard O Leary

Valuation

€21,589

18

Gerry McMahon

Tech Consultancy on tariff classification

€1,365

19

Hanna Moore Curley

Technical Advice

€5,717

20

Humphrey A Moynihan

Technical Advice on R&D Tax Credit

€2,043

21

James Adam

Valuations

€4,210

22

Mark Attabury

Technical Advice

€3,000

23

Market Research Bureau Ltd

Research Project

€24,845

24

McMahon and Williams

Legal Affidavits

€830

25

Ms Marie Armah Kwantreng

Typesetting and editing service

€5,000

26

Niamh Brodie

Valuations

€25,500

27

O Herlihy Access Consult.

Design

€450

28

Outsource Services Group

Technical Advice on Procurement

€4,236

29

Performance Partnership

Strategic Exercise for HR.

€28,701

30

Peter I Mitchell PhD

Radiation Protection Advisor

€12,000

31

Philip and Clare Perry

R&D technical evaluation

€2,250

32

Polaris HR Ltd

HR Consultancy

€2,763

33

Prof J.C. Dainty

Technical Advice on R&D Tax Credit

€4,312

34

Prof. Tim McGloughlin

R&D Tax Credit

€7,966

35

Professor Thomas Brazil

R&D Tax Credit

€3,000

36

Renaissance Servs Ltd

Business Continuity

€21,043

37

Whyte and Sons Auctioneers

Valuations

€1,500

38

Miscellaneous

A number of small HR related payments

€1,370

Total

€422,282

2009

1

Achilles Procurement Services

Legal Service Consultancy

€1,592

2

Ballycotton Marine Services

Maritime feasibility study/Inspection of cutter

€2,614

3

De Veres

Valuation of paintings

€2,430

4

FAS

Excellence through people assessment

€1,000

5

Hanna Moore Curley EU Patent and Trade Mark Attorney

Technical Patent Advice

€5,212

6

Peter I. Mitchell Phd, CPHYS

Radiation Consultancy Services

€11,920

7

Polaris (HR) Ltd

Professional HR Consultancy

€3,041

8

Vector Workplace and Facilities Management

Energy Review Project

€1,452

Total

€29,261

2010

1

Achilles Procurement Services

Procurement and Consultancy in relation to New State Warehouse

€5,142

2

Doran Cray Architectural Services

Refurbishment

€3,525

3

DZMG — Archives Consulting Services

Records management and recommendations

€8,712

4

Elevator Consulting Ltd

Consultancy / feasibility study

€871

5

Innovative Food Solutions

Technical advice

€545

6

James Adams

Valuation advice

€2,178

7

Philip Lee

Procurement and contract for the provision of security services

€2,100

8

Philip Lee

Contracts relating to ICT procurement

€15,447

9

Polaris HR Consultants

Advice — Employment law.

€21,980

10

Professor Sean Doyle

Consultancy / legislative

€3,003

11

Vector Workplace and Facilities Mgt Ltd.

Energy Review Project

€7,278

Total

€ 70,781

2011

1

Baker Ryan Tilly Glennon

Advice — Employment law

€6,993

2

Darlington Consulting

VDU Ergonomic Assessment

€229

3

Doran Cray Architectural Services

Refurbishment

€12,857

4

Driver Focus

Advice on development of safe driving for the work place

€10,690

5

Murray McCarter

Valuation Assistance

€300

6

Riverside Medical Centre

Medical Report

€150

7

Vector Workplace and Facilities Mgt Ltd.

Tender evaluation and development

€944

Total

€32,163

Credit Unions

Micheál Martin

Question:

249 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has met with the Irish League of Credit Unions recently; if he has discussed their latest income tracking research with any officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20010/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

254 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials have recently met with the Irish League of Credit Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21306/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 254 together.

I met with the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) on 15 December 2011 and attended and spoke at the ILCU AGM on 28 April 2012. I also met recently with the Commission on Credit Unions, including its ILCU members, following completion of the Commission's Final Report. In addition, my officials meet with ILCU regularly across a range of credit union issues including as part of the work of the Commission on Credit Unions, which met 29 times during its term.

While the research to which the Deputy refers was not a particular focus of my meetings with ILCU, officials in my Department are of course familiar with it. I am aware that the budgetary consolidation process is impacting on the standard of living of citizens across the country. However, the Government is seeking, insofar as is practically possible, to implement measures in a fair and equitable manner that will not unduly hamper the economic recovery that is underway.

General Government Debt

Micheál Martin

Question:

250 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has spoken to Mr Olli Rehn following his recent supportive comments on easing Ireland’s burden of debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19784/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

258 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent comments made by ECB Chief Mr Mario Draghi in relation to the promissory note.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22700/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 258 together.

As the Deputy is aware one has to read or listen very carefully to what emanates by way of statement from European Authorities. The general tone of such comments has followed the line that Ireland must honour commitments in relation to the repayment of debt. The Government is also committed to this principle. Commissioner Rehn and I both attend Ecofin meetings and this provides a regular opportunity to speak on the margins. Notwithstanding this, the Government is also committed to reviewing the arrangements that were put in place to capitalise IBRC. The purpose of this review is to determine if there is a way to reduce the overall cost to the State. Part of the capitalisation of IBRC was provided using promissory notes as consideration. The troika has agreed to engage in this process to produce a common paper which will consider all options for restructuring the notes in terms of the source of funding, the duration of the notes, the interest rate, etc.

While the development in relation to the end March Promissory Note payment is a positive development we must keep our eye on the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note and also the potential improvements for the banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions. Further it should be borne in mind that recent concerns in the Eurozone underpin the fact our problems are part of a wider European dilemma and to the need for solutions to address the Irish situation as part of an overall Eurozone/global solution.

It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments in relation to the Promissory Note repayment as an initial step to facilitate a project where, if we are successful, it will be in the medium term rather than immediately. These discussions will continue and the Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. The ongoing discussions may also explore options to re-finance the long term Government bond issued in settlement of the March 31 payment. We all want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.

Banking Sector Regulation

Micheál Martin

Question:

251 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has attended meetings recently at which banking regulation was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20012/12]

As Minister for Finance I have numerous meetings across all areas of my remit including the area of banking regulation. In that context the issue of banking regulation has arisen on a number of occasions at meetings with the Central Bank, financial institutions, at EU level including ECOFIN, as well as at a number of meetings with my own officials.

European Council

Micheál Martin

Question:

252 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he or his Department has received any requests regarding supporting any particular candidates for the position of chair of the eurogroup countries now held by PM Juncker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/12]

While there has been a lot of media speculation about a possible successor to Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the Eurogroup, no formal proposals have yet been tabled. Neither I nor my Department have been approached about supporting any potential candidate, and I will wait to see who the formal nominees will be before coming to any conclusion.

Fiscal Policy

Micheál Martin

Question:

253 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance when the fiscal advisory council met last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21528/12]

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council was established on a non-statutory basis in June 2011. Its mandate is to provide an assessment of, and to comment publicly on, whether the Government is meeting its own stated budgetary targets and objectives. The Council is also charged with assessing the appropriateness and soundness of the Government's fiscal stance and macroeconomic projections, as well as an assessment of the extent of compliance with the Government's fiscal rules.

The members of the five-person Council are:

Mr. Sebastian Barnes, OECD,

Professor Alan Barrett, TCD (on secondment from the ESRI),

Dr. Donal Donovan, University of Limerick (formerly IMF staff),

Professor John McHale, Head of Economics, NUI Galway and Chair of the Council, and

Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan, Associate Professor, Smith College, Massachusetts.

The Council currently operates on a non-statutory basis but is to be put on a statutory footing. Draft provisions to do this are contained in the General Scheme of a Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012 which has been published as an information document in the context of the Referendum on the Fiscal Stability Treaty. The Council is to be the institution required under the Fiscal Stability Treaty to monitor observance of the fiscal rules to be provided for in national legislation under the Treaty. The draft legislation provides that the Council will be fully independent in the performance of its functions and the operation of its own procedures. The same principles apply while it operates on a non-statutory basis pending the enactment of establishing legislation.

In relation to its current activities, I am informed by the Council that the Council last met on 26 April 2012.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 249.

European Banking Sector

Micheál Martin

Question:

255 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the IMF’s belief that European banks will shrink further as outlined in their global financial stability report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21307/12]

The Department is cognisant of developments impacting the European Banking sector, and in particular the level of leverage among European banks. I am also acutely aware of the dangers to economic growth which large scale deleveraging might give rise to. To this end we are working at a European level to mitigate the risks to growth from deleveraging of the European financial system and this consideration was reflected in the directions given to banks following the last EBA stress tests. From an Irish perspective, we recognise that deleveraging initiatives among European banks may have an impact on the availability of credit to the Irish Banking system. But I would point out that the Irish banking system began the deleveraging process some time before its European counterparts and this progress is evident in improved sentiment and funding conditions for our banks. The Covered Banks are ahead of their PLAR targets and the Department will continue to work constructively with each of the Covered Banks and the Central Bank to ensure that the pace of deleveraging is appropriate within the targets set out in the Financial Measures Programme and that sufficient credit is available to the system as a whole.

Market Volatility

Micheál Martin

Question:

256 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding the volatility in the markets following various political developments in Netherlands, France and Germany;if the fiscal treaty will improve matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21527/12]

Since the international financial crisis began we have seen periods of intense market volatility as well as periods of relative calm. In recent weeks, mainly on foot of political developments in a number of countries, we have seen increased uncertainty regarding the future direction of policy in the euro area and this is reflected in market developments. Clearly there are lots of moving parts at the moment and I believe that, while unfortunate, continued market volatility can be expected until some of the key issues are resolved. In this regard, developments at the Heads of State or Government level have an important role to play in terms of enhancing confidence and stability in the euro area and the preparatory meeting of Heads tomorrow and the formal European Council meeting in June will be key.

I would also point out that a number of important institutional reforms and policy measures are being implemented in order to address the situation, including the so-called six-pack of legislative reforms and the five-point strategy agreed by euro area Heads of State or Government last October. In this context, the Treaty on Stability, Co-ordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union also has a positive role to play by inter alia creating certainty and stability.

EU-IMF Programme

Micheál Martin

Question:

257 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials met with the troika when it visited Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21310/12]

My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Brendan Howlin T.D., and I met with the EU-IMF delegation during the recent quarterly review of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. These meetings were also attended by senior officials from both Departments.

A wide range of topics was covered at these meetings, including financial reforms, structural reforms, economic developments and the progress of the Programme.

In addition, the nature of the review mission is that it involves a large number of technical meetings which were also attended by officials from my department and when appropriate from other departments, the Central Bank and the NTMA.

I would also point out that contacts at official level between the Irish authorities and the EU, the ECB and the IMF concerning the support programme continue between review missions.

Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 250.

Banking Sector

Micheál Martin

Question:

259 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the meetings he has had with representatives from the banking sector recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23753/12]

I have had the following meetings with representatives of the banking sector since the start of this year:

Table

Date

16 Jan

Barclays

18 Jan

Commerzbank

26 Jan

Institute of International Finance

2 Feb

UBS

2 Mar

Central Bank of Ireland

6 Mar

Danske/NIB

5 Apr

BOI

5 Apr

IBRC

19 Apr

Ulster/RBS

16 May

Irish Bankers Federation

17 May

Institute of International Finance

In normal course I would also have informally met with other bank representatives, at investor briefings both here and abroad. Officials from my Department meet with representatives of the various banks on a regular ongoing basis.

Tax Code

Denis Naughten

Question:

260 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) is liable for stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/12]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that if the transfer of ownership of the property referred to in the question is pursuant to a divorce settlement, no Stamp Duty would apply under the provisions of Section 97 Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. However, if the transfer is not pursuant to a divorce settlement, Stamp Duty is chargeable under Section 41 Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999.

In this regard I am advised that the normal practice of the Revenue Commissioners in such cases is to charge duty on the greater of:

(1) the equity of redemption of the share passing (i.e. the market value less the value of the outstanding mortgage divided by two (for example, where a 50% share is passing) or

(2) the value of the mortgage debt being assumed, plus any cash consideration.

In practice, where a dwelling house is in negative equity, the Revenue Commissioners will limit the charge to the value of the interest passing.

Banks Recapitalisation

Gerry Adams

Question:

261 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with other European leaders in relation to the issue of the Anglo Irish Bank promissory note since 31 March. [21606/12]

I had an arranged call with Commissioner Rehn on 16 April 2012.

The Deputy will appreciate that much of the discussions, at this point, are on an informal basis. As soon as the technical discussions are concluded a more formal and structured approach will be adopted to ensure political support. Commissioner Rehn and I both attend Ecofin meetings and this provides a regular opportunity to speak on the margins.

FÁS Training Programmes

Brendan Griffin

Question:

262 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a FÁS training allowance will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25404/12]

I understand that the person in question started on a full-time FÁS training course in the Tralee Training Centre on Monday, 14th May. When she was registered for the course I am informed that she was not in receipt of a Social Protection payment and, as such, is not eligible for a FÁS training allowance. The eligibility for a Social Protection payment for the person in question would be the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection. The person in question would, therefore, need to get in contact with their local DSP Office to establish any entitlement they may have to a payment from that Department.

Schools Amalgamation

Dara Calleary

Question:

263 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any correspondence with a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to amalgamation; and the number of teachers available to the school in September 2012. [24874/12]

Dara Calleary

Question:

264 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any correspondence with a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to amalgamation; and if he will outline the number of teachers available to the school in September 2012. [24875/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.

I understand that the schools referred to by the Deputy have made enquiries with my Department regarding the amalgamation process.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.

As part of the Budget decisions announced, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers.

The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and by the school patron and not by my Department.

This Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a 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 for these difficult and challenging times. The 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.

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.

School Enrolments

Dara Calleary

Question:

265 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any supports in place to assist boards of management in identifying and subsequently recruiting new students for a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/12]

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a board of management may deem it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular age group or to children living in a particular area or on the basis of some other criterion. Some schools use parish or other boundaries for this purpose.

The selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based is matter for the individual school authority. In formulating an enrolment policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful and applied fairly to all applicants.

The Deputy will be aware that last June, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent.

I have made it clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices.

I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October last and my officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.

I intend to bring legislative proposals to Government this year, the primary aim of which will be to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that every child has a place at school.

Schools Amalgamation

Dara Calleary

Question:

266 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any financial incentives and so on for capitation grants and teacher support given towards the amalgamation of schools. [24877/12]

My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools within the free education scheme. As the Deputy is aware these grants are calculated on a per pupil basis with minimums and maximums applying to certain grants.

Capitation for amalgamated schools is calculated on the same basis as any other recognised primary school. Where schools are amalgamating there is provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in certain cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers serving in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment on the basis of the staffing schedule. The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dara Calleary

Question:

267 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assure primary schools that the current student/teacher ratio will remain a constant of any set period of time, in view of the fact that this information will be a determining factor in small rural schools deciding if it is advisable to amalgamate with neighbouring small schools. [24878/12]

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 relevant appointment and retention figures for mainstream staffing for the coming school year have been published on the Department's website in Primary Circular 0007/2012.

There is no increase in the staffing schedule general average of 28:1 for the allocation of classroom teachers at primary level. However, there is a phased increase in the pupil threshold for the allocation of classroom teachers in small primary schools. As part of the Budget decisions announced, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers.

The primary staffing circular also sets out the thresholds that will be required for those schools up to the 2014-15 school year. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and by the school patron and not by my Department. This Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a 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 for these difficult and challenging times.

School Accommodation

Michael McCarthy

Question:

268 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on the next stage of the prefab replacement programme regarding schools that were originally approved under the scheme and subsequently applied to have further facilities included in it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24879/12]

As the Deputy is aware I recently allocated €35 million to allow almost 200 schools with rented prefab accommodation an opportunity to replace their rented prefabs with permanent accommodation.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 140 schools have now been approved and full details of these schools are available on my Department's website. Assessment of the remaining applications is ongoing and schools concerned will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

Michael McCarthy

Question:

269 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give provide an update on a school (details supplied) in County Cork under the prefab replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24880/12]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers, has requested capital funding to also replace an additional prefab unit with permanent accommodation under the Prefab Replacement scheme. This further application is being assessed and my Department expects to convey a decision on this application to the school authority shortly.

School Staffing

Terence Flanagan

Question:

270 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the policy in relation to gaelscoileanna; and if so, the policy changes that this might include; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24884/12]

The standardisation of the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools generally was one of a number of measures introduced in Budget 2011 by the previous government to control and reduce teacher numbers. These changes came into effect from September 2011. Given the financial constraints in which this country now finds itself, it is not possible to reverse these changes. My announcement in June 2011 outlined new arrangements for the establishment of new primary schools. The key elements that apply to the establishment of a new primary school are the demographics of the area must support the need for the establishment of a new school (or where meeting the demographics through the extension of existing schools would leave an unmet demand for diversity of patronage) and if the demographics require the establishment of a school, then the process for the selection of the type of school should allow for different patrons/bodies to be considered as the patron of the new school. Details of the new arrangements for patronage of new schools and the criteria for deciding on patronage of these new schools are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.

Pat Breen

Question:

271 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24905/12]

The Department issued Circular 0012/2012 in March, 2012 which is available on the website, setting out the arrangements for access to the redeployment panels for the 2012/13 school year for eligible registered primary teachers in fixed term, substitute and part-time positions. The closing date for receipt of applications for access to the redeployment panels was 20 April, 2012. My Department is aware of the correspondence from the person referred to by the Deputy and will be responding to this shortly.

State Examinations

Pat Breen

Question:

272 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/12]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Disadvantaged Status

Simon Harris

Question:

273 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the rationale behind the decision to withdraw a concessionary post from a DEIS school (details supplied); if he will revisit the decision in view of the disadvantaged nature of the area, the severe disruption the loss of a teacher would have to the structure of classes in the school, the school’s steadily growing enrolment, which has doubled since 2005, and the reasonable expectation that the school would meet the criteria for an additional teacher for the 2013/14 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24924/12]

As a result of Budget 2012, the school to which the Deputy refers is among 16 out of a total of 328 Rural DEIS schools who will lose 1 teaching post retained under previous disadvantage programmes prior to the introduction of the DEIS Initiative in 2005.

These posts were retained in these schools in addition to classroom teacher posts and other supports that are allocated to all DEIS schools. The retention of these posts, in some DEIS schools created a degree of inequity in the system and that is one of the reasons they were considered for withdrawal. DEIS Rural Primary schools were not within the scope of the Report on the net impact of Budget 2012 on DEIS urban schools. Accordingly, the decision I have made in relation to these schools is final and will not be revisited.

The staffing arrangements for the 2012/13 school year are set out in Primary Circular 0007/2012 which is available on my Department's website. The allocation process also includes an appeals mechanism under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The appeal procedures are set out in the circular referred to above. The closing date for submission of appeals for the April meeting of the Staffing Appeals Board was 23 March, 2012. I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers submitted an appeal but the appeal was refused. The school was notified directly by the Staffing Appeals Board.

The decision of the Appeals Board which operates independently of my Department is final.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

274 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24934/12]

My Department has participated in various internship programmes such as the FÁS Work Placement Programme, Jobbridge — the National Internship Programme run by FÁS and the Willing Able and Mentoring programme run by the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability. The Department recently completed a FÁS Work Placement and currently have three individuals working under the Jobbridge Programme. My Department has recently advertised for two further placements under Jobbridge and one under WAM which I expect will commence shortly. My Department are also currently finalising plans to provide graduate training placements in association with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI). Under the proposal the RIAI will advertise for, interview, recruit and employ a minimum of two Graduates to be placed with my Department in any one year period on a three year training programme. The programme will give participants the necessary training and work experience on school building projects, through the design and construction phases, to enable them to complete their professional practice examinations.

School Patronage

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

275 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects a decision to be taken on the patronage of the new secondary school in Ashbourne, County Meath, to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24973/12]

The assessment of the applications received for patronage of the new 2nd level schools concerned is ongoing. It is expected that a report will be ready shortly for consideration by the New Schools Establishment Group, who will in turn make recommendations to me for consideration and final decision.

Schools Building Projects

Finian McGrath

Question:

276 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the necessary funding for the construction of an extension to a college (details supplied) in County Galway. [25008/12]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning and the Stage 2(b) submission (Detailed Design) was approved by the Departments Planning and Building Unit on 30th November 2011. The project was not included in the 2012 construction programme announced in December 2011.

For purposes of the 5 Year Plan announced in March 2012, 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. In that regard, the current status of projects already in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, was also considered. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.

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 the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction stage at this time.

School Staffing

Brian Stanley

Question:

277 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that there will be no reduction in teaching posts in schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 and 12 which are being imposed on the school post the review into the loss of 235 pre-DEIS legacy posts that were announced in Budget 2012. [25024/12]

Following the Report on the net impact of Budget 2012 on DEIS urban schools, 140 will now retain the number of legacy posts required by them to implement more favourable pupil teacher ratios under previous disadvantage schemes for the 2012/13 school year. Six schools in the areas mentioned by the Deputy are included in this category.

As the Deputy may be aware, a range of factors contribute to determining the staffing requirement for individual schools including changes to enrolment and the reforms to the teacher allocation process for 2012/13. As the teaching allocation to schools, including legacy posts, is enrolment based, this determines whether schools gain or lose teaching posts from year to year.

Brendan Smith

Question:

278 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers that were rehired in his Department; the details of their contracts including pay and length of contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25043/12]

A circular governing recruitment of teachers was issued last May. This circular sets out to ensure, as far as possible, that people appointed to teach are registered teachers with qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which they are employed and that unemployed teachers are offered employment in preference to those who have retired.

The data in my Department in respect of secondary and community/comprehensive schools indicate that two hundred and fifty four teachers who retired in February have been re-employed since the 1st March. The data also indicates that sixty seven primary teachers who retired in that period have been re-employed. The data in relation to teachers employed by VECs is not readily available.

I have asked my Department to examine the cases where retired teachers are undertaking regular employment to ensure that the terms of Circular 31/2011 in relation to the employment of qualified and unemployed teachers is being adhered to.

The details of the duration of the contracts are not available in my Department.

Brendan Smith

Question:

279 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts he has made to hire young unemployed teaching graduates before rehiring retired public servants this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25044/12]

Circular 31/2011 details a cascade of measures for recruitment of teachers, prioritising unemployed registered teachers over retired registered teachers and registered teachers over unregistered persons.

Each principal must report to his or her board of management on a regular basis on the fact that a list of unemployed registered teachers is being maintained, and the circumstances in which he or she has had to engage a registered teacher in receipt of a pension under a public service pension scheme or an unregistered person.

Records relating to recruitment and appointment must be made available by the school for inspection by the Department and a copy of such a record must be furnished to the Department upon a request being made for this. The Department has recently carried out a review of compliance with the procedures outlined in Circular 31/2011.

Following a random sample of 103 schools, data has been collated in respect of 99 schools. In these 99 schools a total of 736 appointments were made in 2011/12. 12 retired teachers were appointed to cover short-term appointments which equates to 1.6% of the appointments made.

A further 5 appointments of retired teachers were made in accordance with the Department's measure to permit the re-employment of teachers who retired between 1 December 2011 and 29 February 2012 and who, immediately before their retirement, had been teaching students preparing to sit the Junior or Leaving Certificate in 2012. This once-off alleviation measure was permitted in recognition of the additional pressure of students facing State examinations, and the concerns of teachers who wished to ensure continuity of support for these children.

Languages Programme

Micheál Martin

Question:

280 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is true that a new commissioned research paper for the NCCA on a new common integrated language curriculum for primary schools has found that the modern languages in primary schools initiative was in fact a model of best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25051/12]

Micheál Martin

Question:

281 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he now accepts that the 2008 NCCA report called the Modern Language in the Primary School Curriculum Feasibility and Futures November 2008 did not in fact recommend ending the MLPSI and that the NCCA in fact supports the MLPSI and believes it should be continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25052/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.

As the Deputy is aware a 2008 Report by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) identified serious issues with curricular overload at primary level. The NCCA's advice recommended that, for the present, modern languages should not be part of the Primary School Curriculum as an additional and separate subject. The primary curriculum is currently being reviewed by the NCCA in the context of "Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life", the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The NCCA has commissioned a number of reports to support the development of the new primary language curriculum. These reports are due to be published on May 29 and their content will guide the work of the NCCA in this area.

This Government does not plan to review the decision to end the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative.

Teaching Qualifications

Timmy Dooley

Question:

282 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons teaching experience abroad is not recognised here which would allow teachers to be included on the supplementary panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/12]

The eligibility terms for access to the supplementary panel are based on a teacher's service in the primary school system in a fixed term, substitute and part-time capacity. There are no plans to expand these arrangements to include teaching experience in schools outside of Ireland. The detailed arrangements are set out in my Department's Circular 0012/2012 which is available on my Department's website.

Grant Payments

Michael McCarthy

Question:

283 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he ensures that the remote area boarding grant, when not paid to a boarding school but to a household providing digs accommodation, is spent effectively and procures adequate living arrangements for the pupils concerned; the process in place to ensure that certain minimum standards apply when pupils are going into such accommodation; his views that the administration of the grant is appropriately regulated and supervised in terms of vetting and ensuring the household is kept to a certain standard; if such households’ pupils are subjected to checks and inspections by his Department in the same manner as foster homes or Irish summer college accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25099/12]

The grant referred to by the Deputy is not paid by my Department directly to a person providing accommodation. Rather it is paid to the parents of the qualifying child. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the accommodation which they secure for their child is of an acceptable standard.

My Department has no role in relation to setting down minimum standards for accommodation, vetting or the conduct of inspections of the type referred to by the Deputy.

Departmental Bodies

Patrick Nulty

Question:

284 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the SOLAS authority will be established; if he will confirm the projected budget for SOLAS to be spent by his Department this year; if he will confirm if moneys have been transferred to his Department’s budget from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation budget to cover SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25105/12]

Following the Government Decision to create SOLAS, an Implementation Group was set up to establish SOLAS. I am chairing this Group and its membership includes representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS, the Irish Vocational Education Association and the Department of Social Protection. The Group has been meeting regularly to drive the process forward. The Heads of a Bill for the establishment of SOLAS have been approved by Government and have recently been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting purposes.

Given the complex elements involved, and subject to enacting appropriate legislation, it is envisaged that the process of establishing SOLAS will be completed by the end of 2012. Funding was transferred to the Department of Education and Skills from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in 2010 at the time of the transfer of responsibility for FÁS to this Department. Funding for SOLAS will be dealt with as part of the establishment process of the agency, in line with public financial procedures, including the annual Estimates process.

State Examinations

Ciara Conway

Question:

285 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the changes to the procedures whereby a student can obtain exemptions when sitting their leaving certificate or junior certificate exams; the way a person might challenge a decision issued by the appeals committee if they are dissatisfied with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25108/12]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme is available for downloading from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

I wish to inform the Deputy that in all cases where a school/parent or student is dissatisfied with any aspect of the SEC's decision in relation to an application for reasonable accommodations, they have access to an Independent Appeals Committee. All members of the Appeals Committee are drawn from outside the SEC. The remit of the Appeals Committee covers appeals against all elements of a decision taken by the SEC. All appeals are considered in light of the published principles.

Special Educational Needs

Brian Stanley

Question:

286 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as part of the initiative education programme for children with autism which is taking place in July that some principals will not be receiving payment for this work because it is regarded as a new post of responsibility and if he will ensure that this situation is reversed immediately. [25133/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

287 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a programme in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [25137/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

293 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale behind the recent circular from the his Department advising that school principals and school staff who act as overseers for the July school based programme will not be paid for extra work unless they were already in receipt of payment before 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25448/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 287 and 293 together.

The July Education Programme (July provision) allows schools to open for the month of July, to accommodate pupils with severe and profound educational needs, and children with autism. This is in response to concerns that children with autism and severe educational needs can regress over the summer due to the loss of structured learning during the summer months.

In order to facilitate the July Education Programme, four payments are payable to school staff:

1. a Preparation allowance (generally paid to Principals),

2. an Overseer allowance (generally paid to Principals),

3. an allowance payment to Special Needs Assistants for work on delivery of the programme,

4. a payment to teachers for delivering the programme.

While the payment to teachers is being fully maintained, the Preparation and Overseer allowances and the allowance payment to SNAs, fall within the terms of the public service wide review of allowances currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Given the exceptional circumstances of these allowances, and the potential disruption to planning and delivery of services in the near future, I can advise that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has provided sanction for these allowances to be paid to principals and SNAs for this year. A revised circular will issue from my Department in the coming days to this effect.

If schools decide not to offer July provision, my Department will make home tuition allowances available to the parents of children who would qualify to participate in July provision. This will allow the parents to hire a tutor for 10 hours per week to ensure that the children involved remain in structured education during the month of July.

I am committed to continuing to support the educational needs of all children, and sincerely hope that most schools who have evidence of local demand will continue to offer July provision as a way of supporting those children and their parents.

Schools Building Projects

Noel Grealish

Question:

288 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a college (details supplied) was not included on the schools capital projects list, in view of the fact that a new school was sanctioned in 2001, it was proceeded through all planning stages and €350,000 has been spent on design and planning stages by his Department to date; if the capital projects list will be amended to include this college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25147/12]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning and the Stage 2(b) submission (Detailed Design) was approved by the Departments Planning and Building Unit on 30th November 2011. The project was not included in the 2012 construction programme announced in December 2011.

For purposes of the 5 Year Plan announced in March 2012, 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. In that regard, the current status of projects already in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, was also considered. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.

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 the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction stage at this time.

Higher Education Grants

Noel Grealish

Question:

289 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider changing third level maintenance guidelines to allow persons to pursue a second course of study at the same level as a previous course of study if they have been out of work and unable to secure employment in their original field for a set period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25148/12]

To satisfy the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. Given the level of demand on the student grant budget from first-time students and students that are progressing with their studies to a higher level, there are no plans at present to change the arrangements currently in place. However, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners. Targeted initiatives such as the ICT Skills Conversion programmes and Springboard provide fully-funded higher education places for unemployed people. Under these initiatives, eligible participants have the opportunity to upskill or to re-skill at the same level of qualification they already hold into areas where there are identified employment opportunities. While participation on a Springboard or ICT Conversion course does not create any entitlement to receive an income support payment from the Department of Social Protection, participants who are in receipt of such payments may be able to retain them subject to continuing to meet the eligibility conditions. On 21 May an additional 6,000 new places were launched under Springboard 2012. Full details on these courses are available on the website www.springboardcourses.ie. Participants can also apply for courses online at this website.

Michael McCarthy

Question:

290 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns held by existing mature students who have experienced a cut in their adjacent rate maintenance grant; if there are any supports available which will offset the impact of the cut on PhD students in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/12]

The Deputy is referring to the change in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant which was introduced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green party Government under Budget 2011.

The economic circumstances of the country are such that I regret that I am not in a position to reverse or vary any of the changes to the student grant scheme in relation to the qualifying distance from college.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

291 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25242/12]

The information requested is not readily available and it would require a considerable commitment of time and staffing resources to compile such a listing.

I do, however, have information to hand in relation to the number of retired members of my Department's staff that were re-hired in 2011 and during the first quarter of 2012. In all 15 retired staff were re-hired in 2011 and 4 were rehired during the first quarter of 2012. Retired members of staff are re-engaged from time to time on a short-term basis to carry out certain tasks that require their particular experience and expertise. Such engagements are subject to the abatement principle whereby the fees payable are set at a level that ensures that the individuals' pension plus fees do not exceed the salary level of their positions prior to retirement. The persons in question all retired prior to 2010 and therefore did not benefit from the transitional arrangements that operated up to 29 February 2012 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

292 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25373/12]

The cost for the provision of ministerial transport at my Department in 2011 was €57,248.77. In 2012 the cost to date is €36,919.50 and includes the salaries of the two civilian drivers plus the employer's P.R.S.I. contribution together with relevant subsistence expenses claimed by the Drivers. My Department does not have the financial information required by the Deputy in relation to the former practice of providing Cabinet Ministers with a State car and Garda drivers as this system was administered by the Department of Justice. However, I am aware that my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in response to a parliamentary question on the 28th, February 2012 stated that the new procedures in relation to Ministerial transport introduced by this Government will yield an estimated annual saving of the order of €4 million.

Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 286.

Post-Leaving Certificate Courses

Finian McGrath

Question:

294 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a landscaping course (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [25451/12]

The college referred to by the Deputy is managed by City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee (CDVEC) and delivers landscaping courses as part of the full-time Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme and part-time under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) programme. I understand from CDVEC that the college has not been made aware of any issues with any of these courses. The group of students referred to by the Deputy can and should, in the first instance, raise any concerns they have with the Principal of the college.

School Transport

Michael Lowry

Question:

295 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurances that in the post primary school transport scheme for the academic year of 2012/2013, the eligibility requirement that a child must attend the nearest school having regard to ethos and language, due regard will be had for the wishes of parents who would prefer that their children be educated in a non-denominational school even if this school is further from an ethos-based school; if this will be the case if the children are actually classified as being of the religion of the closer, ethos based school; if such children will have an automatic entitlement to school transport and are not concessionary students; if such students who hold medical cards will have the charges waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25471/12]

Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

In relation to school transport provision, ethos relates to religious ethos and is in the context of provision for minority religions.

New applications for school transport, for the 2012/13 school year, will be assessed taking into account the designation of the individual school to which transport is sought. Pupils who are considered eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme are exempt from the annual charge if they hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme).

Schools Refurbishment

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the exclusion of a new building extension at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan in the most recent school building programme; if he will reverse this decision with immediate effect; the date on which construction will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25489/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

301 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that conditions at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan have been reported as not satisfactory in a whole school evaluation carried out by his Department in 2008 and that conditions at the school have been unacceptable for years preceding that assessment and that the situation has continued to deteriorate over the years since; if he will ensure the school is restored to the list of approved school extensions with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25570/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 301 together.

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on the Stage 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design).

To ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of projects to meet the increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the next 5 years, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most future demographic growth will be concentrated.

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy will continue to progress through the design stages of architectural planning within the context of available funding. However, due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress the project to tender and construction stage.

Higher Education Grants

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

297 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is attending a course labelled as full-time in DIT; if he believes it is unfair that someone is obliged to pay full-time fees even though the course is deemed part time by his Department and the vocational education committee. [25510/12]

The student referred to by the Deputy recently had their appeal considered by the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.

In order to be considered for a grant a student is required, under Section 8(1)(b) of the Student Support Act 2011, to be in attendance on a full-time basis. The course referred to by the Deputy does not require a student to devote their whole working time to their academic studies and, therefore, does not meet the requirements of an approved course as provided for in the Act.

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the criteria governing the level of tuition fees to be charged, in cases where undergraduate students do not qualify for free fees and in the case of part-time study, are determined by the institutions and accordingly I have no role in the matter.

The Finance Act provides for the introduction of tax relief for undergraduate and postgraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU Member States as well as in private colleges in this State. This relief, which applies at the standard rate of tax, is available to full time and part time students and includes distance education courses offered by publicly funded colleges in other EU Member States. Further details on claiming this relief are available from local tax offices or on Revenue's internet site at www.revenue.ie.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Sean Fleming

Question:

298 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be allowed retain its four teachers in view of the number of pupils in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25535/12]

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. As part of the new staffing arrangements my Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small primary schools that are losing a classroom post as a result of the budget measure. Such schools will not lose their classroom post if they are projecting increased enrolments in September 2012 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term.

The school submitted an appeal to the Staffing Appeals Board. All appeals submitted to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board were considered in accordance with the published appeals criteria that is set out in my Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012. This was done at its meeting on 18th and 19th April. The appeal by the school was unsuccessful on the basis that the school did not meet the published appeal criteria. However, the Appeal Board will review this decision in September if the school's actual enrolment in September 2012 increases to the required level. The Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

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.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

299 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25544/12]

The information requested is outlined on the table. In 2008 my Department established a process to centrally monitor proposals to engage external consultants. As a result of this process consultancy expenditure since 2008 has been kept to a minimum. My Department continues to monitor proposals to engage external consultants with a view to keeping expenditure in this area as low as possible.

Year 2008

Consultant Experts and Advisors

Purpose

Total Cost €

Howarth Consulting

ESOL project — dev. Of English language policy for immigrants

35,884

Bearing Point; Deloitte and Touche

Learner Database and Review of IT Unit

56,000

OLM

Development of a Design Safety Management System

3,630

John McGinty; Patrick Dowling; Pat Ryan

Review of Co-operation Hours Scheme

49,000

Prof. Iseult McCarthy and Sean McCann

Review Criteria for Award of Hons Degree Allowance-Specialist Tchrs

17,950

Centre for Cross Border Studies

Report on southern postgrad. students attending NI HEIs

6,030

Eco Unesco

Strategy in relation to Education for Sustainable Development

23,305

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of Guidance Questionnaire for Senior Cycle Students

4,970

Arthur O’Hagan Solicitors

Fees for legal advice in relation to Inquiry under s. 105 VE Act 1930

5,657

Russel Brennan Keane

Audits of ERDF claims for EU Commission

11,525

Dr. Claire Hayes

Appeal Committee — section 15 of Education (Welfare) Act 2000

811

Pauline Gildea

Review of North/South educational exchanges and mechanisms

5,460

St. Patrick’s, Drumcondra

Evaluation of pilot Quality Standards Framework Initiative

29,290

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of qualifications of workers in childcare sector

26,499

Education Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick’s Durmcondra

Review of Adult Ed. literacy assessment tools

15,000

ESRI Ireland

Dev. of a Geographical Information System for school planning

58,500

John McBratney Solicitors

Independent legal opinion on alleged abuse case

105,517

Integrated Risk Solutions

Development of a risk assessment tool for schools

26,233

Colgan and Associates

Research services re set up of Special Ed. Appeals Board

40,005

Roy McConkey

Evaluation of pilot project at St. Vincent’s, Navan Rd.

6,400

Gartner ; Butler

IT research and advice

65,334

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Evaluation of Schools Broadband Access Programme

74,363

ESRI Ireland

Mapping of schools using geocoordinates

5,372

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Advice re evaluation and contract for schools broadband procurement

60,561

2008 Total:

733,296

Year 2009

Consultant Experts and Advisors

Purpose

Total Cost €

Norcontel

Schools Broadband Access Programme — Technical, Commercial and Financial Advisor for the Advisor for the Evaluation and Contract Phases of the Procurement of Broadband Internet Connectivity for Schools

33,959

FGS

Review of overhead/indirect costs re work carried out by Bus Eireann on behalf of DES for the administration of the school transport scheme

67,677

Centre for Cross Border Studies

2009 annual review re courses in Northern Ireland

2,430

Gillian Boyd

To evaluate the provision of a post-graduate Diploma in SEN (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) in St Angela’s College, Sligo

5,000

Russell Brendan Keane

European Regional development fund-Look Back Exercise

3,742

Gartner

Provision of ICT Research, advice, guidance and related services to the IT Unit

51,030

2009 Total:

163,838

Year 2010

Consultant Experts and Advisors

Purpose

Total Cost €

Centre for Cross Border Studies

2010 annual review of Post grad courses in Northern Ireland

2,420

Gartner

Subscription for provision of ICT research, advice, guidance and related services to the IT Unit

37,026

Ina McGrath

Ergonomic workstation assessment and report

300

Indecon

Mid term review of the Lifelong Learning Programme and prepare a report for Department of Education and Skills for onward transmission to the European Commission

59,284

Deloitte

Declaration of Assurance 2009 Audit — to review procedures and workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme and to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance from DOES to the EU Commission

16,299

Mazars

Review procedures and workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme and to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance from the Department of Education and Skills to the EU Commission

4,795

Public Authority Pension Services

Expertise relating to the model public service pension scheme to assist in the establishment of a pension scheme for the NCTE

5,324

2010 Total:

125,448

Year 2011

Consultant Experts and Advisors

Purpose

Total Cost €

Centre for Cross Border Studies

2011 annual review of Post grad courses in Northern Ireland

2,420.00

Independent panel consisting of 3 people appointed by Secretary General to review the expressions of interest and advise the Minister on designation only 2 for payment Jim Duffy and Pat McLoughlin

The Independent panel shortlisted a number of proposals, made recommendations to the Minister on the preferred proposal for designation of a single awarding authority and made recommendations it considers necessary in relation to modification or development of the preferred proposal for implementation purposes

1,927.86

Gartner

Subscription for provision of ICT research, advice, guidance and related services to the IT Unit 1/10/2011-30/09/2012

35,150.49

Sr. Eileen Randles

External Reviewer in an appeal against an inspection under section 13(9) of the Education Act 1998

920.00

Dr Simon Marginson

Development and submission to DOES of draft criteria for the proposed re-designation of amalgamated institutes of Technology Universities arising from the recommendations of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030

9,075.00

Sir Jim Rose

To provide international expertise as a member of the Literacy and Numeracy Implementation Advisory Committee and provide advice to the Minister in relation to Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020

Mo Money paid in 2011 as per PQ 22526/11

Farrell Grant Sparks

Follow up work and provision of advice in relation to the FGS report

8,410.71

Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector-Professor John Coolahan, Dr. Caroline Hussey, Fionnuala Kilfeather

Advisory Group to convene the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, to receive and distil the various views and perspectives of participants and to report and advise the Minister

20,000.00

Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP (PWC) Belfast

Evaluation of the Special Education Support Service established by the Department in 2003 to address the then rather fragmented provision of continuing professional development in the area of special education.

97,866.01

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education

31,280.92

The PA Consulting Group

Evaluation of the training and education programmes for the unemployed delivered under LMAF 2010

52,003.38

Fitzpatrick and Associates

Mid term Evaluation of the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007-2013

61,589.00

Deloitte

To carry out audits of the national agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme in Ireland, these will serve as the basis for the submission of Declarations of Assurance from International Section to the European Commission

16,299.00

Public Authority Pension Services Ltd

Pensions advisory work relating to the establishment of a pension scheme for staff of the NCTE

4,791.60

Analyses Mason

Commercial Financial and Technical Procurement advice for Schools Broadband Tender

63,632.51

2011 Total:

405,366.48

School Accommodation

Gerry Adams

Question:

300 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to provide permanent school accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; his views that the accommodation in which the school is currently based is inadequate in view of the increasing population as evidence by the recent Central Statistics Office figures; and if he will provide an update on the position in relation to plans for an extension at this school. [25569/12]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on the Stage 1 Submission (Site Report/Suitability and Initial Sketch Scheme).

Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. 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 the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction at this time.

Question 301 answered with Question No. 296.

School Staffing

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

302 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork under circular 0012/2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25674/12]

The Department issued Circular 0012/2012 in March, 2012 which is available on the website, setting out the arrangements for access to the redeployment panels for the 2012/13 school year for eligible registered primary teachers in fixed term, substitute and part-time positions. The closing date for receipt of applications for access to the redeployment panels was 20 April, 2012. The applications are currently being processed in my Department and applicants will be notified of the outcome when this process is completed.

EU Funding

Patrick Nulty

Question:

303 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of EU structural funds to Ireland that remain unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25076/12]

Ireland has been allocated a total of €901m in EU Structural Funding for the period 2007-13. Of this, €750 million is assigned to the Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) objective, and the balance to Territorial Co-operation programmes, including the including the PEACE III (Ireland/NI), INTERREG IVA (Ireland/NI and Western Scotland) and the Ireland Wales Programme. The RCE objective is being delivered through three operational programmes, the National ESF Human Capital Investment OP, managed by the Department of Education and Skills, and the Border Midland and Western (BMW) and Southern and Eastern Regional ERDF (S&E) OPs, managed by the BMW and S&E Regional Assemblies.

The general programme priorities in Ireland are the promotion and encouragement of innovation, the knowledge economy, enterprise, research and development, up-skilling the workforce and increasing the participation of groups outside the workforce.

It is expected that the overall objectives of each programme will be achieved and that Ireland will drawdown all the funding we have been allocated. Ireland currently has no unallocated Structural Funds. Indeed, recent Commission figures show that Ireland has the highest absorption rate for Structural Funds in the EU. 48% of our overall allocation under the 2007-2013 round has been drawn down or is in the process of being drawn down, and it is expected that the remaining 52% allocated to Ireland will be drawn down over the lifetime of the round.

As the Deputy is aware, there are discussions at EU level about a potential package to stimulate growth and competitiveness. If additional EU funding, through unallocated structural funds or otherwise, becomes available, Ireland will of course make the necessary application. I discussed these issues last week in meetings with the EU Commission and the European Parliament.

Patrick Nulty

Question:

304 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will present a list of the shovel ready projects the Government is preparing for consideration under funding that may come available as part of any new EU stimulus funding; the criteria being used to select such projects and the Departments he consulted with regarding the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25103/12]

Since coming into office, the current Government has been working on a range of measures to boost employment and help stimulate economic growth. The first such measure announced by the Government was the Jobs Initiative, launched in May 2011, which comprised a range of taxation and expenditure measures of €1.8bn designed to help get people back to work. Further work to stimulate economic growth and create employment is ongoing and, in this context, my Department has been actively engaged in identifying potential new sources of funding for projects where it makes sense and offers value for money for the State.

As part of the review of capital expenditure carried out by my Department last year, all Departments were invited to submit proposals in relation to their capital expenditure priorities for the period 2012 to 2016. The results of that review were published in the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework" which sets out €17 billion worth of Exchequer investment intended to address critical infrastructure investment gaps in order to aid economic recovery, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. The sectors prioritised for investment in the Framework include education, health, jobs and enterprise.

The Government is now considering carefully what potential further projects could be supported should a source of additional funding become available. It is likely that such investment would be focused on areas that meet the Government's key investment priorities, boost employment and help stimulate economic growth. Submissions made by Departments as part of the Capital Review process have formed the basis of any consideration of projects to be progressed should a source of funding become available. My Department has also established a high level interdepartmental steering committee which will consider potential projects for investment.

Freedom of Information

Jack Wall

Question:

305 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will exempt MRSA suffers from the costs of Section 7 requests under the Freedom of Information Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25496/12]

The Deputy may wish to note that no application, internal review or appeal fees are payable in respect of Freedom of Information requests for personal records. Therefore if a person who has suffered from the condition referred to in the Deputy's question requests their medical records no application fee should apply for personal requests. A reduced application fee structure applies to persons in possession of a medical card. Proposals relating to the commitments included in the Programme for Government on Freedom of Information have been the subject of recent consultations by my Department with other government departments and I expect to bring proposals to Government in the coming weeks including in relation to the structure for up-front Freedom of Information fees.

Pension Provisions

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

306 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any pension entitlements are accruable to those civil and public servants that have re-entered employment with the civil and public service having recently retired; if their current payment is pensionable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24903/12]

In most cases where someone is re hired on a short term basis to a post which they previously held, their pension is subject to abatement and no pension rights accrue.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

307 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24941/12]

As part of my Department's ongoing and long term workforce planning needs, measures such as targeted graduate recruitment is seen as important and necessary.

A specialist Administrative Officer "AO" graduate recruitment campaign was launched by my Department at the end of January 2012 that will provide a pool of expertise for use across the civil service to support strategic policy development. The intention is that requests for AO's from the resulting specialist panels will be considered in the context of Workforce Action Plans. Various reports have identified the need for Departments to bolster their specialist skills in areas such as ICT, human resources, project management, accountancy and economics. This initiative will help to address the gaps in economic expertise and policy analysis capability across the civil service.

In total, my Department expects to recruit 29 graduates this year. Seventeen will be Economists assigned to the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES). It is expected that these graduates will be brought in from June onwards this year and eight will spend a training period in my Department before being seconded to other Departments with identified needs.

The remaining 12 graduates will be recruited with regard to the areas of expertise required.

National Lottery Funding

Brian Stanley

Question:

308 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the sale of the National Lottery, if it is his intention to introduce a duty tax on the lottery money. [25090/12]

Brian Stanley

Question:

309 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider increasing the money that goes to good causes by 4%. [25091/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.

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 terms of the next licence will continue to involve an ongoing return to the State through the provision of a fixed percentage of annual National Lottery turnover for good causes. The Government has made a decision that this percentage is to be retained at 30.5% which was the level that was achieved in 2011. The new licence will also involve an up-front payment to the State, with some of the payment being used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Children's Hospital.

Any taxation issues arising from the next National Lottery licence have yet to be finalized.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

310 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25241/12]

No civil servants who have retired from my Department are back on the payroll in my Department.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

311 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25380/12]

In response to the Deputy's question the annual costs for the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers are a matter for each Department. In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel under this scheme, the total cost for the period May 2011-May 2012 has been €119,337.32. This cost includes mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers, travel and subsistence paid to the drivers and Employer PRSI contributions in respect of the two drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.

Public Service Staff

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

312 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the number of public servants after 1st March 2012 that earn the following salaries, less than €10,000, from €10,001 to €20,000, from €20,001 to €30,000, from €30,001 to €40,000, from €40,001 to €50,000, from €50,001 to €60,000, from €60,001 to €70,000, from €70,001 to €80,000, from €80,001 to €90,000, from €90,001 to €100,000, from €100,001 to €110,000, from €110,001 to €120,000, from €120,001 to €130,000, from €130,001 to €140,000, from €140,001 to €150,000, from €150,001 to €160,000, from €160,001 to €170,000, from €170,001 to €180,000, from €180,001 to €190,000, from €190,001 to €200,000, from €200,001 to €210,000, from €210,001 to €220,000, from €220,001 to €230,000, from €230,001 to €240,000, from €240,001 to €250,000; if there are any earning more than €250,000; the number of same; and the highest salary in public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25533/12]

I refer to my replies to Question Nos. 1329/12 of 11 January 2012 and 8482/12 of 14 February 2012. Salary Data in respect of public servants in employment post the expiry of the grace period (29 February 2012) is currently being collated.

Sale of State Assets

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

313 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects to make public any policy, legislative and/or financial issues that may need to be addressed with regards to the disposal of State assets. [25537/12]

Under the EU/ECB/IMF Funding Programme, the Government is committed to outlining in detail for the Troika, by the end of the second quarter (end June 2012), the specific regulatory, legislative, corporate governance and financial reforms which need to be taken in 2012, ensuring consistency with relevant EU legislation, where necessary, to allow for the State asset disposal programme to proceed in 2013. I expect that the matters referred to in the Deputy's question will be made public at that point.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

314 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25551/12]

The following tables sets out the expenditure on consultancy services by my Department in 2011*. Every effort is made to minimize costs in this area but, from time to time, certain specialist skills and expertise are required.

Year

Contractor

Payment

2011

Mercer (Ireland) Limited

1,210

2011

MKO Partners Limited.

35,820

2011

Red C

41,043

2011

Advanced Organisation Limited

5,000

2011

Accenture Consulting

80,465

2011

Deloitte and Touche

65,915

*The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established in 2011. Expenditure in relation to consultancy services from 2008 to December 2010 is covered by material provided by the Department of Finance.

Regional Development

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

315 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the reconfiguration of Shannon Development and these reforms which would see the agency take on the development of Shannon Airport and effectively replacing the existing development remit in Tralee, County Kerry, with both the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/12]

On 8 May last I, along with Minister Varadkar, announced the Government's intention to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and to bring it together with Shannon Development to form a new entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership. The Government's decision represents a new beginning for the Shannon region, involving a drive to develop a world class aviation industry in Shannon and a restructuring of enterprise and tourism agencies in the region to support this goal.

From an enterprise perspective, Shannon Development's functions in relation to indigenous enterprise and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Shannon Free Zone will transfer to Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland respectively. The new entity will work closely with both these agencies to develop the potential of the aviation sector, as well as exploring other opportunities with them for further prospective investments in the region. It will continue to support the property needs of both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland clients in the region. To ensure a smooth transfer of enterprise functions, I have asked the Chief Executive Officers of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to prepare a plan for the delivery of enterprise supports in the region.

Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland currently have responsibility for promoting indigenous industry in, and attracting FDI investment to, the Tralee Technology Park. I can confirm that this will remain the position under the new arrangements.

In making the announcement, Minister Varadkar and I indicated our intention to establish a Steering Group to determine the most effective organisational structure of the new entity, develop an implementation strategy for the new body and a plan setting out how it will help to achieve strong regional development while ensuring the highest standard of support for enterprises in the Shannon region. We expect to make a further announcement in this regard shortly.

Dara Calleary

Question:

316 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any issues in relation to Shannon Airport or to the Shannon Free Zone or potential future investments in the Shannon area were discussed during the recent visit of Vice President Xi Jinping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25395/12]

A presentation on all aspects of Shannon Development's regional economic remit, with particular emphasis on its activities at the Shannon Free Zone, was made to the Vice President of China, His Excellency, Mr. Xi Jingping, during his visit to Ireland last February.

In providing this briefing, Shannon Development's objective was to create the environment to enhance good relations between Irish and Chinese businesses.

The Deputy will be aware of the long standing connections between the People's Republic of China and Shannon Development which goes back over 30 years. Indeed Shannon Development and the Shannon Free Zone was the template that the Chinese officials used in developing their own special economic zones.

Shannon Development, through its tourism subsidiary, Shannon Heritage, facilitated the hosting of a medieval banquet by my colleague Deputy Eamon Gilmore, T.D, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Bunratty Castle on the evening of Saturday 18 February.

Whilst I understand there was no specific issues agreed between Shannon Development and the Chinese delegation on potential future investments in the Shannon Region, Shannon Development is hopeful that the presentation provided, together with the visit to Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, will contribute to Ireland winning future business investment and visitor numbers from China.

Work Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

317 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24859/12]

I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 13th December 2011 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:

highly skilled, highly paid positions or;

non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;

positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled elsewise.

Furthermore permits are issued in respect of employment where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer, based on a 39 hour week.

It appeared that insufficient efforts were made to recruit/train an Irish or EEA National for this position. New work permit applications can only be considered where it is established that the position has been advertised with FÁS/EURES for a period of 8 weeks and that this advertisement has been flagged as a work permit vacancy and advertised for at least six days in both local and national newspapers. In addition the position and salary as advertised did not correspond with the position or salary proposed for this application.

Finally, the proposed employee's current immigration status as set out in supporting documentation precluded them from obtaining an Employment Permit in the State.

The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal this decision within 21 days. No such appeal was received in the Employment Permits Section.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

318 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24860/12]

My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.

The Employment Permits Section informs me that it has no record of permits being applied for or issued in respect of the named individual.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

319 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which review or consideration has been given to entitlement to a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24861/12]

My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.

The Employment Permits Section informs me that it has no record of permits being applied for or issued in respect of the named individual.

Graduate Support Schemes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

320 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24939/12]

Commencing in late 2009 the Government introduced a planned programme of staff reductions for each Department and its associated Agencies known as the Employment Control Framework. The programme requires my Department to reduce staff numbers year on year until the end of 2015. In light of this and the continuation of the moratorium on recruitment introduced in March, 2009, my Department has no plans at present to recruit graduates this year. The Deputy will be aware that any such recruitment would need to be sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. However, my Department participates in the "JobBridge National Internship Scheme" which provides work experience placements for interns, including graduates, for a 6 or 9 month period.

Enterprise Support Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

321 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he will take in relation to jobs under threat (details supplied) [25096/12]

I understand that the issue of concern relates to a planning permit and is therefore not a matter in which I have any function. As I outlined in my previous replies to the Deputy on this matter, Enterprise Ireland has contacted the company affected to offer any relevant enterprise supports. The agency will continue to engage with the company in this regard.

Retail Sector Developments

Noel Grealish

Question:

322 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will legislate for unregulated liquidation sales which are taking place across the country every weekend and are having a serious and detrimental effect on existing businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/12]

Whilst it is unclear as to what is meant by the reference to unregulated liquidation sales in the Deputy's question, it is the case that a number of different regulatory obligations may apply to those involved in the retail sale of goods or services. Many of these obligations relate to regulations concerning planning, fire and safety of premises etc. Such matters are the responsibility for local authorities and I have no function in these areas.

Insofar as my own area of responsibility is concerned, the Occasional Trading Act 1979 requires persons selling goods at a place, not being a public place, where the person selling has been in occupation of less than 3 months, to hold a permit granted for that purpose by my Department. Should the Deputy be concerned that any persons may be engaged in occasional trading without holding the necessary permit, he may wish to bring such matters to the attention of the National Consumer Agency who have responsibility for enforcing the provisions of the 1979 Act.

I would also point out that the Consumer Protection Act 2007 prohibits traders from engaging in unfair commercial practices. The Act provides that a commercial practice may be considered misleading and, therefore, unfair if it involves the provision of false information, which would be likely to cause the average consumer to make a transactional decision he/she would not otherwise make. The Act also prohibits traders from making representations that they are about to cease trading if they are not. Should the Deputy be concerned that there are traders providing false information in relation to their trading status or who are making representations that they are about to cease trading when they are not, he may wish to bring his concerns to the attention of the National Consumer Agency who have responsibility for enforcing the relevant provisions of the 2007 Act.

Enterprise Support Services

Seamus Healy

Question:

323 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the high levels of unemployment in south Tipperary, the number of visits to County Tipperary facilitated by the Industrial Development Agency, other agencies and his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25204/12]

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that, in the period from the beginning of January 2011 to the end of April 2012, there has been 1 site visit by potential investors to county Tipperary sponsored by IDA. Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards deal with indigenous industry and do not sponsor similar type site visits by investors. At the end of December 2011 there were 12 IDA client companies in County Tipperary employing 3,356 people, while Enterprise Ireland had 129 client companies employing 5,197 people in the county.

The global economy and, in particular, the European economy, which is the primary target market for FDI clients in Ireland, is in a low growth phase. The challenge for IDA Ireland is to win FDI in this low growth environment. There is intense and continual international competition to win this FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million i.e. London, Manchester, Singapore, Amsterdam, Boston, Los Angeles etc.

As Ireland competes for high quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population pool, access to qualified talent, world standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services. Ireland has only one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area, so, in order to achieve economic regional development, IDA prioritises the marketing of Gateway locations within each Region as the locations of critical mass (i.e. sufficient scale of population, skills, infrastructure, companies, business services etc.) and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. IDA also promotes other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client requirements.

Typically, a company is shown three or four locations within a Gateway Economic Region that can meet its requirements and, in certain cases, other locations are visited on an opportunistic basis. In selecting locations to market to client companies, IDA Ireland will endeavour to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses. Whilst IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of a location, the final decision on where to locate is taken in all cases by the investor.

The Government's Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with the longer term objective of having 2 million people at work by 2020. I recently announced the progress which has been made in this regard so far this year. Meanwhile, I am already getting suggestions and proposals in relation to preparing the Action Plan for 2013, which I am examining and will bring to Government later this year.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

324 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/12]

During the period of April 2011 to April 2012, I appointed two retired public servants to act as Civilian Drivers at my Department. I also re-appointed the former Director of Corporate Enforcement to the post of Acting Director of Corporate Enforcement with effect from 29 February 2012 for a period of up to six months. No further retired public servants/civil servants were re-hired in my Department during that period.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

325 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25378/12]

The following table outlines the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012. The figure includes salary, mileage and subsistence costs:

Office

Annual Cost to date

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

€85,411.15

The costs of the previous ministerial transport scheme of Garda drivers and state cars were paid by the Department of Justice. My Department does not have those details and I therefore cannot provide a comparison of the annual cost of the two schemes.

Trade Relations

Dara Calleary

Question:

326 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any issues in relation to Shannon Airport or to the Shannon Free Zone including potential future investments were discussed with either Government or private investors during his recent visit to China. [25394/12]

The recent Trade Mission to China, which was led by the Taoiseach, concluded with the agreement of both countries to enter into a strategic partnership for mutually beneficial co-operation. This strategic partnership, which covers areas like trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, science and education, provides a platform for further developing the exciting and evolving business relationship with China.

While many Irish companies and educational institutions signed new contracts or agreed memorandums of understanding with their counterparts in China, many of the newer companies that were part of the 90 Irish companies that travelled with Enterprise Ireland to explore new business possibilities, learned valuable important lessons about trading in China which will be of immense value to them in the future.

Over the course of the week long mission IDA Ireland met with 16 companies and financial institutions. I understand that no specific issues arose during these discussions in relation to the Shannon Free Zone. IDA Ireland also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's ICBC Financial Leasing, part of ICBC, the world's largest bank. ICBC has been instrumental in assisting a large number of Chinese companies to expand overseas in recent years. IDA Ireland is now partnered in China with ICBC which has an unrivalled client base and network.

International Agreements

Gerald Nash

Question:

327 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if in view of the fact that Uruguay has ratified the ILO convention 189, if he will consider ensuring that Ireland ratifies said convention in relation to domestic workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25409/12]

I welcome the successful outcome of discussions at the International Labour Conference (ILC) that led to the adoption of a new international labour standard aimed at ensuring Decent Work for Domestic Workers. The final text of the draft Convention was one that the Irish Government was in a position to support.

I am aware Uruguay is the first country to ratify the Convention. The issue of ratification by Ireland of this Convention is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. In this regard, the Convention will be examined from the perspective of any changes that may be required to existing domestic legislation. However, it is important to note that domestic workers are protected by virtue of the fact that the full suite of employment rights legislation, including that of redress for violations of their employment rights, apply to domestic workers in the same way as they apply to other categories of employees in Ireland.

A voluntary Code of Practice for Persons Employed in Other People's Homes was developed under the Industrial Relations Act 1990. The Code sets out certain employment rights and practices for persons employed in other people's homes and encourages good practice and compliance with the law in such employment situations. In any proceedings before a court, or a workplace relations dispute resolution body, a code of practice shall be admissible in evidence and any provision of the code which appears to the court, body or officer concerned to be relevant to any question arising in the proceedings shall be taken into account in determining that question.

Enterprise Support Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

328 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail the number of visits Industrial Development Authority Ireland made to County Kerry with industrialists putting forward proposals for them to locate in County Kerry for the period January 2011 to January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25509/12]

I am informed by IDA Ireland that in the period 1st January 2011 to 1st January 2012 there were two IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to County Kerry. Through its network of overseas offices IDA Ireland markets the linked hub locations of Killarney in South Kerry and Tralee in North Kerry for new foreign direct investment (FDI). In addition, IDA Ireland actively promotes other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client queries on an opportunistic basis.

At the end of 2011 there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing 1,294 permanent staff. Based on the strengths of the region, IDA is particularly targeting the ICT, International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors. In addition, IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions and FÁS to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county.

One of the targets outlined in IDA's Strategy document "Horizon 2020" is that 50% of investments will be located outside of Dublin and Cork. It is acknowledged, however, that there is intense and continual international competition to win this FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million. Ireland has one Metro Region, the Greater Dublin area, so in order to achieve balanced regional development IDA Ireland focuses on promoting Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. In the final analysis, however, it is the investor who decides where to locate.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

329 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25549/12]

Details of the information on consultancies requested by the Deputy for the period from 2008 to 2011 are set out in the following tables. My Department has, in line with Government policy, taken measures to reduce the level of expenditure on external consultancies. The number of consultancies undertaken has been significantly reduced and are undertaken on the basis of necessity and in instances where it is not possible to conduct the work in-house having regard to the nature of the work and the skills required.

2011

Name of Company/Payee

Purpose

Cost (€)

Mr. John Travers

Facilitation of Code of Practice for Grocery Goods Undertakings (continuation of services provided in 2010)

€36,905

Reidy Brophy Limited

Facilitation of a focus group with business to develop a web portal on regulation affecting businesses

€3,570

Connolly Lowe

Legal Accounting Assignment for ODCE

€8,963

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€545

Una Ní Raifeartaigh

Opinion and Advices for ODCE

€1,210

Una Ní Raifeartaigh

Opinion and Advices for ODCE

€4,840

Karole Cuddihy

Legal Proofing of document for ODCE

€968

Una Ní Raifeartaigh

Opinion and Advices for ODCE

€454

Capital for Enterprise Ltd.

Design of Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme

€72,074

Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants

Assessment of the Productive Sector Operational Programme, 2000-2006

€15,730

Leo Burnett

Design work for publicity campaign re increase in National Minimum Wage Rate

€847

UCD (Dr Frank Walsh)

Review of ERO and REA Wage Setting Mechanisms

€15,000

Keating and Associates

To provide NERA with PR Consultancy Services re their information campaign on employment rights matters.

€18,770

Greater Heights Ltd

Learning needs Analysis (NERA)

€15,645

Mairéad Carey

Case Summaries for The Labour Court Annual Report 2010

€7,889

Rits

IT Security assessment of new hosting site established in the Revenue Hosting Centre, John’s Road

€15,452

IBM

Lotus Notes healthcheck

€10,239

Maxima Ireland

Virtualisation Strategy Review — a short high-level assessment of the future opportunities available to the Department to virtualise some of its servers with a view to making cost savings.

€8,276

Declan Murphy

Legal advice

€605

Kilroys Solicitors

Legal advice in relation to Export Credit Insurance Recoveries

€9,231

Sia Management Group

DJEI Strategic Development Plan facilitation and consultancy support

€15,089

Total

€262,302

2010

Name of Company/Payee

Purpose

Cost (€)

Mr. John Travers

Facilitation of Code of Practice for Grocery Goods Undertakings

€24,805

SIRA Consulting BV

Provision of training in the Standard Cost Model to facilitate measurement of administrative burdens

€9,950

SIRA Consulting BV

Support and Quality Assurance in respect of the measurement of administrative burdens

€8,531

Capgemini Consulting

Provision of training in use of the National Application Database — a system developed by the European Commission to assist countries in the collation and interrogation of results arising from their cross-Government administrative burden measurements

€4,963

Jacobs and Associates

Training support in the Standard Cost Model methodology for the measurement of administrative burdens in Ireland

€3,300

Connolly Lowe

Consultancy — Accountancy for ODCE

€12,778

Caroline Costello

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€424

Paul Anthony McDermott

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€3,933

Brian Murray

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€5,288

Paul O’Higgins

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€3,933

Nessa Cahill

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€1,892

Tom Mallon

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€557

Brian Murray

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€4,564

Cyril O’ Neill

Consultancy — Accountancy for ODCE

€2,056

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€424

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€333

Paul Anthony McDermott

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€1,210

Paul O’Higgins

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€1,210

Catherine Donnelly

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€4,235

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€3,237

Horwath Bastow Charleton

Consultancy — Accountancy for ODCE

€1,252

Nessa Cahill

Counsel’s Opinion for ODCE

€3,896

Mr. Eoghan O’Briain

To assist the Dept. in the technical aspects of Emissions Trading, Climate Change and other related Environment work

€8,785

Keating and Associates

To provide NERA with PR Consultancy Services re their information campaign on employment rights matters

€29,011

Brendan Moran

Computer consultancy services (NERA)

€3,085

Total

€143,302

2009

Name of Company/Payee

Purpose

Cost (€)

Finbar Flood

Enquiry commissioned under Section 38(2) of the 1990 Industrial Relations Act

€20,000

Tom Walsh

To provide technical and research support to the Department in relation to certain aspects of occupational health and safety and chemicals policy

€8,230

Keating and Associates

To provide NERA with PR Consultancy Services

€20,303

Mazars

Consultancy services to NERA business planning

€3,645

RITS

Consultancy services on Data Protection to NERA

€3,332

Brendan Moran

IT Consultancy Services NERA/ development of Information call centre solution

€10,935

Brendan Moran

IT Consultancy Services NERA/ development of T&S and Accounting database

€5,833

Hewlett Packard Ireland

IT consultancy NERA

€4,538

Kilroys Solicitors

Provision of legal advice on Export Credit Insurance issues (as instances arise)

€32,336

Gartner Ireland

Access to international ICT analysts and research

€41,352

Trigraph Professional Services

Project Management Consultancy

€4022

Version 1

Analyse Oracle software usage and license compliance

€7,560

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion

€16,766

Brian Murray

Counsel’s Opinion

€5,421

Philip Rahn

Counsel’s Opinion

€3,353

Paul O’Higgins

Counsel’s Opinion

€18,225

Paul Anthony McDermott

Counsel’s Opinion

€18,225

Nessa Cahill

Counsel’s Opinion

€3,130

Cyril O’Neill

Legal Costs Assessment for ODCE

€3,874

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, UCD

Provision of independent accountancy advice regarding specific company law issues

€8,020

Michael Henry

Consultancy review of the draft Report on Health and Safety Information Obligations

€851

OLM Consultancy

Consultancy advice on the draft Report on Health and Safety Information Obligations

€1,094

Scannell Solutions Ltd

Consultancy advice on the draft Report on Health and Safety Information Obligations

€365

AD Little

Review of current supports to encourage the exploitation of IP emanating from Higher Education research

€30,000(Departmental contribution)

Total

€271,410

2008

Name of Company/Payee

Purpose

Cost (€)

EPS Consulting

To measure the administrative burdens arising in Company Law, Employment Law and Health and Safety Law in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€58,249

Scannell Solutions

To identify a list of priority information obligations arising from health and safety legislation for measurement in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€5,143

Arthur Cox

To Identify a list of priority information obligations arising from company law for measurement in order to contribute to the 25% target on administrative burden reduction

€2,226

UCD School of Law

To list the information obligations arising from employment law in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€4,650

NUI Galway

To list the information obligations arising from company law in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€5,102

University of Limerick

To list the information obligations arising in health and safety law in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€4,616

Bizmeasures Ltd

To test the feasibility of implementing the filing of XBRL financial statements

€31,683

Tom Ferris

To carry out a measurement of specific administrative burdens identified by the High Level Group on Business Regulation in order to contribute to the 25% target on reducing administrative burden for business

€5,707

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Assistance in ODCE investigation

€137,772

KPMG

Assessment of a named company’s restructuring plan

€273,460

Institute of Public Administration (IPA)

To examine feedback from staff with a view to formulating an action plan to improve their working environment and thus help them to contribute more effectively to achieving my Department’s business objectives

€19,867

CIRCA Consultants, SIA Group and International Panel of Experts

Review of the efficacy of the DSE Science Awareness programme by a panel of international experts

€105,082 (Shared equally between the Department and Forfás)

CIRCA Consultants

The review was undertaken as part of initial Government decision in 2004 upon joining EMBL

€51,182 (Shared equally between the Department and Forfás).

DHR Communications

Dissemination of EQUAL Programme (PR)

€9,547

Computer Associates

To review the Department’s Data Backup and Storage environment and produce a report with recommendations

€13,750

Keating Consulting Ltd

NERA (PR)

€63,189

Ellard Browne Ltd

NERA (Advertising)

€605

Cawley Nea Ltd

NERA (Advertising)

€27,410

Tom Walsh

To provide advice to the Department on the development of occupational health and safety policy and legislation and chemicals policy

€91,538

Arup Consulting Engineers

To support the Department in its review of Review of Dangerous Substances legislation

€116,487

Kilroy Solicitors

Legal Advice on Export Credit Insurance issues (as instances arise)

€16,263

Version 1

To prepare a report on the Insolvency BPR

€13,177

Version 1

To determine the feasibility of options for the upgrade of the RIR system

€10,328

RITS

Security Advice

€38,535

Gartner Ireland

Access to international ICT analysts and research

€41,352

IQ Content Ltd

Review of Department’s Website

€41,261

IPA

Quality Assessment of SFI VFM Review

€3,630

Carr Communications

Communications (CRO)

€25,593

Open Interface

Website accessibility advice (CRO)

€3,993

Grant Thornton

Procurement and business solution advice (CRO)

€71,874

Millward Brown/IMS

Market Research for ODCE

€15,898

Mathias Kelly QC

Legal advice — investigations under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990

€167,171

Mary Donnelly

Research paper in connection with the Company Law Review Group’s 2007 Annual Report

€500

Experian Ireland

Provision of statistical analysis of returns to the Companies Registration Office

€182

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Media Research for the Advisory Group on Media Mergers

€26,965

Emily Gibson BL

Legal Services for the Advisory Group on Media Mergers

€5,596

Form Creative Ltd

Advertising campaign for Work/Life Balance Day 2008

€4,994

Form Creative Ltd

Advertisement in Sunday Tribune re: Panel of Consultants

€3,179

Achilles Procurement Services Ltd

Consultancy — NERA case Management system

€602

Mazars

Audit services

€4,193

Remy Farrell

Counsel’s Opinion

€6,595

Douglas Clarke

Counsel’s Opinion

€1,029

John Hennessy

Counsel’s Opinion

€2,541

Connolly Lowe

Legal Costs Assessment for ODCE

€535

Cyril O’Neill

Legal Costs Assessment for ODCE

€16,215

Total

€1,491,408

Employment Support Services

Patrick Nulty

Question:

330 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will respond to concerns raised by staff in a company (details supplied) which is moving 300 jobs from Leopardstown, Dublin; the amount of State support, both financial and otherwise, in tabular form, provided to the company since it set up here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25617/12]

The position is that Vodafone tendered for its Mobile Customer Service work earlier this year. Rigney Dolphin was the incumbent provider, with 290 full-time equivalent positions at Vodafone's offices in Dundalk and Dublin. However, a French company, Teleperformance, won the new tender; this company has operations in Newry, Co. Down. I understand that this change has arisen as a result of Vodafone's review of customer care and the necessity for the company to provide services as cost effectively as possible. As you can appreciate, the market for these types of contract is extremely competitive.

Some time ago, I met with Vodafone Ireland and the company has confirmed it is likely that this work will move to the Teleperformance site in Newry. I have been assured by Vodafone 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.

Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin entered a consultation process with employee representatives. Vodafone has had extensive dialogue with the Communications Workers Union as part of this process and everyone affected has been offered a job. Terms are in place for those employees wishing to avail of voluntary redundancy. I understand that most points have now been agreed with the Union. As always, the State's industrial relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission, is available to assist in this process, if requested. 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 relation to State support, IDA did not provide any financial assistance to bring the Vodafone operation to Ireland and has not provided any subsequent financial support to the company.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen

Question:

331 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on illness benefit will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24915/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the person concerned was examined by a Medical Assessor of the Department who was of the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed this decision and in that context she was examined by another Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

In the light of this, it was decided to afford the person concerned an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal and to furnish any further medical evidence that she wished to submit in support of her appeal. She did this and, at this stage, the Department of Social Protection have been requested to submit relevant documents to this office on her case. On receipt of their response her appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Community Employment Schemes

Paul Connaughton

Question:

332 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if FÁS schemes completed prior to 2000 are taken into account when assessing eligibility for community employment schemes in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24999/12]

The Community Employment participation limits only count time spent on CE from 3rd April 2000. Any time spent on CE prior to that date is disregarded when assessing eligibility for CE in 2012. The person in question has spent 232 weeks on CE since 3rd April 2000, whereas his maximum participation for his age and eligibility category is 156 weeks. He will not be eligible to participate on CE further until he reaches the age of 55.

Live Register

Brendan Smith

Question:

333 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated number of young teaching graduates that are unemployed at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25045/12]

The number of young teaching graduates that are unemployed at present is not available. At the end of April, there were 430,001 people on the live register. 8,674 of these or 2% have stated that they were last employed in the teaching profession. This includes teachers as well as school support staff such as cleaners, special needs assistants and school crossing attendants. The table details the number of teaching professionals on the live register at that date broken down into age bands for your information.

<20

20-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-59

60-64

Total

Number of Teaching Professionals on Live Register

7

628

2,593

1,426

1,147

1,191

1,682

8,674

Percentage in Occupation by Age Band

0.08%

7.24%

29.89%

16.44%

13.22%

13.73%

19.39%

100%

Mortgage Arrears

Michael McGrath

Question:

334 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date on the establishment of the independent mortgage advisory function recommended in the Keane report on mortgage arrears; and when she expects this service to become operational. [25131/12]

My Department participated in the Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group (referred to as the Keane group) and is a member of the Steering Group set up by the Minister for Finance to oversee and drive its overall recommendations. The Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group recommended that an independent Mortgage Support and Advice Service be established to advise mortgage holders in arrears or pre-arrears in assessing their options. The report stated that the need for this service would be time limited to approximately 3 years.

The publication of the heads of the Personal Insolvency Bill in January 2012 propose the introduction of a four step process to address personal insolvency issues with the first three steps involving non-judicial debt settlement arrangements. This is a new arrangement and was not envisaged when the thinking in support of a Mortgage Advisory Service was originally proposed. My Department is examining the role envisaged for the Personal Insolvency Trustee to ensure that there is no conflict with or duplication of Government supported services. From the customers perspective for example, the target group and complexity of the problems that need to be addressed appear to be similar and from the advisory perspective, the skills and expertise required would also appear to be similar for both services.

My Department is chairing a Working Group as part of the Implementation Steering Group to examine the issues relating to the establishment of the Mortgage Advice Service. As part of its remit it is examining the efficiency, necessity and governance arrangements of potentially two separate services. The needs of the customer, the importance of ease of access and information on services and the way in which the services will be made available must be to the fore.

Given that more than 70,000 people have already entered into arrangements with their lenders, it is important that any new service would focus on those who have yet to engage with their lender and support those who are in the earlier stages of negotiations with their lender as a first step in seeking to resolve their difficulties. The Working Group has not yet concluded its deliberations. It reports regularly to the Implementation Steering Group and to the Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Question:

335 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for domiciliary care allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24852/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th 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 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.

John Lyons

Question:

336 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [24890/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th December 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Pearse Doherty

Question:

337 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has given consideration to the effect on the availability of accommodation to rent supplement recipients in the single person category of the implementation of articles 6 and 7 of statutory instrument 534 of 2008 in February 2013; if rent supplement will still be payable to tenants in accommodation which falls below these standards; if she has any plans in place to address any anticipated issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24892/12]

Details are not currently available of the number of rent supplement recipients that will be affected by the implementation of articles 6 and 7 of Statutory Instrument 534 of 2008 on 1 February 2013. Results from Census 2011 show that there are a total of 5,695 properties classified as bedsits in the State with the majority in the Dublin area. The census also shows that 5,307 of these bedsits are rented.

Responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the Local Authorities. However, accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards. In consultation with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, S.I. No. 572 of 2006 and Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 introduced the condition that allows the Department's officer administering supplementary welfare allowance to decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority of the non-compliance with standards.

Where such a notification is received from a housing authority in respect of an existing tenant it is recommended that the designated officer would discuss the situation with the tenant and take whatever action it decides is necessary in the best interests of the tenant. This condition for rent supplement supports the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in their aim to promote further improvement in private rented accommodation standards.

John Lyons

Question:

338 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [24894/12]

The person concerned was disallowed rent supplement on 20th April 2012. A new application was received on 27th April 2012. A request for outstanding information was sent on 4th May but to date no response has been received. Once the outstanding information is received in the Department a decision will be made on the person's claim.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

339 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24895/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office 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.

Community Employment Schemes

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

340 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons that entered community employment schemes having been made redundant from a company (details supplied); the number of those persons that were allowed to have their period on a CE scheme extended beyond one year where they had been signing with social protection for less than three years and were granted an extended period on CE for exceptional circumstances. [24896/12]

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 156 weeks on the Live Register, on Community Employment or other recognised training interventions such FAS training, or a combination of all these. Of the 156 weeks, 52 weeks must have been continuously spent on the Live Register prior to starting in order to qualify for CE in the first instance.

In the case of the 203 EGF participants that availed of CE places, all met the initial qualifying criteria, as laid out in current operating guidelines as set out above prior to commencement. These clients occupied additional places, funded by the EGF from their commencement date up to 29th June 2011, the final day under which funds could be claimed from the EGF. Participation from that date was funded from the regular CE budgetary allocation and was dependent on employer requirements as part of the mainstream allocation of places on CE. Approximately 109 clients remain on CE for a further 52 weeks. This is the period of time for which they would have been eligible to participate on a mainstream CE place under current guidelines.

Of the 109 former EGF clients remaining on CE, 40 will finish on 22nd June 2012, the final date on which their maximum participation has been reached under current guidelines. The remaining 69 will finish at various dates in the future, depending on their individual circumstances, as governed by the guidelines on participation.

Social Welfare Appeals

Martin Heydon

Question:

341 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24904/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14th 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 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.

Question Nos. 342 and 343 withdrawn.

Pat Breen

Question:

344 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24911/12]

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.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

345 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to recruit graduates into her Department this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24942/12]

There are no specific plans to recruit graduates into my Department at this time. However, since July 2011, the Department has employed 4 graduates under the JobBridge (National Internship Scheme). In addition, the Department has received sanction to employ a number of Temporary Clerical Officers to cover various staff absences during the year. The Public Appointments Service has advertised these positions and the competition was open to graduates to apply.

Social Welfare Benefits

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

346 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person’s (details supplied) application for domiciliary care allowance has been disallowed; the steps they can take to get a review of the file; if, at any point in the application process, a medical professional saw the application form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24952/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of this child was received on 23rd March 2012. The application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors, who, having examined all the information supplied, found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 9th May 2012 advising of the decision.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by another medical assessor or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within twenty one days.

Community Employment Schemes

Simon Harris

Question:

347 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the progress of the review of community employment schemes which was initiated at the beginning of 2012; when the review is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24956/12]

A financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is underway and is nearing completion. 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 has taken longer than originally envisaged to complete. This has allowed 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.

However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011.

The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under Community Employment. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places allocated in 2012.

While 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Simon Harris

Question:

348 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any plans to extend the higher rent supplement limit for north Wicklow to include Kilcoole as rents in this area are the same as Bray, Greystones and Delgany which are currently covered under the higher rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24958/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

436 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 353 of 1 May 2012 and No. 366 of 14 February 2012, if she will confirm if a review of rental markets in Kilcoole and Newtownmountkennedy was conducted; if so, if she will release the full report of this review; if not, will she state the justification for not raising the rent supplement levels in those towns to the level applying in Bray; if she will release the reports of the reviews of the rental markets in Bray, Greystones and Delgany also; and if she will supply in tabular form the rent supplement levels that previously applies and currently applies in each of these towns. [25500/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 436 together.

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. 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.

As the Department currently funds approximately 40% of the private rented sector it is essential that State support for rents are kept under review, reflect current market conditions and do not distort the market in a way that could increase rent prices for others, such as low paid workers and students.

New maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012. These new limits are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.

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 Bray was excluded while establishing rent limits for county Wicklow. The rental area considered was extended to include both Greystones and Delgany, areas which were of close proximity to Bray with housing in those areas directly affecting the rental market for Bray.

Both Kilcoole and Newtownmountkennedy were evaluated and have been assigned the new Wicklow rates. It is important to bear in mind that the purpose of the review is to ensure availability of accommodation for rent supplement tenancies and not to provide rent supplement tenants with access to all housing in all areas.

I will be publishing the report which outlines the rationale for establishment of the new rent limits for the Bray, Delgany and Greystones area shortly. All indications to date show that, for each county, the new rent limits are permitting rent supplement tenancies to access suitable housing. The Department will continue to monitor rent levels throughout the country but at this stage there are no plans to revise the existing rent limits.

Rent Supplement Rent limits for County Wicklow

County Wicklow

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

From 1 January 2012

240

290

440

525

625

670

740

From June 2010 to December 2011

315

325

529

710

850

900

910

Pat Breen

Question:

349 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24960/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 23rd 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.

Joe Carey

Question:

350 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an itemised and specific breakdown of the moneys for care allowance as referenced in the private members debate on domiciliary care allowance of last week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24971/12]

The Department currently pays domiciliary care allowance (DCA) in respect of some 26,000 children. Spending on the scheme and the associated annual respite care grant (RCG), which is paid automatically to all recipients, amounted to €145 million in 2011.

A table details the expenditure in 2011 and the projected spend in 2012:

Year

DCA

RCG

2011

€99.5m

€45.5m

2012 (Projected)

€100.5m

€46.0m

Pension Provisions

Pat Breen

Question:

351 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24982/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st 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 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.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

352 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [24997/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

353 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25006/12]

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.

Question No. 354 withdrawn.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

355 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding entitlement to disability allowance or community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25025/12]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 24 January 2011. The medical evidence supplied was referred to a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and refused the claim and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 13 April 2011.

If the person's circumstances have changed since his last application it is open to him to make a new application for disability allowance and his entitlement will be examined.

With regards to participating on a community employment scheme, the person concerned should contact his nearest Employment Services Office, formerly FÁS Office, who will advise him on this matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

356 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed to qualify for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25026/12]

Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment a means test and a habitual residence test.

An application form and information booklet for disability allowance has been issued directly to the person concerned.

Departmental Offices

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

357 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a public office at which the community welfare officer can deal with enquiries can be provided at Naas, County Kildare in view of the considerable hardship caused to local persons who currently cannot meet the relevant officer; if some clarification can be given as to why the provision of such an office has not been honoured in view of the agreement entered into more than three years ago; when such an office is now likely to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25027/12]

A number of options for a public office for the community welfare service in Naas were explored by the HSE. With the recent integration of the community welfare service into my Department the provision of this service in Naas is being examined in the context of the new integrated service and the development of the National Employment and Entitlements Service.

At present, access to community welfare services for the Naas area is available through a postal and a free phone service. The free phone service is available Monday to Thursday between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 12 noon and on Friday mornings from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for emergencies. Community welfare service staff covering the Naas area are continuing to provide the full range of outreach services including taking referrals from other services and making home visits.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

358 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in respect of an application for disability allowance appeal and invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25028/12]

The medical evidence supplied with the claim of the person concerned for disability allowance was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion, that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and the claim was refused. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 8 May 2012. With regard to the claim for invalidity pension, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th January 2012. Following consideration of the evidence in the case an Appeals Officer allowed the appeal by way of summary decision on 17 May 2012. A letter outlining the decision has been sent to the person.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

359 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding approval of one parent family allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25029/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th May 2012. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

360 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance will be paid or invalidity pension in the event of the latter being more appropriate in view of the fact that the applicant was recently informed of the need for medical certificates every six months only in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25030/12]

There is no record of a disability allowance claim being received in this department for the person concerned. An application form has been sent to her should she wish to apply.

This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned was not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it. She was also notified of her right to request a review of this decisions and of her right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25031/12]

In order to determine the weekly means in this case the claim was referred to a Social Welfare Investigator who will arrange to meet with the person concerned. A decision on the person's entitlement to disability allowance will be given on receipt of the Social Welfare Investigator's report and the person will be notified directly of the outcome.

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

362 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme; the consultation with relevant stakeholders she has undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25032/12]

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.

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. These include the extent of coverage; the duration of payment; the rate of payment; and how to ensure that a scheme of statutory sick pay would be enforced and policed.

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 shortly and will provide the basis for more detailed consultations with a range of key stakeholders.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

363 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [25034/12]

The person concerned was refused on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.

On 16 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and of her right of review and/or appeal within 21 days. Additional medical evidence has been received and forwarded to the medical assessor for consideration. The person in question will be notified of the outcome of the review shortly.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

364 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25041/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th May 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Sean Conlan

Question:

365 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who made an application for carer’s allowance in October 2011 and submitted extra medical evidence to support their application still has received no correspondence or decision in relation to their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25046/12]

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.

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

366 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25057/12]

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

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

367 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25058/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th 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 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.

Dan Neville

Question:

368 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for domiciliary care allowance will be processed in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25071/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st 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 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.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

369 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25074/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9th May 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.

Community Employment Schemes

Jack Wall

Question:

370 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if there has there been changes in the way, or the person, who makes the decision in relation to the sanction of additional discretionary years on community employment schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25081/12]

There have been no changes to the Community Employment (CE) eligibility or duration rules for many years. The last change was announced in July 2006 whereby persons in receipt of a CE-qualifying disability-related social welfare payment could remain for one additional year over and above the standard maximum CE participation limits (3 years total participation for those below 55 years of age and six years total participation for those of 55 to 65 years of age — only counting CE participation since 3rd April 2000).

There are two strands of Community Employment — Part Time Integration Option (PTI) and Part Time Job Option (PTJ). PTI Option is intended for those who have been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least 12 months. This Option is limited to 1 year on CE at a time, with flexibility to renew the contract for a subsequent year in 10% of cases where it is deemed the individual would benefit from extra time on the scheme. The request to extend a participant into a subsequent year is made by their CE Supervisor and is then decided by the Department's Community Development Officer (CDO) with responsibility for the CE project, based on the case made by the Supervisor and operational factors. At the end of the second year they must exit CE for a minimum of 12 months. If they wish to return to CE they must requalify in the standard manner. The PTJ option is intended for longer-term unemployed persons and those in receipt of a qualifying payment for at least 3 years. This Option is based on annually renewable contracts for a maximum of 3 years participation. At the end of first year, the participant's Supervisor applies to extend their participation to the CDO at least 8 weeks before their proposed exit date. If the person is considered "job-ready" at this point they are not renewed into another CE year. If their continued participation would enhance their employability prospects, they can be contracted to CE for a further year. The same process is repeated at the end of the second CE year to ascertain if a third CE year is the most suitable intervention for the participant. Again, a person considered "job-ready" would not be retained in order to free up the place for another person to have the opportunity of the CE place. There is no entitlement to 3 years under this option, only the flexibility to avail of up to 3 years on CE based on the participants progression levels and assessed personal needs at the end of each year.

All CE participants are subject to the participation caps as detailed above.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

371 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of teachers who are currently in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit. [25086/12]

Barry Cowen

Question:

372 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of teachers who are currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance. [25087/12]

Barry Cowen

Question:

373 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of nurses who are currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance. [25088/12]

Barry Cowen

Question:

374 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of nurses who are currently in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit. [25089/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 to 374, inclusive, together.

At the end of April, there were 286,912 people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and 92,326 people in receipt of jobseeker's benefit. Details of the numbers of the numbers of people from the teaching and health related professions are set out in the following table. The numbers of teachers or nurses are not separately identified within those totals and consequently, the numbers of teachers or nurses in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit are not available.

Health and Related Occupations

Health Associate Professionals

Health Professionals

Teaching Professionals

Jobseeker’s Allowance

2,004

1,010

1,170

3,097

Jobseeker’s Benefit

1,209

816

1,171

2,245

Total

3,213

1,826

2,341

5,342

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Question:

375 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25143/12]

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 he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 9th March 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 and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Sean Fleming

Question:

376 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer’s allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25150/12]

I confirm that the department is in receipt of a fresh 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

Jack Wall

Question:

377 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25218/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Catherine Byrne

Question:

378 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if a respite care grant or part thereof, will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25226/12]

If a person is entitled to carer's allowance on the first Thursday in June, they automatically are entitled to the respite care grant. In this case, the care recipient passed away on 20 April 2012 and the entitlement of the person concerned to carer's allowance will cease on Wednesday 6 June 2012. As a consequence I am sorry to inform you that she is not entitled to the respite care grant for 2012.

Question No. 379 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Griffin

Question:

380 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the appeal for the back to education allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25230/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the Back to Education Allowance is not appellable to that Office. Following enquiry from the Social Welfare Appeals Office to the Deputy, I am advised that the question was intended to be in relation to a Jobseekers Allowance appeal by the person concerned which was registered on 29 October 2011. In relation to this appeal, I am advised that this case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

381 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in her Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25236/12]

Eight retired former public servants were recruited on short term contracts in the Department of Social Protection from June 2010. These officers were employed on a part time basis as Appeals Officers, and their contracts terminated at the end of December 2011. One of the Department's Medical Assessors was retained on a temporary contract beyond retirement which ended on the 20 January 2012. Between October 2011 and end of February 2012 some 300 staff retired from the Department. The Department's Chief Medical Advisor was the only official of this number who was retained beyond his retirement date of 29th February 2012 and is currently employed on a temporary contract basis.

The decision to re-employ or retain this small number of staff was taken due to their specific skills and experience, the difficulty and long lead-in time for replacing such skills, and the critical importance of ensuring continuity and a high level of service to customers of the Department. In all cases, the combined pension and rate of pay did not exceed the salary level of the individual.

Social Welfare Appeals

Robert Troy

Question:

382 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [25247/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 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 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.

Social Welfare Code

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

383 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the change to civil partnership legislation has affected the means testing of people for jobseeker’s allowance who are cohabiting with their partners who are in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25258/12]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

384 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has had any communication with the Department of Finance over the anomaly whereby people who are cohabiting are means tested for jobseeker’s allowance but are not allowed share tax credits under the rules of the Revenue Commissioners; her plans to end this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25259/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.

The social welfare and tax systems have evolved over time and in response to a variety of factors, including Constitutional imperatives as interpreted by the Courts, changing social trends and EU Directives. Up to the end of December 2010, the social welfare code recognised the couple status of opposite sex co-habiting couples and treated married and opposite sex co-habiting couples in a similar manner for means testing and other purposes. The EEC Equality Directive 79/9 and the subsequent Supreme Court case (Hyland v Minister for Social Welfare, 1989) led to this change in the treatment of non-married cohabiting couples in the social welfare code. The Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.

Following the enactment of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, 2010, further changes in the definition of a couple for social welfare purposes were introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2010. These changes amended the social welfare code to recognise the introduction of civil partnership. In addition, the code was also amended to treat cohabiting same sex couples in the same way as cohabiting opposite sex couples. This means that, for means testing purposes for jobseeker's allowance and other means tested schemes, married couples, civil partners and same and opposite sex cohabiting couples are treated in the same manner.

The income tax arrangements and subsequent legislation for married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples generally are a matter for the Minister for Finance. I have not been in contact with that Minister on the income tax treatment of these couples.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

385 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25274/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on 21st March 2012. Domiciliary care allowance is not payable for any period during which a child is resident in an institution. The child concerned is presently in hospital. Accordingly, the person concerned has been informed to notify the Department when her child returns home and the application will be further examined at that stage.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

386 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25278/12]

The person concerned was refused carers allowance on the grounds 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, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Department's medical assessor for consideration. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the medical assessor and the decision remained unchanged. She appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and submitted further medical evidence in support of her appeal. This information has been forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration. If the outcome remains unchanged a submission will be prepared and her file and papers will be forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.

Barry Cowen

Question:

387 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. [25281/12]

Following a report from an investigative officer, payment of carers allowance to the person concerned was stopped on the grounds that the person concerned had not shown that she is providing full time care and attention as laid down in scheme guidelines. On 12 July 2011, she was notified accordingly.

She appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, an appeals officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal as she had not established that she is providing full-time care. She was notified of the decision on her appeal on 6 December 2011.

The decision of an appeals officer is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence or new facts not already presented at the time of appeal. She subsequently submitted further information to the appeals officer. The appeals officer reviewed the appeal and decided to uphold his original decision and disallow the appeal. She was notified accordingly on 30 April 2012.

Barry Cowen

Question:

388 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25282/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 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 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.

Barry Cowen

Question:

389 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for disability allowance. [25289/12]

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:

390 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. [25291/12]

I confirm an application was received from the above named. My Department is aware that the care recipient in this case was seriously ill and has since passed away. However, in order for a decision to be made on the application, it was necessary for his file to be referred to an investigative officer of the department for means assessment and confirmation that all aspects for receipt of carer's allowance were satisfied for the period in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim a decision will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

391 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25292/12]

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 allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer's decision on 16 May 2012. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Barry Cowen

Question:

392 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension. [25293/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

393 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. [25294/12]

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:

394 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. [25296/12]

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.

Barry Cowen

Question:

395 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. [25297/12]

Following the successful outcome of her appeal, the person concerned has been awarded carer's allowance with effect from 27 January 2011. Arrangements are being made to put her carer's allowance entitlement into payment as soon as possible at half rate with effect from 28 January 2011 as the person in question is already included as a qualified adult on her partner's Invalidity pension.

Questions Nos. 396 and 397 withdrawn.

Barry Cowen

Question:

398 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. [25300/12]

The person concerned was refused carers allowance on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the Medical Assessors and the decision remained unchanged. On 1 May 2012, he was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review or appeal.

Question No. 399 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

400 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25304/12]

A social welfare appeals officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned as the care recipient was no longer deemed in need of full time care and attention as laid down in legislation. She was notified accordingly on 16 May 2012.

The decision of an appeals officer is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence or new facts not already presented at the time of the appeal.

Barry Cowen

Question:

401 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension. [25305/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

402 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. [25306/12]

The person concerned is currently in receipt of carer's allowance with effect from 11 February 2010 in respect of one care recipient. On 15 March 2012, you submitted further medical evidence on behalf of a second care recipient's medical condition.

This was taken as an indication of a wish to make a new application for an increase in carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient. Accordingly a fresh application form and return envelope issued to her on 13 March 2012.

On receipt of the form, duly completed, the application will be assessed as soon as possible and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.

Redundancy Payments

Barry Cowen

Question:

403 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. [25307/12]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned has been awarded and a cheque payment issued on 8 May 2012.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

404 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. [25308/12]

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:

405 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. [25309/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 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 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

406 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. [25310/12]

I confirm that the department is in receipt of a fresh 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:

407 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. [25311/12]

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:

408 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25312/12]

The person concerned was refused carers allowance on the grounds 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 reasons for it. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessors for consideration.

However, this information did not alter the opinion of the Medical Assessors and the decision remained unchanged.

She subsequently appealed this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her appeal. This information has been forwarded to the medical assessors for further consideration. If the outcome remains unchanged a submission will be prepared and her file and papers will be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

409 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. [25314/12]

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:

410 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. [25315/12]

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.

Barry Cowen

Question:

411 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. [25317/12]

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.

Question No. 412 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Barry Cowen

Question:

413 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance. [25320/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 March 2012. 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Barry Cowen

Question:

414 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. [25323/12]

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.

Barry Cowen

Question:

415 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. [25328/12]

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:

416 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance. [25329/12]

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.

Ministerial Staff

Gerry Adams

Question:

417 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if she will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25381/12]

The Government decided in March 2011 to confine the use of State cars from 1 May 2011. Accordingly, I now use my own car for official business. The travel/mileage rates payable depend on the car engine size and also incorporate a number of expense elements associated with the cost of running a car. These cost elements include insurance, full membership of AA/RAC, road tax and licence. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre.

The mileage costs, which I have claimed since 1 May 2011 to 31 March 2012, amount to €8,341.92.

I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved to date has been €56,580.25.

They may also claim travel and subsistence allowances, in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations for necessary absences on official duties from home and headquarters. Total cost of travel and subsistence claimed by my drivers to date is €1,225.04.

The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €66,147.21. On taking office the Government reformed the transport arrangements for Ministers which has radically reduced the costs of travel — the average cost of providing transport has been reduced by 65% from the previous transport system (average cost €280,000 in 2010 to a current annual estimate of €100,000 per annum).

The system adopted is based on the system that has been in place for Ministers of State since 1984.

The previous practice whereby all Ministers were provided with State cars and Garda drivers fell within the remit of the Department of Justice and in this regard details of the costs involved would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice.

Social Welfare Appeals

Simon Harris

Question:

418 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25386/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4 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 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.

Brendan Smith

Question:

419 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when a domiciliary care allowance application will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; if this application will be given consideration in view of the long delay in processing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25391/12]

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.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

420 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a jobseeker’s benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25410/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

421 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25425/12]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at the oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned.

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

422 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25427/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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

Patrick Nulty

Question:

423 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will again be eligible for community employment when they reach 55 years of age; the payments that will be available to them at that stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25432/12]

The person concerned has completed 4 years on Community Employment. He will be eligible to participate on Community Employment when he reaches 55 years of age subject to him meeting the criteria as set out for Community Employment. From 16 January 2012, new participants on Community Employments are not eligible to simultaneously claim another social welfare payment while on Community Employment. At current rates the person concerned would receive €208 per week if he recommences on Community Employment after his 55th birthday.

Social Welfare Benefits

Robert Troy

Question:

424 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [25443/12]

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.

Michael Creed

Question:

425 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25445/12]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 8 May 2012, if the medical assessors of her Department are satisfied that they are competent to express a superior medical opinion to that offered by a doctor (details supplied); if she will set out the medical opinion in accordance with her Department’s evidence-based medical protocols and guidelines which were used to disqualify eligibility in this case; if it is therefore contended that the latter opinion has full regard for due process and natural justice in view of the professional opinion offered by the doctor or whether the said protocols and guidelines are arbitrarily used to dismiss the evidence supplied by the doctor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25449/12]

The medical assessors do not question the diagnosis of the applicant's treating physician. Their role is to assess the implications of the diagnosis on the applicant's ability to work. In so doing they are guided by evidence based protocols and I am satisfied that they have the experience and competency to apply these protocols and make the appropriate assessments.

I am also satisfied that the Department has robust review and appeals processes in place to deal with cases where the applicant believes that a medical assessor has erred in assessing their case. In cases where the opinion of one of the Department's medical assessors is challenged it is standard practice that the details of the case are reviewed by a different medical assessor. Where this second medical assessor concurs with the opinion of the first assessor the applicant may appeal the case to the independent appeals office.

With regard to the case in question the details of the case were reviewed by the Department's Chief Medical Advisor. The Chief Medical Advisor has concluded that the criteria for Invalidity Pension have been met.

Social Welfare Benefits

Mattie McGrath

Question:

427 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a domiciliary care allowance application review in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25452/12]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 18 January 2012. 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 23 February 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 review decision.

Social Welfare Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

428 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if, with regard to recent cuts or changes to supports affecting lone parents, she will list all such cuts or changes that have been implemented since she came into office, and which are scheduled for future implementation; if she will provide the estimated full-year saving of each of these measures; if she has any estimate of the impact these changes, be that for individual changes or for the aggregate, will have on the numbers of lone parent families and children in the following categories, or similar categories as may be used by her Department: in poverty, at risk of poverty or experiencing deprivation; and if so, if she will provide a definition of those terms as applied in her Department. [25463/12]

The One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) 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. Changes introduced in the last two Budgets continue these reforms. Changes were introduced to the OFP scheme in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010. These came into effect on 27 April 2011, and reduced the maximum age limit of the youngest child for receipt of the OFP to 14.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, 2012, enacted on 1 May 2012, continued the reform process. The reduction in the maximum age limit of the youngest child for receipt of the OFP is being applied to new and existing customers on a phased basis and will not affect existing customers until 2013. For new recipients, from 3 May 2012, the OFP payment will be made until the youngest child reaches the age of 12. This will reduce further to age 10 in 2013 and to age 7 in 2014.

For existing recipients, there will be a tapered phasing-out period to enable them to access education and training and to prepare them for their return to the labour market. Specifically, for pre-27 April 2011 customers, the current tapering arrangement will remain in place until 2015 — after which the age limit will reduce to age 7. For customers in receipt of the OFP from 27 April 2011 to 3 May 2012, the current age limit of age 14 will remain in place in 2012. The age limit will then reduce to age 12 in 2013 and will further reduce to age 10 in 2014 and to age 7 in 2015.

The reductions to ages 10 and 7 will be considered in the context of the further development of relevant activation and support services. When fully implemented, it is estimated that the measures will yield full-year savings of €29.9 million.

Commencing in January 2012, the OFP scheme will see a reduction, over five years, of the earnings disregard from €146.50 per week in 2011 to €130 per week in 2012, to €110 per week in 2013, to €90 per week in 2014, to €75 per week in 2015, and to €60 per week in 2016, for new and existing recipients. When fully implemented, this measure will yield full-year savings of €76.1 million.

Until 31 December 2011, recipients of the OFP for 52 weeks, whose income exceeded the scheme's €425 weekly earnings disregard limit, were entitled to a transitional payment that was paid at half of the rate of their OFP payment for a period of 26 weeks, after which the payment would cease completely. From 1 January 2012, the transitional payment will no longer be issued to new and existing OFP recipients. Their entitlement to the OFP payment will automatically end if their earnings exceed the €425 weekly earnings disregard limit. Existing recipients of the transitional payment are not affected by this measure and will continue to receive the payment for the balance of six months. This measure will yield full-year savings of €1.03 million.

From 1 February 2012, and 2 February 2012, respectively, the entitlement to half-rate Illness Benefit (IB) and Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) for persons in receipt of the OFP has been discontinued for new recipients. This measure will yield full-year savings of €22.6 million.

With regard to the changes that were made to the Community Employment (CE) scheme, the following reforms are of relevance for those in receipt of the OFP and on CE:

From 16 January 2012, a number of social welfare payments, including the OFP, are no longer payable concurrently with CE. This applies to new applications and will not affect existing recipients. This measure will yield full-year savings of €61.2 million across all schemes affected.

Also, from 20 January 2012, for new and existing claimants, the payment of two Qualified Child Increases (QCIs) of €29.80 per week per child will no longer apply to recipients who are on a CE scheme and in receipt of certain social welfare payments, including the OFP. The QCI for CE will cease and one QCI will continue to be payable with the relevant social welfare payment. This measure will yield full-year savings of €6.25 million across all schemes affected.

The following changes will also impact on OFP recipients:

From 1 January 2012, measures introduced in Budget 2012 increased the minimum contribution payable by all tenants under the rent supplement scheme from €24 per week to €30 per week. This measure will affect all of the approximately 97,000 tenants who are on the scheme — 15,900 of whom are in receipt of the OFP — and will yield full-year savings of €55 million in respect of all rent supplement recipients.

From September 2012, the payment period of the fuel allowance will be reduced from 32 weeks to 26 weeks from the months of September until May of each year. This measure will affect all of the approximately 425,000 recipients of the allowance — 68,000 of whom are in receipt of the OFP — and will yield full-year savings of €51 million in respect of all fuel allowance recipients.

The back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) will be reduced from €200 to €150 for children aged 4 to 11 years, and from €305 to €250 for children aged 12 to 22 years, for the 2012 scheme. This measure will yield full-year savings of €17 million in respect of all BSCFA recipients.

From 1 January, 2012, for new and existing recipients, income from employment as a home help funded by the Health Service Executive, will be assessed in means tests for social assistance schemes, including the OFP. This measure will affect approximately 2,000 people and yield full-year savings of €5 million.

The reduction of the Child Benefit rate for third and subsequent children, and the discontinuation of the Child Benefit grants on multiple births, will also impact on OFP recipients where relevant.

With regard to the impact of such changes, income support for people of working age, including lone parents, has been passive in nature, with little systematic engagement by the State with the customer. This is now changing. Long-term welfare dependency and passive income support to people of working age are not in the best interests of the recipient, of their children, or of society. Despite significant levels of State spending on one-parent families, as well as improvements made to the scheme over the years, lone parents and their children continue to experience high rates of ‘consistent poverty'. Consistent poverty is the official measure of poverty used by the Government to set the national poverty target in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. Consistent poverty is a targeted measure that identifies the population that is both at-risk-of-poverty (income below 60% of median income) and experiencing basic deprivation (lack of two or more basic necessities). EU-SILC figures show that, in 2010, 9.3% of lone parents in Ireland were experiencing consistent poverty. The comparable rate was 16.6% in 2009 and 17.8% in 2008. However, the rate of consistent poverty among lone parent households continues to be one-third more than that of the population as a whole. The Government recently revised its national poverty target to meet Ireland’s contribution to the Europe 2020 Strategy and its commitments in the Programme for Government. The revised target is to reduce consistent poverty to 4% by 2016 and to 2% or less by 2020, from the 2010 baseline rate of 6.2%, which will lift a minimum of 200,000 people out of the risk of poverty or exclusion between 2012 and 2020.

As indicated, the OFP payment has played an important role in providing income support to lone parents. It is, however, recognised that the best route out of poverty and social exclusion is through paid employment. Work, and especially full-time work, may not be an option for parents of young children. However, supporting parents to participate in the labour market, once their children have reached an appropriate age, will improve both their own economic situation and the social well-being of themselves and of their families. The reforms introduced into OFP scheme will require a whole of Government response with regard to the provision of the appropriate education, training, employment and child care supports, including the provision of appropriate after-school care. The development of the National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES) and the profiling of jobseekers, which is already under way 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

429 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time it takes to process an application for invalidity payments. [25464/12]

The Department makes every effort to process all its claims as quickly as possible. The average number of weeks taken to award an invalidity pension (IP) claim is currently 32 weeks.

It should be noted that his average figure includes the time taken to award claims made under EU regulations and bi-lateral agreements — these cases are complex and tend to take a longer time to process than domestic cases.

In addition, it is important to note that IP claims are not processed solely in the order in which they are received in the Department. Priority is given to those claims where the customer is in receipt of short-term illness benefit (IB) but where their IB is due to expire — such claims are processed in order of the due date for the expiry of their IB. IP claims received from customers who are in receipt of IB but where their IB is not of finite duration are processed on a separate track, in order of date of receipt in the Department.

The average of 32 weeks refers to the time taken to award new IP claims of all three types.

Community Employment Schemes

Joe Carey

Question:

430 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment schemes in County Clare that have availed of or have been awarded to date a discretionary increase in materials and training grant from the 2012 Budget allocation of €500 per participant as per her circular of 3 February 2012 last; and if she will report on the increased amounts awarded to date. [25467/12]

The following schemes in Clare requested and were facilitated with a meeting by officials from the Department regarding difficulties in funding arising from the reduction of the Community Employment materials grant:

1. Mountshannon Community Council;

2. Congress Information and Opportunity Centre;

3. Mid Clare Way.

Congress Information and Opportunity Centre were awarded an additional €900 to their budget while Mid Clare Way were approved for an additional €400.

Mountshannon Community Council were requested to come back to the Department with a detailed breakdown of funds required. To date, this has not been received.

A meeting is arranged for Tuesday, 22nd May with Carron New Quay CE Scheme to discuss the financial issues on the project.

Joe Carey

Question:

431 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress on centralising purchasing through the materials allocation of shared and common services for community employment schemes such as insurance, broadband provision and payroll software. [25470/12]

The majority of Community Employment projects are managed and operated by third party limited companies and the remainder by Public and Local Government bodies. As such my Department have no direct role in purchasing materials or services for these organisations. The funding of the Community Employment programme is by way of ‘grants towards' allowances, wages, materials and training. In deciding the amount of such grants Department officials continuously monitor and approve these grants in line with market conditions and obtaining value for money. Department officials also monitor and review the operating guidelines in order to minimise the costs to these organisations in operating a CE scheme.

As a result, significant savings are being achieved in relation to insurance and audit costs. Further savings are envisaged in relation to bank charges. There continues to be an onus on the scheme providers to achieve best value for money for taxpayer's funds. Such savings can be achieved in the current marketplace for the provision of business services such as broadband, electricity and phone through efficient procurement procedures.

Social Welfare Appeals

Robert Troy

Question:

432 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay issuing payment with regard to appeals applications where the appeal has been granted as in the case of a person (details supplied). [25482/12]

Following the successful outcome of her appeal, the person concerned has been awarded carer's allowance with effect from 6 January 2012. Arrangements are being made to put her carer's allowance into payment at half rate as soon as possible as the person in question is already in receipt of one parent family payment.

Questions Nos. 433 and 434 withdrawn.

Redundancy Payments

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

435 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection when online claims for redundancy payments will be processed and awarded to persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25499/12]

Redundancy lump sum claims in respect of the persons concerned were submitted online on 30 April 2012 and 3 May 2012 respectively. As stated on the online form, once an online claim has been submitted, the form must be printed off and signed by both the employee and the employer or employer representative. This signed hard copy of the form is necessary in order for the claim to be considered valid. Hard copy forms in respects of the persons concerned were received in the Department on 17 May 2012.

The processing target for on-line redundancy claims is 6 to 8 weeks. Every effort is made to process claims as quickly as possible but it is not possible to accurately predict when these claims will be finalised.

Question No. 436 answered with Question No. 348.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Question:

437 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25506/12]

I confirm an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On 17 April her file was referred to an Investigative Officer of this Department for further examination and confirmation that all conditions for receipt of Carer's Allowance are satisfied.

On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.

Redundancy Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

438 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their rebate payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25512/12]

Five redundancy rebate claims in respect of the company concerned have been awarded and payment is due to issue to the company in the coming weeks.

Departmental Expenditure

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

439 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [25552/12]

Total expenditure on the engagement of consultants by my Department for the years 2008 to 2011 is set out below and consultancies involved are detailed in the tables:

Year

2008 (Outturn)

€1,919,600

2009 (Outturn)

€1,145,917

2010 (Outturn)

€596,663

2011 (Provisional Outturn)

€893,056

The Department engages a range of consultants (individuals or organisations) to provide intellectual or knowledge based services (expert analysis and advice).

The majority of expenditure on consultancy expertise is to support the Department in implementing a multi-annual Service Delivery Modernisation programme (SDM) to enhance the efficiency and quality of delivery of services to customers. Further technical consultancies relate to the on-going development of the Department's extensive information technology systems.

In addition consultants are engaged for work including the delivery of reports, studies, assessments, recommendations and proposals that contribute to decision making or policy making.

The use of consultants is kept to a minimum. External assistance is only engaged when it is regarded as the most cost effective means of delivering the required services, where relevant expertise is not readily available and/or where transformation demands exceed Departmental resources. The Department has made considerable progress in developing in-house competencies and reducing the reliance on consultants particularly in regard to the continuing development of its information technology infrastructure.

In meeting business objectives and in maximising investments in staff and systems the Department will continue to focus on achieving value for money and where relevant will utilise the considerable flexibility, and specialised expertise, provided through the engagement of consultancy services.

Year: 2008

Company

Purpose

Expenditure

Naked Objects

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

€434,995

Accenture

Strategic Review of Client Eligibility Services

€368,573

Grant Thornton

Strategic Review of Customer Facing Services

€183,781

Mel Cousins

Equality Review of Social Welfare Code

€125,062

ERSI

Assessment of impact of tax and welfare policy

€150,000

Ernst and Young

Information Security Support

€120,000

Deloitte

IS Audit Consultancy

€118,403

Hewlett Packard Ireland Limited

Implementation of Centralised Infrastructural Management System

€81,266

WRC Social and Economic Consultants

Review of Activation and Family Support Programme

€77,552

Millward Brown

Family Income Supplement — Uptake Research Project

€65,606

ERSI

National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) Evaluation

€51,847

Lan Communications

Network Security Consultancy

€37,455

Rits Information Security

Forensic Investigation Services

€30,454

ERSI

Live Register Customer Profiling

€24,200

ERSI

Measurement and analysis of levels of consistent poverty

€16,000

Camille Loftus-OPEN

Welfare to work review

€14,000

Conal Devine Associates

CORE Functions — Organisational Design/Development and Configuration and Transition Management

€10,905

Accenture

DSFA Corporate Taxonomy

€5,569

Technical Guidance

Pensions Policy Report

€3,448

Open Interface

Website Design (Office of Social Inclusion)

€484

Year: 2009

Company

Purpose

Expenditure

Naked Objects Group Ltd

Technical Development Advice (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

€216,906

Naked Objects Group Ltd

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

€169,857

Accenture

Business Process Improvement

€152,297

ERSI

SWITCH Model

€150,000

Deloitte and Touche

Information Systems Audit Consultancy

€99,731

Ernst and Young

Provision of a Security Partner to provide ongoing Information Security Support

€98,415

ESRI

Analysis and Measurement of Deprivation and Poverty in Ireland

€64,265

A&L Goodbody Solicitors

Pensions Policy Advice

€32,659

ESRI

National Employment Action Plan Evaluation

€26,031

ESRI

Live Register Customer Profiling

€24,300

WRC Economic Consultants

Review of Activation and Family Support Programme

€19,440

Deloitte and Touche

Provision of Forensic Investigation Services

€6,560

Prof. Mansel Aylward

Review of Protocols for Medical Referral Case Management Project

€437

Note: In addition to the consultants detailed above the balance of the department expenditure from its consultancy allocation for 2009 (€85,018) was used to support the research programme of The Combat Poverty Agency which from 1 July 2009 became part of Social Inclusion Division within the Department.

Year: 2010

Company

Purpose

Expenditure

ESRI

SWITCH Model

€150,000

Naked Objects Group Ltd

Technical Development Advice (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

€137,255

Naked Objects Group Ltd

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

€105,289

Deloitte and Touche

Information Systems Audit Consultancy

€67,175

ESRI

Activation: Customer Profiling and Case Management (APCM)

€36,602

PA Consulting Group

ePayments RFI Evaluation

€34,058

Ernst and Young

Provision of a Security Partner to provide ongoing Information Security Support

€29,889

ESRI

National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) Evaluation

€25,924

Deloitte and Touche

Provision of Confidential Forensic Investigation Services

€8,671

Camille Loftus

Feasibility Study on Introduction of Single Social Assistance Payment for People of Working Age

€1,800

Year: 2011

Company

Purpose

Expenditure

Accenture

Business Process Improvement

€186,563

ESRI

SWITCH Research Programme

€150,000

Naked Objects

Technical Development Advice

€135,495

PA Consulting Group

Payments Strategy

€111,142

Naked Objects

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise

€101,253

Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Social Inclusion Research Innovation Awards

€50,000

ESRI

Analysis and Measurement of Deprivation and Poverty

€48,001

Price Waterhouse Cooper

National Pensions Framework Implementation

€36,300

Deloitte and Touche

IS Audit Consultancy/Computer Audit Assistance

€14,792

Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Administrative Burden Review

€14,000

Deloitte and Touche

Confidential Forensic Investigation Services

€7,109

Patrick Oliver Ryan

Gender Recognition Advisor Group

€7,000

UCD

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€6,650

NUI Maynooth

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€6,500

NUI Galway

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€5,000

Eleanor Ashe

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€1,750

Dr. Mary Mulcahy

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€1,422

Net Affinity Ltd

Poverty Research Initiative Awards

€291

Social Welfare Benefits

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

440 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25557/12]

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

Dara Calleary

Question:

441 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection when an invalidity pension appeal will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if she will expedite the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25675/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th March 2012. The case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.

Tom Fleming

Question:

442 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will process a jobseeker’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry that has been ongoing since last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25677/12]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 1st December 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 the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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 Action Plan

Jack Wall

Question:

443 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any exemptions in relation to the qualifying criteria for Tús schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25680/12]

The purpose of Tús is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed and who may not have engaged in activation activity for some time. For this reason, eligibility for both participatory and supervisory positions on Tús is confined to those on the Live Register for at least 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently on the Live Register by breaking the cycle of unemployment and allowing the person improve their work readiness for return to the labour market.

While I appreciate that this can result in difficult consequences for persons actively seeking work, I must balance this against the opportunities that are reserved for those who are in danger of becoming distant from the labour market. I have no plans to alter the eligibility criteria for Tús.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

444 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24930/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is subject to the moratorium on recruitment which is currently in place across the public sector. At present my Department has no specific proposals in relation to graduate recruitment.

Architectural Heritage

Patrick Nulty

Question:

445 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to ensure the protection of Nos. 3 to 8 Hume Street, Dublin 2, a Georgian terrace, in view of its importance as part of Dublin city’s architectural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/12]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 319 and 321 of 15 May 2012.

My role as Minister, the role of local authorities, and the responsibilities of owners, with regard to protected structures are set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. Under Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Acts, inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures in relation to those structures.

Planning authorities are also given powers to ensure that the structures are protected. This includes powers to serve notice to carry out protective works, and obligations in relation to how development proposals are considered. The appropriate authority in this case is Dublin City Council.

My Department has some limited funding (€500,000 in 2012) for structures at risk. Applications for this funding are made by local authorities to my Department and the deadline for applications in 2012 has passed.

My Department is currently developing various policy actions which can contribute to the protection and appropriate re-use of our built heritage, while seeking to deal with on-going strategic objectives indirectly affecting our architectural heritage, such as the adaptive re-use for historic properties and a forward plan-led approach to cultural heritage and urban design in our towns and cities. To this end, my Department is currently finalising a best practice manual on re-use of protected structures. This will complement my Department's existing architectural conservation advice series and will be of assistance to local authorities and owners in ensuring a sustainable future for our stock of protected structures.

In this regard, my Department's policy and best practice advice consistently recommends that appropriate new uses are identified and pursued for vacant protected structures, as this is the best means of ensuring conservation of their architectural heritage.

National Census

Catherine Murphy

Question:

446 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if provision was made in the contracts for digitising the 1901 and 1911 census for corrections to be made as they are discovered; if such provision has been made, the time period involved; if no provision has been made, the way the corrections are being handled; in the absence of such provision if he will he include such provision when work on the 1926 census is commenced; the funds that have been spent so far on both projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25118/12]

During the transcription of the 1911 census, independent statistical analysis, supplemented with scrutiny by a genealogist expert in Irish names, was commissioned to establish the levels of accuracy of transcription. The average level of accuracy was found to be 99.21%, regarded as perfectly acceptable by international standards. The accuracy threshold set by The National Archives in Britain for the 1911 census was 98.5%. Genealogical scrutiny continued during the transcription of the 1901 census, and accuracy levels were deemed to be similar to those for 1911.

The census website contains a dynamic error transcription form to allow users to report mistranscriptions. Such proposed corrections have to be verified in the National Archives, and if found to be correct, are inputted to the database as and when resources permit.

The census digitisation project cost €4.6 million, of which 21% was paid in VAT to the Irish revenue authorities. The net cost to the state was €3.64 million. The proposed budget was assessed as excellent value by the Director of the UK Data Archive, an expert in digitisation, before the project began. Library and Archives Canada (LAC), the National Archives partners in the project, have world class expertise in digitising census records to preservation standard, and have provided the National Archives of Ireland with archival standard preservation images.

They also moved from a projected topographical index alone, to a names index, and finally to digitisation of all the fields in the census, without an appreciable increase in the budget. They have digitised all of the information in the census, such as religion, occupation, literacy and marriage information, place of birth, Irish language proficiency, etc. The extra information greatly enhances the site's value to scholars of Irish history as well as to family researchers, and makes the Irish census site the most comprehensive free census website in the world.

To date, the site has received 700 million hits and 14 million visits, and is extremely popular with Irish citizens and the Irish Diaspora.

Clearly, the lessons from the work on the 1901 and 1911 census will inform work on the 1926 census.

Proposed Legislation

Sean Fleming

Question:

447 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Statutory Instrument No. 576 of 2005 in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Laois has been amended or revised by any subsequent statutory instrument; if so, if he will provide a copy and reference for such a statutory instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25157/12]

I am advised that the Statutory Instrument referred to in the Deputy's Question (S.I. 376/05) has not been amended to date. However, I understand that the relevant appeals board is to consider an appeal in the case in question and, if the outcome of the appeal gives rise to any boundary changes, the Statutory Instrument will be amended accordingly.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

448 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of retired public servants who have been rehired in his Department during the period April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25237/12]

As I have previously advised the House, Mr. James Kenny, a retired schoolteacher, was appointed as a Special Adviser in my Department on 7th June 2011. Following abatement, the salary paid in respect of Mr. Kenny is €38,216 per annum.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

449 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25369/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide a comparison of the annual cost for the provision of civilian drivers and Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars.

The amount spent on drivers and Ministerial transport, covering both Minister and Minister of State at my Department, in the period from 2 June 2011 to date is €222,657.51. All such expenditure has been incurred in full conformity with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidance on such matters.

National Monuments

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

450 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the management of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains; if his attention has been drawn to damage being caused on our mountain ranges by motor bikes and quad bikes which are causing irreparable damage to the land surface; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that these vehicles are devastating our 5,000 year old cairns; if he will take the necessary steps to ban these vehicles on our mountains; if he will protect by use of sensitive boundaries the stone walling and cairns which exist in the Dublin and Wicklow mountain range that are being damaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25494/12]

While local authorities have statutory powers to make bye-laws to regulate activities of the nature referred to by the Deputy, as far as I am aware no bye-laws have been made for that purpose in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains region.

The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations provide for Ministerial Directions to regulate the use of quad bikes, other off-road vehicles and the carrying out of activities that are likely to harm European nature sites, habitats and protected species. In 2010, Directions were made to restrict the use of off-road vehicles in a number of areas, including the Wicklow Mountains National Park, where the unauthorised use of off-road vehicles, including quad bikes, is prohibited.

All recorded monuments, including those located in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004. My Department responds to reports from the public of any alleged damage or potential for damage to such monuments. Archaeologists from my Department have had recent occasion to visit certain sites on foot of complaints in relation to quad bikes, particularly at Seefin passage tomb. While there were track marks leading up and over the cairn, I am advised that it was difficult to see clear direct damage to the monument as such damage may be invisible but cumulative over time. Further Department inspections at Tibradden and Seehan earlier this year recorded no evidence of damage.

My Department will continue to inspect these monuments on a regular basis.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

451 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25540/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. The total amount of expenditure on consultancy during the period from 2 June 2011 to end-December 2011 was €8,229. The details are set out in the table:

Name of consultant

Amount paid

Dr Evelyn Moorkens

€1,929

Avia Solutions

€6,300

No consultants were awarded contracts during 2011 following the establishment of my Department. It may be noted that contracts for the provision of services have not been included.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department has taken measures to ensure that expenditure on consultancies is limited to what is strictly necessary and, in that context, senior management approval is a requirement before awarding any new consultancy contracts.

Turbary Rights

Denis Naughten

Question:

452 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 287 of 8 November, 2011, when the person involved will receive their payment; the reason for the delay in making payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/12]

As the Deputy is aware, the individual referred to in the Question has applied to sell his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. As outlined in my reply to Question No 287 of 8 November last, a contract for the sale of the site in question had been forwarded by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and was under review by officials of my Department.

However, in the light of issues which have arisen more generally in relation to the voluntary bog purchase scheme, I decided that applicants could, if they wished, transfer instead to the compensation scheme established by my Department for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This would allow applicants to retain ownership of their land holding or rights while availing of compensation.

This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Accordingly, my Department has recently written to applicants under the voluntary bog purchase scheme — including the applicant referred to by the Deputy — to outline their options under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme as an alternative to proceeding with their applications under the purchase scheme. For the sake of clarity, I should state that this approach relates to applicants under the voluntary bog purchase scheme who have not received a letter of offer or have received a letter of offer but where contracts have not been signed.

Fisheries Protection

Clare Daly

Question:

453 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the basis on which licences ceased to be issued in 2008 for eel fishing on lakes here; if any compensation was paid to those involved; and his plans to change the current position. [25567/12]

The 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007), drafted in response to the endangered status of the European Eel, required EU States, including Ireland, to develop an Eel Management Plan.

Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland close both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries in 2008. Bye-laws, Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-law No. C.S. 303, 2009 and Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition On Issue Of Licences) Bye-law No. 858, 2009, were signed by the then Minister in 2009 prohibiting the capture of eels. There was no provision for compensation for those who previously engaged in this fishery on a commercial basis.

The then Central and Regional Fisheries Boards (now Inland Fisheries Ireland — IFI) engaged with the eel fishermen representatives to investigate possible diversification schemes; however, no specific funding was identified for diversification. I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to undertake Trap and Transport operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the eel management plan.

In June, the status of eel in Ireland, and across Europe, will be reviewed as part of the reporting requirement for the 2007 EU regulation. This will include a review of the status of the eel stocks nationally and the potential for commercial fishing in the future. Also a public consultation process is due to commence in the coming weeks.

The report will clarify and update the situation for eel fishery in Ireland and it will inform any decision to open the fishery or to keep it closed. In line with the conservation imperative, no eel fishing will be permitted in the interim.

The status of the European Eel in Ireland was recently defined as critically endangered (Ireland Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011). Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 Eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.

Broadcasting Services

Patrick Nulty

Question:

454 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the publication of all relevant documents related to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s report into Raidió Teilifis Éireann’s “Prime Time Investigates” programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24883/12]

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is an independent regulator responsible for the oversight of compliance in relation to broadcast content. The Compliance Committee monitors and enforces compliance by broadcasters with various aspects of the relevant legislation relating to fairness, impartiality and enforcement of standards.

On foot of a decision by Government, I requested that the Compliance Committee of the BAI use its powers under Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to investigate whether RTÉ had met its statutory responsibilities around objectivity, fairness and impartiality in respect of the programme "Prime Time Investigates — Mission to Prey" broadcast by RTÉ on 23 May 2011.

The scope, terms of reference, timeline and conduct of the investigation, including the publication of documents referred to by the Deputy, are matters for the BAI, pursuant to Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Neither I, nor my Department, has a role in this process.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

455 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/12]

Following a recent campaign run by the Public Appointments Service, my Department plans to recruit at least one graduate this year as an Economist. There may be a requirement for additional graduates depending on the identification of suitable posts. It also participates in the JobBridge National Internship Scheme. In total 18 placements for graduates have been provided throughout the Department under this scheme and a FAS Internship scheme which preceded it.

EU Directives

Tom Hayes

Question:

456 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the implementation of Statutory Instrument No. 336 of 2011, the reasons Ireland chose the opt in rather than the opt out clause under Article 13 section 3 of EU Directive 2009/136/EC on electronic contact with consumers; the nature and extent of the consultation process undertaken in advance of the implementation of S.I. No. 336 of 2011; if submissions were received and if such are publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/12]

The rules to which the Deputy refers are the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2011. Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 336 of 2011 transposes the requirements of EU Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (ePrivacy Directive) as amended by the EU Directive 2009/136/EC (Citizens' Rights Directive).

Regulation 13 of S.I. No. 336 seeks to protect individuals from receiving unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing. This Regulation covers the making of unsolicited phone calls and the sending of unsolicited fax messages, email and SMS (text messages) for direct marketing purposes and gives individuals the right to prevent organisations from using electronic means to contact them in order to sell a product or service. The requirement of this Regulation extends to all forms of marketing carried out by means of publicly available electronic communications services.

The Regulation transposes an amendment to Article 13 of the 2002 Directive which was transposed into domestic law in 2003. At the time of transposition in 2003 opt-out consent was provided for electronic marketing communications sent by an entity where the consumer has a prior business relationship. Prior opt-in consent was provided for situations where the receiver has no business relationship with the sender. This has remained unchanged since. The new S.I. maintains these provisions. No substantive case was made to change the balance struck which is consumer friendly and is aimed at ensuring proper protection from spam.

Two consultations were held prior to the transposition of the Directives, one in 2010 following the adoption of the Directives and a second in 2011 when the draft Regulations were available. The Department also met with industry and agency representatives throughout the transposition process and the Regulations were drafted in consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner who is responsible for the enforcement of the S.I. Consultation is a regular feature in the formulation of policy and legislation and the details of the consultations are not published in this instance. Should the Deputy require any further clarification on aspects of the transposition, officials in my Department would be happy to speak further with him.

Telecommunications Services

Paul Connaughton

Question:

457 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when high-speed broadband is rolled out to secondary schools in County Galway, will it also be available in the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25124/12]

The provision of high-speed broadband to all secondary schools in Ireland is being undertaken by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills, in conjunction with our network partners, HEAnet, following the successful completion of a pilot project that ran from 2009 to 2011.

The procurement of the connection necessary to deliver the high-speed broadband for each school is proceeding under an existing Framework Agreement as a commercial service. Given the commercial nature of the connection, the broadband will only be available to each individual school.

The provision of access to these connections for the wider community would not be in line with the commercial agreements that have been entered into and there would also be a number of technical, financial and legal impediments to providing wider community access under this programme.

The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I convened last summer, has had an important role to play in this regard.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Taskforce report has now been published. The report notes that by 2015, over 50% of the population will have access to high speed broadband services with speeds in excess of 70 Mbps. The report also highlights areas where Government and industry can work together to facilitate the roll out of high speed services across Ireland, and particularly in areas where the case for commercial investment is marginal. Following on the publication of the Taskforce report, I have also launched a 4 week consultation process. The purpose of this consultation is to provide further input to this important policy area. Thereafter, it is my intention to bring proposals to Government for a National Broadband Plan for Ireland. This plan will build on the recent excellent progress made and be informed by the findings of the Taskforce and subsequent consultations.

Planning Issues

Joe Carey

Question:

458 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of a fish counter on the River Fergus, Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25126/12]

I am advised that a planning application was made to the Local Authority in July 2010. The proposal was for construction of a weir on the River Fergus and, at the request of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the proposal included a fish counter.

While an initial decision to grant planning permission was made in January 2011, on appeal, planning permission was refused by An Bord Pleanála.

The River Fergus fish counter remains a high priority with the IFI and since the planning application was refused further consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has taken place in order to progress the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

It is hoped these discussions will facilitate the carrying out of works that will incorporate a Lamprey pass, which was of concern to the NPWS, and the fish counter.

Postal Services

Sean Fleming

Question:

459 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the procedures to be followed by his Department or An Post in relation to changing the postal addresses of locations throughout the country; if there has been any prior consultation or information with the persons in the area regarding same or can it be done without any consultation and persons just informed that their postal address has been changed after the decision has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25139/12]

I have no statutory function in regard to the issue raised by the Deputy. This is an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post.

I have asked the company to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.

Fisheries Protection

Noel Grealish

Question:

460 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if eel fishing licences will be issued following the review of the eel fishing ban which is due next month; the timeframe for the issuing of these licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/12]

Following scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation required that all Member States prepare a National Eel Management Plan (EMP). Ireland's plan was approved by the European Commission in July, 2009. The EMP includes a comprehensive programme of monitoring and evaluation of management actions and their implementation. It also includes a programme of scientific eel stock assessment to establish a stock baseline, estimate current silver eel escapement and monitoring the impact of the management actions on the local stocks.

The Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S 303, 2009, and Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition On Issue Of Licences) Bye-Law No. 858, 2009 give effect to the National Eel Management Plan and provide for closure of the fishery until June 2012, when the status of stocks will be fully reviewed and reported on to the European Commission. This review will consider whether the eel fishery could be reopened in any River Basin District in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks. A public consultation process is due to be undertaken on this issue in the coming weeks.

The imperative is to ensure that the vulnerable stocks of eels are protected — currently it would be premature to speculate on the future of the eel fishery and whether it will be open to commercial exploitation.

The status of the European Eel in Ireland was recently defined as critically endangered (Ireland Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011). Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 Eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

461 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of retired public servants who have been rehired in his Department during the period April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25238/12]

My Department has re-employed one former member of staff for a very short period during the period since April 2011.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

462 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25371/12]

Since the introduction of the revised transport arrangements for Ministers in May 2011 the total cost incurred in the provision of transport to the Minister in my Department to end 2011 was €63,580. The cost to date for 2012 is €41,128.

As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the decision to discontinue the provision of State cars for Cabinet Ministers (with the exception of An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice) has reduced the cost to the Exchequer on average by 65%.

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

463 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, with respect to the payment of corporation tax by operators of oil and gas fields in Irish territory under Ireland’s licensing terms for oil and gas exploration, development and production, as adopted in 1992 and 2007, these licensing terms allow for the operator to write off costs incurred in other countries against their profits to be declared in Ireland; if these licensing terms allow the operator to write off the costs of unsuccessful wells drilled in Irish waters against their profits; and if so, if these licensing terms allow the operator to write off the costs of unsuccessful wells that are outside the licence area of the well on which profit is being calculated against that profit, in each case, in which the 1992 and 2007 terms differ; and if he will state the difference. [25454/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

464 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if two hydrocarbon exploration projects currently being undertaken by a company (details supplied) at Dalkey Island Kish Bank and the Barryroe Field, are subject to the 1992 licensing terms or the 2007 terms; and if the former, if he will explain the reason this is the case. [25455/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

465 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is the case that the operator of an oil or gas field is allowed a 100% write off of all exploration expenses incurred in the 25-year period prior to the commencement of field production; and if he will clarify any terms or conditions that apply to this write off. [25456/12]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

466 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is the case that under Ireland’s 1975 licensing terms for offshore oil and gas exploration, the State would have taken a carried interest in any exploitation of an oil or gas discovery; and if this would have amounted to a 50% share in the project, irrespective of whether the State had shared in the cost of exploration. [25457/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 to 466, inclusive, together.

The fiscal terms for petroleum exploration and production are set out in the Finance Acts, while the operational frameworks are detailed in the 1992 and 2007 Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development. Since 1992 a corporation tax rate of 25% has applied to profits from all oil and gas production offshore Ireland.

In 2007, following a comprehensive review of Ireland's licensing terms, both the fiscal and non-fiscal licensing terms were revised. The revised fiscal terms provided for a new supplementary tax, known as a profit resource rent tax, of up to 15% in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate already applying. The revised fiscal terms were implemented in the 2008 Finance Act and apply to production arising from exploration licences granted since 1st January 2007. Standard exploration licences 1/11 (Barryroe) and 2/11 (Kish Bank) are subject to the provisions of the 2007 Licensing Terms.

Write off of expenditures against tax liability is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance and the application of tax law is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I understand that in the event of a commercial discovery, historic exploration capital expenditures incurred in Ireland in the 25-year period prior to the commencement of field production are 100% deductible against corporation tax at the start of production. This includes capital expenditure on exploration activities outside the lease production area but excludes expenditure incurred in other countries.

The 1975 Licensing Terms, which were introduced at a time of optimism in regard to commercial discoveries of oil and gas, provided for State participation up to a maximum of 50% in a commercial discovery, subject to the State paying its appropriate share of all relevant exploration and development costs. No commercial discoveries of oil or gas were made under these terms and this provision was deleted in 1987.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

467 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25542/12]

The total amount of expenditure by my Department from its consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget in the years 2008-2011 is set out in the following table:

2008

2009

2010

2011

Amount

€2.249m

€0.739m

€1.245m

€1.364m

In procuring these specialized services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary. In this regard, the Deputy might note that expenditure from my Department's consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget has reduced from €2.249m in 2008 to €1.364m in 2011.

Given the technical complexity of the sectors which my Department oversees and, in some instances regulates, there is a requirement to procure specialised services to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore also necessarily incurs some expenditure on outsourced services as part of programme expenditure, an element of which is consultancy in nature. The overall spend for this consultancy element is as follows:

2008

2009

2010

2011

Amount

€3.593m

€1.043m

€0.675m

€1.338m

The number of consultants engaged over the years specified is 85 and their names are set out in the attached list.

My Department will continue to keep spending on all consultancies to a minimum consistent with ensuring the necessary expertise is available to discharge the Department's wide and complex brief:

Table

(Aegis Media IRL)

Eric van Rongen

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

2B Energy

Ernst and Young

Media Literacy Education

A & L Goodbody Solicitors

ERT (Scotland)

Members of EMG

AEA TECHNOLOGY plc

ESB 1927 Properties

NCB Corporate Finance

AMEC Environment and Infrastructure UK Ltd (Entec)

ESRI Ireland

Network Resources Ltd

Arthur Cox Solicitor

Eugene Daly Associates

Next Utility (Ireach)

Astron

Fergus B Cahill

Noel J Travers

Beauchamps Solicitors

Fugro Survey Ltd

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Behaviour and Attitudes Limited

Gary Tonge

PA Consulting Group

Ben Dhonau

GL Industrial Services UK

Pamela Austin

Bianconi Research Ltd

Golder Associates Ltd

Pamela McDonald

Bruce Misstear

GWP Consultants

Parkmore Environmental Services

Cantab Consulting

Hayes Higgins Partnership

Patrick Barrett

CDM (Camp Dresser and Mc Kee Irl Ltd)

Helm Corporation Ltd

Petra Coffey

Cefas — Lowestoft

IBI Corporate Finance

Petrus Consulting

Charles Desmond

Indecon

PriceWaterhouse Coopers

Clare Morgan

Iron Mountain

Purvin and Gertz Inc

CSA Group

Jenny Deakin

Quantum Equity

Dara Design and Print Ltd

Keane Offshore Integrity Ltd

Ralph Horne

David Fox Associates

KPMG

Reidy Brophy

Deloitte and Touche

Latinollo Ltd

Ronan Tierney (Tierney and Associates )

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment NI

Legal Island

Siobhan Fay

Dept of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Magnum Opus Ltd

SLR Consulting (Ireland Ltd

Dr. Michael Johnson

Margaret O’Driscoll

Sonas Innovation

Eamon O’Duibhir

Marie McGonagle

Steelhenge Crisis and Risk consulting

ECOFYS GMBH

Mason Communications

Stephen O’Connor

Economic and Social Research Institute

Mason Hayes and Curran

Toorane Technology

Elimark AB

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Xodus Group

Environ UK ltd

Broadcasting Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

468 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects TV3 to make a decision on the carriage of the Saorsat service; the contract that has been made between his Department and the organisation on the matter to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25564/12]

There is no contract between TV3 and my Department. TV3 is a commercial broadcaster and I have no role in the operation of TV3 nor in its commercial or business decisions.

TV3 operates under contract from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to provide a national commercial broadcasting service.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for TV3 to operate on SAORVIEW, should it wish to do so. TV3 has made a commercial decision to use the SAORVIEW service and in that regard space has been made available on SAORVIEW for the two TV3 channels — TV3 and 3e.

SAORSAT is a satellite TV service developed and operated by RTÉ. Its aim is to provide coverage of the RTÉ and other TV channels carried on it to the last 2% of the population so that all the people of Ireland can chose to receive these channels on a free to air platform.

RTÉ is not required to provide SAORSAT and has developed the service on its own initiative. RTÉ's legislative obligation is to provide a national digital TV service and I am informed that this obligation is fully met through their SAORVIEW service.

I understand from RTÉ that SAORSAT currently carries RTÉ1, RTÉ2 (HD), TG4, RTÉ1+1, RTÉjr, RTÉ News Now and 10 Irish radio channels.

I also understand from RTÉ that, subject to agreement of the necessary commercial arrangements, carriage on SAORSAT is open to TV3 should they decide that they wish to be carried on the service. That decision, however, is a commercial matter for TV3 in the first instance.

Energy Prices

Catherine Murphy

Question:

469 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has reviewed the recently published IMF working paper, The Future of Oil: Geology versus Technology, WP/12/109, which predicts a near doubling in world oil prices over the coming decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25613/12]

Ireland remains critically dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas which are subject to price volatility and geo-political rise. This dependency underlines the immediate and long term imperatives of enhancing energy security. Ireland's energy policy objectives are in line with overall EU policy objectives and are informed by the critical work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on all aspects of energy supply.

I am aware of the paper to which the Deputy refers and which has just been published. It is a working paper which does not represent the views of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or IMF policy. It models a range of possible future oil prices, based on, respectively, geological and technological assumptions. The paper's conclusion certainly points to potential permanent very high increases in oil prices over the next decade.

Upward trends in global oil prices underscores the Government's commitment to delivering national energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives which are aimed at moving the economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels.

The electrification of transport offers huge potential for Ireland, not just in terms of energy efficiency but also because of the ability to use cheaper grid sourced electricity, an increasing amount of which will be sourced from renewable resources as we progressively deliver on our ambitious target of 40% renewable generation by 2020.

In addition, the Biofuel Obligation Scheme incentivises and enables the sustainable growth of an Irish biofuels market affording opportunities for indigenous biofuel producers and allowing for the displacement of traditional oil products in the transport sector.

The Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 and currently requires that the amount of biofuel brought to the market is not less than 4.166% of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels. The scheme ensured that 144.5 million litres of biofuel were brought to the Irish market in 2011.

The Better Energy programme provides Exchequer supported incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, as well as bringing on board energy suppliers as partners to directly offer upgrade services to consumers. Low income households are also addressed through a specific retrofit programme aimed at protecting such households from energy poverty.

Delivery on these commitments will progressively reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, while supporting energy competitiveness and security as well as employment and economic activity.

Offshore Exploration

Terence Flanagan

Question:

470 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will request an independent environmental assessment of the impact of drilling in Dublin Bay by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24885/12]

The application from Providence Resources for a foreshore licence in respect of site investigations and the drilling of an exploratory well off Dalkey is currently the subject of an environmental assessment by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee, which is an independent group of scientific and technical advisers which assesses all applications for foreshore consent.

Their assessment will involve a detailed examination of the application, related information and issues raised in submissions received from the public and prescribed bodies, and the applicant's responses to those issues. I expect that the environmental assessment will consider potential impacts on European sites, sensitive species, other legitimate uses within the area the subject of the application, and navigation issues.

I will consider the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department in due course in making a determination on the licence application.

Control of Dogs

John Paul Phelan

Question:

471 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any regulations are in place to deal with the issue of sheep worrying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/12]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

482 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are controls in place to deal with dogs taken from pounds or dog shelters by members of the public as far as the safety and health of the public and the impact on other animals like sheep are concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24996/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 482 together.

The Control of Dogs Act 1986 contains wide-ranging provisions to protect the safety and health of the public with regard to dogs. It sets out the provisions dealing with dangerous dogs, the duties of local authorities, the powers of local authority dog wardens and the right of local authorities to make bye-laws relating to the control of dogs within their functional areas. The Act also includes provisions in relation to worrying of livestock by dogs. Enforcement is a matter for the local authorities under the Act.

The Act does not differentiate between dogs taken from pounds, dog shelters or dogs from other sources.

Mortgage Arrears

Michael McGrath

Question:

472 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of completed transactions under the mortgage to rent schemes recommended in the Keane report on mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/12]

One transaction has been completed with more than 100 other cases being progressed. A number of lenders and approved housing bodies are now involved and I anticipate launch of a national mortgage to rent scheme in June.

Local Authority Housing

Pearse Doherty

Question:

473 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the par value of loans that have been transferred by the 34 local authorities to the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, showing by year and by local authority, when the loans were originally obtained; if he will show the valuations of any properties transferred to the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency and the consideration paid by the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency to the valuations of these properties. [24850/12]

Housing authorities may, subject to approval from my Department, transfer residential lands on which there are outstanding loans from the Housing Finance Agency to the Housing and Sustainable Communities Ltd. when the loans fall due for redemption and on the basis that there are no short to medium term plans for the development of the land. Subject to available funding my Department will recoup the cost of a land loan to the authority and transfer ownership to the Agency.

The following loans have been redeemed and recouped to date under the Land Aggregation Scheme. The value of the loan as redeemed includes interest. The lands transferred have not been the subject of valuation by the Agency.

Local Authority

Location

Value of Loan as Redeemed

Loan Start Date

Wicklow Town Council

Hillview, Ballynerrin, Wicklow Town

1,390,145

2000

National Building Agency

Cartontroy-Kilnafaddoge and Lissywollen, Athlone

4,167,544

2001

Tralee Town Council

Ballyard, Tralee

5,585,790

2001

Sligo County Council

Ballintogher

274,344

2001

Sligo County Council

Tubbercurry

34,062

2001

Fingal County Council

Hampton, Balbriggan

26,479,174

2000

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Enniskerry Road, Sandyford

10,257,875

2001

Naas Town Council

Naas Devoy Barracks

10,827,158

2001

Limerick County Council

Glin

124,123

2001

Limerick County Council

Ballyhahill

54,466

2001

Waterford City Council

Gibbet Hill

1,620,215

2002

Carlow County Council

Tinryland

499,835

2001

Carlow County Council

Slate Row, Hacketstown

611,677

2001

Laois County Council

Castletown

111,392

1999

Laois County Council

Portlaoise Road, Mountrath

849,818

2000

Laois County Council

Golflinks Road Rathdowney

342,669

1999-2001

Laois County Council

Woodbrook, Mountrath

370,383

2003

Laois County Council

Adj. to Cemetery Ballinakill

178,188

2001

Offaly County Council

Shinrone

371,847

2002

Kildare County Council

Naas Craddockstown

4,750,580

2003

Meath County Council

Kells

2,516,242

2003

National Building Agency

Tullow Road, Carlow

3,327,875

2007

Sligo County Council

Lisnalurg

4,828,276

20012000

Kildare County Council

Clane

3,595,901

2002

Waterford County Council

Townpark East, Tallow

871,053

2000

Mallow Town Council

St Joseph’s Road, Mallow

3,877,077

2002

Cork County Council

Land at Oakwood, Macroom

1,126,472

2001

Kildare County Council

Kildare, Brallistown

1,929,294

2003

Kildare County Council

Nurney

829,896

2003

Cork County Council

The Slip, Bantry, Co Cork

2,788,750

2001-2002

Limerick County Council

Knocklong

434,019

2000

Limerick County Council

Bruff

229,899

2002

Cork County Council

Colleras, Goleen

348,337

2000

Limerick County Council

Mountcollins

135,694

2002

Wexford County Council

Ballyowen, Ramsfort Park Gorey

701,448

20002002

Wexford County Council

Creagh B Demesne, Gorey

270,933

2002

Wexford County Council

Parish Field, Bunclody

283,233

2001

Wexford County Council

Hospital Hill, Bunclody

1,252,881

2000

Clare County Council

Lisdoonvarna

2,189,982

2001-2002

Cork County Council

Land at Carrigtwohill

1,474,014

2002

Cork County Council

Land Acquisition at Meelin

115,032

2002

Cork County Council

Land at Knocknagree

241,595

2000

Wexford County Council

Carrick on Bannow

111,339

2001

Wexford County Council

Taghmon, Wexford

829,214

2002

Galway City Council

Ballymoneen Road, Ballyburke

7,006,412

2004

Cork County Council

Land at Lombardstown

152,184

2001

Local Authority Loans

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

474 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which consideration can be given to the introduction of a loan scheme to facilitate first-time buyers in their efforts to meet their housing requirements, with particular reference to those on medium incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/12]

The Government is committed to supporting access to home ownership for lower to middle income households and the current range of paths to home ownership will remain in place in that regard.

Two types of house purchase loan are available from local authorities: standard annuity loans targeted at lower income first time buyers and those under the Home Choice Loan scheme which are available to qualifying middle income first time buyers affected by the "credit crunch". The terms and conditions governing the operation, including eligibility terms, of annuity mortgages and the Home Choice Loan are set out under the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009 and the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2009 respectively. These are available on my Department's website: www.environ.ie.

Private Rented Accommodation

Pearse Doherty

Question:

475 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration he has given to the effect of the implementation of Articles 6 and 7 of Statutory Instrument No. 534 of 2008 in February 2013 on the private rental market, particularly for those on the lowest incomes; if he has any data on the number of currently rented units which will be affected by the changes; the plans in place or being developed to deal with any issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24891/12]

In September, 2006, my Department launched the programme, Action on Private Rented Accommodation Standards. Arising out of this programme, new regulations prescribing minimum standards for rented accommodation, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, came into effect on 1 February 2009. The revised regulations were prepared following consultations with key stakeholders, including landlords' and tenants' representative organisations, and the four-year phasing-in period for certain aspects of the regulations applying to existing accommodation was specifically designed to afford landlords the time either adequately to meet the revised minimum standards or to remove unsuitable accommodation from the rental market. A Regulatory Impact Assessment outlining the cost and benefits of the revised standards was conducted prior to the introduction of the 2008 Regulations and copies are available from my Department's website www.environ.ie.

Article 2 of these Regulations sets out the date from which the Regulations take effect. This depends on whether or not the house is an existing rental property or a new let. Existing rental properties will continue to be subject to the relevant provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Housing) Regulations 1993 until 1 February 2013. However, any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 have to comply with all the requirements of the new Regulations.

The purpose of Article 6 of the Regulations is to ensure that each rental property has exclusive access to its own sanitary facilities and that those facilities are contained within the dwelling unit. This provision will have the effect of removing non-compliant bed-sit-type accommodation from the rental market. Article 7 relates to effective heating which can be independently managed by the tenant and Article 8 provides for sole access to adequate facilities for hygienic storage, preparation and the cooking of food.

I am satisfied that the private rented residential sector contains a sufficiently large stock of decent housing and of good landlords to ensure that those previously renting accommodation at the lowest end of the market can still be accommodated within that market but in better quality accommodation.

All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations and responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department. I expect that landlords will behave responsibly and prepare for the 1 February 2013 deadline as referred to above but I also expect that local authorities will pay particular attention to this aspect of landlords' obligations as they enforce the minimum standards in the years ahead.

A detailed analysis of the composition of the housing market in Ireland will be available later this year when the housing profile segment of the 2011 Census is published.

Social and Affordable Housing

Pearse Doherty

Question:

476 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the National Asset Management Agency-related housing units to be transferred into social housing that will be provided in Dublin city and county, broken down by local authority and by post code or townland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24907/12]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

477 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of National Asset Management Agency-related housing units he expects to be transferred into social use by the end of 2012; if NAMA has identified additional units to replace those from the original 2,000 announced that have been deemed unsuitable following local authority inspections and those that have been sold or rented on the private market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24918/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 477 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 278 of 8 May 2012.

Of the original 2,045 properties identified by NAMA for possible social housing, the following table sets out the breakdown of the 910 units identified in the Dublin region by authority:

Local Authority

Properties

Dublin City

484

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Co. Co.

210

Fingal Co. Co.

198

South Dublin Co. Co.

18

Total

910

Given the number of variables involved it is not possible at this stage to provide a reliable estimate of the number of units that will be fully transferred to social use by the end of 2012. My Department and the Housing Agency continue to engage intensively with NAMA, including in respect of the identification of units to replace those no longer available or which are unsuitable, with the aim of ensuring progressive implementation of the commitment to the transfer of some 2,000 units by NAMA.

Private Rented Accommodation

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

478 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the introduction of a deposit retention scheme whereby a third party, perhaps a public body such as the Private Residential Tenancies Board, would hold a tenant’s deposit and act as mediator in disputes that arise, as is the case in many other countries such as the UK and Australia. [24923/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

492 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate when he expects to introduce a deposit protection scheme as promised in the programme for Government; if it will be managed through the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

493 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Private Residential Tenancies Board conducted a cost benefit analysis and research report on a deposit protection scheme; if the PRTB supplied him with such a report and if so, when he received the report; if he will publish same; and if he has not received the report yet, when he expects to receive same; if he will commit to publishing it in view of the fact that it was expected in the first half of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 478, 492 and 493 together.

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. Under section 12(1)(d) of the Act a landlord is obliged to promptly refund deposits unless, and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, there is rent or other charges or taxes owing or there is damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 and the incorrect retention of deposits by landlords was identified in the review process as one of a range of issues that merited specific attention. In July 2011 the Government approved the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2011. My Department is currently liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel regarding the drafting of the Bill. The Programme for Government 2011 commits to the introduction of a deposit protection scheme and it is important that action in this regard is taken in the context of a strong evidence base. I have therefore asked the PRTB to commission analysis-based research on such a scheme and to report back to me with recommendations. I understand that the PRTB has recently awarded the tender for this research and I expect that the Board will revert to me with detailed research and recommendations in Autumn 2012.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

479 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24935/12]

In the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2013, the Department intends to recruit a limited number of interns for temporary short term positions. They will be assigned to the Department's Units dealing with EU and international environmental issues for periods of between 9 and 12 months commencing in mid 2012.

Graduates with the required skills and qualifications needed, including a degree in one of a number of identified areas such as Environmental studies, European studies and Law will be eligible to apply.

Local Authority Services

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

480 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of all requests and notifications made to Dublin City Council informing of the need to interfere with road surfaces in order to carry out necessary utility works; if he will give details of these utilities; the persons who carried out the work; the locations at which the work was carried out, and the date on which the work was done, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [24949/12]

Foreshore Licences

Jim Daly

Question:

481 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any progress has been made regarding a foreshore licence application in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24957/12]

Final advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office on the challenge to the State's ownership of the foreshore concerned is still awaited. However, without prejudice to the final outcome on the ownership issue, my Department has invited Rosscarbery Rowing Club to commence the public consultation phase of the application. I understand the public notice is to appear in the local press this week.

Question No. 482 answered with Question No. 471.

Water Charges

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

483 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons will be able to pay up front for their water meters; and if so, will they then not have to pay the regular instalment on their bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25016/12]

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.

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.

In keeping with international practice regarding water metering, the meters will be installed at the boundary of the property, most typically on the footpath at the front of a house. Households will not be charged an upfront charge for the water meter. However, similar to other utilities and the approach adopted in the metering of non domestic customers, it is likely that there will be a charge included in bills to cover the metering programme.

The framework for water charges, including the level of any standing charges, will be determined as part of the regulatory process.

Water Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

484 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a decision will issue on an application for funding by Cork County Council (details supplied); if he will take into consideration the need to release funding to the council in order that it can repair a problem which is causing frequent distress to many residents in Kinsale, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25018/12]

There are three distinct stages to water conservation on public water supply schemes. The first stage involves a local authority putting in place a water management system to enable the authority to monitor water use and loss throughout the supply networks. Under the second stage of the programme the authority establishes an active leakage control programme which involves locating and fixing leaks and, based on the results of these two stages, they must establish a prioritised pipe rehabilitation strategy for its area. The final stage comprises the rehabilitation and replacement of defective supply networks where repair has proven to be uneconomic due to the age or condition of the pipes.

In the case of Cork County, the Council has not yet completed the preliminary phases of water conservation, including the strategy for rehabilitation for water mains on a countywide basis. However, Cork County Council has recently submitted a proposal for advanced Stage 3 rehabilitation works to my Department involving works in 141 separate locations throughout the County. This includes proposals to rehabilitate almost 750 meters of watermain in Summercove, Kinsale. As a general rule, and in the interests of securing best value for money from Exchequer investment, the Department does not authorise a local authority to undertake mains rehabilitation works unless the authority has largely implemented the water management and leakage control works necessary throughout its functional area and has completed its strategy for mains rehabilitation on a prioritised county-wide basis. However, given the priority attached to water conservation and the level of unaccounted for water in the Cork County, my Department will assess the Advance Stage Rehabilitation Works proposals, including consideration of whether funding can be provided at this stage for the proposals contained therein for water main rehabilitation works in Summercove, Kinsale.

Local Authority Charges

Michael Conaghan

Question:

485 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider an amnesty on the non-principal private residence penalties in view of the number of persons who are belatedly realising that they are liable and now face penalties of more than double the outstanding amount. [25023/12]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR). The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on an owner of a residential property which is situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance.

While there is no obligation on local authorities to issue notifications or invoices regarding the charge, nationwide advertising has taken place each year since its introduction in 2009 to ensure general awareness of the charge and the liability dates. In tandem, local authorities have undertaken their own advertising campaigns locally. Communications have also been issued to persons who paid in respect of previous years reminding them of their possible liability for the charge.

Significant efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and the liability dates. However, the charge is based on self-assessment principles and it is a matter for persons with a liability to pay by the due date to avoid late payment fees.

I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, the guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period.

Planning Issues

Niall Collins

Question:

486 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding internal reviews into planning matters in seven local authorities that he announced in June 2011; the timeframe for the publication of the review; the amount of money spent on the reviews; the number of personnel involved in the reviews; if there has been ongoing communication with the local authority involved in relation to the reviews; if so, the frequency of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25049/12]

The planning review is intended to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level and to inform further policy development in these areas. Seven planning authorities, representing a broad geographical spread of both urban and rural areas as well as both large and small authorities, had been selected to assist in the review of policies and practices by reference to a number of cases raised with my Department.

I am proceeding now on the basis of my predecessor's decision as Minister for Housing and Planning that, instead of incurring significant costs to the Exchequer by securing outsourced expertise, the Department would carry out an examination of the cases involved to inform the planning review. In this regard a three person team from my Department has been in communication with the local authorities involved and has held a meeting locally with senior officials of the authorities. I will be making a public statement in the coming weeks, setting out fully:

the nature of the complaints involved,

the findings of the review and,

the conclusions and recommended next steps, as appropriate.

Traveller Accommodation

Dessie Ellis

Question:

487 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application by the Dublin City Council Traveller accommodation unit in respect of works (details supplied). [25075/12]

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, statutory responsibility for the provision of Traveller accommodation rests with the relevant housing authority, in this case Dublin City Council.

A proposal for the works in question was received in my Department from the City Council on 17 May, 2012 and is currently under consideration.

Planning Issues

Robert Troy

Question:

488 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the long delays on decisions that are occurring with An Bord Pleanála due to the non-replacement of board members who have left; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25077/12]

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.

Orders have been made appointing four ordinary members to the board of An Bord Pleanála under section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2010. All four have now taken up their positions.

Foreshore Licences

Brendan Griffin

Question:

489 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a decision has been made on an application for a foreshore licence in respect of a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/12]

This case of an unauthorised development is the subject of court proceedings. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Social and Affordable Housing

Sandra McLellan

Question:

490 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the average time for persons to be housed in social housing in east Cork; his views that it is acceptable and appropriate that one town council (details supplied) is estimating eight years before a family gets housed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department does not hold information on the number of households on local authorities’ waiting lists or any projection of the number of households that may, in the future, apply for social housing or the length of time that households will spend on waiting lists. The number of households on waiting lists continuously fluctuates as households are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. Detailed information on the latest statutory assessment of housing need, which was carried out in March 2011, including a breakdown by housing authority, is available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie, or on the Housing Agency’s website, www.housing.ie. In terms of the delivery of social housing, the Government’s housing policy statement, which was published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. Delivery of social housing will be significantly facilitated through more flexible funding models such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme and leasing, but the Government is also committed to developing other funding mechanisms that will increase the supply of permanent new social housing. Such mechanisms will include options to purchase, build to lease and the sourcing of loan finance by approved housing bodies for construction and acquisition. There is also obvious potential, across a range of housing programmes, for the Government’s objective of sourcing and providing suitable residential units for use as social housing to be aligned with the commercial objectives of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).

Dormant Accounts Fund

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

491 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the context of the dormant accounts fund, in view of the evaluation (details supplied) carried out by the Highscope Ireland Institute, evaluating the programme to early years providers in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, if he will confirm that in view of the success of this scheme and the sponsors for the Dublin 10 Treasure Tots Nursery, that he will commit to funding for this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25160/12]

Childcare Community Business Limited, trading as Treasure Tots Nursery, was awarded Dormant Accounts funding of €28,500 under Round 4 of the Dormant Accounts RAPID Additionality Measure in July 2009. The grant has been used to deliver accredited training in High/Scope to key staff in child care and preschool facilities in Dublin 10. The contract for the Dormant Accounts funding will expire on 30 July 2012. The Dormant Accounts Fund is not a source of mainstream funding and cannot of its nature be regarded as a source of indefinite funding for specific projects. In this regard, the long-term sustainability of this particular project is a matter for the service provider and the relevant statutory agencies.

Questions Nos. 492 and 493 answered with Question No. 478.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

494 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25239/12]

Retired public servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period and where relevant former officials provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to all such payments made. The tasks carried out include time-bound tasks or projects such as membership of expert groups, occasional service on interview boards, value for money reviews and process audits. During 2011, five retired public servants were re-engaged on this basis at a total cost of €16,375. No former staff of the Department, who retired before the end of the grace period this year, have been re-employed subsequently.

Local Authority Charges

Micheál Martin

Question:

495 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to offer a direct debit facility as an option for payments of the annual charge on Non Principal Private Residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25246/12]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, the guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period.

Rural Development Programme

Sandra McLellan

Question:

496 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if certain types of investments should be outside of de minimis ruling, for example, conservation projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25251/12]

I assume the question refers to projects funded under Axis 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme, an EU co-funded programme for which my Department has responsibility. State aid refers to any aid granted by a Member State which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or goods. Commission Regulation EC 1998/2006 allows for aid of up to €200,000, known as de minimis aid, to be provided from public funds to enterprises over a period of three years as this amount is considered too small to have an effect on economic activity between competing forces. In the original Rural Development Programme (RDP) document approved by the EC in July 2007, Ireland concluded that, as the aid to be granted under two of the Axis 3 measures of the RDP would be for non-commercial projects, it would not constitute State Aid and would therefore not be required to comply with the de minimis limits. This was recently supported through a formal EU State Aid notification process undertaken earlier in 2012. The measures concerned, Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population and Village Renewal and Development, provide support for non-commercial community based projects and focus particularly on community infrastructure. Maximum grant amounts of €500,000 are allowable under these two measures. During the design of the RDP, it was concluded that many of the projects possible under the Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage measure would have commercial elements and accordingly funding awarded under the measure would have to comply with the de minimis regulation.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

497 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25374/12]

Under the new scheme, my Department spent €62,680.22 in 2011 and has spent €43,640.49 to date in 2012 in relation to my motor transport arrangements. The costs associated with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars are matters for the Department of Justice and Equality.

Social and Affordable Housing

Martin Heydon

Question:

498 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce rent-to-buy schemes in the current market in view of the abundance of houses available and the difficulties persons are facing in obtaining mortgage finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25435/12]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 117 of 9 May, 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.

Departmental Bodies

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

499 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the number of community representatives on the Dublin Docklands Development Authority has been reduced to five; the criteria used in the selection of those members; the reason the dockland community of East Wall has no representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25486/12]

Section 16 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997 provides for the appointment of a Council to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. In particular, Section 16 provides, inter alia, that not less than two ordinary members of the Council shall be appointed from among persons selected by the organisations prescribed under each paragraph of subsection (5), subject to eight persons being appointed in all. The organisations prescribed under subsection (5) are:

(a) organisations which are concerned with, or are representative of persons engaged in, the promotion or carrying out of social, economic or other development (including employment, education, training and the development of land) in the Dublin Docklands area;

(b) organisations which are concerned with community development in the Dublin Docklands area or with the promotion of the social, economic or general interests of communities in that area; and

(c) organisations which are representative of persons whose professions or occupations relate to town planning, urban design, architecture, conservation of the architectural heritage or civil engineering.

On 10 May 2012, I appointed a new Council which followed the statutory appointment provisions, including those set out above. In this regard, there is no entitlement to have more than two appointees from category (b) above, nor is there any entitlement to have a category (b) appointee from any specific geographical area within the Dublin Docklands area.

I am satisfied that the broad range of stakeholders from the different categories of nominating organisations as well as from the statutory bodies who have nominated representatives should provide the Council with the necessary expertise, skills and local knowledge to assist and advise the Authority in its work.

Proposed Legislation

Peter Mathews

Question:

500 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation in respect of rental accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25497/12]

Private residential tenancies, with limited exceptions, are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the main provisions in respect of rent and rent reviews are set out in Part III of that Act. Under section 19 of the Act, it is prohibited to set the rent under a tenancy at a rate above the market rent at either the beginning of the tenancy or at any subsequent rent review. Both tenants and landlords have the right to a review of rent, even where there is no provision to that effect in the tenancy agreement. Such a review may not take place more frequently than once in each period of 12 months nor in the first 12 months of the tenancy.

If non-compliance with the provisions of the Act relating to rent and rent reviews lead to a dispute between landlord and tenant either or both of the parties to the tenancy may refer the matter to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for resolution. The PRTB, as an independent statutory body, will adjudicate each dispute on its own facts and merits, and may grant redress and give specific direction as appropriate on foot of a determination.

The Rent Tribunal, established under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) (Amendment) Act, 1983, is the arbitrating body in the determination of the rent and other terms of tenancy of dwellings which were formerly rent controlled under the Rent Restrictions Acts 1960-1981. The Tribunal may determine new cases or may review cases previously determined by the District Court or by the Tribunal itself. Since October 2009 the administrative functions of the Rent Tribunal have been carried out by the PRTB.

With regard to local authority housing, local authorities set rents for social housing tenants based on their Differential Rents Schemes. While it is a matter for each authority to determine an individual's rent, the principle of the scheme is that a household is charged a rent based on a proportion of their income.

I have no plans to introduce legislation in relation to rent control at this time.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

501 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25545/12]

The information requested on expenditure and the number of consultants engaged by my Department is set out in the following table:

2008

2009

2010

2011

Consultancy Expenditure

€5.594m

€2.051m

€0.994m

€0.323m

No. of Consultants

61

21

31

16

The names of the consultants awarded contracts in this period are set out below:

Table

A&L Goodbody Solicitors

Aegis Archaeology Ltd

AP Env Econ Limited

Archaeology Consultancy Services Ltd

ARUP Consulting Engineers

Barrow Archaeological Services

Baseline Creative Services

BRE Scotland

Brendan Fehily

Brid McGrath

Building Research Establishment Ltd

Cawley Nea

Combat Poverty Agency

Community Consultants

David Hickie, Environmental Consultant

Deloitte

Design Works

DKM Consultants Ltd

Downey Mac Conville Architects

Dr Carol Westrik

Dr. Jukka Jokilehto

DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald

ECU Ltd

Environmental Systems Research Institute Ireland

Enviros Consulting

ERA Maptec

Ernst and Young

ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute)

Eunomia Research and Consulting

Farrell Grant Sparks

First Communication and Advertising Ltd

Fortius Consulting ltd

Golder Associates

Goodbody Economic Consultants Ltd

Grant Thornton

Headland Archaeology/Eneclann

Holger Schweitzer

Indecon

Irish Concrete Federation Ltd

Irish Traveller Movement

John Murphy

Kavanagh, Mansfield and Partners

Kieran O’Malley and Co Ltd

Lee Mc Cullough Consultant Engineers

Liam Downey and Dermot Harrington

M.J O’Connell

Malachy Walsh and Partners

Margaret Gowen and Co. Ltd

Mary Higgins

Mary Murphy and Assoc

MI Safety Training Services

Mr Owen Boyle

Mr Pat McBride

Mr. David Lovegrove

Mr. Hugh O Cofaigh

Murphy Consulting

Murrays Consultants

Murtagh and Partners

Napier University Ventures Ltd.

Nathan O’Connor

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

NCCRI

O’Herlihy Consultancy

Olive Safety Services

OMD

Operational Command Training Organisation Ltd

Oracle EMEA ltd.

Pembroke Communications

Price Waterhouse Coopers

QTS

Queens University Belfast

Room Three Design

RPS Group

Seaver Associates

Shaffrey Associates and Placemakers

Sirius Geotechnical and Env Ltd

SQW Limited

Start Computing ltd.

Tobins Consulting Engineers

Tom Considine

UCD Consultancy Team

White Young Green Consultants

William Fry Solicitors

WYG Consultants

Zenith Land Surveys

The Department's consultancy budget is managed in accordance with Government policy: consultants are only engaged where specific expertise is required which is not available in the Department. The Department also uses the training and development budget to upskill staff with expertise necessary for the performance of the Department's business.

Leader Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

502 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh maidir leis an iarratas a rinneadh faoin gClár LEADER roimh leachtú Mheitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [25624/12]

Chuaigh Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG), an grúpa atá conraithe ag mo Roinn chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) den Chlár Forbartha Tuaithe (CFT) sa Ghaeltacht, faoi leachtú ar 7 Meán Fómhair, 2011. Tá an próiseas ó thaobh dlí de maidir le "imeachtaí foirceanta'' ag dul ar aghaidh go fóill.

Maidir le seachadadh Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) de chuid Chlár ForbarthaTuaithe sna ceantair Ghaeltachta san fhadtéarma, tá mo Roinn faoi láthair ag scrúdú na n-aighneachtaí a rinneadh mar chuid den phróiseas ar cuireadh tús leis i mí an Mhárta nuair a iarradh léirithe spéise ó Chomhlachtaí Forbartha Tuaithe eile chun gnéithe LEADER de chuid CFT a sheachadadh sna ceantair a raibh MFG ag feidhmiú iontu sa tréimhse atá fágtha den Chlár. Tá tuilleadh oibre fós le déanamh chun an próiseas a chríochnú; tá súil agam, áfach, go mbeidh sé críochnaithe go han-luath.

Maidir leis an tionscadal a ndearnadh tagairt dó sa cheist, ní raibh an próiseas ó thaobh an iarratais a churadh le chéile don tionscadal seo ach ina thús agus ní raibh aon socrú ó thaobh conartha de, déanta le MFG nuair a leachtaíodh an comhlacht. Beidh na Comhlachtaí Forbartha Áitiúla atá roghnaithe chun an CFT a riaradh sna ceantair Ghaeltachta ag déileáil leis na tionscadail seo go léir sa ghnáthshlí. Beidh gach tionscnóir curtha ar an eolas maidir leis seo chomh luath agus atá na socruithe déanta maidir leis na Comhlachtaí Forbartha Áitiúla atá roghnaithe chun an CFT a sheachadadh sna ceantair Ghaeltachta.

Registration of Title

Michael McCarthy

Question:

503 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 26 April 2012 the Property Registration Authority will issue a report explaining the delay in issuing a Land Registry instrument in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if the authority are aware of and will take into consideration the mental and financial hardship it has placed upon the party involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25004/12]

I can inform the Deputy that further to my previous answer to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 26 April, 2012 (copy below) that a substantive reply has now issued from the Property Registration Authority.

Previous Question No. 185 of 26 April, 2012

QUESTION: *To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in issuing a land registry instrument to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the up to date position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

—Michael McCarthy

ANSWER:

I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.

I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Garda Strength

Michael Creed

Question:

504 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current strength of the Garda force; the restrictions on recruitment imposed by the bailout agreement; when he anticipates the next Garda recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/12]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total strength of An Garda Síochána on the 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 13,594.

As the Deputy is aware, the moratorium on Public Service recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will take into account the rate of retirements in the Garda Síochána and Government targets, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants. As a result, no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College or for the commencement of a recruitment competition.

In addition to this, what will ultimately determine the sustainable level of Garda numbers, and therefore establish when recruitment will recommence, is the level of budgetary provision that can be made for the Force, and the House will be conscious that difficult decisions will continue to have to be made, right across the public sector, in order to bring our public finances back into balance.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

505 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures to be followed in order to regularise the residency naturalisation entitlement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24866/12]

I am informed by officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned entered the State on 10 January, 2002 on a Student Visa. He has remained in the State with varying status since then. He married an EU Citizen in August, 2005.

On 16 January, 2012 and 10 February, 2012 the solicitor for the person concerned wrote to the EU Treaty Rights Section of INIS stating that their client wanted to regularise his status in the State on the basis of his previous residency in the State as a student initially, and then as the spouse of an EU citizen. The Solicitor of the person concerned advised that the person's EU citizen spouse was no longer resident in the State and stated that she had departed in either 2007 or 2009.

I am advised by my officials that having examined the details of the case and having made further enquiries in the matter, it appears that the person's EU Spouse citizen left the State in early 2008. EU Treaty Rights Section, by letter of 11 April, 2012, through the person's solicitor, advised that it was not possible for the person concerned to regularise his permission under EU Treaty Rights, as his EU citizen spouse ceased to exercise her rights when she left the State. He was also advised to attend his local immigration office to discuss his status as he no longer had any immigration status to be in the State since 17 July, 2010.

I am informed by officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that there is no record of any application for a certificate of naturalisation being made by the person concerned. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.

Among such requirements is that an applicant must have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded, such as periods granted for the purposes of study, and periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State.

The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

506 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when entitlement to residency naturalisation will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied in County Kildare; if the Zambrano case has implications in the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24867/12]

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

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and also submitted written representations pursuant to Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). More recently, he has sought to have his case to remain in the State considered in line with the principles set out in the European Court of Justice judgment in the Zambrano case.

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

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

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

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

507 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24868/12]

The person concerned has had his temporary permission to remain in the State renewed for a further two year period, until 11 April, 2014. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 24 April, 2012.

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

Departmental Staff

Dara Calleary

Question:

508 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that he intends to second clerical officer(s), executive officer(s) and higher executive officers to the permanent representation in Brussels arising from Ireland holding the EU Presidency next year; the number of posts in each grade that are involved; if he will state for each grade the number of male and female applicants that applied: if he will state for each grade the number of male and female applicants that were short-listed for interview; if he will state for each grade the number of male and female applicants that were successfully placed on a panel for possible appointment; if he will detail where there is any review channel for candidates that are unhappy at decisions made during the recruitment process; if so the number of complaints received by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24893/12]

The disposition of staff in my Department is a matter for the Secretary General and is executed through the Human Resources Division. I can inform the Deputy, however, that my Department, in similar fashion to other Departments, as part of its planning for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will be assigning staff to Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels later this year. Five staff in the grades referenced by the Deputy will be assigned.

The detailed information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table below:

Grade

Posts

Applications

Shortlisted

Placed on panel

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

CO

1

19

18

3

5

1

3

EO

1

15

14

3

6

2

2

*HEO/AO

3

8

8

7

8

1

5

5

42

40

13

19

4

10

* It was open to Higher Executive Officers or Administrative Officers to apply for the posts. All HEOs/AOs who applied were shortlisted for interview. One HEO withdrew from the interview.

My Department is committed to policies conducive to promoting equal opportunities for all its staff regardless of their gender. My Department conducted this selection process in an open fashion, first seeking preliminary expressions of interest from relevant staff and then subsequently inviting those staff to submit formal applications. The requirements on applicants and the selection processes themselves were set out clearly in all communications to staff. The nature of all competitive processes, as the Deputy will appreciate, is that there will be disappointed applicants at its conclusion. I am advised that no formal complaints have been submitted in respect of the process referenced by the Deputy. Should any applicant wish to raise concerns regarding any decision this can be done via the Human Resources Division of my Department. Should any applicant wish to avail of feedback this too can be facilitated in a similar fashion.

Garda Investigations

Finian McGrath

Question:

509 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the fraud at the National Educational Welfare Board 2003 to 2005 was not investigated by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigations; and if he will confirm the date that the detective unit at the Bridewell, Dublin, commenced its investigation into the fraud. [24926/12]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 2 May 2012 in which I informed the Deputy that, insofar as the specific and detailed aspects of the Garda investigation to which he refers are concerned, I have no role in these matters or in decisions concerning investigative strategies in any individual case. These are operational matters for An Garda Síochána on which it would not be appropriate for me to seek details to provide by way of answer to Parliamentary Questions.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

510 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24940/12]

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the process of restoring credibility to our public finances, there is currently a moratorium on recruitment in operation across the Civil and Public Service. Accordingly, recruitment opportunities will only arise in very limited and targeted circumstances. In that context, however, it should be noted that the Public Appointments Service recently advertised an open competition aimed at recruiting graduates to Administrative Officer posts across a range of areas in the Civil Service. My Department will, where exceptions to the moratorium are permitted, seek to make appointments arising from that competition.

Since July 2011, my Department is actively engaging in the Government's new National Internship Scheme — JobBridge. The National Internship Scheme provides opportunities for the private and public sectors to assist in the process of national recovery. In that context, my Department provides significant and in some cases challenging job experience opportunities to persons, including recent graduates, to better prepare them for entry to the jobs market or a change in job direction.

Control of Firearms

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

511 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the growth in the use of jamming devices to neutralise the effectiveness of alarms supported by a GSM mobile telephone services backup signalling facility, any change is proposed to the regulations governing the securing of firearms such as a change to encourage and or permit the use of long-range radio telemetry which is immune to jamming devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24946/12]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Regulations, S.I. 307 of 2009, which came into force in August 2009, is the regulation governing the secure storage of firearms in the home. These Regulations set out the minimum security standards outlined in relation to the provision of secure accommodation for those firearms.

The regulations provide that where three or more restricted firearms, or six or more firearms in total are stored together, then an intruder alarm system, which complies with I.S. EN 50131, or an equivalent standard approved by the Garda Commissioner, is required. This 50131 standard requires that the risk of tampering with alarm systems is minimised and the monitoring of such alarms is supported by GSM telephone service back up.

As per these Regulations, the Garda Commissioner is in a position to approve an equivalent standard for alarms, including any alternatives to the current approved standard. Therefore any changes to regulation of this area will be considered following advice from the Garda Commissioner. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to keep the matter under review. If the Deputy has any specific instances of the theft of firearms which she wishes me to look into I will gladly raise the matter with the Garda Commissioner.

Furthermore, the Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for the regulation and licensing of the security industry in Ireland. As part of its licensing requirements, the PSA prescribes that all intruder alarms are installed in accordance with the requirements of the standard IS EN 50131. The PSA is aware that the electronic security industry is working to combat the use of GSM technology to tamper with alarm monitoring systems and will continue to review the standards as is necessary to ensure that best practice is applied to all alarm installations.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

512 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Office of Tobacco Control takes in ensuring that counterfeit and illegal cigarettes do not make it to street markets; if they have discussions with the Garda regarding the steps it should take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24948/12]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no ministerial responsibility with regard to the Office of Tobacco Control.

I am informed by the Department of Health that the Public Health (Tobacco)(Amendment) Act 2010 provided for the merger of the Office of Tobacco Control into the Health Service Executive, with effect from 1 January 2011. I also understand that that Office did not have a specific role in relation to law enforcement matters concerning illegal cigarettes. An Garda Síochána cooperate with other agencies, in particular the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, in tackling this problem.

Courts Service

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

513 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is an increase in certain court fees, the tenth such increase since 1983 but no increase in summary judgment costs in the High Court since 1983; the reason the previous Minister for justice and he have failed to sign the necessary statutory instruments to bring into effect the latter increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24975/12]

The increase in court fees introduced earlier this year follows a detailed evaluation by the Courts Service including the establishment of a working group to review the system of court fees. The group recommended a broad range of fee increases, most of which have now been implemented. The fee increases were essential in light of increasing costs and having regard to the current economic climate.

The position in relation to summary judgment costs, as the Deputy observes, is that there has been no increase in the costs of judgment in default of appearance in the High Court since 1983. I am informed that in 2008 proposals were submitted to increase this cost to €850, an increase of approximately 700% which was considered excessive. I am conscious of the need to ensure that inter-party costs are reasonable. However, given there has been no increase for nearly 30 years and taking into account the costs anomaly between the Circuit and High Courts, there is undoubtedly some justification to making provision for an increase. The issue is currently under consideration in my Department.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

514 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider enacting section 9(1A)(a) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 in order to prevent further delays of a legislative response to the issue of mixed trading outlets selling alcohol in order to address the issues surrounding independent specialist off-licences’ survival in the market; if he will introduce a ban on below-cost selling to address public health and safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24976/12]

During the period leading up to enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, bodies representing the mixed trading sector proposed implementation of a voluntary code of practice with an independent audit and oversight mechanism as an alternative to section 9 of the Act. A voluntary Code was subsequently drawn up and agreed between the mixed trading sector and the Departments of Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A new body — Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland Ltd (RRAI) — was established by the mixed trading sector to oversee implementation of the Code. Mr Padraic While was appointed as the independent Chairperson of RRAI.

On receipt of Mr White's third Compliance Report on the RRAI Code in October last, I launched a public consultation process inviting views on the Report and, more generally, on the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation of alcohol products in such premises. Arising from the consultation process, I am not in favour of retaining the voluntary RRAI Code. The choice, therefore, lies between implementation of section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 or implementation of a statutory code of practice under section 17 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval for my proposals in relation to future arrangements for the display and sale of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets in the coming weeks.

As regards below-cost selling of alcohol products, the recently published Report of the Steering Group charged with drawing up a National Substance Misuse Strategy recommends the introduction of a legislative basis for minimum pricing per gram of alcohol. I understand that this proposal is being actively considered by the Department of Health in the context of the development of an Action Plan to address the Steering Group's recommendations.

Judicial Appointments

Anne Ferris

Question:

515 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the Dublin Declaration on judicial appointments; when he expects a review on this matter to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25007/12]

I very much welcome the Dublin Declaration as a clear and progressive contribution from the European Network of Judicial Councils. As the Deputy may be aware, following my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, I requested my officials to conduct an examination of the current appointment procedure with particular reference to the practice in other jurisdictions. This review is wide-ranging and includes consideration of the following issues:

the need to ensure and protect the principle of judicial independence;

eligibility for appointment;

composition of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board;

the appointments process;

accountability in respect of its functioning; and

promoting equality and diversity.

The Deputy will also be aware that under the Irish Constitution judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government. Such appointments are dealt with by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board which was established pursuant to the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995. Under section 16 of the Act, where a judicial office stands vacant or before a vacancy in a judicial office arises, the Advisory Board submits to me, as Minister for Justice and Equality, the names of all persons who have informed the Advisory Board of their wish to be considered for appointment to that vacancy and the names of at least seven persons whom it recommends for appointment. I then bring the names to Government. Section 17 of the same Act provides that these procedures shall not apply where the Government propose to advise the President to appoint a serving judge.

The review of the current appointment procedure is ongoing and I will consider the matter further on completion. Any proposal to revise the current system of judicial appointments would, of course, be a matter for consideration by Government.

Visa Applications

James Bannon

Question:

516 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reconsider the application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25040/12]

The visa application referred to was made on 19 August 2011. The application was refused on 12 March 2012. An appeal of this decision was submitted on 9 April 2012. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa appeal was successful and the visa was granted on the 17 May 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.

Garda Stations

Clare Daly

Question:

517 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes that will be made to the operation of Malahide Garda station, County Dublin, now that it will not remain open 24 hours, in particular regarding opening hours and where persons detained outside these hours will be held. [25069/12]

On the 30 April, 2012 the Garda Station at Malahide reduced its opening hours from 24 hours daily to being open to the public from 7.00 am. to 9.00 pm. It is important to remember that while the Garda station in question will have reduced opening hours to the public, it will remain as a functioning Garda station on a 24 hour basis. The precise location of where detained persons shall be held is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner and I have no function in that matter.

Legislative Programme

Dara Calleary

Question:

518 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the introduction of legislation to afford statutory recognition to Irish sign language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25122/12]

There are no plans agreed by Government for the introduction of further legislation in this area. As outlined in the Programme for Government, it is the Government's intention to promote the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL).

In line with the policy of mainstreaming, sign language is reflected in the responsibilities of several Ministers under the Education Act 1998, Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Act 2005. In addition the Sign Language Interpreting Service is provided for under the Citizens Information Board.

This existing legislation gives a level of recognition and practical measures equal to, or above that, in countries which have formally recognised sign language.

National Disability Strategy

Dara Calleary

Question:

519 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timescale within which Ireland will ratify and fully implement the terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25123/12]

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.

Garda Transport

Brendan Smith

Question:

520 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a Garda patrol car will be restored to a town (details supplied) in County Cavan; if this matter will be given urgent consideration in view of the large population of the town and its catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25135/12]

The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. At Divisional level, the deployment of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Divisional Officer who allocates vehicles on the basis of identified operational requirements.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the station referred to by the Deputy is within the Bailieboro Garda District in the Cavan/Monaghan Division. In addition, I understand that the area concerned is subject to regular mobile patrols carried out by District units. In that context the Garda authorities have indicated that the current policing arrangements for the area make the best use of available resources and that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered there. They have also confirmed that the policing needs of the local community will be kept under on-going review.

Garda Reserve

Seamus Kirk

Question:

521 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the current powers of the Garda Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25140/12]

The range of powers and duties of Reserve Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine under section 15(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The duties of a Garda reserve member include the following:

Station duty, other than the care and custody of prisoners.

Assistant to the station orderly.

Communications room duty, to include monitoring CCTV.

Foot patrol, accompanied by a member of the full-time Garda service.

Static security duty.

Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.

Duty at the outer cordon of major events such as festivals and major sporting events.

Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.

Giving evidence in court.

Community / Neighbourhood Policing.

The Government remains strongly committed to the development of the Reserve.

Asylum Applications

Seamus Healy

Question:

522 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will commission an independent review of the direct provision system for asylum seekers to include the appropriateness of the system, the associated health costs, the implications of de-skilling persons over a prolonged period, the human rights perspective, the mental health perspective, the social cohesion perspective, the question of any independent complaints system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/12]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. There is a continuing decline in the numbers of asylum seekers needing to be accommodated by RIA. From the beginning of 2009 to end of April, 2012, RIA has reduced its portfolio from 59 asylum seeker accommodation centres throughout the country to 38, with a corresponding reduction in the number of persons being accommodated from 7,002 to 5,179 — a reduction of 26% over this period.

In order to meet its international obligations in the area of asylum, the Government has allocated significant resources over the years to our asylum determination structures, to reception arrangements and to the provision of services to asylum seekers. Ireland is not unique in this respect. In many previous responses to Dáil questions, I have dealt with the origin and purpose of the direct provision, by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers. The system allows the State to ensure that a suitable standard of accommodation, food and ancillary services are provided to asylum seekers resident in the State. Dispersal ensures that the pressure on health, welfare, education and other services is evenly distributed to allow an efficient management of resources in those areas. The policy of direct provision and dispersal is one of the central features of the State's asylum system and the need for the system remains.

I am satisfied that the human rights of asylum seekers are respected in the direct provision system. Asylum seekers receive nourishment on a par with, and in some cases superior to, that available to the general population. Asylum seekers receive a health service, including mental health services, on the same basis as Irish citizens and it is, in many cases, far superior to what is available in their countries of origin. Children of asylum seekers are provided with primary and secondary education in the local community on the same basis as the children of Irish citizens. Over the years, the system has been open to scrutiny by many international bodies. Centres have been visited by various UN bodies, including the UNHCR, by the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner and by the Council of Europe's European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

In relation to complaints mechanisms, I have explained in previous Dáil responses that the revised RIA House Rules and Procedures set out the entitlements and obligations placed on centre management and on residents and, in the event that these aren't being met, a complaints procedure to be invoked by either party. The Rules also set out in detail how a resident can go about requesting a transfer as well as the types and standard of service that an asylum seeker should receive whilst residing in direct provision accommodation. This complaints system is considered by RIA to be broadly in line with the guidelines set out by the Office of the Ombudsman for ‘internal complaints systems'.

In relation to "de-skilling" and social cohesion, the existing statutory position in Ireland provides that an asylum seeker shall not seek or enter employment. This prohibition is retained in the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2010 which I intend to republish later this year. Extending the right to work to asylum seekers would almost certainly have a profoundly negative impact on application numbers, as was experienced in the aftermath of the July 1999 decision to do so.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

523 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of retired public servants who were re-hired by his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25240/12]

I presume the Deputy is primarily interested in whether any staff of my Department who retired and benefited from the transitional arrangements that operated up to 29th February 2012 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, have subsequently been re-employed. In that context, no staff member who retired from my Department in the period referred to by the Deputy has been subsequently re-employed by my Department.

It should be noted that on occasion retired public servants may be engaged mainly on a short term basis because of their specific knowledge and expertise in a particular area. In the period April 2011 to April 2012 a total of 10 persons fell into this category in respect of my Department.

Courts Service

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

524 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 21 June 2011, if he will confirm that the 202 applications granted in 2009 and the 165 applications granted in 2010 were dealt with in Criminal Courts or were these 367 criminal offences dealt with in the Civil Courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/12]

The allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and in particular the Presidents of the courts and it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in relation to this matter. The Deputy will be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.

In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the normal practice in the District Court is that applications granted under Section 5(2) of the Courts (No. 2) Act, 1986 arising from alleged breaches of Sections 7 or 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964 are dealt with in the Family Law Courts.

Citizenship Applications

Barry Cowen

Question:

525 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for naturalisation. [25342/12]

I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in April, 2010.

The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. 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. While good progress continues to be made in reducing the large volume of cases on hands, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that for a broad range of reasons some cases will take longer than others to process. It is a statutory requirement that, inter alia, applicants for naturalisation be of good character. In some instances that can be established relatively quickly and in other cases completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. I can, however, inform the Deputy that enormous progress has been made in dealing with the backlog and steps are being taken to process all outstanding applications and to have made significant inroads into them by the end of this year.

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.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

526 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25379/12]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government introduced a number of changes for the provision of Office Holder transport during 2011. One of the consequences of that decision was that the transport arrangements in place for Ministers of State became applicable to Government Ministers, subject to very limited exceptions on security grounds. In addition, it was decided that former Presidents and Taoisigh would only be supplied with official transport for important State occasions. The revised transport arrangements came into operation for Government Ministers on 1st May 2011 and for former Office Holders on 16th June 2011.

The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that total expenditure on the provision of Office Holder transport in 2011 and to date in 2012 is outlined in the table below. The costs arising in 2011 included costs associated with the provision of this service prior to and after the change of Government, including under the new transport arrangements:

Year

Expenditure

2011

€4.595 million

2012 (to end of April)

€0.744 million

The Garda authorities do not have details of Ministerial transport costs which are not charged to the Garda Vote. However, significant savings have been achieved within the Vote and I understand that, overall, the revised arrangements have considerably reduced the level of expenditure on Ministerial transport.

Citizenship Applications

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

527 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when they will expect a decision on their case. [25384/12]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in February 2008. 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.

The person concerned has taken judicial review proceedings and, as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the specific case.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

528 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when they will expect a decision on their case. [25385/12]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in February 2008. 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.

The person concerned has taken judicial review proceedings and, as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the specific case.

Peter Mathews

Question:

529 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25434/12]

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 November, 2010.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review to ensure that where possible, applications are not subject to undue delay.

As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State. It is therefore imperative that the State has in place appropriate procedures, which in some instances may take a considerable time to complete, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met and that the integrity of the naturalisation process is maintained.

The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character, lawful residence and intention to continue to reside in the State, 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.

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.

Garda Investigations

Pearse Doherty

Question:

530 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received the final report from An Garda Síochána in response to his request for information regarding the circumstances surrounding the continued employment at a school of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal despite their conviction for child abuse; if the report will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/12]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into the matter referred to by the Deputy is ongoing.

The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

531 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25550/12]

The annual spend on consultancy and the number of consultants engaged by my Department in each of the years 2008-2011 was as follows:

Year

Number of Consultants

Expenditure

2008

16

€687,678

2009

5

€184,489

2010

3

€93,388

2011

4

€33,888

Steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy, include among others a reduction in the Consultancy budget from €409,000 in 2008 to €73,000 in 2012 and the implementation of stricter controls over the business case need and approval process prior to the engagement of such services.

The names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts over the period in question are:

Accenture.

Butler Direct Ltd.

Byrne O'Cleirigh.

Carr Communications Ltd.

Forensic Navigation Services Ltd.

Golder Associates.

Graphite HRM Ltd.

Helm Corporation Ltd.

IBI Group (UK) Ltd.

Jenny Smyth and Associates.

Keville and O'Sullivan Associates.

LHM Casey McGrath.

McCann Fitzgerald Associates.

Mr. Barry Loveday.

Ms Bernadette Kiely.

Professor Gisli Gudjonsson.

Professor Paul Robinson.

Prospectus.

Public Communications Centre.

Scotcoach.

Thinksmart.

Departmental Bodies

Terence Flanagan

Question:

532 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding offences under Section 44 of the Private Securities Services Act 2004 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25610/12]

As the Deputy is aware, the Private Security Authority (PSA), is an independent body under the aegis of my Department, responsible for the licensing and regulation of the private security industry.

Section 44 of the Private Security Services Act 2004 and 2011 is a section of that part of the legislation which deals with security services provided by certain persons from EU member states and refers to a ‘relevant person' who has been convicted of an offence or against whom proceedings for such an offence are pending. A "relevant person" is defined by Section 42 of the Act as a person who holds a licence or other form of authorisation from a corresponding authority in a member state of the European Communities which has functions substantially corresponding to those of the PSA, and is designated as such an authority by the PSA.

I am informed that the Authority has not received any applications for a licence from a "relevant person" as defined in Section 42 of the Act, and the question of a prosecution under Section 44 of the legislation has not arisen.

The Deputy will appreciate, in any event, that it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases of the kind referred to by him nor on cases which are before the Private Security Appeal Board.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

533 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to recruit graduates to the Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24933/12]

Recruitment to my Department is carried out by the Public Appointments Service having regard to the required qualifications and competencies that best match the needs of the post. My Department is currently carrying out Workforce Planning. This will identify recruitment needs for the future. In this context, officials from my Department are liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Public Appointments Service will shortly be recruiting to fill 2 Instructor posts at Executive Officer grade in the Civil Defence Board. This recruitment is being carried out at the request of my Department and with the sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Applicants will be required to hold an Education and Training qualification relevant to the post, preferably at Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) level.

Army Barracks

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

534 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of military installations closed, decommissioned and or disposed of in the past 15 years; the total funds realised from any such sale; the use to which such funds were put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24983/12]

Since 1998 a total of fourteen barracks have been closed under various barrack consolidation programmes. To-date seven of these barracks — Clancy (Dublin), Castleblaney, Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Monaghan and a large portion of Longford — have been sold. In relation to the remaining barracks agreement has been reached for the sale of Lifford and Rockhill to Donegal County Council and Castlebar to Mayo County Council.

Discussions are ongoing in relation to the possible sale of Cavan Barracks and a portion of Clonmel Barracks to other State Agencies and the remaining part of Longford has been reserved for the OPW for the local Garda Síochána.

Magee Barracks in Kildare and Columb Barracks in Mullingar remain the property of the Department.

The total realised to-date in terms of sales of surplus property is €84m approx. This, together with income of €18m approx. from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters has been re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.

All remaining vacated barracks as well as any properties identified as surplus to military requirements will be disposed of by my Department, taking account of the market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Equipment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

535 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military training and upgrading of equipment continues to be updated and renewed in line with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24984/12]

I am advised that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are specifically structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and Defence Forces personnel have full access to the best international training standards available. The current economic situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.

Defence Forces Personnel

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

536 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women in the Army, Navy and Air Corps has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24985/12]

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

Year End

Army

Air Corps

Naval Service

Total

% of PDF

2007

456

33

71

560

5.7%

2008

468

32

70

570

5.8%

2009

462

33

72

567

5.7%

2010

467

32

70

569

6%

2011

467

30

68

565

6%

In terms of the current position, the number of women serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 555, of which 459 were serving in the Army, 29 in the Air Corps and 67 in the Naval Service. This represents 6.25% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces.

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

The results of the research were, on balance, positive. Three-quarters of serving women agreed that the Defence Forces are a good place to work. In addition there was a very high level of satisfaction (70%-80%) expressed as regards the issues of job security, pay and benefits and the variety of work on offer. The recommendations of the report have been implemented and the challenges identified therein continue to be addressed.

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

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

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

537 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25543/12]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by my Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and up to the end of November 2011 is set out in the table below. My Department is always mindful of the costs involved in engaging consultants. External consultants are engaged only when there is a clear need for specialised expertise and following a rigorous examination of skills and resources available in-house. The objective of using outside consultants is to ensure that my Department achieves value for money by implementing recommendations for improvements in order to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.

Year

Name of Consultancy

Purpose

Amount

2007/08

Murray Consultants

A Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning. The contract provided for the development of the Emergency Planning website, drafting, publication and distribution of a handbook on Emergency Planning and a media advertisement campaign associated with the launch of the handbook.

€2.1m

2008/2011

ABS Ltd

Consultancy on compliance with IMO (International Maritime Organisation) regulations / ship surveys.

€81,845

2008/2009

Moloney and Assoc Ltd

Consultancy on Noise survey on LE EMER on completion of remedial work.

€5,760

2008/09/10/11

Fujitsu (Ireland) Ltd

Provide consultancy and maintenance services for the organisation’s Oracle e Business Suite and related applications.

€192,523

2008/09/10/11

Col. E.V. Campion

Provides expert advice to the Army Equitation School’s Horse Purchase Board in their deliberations following the inspection of horses that are being considered for purchase. The cost per annum is €5,000.

€20,000

2009/11

Version 1 Ltd

Commissioned in 2009 and 2011 to provide a report in respect of Oracle licence management in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. The results of this report will assist in the formulation of policy and practice in the area of licence management.

€3,661

2008

PA Consultant Group

Commissioned to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The consultancy focused on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces. The consultants recommended a programme of major change, implementation of which is ongoing.

€115,130

2008

Dr Eileen Doyle

i.r.o Doyle Reports concerning Workplace Relations.

€37,109

2008

FGS Consulting

A Value for Money Review of Military Training Lands as agreed between the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance as part of the Government’s Value for Money and Policy Review initiative.

€89,540

2008

McCann Fitzgerald, Solicitors

To provide legal drafting, research and advice services in relation to the drafting of revised Rules of Procedure and new Court Martial Rules following the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 2007.

€53,845

2008

BMT Defence Services Ltd, UK

Engaged in relation to the Naval Vessel Replacement Programme.

€85,603

2008

Entograph Ltd

Commissioned to carry out a report for the control of bracken in the Glen of Imaal.

€30,129

2008

Mott McDonald Ltd

Commissioned to carry out a review of the Safety Policy at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel.

€50,000

2008

Mr. Brendan Gallagher, Refrigeration Consultant

Consultancy on the phase out of R22 in refrigeration and air conditioning plants on NS ships.

€9,860

2008

Promara

Naval Architect Services.

€7,714

2008

Redstone Technologies

I.T Consultancy for disaster recovery Plan for Fishery Protection Service.

€4,961

2008

Sea Training International

Consultancy on Naval RIBs in use.

€7,755

2009

Deloitte

A review of the Finance Branch of the Department. The objective of the review was to examine the business processes, procedures and organisational structures in operation in Finance Branch and to provide a report making recommendations for improvements in order to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. The review is now being implemented and is delivering staff savings and improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

€97,868

2009

Mc Guinness Killen Partnership Ltd

An independent review of documentation in relation to a legal action initiated by a staff member.

€2,430

2009

Raymond Burke Consulting

An independent quality assessment of the Value for Money Review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance, as part of the standard VFM process.

€2,800

2009

Achilles Procurement

ICT consultancy was for the running of the Competitive Dialogue Process in the procurement of the Network Operating System.

€600

2009

Energy Services, Kinsale Co. Cork

Energy Consultant to advise on the technical aspects of a joint procurement exercise with the Garda, Dept of Justice and Irish Prison Services in 2009. As a result of the employing an energy consultant considerable savings were made in electricity costs.

€22,113

2009

Germanisher Lloyd

Consultancy on compliance with IMO regulations.

€14,351

2010

DQ Networks

To provide technical assistance with the ICT technical plan for the Decentralisation to Newbridge.

€10,386

2010

Epsilon Consulting

An independent quality assessment of the Value for Money Review of Military Training Lands as part of the standard VFM process.

€2,178

2011

ISAS

Information Security Advice relating to mobile e-mail solution.

€10,395

2011

Eirdata Environmental Services Ltd

Provide consultancy on the implementation of Energy Saving Measures to ensure compliance with EN16001 and EN50001.

€5,808

2011

Graham Evans Fire and Safety

To carry out Survey, Full Risk Assessment of potential risks involved with storage of fuels/bunkering procedures for ships/provide design drawings and proposals for suitable Fixed Fire Fighting System for the Naval Base Oil Storage Facility, to ensure that the NS is compliant to the International Maritime Standards (ISGOTT).

€2,880

2011

University of Limerick

Consultancy on Value Management Procedure/Exercise on the decommissioning of vessels in the NS.

€5,869

Grant Payments

Jim Daly

Question:

538 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will be made for transfer entitlements for 12.69 to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24897/12]

An application was received on 13 May 2011 requesting the transfer of 12.69 Single Payment entitlements from another person to the person named under the 2011 scheme year.

Following communication from the Transfer of Entitlements Section of my Department to the other person, relevant documents were requested, received and the entitlements were transferred to the person named. Payment will issue shortly to the person named.

Departmental Staff

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

539 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reform and reorganise the membership of the management advisory committee within his Department to provide direct representation within the committee to technical and administrative grade civil servants within his Department; his views on whether area superintendents who have direct connection with the Department's service users should be part of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24901/12]

I am satisfied that the members of the management committee, each of whom is responsible for a significant functional area of my Department, provide representation at the management advisory committee for all staff working in their functional area. Accordingly, I have no plans to reform the membership of the management advisory committee of my Department in the manner suggested by the Deputy.

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

540 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has examined the options of redeployment and reorganising of existing human resources or the hiring of recently qualified or non-civil service personnel on a contract basis as an alternative to the re-hiring of recently retired veterinary personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/12]

Up until last December 2011 when my Department stopped accepting applications, it was open to any veterinary practitioner registered with the Veterinary Council, including retired veterinary officials from my Department, to apply for approval to be engaged as a part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspector on a contract for services basis and to be available to be rostered for meat inspection duties, as and when required. The question of re-hiring in respect of meat inspection duties does not arise as this is an outsourced service and those rostered are paid a fee per shift. The long standing arrangement allowing for engagement of retired vets for this purpose is being reviewed at present.

Separately, since February 2012, my Department re-engaged three former veterinary staff on a contract for services basis for a limited period, primarily to provide cover for essential functions in my Department. These contracts are due to expire later this year.

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

541 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to recruit graduates to his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/12]

My Department keeps its staffing requirements under constant review and will seek to fill critical vacancies where necessary. My Department has a very varied staffing structure comprising administrative, technical, professional and industrial grades and, where it is a requirement of the job that the jobholder be a graduate, we will seek to fill the vacancy with a graduate.

I would also mention that my Department has participated in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme, which offers paid mentored work experience to graduates with disabilities and proposes to do so again this year.

In the current economic climate, the filling of any vacancies, of course, requires the sanction of my colleague, the minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and also requires my Department to operate within its employment control framework. In this context I have been given approval to recruit a limited number of graduates to fill specialised positions in my Department this year.

Animal Identification Scheme

Paul Connaughton

Question:

542 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a penalty was imposed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to their single payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24967/12]

The person named was the subject of an inspection by the ERAD/Animal Health Division of my Department on the 21th of September 2011. This inspection uncovered discrepancies that involved the Tagging of Animals and the failure to notify movements of cattle to the Animal Identification and Movement system (formerly Cattle Movement and Monitoring System). A report detailing these discrepancies was subsequently made available to the Cross Compliance Unit of the Single Payment Scheme and resulted in a 5% penalty being recorded against the 2011 payments of the person named. The person named was informed of this decision on 27th of April 2012 and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of any review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. To date no such review has been received.

As payments under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme and Single Payment Scheme had already issued, my Department will be initiating a process to recoup this penalty and a letter will issue shortly informing the person named of the overpayment amount and how it can be repaid. If no repayment is made the overpayment and any interest charged will be recouped from payments due to the person named in 2012.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

543 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1075 of 18 April 2012, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24974/12]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 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. Administrative checks in respect of 2011 have been completed and the REPS 4 75% payment for 2011 issued on 29th March 2011 for the amount of €6,608.55. The remaining 25% balancing payment for 2011 issued on 25th April 2011 for the amount of €2,202.85.

Departmental Staff

Paul Connaughton

Question:

544 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any plans to move any personnel within his Department to Connacht in view of the fact that a number of employees across the country have expressed interest in moving to a location in Connaught, but there appear to be few opportunities to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24998/12]

My Department has no plans at this time to move any significant number of personnel from across the country to a location in Connaught.

Food Safety Standards

Anne Ferris

Question:

545 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on banning the sale of raw milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25012/12]

The proposed renewal of the ban on the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption has been the subject of detailed consideration in both my Department and the Department of Health, including contacts at Ministerial and official level. Careful consideration has to be given to the legal options available to move the issue forward and the deliberative process in that regard is ongoing.

Sugar Beet Sector

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

546 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any plans to resume the growing of sugar beet for the production of sugar; the supports available to farmers interested in this crop and if there are any obstacles that would need to be overcome before growing could commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/12]

The EU Sugar Regime underwent a radical reform in 2005 and Greencore, the holder of the entire Irish sugar quota availed of the sugar restructuring scheme, dismantled all its facilities and ceased production in 2006. Post reform production is now concentrated in 18 Member States. The present regime runs from 1 September 2006 to the 30 September 2015.

The total compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime was worth a total of €353 million to Ireland. This sum was made up of €220 million to beet growers, €6 million to machinery contractors and €127 million to Greencore. The beet growers' share was made up of restructuring aid of €53 million, diversification aid of €44 million and €123 million via the Single Farm Payment. All elements of the Restructuring Scheme have now been implemented, not just within Ireland but across the EU.

The present EU sugar regime runs from 1 September 2006 to the 30 September 2015, in accordance with the prevailing EU Regulations. There is no mechanism under the current Regulations which would allow for the re-instatement of the sugar quota for the growing of sugar beet in Ireland for the production of sugar.

Of course, sugar beet has always been grown here to be used as animal fodder. I know Deputy Mulherin will be aware that I have strongly supported the full abolition of sugar quotas from 30 September 2015 as part of the CAP reform discussions which are currently under way in the Council of Ministers, and which, if agreed, would replace the existing quota regime. This would enable interested parties to re-engage in the production of sugar. I also raised the issue with the Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos during his visit to Ireland in January 2012.

In 2011 I also met with two separate groups which had conducted feasibility studies, into the possibility of establishing a sugar/bioethanol facility here. At both meetings, I stated that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility would have to be a commercial proposition, financed in total by investors and interested parties and make sound economic sense in order to be viable. I also further suggested to both groups the desirability of there being only one single proposition in play, as both studies had indicated a potential for only one such viable project and both groups had appeared to accept the reasonableness of this position at the time.

Forestry Sector

Billy Timmins

Question:

547 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte's People's Millennium Forest (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25056/12]

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. This was the largest ever project directed at the expansion and enhancement of our native woodlands.

There were 16 sites involved in this project, 14 of which are in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern 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.

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. The 14th site was 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.

Pat Breen

Question:

548 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/12]

The person named has declared 10.15 hectares of forestry on all applications for Area Aid/Single Payment from 2004 to 2011. Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulation, this afforested land is not eligible for payment under the Area Aid or Single Payment Schemes. The person named has received full payment under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on all of the eligible land he has declared since 2005.

Animal Welfare Bodies

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

549 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will accept that compensation from his Department is due to the person (details supplied) in County Laois in view of the fact that they were a victim of a lack of animal welfare legislation which failed to provide protection for non-farm animals and was the responsibility of his Department and that the new proposed Animal Welfare Bill 2012 is too late in assisting this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25115/12]

I have responded in detail to questions previously put down by the Deputy regarding issues raised by the person to whom the Deputy refers. I have explained, in my earlier replies to the Deputy, my Department's responsibilities with regard to the welfare of horses and the options open to the individual should he wish to further progress complaints relating to the welfare of horses.

My Department's responsibility, which is set down in legislation, extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only, i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. The relevant legislation in the matter raised by the Deputy is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, S.I. 311 of 2010. Animals "used in competitions/shows, cultural or sporting events or activities while so being used" are outside the scope of S.I. 311 of 2010. Accordingly it is clear that complaints relating to the welfare of horses in training are not covered by this legislation and thus currently fall outside the remit of the Department.

The principal statutes governing cruelty to all animals including race horses, in this country, is the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965. Responsibility for enforcing this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under these Acts.

I have clarified to the Deputy in the past that my Department has no role, or jurisdiction, in resolving the issues referred to, hence there can be no question of my Department compensating this individual. It is for the owner of the race horses to decide if or he wishes to report matters to the Gardaí or indeed if he wishes to institute civil proceedings. It is my understanding that complaints made to the regulatory bodies have been investigated and the outcome of those investigations have been made known to the complainant.

The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment is the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill which consolidates and updates existing legislation in the area of animal welfare and brings the responsibility for the welfare of all animals under the remit of my Department. The Bill is currently being considered by the Oireachtas.

Milk Quota

Noel Coonan

Question:

550 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a milk quota new entrant application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25151/12]

I announced the 2012 Scheme for the Allocation of Quota to New Entrants to Dairying in February last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 May. The applications received in my Department, before that deadline, are currently being processed. The assessment group will convene in July to evaluate all eligible applications. I expect to announce the results of the scheme in early August. All applicants will be notified of the outcome at that time.

EU Funding

Michael Moynihan

Question:

551 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of EU farm payments, excluding grants, per farmer that have been cut since 2008 on a county basis. [25163/12]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

552 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an estimate of the amount of EU farm payments, excluding grants, per farmer that will fall by for 2012 on a county basis. [25164/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.

EU farm payments include Agri-Environment Options Scheme, Agri-Environment Options Scheme 2, Area Based Compensatory Allowance Scheme, Bovine Dioxin Cull, Agri-Environment Programme, Arable Aid, Area Aid — General Scheme — Cereals, Area Aid related payments — Cereals, Area Aid — Simplified Scheme — Cereals, Agri-monetary aid 1st tranche — Cereals, Accompanying measures — Environment, Aid to Small Producers — Cereals, BSE compensation, Burren Life Scheme, Dairy Compensation Scheme, Dairy Efficiency Scheme, Dairy Premium, Deseasonalisation Slaughter Premium, Ewe and Goat Premium, Ewe Premium, Extensification Premium, Grassland Sheep Scheme, Multi Annual Sanction Admin Fines SFP, Obligatory slaughter programme, Premium for Suckler Cow, Premium for Suckler Cow Mixed Herds, Special Beef Premium, Supplementary Ewe Premium, Set Aside, Single Farm Payment, Single Farm Payment/ Energy Crop, Single Farm Payment/ Protein Crop Premium, Slaughter Premium, Sugar Contractors, Sugar Restructuring Aid and Upland Sheep Scheme.

The following table sets out the average amount of these EU aided farm payments paid per farmer in 2008 compared to the payments made in 2011 on a county basis:

Province

County

2008 Average Payment

2011 Average Payment

Diff + / -

Connaught

Galway

€11,245.97

€10,687.97

-€558.00

Connaught

Leitrim

€9,298.64

€9,963.39

€664.75

Connaught

Mayo

€9,632.50

€9,250.05

-€382.45

Connaught

Roscommon

€11,039.42

€11,247.12

€207.70

Connaught

Sligo

€9,679.03

€9,947.73

€268.70

Leinster

Carlow

€21,741.35

€18,670.40

-€3,070.95

Leinster

Dublin

€105,529.64

€16,215.78

-€89,313.86

Leinster

Kildare

€18,383.22

€18,163.75

-€219.47

Leinster

Kilkenny

€21,456.51

€21,372.77

-€83.74

Leinster

Longford

€12,475.91

€13,220.87

€744.96

Leinster

Louth

€15,714.67

€16,644.00

€929.33

Leinster

Laois

€19,192.52

€18,323.96

-€868.56

Leinster

Meath

€16,764.31

€17,208.48

€444.17

Leinster

Offaly

€16,633.50

€16,941.33

€307.83

Leinster

Westmeath

€15,524.02

€15,647.69

€123.67

Leinster

Wicklow

€18,403.62

€18,779.20

€375.58

Leinster

Wexford

€21,556.23

€19,338.12

-€2,218.11

Munster

Cork

€17,427.90

€18,002.57

€574.67

Munster

Clare

€12,435.42

€12,694.23

€258.81

Munster

Kerry

€12,752.57

€12,491.96

-€260.61

Munster

Limerick

€12,858.38

€14,125.75

€1,267.37

Munster

Tipperary

€19,281.20

€20,004.75

€723.55

Munster

Waterford

€20,570.49

€21,286.23

€715.74

Ulster

Cavan

€11,388.26

€11,674.73

€286.47

Ulster

Donegal

€11,033.60

€9,847.34

-€1,186.26

Ulster

Monaghan

€11,388.93

€11,651.62

€262.69

Country

ALL

€14,718.56

€14,041.24

-€677.32

*Sugar contractors/farmers not paid in 2011.

Once off payments under certain EU funded schemes such as the Sugar Restructuring Scheme in 2008 and the introduction of new Schemes since 2008 such the Burren Life Scheme and the Upland Sheep Scheme, as well as varying time periods taken to process payments under Schemes such as the Single Farm Scheme make comparison between the two periods very difficult. The closing date for 2012 Single Farm Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes was 15th May 2012. It is not possible to estimate the amount payable under these Schemes at this point in time.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

553 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/12]

Between April 2011 and April 2012 my Department re-engaged a retired Assistant Secretary and four retired veterinary staff on a contract for services basis for a limited period.

In the same period, seven retired veterinary staff were approved by my Department to be engaged as Temporary Veterinary Inspectors on a contract for services basis and are available to be rostered for meat inspection duties, as and when required. Up until last December 2011 when my Department stopped accepting applications, it was open to any veterinary practitioner registered with the Veterinary Council to apply for approval to be engaged as a part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspector.

Normal pension abatement rules are applied in all these cases.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

554 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25368/12]

The total cost of the scheme for the provision of ministerial drivers for myself and Minister of State McEntee for 2011 was €155,447 which is made up of drivers' salaries, mileage and subsistence. The corresponding figure for 2012 to date is €78,731.

Prior to the introduction of the above scheme, the cost of Ministers' drivers and cars was borne by the Department of Justice and Law Reform. The system for the provision and transport of transport for Ministers changed from the use of official to private cars on the appointment of the Government in March 2011. My understanding is that the average annual cost of providing a State car under the previous administration was €280,000. Under current arrangements the average annual cost is less than €100,000.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Question:

555 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a suckler cow scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25439/12]

The person named registered nineteen beef breed animals in 2009, sixteen beef breed animals in 2010 and twenty six beef breed animals in 2011 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme each participant is required to carry out a series of measures and to submit notification of the dates that these measures had been undertaken. A review was carried out during 2010 and it was found that no notifications were received from this herd owner for any of his animals born during 2009 and 2010. The person named was informed in writing by my Department that all of the required information must be submitted by 12 September 2011 and that failure to do so would result in his participation in the Scheme been terminated. The relevant forms for the provision of this data accompanied this letter. The information was not received within the specified timeframe and, therefore, the person named is no longer eligible to participate in the Scheme. It is open to him to seek a review of this decision.

Live Exports

Paul Connaughton

Question:

556 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the certification system for exporting cattle from Gort mart, County Galway, has been removed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is causing hardship to those who export cattle from this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25440/12]

The service provided by the local office in my Department to certify cattle for export from Gort Mart is currently under review associated with the cost of providing the service. I hope to give you further information as soon as the review is completed.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Paul Connaughton

Question:

557 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal on medical grounds for disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25442/12]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2011; on processing of same, it was discovered that the person named did not meet the stocking requirements of the scheme. The person named, having been notified accordingly in writing, subsequently submitted medical evidence supporting their explanation as to their inability to stock their holding in 2011. The case was further examined in light of this evidence, with payment issuing to the person named on 18 May 2012.

Common Agricultural Policy

Patrick Nulty

Question:

558 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he will take to introduce much greater redistribution and fairness in the way Common Agricultural Policy payments are distributed: his views that single farm payments are not encouraging sustainable intensification of production for smaller producers and the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy; his further views that single farm payments disproportionately benefit large landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25459/12]

The Deputy will be aware that, in the context of the European Commission's proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2014 to 2020, the proposal to gradually move away from payments based on historical production towards a system of uniform national or regional payment rates by 2019 raises serious concerns for Ireland.

Such a system would result in very significant transfers from more productive farms to more marginal and less productive land. Analysis carried out by my Department indicates that, under a national flat-rate model, the most productive farmers would lose, on average, about one-third of their current payments, while the least productive farmers would see their payments rise by an average of 86%. Alternative redistributions based on a two-region model, or even an eight-region model, would have similar outcomes. I do not believe that these outcomes are compatible with my commitment to sustainable intensification of production, the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy and the achievement of the objectives of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy.

I accept that we cannot continue to base our payments on production references that will be more than 10 years old by the time this round of reform comes into effect. I also accept that there is capacity for the less productive sector to become much more productive in the coming years. Nevertheless, I have major difficulties with the pace and extent of convergence in the Commission's proposal. I believe we can strike a better balance by managing the gains and losses arising from any redistribution, for example by putting a limit on the amount that any farmer could lose. This would be consistent with the Commission's desire to achieve a more level playing field, but would avoid a disruptive level or pace of change. The ‘approximation' approach, by which all payments could gradually move towards, but not fully to, the average, is one alternative that I believe should be considered in this regard.

I have accordingly been pressing for the maximum possible flexibility to be given to Member States to design payment models that suit their own farming conditions, and to adopt a more gradual, back-loaded transition process, rather than the very rapid, front-loaded approach proposed by the Commission.

I will continue to work intensively with the Commissioner and with my counterparts at the Council of Ministers to achieve the required flexibility, and to come up with an acceptable solution that acknowledges the need to move away from the historic model but does not have the dramatic redistributive effects inherent in the current proposals.

Patrick Nulty

Question:

559 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will facilitate a meeting with the United Farmers Association to discuss Common Agricultural Policy reform and the future of the farm retirement scheme: if he is prepared to appoint the United Farmers Association to his Department's consultative structure on CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25460/12]

I try at all times, subject to diary and time constraints, to meet any and all interested parties to discuss issues that arise in policy areas under my remit as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. When diary constraints do not make this possible, senior Department officials are available to hear the concerns and/or ideas that people may wish to bring to my attention. This is also the case in respect of the United Farmers Association.

As regards the CAP consultative process, the Deputy may be aware that a formal Consultative Committee has been in place since 2010. The committee is comprised of a full range of stakeholders from across the agriculture sector, covering production and processing issues, socio-economic and environmental concerns, and with strong input from academic and research interests. I think farmers are very well represented on this Committee, and I have no plans to further expand its membership at the present time.

Grant Payments

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

560 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if and when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the procedure for 2012 applications in view of the fact that the person is awaiting probate; to whom the herd number was or is properly allocated for example the executor or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25468/12]

The person named became the registered owner of the herd-number as of 31 August 2011. The Inheritance Enquiry Unit of my Department wrote to the person named on 6 March 2012 outlining procedures for the transfer of agriculture schemes in which the previous owner of the herd-number was involved. Legal documents required to release outstanding payment to the estate of the deceased person were also outlined. In addition, a letter issued from the Transfer of Entitlements section to the person named advising him to submit a transfer of entitlements application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme.

The person named should continue to communicate with the Inheritance Enquiry Unit so as to progress all outstanding issues. Contact details are as follows:

Inheritance Enquiry Unit

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Eircom Building

Knockmay Road

Portlaoise

Co. Laois Tel: 1890 252 238

Ministerial Staff

Niall Collins

Question:

561 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time in 2011; the same figures for Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25514/12]

I have detailed below the gross annual salary costs for my private and constituency offices and those of the Minister of State in my Department, at present and the same figures for this time in 2011 as requested.

Minister Coveney

Office

Salary (March 2011 to December 2011)

2012 Annual salary

Private

€316,291

€463,563

Constituency

€124,048

€157,701

Minister of State McEntee

Office

Salary (March 2011 to December 2011

2012 Annual salary

Private

€166,744

€217,411

Constituency

€114,402

€123,194

Both the private and constituency offices in my Department are staffed in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

562 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25539/12]

My Department uses private contractors, consultants and agencies to provide certain services when such proves to be more cost effective and Department staff are not available. This can include services such as specialised laboratory services, computer services, legal advice or independent auditing services.

The information requested can be found in the attached table:

Consultant/Consultancy Company

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2008 €

Farrell, Grant, Sparks

To facilitate a review of the structures, organisation and staffing arrangements of the Department.

36,300

Fitzpatrick Associates, Economic Consultants

Independent Ex-Post Evaluation of the Rural Development Plan 2000-2006

74,084

Horizon Consulting

Expenditure Reviews

4,235

Ray Burke Consulting

Expenditure Reviews

8,845

Brendan Riordan

Agri-Food Estimate

3,000

Iwrite Consulting

Value For Money Review

2,420

ESPION

Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.

13,915

ESPION

Independent Web Application testing

1,815

Morehampton

Review the Strategy for Information Management and Technology 2008-2011

950

Mazars

Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit

84,851

Deloitte

Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05.

519,168

Dr Noel Cawley

Chairman of Seafood Strategy Implementation Group

83,970

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development Project Fees

553,560

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

85,000

Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K.

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

390,940

Malachy Walsh and Partners, Park House, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork

An Daingean New berthing Pontoon

33,284

Achilles Procurement Services Ltd, 1 Harmsworth, Greenmount Office Park, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W

Advice in relation to a the preparation of a request for tender in relation to the HRMS Data Clean-Up Project

847

John Malone

Report on Factors affecting Afforestation in Ireland in recent years

23,364

Aquatic Services Unit, UCC

Monitor Water Quality in Freshwater Pearl Mussel areas

47,894

Consultant/Consultancy Company

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2009 €

Accenture

To facilitate a review of the local office structure, including staffing levels, of the Department.

24,957

Petrus Consulting-VFM and Policy Review

Expenditure Reviews

2,430

Iwrite Consulting

Expenditure Reviews

2,296

Ray Burke Consulting

Expenditure Reviews

2,734

ESPION

Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.

11,350

ESPION

Independent Web Application testing

10,523

Mazars

Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit

72,258

Tierney and Associates

External Quality Assessment of Internal Audit Unit

8,136

Deloitte

Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05.

556,653

SGS (UK) Ltd

SGS are an EU approved Supervisory Agency who were tasked with verifying the destruction of contaminated pigmeat in various countries.

116,165

Dr Noel Cawley

Chairman of Seafood Strategy Implementation Group and Chairman of Technical Support Group — CFP

41,926

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development Project Fees

679,775

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

185,044

Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K.

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

338,902

Aquatic Services Unit, UCC

Monitor Water Quality in Freshwater Pearl Mussel areas

55,288

Consultant/Consultancy Company

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2010 €

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Independent mid-term evaluation of the Rural Development Programme 2007 — 2013

110,903

Jim Beecher

Expenditure Reviews

1,800.00

Sean Brady

Harvest 2020 Chairperson

13,800.00

ESPION

Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.

1,5942

Mazars

Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit

58,168

Deloitte

Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05.

438,689

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Matheson Ormsby Prentice were retained to provide an Assessment of Demurrage and Related claims under the Overseas Associated costs element of the Pigmeat Recall Scheme.

7,865

AON McDonagh Boland

AON were retained to review the insurance policies of Pigmeat Processors who had submitted claims under the Pigmeat Recall scheme.

4,425

Dr Noel Cawley

Chairman of Technical Support Group — CFP Review

8,384

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development Project Fees

307,587

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

290,319

Jacobs UK, Consulting Engineers, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX, U.K.

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

139,210

Ciaran Fahy, Consulting Engineer,

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Contract conciliation fees

12,958

Punch Consulting Engineers, 97 Henry Street, Limerick

An Daingean — Marina Piles Remedial Works

42,424

RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, Innishmore, BallincolligCo. Cork

Environmental Investigation and Remediation Works at Syncrolift Boatyards at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere and Killybegs FHC’s

18,168

Dr. Michael Carey

Technical Report

13,930

Danish Forestry Extension

Wood Energy advisory service and production of publications on wood energy

47,037

Eoin O’Driscoll

Collation, analysis and communication of natural wood harvest and trade data

38,831

Gordon Knaggs and Associates

Wood Product specification and advisory service

12,120

Henry Phillips

Professional advice and analysis in relation to national forest policy review

22,420

Consultant/Consultancy Company

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2011 €

Accenture

1) An analysis of an internal review of procurement, 2) an examination of the opportunities and capacity for further shared services between the Department and its non-commercial state agencies, and 3) a review of the Department’s role in regulating meat plants.

Work done on a pro-bono basis.

KPMG

An examination of the administration of the Single Payment Scheme.

Work done on a pro-bono basis.

Deloitte

To examine the recommendations in the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities as applicable to this Department, to value the assets referred to and to make a series of recommendations.

Work done on a pro-bono basis.

Dave Ring

Expenditure Reviews

1,800

Brendan Riordan

Training on estimation of net flow of funds for agri-food sector

3,000

Brendan Riordan

Training on estimation of net flow of funds for agri-food sector

3,000

ESPION

Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.

13,446

ESPION

Independent Web Application testing

3518

Mazars

Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit

56,634

Deloitte

Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05.

509,830

AON McDonagh Boland

AON were retained to review the insurance policies of Italian companies who had submitted claims for contaminated pigmeat which was destroyed in a fire in a coldstore.

8,021

Stiofán Nutty Consultant

Report on the Development of Ireland’s Organic Industry and the potential establishment of an Organic Trade Board

29,040

Fitzpatrick and Associates

Fisheries Technical Assistance

39,325

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development Project Fees

67,697

Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Site Works supervision

122,483

Ciaran Fahy, Consulting Engineer,

Castletownbere Harbour Development — Contract conciliation fees

25,489

RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, Innishmore, BallincolligCo. Cork

Environmental Investigation and Remediation Works at Syncrolift Boatyards at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere and Killybegs FHC’s

103,711

Malachy Walsh and Partners, Park House, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork

Castletownbere Navigation Beacons

29,013

CEI Collins Engineers, Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12

Castletownbere underwater Inspection of Syncrolift and Dinish Bridge

10,823

Drima Marketing Ltd

Collation, analysis and communication of national wood harvest and trade data on behalf of DAFM, and transmission of data to Eurostat, FAO, the international Energy Agency and other bodies

30,905

Dr. Michael Carey

Technical Report

3,389

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

563 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an agri-environment options scheme payment for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25556/12]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €704.62 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 annually before any payment can issue. Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks queries were identified in relation to the capital expenditure claim of the person named. These queries have been resolved and payment in respect of 2011 will issue shortly.

Departmental Expenditure

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

564 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of expenditure on outsourcing by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of outsourcing contracts initiated by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on outsourcing and the reliance on outsourcing by his Department in these years and for the future. [25562/12]

My Department uses outsourcing to provide certain services when such proves to be more cost effective and Department staff are not available.

The information requested can be found in the attached table.

Outsourcing Contract

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2008 €

Accenture

Single Payment System (SPS) Development and Maintenance

385,604

Cara Data Processing Ltd.

IT Helpdesk Facility

193,598

Outsourcing Contract

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2009 €

Accenture

Single Payment System (SPS) Development and Maintenance

1,821,643

Outsourcing Contract

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2010 €

Accenture

Single Payment System (SPS) Development and Maintenance

1,639,708

Outsourcing Contract

Nature of Work

Expenditure in 2011 €

Accenture

Single Payment System (SPS) Development and Maintenance

365,195

Bizmap Ltd.

eReps Application, Development and Maintenance

82,088

Tuberculosis Incidence

Denis Naughten

Question:

565 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review the implementation of the changes introduced last year to the TB eradication programme; in view of the restrictions being placed on adjoining landowners, if he will review his policy on the threshold for the blood testing for TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/12]

As I have explained in reply to recent Parliamentary Questions, the changes to the TB eradication programme which were introduced by my Department earlier this year are designed to improve the effectiveness of the programme by tightening up on overdue testing and preventing the spread of disease from infected herds to clear herds. Thus, greater stress is being laid on ensuring all herds test on time and on reducing movement opportunities for potentially infected cattle so as to provide increased protection for clear herds and export markets.

I want to emphasise that these changes, which were made following a number of consultation meetings with the farming organisations, are based on research which demonstrates that there are increased risks attached to the movement of certain animals. With regard to neighbouring or contiguous herds to a high risk breakdown, the only change from previous arrangements is that these herds are now being trade restricted, except to slaughter, pending a TB test. Previously, such herds were permitted to sell cattle on the open market prior to carrying out the test and research had shown that this posed a risk to clear herds. The objective of the restriction on neighbouring herds is to protect clear herds from buying in infected animals from these herds and thereby avoid the clear herd being restricted for 4 months and the associated additional testing.

Following representations made to my Department, I have clarified a number of issues in relation to the new disease control arrangements and introduced modifications to a number of others. For example, I have made it clear that the trade restriction on contiguous herds only applies to those herds which are identified, following an epidemiological investigation by my Department, as being relevant to the breakdown herd and which have not been tested in the previous 4 months. Herd owners will be contacted by my Department prior to restriction and only those herds which, on a case by case consideration, are identified as genuinely relevant to the breakdown will be restricted. Those farmers whose herds are restricted can minimise any impact by arranging to have their herds tested as soon as possible. Any herd which tests clear will be immediately de-restricted.

In addition, my Department has clarified that trade restricted herds will not be deemed ineligible for the Russian trade. Furthermore, I have amended the arrangements relating to the new overdue testing rules such that herdowners who, based on genuine reasons, negotiate a delay of up to one month with the DVO prior to the overdue date will not have any penalties applied. I am also removing the restriction on the movement of animals into trade restricted herds during this one month period.

While I am pleased to have been in a position to clarify and bring certain flexibility to most of the areas raised with me, the question of the 4 and 6 month rule is in a different category where the type of change sought gives rise to a disease related risk.

With regard to blood testing for TB, such testing is confined to already identified diseased herds. There has been no change to this policy and none is contemplated.

There has been a significant reduction in both the herd and animal incidence of TB over recent years. Herd TB incidence was 7.53% in 2000 compared to 4.18% in 2011. During the same period, reactor numbers have fallen from 40,000 to 18,500, the lowest recorded since the commencement of the programme in the 1950's. While I am very pleased with this improvement, my Department subjects the TB eradication programme to on-going review with a view to ensuring that there is a robust testing regime in place. The prevention of the spread of disease from infected herds to clear herds is an important factor both in achieving the goal of eradication and in continuing to secure funding from the EU. My Department will continue to review and make changes to various elements of the programme as deemed necessary in light of experience.

Milk Quota

Michael Moynihan

Question:

566 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the regulations under the milk quota trading scheme whereby 30% must go into a priority pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/12]

I have no plans at present to change the rules in relation to the priority pool component, which has been part of the of the milk quota trading scheme since its inception in 2007. However, all aspects of the milk quota regime are subject to ongoing review in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. As is standard practice, the outcome of the last Milk Quota Trading Scheme will be on the agenda for review this year and consultations with stakeholders will inform the terms and conditions of the 2013/2014 Trading Scheme, which I expect to announce in early Autumn.

Child Abuse

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

567 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding concerns arising from the mandatory reporting Bill and children first Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25203/12]

In the first instance, I would like make a clear distinction between the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information) Bill and the draft Heads of the Children First Bill. The focus of the Withholding Bill is on the responsibility of all citizens to provide information to the Gardaí where they have knowledge of a serious sexual crime against a child, in the investigation and prosecution of that crime.

The focus of the proposed Children First legislation is on the protection of individual children about whom a report is made and other children who may be at risk from an alleged perpetrator of abuse. Its aim is to make organisations safe places, and to ensure that key people in authority in these organisations, and named professionals report to and co-operate with the HSE information about abuse and serious neglect. The Deputy will be aware that Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children has operated on the basis of voluntary compliance since it was first published by the then Department of Health and Children in 1999. Significant resources have been put in place to support the implementation of Children First and in the case of the HSE and An Garda Síochána, Children First has formed an integral part of their existing operations and practices. The HSE has provided training, information and advice on the implementation of Children First throughout the HSE, voluntary and community sector.

It would appear that the Deputy's question relates to the role of the Designated Officer, under the proposed legislation. Under Children First, organisations are required to appoint a Designated Officer. The Designated Officer has responsibility that staff and volunteers are vetted, recruited properly and are trained in safe practices with children and in recognising signs of abuse and neglect. The Designated Officer makes information available to parents about child protection in the organisation and will have a system in place to check and report on its compliance with the legislation.

In the legislation, it is proposed that the Designated Officer along with certain named professionals will have statutory responsibility to report information about abuse to the HSE. The obligation to report abuse extends to abuse and neglect wherever it occurs, that comes to the attention of the Designated Officer in the course of his / her work or volunteer activities.

Where a young person does not want to talk further about an allegation of abuse, he or she will not be required to. However, the information will be assessed by the HSE to see if other children could be at risk.

To assist Designated Officers and certain named professionals make a determination as to whether to report abuse, a ‘Guidance for Reporting of Abuse' is to be developed by my Department. This Guidance will deal with issues such as definitions, thresholds and appropriate routes for the reporting of abuse. The Guidance will assist designated officers and professionals named in the legislation, in their considering a number of factors to see if the concern reaches the threshold of a report under the legislation.

It is important to note that the Protection for Persons Reporting Abuse, 1998, which came into operation on 23 January 1999, created a new offence of false reporting of child abuse. This provision remains in force.

Departmental Agencies

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

568 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of agencies funded by the Health Service Executive and its agencies in adoption and tracing information; the names of these agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25250/12]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.

Child Care Services

Brian Stanley

Question:

569 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that cuts to child care training and education support are forcing crèches to close in Ballyfermot, Cabra and Whitehall, Dublin; if she will reinstate the child care training and education support to the 2011 level of €170 per child per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24900/12]

My Department currently administers three support programmes — the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.

During 2011, all areas of expenditure within my Department were examined under the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. Under this review savings of some €16.5 million in current funding have been agreed for my Department for 2012. While my Department is in a position to retain all three support programmes, it is necessary, in view of the reduced funding, to make some revision to certain payment rates and subvention levels under each programme. The CETS programme provides qualifying FÁS and VEC students with free childcare places for the duration of their course. The Department currently pays childcare services €170 per week for each full-time place contracted under the programme, in some 1,600 community and commercial facilities. This is the only category of parents who currently pay no contribution to the cost of their childcare requirements. From September 2012, the Department will reduce the weekly price paid to services to €145 per full-time place. However, services will then be allowed to charge a weekly fee of not more than €25 per full-time childcare place.

The Government has made a very significant commitment to maintaining the three childcare support programmes at this time. However, the changes made to capitation and payment rates are necessary because of the ongoing need to reduce Government expenditure. While I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by the three childcare facilities referred to by the Deputy, I would point out that other crèches will continue to operate under the new funding arrangements.

Finally I can assure the Deputy that the parents will be facilitated to continue their studies by the provision of places in other local facilities, and that the local City Childcare Committee is working on this.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

570 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects to receive the report from the Adoption Authority following the delegation’s visit to Ethiopia in early April; and when she expects to conclude a bilateral agreement between the Irish and Ethiopian authorities in order that adoptions from Ethiopia can commence. [24922/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

592 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. [25685/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 592 together.

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 Inter-country 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 inter-country 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 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 agreement on inter-country adoption. Yesterday, 21st May, I received a Report from the Authority summarising the conclusions and recommendations of the delegation's visit. While this is now being considered in my Department, the AAI has stated that it has decided to seek further legal advice in Ethiopia on whether adoptions there are full or simple adoptions. The Authority has further stated that it will contact me again once it has received the legal advice referred to and completed its consideration of the matter.

I have also been advised that the Authority has decided to post an advisory on its website in relation to the visit to Ethiopia.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

571 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to recruit graduates into her Department this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24931/12]

My Department is participating in the JobBridge National Internship Scheme which provides 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. The scheme also gives people a real opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and the beginning of their working lives.

The experience of being involved with the National Internship Scheme has been very positive to date and officials of my Department are currently considering what areas of work would be suitable for further internships under the Scheme during 2012.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

572 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding arrangements between this country and Vietnam for inter-country adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24947/12]

The Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption entered into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. The ratification of the Hague Convention by Vietnam, the associated changes in Vietnamese law and the arrangements being put in place to support on the ground implementation represent significant changes in the inter-country adoption regime in that country.

Under section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority may enter into administrative arrangements with another contracting State. In this context, the Authority has prepared and submitted to the Vietnamese authorities a suggested scheme of administrative arrangements to be established between Ireland and Vietnam for the resumption of inter-country adoption between the two States. The Authority is awaiting the response of the Vietnamese authorities to this proposal.

In January I had a very positive visit to Vietnam focussing on inter-country adoption. It provided the opportunity for direct, personal engagement with the Vietnamese authorities, and the fostering of cooperation between our two countries on inter-country adoption. My visit coincided with a visit of a delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland to Vietnam to discuss administrative matters in relation to inter-country adoptions on foot of Vietnam's recent ratification of the Hague Convention. I have recently written to the Vietnamese authorities formally inviting them to visit Ireland in the coming months at both Ministerial and official level.

The Adoption Authority registered one accredited body for the purposes of adoption mediation within Vietnam. Further applications from other bodies remain under consideration by the Authority and a decision is anticipated shortly in this regard. Agencies accredited by the Adoption Authority of Ireland also require the approval of the Vietnamese authorities.

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

573 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average waiting time at present for inter-country adoptions and the way this compares to previous years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24963/12]

The HSE has advised that waiting times for inter-country adoption assessments have reduced considerably across the country. According to the HSE the waiting time for assessments varies around the country and, in general, the maximum waiting time is 12 months.

The Adoption Authority informs me that waiting times between the sending of an adoption application pack and the actual completion of an adoption in sending countries may vary greatly and may extend to as much as 3 years or more in some cases. The Adoption Authority has no influence with regard to the waiting times involved in these sending countries. Furthermore, some jurisdictions require a two stage adoption process which entails post-placement reports being submitted during an initial period of guardianship before an adoption is approved and finalised. Hence, while a number of applicants would have referrals of children and some would be in the process of completing the post-placement requirements of sending countries, they would not have finalised the adoptions by court order and therefore would not be in a position to register the adoptions with the AAI.

Missing Persons

Joan Collins

Question:

574 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the 11600 missing child telephone number; the timeline for setup and operation of the line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25094/12]

Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and is leading a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.

The position is that Comreg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, Comreg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC. The operation of the Hotline is now a matter for the ISPCC who have made an application for funding to the European Commission and a decision on this application is pending. The ISPCC are currently finalising the project plan for the Hotline.

The Project Team has met with the ISPCC and in the coming months the Project Team will work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.

In the meantime the ISPCC has developed, with An Garda Síochána, an interim response that is currently heard if one rings the 116000 number. The number advises callers to report a missing child to An Garda Síochána and if it is a child calling for assistance to contact the ISPCC.

Child Care Services

Dara Calleary

Question:

575 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provisions that exist, to ensure that children with special needs can avail of their full entitlement to the early childhood care and education scheme, in view of the fact that many children are being denied a full 15 hours assistant allocation due departmental cuts (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25125/12]

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school.

The programme includes a number of provisions to enable children with special needs to benefit fully from the programme. These include an option for children with special needs to apply to have the pre-school year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the programme 2 days a week in the first year and over 3 days a week in the second year. Applications for this option must be made prior to the child commencing the programme so that the necessary arrangements can be made with the childcare facility.

In addition, the upper age limit for participation in the programme (4 years and 6 months) may be extended where a child is not in a position to commence primary school until s/he is more than 5 years 6 months of age because s/he has been assessed as developmentally delayed. Applications for such extensions are examined by the Department on a case-by-case basis.

Proposed Legislation

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

576 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when we expect the Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill to reach Second Stage in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25154/12]

Considerable progress has been made in drafting the Heads of Bill for the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2012. The proposed legislation has been included in the legislative programme for my Department for 2012 and it is one of a number of Bills which I intend to introduce in the Oireachtas during the course of this year.

While the drafting of the Heads of Bill is still under way in my Department, I can say that it is currently intended that the Heads of Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have responsibility for the safeguarding and maintenance of all adoption records in the State. It is also intended that the Heads of Bill will provide that the Authority is to have responsibility for ensuring that access to those records is provided to an adopted person or to a birth parent, in accordance with the Bill.

The draft Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government for approval prior to commencing the drafting of the Bill. It is not possible to give a publication date for the Bill at this stage.

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

577 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the proposed Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill will allow the adoption and tracing services to interact with persons who are looking for information; the way it will deal with persons who were adopted pre 1950s and whose medical records are not in public ownership but with private publicly funded organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25155/12]

Considerable progress has been made in drafting the Heads of Bill for the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2012. The proposed legislation has been included in the legislative programme for my Department for 2012 and it is one of a number of Bills which I intend to introduce in the Oireachtas during the course of this year.

While the drafting of the Heads of Bill is still under way in my Department, I can say that it is currently intended that the Heads of Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have responsibility for the safeguarding and maintenance of all adoption records in the State. It is also intended that the Heads of Bill will provide that the Authority is to have responsibility for ensuring that access to those records is provided to an adopted person or to a birth parent, in accordance with the Bill.

The draft Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government for approval prior to commencing the drafting of the Bill. It is not possible to give a publication date for the Bill at this stage.

Child Protection

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

578 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of any pilot areas for out of hours child protection social work services; the length of the pilot programme; the number of cases referred to the out of hours service in each area; if the pilot programme will be established on a permanent basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25158/12]

The HSE has piloted and is currently evaluating two out-of-hours pilot projects, one in Donegal and the other in Cork. The Donegal pilot project commenced in mid 2011 and the Cork project in the third quarter of last year. Both projects are still running and involve the provision by local HSE staff of social work support out-of-hours where deemed necessary by Gardai. HSE social workers are on call out of hours to respond to referrals. I am informed by the HSE that having undertaken an initial internal evaluation, it commissioned an independent external assessment of the projects. This evaluation, which is being undertaken by Trinity College, is expected to be completed in the very near future. A decision on progression to a national rollout will be made following evaluation of the two pilot projects and other relevant data.

The enclosed table contains the latest available information on activity levels in the pilot sites.

Pilot

Dates

Number of Out of Hours support service calls

Donegal

4 April 2011 until 15 December 2011

8

Cork

1 September 2011 until 10 April 2012

29

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

579 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in her Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25233/12]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established on the 2nd June 2011. I can confirm that no retired public servant was re-hired by my Department in the period up to April 2012.

Adoption Services

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

580 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she contacted the Health Service Executive to ask the HSE to undertake a review of all the records of people who were adopted pre-1953; the numbers of agencies contacted during this review; if there is a timeline for the review to be finished; if all the information from the review will be made available to people who are affected by the information contained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25262/12]

At the outset it must be understood that the Adoption Authority of Ireland, and its predecessor The Adoption Board, has no statutory responsibility in respect of the matter raised but has endeavoured to assist persons affected, to the extent open to it. In that regard, I would refer to the fact that the Guidelines on Information and Tracing services first issued by the Adoption Board in 2004 included acknowledgement of historical existence of a practice of illegal birth registrations and offered the Board's assistance in efforts to obtain any records that might still exist.

I am aware from the Adoption Authority that, in mid 2010, the Adoption Board conducted a review of information it retained of contact received from persons who had been told or believed themselves to be adopted, but where no adoption records existed.

I recently made enquiries of the HSE regarding the number of such records held by the Health Service Executive. The HSE responded that it has not carried out a review similar to that done by the Adoption Board in 2010. In light of this response my Department wrote to the HSE last week asking that it provide details as to what relevant information is in the possession of the HSE. I will be in a position to consider what, if any, action would be appropriate once the HSE has responded to my Department's request.

Health Service Staff

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

581 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will give a breakdown by care area of the 57 replacement social worker staff approved since January 2012; if she will clarify if any of these 57 replacement social workers are included in the Health Service Executive figure of 1,197 whole time equivalent social workers employed by the HSE in the children and family area as of end March 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25267/12]

The latest information from the HSE indicates that 57 social worker posts have been submitted to the National Recruitment Service since the beginning of 2012 and in the following care areas:

48 Children and Families

6 Mental Health

1 Acute Services

2 Not stated

These posts are at various stages of recruitment. It will be seen from the figures that the vast majority of the replacement posts are in the children and families care group.

I have requested clarification from the HSE in response to the Deputy's query as to whether the whole time equivalent number of social workers of 1,197 at the end of March 2012 in the children and family services care group includes any of these 57 posts and I will correspond with the Deputy when I receive it from the HSE.

Children in Care

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

582 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in the care of the State that have a written care plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25269/12]

The latest available information from the HSE is in respect of February 2012. This indicates that 89.3% of the total of 6,168 children in care nationally across all care types had a written care plan as defined by Child Care Regulations 1995. The figures for March are currently being finalised and as soon as this information becomes available it will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

583 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children currently in the care of the State and the number of them who have an allocated social worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25270/12]

The latest available information from the HSE is in respect of February 2012. This indicates that 91.9% of the 6,168 children in care nationally across all care types have an allocated social worker. The figures for March are currently being finalised and as soon as this information becomes available it will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

584 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if social workers and therapy grades continue to be exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and filling of vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25271/12]

The Government has decided that health service employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,000 by the end of this year, in line with its commitment to reduce public expenditure. The employment control framework for the health sector, including children and family services, is expected to be finalised shortly. It is not anticipated that any particular grade will be exempted from the recruitment moratorium. Priority posts can be put in place where this is possible within the employment ceiling and budget. Accordingly, the National Director for Children and Family Services in the HSE, Gordon Jeyes, will as I have previously advised, apply his discretion to the filling of vacancies subject to these conditions being met.

Child Care Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

585 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the additional €19 million allocated to child welfare and protection services for 2012 is to be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25276/12]

The establishment for the first time of a dedicated budget for children and families in 2012 is an important part of the ongoing "change agenda", which is aimed at strengthening organisation capacity, business processes and systems, and will pave the way for the transition to the new Child and Family Support Agency in 2013.

The Government has made additional budgeting provision of €19m for child welfare and protection services compared to the funding made available last year. The funding will assist in addressing expenditure pressures from budgetary reductions made in previous years and growth and demand for services due to demographic and other factors. In overall terms, the 2012 provision is designed to support the HSE in meeting its obligations with regard to the welfare and protection of children under the Child Care Act 1991, together with a range of priorities set out in the HSE National Service Plan for 2012. These include particular emphasis on the completion of a series of reforms across children and family services in order to provide a comprehensive range of high quality services; implementation of Children First and the continuing delivery of commitments in the Ryan Implementation Plan. Management of these services is being led by the National Director, Mr Gordon Jeyes.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

586 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if she will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25370/12]

In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on ministerial appointments, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Each driver receives €631.75 per week in respect of these duties and are not entitled to claim overtime. However, they are entitled to claim subsistence payments in respect of certified official travel at the appropriate Civil Service rates and under the regulations applying to such subsistence. A total of €4,469.02 has been paid since 2011 in this regard.

In addition, milage claims totalling €16,246.87 in respect of the use of my personal car on official business have been paid.

I cannot make a comparison with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars as this was a matter for the Department of Justice.

Child Care Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

587 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reverse the decision to take away the 50-week option on the early childcare and education scheme and to impose a five-day compulsory attendance to avail of the full value of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25479/12]

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which provides one free pre-school year to each eligible child, is implemented by my Department.

The ECCE programme was introduced in January 2010, and a number of transitional measures were included to make it more acceptable to the childcare sector. One of these measures related to the number of weeks over which the free pre-school year could be provided. At that time, approximately 30% of children in the relevant age-cohort were in full daycare. Therefore, in order to facilitate full daycare services in the early years of the programme, services were permitted to choose between providing a 38-week or a 50-week model.

I should emphasise that the ECCE programme is designed as an educational programme for children. It was always intended, once the programme had bedded-down, to introduce a standard 38-week model. This is primarily because this is the optimal model in terms of ensuring a high-quality early years experience for pre-school children. The Síolta and Aistear frameworks were developed to support this objective. The ECCE programme is designed to be delivered across 38 weeks. It is difficult to see how the curriculum can be delivered across a 50-week period when the children spend less time (generally 2 hours 15 minutes per day) availing of it.

My focus is on improving the quality of childcare services. For this reason, therefore, from September 2012, services participating in the ECCE programme will be required to provide the programme on the basis of 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, over 38 weeks.

Departmental Funding

Clare Daly

Question:

588 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it is appropriate that an organisation (details supplied) which receives funding under the national development programme from her Department has branches which deny admittance to girls. [25490/12]

Scouting Ireland, which is a voluntary, uniformed, non-formal educational movement for young people, receives grant-aid funding under my Department's Youth Service Grant Scheme. In addition, a large number of local scout units receive one-off annual grants from my Department under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme to assist with group activity and/or running costs.

Officials of my Department have been in contact with Scouting Ireland with regard to the Deputy's query and Scouting Ireland has advised that scouting is open to all young people between the ages of 6 and 25 who are supported in their challenges of personal progression and development by volunteer adult leadership. In 1987, Scouting Ireland from its founding associations, decided in favour of a coeducational approach and since that time has made significant progress in building an integrated organisation where boys and girls can learn together through the Scout method. More than 90% of its groups are mixed gender groups and some 40% of its young members and 50% of its adult volunteers are female. Scouting Ireland has stated that it is encouraging its few remaining single sex groups to embrace a coeducational programme. Scouting Ireland has advised my Department that all its new groups are opened on that basis. In the meantime, Scouting Ireland has indicated that the young person who wishes to join its Balbriggan Group will be offered a place in a selection of neighbouring groups.

I welcome the work by Scouting Ireland to provide activities to both boys and girls on an equal access basis and would encourage the adoption of this practice by all scouting groups.

Departmental Expenditure

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

589 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [25541/12]

My Department was formally established on 2nd June, 2011. From 2nd June to December 2011 the sum of €264,486.52 was spent on external support and consultancy by my Department. My Department has a particular remit in relation to children's participation and research. Many of the projects undertaken relate to these important initiatives:

Name of Company

Expenditure 2011

Trinity College Dublin

€170,900

Anam Cara

€1,050

University College Cork

€12,430.38

Cnag ar an Doras

€20,200.72

Liz Harper

€5,950

Cnag ar an Doras and Trinity College Dublin (joint project)

€19,360

Cnag ar an Doras and Sandra Roe (joint Contract)

€19,890.42

Deloitte

€7,617

ELM Training

€3,700

Latitude

€3,388

I am particularly conscious of the need for savings and efficiencies in administrative costs for my Department and the engagement of external support is only considered in instances where specific projects cannot be delivered within the Department.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

590 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to set up an agreement with Kazakhstan in order that persons can adopt children from Kazakhstan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25571/12]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

591 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the Adoption Authority of Ireland was invited to a meeting with the Kazak adoption authorities to discuss the Hague Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25572/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 591 together.

With effect from 1 November 2010, inter-country adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention) or with countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. Kazakhstan has ratified the Convention.

Over the past 18 months the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) has written to its counterpart Central Authority in Kazakhstan on three separate occasions to begin the process of developing an administrative agreement for inter-country adoption. To date there has been no reply from the Kazakhstani authorities to any of the contacts made by the AAI. The Authority has continued to indicate that it is open to discussing the issue of inter-country adoptions with its Kazakhstani counterparts at any time, and the most recent correspondence from the AAI was in March of this year. I understand that an official of the Irish Embassy in Moscow has now presented the copy correspondence to, and raised the issue of inter-country adoption with, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan.

I understand the Kazakhstani authorities hosted a meeting on inter-country adoption on the 11th of May. I would like to point out that at no stage were the AAI, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs or the Embassy contacted by the Kazakhstani authorities regarding the meeting. As soon as the issue came to the attention of my Department, official contact was made with the Embassy in Moscow in this regard. The Embassy officials in Moscow are endeavouring to secure feedback from this meeting to assess its relevance for progress towards an administrative agreement on inter-country adoption between Ireland and Kazakhstan.

My officials are actively pursuing the matter in conjunction with the AAI. The Embassy has been asked to request information from the relevant authorities on the position for Irish couples hoping to adopt from Kazakhstan as soon as possible. In the interim the AAI is currently completing a review of Kazakhstan's adoption legislation.

Question No. 592 answered with Question No. 570.

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

593 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application 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. [25039/12]

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

Mental Health Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

594 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he has a strategy in place to tackle youth alcoholism; if his attention has been drawn to the mental health damage being done to children as a result of alcohol consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25065/12]

My World Survey, Ireland's first comprehensive national study of youth mental health was launched on 16th May by Headstrong — The National Centre for Youth Mental Health and UCD School of Psychology. It tracks evidence of the damaging link between drinking behaviour and mental health in young people.

Mental Health is a priority for the Government including the mental health of our young people. A special allocation of €35 million for mental health was announced in Budget 2012 in line with Programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation for mental health will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children's mental health services by ensuring, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is on every team. Some of the funding will also be used to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems.

The report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group made a range of recommendations that impact directly and indirectly on the problem of excessive youth alcohol consumption. At this juncture, the recommendations of the Steering Group are encouraging public debate and I envisage an Action Plan being developed in advance of proposals being drafted for Government that will take account of, among other things, the recommendations of the Steering Group that relate to this problem.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

595 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding transport assistance for medical appointments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/12]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

596 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a fund for a day care centre (details supplied) in County Sligo. [25256/12]

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

Water Fluoridation Policy

Brendan Griffin

Question:

597 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform Ireland’s mandatory policy on water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25392/12]

The Forum on Fluoridation, which was established by the Minister for Health and Children in 2000, advised in 2002 that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which was established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. I have no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Sandra McLellan

Question:

598 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Waterford will be given an appointment in Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24837/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

Hospital Services

Pearse Doherty

Question:

599 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the recent changes in the transport provided for patients from Letterkenny Hospital, County Donegal, travelling to Dublin hospitals for dialysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24839/12]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

Question:

600 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, by each hospital, the number of patients who have had their operations cancelled or rescheduled since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24840/12]

Set out in the table are the numbers of cancelled operations for 2011. There is no data for 2012 available at this time. The information has been supplied by the Health Service Executive. The SDU has commenced work with the elective surgery Clinical Programme including the proposal that hospitals ring fence beds for elective surgery. This development will take place against the backdrop of capacity enhancing measures such as increased surgical activity, increases in daycase activity and better use of resources in general in the hospital system.

January-December 2011

Planned admissions cancelled by the hospital — Day cases

Planned admissions cancelled by the hospital — Inpatients

Adelaide and Meath Hospital Inc NCH

179

718

Beaumont Hospital

561

677

Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital

207

20

Cavan General Hospital

344

97

Connolly Hospital — Blanchardstown

358

163

Cork University Hospital

169

79

Kerry General Hospital

94

9

Mallow General Hospital

241

Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar

25

17

Midland Regional Hospital — Portlaoise

91

144

Midland Regional Hospital — Tullamore

297

331

Mid Western Regional Hospital Ennis

4

Mid Western Regional Hospital Nenagh

76

Naas General Hospital

100

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda

8

42

Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin

1,885

Portiuncula Hospital General and Maternity Ballinasloe

20

South Tipperary General Hospital

2

104

St. Colmcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown

35

St. James’s Hospital

286

3,941

St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny

50

St. Vincent’s University Hospital Elm Park

431

272

Waterford Regional Hospital

129

Wexford General Hospital

28

3,473

8,761

Total 2011

12,234

Billy Kelleher

Question:

601 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the basis on which waiting list category definitions have been changed; the definition of each category in terms of recommended operation time before and after the change, the number of patients in each category before the change; the number in each category after the change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24841/12]

I can confirm that to date there have been no changes to the waiting list data capture categorisation since the patient treatment register (PTR) was established in 2005.

As you are aware a new target of 9 month maximum waiting time for daycase and inpatient surgery has been implemented. The challenge for 2012 is firstly to maintain the 12 month maximum waiting time target for in patient and day case procedures and then to continually improve and move to a 9 month maximum waiting time target.

At present the categorisation of patients within the scheduled care system is neither defined with sufficient clarity nor enacted for each patient with sufficient consistency. The lack of clarity is contributed to by some ambiguity and vagueness within the existing definitions; and the lack of consistency by insufficiently rigorous attributions within hospital data sets, and inadequate audit and review processes. Unless we succeed in introducing much higher levels of clarity and consistency, effective systems management will be impossible.

In that context it is the intention later in 2012 to request clinicians to categorise their referrals as either "urgent" or "routine". It is important to emphasise that determining urgency will always rest with clinicians.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

602 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health inclusive of in-patient and elective treatment, the mean average length of time in terms of days for patients on waiting lists in March 2011; the same figure for July 2011, and the figure now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24842/12]

The NTPF uses the "median" in months when reporting wait time. Below are the figures the Deputy requested.

March 2011 — 3.0 months

July 2011 — 3.0 months

February 2012 — 3.1 months

March 2012 (TBC) — 2.9 months

While there are minor and statistically insignificant fluctuations in the median waiting time — overall the main pattern is of sustained reduction in longer waiters — ie those waiting over 12 months and 9 months.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

603 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, the number of patients who have been transferred to another hospital waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24843/12]

Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, eligibility for public health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. All persons normally resident in the state are eligible for in-patient and outpatient public hospital services including consultant services. It is unacceptable for a patient to be informed at short notice that a hospital will not treat them because they are in the ‘wrong' catchment area and my Department has been working with the HSE to clarify its policy in this area. Currently the HSE does not collect information in relation to the numbers of patients transferred to other hospital waiting lists, however I can confirm to the Deputy that a letter has issued from the National Directors of the HSE and the Chief Operating Officer of the SDU setting out the position in relation to catchment areas.

With immediate affect all hospitals will be requested to:

Refrain from any further limiting of historic catchment areas i.e. No further refusals of referrals from areas which such referrals have been accepted since 2009.

This will be retrospective to the start of this year in most cases subject to discussion.

This will apply to both "new referrals" and also to existing patients in long-term care / treatment.

I am confident that working with the RDOs and the hospitals that this particular issue will be quickly resolved. The SDU will continue to work with the HSE to embed improved GP referral systems which will enhance patient access to the health services.

Services for People with Disabilities

Billy Kelleher

Question:

604 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of demographic funding to provide emergency placements and services for school leavers with intellectual disabilities; the same figure for 2011; the number of children who benefited from the funding in 2011, the projected number this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24844/12]

In 2011, €10 Million was allocated to address the demography pressures. The funding addressed service provision under the following headings- day places, residential, respite, and personal assistance hours. The funding was allocated across the 4 HSE Regions based on the percentage of population as outlined in the table:

Region

Funding €

Day Places

Residential Places

Residential Enhanced Places

Personal Assist Hours

Respite Places

Respite Centre Places

DML

2.838m

158

6

7,339

DNE

2.272m

141.37

2

3

3

South

2.559m

82.92

9.26

3.35

8,277

3.34

3.36

West

2.331m

132

6.27

Total

10m

514.29

23.53

6.35

15,616

3.34

6.36

The demand for services for school-leavers continues to grow. There will be around 700 school-leavers in 2012, many of whom will require supports and services. (This figure may reduce as individuals decide not to avail of a day placement, stay in school, or are accepted to FÁS courses).

This year disability service providers are required to cater for demographic pressures, such as new services for school-leavers and emergency residential placements, from within their existing budgets. Service providers and the HSE have come together under the auspices of National Consultative Forum to identify how the needs of individuals who require day and rehabilitative training places can be responded to within available resources.

The National Consultative Forum recognises that the key to ensuring that available resources for people with disabilities are used to best effect is through constructive collaboration between non-statutory providers and the HSE. There are already many excellent examples of collaborative working between providers and the HSE in innovatively responding to the needs of individuals.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

605 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided for voluntary service providers for those with intellectual and other disabilities; the same figure in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/12]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

606 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24857/12]

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

Health Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

607 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home care grant will be increased or extra home help hours in lieu thereof given their high dependency or alternatively if the availability of a public nursing home bed can be investigated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24858/12]

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

Medical Cards

John Paul Phelan

Question:

608 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the reason a full medical card was not awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24869/12]

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.

Hospital Staff

Robert Troy

Question:

609 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on when a hospital (details supplied) will begin recruiting the new positions; when they will be available in the hospital, which is due to open this summer. [24870/12]

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

Hospital Accommodation

Gerry Adams

Question:

610 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a full capacity protocol remains in operation at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; the length of time in which it has been in effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24886/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

611 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken since the beginning of the year to address the issue of hospital overcrowding and patients on trolleys in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; if he is satisfied with the current situation; and the further initiatives that will be taken to address this issue. [24887/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

612 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the special delivery unit remain engaged with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, in relation to the issue of overcrowding and patients on trolleys; the steps that have been taken to address this issue since the SDU first began to engage with the hospital; his assessment of the success of these measures; the further measures that will be taken to tackle overcrowding; the amount in additional resources that will be or have been allocated to tackle these ongoing problems. [24888/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 to 612, inclusive, together.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Escalation Policy and Full Capacity Protocol is in place and has been operational since August 2011 in line with the National Guidance Documentation. The policy is used to assist in the ongoing management and timely implementation of escalation procedures during periods of peak demand for in-patient beds.

The policy consists of a tiered and incremental suite of plans which are implemented in the hospital and community care areas as part of a multi disciplinary response to avoid Emergency Department overcrowding. In addition to the timely placement of admitted patients in acute hospital beds, management, consultants and nursing staff must focus on reducing potential admissions, including electives outpatients, hospital transfers, hospital avoidance measures, and efficiently manage the treatment and patient discharge process.

In addition to the Full Capacity Protocol, I have approved funding to open 11 additional general Medical Beds in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. This additional capacity will facilitate the opening of a Short Stay Medical Unit which will streamline the provision of assessment and treatment by a Senior Clinician for the first 48 hours following admission. It is envisaged that this development will reduce the length of stay for medical patients in OLOLH thereby contributing to a direct reduction in overcrowding in the Emergency Department.

An analysis of attendances to the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for the first quarter of 2012 has demonstrated a 20% increase in attendances. However the mean daily admission rate from the Emergency Department to an in-patient bed has increased and the mean time spent by patients in the Emergency Department has been reduced. This indicates an improvement in the management of the overcrowding and the Management Team are committed to continuous improvement strategies to address the situation.

The Special Delivery Unit in my Department remains actively engaged with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda on this matters.

Ambulance Service

Billy Kelleher

Question:

613 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form for each county or if not available each region, the average response times for ambulances in life threatening, potentially life threatening and all other situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24925/12]

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

Medical Cards

Brendan Griffin

Question:

614 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the extension of free general practitioner cover to persons in receipt of long-term illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24928/12]

Billy Timmins

Question:

626 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the allocation of free general practitioner visits medical cards for persons who have long term illnesses; when same will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25055/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 626 together.

The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.

Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with certain long-term illnesses. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted before the summer recess.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

615 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24938/12]

My Department has no immediate plans to recruit graduates this year given the current moratorium on recruitment that applies across the public service. However, the position will be kept under review on light of business needs and our requirement to meet Employment Control Framework targets.

My Department is actively participating in the JobBridge Internship Scheme which is administered by FÁS. Two internships were completed in January 2012. A further five internships were advertised on the JobBridge website and my Department is currently conducting interviews for these internships.

Human Rights Issues

Clare Daly

Question:

616 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Expert Group established under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Seán Ryan to advise on the implementation of the 2010 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of A, B and C v Ireland includes consideration of the lawfulness of terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities when the life of the mother is not at risk. [24968/12]

As the Deputy is aware, on 13th January the Government established an Expert Group to address the A, B and C v Ireland judgement of the European Court of Human Rights. The Terms of Reference of this Group are as follows:

To examine the A , B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights.

To elucidate its implications for the provision of health care services to pregnant women in Ireland.

To recommend a series of options on how to implement the judgment taking into account the constitutional, legal, medical and ethical considerations involved in the formulation of public policy in this area and the over-riding need for speedy action.

The Terms of Reference of this Group relate specifically to the A, B and C v Ireland judgment and do not encompass cases involving fatal foetal abnormalities.

Health Services

Sean Fleming

Question:

617 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive their orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25011/12]

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

Raw Milk Sales

Anne Ferris

Question:

618 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health his views on banning the sale of raw milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25013/12]

The proposed renewal of the ban on the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption has been the subject of detailed consideration in both my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, including contacts at Ministerial and official level. Careful consideration has to be given to the legal options available to move the issue forward and the deliberative process in that regard is ongoing.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Question:

619 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied). [25014/12]

Under the Health Act 2008, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over are €700 (gross) per week (€36,000 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple.

Persons aged 70 or over, whose gross income is above the stated thresholds, may, depending on their personal circumstances, still qualify for a medical card or a GP visit card under the standard means-testing arrangements which exist at present. (This is to allow for the possibility that a person's net income may yet qualify them for a medical card or GP visit card even though their gross income is above the over 70 limits — current standard net thresholds are €201.50 for a single person and €298 for a couple for a medical card and €302 for a single person and €447 for a couple for a GP visit card).

Persons who do not qualify for a medical card under the gross income thresholds (Health Act 2008) or under the standard net means-testing arrangements, and whose circumstances are such that it would cause them undue hardship to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependents, may be considered for a discretionary card.

Hospital Staff

Michael Conaghan

Question:

620 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Health the proportion of consultants in public hospitals that are in breach of their contractual obligations with regard to fee-paying clients; the action he proposes to take to ensure full compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25020/12]

A core policy objective of the Government's health reform programme is to ensure equal access to healthcare based on need, not income, through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance. Ensuring compliance with the contractual limits on private practice will increase the availability of consultants to treat public patients and help ensure that access to services in each hospital is determined solely by clinical priority.

Consultant Contract 2008 limits private practice for newly-appointed consultants on a Type B or C contract to 20% of activity. The upper limit for consultants who held a contract prior to 2008 is 30%. The HSE has put in place arrangements to measure consultants' private practice and to pursue issues of compliance where necessary. The HSE has advised that currently 49 consultants have been identified as being in excess of the ratio specified in their contract. The Contract provides for a series of steps to be taken where a consultant exceeds the level of private practice permitted in his or her contract.

The HSE has engaged with the medical unions and individual consultants to pursue the issue of compliance, with a particular focus on consultants who are significantly in breach of their permitted ratio. There has been a significant improvement in the level of compliance with the private practice rules. The matter is also being addressed under the Public Service Agreement and particularly the Health Sector Action Plan 2012.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

621 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will expect to have an appointment in the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25035/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

Hospital Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

622 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his views on the dispute between the public consultants and the Health Service Executive in the orthopaedic section of the Mater public hospital, Dublin; if the HSE has put in place cover for these consultants in order that patients are not kept waiting longer because of the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/12]

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

Medical Cards

Dara Calleary

Question:

623 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card application is not being processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25042/12]

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

Brendan Griffin

Question:

624 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25048/12]

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

Health Services

Regina Doherty

Question:

625 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason it is taking up to nine weeks to process optical benefits in County Meath, when the average time in County Kildare is one to two weeks; the action being taken to tackle this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25050/12]

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

Question No. 626 answered with Question No. 614.

Disabled Drivers

Michael McCarthy

Question:

627 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the decision to refuse the motorised transport grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on whether this is fair in view of the exceptional and difficult circumstances of the case in question; if he will consider the contradictory nature of the system in that it requires that in order for a person to receive VRT/VAT relief, an adaptation must be made to the car in question, however, the necessary adaptations cannot be made without the assistance of the motorised transport grant; if this case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25083/12]

The Motorised Transport Grant and the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme are two separate supports for people with a severe disability. Each has different qualifying medical and means criteria. Qualifying for the tax concessions does not guarantee that a person will qualify for the Motorised Transport Grant.

I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to the circumstances of the individual case raised by the Deputy.

Hospital Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

628 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will re-examine the delay in the case of a person (details supplied). [25092/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 95% 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 hospital involved.

Waste Management

Finian McGrath

Question:

629 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a complaint about rats and other health issues. [25095/12]

This question tabled by the Deputy relates to waste management. I would like to advise the Deputy that I have no function in relation to this matter. You may wish to note that waste management falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Hospital Services

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

630 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the policy for hospitals to contact persons with appointments when their appointments have been cancelled or postponed due to contractual issues between the Health Service Executive and the consultants leading to a delay in the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25097/12]

The HSE recognises that patients are unacceptably discommoded when cancellation of an outpatient (OP) appointment occurs. Staff make every effort, often with short notice, to contact patients through phone or by letter, time permitting. Occasions will occur in any health service which will necessitate the reorganisation of an OP clinic. However these should be rare occurrences when a structured organised OP service is in place in a hospital.

In recognition of the risks inherent in any disruption to a patient's arranged appointment time, best practice internationally would dictate that a well structured hospital OP service would require a minimum of six week's written notice from a service for any planned cancellation of either patient or clinic. Further, such cancellations should be monitored and actively performance managed by the hospital in question. The Special Delivery Unit intends to integrate and align existing HSE outpatient improvement projects, initiatives and clinical programmes under the SDU OP Performance Improvement Programme structure. A key component of this overall programme will be to develop national plans and programmes, for local implementation that will be actively supported and performance managed.

The outcome will be a fundamental re-engineering and standardisation of hospital process's around the delivery of hospital OP services placing the patient firmly at the centre.

National Children’s Hospital

Patrick Nulty

Question:

631 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in the work of the board charged with developing the new national children’s hospital; the full disclosure of the factors being considered by the board; the persons and bodies with whom the board has consulted with to date; when the board will report back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25101/12]

As you will be aware, I have established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The Review Group will, as part of their review, consider all issues relevant to the location of the new children's hospital. The Review Group has requested an extension of 14 days to its original deadline, to which I have agreed, and I will await the completion of the Group's work before making any further comment on the matter.

Health Services

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

632 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the reason second and fourth class children in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will not receive dental screening or treatment in the current school year while the service is available to children in other schools; if arrangements will be made to ensure such screening is made available at the earliest possible opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25110/12]

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

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Question:

633 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [25113/12]

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

Sandra McLellan

Question:

634 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the current timeframe for processing medical card applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/12]

The Health Service Executive has confirmed to me that 95% of complete medical card applications are presently being processed within 15 days.

Hospital Services

Seamus Healy

Question:

635 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a person (details supplied) who has been attending St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, for the past six years in view of the fact that this person has been told that they cannot be treated at St. Vincent’s in the future in view of the fact that they are outside the catchment area. [25205/12]

Hospitals have built up informal catchment areas over a number of years and any individual hospital often has a number of "catchment areas" reflecting the different geographic areas from which it normally accepts referrals of different types. Issues with catchment areas are typically cyclical and often reflect, amongst other things, the economic cycle.

The growing budgetary and activity performance pressures on hospitals has led to some hospitals enforcing a more strict adherence to what they view as their catchment areas for different aspects of their service. It has also been legitimately queried why, in some cases, patients are bypassing recently developed suitable services in hospitals closer to the patient requiring that patient to travel longer distances to a larger tertiary hospital which is under greater pressure and may have longer outpatient waiting times.

It has been agreed however that an inconsistent approach is not in the best interests of patients and therefore it has been agreed in the interim that any planned and agreed changes in referrals/catchment areas should not impact on patients who are already on a waiting list in a particular hospital or are patients in long term care/treatment.

Where, by exception, it is agreed that existing patients on a waiting list should be considered for transfer to another hospital waiting list this should be on the basis that they will be able to access their service in the new hospital earlier or at minimum no later than had they remained on the original waiting list.

Patients should be informed of any proposed changes in advance and any concerns they may raise dealt with appropriately.

Medical Cards

Clare Daly

Question:

636 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if receipents of Health Amendment Act cards will have access to Telapravir and Bocepravir as part of their treatment scheme. [25210/12]

I am pleased to confirm that a decision has been made to make Boceprevir (Victrelis) and Telaprevir (Incivo), which are Hepatitis C protease inhibitor drugs, available within the hospital system for the treatment of Hepatitis C. The new treatments have been found to be effective in treating adult patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 infection, who have compensated liver disease and who are previously untreated, or who have failed previous therapy. The use of these drugs requires a detailed programme of treatment and monitoring of progress. The HSE is putting in place the protocols and structures to allow treatment to begin as soon as possible.

Anyone who meets the criteria under the protocols will have access to these new treatments.

Clare Daly

Question:

637 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will organise the involvement of the consultative council to resolve the issues of difference between the support groups and the Health Service Executive in relation to the HSE’s assessment of the health and social care needs of Health Amendment Act cardholders. [25211/12]

Under the Health Amendment Act (No. 15 of 1996) the Health Amendment Act (HAA) Card is given to men, women and children who contracted Hepatitis C from the administration within the State of blood or blood products. The HAA Card gives entitlements to additional health and social services, on more flexible terms and conditions than the medical card. The HAA Card and the entitlements under it are for the lifetime of the cardholder.

It is the responsibility of the HSE to assess the health and social care needs of persons with Hepatitis C who are Health Amendment Act (HAA) Cardholders. This is necessary to fulfil its duty of care to this cohort and plan services to adequately meet client needs and to ensure that a proper system of governance and accountability exists in relation to funds assigned for the purpose of service provision. I consider that the health and well-being of people with Hepatitis C is paramount.

With these factors in mind, I believe that an individualised assessment of need for each person who is in receipt of these supports is needed. While there is strong support for an assessment of need process among a number of organisations representing those with Hepatitis C, other organisations have expressed opposition to it.

I am anxious to move the process forward as soon as possible so that the needs of patients can be met in the most effective way. In February of this year I reiterated my offer of an independent arbitrator to resolve the matter. I believe that this is the fairest means of dealing with the issue and I look forward to the response of the organisations concerned.

Clare Daly

Question:

638 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will organise Health Amendment Act cards for the approximately 30 women who have tested negative for hepatitis C but who have been medically deemed to have all the symptoms of sufferers. [25212/12]

The Health Amendment Act (HAA) Card is given to men, women and children who contracted Hepatitis C from the administration within the State of blood or blood products.

Under the Health (Amendment) Act,1996 the entitlement of an individual to a HAA Card and to related services is decided by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Service Executive. The CEO is bound by the definition of eligibility in the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006, which requires a positive diagnostic test for applications received by the Tribunal after the specified date of 20 June, 2006.

A great deal of consideration has been given to the issue of recipients of Anti-D who have neither tested positive for Hepatitis C, nor had a positive Tribunal decision in their favour. A number of women who have tested negative for Hepatitis C have experienced a variety of symptoms. However, there is no scientific proof that the symptoms are specific evidence of Hepatitis C infection. Indeed some symptoms of Hepatitis C, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression, are common conditions that occur in the general population.

It is estimated that up to 16,000 women in Ireland were exposed to potentially infectious batches of Anti-D and approximately 1,000 of these women were infected with Hepatitis C. Extending eligibility for HAA cards to those who have tested negative for Hepatitis C would have significant implications for the scheme overall.

I am sympathetic to the women in question, but taking account of international practice and the rationale which led to the passing of the 2006 Act, I am satisfied that the present arrangements are reasonable in the circumstances. I will of course review any new information which becomes available in relation to this matter.

Hospital Services

Terence Flanagan

Question:

639 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding accident and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/12]

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

Hospital Staff

Gerry Adams

Question:

640 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 619 of 27 March 2012 if the area employment monitoring group has considered the requirement for dietician posts in a hospital (details supplied) in County Louth; if a decision has been made; when a decision is likely to be made; and if approval has been given for the appointment of these positions. [25220/12]

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

Gerry Adams

Question:

641 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 497 of 15 May 2012, the number of agency staff engaged to commence the insulin pump service; when the service will commence in that patients will have use of the insulin pumps; the cost of the employment and the training of the agency staff; the cost of employment of the two dietician posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25221/12]

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

Hospital Accommodation

Catherine Murphy

Question:

642 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently occupying beds in acute hospitals who are under 65 years and who require nursing home care; the options available for those who cannot be cared for at home due to the level of dependence; the estimated cost of nursing home care for those in this category; the estimated cost of maintaining these patients in the acute system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25222/12]

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

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

643 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25232/12]

The Department has not taken any retired public servants on to its payroll during the period April 2011 to April 2012. Three retired public servants were engaged for specific tasks (participation in the Evaluation Committee for a tender for Actuarial and Advisory Services in relation to Private Health Insurance; Chair of the Department's Internal Audit Committee; and Chair of the Health Committee on Croke Park Implementation) but these are clearly defined and limited.

Legislative Programme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

644 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects the Health (amendment) Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25253/12]

The Department has received advice from the Attorney General relating to a number of provisions in the Health Act 1970, which are currently being examined by the Department from a policy perspective.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

645 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the issues that will be rectified in the Health (amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25254/12]

The Department has received advice from the Attorney General relating to a number of provisions in the Health Act 1970, which are currently being examined by the Department from a policy perspective.

Health Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

646 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the support that he will give to children with intellectual disabilities (details supplied) who are due to finish school next month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25257/12]

The demand for services for school-leavers continues to grow. There will be around 700 school-leavers in 2012, many of whom will require supports and services (this figure may reduce as individuals decide not to avail of a day placement, stay in school, or are accepted to FÁS courses). This year disability service providers are required to cater for demographic pressures, such as new services for school-leavers and emergency residential placements, from within their existing budgets. Service providers and the HSE have come together under the auspices of National Consultative Forum to identify how the needs of individuals can be responded to within available resources.

The National Consultative Forum recognises that the key to ensuring that available resources for people with disabilities are used to best effect is through constructive collaboration between non-statutory providers and the HSE. There are already many excellent examples of collaborative working between providers and the HSE in innovatively responding to the needs of individuals.

In relation to the therapy supports outlined in the Deputy's question, these services for adults and children are generally delivered through Primary Care Teams or community therapy services or through specialist disability providers. The HSE has prioritised the development of therapy services in recent years with a range of 484 whole time equivalent multi-disciplinary posts, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology, put in place from 2005 to 2009.

Services for People with Disabilities

Micheál Martin

Question:

647 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive admission to COPE foundation’s rehabilitative training programme which was recently refused due to budget cuts in the disability sector and in view of the fact that no additional funding is provided for school leavers with intellectual disabilities in 2012; if he intends to provide funding to support the admission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/12]

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.

Hospital Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

648 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the new community hospital for Kenmare, County Kerry, which is under construction; if he will consider putting in a wood chip burner in the hospital in view of the fact that this would be a source of employment for local farmers producing the wood chip and a more suitable means of providing heat for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25266/12]

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

Health Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

649 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 3 May 2012 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25273/12]

This service matter was previously referred to the Health Service Executive for response and has been raised again with the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Medical Cards

Barry Cowen

Question:

650 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. [25331/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

651 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. [25332/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

652 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. [25333/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

653 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. [25334/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

654 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [25335/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

655 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. [25336/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

656 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. [25337/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

657 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [25338/12]

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

Barry Cowen

Question:

658 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. [25339/12]

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

Disabled Drivers

Barry Cowen

Question:

659 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for a motorised transport grant. [25340/12]

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.

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

Question:

660 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect an appointment in a hospital [25341/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

661 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25377/12]

The cost of providing transport to me as Minister under new arrangements was €82,110 in 2011 and €37,139 to date in 2012.

While my Department was not responsible for paying the cost of Garda drivers and State Cars etc. under previous arrangements, on 25th April 2012 my colleague, Mr. Michael Noonan, T.D., Minister for Finance, in response to a Parliamentary Question, indicated that the average cost of transport for Ministers under that previous arrangement was €280,000 per annum per Minister. This appears to be significantly more expensive than current arrangements.

Ambulance Service

Denis Naughten

Question:

662 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 386 of 8 May 2012 if he will confirm that the Health Service Executive has selected a site at Ballaghaderreen fire station for the deployment of an ambulance to service West Roscommon and East Mayo; if works have already commenced to facilitate the location of an ambulance in Ballaghaderreen; if he will confirm that this service will be in place by July 2012; if he will further confirm that a service level agreement is being drafted for signature between the ambulance service and the local authority regarding this site; if this will be a 24/7 base for an ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25398/12]

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has advised me that it is currently examining ways to improve its deployment of emergency resources in the Roscommon area, in order to enhance service levels and performance against national standards.

Emergency activity levels in the Roscommon area remain static. Therefore, the NAS will seek to use existing resources more efficiently in order to improve response times to the current level of calls. To this end, the NAS is examining, in consultation with staff representatives, the introduction of tactical deployment from ambulance stations and suitable emergency dispatch points in west Roscommon.

Work is progressing, under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement, on the introduction of the type of new work practices that would allow this service development to proceed. Although no decisions have been made at this stage, Ballaghaderreen is one of the locations under consideration in this process. Ballaghaderreen Fire Station has been considered as a suitable site and discussions with the Local Authority are at an advanced stage. Until this discussions and industrial relations issues are addressed, no further details can be confirmed at this stage.

Medical Cards

Alan Farrell

Question:

663 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25403/12]

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

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

Question:

664 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. [25437/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

General Medical Services Scheme

Terence Flanagan

Question:

665 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding free general practitioner care for sufferers of long-term illness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25438/12]

The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.

Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with certain long-term illnesses. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted before the summer recess.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

666 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if the Health Information Quality Authority audit tool in respect of the 2009 national standards has regard to 1994 and 1998 biological agents regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25446/12]

Jack Wall

Question:

671 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the audit tool the Health Information Quality Authority used to evaluate the national standards from 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25495/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 671 together.

Under Section 8 of the Health Act 2007, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has statutory power to set standards on safety and quality in relation to services provided by the HSE and service providers in accordance with specified Acts. The Authority is also charged with monitoring compliance with such standards.

HIQA published a number of standards in 2009 including the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (May 2009) which I presume the Deputy is referring to in his question. The development of these National Standards consisted of a series of steps to ensure that they were person centred, evidence based, clear, valid, measurable and fit for purpose.

The Authority established an internal project team that was responsible for the overall development of the Standards. The project team conducted a comprehensive review of the available Irish and international literature and held a series of meetings with key stakeholders. A public consultation was also held on the draft Standards. An Advisory Group, to ensure that advice from the public and professionals contributed to the formation of the Standards, provided technical advice and provided feedback to the Authority's project team.

The Authority does not use a particular audit tool to evaluate the National Standards. Rather, there are a number of international and national audit/assessment tools that can be adapted by all health and social care services to support the process of evaluating their compliance against the National Standards. The Authority expects to see effective internal monitoring and reporting systems for the key aspects of the National Standards proportionate to the scale and complexity of the services. This does not mean measuring everything all the time, but rather developing a portfolio of qualitative and quantitative measures to provide adequate assurance of compliance for the board, governing body or responsible clinician for the service.

Health Service Staff

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

667 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place to bring the terms and conditions of agency workers in the health service, particularly nurses, in line with those of permanent staff as proscribed in the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill; if provision has been made in this year’s budget for this; if nurses currently employed as agency workers are entitled to changes in their terms and conditions particularly pay; when will this happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25450/12]

The HSE's National Service Plan 2012 recognised that the transposition into Irish law of the Temporary Agency Work Directive would increase the unit cost of agency staffing. In the health service, agency staff have traditionally been used to meet a short-term service need or where some flexibility in staffing a service is required. In 2011, although the HSE had negotiated new agency contracts which involve lower unit costs, the use of agency staff accounted for approximately €200 million. This was accounted for in part by the usage of agency staffing to cover longer-term staffing needs. This was not a sustainable approach and the HSE's National Service Plan 2012 commits to significantly reducing the expenditure on agency staff usage with a target reduction of up to 50%. The Plan also contains a commitment that overtime and agency staffing are not to be used to support service levels beyond those agreed in the Plan or to substitute for staff losses.

The HSE has been undertaking preparatory work with the agencies that are contracted to provide staff to ensure that the agencies and the HSE would be in a position to implement the legislation quickly once enacted. The Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill has now been enacted and entitles agency workers to the same basic working and employment conditions, such as pay, working time, rest periods, etc. as directly employed staff with effect from 5 December 2011. Health sector employers will continue to work with the contracting agencies so that retrospective payments can be made to agency staff in a reasonable time period.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Colm Keaveney

Question:

668 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive an appointment for a procedure. [25469/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 95% 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

Hospital Services

Noel Coonan

Question:

669 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health when the review into the model of care and job descriptions for the recruitment of diabetes nurse specialists and dieticians in Limerick regional hospital will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25491/12]

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

Departmental Agencies

Jack Wall

Question:

670 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made regarding the appointment of a representative from an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare onto the Health Information Quality Authority as discussed at a meeting of the health committee with HIQA on 19 January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25493/12]

My Department has been informed by the Health Information and Quality Authority that at the meeting of the Health Committee on 19th January last, the CEO of the Authority, Dr. Tracey Cooper said that having family members and other people joining inspection teams on hygiene inspections was a good idea. She confirmed that a layperson was a member of the inspection team for the review of symptomatic breast disease services and that the Authority believed it was important to continue to include laypeople on its inspection teams, wherever possible. It is a matter for the Authority to determine the selection process for members of its inspection teams.

Question No. 671 answered with Question No. 666.

Care of the Elderly

Ray Butler

Question:

672 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health when the funding granted in respect of a residential care unit for older persons (details supplied) in County Meath will be released to allow improvement works to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25507/12]

The Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and cost to completion over the period. A draft capital plan for the period 2012-2016 has been submitted to my Department. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the plan will be published by the Executive following its approval.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Gerry Adams

Question:

673 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be admitted as a matter of urgency to the National Referral Centre for Neurology in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, for full assessment and treatment. [25530/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 95% 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 daycase 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 hospital involved.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

674 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a home care grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25534/12]

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

Medical Cards

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

675 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if any further information is required from the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25536/12]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Colm Keaveney

Question:

676 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 384 of 8 May 2012 (details supplied), if he will intervene in this instance in order to secure a confirmed date for this procedure to take place. [25538/12]

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 improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. 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 95% 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 daycase surgery.

The NTPF is working with hospitals to ensure that those waiting longest are treated first and that chronological order is maintained, save where clinical requirements determine otherwise, resulting in a fairer and more equitable approach across the total population awaiting surgery. I should emphasise that it is the patient's Consultant who determines the clinical urgency. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment or a review of their clinical urgency, then as a clinician he/she would be in the best and most appropriate position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

677 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25548/12]

It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter. All projects involving the engagement of external consultants are approved by me before any decision can be taken by any division of the Department to go to public tender. Once initiated, the spend profile of each project is monitored by my Department on a monthly basis.

The following tables set out the payments made by my Department to consultants from 2008 to 2011. This data shows an 86% reduction in expenditure on consultancy during the period in question. It should be noted however, that the data for 2008-2010 includes consultancies related to functions that have since transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Table 1: Payments Made to Consultants in 2008

No

Consultant

Consultancy Purpose

Amount Paid (€)

1

Halley and Associates

Provision of Management Support, Training, Facilitation and Mentoring Services.

29,437

2

Bearing Point

Ongoing assistance to Department with operational services of the CMOD PeopleSoft HRMS system.

24,011

3

Mercer Ltd

Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance.

121,100

4

Life Strategies Ltd.

Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance.

97,844

5

CRA International

Risk Equalisation.

98,365

6

Coyle Hamiliton Willis

Work undertaken in relation to the provision of partial State indemnity.

4,659

7

School of Public Health and Population Science, UCD

Travellers Health Study.

593,000

8

Dr Mark Morgan

European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD).

24,151

9

Mr Peter Cassells Consulting Ltd

Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body.

18,150

10

Accenture

Knowledge Strategy on Children’s Services.

84,700

11

Tom Considine

Study on HSE Accounting Practices, report entitled “Study of certain accounting issues related to the Health Service Executive”.

54,450

12

Professor Brendan McCormack

Review and Analysis of Initiatives and Literature in relation to Practice Development in the Irish Healthcare setting.

14,028

13

Derek McDowell

Moderator of consultation session on draft Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People.

1,500

14

National University of Ireland

Children as Carers — A study of the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles.

43,390

15

PA Consulting Group

Assessment of costs as part of a RIA on the draft Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People.

72,296

16

Collier Broderick Management Consultants

External Stakeholders Survey 2008 and report.

24,000

17

Queen’s University, Belfast

In the context of developing a National Oral Health Policy, economic analysis of the possibility of amalgamating the State’s dental schemes, the DTSS and DTBS.

13,994

18

HSE / PA Consulting

An analysis of the ICT capability of the PCRS ICT system to handle a merged DTSS/DTBS central ICT system.

29,742

19

York Health Economics Consortium

Commission to establish a 35 hour week for nurses and midwives.

166,853

20

John Hynes

Review of the Western Health Board Inquiry.

26,332

21

Oral Care Consulting

Analysis of current services delivered by Public Dental Service.

30,000

22

Grant Thornton

Provision of accountancy support to the Independent Body on Pharmacy Contract Pricing.

26,977

23

Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on: the Physical chastisement of children by parents.

50,689

24

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College, Dublin

Research commissioned on: A follow up study on the educational and social support experiences of young people in long term foster care.

14,250

25

Economic and Social Research Institute

Research commissioned on: National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

4,820,715

26

Dr Satya Brink, HR Development Canada

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

16,127

27

Professor Ann Sanson, Network coordinator, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Melbourne

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

11,277

28

Child and Family Research Centre, NUIG

Report on Youth Café Provision.

26,287

29

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

Provision of Change Management Support for the National Childrens’ Strategy Implementation group and Children’s Services Committees.

99,180

30

Cnag ar an Doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Service to evaluate and facilitate the Children and Young Peoples Forum. Reports of evaluation submitted to OMC Communications and Participation Team Management.

22,447

31

Cnag ar an Doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Service to evaluate OMCYA Inclusion Programme to include provision of reports.

15,727

32

Cnag ar an Doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Project Management of consultation on teenage mental health issues including preparation of report.

43,170

33

Cnag ar an Doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Evaluate the Development Fund programmes and submit periodic reports to OMC Communications.

39,603

34

Liz Harper

Evaluation of Dail na nOg Council.

9,250

35

Liz Harper

Facilitation of OMC Inclusion Programme.

7,500

36

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)

Service to manage, operate and develop Dail na nOg and Dail na nOg Council incl. report of event.

313,469

37

IPPA

To operate and manage the National Play Resource Centre.

16,971

38

Anna Gunning

Facilitation at OMCYA Children and Young Peoples Forum.

5,750

39

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)

Development and maintenance of www.teenspace.ie website.

49,382

40

Centre for Bioethical Research and Analysis NUIG

Ethics Committee and Ethics Approval for Children’s Research in Ireland Study.

7,195

41

The Children’s Research Centre Trinity College Dublin

Qualitative Longitudinal Study of Homeless Youth in Dublin Phase III.

22,000

42

Irish Heart Foundation

Provision of Nutrition Policy Advice.

82,584

43

Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute

Work on undernutrition for Standards for Acute Hospitals.

5,023

Total

7,277,575

Table 2: Payments Made to Consultants in 2009

No

Consultant

Consultancy Purpose

Amount Paid (€)

1

William Fry Solicitors

Provision of independent legal advice to the National Oversight Committee for Repayment Scheme for Long Stay Charges.

17,979

2

Halley and Associates

To provide advice and supervision in relation to the development of the mediation service for the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer.

16,387

3

Fiona Keogh

Research support for the Disability Sector VFM Expert Reference Policy Group

6,545

4

Life Strategies Ltd

PPP Issues and Health Insurance — Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance/Risk Management.

218,305

5

CRA International UK Ltd

PPP Issues and Health Insurance — Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance/Risk Management.

18,506

6

BDO Simpson

PPP Issues and Health Insurance — Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance/Risk Management.

85,332

7

National University of Ireland, Galway

National Childrens Strategy — Children as Carers.

65,087

8

PA Consulting Group

Evaluation of Home Care Packages.

133,650

9

Collier Broderick

External Stakeholder Survey.

1,458

10

Human Resource Management Service

Professional HR services.

2,050

11

Peter Cassells Consulting Ltd

Chairing the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (annual contract).

16,767

12

Irish Heart Foundation

Provision of Nutrition Policy Advice.

81,459

13

School of Public Health and Population Science, UCD

Travellers Health Study.

0

14

Oral Care Consulting

Analysis of the Public Dental Service.

20,109

15

Cnag ar an Doras

Evaluation and Report of the Inclusion Programme.

8,000

16

Cnag ar an Doras

Evaluation and Report of the Comharile na nOg Development Fund 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.

22,173

17

Cnag ar an Doras + Consortium

Project Management and Report Writing for the Mental Health Consultations with Young People.

4,505

18

Cnag ar an Doras

Evaluation and Report on the work of the Children and Young Peoples Advisory Forum.

14,486

19

Liz Harper

Evaluate and Report on the work of the Dail na nOg Council 2009.

5,430

20

Liz Harper

Support and Capacity Building for the Inclusion Programme for 2008 and 2009.

2,760

21

Anna Gunning

Project Management of the Children and Young Peoples Advisory Forum.

4,680

22

Niamh McCrea

Facilitation of the Children and Young Peoples Advisory Forum June 2009-July 2010.

5,500

23

Cnag ar an Doras

Project Management of national consultation with children living in the care of the State as recommended in the Ryan Report 2009.

50,000

24

Cnag ar an Doras

Audit of children and young people’s participation in Ireland.

15,000

25

Fusio Ltd.

The development of an online database for the website www.childrensdatabase.ie.

4,799

26

Economic and Social Research Institute and Childrens Research Institute, TCD.

Research commissioned on: National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI). It is a fixed price contract amounting to €29,006,023.00 including VAT in 2005 prices.

4,490,035

27

Dr Satya Brink, HR Development Canada

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

16,522

28

Professor Ann Sanson, Network coordinator, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Melbourne

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

12,172

Total:

5,339,696

Table 3: Payments Made to Consultants in 2010

No

Consultant

Consultancy Purpose

Amount Paid (€)

1

Anna Gunning

Support and facilitation for the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Children and Young People’s Forum meetings.

690

2

Carole C. Devaney

Editing and proofing of Neuro-Rehabilitation Report 2011-2015.

1,360

3

Cnag ar an Doras

Evaluation and Report of the Comhairle na nOg Development Fund 2007-2008; 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Inclusion Programme 2008.

20,873

4

Cnag ar an Doras

Evaluation and Report of the Inclusion Programme 2009.

605

5

Cnag ar an Doras

Project Manager for the national consultation with Children Living in the Care of the State.

56,037

6

Conor Feeney

Irish Medicines Board (Fees) Regulations 2010.

2,783

7

CRA International UK Ltd

Private Health Insurance — Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance/Risk Management.

13,876

8

Create Consultancy Ltd.

Conduct an evaluation of the Suboxone Feasibility Study.

7,220

9

Dr Satya Brink, HR Development Canada

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

17,488

10

Economic and Social Research Institute and Children's Research Institute, Trinity College Dublin.

Research commissioned on: National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI). It is a fixed price contract amounting to €29,006,023.00 including VAT in 2005 prices.

3,162,988

11

Eteams

Pharmacovigilance Regulations, proofing of gaeilge version.

1,145

12

Fiona Keogh

Research support for Expert Policy Reference group as part of the VFM and PR Review of Disability Services.

31,353

13

Focal Factory

Pharmacovigilance Regulations, proofing of gaeilge version.

242

14

Goodbody Economic Consultants

To conduct an Interim Evaluation of the EU Youth in Action Programme.

49,092

15

Irish Heart Foundation

Provision of Nutrition Advice Service.

80,767

16

Kevin Moran, Co Exist Ltd

Project Management for a consultation for ideas for reform of the Junior Cycle.

6,000

17

Liz Harper, Facilitation and Organisational Development

Evaluator of the Dáil na nÓg Council.

5,750

18

Louise Monaghan, Elm Training lead Consultant: Siobhán McGrory, HP Training and Support Services

To develop Standards for Local Youth Clubs funded by the CYSDU.

3,700

19

Milliman Ltd

Private Health Insurance — Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance/Risk Management.

144,823

20

Milliman Ltd

Reform of the Private Health Insurance market.

220,902

21

Niamh McCrea

Support and facilitation for the OMCYA Children and Young People’s Forum meetings.

1,400

22

NYCI

CYPF Participation Support.

130,448

23

Pat Harvey (payments made to company name of Harwyn Ltd)

Independent Chair of the Health Sector Implementation Body (Implementation of the Public Service Agreement — Croke Park). Appointed on fixed annual fee-basis ( same rate for all sectoral chairs).

12,100

24

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd

Chairing of Alcohol Maketing Communications Monitoring Body.

16,698

25

Professor Mark Morgan

Report of the European School Survey project on Alcohol and Drugs.

37,813

26

Professor Ann Sanson, Network coordinator, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Melbourne

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI).

6,002

27

Sandra Roe, Social Research Consultant

Analysis of ChildONEEurope Questionnaire on Child Participation.

3,500

28

Sandra Roe, Social Research Consultant

RSE/SPHE implementation in post primary schools.

1,680

29

TCD

VFM and PR Review of Disability Services — Hire of lecture theatre to facilitate briefing session.

300

30

Thomas Ferris

VFM and PR Review of Economic Costings of Private Beds in Public Hospitals — Chair of the Steering Group.

2,000

31

University College Dublin,

The All-Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS).

313,387

32

William Fry Solicitors

Provision of independent legal advice to the Oversight Committee on the Health Repayment Scheme on Long Stay Charges.

16,822

Total:

4,369,844

Table 4: Payments Made to Consultants in 2011

No

Consultant

Consultancy Purpose

Amount Paid (€)

1

Milliman

Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance.

72,348

2

Goodbody Stockbrokers

Government decision on the Capitalisation, Authorisation and Sale of VHI.

300,080

3

University College Dublin

All Ireland Travellers Health Study.

139,000

4

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

D/JEI led project to Reduce the Administrative Burden.

14,000

5

Dr. Oonagh Walsh

Practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland.

10,000

6

Create Consultancy Ltd

Suboxone Feasibility Study.

13,144

7

Mr. Gerard Mullally

Organisation and Financing Options for Chronic Care.

5,227

8

Dr. Hubert Curran

Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert Clinical Advice.

5,808

9

Value Based Health Solutions

Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice regarding elective treatment waiting lists.

45,385

10

Value Based Health Solutions

Special Delivery Unit Project — Expert advice on performance improvement in scheduled care.

302,540

11

Mr. Peter Smyth

Process Auditor to oversee procurement process of actuarial/insurance services.

2,541

12

Mr. Dermot Smyth

Payment in respect of Evaluation Committee member for the award of tender for actuarial/insurance advisory services.

1,200

13

Ms Carole Devaney

Payment in respect of editing and proofing services for the report “National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015”.

1,530

14

Accenture (Pro Bono)

High Level Issues Analysis of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

0

15

Advertising Standards Authority Ireland

Oversee and monitor the implementation of and adherence to alcohol advertising Voluntary Codes of Practice re U-18s.

32,265

16

Advertising Standards Authority Ireland

Secretarial and executive services for the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body.

20,000

17

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd.

Chairperson of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body.

16,698

18

Mark Morgan

European Schools Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2011.

22,688

19

Irish Heart Foundation

Nutrition Service.

35,832

Total:

1,040,286

Hospital Waiting Lists

Clare Daly

Question:

678 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the waiting times for kidney transplants at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; and the specific reasons for the delay of up to 14 months for the procedure, which the hospital aims to carry out within three to six months. [25555/12]

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

Medicinal Products

Jack Wall

Question:

679 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the availability of drugs for the treatment of MS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25563/12]

The manufacturer of Fingolimod (Gilenya®) has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed through community pharmacies 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. Tysabri must be administered in specialist centres under the supervision of experienced medical staff. This requires significant ancillary support including timely access to MRI, nursing support, educational guidance and ongoing follow up with the patient to ensure its safe and appropriate use. This presents challenges for hospitals and the HSE.

There is significant international discussion about the exact role of Tysabri and how to ensure the most appropriate safe, efficacious and cost effective use of this new technology in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis patients. In the current climate, the increasing use of high cost medical technologies represent a significant challenge to the health system and society at large. The HSE is committed to ensuring that the maximum possible benefit is provided to patients from within the resources which the HSE has available to it.

Mental Health Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

680 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans for cross-departmental co-operation with the Departments of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on a range of issues in the area of eating disorder services including the licensing of psychotherapists and counsellors, new eating disorder education programmes and the growth of websites promoting eating disorders as a lifestyle choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25565/12]

There is on-going cross-departmental cooperation on a wide range of issues, including many relating to mental health, between my Department and the two Government Departments to which the Deputy refers. HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the Community Mental Health Service and in Primary Care. Individuals with eating disorders frequently present to the primary care practitioner with complications of their condition and early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes.

The HSE has developed a Mental Health in Primary Care accredited training programme for primary care practitioners with Dublin City University with a view to enhancing the capacity of primary care to recognise, assess and treat a range of mental illnesses, including eating disorders, within the primary care setting. Community based Adult Mental Health Services receive referrals from Primary Care and provide assessment and treatment to individuals with eating disorders; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams provide a similar role for their cohort of referrals. Where the individual's psychiatric or medical needs are more acute, in-patient admission is offered within the local psychiatric services or acute medical care where necessary. The HSE also provides funding to Bodywhys, the national voluntary organisation supporting those with eating disorders which provides a range of support services for people affected including specific services for families and friends. Bodywhys also works closely with the Health Promotion Departments throughout the HSE.

The internet is an international and worldwide phenomenon which has no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Therefore efforts to combat harmful materials and activities on it can be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems and differing societal norms. In this particular instance, many of the pro-eating disorder websites which the Deputy refers to may be hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States, and as such they would be subject to the US jurisdiction. Any action that could be taken against them here would be limited. While acknowledging these difficulties, it should be emphasised that there is a self-regulatory framework in place for internet service providers in Ireland. The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland Code of Practice and Ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal material online.

With regard to the regulation of psychotherapists and counsellors, the priority of the Department of Health for the foreseeable future is the statutory registration of the "conventional" therapies, through the full establishment of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council. Before statutory registration can be considered for other therapies, such as counselling and psychotherapy, there is a need for each individual therapy to federate so that it can advise, as a single voice, on professional standards. This was a recommendation of the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists.

The Higher Education and Training Awards Council is currently working with representatives of the professional bodies and higher education institutions that provide courses in counselling and psychotherapy, along with international experts, to determine national standards of knowledge, skill and competence to be required for the award of higher education qualifications in these fields. While academic qualifications are not sufficient in themselves as a means of professional regulation, agreement on academic standards does form a critical building block for any modern regulatory system for professions.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Patrick Nulty

Question:

681 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive operates a maximum daily quota of incontinence wear in any part of the country; if he will respond to the attempt by the HSE to bring in a quota system recently in Carlow/Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/12]

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

Health Services

Sandra McLellan

Question:

682 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there is to be a south doc doctor based in Youghal, County Cork after office hours; the date on which this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25676/12]

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

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

683 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the resource implications, in terms of staff, funding, and ancillary support, of implementing the recommendations of the Tallaght hospital, Dublin, report in full nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25681/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

684 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he has met the Health Service Executive, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association, the Irish Medical Organisation, the Irish Nurses Organisation and other organisations regarding the implications of the Tallaght Hospital report; the nature of these discussions; if any decisions were made arising from the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25682/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 683 and 684 together.

I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family concerned. We must never forget that this report is first and foremost about patient safety and that it all began because of the death of a patient on a trolley in a corridor adjacent to the Emergency Department. I have just received the report and I have not had discussions with any of the groups referred to by the Deputy. I believe however that patients in all of our acute hospitals need the assurance that this matter is being dealt with in an effective way, that lessons have been learned and that Quality Assurance Systems are being put in place across the country. This report as an important element in driving the Health Reform Programme which is focusing on and prioritising patient safety and best governance. The HIQA report gives us a template for hospital governance as we move to the establishment of the new Hospital Groups to be established this year.

Many changes have already happened in Tallaght Hospital and the report acknowledges this. The practice of leaving patients waiting on trolleys for admission in a corridor adjacent to the Emergency Department was clinically unsafe and completely unacceptable. This has been stopped. The report found that there was no clarity as to who was providing medical supervision of these patients. This is completely unacceptable. For that reason the Chief Medical Officer has referred the report to the Medical Council and An Bord Altranais to ask them to address the significant issues that arise.

The CEO of HIQA wrote to me last November because of her concerns about the deficits in governance and management at the hospital. As a result a new interim Board, chaired by Sir Keith Pearson was appointed last December. A new CEO is in place who is building a new management team including clinical leadership.

Safe quality health care is a fundamental principle of the reform programme. I have approved the HIQA National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare to underpin the development of quality safe healthcare services. The National Standards also describe what capacity and capability factors service providers require to implement these Standards. Service providers, including the private (independent) service providers, can use the National Standards as a framework to organise, manage and deliver their services safely. It is also important to recognise that the staff of the hospital have a hugely important role in responding to the challenges ahead and in restoring and supporting this Hospital to achieve its potential.

Accident and Emergency Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

685 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the investigation he is proposing into whether accident and emergency patients are being moved to in-patient wards when full capacity protocols are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25683/12]

I am not aware of the investigation referred to by the Deputy. However, I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the statement issued by the INMO, acknowledging and confirming the reduction by 17% overall in the numbers of people on trolleys in emergency departments in the first four months of 2012, as compared to the first four months of 2011. This overall reduction reflects a 23% reduction in the Dublin area and a 13% reduction for the rest of the country. This follows from a 27% reduction nationally in 2011. Reduction of trolley numbers was a key priority initiative for the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in my Department for 2011. Building on the achievements of 2011, and the first four months of 2012, the SDU will work with the NTPF, the HSE Clinical Programmes and hospitals to minimise patient waiting times in emergency departments further.

The next phase of work by the SDU will include the introduction of an Unscheduled Care Target to be introduced in 2012 and a change of focus in ED to patient journey time monitoring (in addition to trolley waits), as part of the new national score card for measuring performance, with an ultimate aim of ensuring that 95% of all attendees at EDs are discharged or admitted within 6 hours of registration, and that those who need to be admitted through ED wait no more than 9 hours from registration.

Driving Licences

Michael McCarthy

Question:

686 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a full driving licence holder is entitled to a tow a trailer on that licence; if that is not the case, if there is a requirement on the driver to sit a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25120/12]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to a holder of a full licence for a car, i.e. a licence of category B. The relevant provisions are the set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 537 of 2006). These provide that a holder of a full licence in category B may draw a trailer where the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed 750kg. There is no additional test required for a full licence holder in category B to draw a trailer up to that weight. It is also possible for a holder of a category B licence to apply for a category EB licence. Category EB licences the holder to drive combinations of vehicles with drawing vehicle in category B and where the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer is greater than 750kg. For a category B licence holder to obtain a category EB licence it is necessary to undergo an additional test. It was formerly the case that a person with a category B licence had to be a learner at category EB for six months before taking the EB test. I removed this restriction earlier this year.

Swimming Pool Projects

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

687 Deputy Luke “Ming” Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that Roscommon County Council has made an application to him for funding in respect of a swimming pool (details supplied) as per a motion passed by Roscommon County Council at its meeting of March 2012; the level of funding being sought; if he will confirm that the request submitted is in accordance with the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/12]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

688 Deputy Luke “Ming” Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of an application by Roscommon County Council to him regarding a swimming pool (details supplied) under the green energy scheme in 2011; the level of funding that was sought; if this application included for the roofing of the pool; and if there was no application under the green energy scheme was there any other application for funding in respect of the swimming pool. [25619/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 688 together.

Roscommon County Council applied for a grant in respect of the swimming pool at Castlerea under the Disabled Access/Energy Upgrade initiative operated by the Department in 2011. The Council was allocated a grant of €125,375 in respect of energy upgrade measures including variable speed drives, pool cover, wood pellet boiler and water conservation devices. The grant allocated represented 85% of the total project costs. The pool roof did not form part of the application.

One of the conditions of the allocation was that the grant had to be fully drawn down before the end of 2011. This grant was not drawn down in 2011. In March 2012 the Department contacted the Council seeking a progress report in relation to the project with details as to when they would expect to be in a position to draw down the grant. This information was required in order to assess whether the Council should be granted an extension to the end-2011 deadline for the draw-down of the grant.

Roscommon County Council did not respond to this correspondence. The Council were recently contacted again by the Department on this matter. The Department is still awaiting all required documentation and will assess it when it arrives.

Road Network

Question:

689 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the smarter travel proposal for the route from Kinvara to Ballinderreen, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24872/12]

The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the foregoing position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

690 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24944/12]

Recruitment and the qualifications required for specific positions in the Civil and Public Service are the responsibility of the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport has given work experience to graduates in various disciplines under the JobBridge scheme. The Department is also about to take on a Master's degree student on a short term paid internship in an arrangement with NUI Galway. The internship will be in relation to an economic analysis of transport projects. It is anticipated that this will have an added value for the Department as well as providing valuable work experience for the intern.

Road Network

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

691 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of all road works carried out in the Dublin City Council area; the persons who carried out this work; the locations at which the work was carried out; the reason for the work and the date on which the work was done, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [24950/12]

I have no function in this matter. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

In relation to regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

This Department does not, therefore, receive details of all road works carried out by the council as this is a matter for the local authority.

Disabled Drivers

John Paul Phelan

Question:

692 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are changes to the flexibility allowed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny whose eyesight is poor but are not blind and where they cannot obtain a driving licence to carry out their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24972/12]

The medical criteria for fitness to drive which relate to eyesight are defined in EU legislation, as transposed into Irish law by the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 544 of 2010). I have no discretion to intervene in any individual case. It is open to the individual to ask for retesting of their eyesight or for reconsideration of an application for a licence if they believe that they have not been treated in accordance with the legislation.

Air Services

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

693 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a system whereby airlines would have to advertise the actual cost of travelling with them rather than the current system where the actual cost is often not comparable to the advertised amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/12]

Under European common rules on the operation of the air services market in the EU, European carriers providing commercial air services can freely set their fares. This has been the case since 1992 when the market was first liberalised.

From 1 November 2008, Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community introduced revised provisions requiring greater pricing transparency. When publishing or advertising air fares, airlines must include all conditions taxes and charges that apply and which are unavoidable and foreseeable at the time of publication. These rules result in greater transparency in pricing information but airlines still have full pricing freedom and it is not open to Ireland to introduce national legislation that will interfere with this freedom.

Tourism Promotion

Pearse Doherty

Question:

694 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of his strategy to increase tourism numbers, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Fáilte Ireland has withdrawn staffing provision for the Tourist Information Centre in Dungloe, County Donegal; if he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/12]

Fáilte Ireland operates an extensive network of Tourism Information Offices throughout the country. The day to day management of the offices, their opening hours and their locations are administrative matters for Fáilte Ireland.

In response to the constraints on public expenditure, Fáilte Ireland has reconfigured service delivery, reshaped its services and prioritised the locations where Tourism Information Offices are provided. Reconfiguration does not necessarily mean closure but may mean a change in ownership or a change in the model of delivery of the service.

In that regard, Fáilte Ireland has been pursuing, where possible, the provision of tourism information by local communities and business interests. In that regard I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have been advised that the Dungloe Tourism Information Office will open for the tourist season this year under licence from Fáilte Ireland.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

695 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired in his Department during the period of April 2011 to April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25231/12]

I refer the Deputy to Dáil Question 405 of Tuesday 8th May 2012 which lists all retired public servants who have been re-hired in my Department since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on 9th March 2011.

Ministerial Transport

Gerry Adams

Question:

696 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars. [25383/12]

I have no function in relation to administration or oversight of the arrangements now in place in relation to Ministerial transport or the previous scheme relating to the provision of Garda Drivers and State cars. However, for the Deputy's information I am advised that the average cost of the provision of a State Car and Garda drivers during the last government was around €280,000 per annum.

The response to Dail Question No. 233 given on 25 April set down the costs of Ministerial transport relating specifically to my Department.

Airport Security

Timmy Dooley

Question:

697 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of the security risks identified by the EU security audit of Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/12]

My Department received formal notification of the findings of the EU Commission Audit Report of the security arrangements in place at Dublin Airport on Monday, May 14th 2012.

On security grounds, I am not in a position to publicly disclose the EU Commission's findings, other than to say that two particular deficiencies were identified which resulted in the activation of Article 15 of Regulation 72/2010. On this basis, some additional security procedures may be applied to aircraft departing from Dublin and arriving into other EU airports.

My Department has been working closely with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to ensure that the deficiencies identified by the Commission are rectified as soon as possible. Both issues that gave rise to Article 15 have been addressed and either resolved or additional measures put in place. My Department is working closely with the DAA and all relevant entities to ensure that the Article 15 restrictions are removed and that sustainable compliance with aviation security rules is ensured.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

698 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which he became aware that Dublin Airport was failing an EU security audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/12]

The Commission inspection of Dublin Airport took place from 26 to 30 March 2012 and a number of deficiencies were identified and were outlined to my Department and the DAA on 30 March. Measures to address these were taken. A follow-up inspection was carried out on 2 and 3 May and I received indications on 11 May that a negative outcome was anticipated. I received formal notification of the Commission's findings on Monday, May 14 2012.

On security grounds, I am not in a position to publicly disclose the EU Commission's findings, other than to say that two particular deficiencies were identified which resulted in the activation of Article 15 of Regulation 72/2010. On this basis, some additional security procedures may be applied to aircraft departing from Dublin and arriving into other EU airports.

My Department has been working closely with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to ensure that the deficiencies identified by the Commission are rectified as soon as possible. Both issues that gave rise to Article 15 have been addressed and either resolved or additional measures put in place. My Department is working closely with the DAA and all relevant entities to ensure that the Article 15 restrictions are removed and that sustainable compliance with aviation security rules is ensured.

Taxi Regulations

Patrick Nulty

Question:

699 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends introducing new regulations this year that will prevent taxi drivers from selling on their taxi plates; if he will consider a scheme suggested by taxi drivers that the State buy back plates from drivers who want to retire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25441/12]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

701 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the nine year rule as its applies to drivers of taxis and hackneys; the reason same applies to licences issued after 1 January 2009; the further reason this date was chosen; the way same happened that the date initially chosen as an interim as past of a phased introduction of the rule throughout the industry has not been fixed as a permanent cut of point with the rule revoked on licences issued before this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25472/12]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

702 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current application of the nine year rule for drivers of taxis and hackneys has resulted in a situation whereby some drivers are required to replace their cars while others, with cars even older, are not so required due to their licences were issued before 1 January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25473/12]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

704 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the national car test was deemed insufficient for assessing the road worthiness of taxis and hackneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699, 701, 702 and 704 together.

The regulation of vehicle standards and of vehicle licensing, including the transferability of vehicle licences, are matters that were considered as part of the Taxi Regulation Review in 2011, which I chaired.

Action 10 of the Taxi Review Report sets out the proposal of the Review Group with regard to the age limit of vehicles. The proposed measure envisages the introduction of 6-monthly NCT testing of vehicles between 9 and 14 years old that have been part of the taxi fleet prior to the 1st of January 2009. It is intended that over time vehicles over 9 years will exit from the fleet. It is hoped that this proposed measure will be introduced from the 1st of January 2013 in tandem with a range of other measures that are being developed following the consultation and review of vehicle standards by the National Transport Authority (NTA) last year.

With regard to the transferability of vehicle licences, Action 14 of the Review Report recommends a prohibition on the transferability of taxi vehicle licences such that all taxi vehicle licences will be unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another person. It is not intended to introduce a scheme to enable the Governmentt buy back plates from drivers who want to retire.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the lead agency with responsibility for the implementation of the recommended actions contained in the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011 and makes reports quarterly on implementation to the Taxi Advisory Committee.

Departmental Agencies

Pat Breen

Question:

700 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an application for a transfer in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25461/12]

As this is a matter for the National Roads Authority I have asked the Personnel Officer in my Department to liaise with the HR manager in the NRA, to explore the options available to the individual. I have also asked the NRA to revert direct to the Deputy in this regard.

Questions Nos. 701 and 702 answered with Question No. 699.

Taxi Regulations

Brendan Ryan

Question:

703 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in some cases drivers of taxis and hackneys are in some cases given less then two months notice that they need to replace their vehicles upon renewal of their licences; his views on whether this is an adequate notice period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25474/12]

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003.

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

Question No. 704 answered with Question No. 699.

Public Transport

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

705 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans the National Transport Authority has for the bus service through Kentstown, County Meath, under its review of transport in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25480/12]

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Consultancy Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

706 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [25554/12]

Details of all consultancy payments by the Department are available on my Department's website www.dttas.iefeature.aspx?id=82. It is the policy of the Department in the exercise of its functions to use internal resources as far as possible. These have, when needed, been supplemented by secondments from the agencies operating under the aegis of the Department where it has been practical to do so.

However external consultants are hired occasionally in circumstances where particular expertise is not available from either of the forgoing sources and where it is deemed to add value and independence to the overall work of the Department.

My Department is constantly looking at ways to upskill internal staff to minimise the need to use external consultants.

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