Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2012

Vol. 770 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 35, inclusive, answered orally.

Questions Nos. 36 to 105, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 106 to 112, answered orally.

Strategy for Renewable Energy

Catherine Murphy

Question:

113 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in seeking to achieve the objectives laid out in Strategic Goals 1 and 3 of the Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, he will be sending an application to the European Union for State aid approval in respect of a REFIT support mechanism for offshore wind, wave or tidal power; if not, his views on whether the absence of such a scheme significantly undermines Ireland’s ability to reach the 2020 target of 40% for domestic renewable energy generation; his views on whether the absence of such a scheme places Ireland at a competitive disadvantage compared to other jurisdictions which are seeking investment in their domestic renewable sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30740/12]

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

Keeping the cost of energy in Ireland as low as possible is important for domestic consumers and plays a critical role in maintaining our overall economic competiveness. Late last year the Government agreed with my decision on cost grounds not to proceed with an application to the European Commission for State Aid clearance for a higher priced feed in tariff to support Offshore Wind development in the Irish electricity market.

While offshore wind is already being deployed in several Member States as part of delivering on their national renewable energy targets, it is still a very expensive technology to deploy, typically costing double the price of deploying onshore wind. Offshore wind currently costs in the region of €3 million per megawatt to deploy compared to the cost of onshore wind which is around €1.5 million per megawatt.

Given the higher costs which would be incurred by business and domestic electricity consumers to support such a tariff, I believe that we could better focus instead on the opportunity to develop a renewable electricity export market for the offshore wind sector. The economic case for developing Ireland's offshore wind resources lies in gaining access to bigger electricity markets and in developing inter Member State renewable electricity trading.

Ireland's deployment of renewable energy sources in electricity has been increasing steadily in recent years as we work North and South, to deliver a 40% level of renewable electricity consumption by 2020. There has been good progress from 5% renewable electricity in 2005 to around 17% renewable electricity at present. The challenge is to steadily increase renewable electricity generation in the all island market from onshore wind and biomass year on year towards 2020.

I am confident that Ireland has the capability to achieve its targets for domestic renewable electricity from the onshore wind projects already in the existing Gate processes despite some of the planning and financing challenges being encountered by some projects.

Wave and tidal energy is still very much at the research and development stage and the commercial and technical feasibility is not yet proven and while there are very promising wave technology devices in development they are very much at pre-commercial stages.

Ireland has a relatively small electricity market, with around 2 million electricity consumers. The Public Service Obligation levy which is paid by all electricity customers in this small market currently encompasses support for peat, some conventional generation as well as renewable generation. It makes economic sense that we focus on developing our lower cost renewable resources to deliver Ireland's binding EU targets for renewable electricity. In parallel we will actively pursue the potential opportunities for renewable energy export, which offshore wind represents.

I met UK energy Minister Hendry in London last week and we have set in place a formal process to work towards finalising by the end of the year a Memorandum of Understanding that will facilitate renewable electricity trading. My Department will also continue to work with the UK energy Department through the ongoing work of the British-Irish Council and in the EU through the North Seas Offshore Grid Initiative to deal with the market, regulatory and technical issues that need to be addressed to enable us to deliver on the high renewable energy resources we have.

Seismic Surveys

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

114 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on concerns regarding the impact of seismic surveying in the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30693/12]

John Halligan

Question:

124 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on concerns regarding the impact of seismic surveying in the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30692/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 124 together.

In March of this year Shell E & P Ireland Ltd applied to my Department for permission to acquire 3D seismic data over the Corrib Field. The survey, which commenced on 17 June, 2012 is being undertaken to supplement the 3D seismic data previously acquired on the Corrib Field in 1997. The primary objective of the survey is to improve the imaging over the Corrib Field.

The type of survey being undertaken involves Ocean Bottom Cables on the seabed laid by a cable laying vessel and a second vessel equipped with air guns, for the deployment and operation of the seismic sources.

A seismic air gun unit is basically a large piston with a plunger that discharges a compressed air bubble into the water at considerable pressure thereby creating a sound source. This sound is comparable in magnitude to many naturally occurring and other man-made sounds. The specific characteristics of seismic sounds and the operational procedures employed during seismic survey are such that resulting risks to marine mammals are generally expected to be very low. Nevertheless, the assessment of any potential impacts is undertaken by my Department, and mitigation measures are implemented to further reduce the risk of harm to marine mammals.

When assessing seismic survey applications, my Department consults with a number of other bodies, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

On 20 April of this year, my Department conveyed approval for the carrying out of the requested survey, subject to a number of conditions, including that all operations should be conducted in compliance with the NPWS's Code of Practice for the Protection of Marine Mammals during Acoustic Seafloor Surveys in Irish Waters. The approval also required that a Fisheries Liaison Officer and a Marine Mammal Observer would be on board the vessel for the duration of the survey.

The conditions that apply to this survey are consistent with the conditions that apply to other such surveys in the Irish offshore.

Energy Prices

Mattie McGrath

Question:

115 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to counteract the effects of the escalating price of fuel that is adversely affecting the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23979/12]

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

I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, including petrol and diesel fuel prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market.

Energy policy objectives for Ireland and the European Union are delivering security of supply and reducing the impact of energy costs for consumers and business, through the development of renewable energy resources, enhanced energy efficiency and greater competition. National and EU energy policy objectives are also informed by the critical work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on all aspects of energy supply.

The Government's energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes including the Biofuels Obligation are aimed at moving Ireland's economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility.

In the specific use of fuel, the Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. There is no price control on petroleum products and it has been the policy objective of successive Governments to promote price competition and consumer choice.

It is a fact that Ireland imports 100% of its fuel requirements mainly in the form of refined oil product. The main factor governing the price of fuel is the global price for oil and Ireland has no control over this cost.

Previous surveys have shown that prices, which Irish retailers charge for oil products, relate to the refinery price rather than to the price of crude oil but it is, of course, ultimately subject to the price of crude oil. The refinery price for oil products varies with demand and does not always move in line with crude oil prices. There is a time lag between movements in crude prices and refined prices. Prices at the pump, therefore, reflect global market price, which is volatile, transportation costs, euro/dollar exchange rate fluctuations and other operating costs as well as the impact of taxes on oil products. As the Deputy will appreciate the issue of taxation of fuel prices is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

Strategy for Renewable Energy

David Stanton

Question:

116 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to the recently published Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, the potential regarding wave and tidal energy respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30689/12]

David Stanton

Question:

119 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to the recently published Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, the way his Department and State agencies are supporting the development of wave and tidal energy respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30690/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 119 together.

A key priority under the ocean energy strategy is to increase the research and design capabilities in ocean energy in Ireland. Wave and tidal technology is still at the RD&D stage globally and is not yet a commercially viable technology.

The Ocean Energy Development Unit was established in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2008 to take forward the Ocean Energy Programme. The SEAI and the Marine Institute established an Ocean Energy Test Site for quarter scale prototypes of wave energy devices in Galway Bay. Two companies have tested at the site to date. The site is also being used in conjunction with the Smart Bay project being taken forward by the Marine Institute.

The wave-tank facility at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) University College Cork, is Ireland's centre of excellence in ocean energy research, modelling and technical support for early stage device developers.

The SEAI has provided support for the enhancement of the wave research capabilities at HMRC through upgrading of the existing wave tank test facility at HMRC prior to its becoming the National Ocean Test Facility (NOTF), as a key strategic component of the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster (IMERC) in Ringaskiddy, Cork.

The Prototype Development Fund administered by the SEAI supports the development of wave and tidal device prototypes and associated supporting technologies. A total of 33 projects have received funding. Of these, 21 projects have been completed and 11 are in the process of completion.

Work is also continuing on the pre-planning stages for the potential development of a grid connected pre-commercial full scale prototype test site off County Mayo.

The development bodies under the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation are also involved in developing and assisting the ocean energy sector as part of their clean technology development drive. Ocean Energy has been identified as a priority in the research prioritisation exercise.

My Department is finalising an Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan, which is underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Assessment of Irish waters that was commissioned by the SEAI.

Departmental Staff

Dara Calleary

Question:

117 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of additional staff he intends to recruit to his Department; the estimated cost of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30701/12]

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

My Department must operate within the multi-annual Employment Control Framework (ECF) as agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The ECF places annual limits on the number of full time equivalent staff which may be employed within the Department.

Currently the Department has some headroom as between the existing complement and the ECF and the ECF limit. It is, therefore, proposed to appoint some additional staff, within the ECF limit, between now and year end.

In specific terms, my Department will shortly appoint two economists and is in the process of filling three senior technical positions in the Natural Resources Division of the Department. The estimated salary cost of filling these vacancies is €370,000 per annum and this will be met in 2012 from the approved Vote allocation for the Department.

Any decision to fill additional positions will be considered in the context of the Workforce Planning exercise which is expected to be completed shortly and continued adherence to the provisions of the Employment Control Framework.

Strategy for Renewable Energy

Niall Collins

Question:

118 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to set the feed-in tariff for micro generation; when a framework will be published on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30696/12]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

125 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020 contained only a single reference to microgeneration projects and no firm, explicit commitments to increasing State support for domestic microgeneration capacity here as part of the State’s effort to achieving the 2020 target of 40% for domestic renewable energy generation; if he will provide an update of the pilot smart metering programme that the CER is overseeing with the ESB and BGÉ and make known the findings of the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30493/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 125 together.

The Programme for Government states that a feed-in tariff will be provided for micro-generators wishing to produce electricity for their own homes, farms and businesses and that they will be facilitated to sell surplus electricity to the grid, while the tariff should not be significantly above the single energy market price for electricity.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) estimates that the single electricity market price will be €64 per megawatt hour in the coming year. A micro-generation support scheme offered by ESB to domestic customers under specified conditions between February 2009 and February 2012, consisting of a combined tariff of €190 per megawatt hour (almost three times the estimated single electricity market price for the coming year) had fewer than 500 subscribers over a three year period.

My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are finalising analysis, which will be submitted to me shortly, on the most cost effective options which could be considered for supporting the micro-generation sector, having regard to the costs and benefits for all energy consumers.

Any increased electricity costs arising from extending such a scheme to PSO supports, such as via a feed-in-tariff, would have to be borne by all electricity consumers.

The National Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. It is also in line with EU requirements where Member States are obliged to progress smart metering.

Development and implementation of the national smart metering programme, entrusted to the CER, is progressing to schedule. Phase 1 of the programme, consisting of Technology Trials, Customer Behaviour Trials and a Cost Benefit Analysis for both electricity and gas smart metering have been completed and have proved positive. The CER have published the findings of these detailed studies and they are available on the CER's Website. A CER decision on progress to Phase 2 of the project is expected shortly.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 116.

Question Nos. 120 and 121 answered with Question No. 111.

Bord Gáis

Robert Troy

Question:

122 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects progress to be made on the part privatisation of Bord Gáis; if he will give details of the contacts he has had with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on establishing Irish Water within its auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30723/12]

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

The Government has decided that Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) Energy business will be included as part of the assets disposal programme. BGÉ is a strong and dynamic State company. The success of Bord Gáis Energy demonstrates BGÉ's capacity to develop new and efficient businesses for the benefit of Irish consumers as well as the State as shareholder.

The Government is irrevocably committed to retaining the Bord Gáis transmission and distribution networks as well as the gas interconnectors in State ownership as national strategic infrastructure and fundamental to Ireland's security of energy supply and the economy.

Following the Government's decision on the State asset disposal programme, a group including my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA has been tasked with progressing all policy, regulatory, legislative and financial issues to be addressed prior to the disposal of Bord Gáis Energy.

The group is making good progress; the identification of these issues is complete and the group is currently developing an implementation programme to address these issues in order to facilitate a transaction process for Bord Gáis Energy commencing in 2013.

Turning to Irish Water; the recent decision to establish Irish Water within the BGÉ Group reflects the Government's confidence in BGÉ. BGÉ's experience in the key areas of raising finance, operating and investing in critical network infrastructure and delivering excellent customer service, will be effectively deployed in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water.

The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has responsibility for the establishment of Irish Water. My Department is working with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the establishment of Irish Water as a company within the BGÉ Group.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the provision of alternative energy generated electricity; the degree to which wind generation and other alternatives now contribute to the national grid, if he will outline the number and type of projects pending in the form of awaiting planning permission or other statutory approval; the extent to which any such projects are likely to contribute to the national grid over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30659/12]

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

Currently approximately 1900MW of renewable generation is connected to the grid including over 1600MW of wind generation, small and large hydro generation and some small amounts of biomass generation including landfill gas.

In order to connect to the electricity grid, generators require a grid connection offer. Supervision of the grid connection process, including access to offers, is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The Gate process was put in place by the CER following public consultation. It is a group processing approach (GPA) towards the processing and issuance of grid connection offers to renewable generators.

To date there have been 3 Gates. Under Gate 1 and Gate 2, 1755MW of connection offers were made and accepted. Under Gate 3, 3900MW of offers have issued to renewable generators. In addition to the 1900MW of renewable generation already connected to the grid, 1500MW of renewable generation has already contracted for grid connection build with either EirGrid or ESB Networks. For the most part, these are projects from Gate 1 and Gate 2 that are still awaiting grid build-out, along with about 500MW from Gate 3.

The latest forecasts from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as to the amount of renewable generation required to meet our 40% renewable electricity target is 4000MW, provided we achieve our energy efficiency goals. The take up of Gate 3 offers cannot be quantified as yet. A small number of those in Gate 3 have accepted their offers to date and have already contracted with EirGrid or ESB Networks. Others in Gate 3 have not yet made a decision on whether they are accepting their offer or not, pending the issuing of constraint reports by EirGrid. EirGrid is currently working on producing these constraint reports which are subject to Single Electricity Market (SEM) decisions and once issued those in Gate 3 applicants will have a short period of time within which to accept or reject their offer and to pay their deposit.

It is expected that between what is already built in Gate 1 and Gate 2 and what has already contracted to build along with the remainder of Gate 3 is largely sufficient for the achievement of our 40% target, even if some Gate 3 developers ultimately decide not to accept their offer. Details regarding number and type of renewable energy projects awaiting planning permission are available from the relevant planning authority. In order to be accepted into the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff scheme (REFIT), administered by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, applicants must have both a grid connection offer and planning permission.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 114.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 118

Press Standards

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

126 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is bringing any proposals forward in the context of his recent comments on the UK Leveson Inquiry and press standards and the media sector here; if he will consider a statutory independent press council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/12]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, I currently have no function with regard to the print media sector, and as such have no powers to legislate for that sector. However, legislation is being prepared by my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that, once enacted, will transfer responsibility for a modernised media mergers system to my Department.

The Press Council here has been in operation since 2008, and is recognised in law under the Defamation Act 2009. As such, it is independent and has a statutory basis, despite not being a State Body. Also, it should be noted that the Press Council model has been highlighted at the Leveson Inquiry as a potential model for the UK to follow. Whilst it is only when this Inquiry has formally reported that there will be any formal recommendations to consider, it is also worth noting that we have a very different culture in print media in Ireland, and there is no evidence to suggest that the same abuses took place here. I know the Press Council will carefully evaluate the outcome of the Leveson Inquiry, and the Government will be happy to engage with them at the appropriate time on any suggestions they may have around improving the systems of governance in this critical area.

Radio Spectrum

Denis Naughten

Question:

127 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to ensure that the new 4G network provides the maximum geographical coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30306/12]

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

The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function.

In accordance with its statutory functions, ComReg has consulted extensively on its proposals for the release of spectrum rights of use in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands.

I am advised that ComReg received considerable interest in this consultation process which has resulted in the decision document for the award of a number of individual rights of use in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz radio spectrum bands (ComReg Document 12/25 and Decision 04/12 published on 16 March 2012). ComReg's Information Memorandum for this award process details the processes and procedures ComReg is employing to implement its substantive decisions (ComReg Document 12/52 published on 25 May 2012).

The reasons, analysis and other material relied upon by ComReg in support of its decisions on the minimum coverage and roll-out requirements are set out in section 5.5 of Document 12/25. Amongst other things, ComReg considered that actual coverage levels are expected to exceed the 70% population obligation by a considerable margin given the competitive nature of the market and the limited risk of roll-back of coverage from the existing levels. It should be noted that the four existing mobile operators have achieved coverage levels exceeding those set out in their current respective licences. For example, for 3G services, Vodafone's coverage covers 90% of the population, 5% more than its obligation. Hutchison 3G, better known as 3, covers 96% of the population, 11% more than its obligation. O2 also covers 90.5% of the population, which is more than its obligation.

ComReg also notes that coverage continues to be an important competitive differentiator in the mobile telecommunications market. Any deterioration in coverage by any one network would undermine that network's attractiveness to its existing and potential customers.

The importance of maintaining the existing levels of mobile telephony and mobile broadband coverage has been raised with ComReg by my officials. While the outcome of the forthcoming multi-band spectrum release process cannot be anticipated, I understand that ComReg is not expecting any reduction in coverage as a result of the process. It is also important to note that ComReg's coverage proposals are designed to facilitate the possible entry of new operators in a manner that would ensure that cherry picking of high-density urban areas would not occur.

Renewable Energy

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

128 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on upcoming negotiations with the UK Government to facilitate the export of renewable energy to the UK; if he will provide an estimate of the amount of power that Irish renewable energy operators envisage will be exported to the UK on a weekly and monthly basis; the time-frame for the estimated opening up of the market here to British renewable power; the value of this potential new business to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30303/12]

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

Last week, building on the June 2011 British Irish Council agreement on developing an all islands energy approach, I had the latest in a series of meetings with UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry around the issue of developing renewable electricity trade between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work towards concluding a Memorandum of Understanding by the end of the year which will be an important step in ensuring that cross border renewable trade can take place.

Officials from both sides are examining a range of issues around the electricity market, regulatory and technical grid areas to underpin the creation of cross jurisdictional renewable electricity trade. The UK Department of Energy has just concluded a public call for evidence around the issues involved in opening up their market to allow for renewable electricity imports.

Increased interconnection between the two islands offers Irish developers the prospect of being able to access a much larger electricity market. The electricity market in GB is around ten times the scale of the electricity market in Ireland. In the short term there are opportunities for on and off shore wind and biomass projects, but in the medium to longer term as technologies mature and become commercially deployable, there will also be opportunities for wave and tidal developers.

The volume of trade that could develop has the potential to become very significant over time. Ireland has a renewable energy resource that is significantly in advance of our own market scale and the challenge for developers will be to come forward with projects of scale that are economically viable and environmentally acceptable. There are several large developers already seriously examining projects and some of these proposals also involve developing pumped hydro storage options.

There are clearly construction jobs while the projects are being built, but if projects of scale can be developed, then there will be an opportunity to capture some of the development value chain in Ireland as well as the job opportunities in the operations and maintenance areas.

Job Statistics

Finian McGrath

Question:

129 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of small businesses here that employ three to 12 persons. [30388/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The number of enterprises active in the private business economy during 2010 is set out below:

Active Enterprises by Persons Engaged Size Class, 2010, Business economy excluding activities of holding companies (B to N,-642)

Size class	Active Enterprises (Number)
All persons engaged size classes	195,431
Under 10	177,547
10-19	9,769
20-49	5,215
50-249	2,441
250 and over	459
3-12 persons engaged	37,488

The private business economy covers Industry, Construction and Services in NACE Rev 2 sectors B-N (excluding 64.20 "Activities of holding companies"). Enterprises in the Public Sector, Health, Education and Agriculture are not included.

Enterprises are counted as active if they have employees or file a tax return for the reference year.

"Persons engaged" includes employees, proprietors and family members.

Detailed data tables are available on CSO's data dissemination service at:http://cso.ie/shorturl.aspx/80.

The Background Notes at the link below provide more details on the Business Demography release:http://www.cso.ie/en/surveysandmethodology/multi-sectoral/businessdemography/backgroundnotes/.

Constitutional Convention

Ciara Conway

Question:

130 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Taoiseach the version of the Electoral Register that will be used to select the 66 persons who will be consulted as part of the constitutional convention; if he will consider using the Electoral Register for local elections in order that immigrants or non-Irish nationals might also be included in the focus group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30274/12]

The Taoiseach

As the Constitutional Convention will be considering aspects of the Constitution and may make recommendations that would give rise to referendums, the version of the electoral register that will be used in the selection of the 66 citizen members of the Convention will be that used for referendums.

A polling company will be engaged to randomly select 66 people entitled to vote in a referendum to be members of the Convention on the basis that the persons selected are representative of the population generally in terms of gender, age, social class and region. The selection process will be overseen by the Convention's independent Chairperson.

A number of views were expressed that interest groups or specific sections of society should be represented at the Convention. Examples included vulnerable, disadvantaged or marginalised groups, children, persons from Northern Ireland (including especially Northern unionists), the Diaspora and Ireland's newest citizens.

The Government is firmly of the view that the Convention should be composed of ordinary citizens and elected representatives. It is not practical to accommodate as members, in a fair and representative manner, all of the groups or sections of society that have been proposed.

However, it is anticipated that interest groups will be able to interact with the Convention, including by making submissions, and that the Chairperson and members of the Convention would be anxious to hear from a representative spectrum of opinion in carrying out their work.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

Question:

131 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if any evidence has come to his attention to indicate that documentation in relation to the decision on 29 September 2008 to provide a State guarantee to domestic banks was destroyed or otherwise removed from his or any other Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/12]

The Taoiseach

I assume the Deputy's question arises from my remarks in the House on 12 June. I did not intend to suggest that I have evidence that documentation was destroyed or otherwise removed. My remarks were intended to highlight what I regard as a remarkably small volume of documentation held in my Department from that night.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

132 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30486/12]

John Deasy

Question:

133 Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

134 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30828/12]

The Taoiseach

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.

Both my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only agency under the aegis of my Department, are within the limits set for staff numbers in our Employment Control Frameworks. Accordingly, neither my Department or NESDO have submitted any posts for redeployment to the Resource Panel which is administered by the Public Appointments Service.

Economic Management Council

Michael McGrath

Question:

135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if a date has been set for the next meeting of the Economic Management Council. [30195/12]

The Taoiseach

The next meeting of the Economic Management Council will take place on 26 June 2012.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

136 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30888/12]

Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny)

Details of the number of staff who retired from my Department and the gratuities paid in each of the years requested are set out in the table beneath.

Year	Number Retired	Gratuity Payments (gross)
2012	4	€321,562
2011	4	€878,093
2010	4	€100,416
2009	9	€814,041

The figures include one member of staff who retired under the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) in 2009 and three who retired under it in 2010. Under the ISER, staff received 10% of their gratuity upon retirement with the balance payable upon reaching 60 years of age. The 90% balance outstanding was paid earlier this year to the staff member who retired in 2009.

The figures also include details of two staff who left my Department before 2009 with preserved pension benefits that became payable upon their reaching 60 years of age. One of these became payable in 2011 while the other was paid earlier this year.

Croke Park Agreement

Shane Ross

Question:

137 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Taoiseach the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park Agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31346/12]

The Taoiseach

My Department has not made any redundancy payments to staff under the Croke Park Agreement.

Nuclear Proliferation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

138 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with his British counterpart in view of the publication of the Sipri Report on nuclear proliferation in view of the geographic proximity to this island and British nuclear policy. [30336/12]

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

TheSIPRI Yearbook 2012, to which the Deputy is referring, has not yet been published in full and I cannot therefore comment on its content.

Ireland has never subscribed to the view that nuclear weapons represent a safe or prudent strategic deterrent, and will continue to press the five nuclear weapons states to fulfil their obligation to disarm their nuclear arsenals.

The UK is entitled to take decisions as to how it will defend itself. However, the UK authorities will be aware of Ireland's longstanding position, to which we are equally entitled, on nuclear disarmament. The Deputy can be assured that we will continue to make the UK authorities, and indeed all nuclear weapons possessor states, aware of our position.

International Finance Corporation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

139 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding given to IFC in 2012; if he envisages a change of policy in the allocation of funding to this organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), is a member of the World Bank Group, and is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries. The private sector, as an engine of growth, innovation and investment to developing countries, has a major role to play in development.

Ireland has been a member of the IFC since 1958. We partner with the IFC in providing technical assistance and advisory services to the private sector in developing countries with the aim of reducing poverty through inclusive private sector growth.

In 2011 Ireland supported the following IFC programmes:

Conflict-Affected States in Africa (CASA) Initiative (2011: €300,000)

In 2008 the IFC launched the Conflict-Affected States in Africa (CASA) Initiative to encourage the development of private enterprise in these countries. The CASA Initiative takes into account the particular obstacles faced by the private sector in fragile and post-conflict countries.

The CASA Initiative focuses on:

Improving the business environment through regulatory reform.

Strengthening small and medium enterprises and support institutions such as Chambers of Commerce.

Rebuilding financial markets, banks and other financial institutions.

Increasing private sector involvement in providing and rebuilding infrastructure such as roads, ports, schools and power stations.

The focus of the IFC's work under the CASA Initiative so far has been Sierra Leone, Liberia, the DRC, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

CASA has recently been independently evaluated and found to be "highly relevant based on industry best practice for private sector development in fragile and conflict affected states".

World Bank Group Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (2011: €600,000)

This programme advises developing countries on how to improve their business environments in order to increase private sector activity and encourage inward and domestic investment. While its initial focus was purely on foreign direct investment, this has now expanded to the broader investment climate area, providing support to governments on reforms needed to improve their investment climates for domestic as well as international investors.

Northern Ireland Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

140 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mr. Paterson’s view that an independent investigation into the eleven Ballymurphy killings in August 1971 is not in the public’s interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30849/12]

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

The Government remains committed to assisting the Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign in their search for justice and will endeavour to provide support to them whenever possible. Officials from my Department met with the Ballymurphy families recently in Belfast and discussed with them their concerns regarding the original investigations into the eleven killings. The Taoiseach has also committed to meeting relatives of those who were killed at Ballymurphy. I welcome the decision by the Attorney General of Northern Ireland John Larkin to hold new inquests into 10 of the people killed in Ballymurphy in 1972.

Overseas Development Aid

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

141 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a civilian corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30417/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

The Government's aid programme, administered from within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by Irish Aid, is sharply focused on the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries and communities in the world. It is strongly concentrated in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Ireland has a strong international reputation for the high quality of our development programme which has benefited from the contribution of generations of Irish development workers including volunteers, professionals and missionaries who worked to improve the lives of the world's poorest people. The Government's aid programme is currently funding the work of about 1,300 development workers, volunteers and missionaries in developing countries. In addition, Ireland's Rapid Response Corps, established by Irish Aid, enables those with specific skills to deploy swiftly in humanitarian crises.

The Programme for Government sets out the Government's commitment to review the 2006 White Paper on Overseas Development Aid and to establish a civilian volunteer corps. As part of the White Paper review, public consultations have been held in Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Sligo and 160 written submissions have been received. A number of these submissions have emphasised the importance of volunteer placements which focus on sharing specific skills that met the needs of host communities. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, detailed discussions are now underway with key partners in the NGO sector and relevant UN agencies with a view to developing enhanced proposals to support international volunteering.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

142 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30480/12]

John Deasy

Question:

145 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30605/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

152 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30822/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142, 145 and 152 together.

My Department's current staffing levels are within the ceilings authorised under its Employment Control Framework and the available staff are required to assist the Department in delivering the diverse range of foreign policy, economic promotion, programme management and citizen services it provides at home and abroad. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Human Rights Issues

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

143 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the Irish Ambassador to China or the Chinese Embassy in Ireland in relation to a person (details supplied) who was allegedly detained in Weihai city in Shandong Province, China on 9 June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

144 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene in a case (details supplied). [30533/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level. At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Individual cases are raised through the formal framework of the EU-China human rights dialogue, which was established in 1995. Through this process 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. Treatment of Falun Gong practitioners is also raised by the European Union as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific human rights dialogue with China.

At the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue on 29 May, the EU again raised the issue of restrictions on Falun Gong practitioners. At this meeting, the EU also presented the Chinese side with a list of individual cases of concern, including those of several detained Falun Gong practitioners. We have informed our Embassy in Beijing of the case of Ms Gu Qing-ai and Embassy officials are raising Ms Gu's case with the human rights group that co-ordinates the EU position on these issues with China. We will continue to monitor developments in this case.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 142.

Irish Communities Abroad

Denis Naughten

Question:

146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to parliamentary reply No. 135 of 22 May 2012 if he will update Dáil Éireann on the progress made to date on the approval of E-3 temporary US work visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30631/12]

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

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. If passed this would 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. Earlier this month, I spoke again with Senators Leahy and Brown to reiterate the importance the Government attaches to this issue and our support for their efforts to make progress. On 15 June, President Obama made an announcement in relation to the specific category of young illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children and measures to exempt them from deportation and to be granted temporary work permits. It is too early to determine what effect, if any, this will have on the overall immigration debate.

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.

Trade Relations

Finian McGrath

Question:

147 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Irish trade with Cuba in 2012. [30680/12]

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

Total trade with Cuba for the first four months of 2012 amounted to €384,000. In 2011, Cuba was Ireland's 171st largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to €459,000. Opportunities continue to be explored on ways to increase trade through the Irish and Cuban Embassies and agencies. The Irish Embassy at Mexico City, which is accredited to Cuba, participated in the International Trade Fair at Havana in November 2011.

Humanitarian Access

Sean Fleming

Question:

148 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the serious and immediate humanitarian needs of the affected population in South Kordofan in general and the Nuba Mountains in particular, if he will ask the EU to call on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to comply with their binding obligations under international humanitarian law to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian action to all civilians and to provide prompt humanitarian assistance to all those in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30686/12]

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

The Government remains seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. We are working with our EU partners to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issue of humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region. We will continue to use all available opportunities, within the EU and internationally, to raise these issues. The situation in Sudan and South Sudan, including the humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan, has been discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at their meetings over recent weeks and months. In January, with Ireland's encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians, and reiterated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The EU also emphasised that the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to progress in providing the full range of support that we would like to provide to Sudan, and in the region. In April, the EU called on the Government of Sudan and the SPLM North to engage in an inclusive political process to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The UN Security Council on 2 May and 17 May adopted Resolutions demanding that both Sudan and South Sudan fulfil their obligations under international law to allow access by humanitarian agencies to civilian populations in need of assistance. Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government has provided substantial assistance for those affected by the conflict in this region. Earlier this year, we allocated €2 million for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Funds for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan. On 24 May, we announced an allocation of a further €3m in funding. These funds are being provided to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas affected by conflict and by displacement of populations from the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas. We have made available a further €1.22 million to Irish NGOs for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual Irish Aid Humanitarian Programme Planning funding scheme. Ireland's emergency humanitarian assistance to Sudan and South Sudan is saving lives daily. The Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in South Kordofan, the Blue Nile, and other areas facing critical need across the Horn and Sahel regions of Africa. Along with our EU partners, we will continue to press for unrestricted humanitarian access to affected civilians.

Human Rights Issues

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

149 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the arrest, torture, incarceration and killing of peaceful protestors in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30733/12]

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

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. The right of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech are fundamental rights in a free society, and must be respected by all governments. The report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry issued last November documented harrowing accounts of excessive force employed against those engaged in pro-democracy demonstrations in Spring 2011 as well as accounts of mistreatment and torture in custody. The Commission made a number of recommendations that would ensure better protection for human rights in Bahrain, including a recommendation for independent investigations. It is clear that effective investigations by an independent and impartial body of all allegations of torture in detention are necessary to ensure accountability, and help re-build trust between the two communities in Bahrain as part of a process of national reconciliation.

Ireland has urged Bahrain at every opportunity to swiftly implement the Commission's recommendations, most recently at Bahrain's Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last month. At the same time, 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 regularly 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. While I acknowledge the initial steps taken by the Bahraini authorities in response to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the legitimate demands of those peacefully seeking reform. The only viable path forward for Bahrain is reconciliation and dialogue. A way must be found to chart a new and inclusive future for Bahrain and I urge the Bahraini authorities and the opposition to engage genuinely and meaningfully in a national reconciliation process.

Arms Trade

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

150 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call on the US and British governments to cease all arms sales to the regime in Bahrain which include CS gas and rubber coated bullets that are being used against protesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30734/12]

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

Ireland remains deeply concerned at the general human rights situation in Bahrain and has not issued a license for the sale of military goods to Bahrain since the outbreak of unrest in that country. The decision to transfer or deny the transfer of any military goods or technology is at the national discretion of each exporting State. I cannot comment on individual exports made by other States to third parties, or on the internal decision making process which authorised those exports. However, Ireland's position on the need for common international standards for arms exports, which take full account of human rights obligations and international law, is well known to all of our partners. We will continue to make our position clear in all appropriate fora. Next month, in New York, my officials will participate fully in a Diplomatic Conference at which, I hope, agreement can be reached on a legally binding and comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

Ireland has been very active in supporting work towards an ATT, including through co-sponsorship in 2008 of a UN Resolution establishing an Open-Ended Working Group to consider the elements that might be included in an ATT. We have participated actively in the EU Working Group on the ATT and throughout the Preparatory Committee process for next month's conference. We will continue to work with EU and other like-minded countries to agree an instrument establishing the highest possible common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons that takes full account of human rights obligations and international law.

I would add that Ireland is bound by and fully supports an EU Common Position which defines the rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment by EU Member States. Under this Common Position, Member States assess all licence applications for military exports against a series of Common Criteria. There are eight separate criteria which take into account the effect that the arms transfer could have on the country of final destination. The Common Position and its implementation are kept under constant review by Member States.

As a result of the Common Position, I would note that armaments companies in the EU are in compliance with one of the strictest export control regimes in the world. Ireland would expect all of its EU partners to abide by the Common Position. If it emerges that any EU Member State is knowingly engaged in exporting arms in contravention of the Common Position, the Deputy can be assured that Ireland would raise the matter at the appropriate EU level.

Ministerial Meetings

Patrick Nulty

Question:

151 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi; his views on the position of the estimated 400 political prisoners in Burma; his views on the economic investment and trade with Burma that is appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30787/12]

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

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Dublin on 18 June, and I met her on her arrival at Dublin Airport. We then had an exchange of views across a range of issues including the current situation in Burma, bilateral trade and economic relations and the ways in which Ireland might be of assistance to Burma as it progresses towards greater democracy and an open economy. Burma is in the process of undergoing an important and long-awaited transformation, and we in Ireland have been following this with close attention.

Ireland stands ready to share its experiences and to assist the process of democratisation in Burma in whatever way we can. From a development co-operation point of view, Ireland's recent experience in Asia is highly relevant to Burma. We have regional experience in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as well as in Timor Leste — including in such key areas and issues as the situation of ethnic minorities, poverty reduction, economic development and conflict resolution, all of which are important to Burma's current transition.

I also informed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that we will proceed with formalising our diplomatic relations with Burma on the basis of a non-resident ambassador, a decision she welcomed.

Since 2007, Irish Aid has provided over €7 million to Burma through NGOs and Irish missionaries for both long term development work and emergency and recovery responses. We have also been actively engaged in EU discussions to shape the priorities for European co-operation in development assistance with Burma. Ireland shares the overall EU approach that possible future areas of co-operation could include poverty reduction, in particular among ethnic minority groups; support for democratic transformation; rule of law; human rights, including the release of all remaining political prisoners, accountability and good governance and support for electoral processes.

We support the idea of a joint EU assessment mission in June to explore issues around the cease fires with ethnic minorities, and issues relating to ethnic minorities more generally. As far as trade with, and investment in, Burma are concerned, we share the view of Aung San Suu Kyi, as expressed in her address to the International Labour Organisation at Geneva, that such economic engagement should be responsible, and benefit the people of Burma a whole.

Deputies will be aware that the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in the light of recent developments in Burma, decided in April to lift most of the sanctions imposed under the EU's common position. This decision will be reviewed in October. In the meantime, Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to keep all these issues under close review, in consultation with our ambassadors in the region, and at EU working groups.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 142.

Consular Services

Dara Calleary

Question:

153 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason he will not meet the family involved regarding a case (details supplied); if he will outline any interactions he has had with the Greek authorities regarding same; if he will outline any plans he or his Department may have for dealing with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30837/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

156 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30891/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 156 together.

I am aware of the situation concerning the two men referred to by the Deputy. As neither of them is an Irish citizen it is not possible for my Department to offer them consular assistance. The Greek authorities are under no legal obligation to assist our Embassy with any requests made in connection with this investigation, as we have nolocus standi in the matter. However, on hearing of Mr. Marku’s predicament, and notwithstanding the fact that he is not a citizen of Ireland, the Embassy of Ireland in Athens made contact with the Greek police in an effort to convey the Irish Government’s interest in this case on the basis that he is married to an Irish citizen. It was made clear to our Embassy that the authorities in Crete would not provide them with any information regarding this investigation owing to the fact that no Irish citizen was involved in the case.

To clarify further, the Embassy has certain rights of communication and contact with Irish citizens in Greece to facilitate the exercise of our consular functions under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963). This Embassy has no such rights for other persons, even if they are related to Irish citizens.

Irish Communities Abroad

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

154 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make inquiries with the immigration authorities in the USA, Australia and Canada regarding the number of Irish citizens that were deported from those jurisdictions between 2007 and 2011 inclusive; if he will provide the details of same; and if those figures can be broken down into criminal and immigration related offences. [30845/12]

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

In respect of the United States, the following are the relevant statistics based on information made available by the US Department of Homeland Security:

Ireland

Federal Year(October-September)	Total	Criminal	Non-Criminal
2007	57	20	37
2008	79	19	60
2009	129	19	110
2010	103	20	83
2011 (provisional figures)	67	30	37

The figures for 2011 are provisional as the final figures will be made available in the Department of Homeland Security's 2011 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics which has not yet issued.

Our Embassies in Ottawa and Canberra have requested this information from the Canadian and Australian authorities respectively and are awaiting responses. Once the information is received, I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy's office.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

155 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30882/12]

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

The number of staff who retired from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in each of the years in question is set out in the table:

Year	Number of Staff
2009	36.85
2010	25
2011	23
2012	36.5

With regard to staff of my Department, the calculation and payment of superannuation benefits is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 153.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

157 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park Agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31343/12]

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

No such redundancy payments have been made by my Department.

Pension Provisions

Jack Wall

Question:

158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the pension levy; if the substance of the submission has been addressed by the organisers and if proper procedures have been adapted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31023/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The submission referred to in the question is a copy of a letter on behalf of the trustees of a pension scheme to a retired scheme member outlining proposed adjustments to his pension on foot of the pension fund levy introduced last year for a period of 4 years. The payment of the levy is treated as a necessary expense of a pension scheme and the trustees or insurer, as appropriate, are entitled where needed to adjust current or prospective benefits payable under a scheme to take account of the levy. It is up to the trustees to decide whether and how the levy should be passed on and who should be impacted and to what extent, given the particular circumstances of the pension schemes for which they are responsible.

However, the legislation also includes provisions aimed at ensuring that benefits payable, either currently or prospectively to any member, are adjusted in such a way that the reduction in value of those benefits shall not exceed 0.6% of the market value of the assets accounting for the scheme's liabilities to that member. I am not in a position to comment on the specific details of the letter. I would assume that, in coming to any decision in this matter, the trustees of the scheme in question will have examined all options open to them and taken professional advice, as appropriate.

Tax Code

Colm Keaveney

Question:

159 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance in the context of preparing for the budget, if he will consider a special income levy of 1%, ring fenced for the mental health and disability services, in view of the difficulty being faced by the those in these sectors in their ability to continue to fund existing services and the need to protect persons receiving and dependent on those services. [30280/12]

Colm Keaveney

Question:

160 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if a special income levy of 1% were to be applied to incomes in various brackets of €50k to €60k, €61k to €70k, €71k, to €80k, €81k to €90k, €91k to €100, and €101k+, the amount of revenue such a levy would generate in each bracket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30281/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2012, from imposing a further income levy of 1% on all income that is currently liable to the Universal Social Charge (USC) would be of the order of €760 million.

If the new 1% levy is confined to incomes in excess of €50,000 the corresponding full year yield would be of the order of €442 million. A breakdown of that yield amount by range of income liable to USC is set out in the following table in ranges of €50,000 to €60,000, €60,001 to €70,000, €70,001 to €80,000, €80,001 to €90,000, €90,001 to €100,000 and greater than €100,000, in order to ensure completeness of the application of the proposed levy.

The estimated yield associated with the different income ranges is based on applying a 1% levy to all the income of income earners in each range, that is, to the income they earn below each income range as well as to the income earned within the specified income range.

All Income earners for Income Tax Year 2012 (provisional)

Range of Income Liable to USC	Yield from 1% Levy
€50,000 — €60,000	€70 million
€60,001 — €70,000	€58 million
€70,001 — €80,000	€49 million
€80,001 — €90,000	€39 million
€90,001 — €100,000	€30 million
Over €100,000	€196 million
Total	€442 million

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. These are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.

In addition, I should point out that policy on how public funds are allocated across each area of Government spending is the responsibility of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the provision of health services is a matter for the Minister for Health.

Disabled Drivers

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

161 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance regarding the disabled drivers scheme the reason there is a limit on engine capacity when there is a cap on the amount of money which can be reclaimed under the scheme; if he will consider removing the limit on engine capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30288/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the criteria relating to the engine size of a vehicle and the relief available for vehicles which qualify under the Disabled Drivers Passenger Scheme have been in place since 1989. The purpose of the scheme was to provide for ways in which people with a physical disability could become more mobile; it is felt that the present limit of 2000cc is sufficient to allow for an extensive choice of vehicle in that regard.

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

162 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) will be facilitated in purchasing a car under the disabled drivers scheme of the same make and model which they previously purchased under the scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30289/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (as amended) provide for permanent relief from the payment of specified maximum amounts of VAT and VRT for persons registered under the scheme. The legislation states that where a person satisfies the Revenue Commissioners that a person is a Disabled Driver who complies with all the conditions of the Disabled Drivers Scheme, that person shall be entitled to relief in respect of a vehicle which is fitted with an engine whose capacity is not greater than 2,000 c.c.

The administration of the scheme was reviewed by Revenue during 2011, in line with a review of the overall practices in the Central Repayments Office. This review was held to ensure that the provisions of Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and SI 353/1994 are being adhered to correctly and to ensure that all applications are dealt with as provided for in the legislation. Revenue met with representatives of The Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland in November 2011 and briefed both organisations in relation to the review.

An information note was sent to the person (details supplied) on 25th April 2012 outlining the rules in relation to Engine Capacity Details for vehicles admissible under the Disabled Drivers Scheme. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994) (as amended) provide for permanent relief from the payment of specified maximum amounts of VAT and VRT for persons registered under the scheme.

EU-IMF Programme

Pearse Doherty

Question:

163 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of moneys drawn down to date from the EU-IMF programme; the dates on which the draw-downs took place; the interest rates payable on those draw-downs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30319/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Under Ireland's EU-IMF Programme, which is due to expire at the end of 2013, a total of €67.5 billion in loans will be provided from EU facilities, bilateral loans and the IMF. At the 15th of June 2012, Ireland's liabilities under the EU/IMF Programme amount to €51 billion.

In relation to the details of moneys drawn down to date from the EU-IMF programme; the dates on which the draw-downs took place; and the interest rates payable on those draw-downs, the table below, supplied by the NTMA, provides the information for all amounts outstanding as at 15th June 2012.

Table 1: Liabilities outstanding at 15th June 2012 under the EU/IMF Financial Assistance Programme

Lender	Nominal Loan Amount1	Date of Draw Down	Maturity Date	Term from Date of Drawdown	Interest Rate
European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM)	€5.00 billion	12-Jan-11	04-Dec-15	4.9 yrs	2.50%
	€3.40 billion	24-Mar-11	04-Apr-18	7 yrs	3.25%
	€3.00 billion	31-May-11	04-Jun-21	10 yrs	3.50%
	€2.00 billion	29-Sep-11	04-Sep-26	14.9 yrs	3.00%
	€0.50 billion	06-Oct-11	04-Oct-18	7yrs	2.38%
	€1.50 billion	16-Jan-12	04-Apr-42	30.2yrs	3.75%
	€3.00 billion	05-Mar-12	04-Apr-32	20.1yrs	3.38%
EFSM Total	€18.40 billion			11.8yrs weighted average life
European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)	€4.19 billion2	01-Feb-11	18-Jul-16	5.5 yrs	2.75%
	€3.00 billion	14-Nov-11	04-Feb-22	10.2yrs	3.60%
	€1.27 billion	12-Jan-12	04-Feb-15	3.1yrs	1.73%3
	€0.48 billion	19-Jan-12	19-Jul-12	0.5yrs	0.37%3
	€1.00 billion	15-Mar-12	23-Aug-12	0.4yrs	0.29%3
	€2.80 billion	03-Apr-12	03-Apr-37	25yrs	Floating Rate4
EFSF Total	€12.74 billion			10.1yr weighted average life
United Kingdom Bilateral Loan5	€0.50 billion	14-Oct-11	14-Apr-19	7.5yrs	4.72%
	€0.50 billion	30-Jan-12	30-Jul-19	7.5yrs	4.29%
	€0.50 billion	28-Mar-12	28-Sep-19	7.5yrs	4.44%
UK Total	€1.50 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
Sweden Bilateral loan6	€0.15 billion	15-Jun-12	15-Dec-19	7.5yrs	Floating 3 mths Euribor +1%
Sweden Total	€0.15 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
Denmark Bilateral Loan6	€0.10 billion	30-Mar-12	30-Sep-19	7.5yrs	Floating 3 mths Euribor +1%
Denmark Total	€0.10 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
International Monetary Fund7	€6.040 billion	18-Jan-11	Amortising: 18 Jul 2015-18 Jan 2021
	€1.699 billion	18-May-11	Amortising: 18 Nov 2015-18 May 2021	4.5 -10 yrs	Floating Rate
	€1.589 billion	07-Sep-11	Amortising: 07 Mar 2016-07 Sep 2021
	€3.987 billion	16-Dec-11	Amortising: 16 Jun 2016-16 Dec 2021
	€3.357 billion	29-Feb-12	Amortising: 31 Aug 2016-28 Feb 2022
	€1.435 billion	15-Jun-12	Amortising: 15 Dec 2016-15 Jun 2022
IMF Total	€18.11 billion			4.5 — 10yrs
Overall Total	€51.0 billion2			9.7yrs weighted average life

Notes

1. Non-euro liabilities are translated into euro at the rates of exchange at 15th June 2012. The net euro amount received by the Exchequer was €49.4 billion after adjustment for below par issuance and deduction of a prepaid margin (Note 2), and also reflect the effect of foreign exchange transactions. Non-euro liabilities have been locked-in, as appropriate, in order to remove exchange rate risk.

2. A prepaid margin of €0.53 billion was deducted from the loan of €4.19 billion drawdown on 1 February 2011 giving a net liability of €3.67 billion. This margin prepayment will be refunded to Ireland in 2016. The total liability of €50.46 billion included in the National Debt (€130.1 billion at 15th June 2012) takes account of this reduction.

3. Short Term EFSF Funding of €1.48 billion maturing in 2012 is due to be replaced by longer term funding at a floating interest rate. The EFSF loan of €1.27bn maturing in 2015 is also subject to rollover at a floating rate.

4. The EFSF funding provided to Ireland under pooled issuance comes from a variety of fundings, and the EFSF will confirm the interest rate cost related to each loan coming from the pool on every interest payment date.

5. The Interest rates on the UK bilateral loans are subject to a reduction pending the signing of an amendment to the legal agreement. The reduction is estimated, at this stage, to be about 1.5%. Rate shown is an annualised rate.

6. The current rate on the Denmark bilateral loan is 1.787%. This rate resets every 3 months and is due to do so on 29th June 2012. Similarly, the Sweden bilateral loan is a floating rate loan which resets every 3 months. The current rate of 1.337% applies for a 2 week initial period.

7. The interest rate charged by the IMF is variable. It is composed of a weekly setting of the IMF SDR interest rate and surcharges which are volume and time dependent. As of 25 June 2012 the SDR interest rate accruing on Ireland's IMF loans is 0.12% and the surcharges are 2.50% making a total of 2.62%.

Health Insurance

Niall Collins

Question:

164 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that increasing costs of private health insurance is now a major concern for multi-national corporations and has the potential to negatively impact future foreign direct investment decisions and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30331/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Neither I nor the Central Bank have any role in relation to this matter. The decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for the companies concerned based on the assessment of the risks involved. The Deputy may wish to draw his concerns to the attention of the Health Insurance Authority.

National Asset Management Agency

Pearse Doherty

Question:

165 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance following on from reports that suggests that, after taking credit default insurance into account, Bank of Ireland will not make any profit on the arrangement whereby it replaces the funding provided by the National Asset Management Agency to the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in order to satisfy the promissory note commitment that fell due in March 2012, if he will confirm if NAMA made a profit on its part in the arrangement; and the amount spent by NAMA on credit default insurance. [30418/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised that NAMA did not take out credit default protection against the short-term financing facility. I am also advised that for the duration of the short-term financing facility between NAMA and IBRC, NAMA received a rate of return of 2.35%, which was above its interest cost on its NAMA Senior Bonds. The difference represents the agency's profit in relation to this transaction.

In relation to Bank of Ireland, as the deputy may be aware I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the bank, which include these matters. These decisions are taken by the board and management of the institution.

State Banking Sector

Pearse Doherty

Question:

166 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the credit default insurance that Bank of Ireland has announced that it is putting in place in respect of the arrangement to provide a loan of one year to the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in order to satisfy the promissory note commitment that fell due in March 2012, is provided by a party related to either Bank of Ireland or its principal shareholders. [30419/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am not aware of any such announcement. As the Deputy will be aware, risk management policies and actions are a matter for the Management and Board of the Bank of Ireland. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the bank, which include these matters. These decisions are taken by the board and management of the institution.

Credit Unions Regulation

David Stanton

Question:

167 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 18 April 2012, the progress that has been made in his Department’s preparation of reformed credit union legislation; when he intends to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30467/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Credit Union Bill 2012 is to be published during Q3 2012 in accordance with the modified structural benchmark under the EU-IMF Programme. The General Scheme of the Bill was considered by the Government at its meeting earlier today and the intention is to publish the General Scheme this week and to refer it to the Joint Committee on Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

168 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30479/12]

John Deasy

Question:

171 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30604/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

178 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30821/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168, 171 and 178 together.

My Department does not have a redeployment pool.

Public Sector Pay

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

169 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on reports that the State’s pay and pensions bill for public servants has fallen by just €134 million or 0.8% this year, despite the claims that the Croke Park Agreement had saved more than half a billion euro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30529/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Any matters relating to the remuneration and pensions of public servants are dealt with by colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Tax Reliefs

Simon Harris

Question:

170 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance if he will enumerate and detail, in tabular form, the current taxation breaks and exemptions that apply to producers and designers of video games; his plans to extend these initiatives, introduce new initiatives and tax breaks; the timeframe he envisages tabling these proposals; their likely impact on the video games industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30582/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Although there are no specific tax reliefs for video games producers, a broad range of tax reliefs are available for which video games producers could qualify. Some of these are detailed below.

The Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) is available to the majority of trades, including video game producers. Under this scheme, companies can raise up to €2.5 million per annum, subject to a lifetime limit of €10 million. Investors will receive an initial 30% relief on their investment, with the possibility of a further 11% relief at the end of the holding period where the company has increased employment or spent at least 30% of the funding raised on research and development.

The Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) is designed to reduce the cost to employers of assigning key individuals in their companies from abroad to take up positions in the Irish based operations of their employer. The programme provides for an exemption from income tax on 30% of salary between €75,000 and €500,000 for employees that are assigned for a minimum of 1 year. The exemption is available for a maximum of 5 years. The scheme has been introduced for an initial three-year period ending on 31 December 2014, in order to allow for review. Any assignee that avails of the scheme during this time will have access to the relief for the period of their assignment, up to the maximum 5 years.

A scheme was introduced in Budget 2009 which 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 Bill 2012 extends this scheme for the next three years to include start-up companies which commence a new trade in 2012, 2013 or 2014.

Digital games are essentially software development and would already be a field of science and technology for the purposes of the R&D tax credit scheme. Relevant R&D expenditure on games should already qualify under the existing terms of the tax credit scheme, provided any specific games development achieves scientific or technological advancement and involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty.

The first €100,000 of qualifying R&D expenditure benefits from the 25% R&D tax credit on a volume basis. The tax credit continues to apply to incremental R&D expenditure in excess of €100,000 as compared with such expenditure in the base year 2003. The outsourcing limits for sub-contracted R&D costs are the greater of 5 or 10% as appropriate or €100k. Companies in receipt of the R&D credit have the option to use a portion of the credit to reward key employees who have been involved in the development of R&D.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 168.

State Banking Sector

Billy Timmins

Question:

172 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that worked in the former Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society, before the rationalisation and name change to Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; the number that currently work in IBRC; the changes if any that have been made and the pay and conditions of the employees in IBRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including the management of staff members and structures generally. I have been informed by the bank that since nationalisation there has been a c. 65% reduction in total headcount (excluding NAMA servicing unit) in the combined Anglo Irish Bank and INBS organisations from close to 2,250 in January 2009 to 785 at the end of May 2012. IBRC also employs 271 staff in its NAMA servicing unit (of which 170 are front line NAMA loan servicing staff and the remainder, allocated support staff). As part of this reduction the bank has informed me that there has been an extensive restructuring and streamlining of the management structures in IBRC.

In terms of remuneration, the bank has informed me that a 20% reduction was applied to the salaries of executive management in the former Anglo Irish Bank immediately post-nationalisation. Impacted individuals have since left the Bank, and the entire executive of the Bank has been renewed. Since nationalisation in January 2009 the Bank has pursued a policy of exerting downward pressure on headcount and remuneration packages generally across the Bank.

The bank has further informed me that the total remuneration paid to the top 50 individuals in the organisation in 2009 has reduced by c.15% to date. In addition, total staff costs in the organisation have reduced by 48% from the end of the financial year 2008 to the end of 2011 and this includes 6 months of additional cost resulting from the merger with INBS in 2011.

The Board of the bank has also considered further reductions in pay levels for individual staff and informed me that a decision has been reached not to implement cuts at this time. It should also be noted that IBRC does not operate a performance-based incentive plan to retain these individuals throughout the remaining wind-down period of the entity. The decision not to pursue further pay cuts is, I am informed, based on the need to retain staff which is integral the successful delivery of the Bank's asset recovery programme. The Board has also informed me that the position in relation to remuneration generally will be kept under review.

Ministerial Meetings

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

173 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason for his attendance at the Bilderberg Conference; the names of the persons with whom he had bilateral meetingswith at the conference and the nature of their discussions; the business generated for Ireland from the conference and if there were notes taken at these meetings, if these will be available under a Freedom of Information Act request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30664/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I attended the Bilderberg meeting in Westfield Marriot, Chantilly, Virginia, USA, from 1 to 3 June 2012. I, like a number of my European colleagues (both Ministers and EU Commissioners), was invited to attend given my position as Minister for Finance. I travelled alone and the total cost associated with my travel and accommodation came to €4,358.33.

For further information, I would point Deputies to the Bilderberg Meetings website (www.bilderbergmeetings.org), which includes information on the organisation’s governance, steering committee, meetings and associated press releases.

At this meeting and its workshops I took the opportunity to set out to my fellow attendees the opportunities that exist in Ireland for investors and multinational companies. I also outlined the significant progress Ireland is making in restoring stability and growth to the economy.

The Government is focussed on encouraging as much investment as possible into Ireland and over recent months we have seen the strong level of inward investment in our economy and have seen the announcement of over 1,000 jobs per month from Foreign Direct Investment so far this year. I would point out to Deputies that a number of the business attendees represent companies which have very significant investments in Ireland that support thousands of Irish jobs.

Tax Collection

Dan Neville

Question:

174 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of outstanding liabilities in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [30770/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the outstanding liabilities for the taxpayers in question are:

2009 Income Tax outstanding in the sum of €1,128.32 in accordance with the notice of assessment to income tax, which issued on 30/05/2012. (Liability per the notice of assessment €13,902.32 less tax paid €12,774.00 balance due €1,128.32).

2010 Income tax outstanding in the sum of €762.30 in accordance with the notice of assessment to income tax, which issued on 30/05/2012. (Liability per notice of assessment €11,542.52 less tax paid €10,780.22 balance due €762.30).

EU-IMF Programme

Michael McGrath

Question:

175 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current repayment schedule and interest rate applicable for each tranche of loans under the EU-IMF programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30779/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Under Ireland's EU-IMF Programme, which is due to expire at the end of 2013, a total of €67.5 billion in loans will be provided from EU facilities, bilateral loans and the IMF. At the 15th of June 2012, Ireland's liabilities under the EU/IMF Programme amount to €51 billion.

In relation to the current repayment schedule and interest rate applicable for each tranche of loans under the EU-IMF programme, the table below, supplied by the NTMA, provides the information for all amounts outstanding as at 15th June 2012.

Table 1: Liabilities outstanding at 15th June 2012 under the EU/IMF Financial Assistance Programme

Lender	Nominal Loan Amount1	Date of Draw Down	Maturity Date	Term from Date of Drawdown	Interest Rate
European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM)	€5.00 billion	12-Jan-11	04-Dec-15	4.9 yrs	2.50%
	€3.40 billion	24-Mar-11	04-Apr-18	7 yrs	3.25%
	€3.00 billion	31-May-11	04-Jun-21	10 yrs	3.50%
	€2.00 billion	29-Sep-11	04-Sep-26	14.9 yrs	3.00%
	€0.50 billion	06-Oct-11	04-Oct-18	7yrs	2.38%
	€1.50 billion	16-Jan-12	04-Apr-42	30.2yrs	3.75%
	€3.00 billion	05-Mar-12	04-Apr-32	20.1yrs	3.38%
EFSM Total	€18.40 billion			11.8yrs weighted average life
European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)	€4.19 billion2	01-Feb-11	18-Jul-16	5.5 yrs	2.75%
	€3.00 billion	14-Nov-11	04-Feb-22	10.2yrs	3.60%
	€1.27 billion	12-Jan-12	04-Feb-15	3.1yrs	1.73%3
	€0.48 billion	19-Jan-12	19-Jul-12	0.5yrs	0.37%3
	€1.00 billion	15-Mar-12	23-Aug-12	0.4yrs	0.29%3
	€2.80 billion	03-Apr-12	03-Apr-37	25yrs	Floating Rate4
EFSF Total	€12.74 billion			10.1yr weighted average life
United Kingdom Bilateral Loan5	€0.50 billion	14-Oct-11	14-Apr-19	7.5yrs	4.72%
	€0.50 billion	30-Jan-12	30-Jul-19	7.5yrs	4.29%
	€0.50 billion	28-Mar-12	28-Sep-19	7.5yrs	4.44%
UK Total	€1.50 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
Sweden Bilateral loan6	€0.15 billion	15-Jun-12	15-Dec-19	7.5yrs	Floating 3 mths Euribor +1%
Sweden Total	€0.15 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
Denmark Bilateral Loan6	€0.10 billion	30-Mar-12	30-Sep-19	7.5yrs	Floating 3 mths Euribor +1%
Denmark Total	€0.10 billion			7.5yrs weighted average life
International Monetary Fund7	€6.040 billion	18-Jan-11	Amortising: 18 Jul 2015-18 Jan 2021
	€1.699 billion	18-May-11	Amortising: 18 Nov 2015-18 May 2021	4.5 -10 yrs	Floating Rate
	€1.589 billion	07-Sep-11	Amortising: 07 Mar 2016-07 Sep 2021
	€3.987 billion	16-Dec-11	Amortising: 16 Jun 2016-16 Dec 2021
	€3.357 billion	29-Feb-12	Amortising: 31 Aug 2016-28 Feb 2022
	€1.435 billion	15-Jun-12	Amortising: 15 Dec 2016-15 Jun 2022
IMF Total	€18.11 billion			4.5 — 10yrs
Overall Total	€51.0 billion2			9.7yrs weighted average life

Notes

1. Non-euro liabilities are translated into euro at the rates of exchange at 15th June 2012. The net euro amount received by the Exchequer was €49.4 billion after adjustment for below par issuance and deduction of a prepaid margin (Note 2), and also reflect the effect of foreign exchange transactions. Non-euro liabilities have been locked-in, as appropriate, in order to remove exchange rate risk.

2. A prepaid margin of €0.53 billion was deducted from the loan of €4.19 billion drawdown on 1 February 2011 giving a net liability of €3.67 billion. This margin prepayment will be refunded to Ireland in 2016. The total liability of €50.46 billion included in the National Debt (€130.1 billion at 15th June 2012) takes account of this reduction.

3. Short Term EFSF Funding of €1.48 billion maturing in 2012 is due to be replaced by longer term funding at a floating interest rate. The EFSF loan of €1.27bn maturing in 2015 is also subject to rollover at a floating rate.

4. The EFSF funding provided to Ireland under pooled issuance comes from a variety of fundings, and the EFSF will confirm the interest rate cost related to each loan coming from the pool on every interest payment date.

5. The Interest rates on the UK bilateral loans are subject to a reduction pending the signing of an amendment to the legal agreement. The reduction is estimated, at this stage, to be about 1.5%. Rate shown is an annualised rate.

6. The current rate on the Denmark bilateral loan is 1.787%. This rate resets every 3 months and is due to do so on 29th June 2012. Similarly, the Sweden bilateral loan is a floating rate loan which resets every 3 months. The current rate of 1.337% applies for a 2 week initial period.

7. The interest rate charged by the IMF is variable. It is composed of a weekly setting of the IMF SDR interest rate and surcharges which are volume and time dependent. As of 25 June 2012 the SDR interest rate accruing on Ireland's IMF loans is 0.12% and the surcharges are 2.50% making a total of 2.62%.

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

Question:

176 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has asked Allied Irish Bank to consider the wider economic implications of reports that the bank intends to raise its lending rates on a number of products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30783/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy will be aware, the Bank's policy in relation to lending rates is a matter for the management and board of the institution. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the banks, which include these matters. These decisions are taken by the board and management of the institution. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in the institution, I must ensure that the bank is run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis to ensure the value of the bank as an asset to the State, as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.

The Government and AIB are acutely aware of the social and economic impacts that any lending rate increases may have in the current environment. However, the bank has informed me that many of its lending products are currently priced below peers.

Tax Collection

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

177 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding old age pensioners who are in receipt of a private pension and a State pension; if the Revenue Commissioners will be seeking to backdate the tax liability, should there be one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30801/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as the Revenue Chairman stated before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform in January this year, Revenue is examining in detail the 2,500 highest risk cases which are those cases where there is a mismatch between the Department of Social Protection (DSP) pension information contained on Revenue's records and the pensions data supplied by the DSP and, the taxpayer's non-DSP income exceeds €50,000. These cases are being examined individually and, where appropriate, correspondence is issuing to the taxpayers concerned affording them a thirty-day period to provide full income and other details to the Commissioners.

I am advised that, from the analysis done to date, approximately 800 of the 2,500 cases have only been receiving a DSP pension since 2011 and consequently they will be liable for additional income tax for that year only. In other cases the question of the payment of income tax due for years prior to 2011 may arise and some DSP pension recipients have already finalised and paid income tax for back years. The Commissioners further advise that income tax may be due for a number of years, where, for example, an individual received Form 12 tax returns from Revenue for years prior to 2011 and did not complete and return these to Revenue and they were in receipt of a DSP pension during the years in question.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 168.

Motor Vehicle Registration

Sean Fleming

Question:

179 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the registration of quad bikes for use on a public road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30864/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that quad bikes manufactured for use on the road may be registered for vehicle registration tax purposes in the State provided that the application for registration is accompanied by an appropriate certificate of conformity issued by the manufacturer under Type Approval Directive 2002/24/EC (as amended). In the case of quad bikes previously registered in another Member State, the application for registration must be accompanied by the relevant vehicle registration document of that State.

The question of motor tax is a matter for the Minister of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

180 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30881/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The retirement lump sum is 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1.5 times pensionable remuneration. Lump sum superannuation benefits (i.e. retirement lump sums and all gratuities) are calculated by reference to pensionable remuneration and reckonable service. Pensionable remuneration is the aggregate of pensionable salary and pensionable emoluments.

In my Department in 2009, 34 staff members retired and received a total net value lump sum/gratuity (after deductions have been made) of €2,471,198.00 at an average of €72,682 per person. In 2010, 21 staff members retired in receipt of a net value lump sum/gratuity of €2,093,108.00 at an average of €99,672 per person. In 2011, 18 staff members retired in receipt of a net value lump sum/gratuity of €2,133,112.00 at an average of €118,506 per person. In the period to 21 June 2012, 13 staff members retired and received a net value lump sum/gratuity of €826,144.00 at an average of €63,550 per person.

The annual values shown include ISER cases where 10% only of lumps sum has been paid. The balances will fall due for payment as the payees involved reach their 60th birthdays.

Banking Sector Regulation

Michael McGrath

Question:

181 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he supports the concept of banking union across the eurozone and his views on how enhanced supervision of the banks at eurozone level will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30899/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy will be aware that the proposal for a banking union, first mooted by Commission President Barroso on 23 May, has developed over the last number of weeks in the context of the ongoing eurozone crisis, culminating in the paper on Economic and Monetary Union to be considered at this week's European Council meeting. One of the main proposals in the paper on Economic and Monetary Union relates to an integrated Financial Framework. The main elements are: a) an integrated system for the supervision of cross-border banks; b) a European deposit insurance scheme, and c) a European resolution scheme.

The President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, is due to present the report in close collaboration with the President of the European Commission, the Chair of the Eurogroup and the President of the European Central Bank at this week's European Council on 28 and 29 June to be attended by the Taoiseach. The general principles of the integrated Financial Framework and how enhanced supervision of the banks at Eurozone level will proceed will be discussed in the context of that report.

The creation of an integrated financial framework could be beneficial to Ireland but only if the impacts were to ease the burden of support the sovereign has provided to the banking sector. The Taoiseach will be addressing this further in the European Council debate.

In the case of a European deposit insurance scheme and also a European resolution fund, it would be important to Ireland that these funds are truly mutual and that there is no direct link to the sovereign in the future related to calls on these funds. For Ireland any mutualised bank resolution fund would only be of benefit if it applied retrospectively to cover the Irish bank recapitalisations.

In relation to an integrated system for the supervision of cross-border banks, the current role of the European Banking Authority is mainly to oversee the functioning and convergence of national supervisory systems. An integrated system of supervision could only be agreed on if it definitively breaks the link of the sovereign to the banking sector. Shared supervision should be complimentary to shared risk and mutualisation of debt.

Strategic Investment Fund

Michael McGrath

Question:

182 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the Strategic Investment Fund has raised capital in addition to the €250 million provided by the National Pensions Reserve Fund; his views on the purchase by the Strategic Investment Fund of a stake in a renewable energy company; if this will result in any significant new job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30900/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The purpose of the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) is to channel commercial investment from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) towards productive investment in the Irish economy. As well as money from the NPRF, the SIF will seek matching commercial investment from private investors and target investment in areas of strategic significance to the future of the Irish economy. I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency, as Manager of the NPRF, that the NPRF announced in November 2011 a commitment of €250 million to a new Irish infrastructure investment fund which is seeking up to €1 billion from institutional investors in Ireland and overseas and which will invest in infrastructure assets in Ireland, including assets designated for disposal by the Government and commercial State enterprises and also new infrastructure projects. The Irish Infrastructure Fund was established in 2011 by Irish Life Investment Managers, with AMP Capital appointed as the fund's discretionary investment manager and the NPRF as a cornerstone investor. The Fund will seek up to €1 billion from Irish and international investors and has already secured €300 million from the NPRF and other Irish institutional investors. Marketing of the Fund, which is potentially a source of significant new capital for investment in infrastructure projects in Ireland, to potential investors both in Ireland and globally commenced in the first quarter of 2012. The Agency has confirmed thatAMP Capital announced on 18 June 2012 the first investment by the Irish Infrastructure Fund following its acquisition of a majority stake in a portfolio of wind farms from Viridian Group. The NPRF’s commitment to the Irish Infrastructure Fund is part of the development of the Strategic Investment Fund,which will comprise a number of funds focused on sectors of strategic importance to the Irish economy including infrastructure, financing for SMEs and venture capital. The NPRF, as a commercial and cornerstone minority investor in these funds, will act as a catalyst for attracting third-party investors, thereby increasing the size of the overall investment in the Irish economy.

Courses Accreditation

Pearse Doherty

Question:

183 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on the report commissioned by him and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council on the nature of academic validation of five specific complementary therapies including acupuncture; and the criteria for identifying complementary therapies which warrant the academic validation of programmes by HETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30374/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) have informed my Department that the report in question is at an advanced stage of preparation. HETAC hopes to publish the report in the near future. The report will address issues relating to the academic validation of programmes of education and training in complementary therapies.

School Closures

Alan Farrell

Question:

184 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer of the closure of a primary school on any given school day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30520/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The minimum number of teaching days per school year at primary level is 183 full school days. Schools have local flexibility in determining how they make up the required number of teaching days, subject to adherence to the agreed standardisation in relation to the mid-term, Christmas and Easter breaks. Any additional days on which a school closes within this overall framework are a matter for the Board of Management of each school.

School authorities also have discretion in relation to the need for exceptional school closures whether this arises from adverse weather, failure of heating or water system or other unforeseen reason. In general, a school closure due to unforeseen circumstances should be compensated for later in the school year.

In the event that it is not possible to subsequently make up for such a school closure, the costs to the Exchequer will primarily relate to the school's staffing costs and this will depend on the size of the school in question.

Third Level Grants

Martin Heydon

Question:

185 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any grants or scholarships available from his Department to fund Irish students who travel abroad to obtain qualifications that are not available here but which qualification would be beneficial to the Irish health system when completed as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31013/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications is a matter for the central grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).

Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme. Students who are attending undergraduate courses in an EU Member State, can apply for a maintenance grant in respect of an approved course which is being pursued in an approved institution. The student grant scheme does not extend to postgraduate courses pursued outside of Ireland.

The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. For example, from the details supplied it is not clear if the course to be pursued is at undergraduate or postgraduate level or if it will be pursued in an approved institution for grant purposes.

The student is advised to submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI via studentfinance.ie to have her eligibility for grant assistance assessed. Further information on the student grant is available on the studentfinance.ie website.

Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

There are no grants or scholarships available from the Department of Health in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs

Terence Flanagan

Question:

186 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding cutbacks in special needs assistant services in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30278/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Firstly I wish to clarify for the Deputy that there is no overall reduction in Special Needs Assistant (SNA) numbers for the coming school year. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports including Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support, to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.

SENOs are currently notifying schools of their SNA allocation for 2012/13, based on the number of valid applications received and the extent of the care needs of qualifying children.

SNAs should be deployed by schools in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie.

Third Level Grants

Willie Penrose

Question:

187 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any grants available to students who wish to pursue PhDs in their particular disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30347/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Students entering postgraduates courses who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270 under the Student Grant Scheme. A further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. The new income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2012/13 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.

Following the changes introduced in Budget 2012 new students entering postgraduate courses, from the 2012/13 academic year onwards, will not be entitled to maintenance payments under the Student Grant Scheme. Postgraduate students continuing on their existing courses will not be affected.

In addition to the above means-tested supports, this year my Department is providing some €38 million to support research activities across a range of programmes, including schemes managed by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET). These schemes specifically focus on providing funding support to postgraduate students and early-career post doctoral fellows. The closing date for applications for postgraduate scholarships for the 2012/2013 academic year is now closed. A call for applications for the 2013/2014 academic year will issue towards the end of this year.

The Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees.

Schools Building Projects

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

188 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the need for an extension to replace prefabs at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if this school is classified as having a catchment in a developing area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30351/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy may be aware, my priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil increases in the future. The 5 Year Plan that I announced in March last as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs.

To cater for the demographic demand at primary level in the area referred to by the Deputy, a new primary school will be established in 2013. This is in addition to a number of extension projects at schools in the area which were included in the March announcement to meet projected demographic demand.

While the proposed project at the school will not provide for new demographic need, it will replace the school's existing temporary accommodation. The next step to progress the project involves the appointment of a design team and the commencement of architectural planning.

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.

School Patronage

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

189 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if legislation will be needed to implement the recommendations of forum on patronage and pluralism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30354/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Deputy will be aware that I outlined my official response to the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism on the 20th June.

I announced my intention to commence the divesting of patronage process immediately in an initial 44 identified areas. The first step in this process is to gather evidence on the scale of divestment required in the identified areas. Parental surveys are to commence in the autumn. The New Schools Establishment Group's remit will be expanded to support the divesting process.

I also announced that I have decided that there should be a public consultation process on the findings and recommendations in the report with regard to promoting more inclusiveness in schools, particularly in "Stand Alone Schools" where transfer of patronage is not an option. A formal call for submissions will issue in September with a deadline for receipt of submission of end November.

After this, the Forum Report findings and recommendations in this area and the submissions received will be considered in the preparation of a White Paper which will chart the way forward taking account of the views expressed with the aim of having a final draft White Paper prepared by early 2013.

I will also be asking the NCCA to explore, with the education partners and religious interests, the development of Education about Religions and Beliefs and Ethics programmes. The inclusive processes of the NCCA will allow an opportunity for all interested parties, including faith and non-faith interests to have their views taken into account as to the place of such programmes.

The Advisory Group made a number of recommendations concerning the provision of Irish medium schools and I have decided to proceed immediately with the analysis of the start-up and growth of Irish medium schools as proposed by the Advisory Group. This analysis will inform future policy development in this area.

Any legislative issues which arise will be dealt with as implementation of the above actions advance.

School Denominations

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

190 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have changed their religious ethos in each of the past ten years, and for each school that changed their ethos if he will provide the information on the ethos they changed from and the ethos they changed to; their location; their patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30355/12]

Regina Doherty

Question:

224 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the number of schools for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 who have changed religious denomination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30862/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 224 together.

The information sought by the Deputies is not readily available. However, it will be compiled and forwarded directly to the Deputies as soon as possible.

Third Level Grants

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

191 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the separate review of the nationality requirements in respect of third level maintenance support for students will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30368/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The review of the nationality requirements referred to by the deputy is currently being prepared by officials in my Department and is due to be submitted to me shortly.

School Accommodation

John McGuinness

Question:

192 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will present an up to date report on plans for new school accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the school authority regarding the accommodation needs of the school to which he refers and is awaiting a response from the school on the queries raised.

Clare Daly

Question:

193 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he proposes to deal with the accommodation problems in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin with regard to the condition of the prefabs; if a cost-benefit analysis has been conducted on the costs of repairs and replacements instead of a preplacement permanent building; and when a permanent building may be expected. [30431/12]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

201 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the report conducted by an engineer from his Department on the integrity of the floors at a school in North County Dublin (details supplied); if any recommendations that been made in this report and the actions he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30567/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 201 together.

The temporary accommodation, referred to by the Deputy, was considered to be in good condition and well maintained when acquired by my Department. In the period since the purchase, my Department was advised by the school of issues with the accommodation. A technical assessment has been carried out recently by Department staff and the report in the matter is being considered. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities shortly in this regard.

Services for People with Disabilities

Tom Hayes

Question:

194 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on an application for an Irish sign language interpreter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30449/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Fund for Students with Disabilities provides support to students with disabilities in further and higher education and is managed by the HEA on behalf of my Department. Typical supports for which funding is approved include assistive technology, academic or learning support, personal assistance and Irish Sign Language interpretation.

A number of years ago, the HEA introduced an early application deadline, typically in August, to facilitate an early decision on applications from further education colleges, on the basis that courses begin in September. This early application round has improved the timescales for responses to applications for further education colleges.

The college referred to by the Deputy has been advised to make an early application for the relevant assistance on behalf of the student.

The HEA endeavours to assess all applications as promptly as possible and continues to liaise with colleges directly on an ongoing basis to provide updates on the progress of applications, particularly where a high level of support is requested.

The student referred to by the Deputy should maintain contact with the college, which will keep her informed of the progress on her application for an ISL Interpreter.

Further Education and Training Programmes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

195 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider organising a working group of all professionals involved in the training, funding and assessment of barbers with a view to reducing bureaucracy and improving the throughput of barbers through the training system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30457/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy will be aware the Further Education and Training sector is undergoing major structural reform. The creation of the new further education and training authority, SOLAS, to replace FÁS, will facilitate a coherent integrated strategic national response across the further education and training sectors. The new SOLAS mandate will be to ensure the provision of 21st century high-quality further education and training programmes to jobseekers and other learners.

Preparations are also currently being made for the amalgamation of FETAC with HETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) into the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI).

I consider that these major structural reforms will deliver an appropriate oversight structure for the Further Education and Training sector, as a whole, and therefore do not propose to establish a group to consider the position of barbers.

State Examinations

Billy Timmins

Question:

196 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding reasonable accommodation access to a scribe for State examinations when a person is not dyslexic but is a slow writer and feels that they need the help of a scribe; the assistance that is available or the way they qualify for a scribe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30460/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. They have in place criteria for reasonable accommodation including an independent appeals system. All applications for reasonable accommodations are considered in light ofa published Framework of Principles as set out by the Expert Advisory Group onexaminations.

The State Examinations Commission provides a range of measures to facilitate candidates with particular needs. These include the provision of readers and scribes, the production of modified papers; brailed and enlarged papers; use of tape recorders and personal computers; and exemption of waivers in respect of particular components. Some of these measures require the establishment of special examination centres.

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

School Completion Programme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

197 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of his statement that the schools selected under the five year plan were prioritised on demographic needs if he will give details of the provision that has been made for schools not selected who were advancing in the process in which there was a basis of demographic need but whose facilities now pose a health and safety issue, in particular a school (details supplied) in County Cork who have completed stage 2b, they were not selected but have six portacabins and a waste treatment plant not fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30465/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Stage 2(b) submission (Detailed Design) was submitted to my Department in May and is currently under review.

Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in future years.

However, due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements it has not been possible to advance all school building projects concurrently.

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.

In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question might qualify for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website atwww.education.ie.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

198 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30477/12]

John Deasy

Question:

203 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30602/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

222 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30819/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198, 202 and 203 together.

The Public Service Agreement 2010-14 (Croke Park Agreement) provides for agreed redeployment arrangements to apply in most parts of the public service, and for these arrangements to take precedence over other methods of filling vacancies.

In the Education sector new redeployment procedures for second level teachers were implemented in advance of the 2011/2012 school year resulting in the elimination of a surplus of some 200 teachers. 62 teachers at post primary level were surplus to requirements this year and have been successfully redeployed in advance of the commencement of the 2012/13 school year.

Redeployment procedures at primary level were implemented in advance of the 2011/12 school year with some 950 surplus teachers re-deployed. A total of 463 primary teachers were surplus to requirements this year and to date 395 have been redeployed to other schools or were assigned to new permanent or fixed term vacancies in their own school. Accordingly, there are currently 68 teachers at primary level awaiting re-deployment and it is anticipated that all of these teachers will be redeployed in advance of the 2012/13 school year.

Furthermore, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) has put in place a system of Resource/Redeployment Panels to support the redeployment processes in those sectors, including the Education sector, agreed under the Public Service Agreement. This system is utilised to facilitate the re-deployment of staff (other than teachers and SNAs) in the Education sector. There are currently 26 staff from the Education sector on the Public Appointments Service (PAS) Redeployment panel pending their re-deployment to an alternative permanent position elsewhere in the public service. The maximum period of time that a person from the Education sector has been on the PAS resource panel awaiting permanent re-deployment is approximately 10 months.

Billy Timmins

Question:

199 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding quantity surveyors in his Department; if there are vacancies for such positions; and if so, the way in which a person can apply for such positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30502/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

There are currently five Senior Quantity Surveyors assigned to the School Planning and Building Unit of my Department that are engaged on the Schools Capital Building Programme. There are no plans to recruit additional Quantity Surveyors at this time.

In the event such a fillable vacancy arises at my Department the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which was established under the terms of the Public Service management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, would be contacted in order to establish if there was an official on the Redeployment Panel that could be assigned to the vacant position. In the event this does not address the matter the PAS would then be requested to conduct a recruitment competition on behalf of my Department.

Pension Provisions

Jim Daly

Question:

200 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills when payment of pension entitlements will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30565/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Processing of the person's application for pension benefits is now at an advanced stage. It is intended that payment of the pension and gratuity will issue from my Department on 5th July next.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 193.

School Patronage

Shane Ross

Question:

202 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the administration of the block grant by the State Examinations Commission; if the grant for all children attending a minority faith school, regardless of the child’s faith, is paid to the SEC; if this is the case, to then determine the reason majority faith families are excluded from applying for a grant to the SEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30572/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I assume it was the Deputy's intention to refer to the Secondary Education Committee rather than the State Examinations Commission.

There are 26 distinctively Protestant schools and one Jewish school. Of these schools, the Jewish school and 20 of the Protestant schools charge fees. Many of the schools have a boarding facility, reflecting the dispersed nature of the communities across the country. The six Protestant schools within the free education scheme receive the same funding as all other schools within the free education system.

This Government recognises the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant or reformed church background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

With regard to the fee-charging Protestant schools, an arrangement exists whereby funding is paid to the Secondary Education Committee, an organisation run by the churches involved in managing the schools. The Secondary Education Committee then disburses funds to the Protestant fee-charging schools on behalf of pupils who would otherwise have difficulty with the cost of boarding fees and who, in the absence of such financial support, would be unable to attend a second level school of a reformed church or Protestant ethos. Funding amounts to €6.5 million annually. There are no changes proposed in respect of the Protestant block grant.

The mechanism used to calculate the funding is no longer linked to the number of students attending these schools, rather it is based on an assessment of the needs to address the needs of children of minority faiths who wish to attend of a reform church or Protestant ethos.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 198.

School Staffing

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

204 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the projected enrolment numbers for September 2012 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the number of teachers including resource teachers and other learning support available to the school for the school term 2012/2013. [30616/12]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

205 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the projected enrolment numbers for September 2012 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the number of teachers including resource teachers and other learning support available to the school for the school term 2012/2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30617/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

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 schedule for the 2012-2013 school year, Circular 0007/2012, is available on my Department's website.

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. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012.

The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Third Level Grants

James Bannon

Question:

206 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the up-to-date position in relation to a payment of a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, for the completion of a full-time course in beauty therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30622/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Officials of my Department contacted the awarding authority concerned and I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy has received her grant instalments for the past 4 months March, April, May and June.

Teacher Training

Jim Daly

Question:

207 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that were made by maths and physics graduates to the postgraduate applications centre to complete a professional diploma in education; the number that were selected for the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30636/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Postgraduate Applications Centre is a private company which acts as an agent of the four National Universities of Ireland to process and assess applications to the PDE courses in those institutions.

The PAC has supplied the information requested as follows:

	Maths	Physics
Approximate No. of applications	355	75
Approximate No. of places accepted	50	26

Teacher supply is a matter that is kept under review by my Department in consultation with the Teaching Council.

Special Educational Needs

Jack Wall

Question:

208 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Kildare will not receive a special needs assistant when entering school in September 2012. [30651/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports including resource teaching and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support, to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.

All schools had been advised to apply to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012 and schools are currently being notified by SENOs of their resource teaching and SNA allocation for 2012/13, based on the number of valid applications received and, in the case of SNA support, the extent of the care needs of qualifying children.

SNAs should be deployed by schools in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie.

Brendan Smith

Question:

209 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he, his Department or the National Council for Special Education has carried out any analysis into the impact of the 15% cut to resource hours over the past year; the impact that this will have on children with low incidence special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30653/12]

Brendan Smith

Question:

210 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of resource hours provided to each pupil with low incidence special educational needs in the 2010/2011 academic year; the total amount of resource hours that will be provided to each pupil for 2012/2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30654/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

Firstly, I wish advise the Deputy that there is no overall reduction in Resource Teaching numbers for the coming school year.

Overall, 9,950 posts will be provided for Resource Teaching support for the 2012/13 school year, the same number as that provided for last year and an increase of 350 over that provided for in 2010.

5,500 of these posts are available to the NCSE for allocation for pupils with assessed low incidence special educational needs. This number cannot be exceeded under the Employment Control Framework (ECF).

For the 2011/12 school year an allocation of 90% of valid identified resource teaching allocations was made to schools by the NCSE to schools in order to provide schools with the majority of their allocation while preserving enough capacity to deal with all applications received and ensure that the Department of Education and Skills remained within ECF obligations.

The number of valid applications received by the NCSE for the 2012/2013 school year to date has risen marginally with rising enrolments in schools. Therefore, in order to ensure there are sufficient remaining posts to make allocations for late or emergency applications, while staying within the ECF, the NCSE will initially allocate 85% of assessed needs to schools.

This will ensure that there are a sufficient number of posts retained to make allocations for late or emergency applications, while staying within the ECF.

The total amount of resource hours provided to pupils with low incidence special educational needs in the 2010/11 school year was 122,670. This compares with 114,450 to date in the 2012/13 school year. In addition, the NCSE has a further 430 Whole Time Equivalent posts available to meet late or emergency applications that arise in primary and post primary schools during the 2012/13 school year. This will enable the NCSE to provide between 9,460 and 10,750 additional hours to meet such applications for the coming school year.

The allocation of resource hours in respect of individual pupils ranges from 180 minutes to 300 minutes per week in accordance with the category of disability as set out in my Department's Circular 02/05. This is the allocation which applied in the 2010/11 school year. The application of an 85% allocation in the 2012/13 school year is equivalent to 153 minutes to 255 minutes resource hours per week, in accordance with the category of disability set out in my Department's Circular 02/05.

Schools are being asked to make up any time lost through grouping of students and more effective management of teaching time, to ensure that every child who needs support can access support and are treated the same.

As such, schools have responsibility to monitor and utilise these resources to best support the needs of qualifying pupils, in accordance with my Departments guidance. Neither my Department nor the NCSE is in a position to monitor or analyse how schools use these resources.

Finally, I wish to assure the Deputy that it is my intention that resources available to my Department are utilised to optimum benefit to ensure the best possible outcomes for students with special educational needs. In this regard my Department is seeking advice from the NCSE on policy options for the allocation of these resources in future, with a view to ensuring that the most appropriate and efficient model is in place in the coming years.

Value for Money Reviews

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

211 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is intended to publish the value for money report on small schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30663/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

It is intended to publish the value for money review on small primary schools at the earliest possible date, which I expect will be shortly after the summer. I look forward to its completion and to discussing its outcomes and proposals with members of the House. Publication of the review report will help to inform our decision-making in relation to small primary schools.

School Curriculum

Regina Doherty

Question:

212 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider embedding information technology within the national school curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30732/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. This sets out the types of learning appropriate for students during the period of compulsory education, and provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT across the curriculum. Therefore, it is not time bound.

The overall implementation of ICT in schools is supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education which provides for extensive training and guidance for schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning.

To further support teachers in using ICT in the curriculum, the NCCA developed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the Primary School Curriculum: Guidelines for Teachers as a supporting document to the Primary School Curriculum 1999. The guidelines were launched by the Department of Education and Science (DES) in 2004.

I am currently leading the reform of the Junior Cycle. A Framework for the revised Junior Cycle has been prepared. It contains 24 Statements of Learning which students should experience. One of the Statements of Learning aims to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life".

The reform will also allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide a new opportunity for schools to progress the provision of short courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. Such courses could include software programming and coding, if a school so chooses.

Deontais Tríú Leibhéal

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

213 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an mbeadh saoránach Éireannach a fuair a chuid oideachais dara leibhéal i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá ach a d’fhreastail ar bhunscoil anseo in Éirinn, agus a bheidh críochnaithe ar scoil i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá i mbliana i dteideal deontais tríú leibhéal nó deontais táillí chun freastal ar chúrsa oideachais tríú leibhéal in Éirinn; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30748/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Chun bheith intofa ar dheontas mic léinn do bhliain acadúil ní mór duit bheith cónaitheach ar feadh 3 bliana ar a laghad as na 5 bliana díreach roimh an dáta ar a dtosnaíonn an bhliain staidéir sin, agus bheith ar chúrsa faofa in institiúid fhaofa.

Más rud é nach sásaíonn tú an riachtanas cónaitheachta in Éirinn, ach go bhfuil tú tar éis bheith i do chónaí i mBallstát eile den AE, sa Limistéar Eorpach Eacnamaíoch, nó san Eilbhéis ar feadh 3 bliana ar a laghad as na 5 bliana díreach roimh an dáta ar a dtosaíonn an bhliain staidéir sin, is feidir go mbeifeá intofa ar dheontas i leith táillí teagaisc amháin.

Is gnó don údarás dáfa deontas lena mbaineann é cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi intofacht duine ar dheontas mic léinn.

Tuigfidh an Teachta nach mbeadh sé indéanta agamsa a rá cé acu an gcáileodh mac léinn do dheontas nó nach gcáileodh, nó cén leibhéal deontais a bheadh cuí, in éagmais na sonraí ábhartha go léir a bheadh i bhfoirm iarratais duine, san áireamh sonraí maidir le náisiúntacht, cónaitheacht, gnóthachtáil acadúil roimhe sin, agus acmhainn.

School Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

214 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that schools with purchased prefabs have been excluded from the prefab replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce the reliance on rented prefabs in schools.

The Prefab Replacement Initiative announced in March 2012 deals with schools that have been renting prefabs over a number of years rather than those schools with solely purchased prefabs on site. It is expected that this initiative will achieve savings of up to €5m per annum on the rental of prefabs in the coming years.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

215 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the prefabs at a school (details supplied) in County Galway were purchased by his Department; if the school was consulted regarding their purchase; if it was realised at the time that their purchase would preclude them from the prefab replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30754/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In 2008, my Department undertook a review of the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. The review the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities.

In February 2011, the schools referred to by the Deputy were informed in writing and through discussions with officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department that better value for money could be achieved in the buy-out rather than rental of the existing prefab accommodation. All rented prefabs at the schools were purchased at that time.

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for this Government contains a commitment to reduce the reliance on rented prefabs in schools and this resulted in my announcement in March 2012 of a rental prefab replacement initiative.

I'm sure the Deputy will appreciate that the buy-out of rented prefabs at these schools took place prior to this announcement and it was not possible to anticipate the policy changes to tackle the issue of expenditure on rental of prefabs in schools at that time.

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

216 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will permit a school (details supplied) to proceed to stages four and five of the building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30755/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The schools referred to by the Deputy have an application with my Department for capital funding for a major school project. In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In the context of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, it is not possible therefore to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time.

Third Level Grants

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

217 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the guidelines pertaining to the 2012/2013 student grant scheme will be available on either the website of his Department, that of the local authority or that of the vocational education committees websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Student Grant Scheme and the Student Support Regulations for the 2012/13 academic year were published by my Department on the 11th June to coincide with the introduction of the single grant awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland or SUSI, and the new central online application system going live. The online application facility along with the guidelines pertaining to the 2012/13 Scheme are currently available onwww.studentfinance.ie as the single source of information for students. The studentfinance.ie website, provides a comprehensive source of information on financial support for further and higher education and it has all of the relevant information updated on a regular basis. In addition my own Department’s website contains all of the relevant information. The management of resources on both local authority and vocational education committees websites are a matter for each individual authority.

School Transport

Pearse Doherty

Question:

218 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements available for a person of a minority faith (details supplied) wishing to send their child to their nearest selected faith school which is more than 15 kilometres away. [30785/12]

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

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that it has no record of an application for school transport from the family referred to by the Deputy. In general, school transport eligibility is determined by reference to the distance children reside from their nearest primary/post primary school 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. The family in question should contact their local Bus Éireann office regarding school transport for the 2012/13 school year.

Departmental Programmes

Patrick Nulty

Question:

219 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the SOLAS implementation group was initially established; the number of times it has met since its establishment; if he will ensure that his Department's funding will be maintained at an increased level to cover SOLAS, taking into account the funding transferred from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30800/12]

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

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, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach, and a representative from the private training sector. The Group held its inaugural meeting in August 2011 and has met 12 times to date in order to drive the process forward. Funding in respect of FÁS was transferred to this Department 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 annual Estimates process.

School Accommodation

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

220 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a building either a new build or divested unit will be made available for the Portobello Educate Together, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30803/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy will be aware, on the 20th June I outlined an Action Plan in response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector. I also said that I broadly accept the recommendations on divestment made by the Advisory Group and I have requested that the process leading to divesting of patronage in areas of stable population begin immediately. The divesting process will involve the gathering of evidence by the Forward Planning Section of the Department of Education and Skills on the scale of divestment required in the identified areas. Parents will be given full information on the different types of schools and the different patron bodies. Surveys of parents will begin in the first identified areas in the autumn. Among the areas to be surveyed in this initial phase are the Dublin 4, 6 and 8 areas. The completed survey data of parental preferences will inform any divesting proposals in the areas.

Special Educational Needs

Seán Kenny

Question:

221 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will retain the three special needs assistants assigned to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30808/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports including resource teaching and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support, to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.

SENOs are currently notifying schools of their SNA allocation for 2012/13, based on the number of valid applications received and the extent of the care needs of qualifying children. It is important to note that a school's allocation of SNA support may alter from year to year as pupils enrol or leave a school or where a child's care needs have diminished over time. If a school is notified of a change in SNA support this is either because the number of qualifying children has changed or the assessed needs of the qualifying children have changed. The NCSE may only allocate SNAs to schools where valid applications meet the qualifying criteria.

SNAs should be deployed by schools in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available onwww.ncse.ie.

Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 198.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

223 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will set out in tabular form the number of staff who retired from the education sector in each year since 2009; the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30857/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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

Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 190.

Education and Training Boards

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

225 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria used in categorising the new educational and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30871/12]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

226 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the budgets of the new educational and training boards listed in descending order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30872/12]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

227 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the names of the educational and training boards in each category; the areas covered by each board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30873/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 227, inclusive, together.

My Department has not finalised budget proposals for the new Education and Training Boards. However, I expect that the new boards will be established early in 2013 and work on the budgets for each of the boards will be undertaken later this year. My Department published Circular 24/2012 on 19 June 2012 which detailed the categorisation of the new Education and Training Boards for the purposes of the pay scales applicable to Chief Executive Officers of these Boards. The categorisation is based on a proposal set out by the Labour Relations Commission.

The table below sets out the names of each of the new Education and Training Boards proposed in the draft scheme of the Education and Training Boards Bill, together with the geographical area covered by each of them and the categorisation of the new Education and Training Boards for the purposes of the pay scales applicable to Chief Executive Officers of these Boards.

Education and Training Board	Geographical Area Covered	Category
City of Dublin Education and Training Board	City of Dublin	Special Category
Cork Education and Training Board	City of Cork and Co. Cork	Category I
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board	Co. Dublin and Dun Laoghaire	Category I
Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board	Co. Kildare and Co. Wicklow	Category I
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board	City of Limerick, Co. Limerick and Co. Clare	Category I
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board	Co. Louth and Co. Meath	Category I
Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board	City of Waterford, Co. Waterford and Co. Wexford	Category I
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board	Co. Cavan and Co. Monaghan	Category II
Donegal Education and Training Board	Co. Donegal	Category II
Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board	City of Galway, Co. Galway and Co. Roscommon	Category II
Kerry Education and Training Board	Co. Kerry	Category II
Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board	Co. Kilkenny and Co. Carlow	Category II
Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board	Co. Laois and Co. Offaly	Category II
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board	Co. Longford and Co. Westmeath	Category II
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board	Co. Mayo, Co. Sligo and Co. Leitrim	Category II
Tipperary Education and Training Board	Co. Tipperary North and South	Category II

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

228 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30879/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the tabular statement.

Staff Retired from Department of Education and Skills from 2009 to 2012

Year	Number of retirees	Cost of lump sums paid
2009	56	€4.9 million
2010	29	€1.5 million
2011	26	€1.9 million
2012	41	€4.1 million

Special Educational Needs

John McGuinness

Question:

229 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of the July provision and funding for tuition at home for children with a disability, if he will confirm the changes that have been introduced to the scheme which prevent qualified teachers who are also parents of a qualifying child applying for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30896/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided in cases where parents have to source and fund a qualified teacher to undertake the tuition. The cost of home based tuition is then reimbursed to the parents by my Department.

It has never been an expressed feature of this scheme that parents of a qualifying child, whether they are qualified teachers or otherwise, would qualify to act as the tutor for the purposes of this scheme. The expectation that parents should source a third party tutor is clear from the terms and conditions provided to applicants. This year, my Department has, for clarification purposes, restated the requirement to source a teacher to deliver the home based provision. In exceptional circumstances where parents have exhausted all other options to secure a qualified teacher, approval may be considered. Requests for such exceptions will be considered by my officials on a case by case basis. My Department has taken these steps, this year, to ensure that the scheme is managed prudently and effectively. An important feature of the scheme is the Department's ability to satisfy itself that the tuition has been delivered in line with the conditions of the scheme and that the substantial grants paid are used for the intended purpose. This can only be fully achieved by parents verifying that the tuition was delivered and by Teachers verifying that they received the payments.

State Examinations

Seán Kyne

Question:

230 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of employing supervisors for the State examination and the numbers of successful applicants who were, immediately prior to undertaking the role, job-seeking or retired. [30903/12]

Seán Kyne

Question:

231 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the State of the correction of State examinations. [30904/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations, charging and collecting fees for examinations and applying such monies to the carrying out of its supervisory and correction functions. In view of this I have forwarded your queries to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

School Curriculum

Seán Kyne

Question:

232 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if guidelines exist for the teaching of English in Gaelscoileanna as circulars exist providing guidance on the teaching of Irish in English-medium schools; and if not, if such a guidance document can be prepared. [30905/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I do not have any plans at present to issue guidelines on the teaching of English in Gaelscoileanna specifically. My Department issued a Circular (56/2011) to primary schools regarding the implementation of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in November 2011 and this may be accessed on the website of my Department. This circular to primary schools covered issues relating to time for the teaching of literacy (in English and Irish), assessment and a number of other related issues. The Department will issue a similar Circular to post-primary schools shortly. The Circular to primary schools applied to all primary schools, including Gaelscoileanna. The Circular to post-primary schools will also apply to all schools.

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

Question:

233 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stage of a proposed building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project will proceed to the next stage; the timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30916/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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) and, when complete, the school will forward this submission to my Department for review. Assuming no issues arise, the project will then proceed to stage 2(b) which includes planning permission and the preparation of tender documents.

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 most future demographic growth will be concentrated. The project referred to by the Deputy will continue to progress through the design stages of architectural planning. 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.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

234 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will apply the €200,000 public service salary cap, which is the current salary for An Taoiseach, to all employees in the education sector; the number of public sector employees in the education sector whose salary and allowance currently exceed €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28656/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Deputy will be aware that the Government has decided that a salary ceiling of €200,000 will apply to future appointments to senior positions across the Public Service. Since becoming Minister I have written to the Chairpersons of University Governing Bodies requesting them to ask all relevant individuals, including Presidents, who earn in excess of €200,000, to make voluntary waivers of salary. While two individuals, one of whom is a university Head, have agreed to make personal arrangements with their employer regarding a deduction of the amount of salary over €200,000, there have been no voluntary waivers made for the benefit of the State. I cannot enforce a voluntary waiver nor can I insist that a waiver, if made, follows any particular format. For example, if an employee chooses to waive a portion of his/her salary in favour of a charity or their employer they are free to do so. Based on the most recent data available, there are 1,631 public servants in the Education Sector whose remuneration currently exceeds €100,000.

Educational Disadvantage

Micheál Martin

Question:

235 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he is ensuring that policies, in education in particular are socially inclusive and fair as outlined in the strategy statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27695/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The programme for Government clearly states that education is a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students. One of my Department's high level goals is to provide a quality inclusive school and early years' education system with improved learning outcomes. A key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the educational system for disadvantaged groups. Inclusion and fairness is at the core of all policies in education and in the delivery of measures across the education spectrum.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion remains my Department's policy instrument to address educational disadvantage which focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education. A sustained programme of investment in early childhood care and education is being implemented to ensure increased provision for children at this critical age.

"Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020" was launched in July 2011. The strategy stresses that developing good literacy and numeracy skills among all young people is fundamental to the life chance of each individual and essential to the quality and equity of Irish society. The strategy sets out a range of objectives and actions in relation to improving outcomes for students who are most marginalised and disadvantaged.

The intercultural education strategy is being implemented to assist in the creation of an intercultural, integrated and inclusive learning environment in all sectors of education. In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and the significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN. It is intended to give consideration to the development of a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act, subject to the restrictions of the current fiscal position, so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.

The principal objectives of further education programmes, which have a strong social inclusion element, are to meet the needs of young early school leavers, provide second-chance education for people who did not complete upper second level, and provide vocational preparation and training for labour market entrants and re-entrants. A wide range of actions to improve access to third level education are being progressed through the implementation of the national plan for equity of access to higher aducation (2008-2013).

My Department cooperates with other Government Departments and agencies where cross-departmental and inter-agency responses are required in the development and implementation of policies. The reform agenda for the education sector as set out in the programme for Government is also being progressed through my membership of key Cabinet committees — social policy, economic recovery and jobs, European affairs, Irish and the Gaeltacht and public sector reform.

Third Level Grants

Michael Moynihan

Question:

236 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to address the concerns regarding changes to the assessment of third level grant aid to students from a farming background; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28516/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced last December that the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year.

A dedicated Capital Asset Test implementation group has been established. The group has been charged with bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year.

No decision has been taken on the treatment of farm or other business assets. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to say at this time what assets may be included. However, any proposals in this regard will require further Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.

National Asset Management Agency

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

237 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will be applying the Freedom of Information Act in full to the National Asset Management Agency. [30488/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

It is planned to bring proposals to Government shortly to secure approval to draft amending Freedom of Information legislation. Extension of the remit of the Freedom of Information Act to include the National Asset Management Agency will be considered by Government in this context.

Oireachtas Pensions

Jim Daly

Question:

238 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the savings that would be achieved by the Exchequer if all pensions paid to retired Oireachtas Members were capped at €50,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30674/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The annual saving that would be achieved from capping pensions of former members of the Oireachtas (including former Ministers and office holders) at €50,000 is approximately €1.045 million per annum.

Flood Relief

Terence Flanagan

Question:

239 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a flood defence wall (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30435/12]

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

As advised in my reply to the Deputy's previous question in this matter on 11 January, 2012, the area concerned was assessed under the ongoing Fingal-East Meath Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. The draft Flood Risk Management Plan prepared as part of this study was put out to public consultation, which concluded on 30 January, 2012.

I understand that Fingal County Council is currently working with consultants, Halcrow Barry, to finalise the plan and the preferred option identified for Strand Road at draft plan stage is unaltered following the public consultation process. It would be a matter for Fingal County Council to bring forward proposals to implement the options identified in the plan.

In relation to the proposed works at Golf Links Road, the Office of Public Works (OPW) recently introduced revised criteria for coastal protection measures under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. On foot of the revised criteria, the OPW has written to all relevant local authorities requesting that they re-prioritise any outstanding funding applications for coastal protection measures and resubmit to the OPW for assessment under the new criteria.

Any revised application received for Golf Links Road will be assessed in accordance with the current criteria, the availability of resources for flood risk management and will also have regard to the outcome of the CFRAM study process.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

240 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30484/12]

John Deasy

Question:

244 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

249 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30826/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 244 and 249 together.

To date in my Department no positions have been identified as surplus to requirements and therefore no positions have been placed on a redeployment panel. Regarding agencies under the aegis of my Department, the Public Appointments Service has two positions available for redeployment on their panel since May 2012. In addition in the IPA, out of 15 positions identified for redeployment, there are only three still awaiting redeployment for the last two months.

The Public Appointments Service is responsible for reassigning positions from redeployment panels.

Management in my Department will continue to monitor and examine how resources are been deployed and whenever possible any surplus posts will be placed on the redeployment panel.

Departmental Appointments

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

241 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will be appointing a chief information officer in addition to forming a committee; and if members from professional bodies will be invited on to that committee. [30491/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The CMOD Division of my Department has a public service-wide brief with responsibility for researching, developing and implementing policies in the areas of technology, shared ICT services, eGovernment and telecommunications. It also operates as the sanctioning authority for ICT expenditure in the public service. It represents Ireland at EU level in relation to public service ICT and eGovernment. The Director of CMOD, at Assistant Secretary level, represents Ireland on the EU's Chief Information Officer (CIO) Network.

In November 2011, my Department established a Public Service CIO Council in accordance with our commitment in the Public Service Reform Plan. This CIO Council is chaired by the Director of CMOD and comprises a representative sample of the most senior and experienced ICT and eGovernment personnel in the public service. The purpose of the Council is to work with CMOD in developing ICT and eGovernment policies, procedures, principles and best practices for the public service, reflecting Government policies and supporting the reform programme. The Council discusses key ICT and eGovernment issues, and provides expert input to decisions and actions aimed at maximising the positive impact of these on public service modernisation and customer service. For example, since its establishment, the Council has assisted with the development of the new eGovernment Strategy which I published in April and with the development of a Cloud Computing Strategy which I hope to bring to Government in the coming weeks. The Council may also establish working groups to research and/or develop proposals/recommendations for specific topics or actions. The Council determines the composition, size, mandate, terms of reference and timelines for such working groups, subject to ethical safeguards and avoiding conflicts of interest. This would include engagement with industry, academia and professional bodies. Full details of the Council's membership and operation will be published on a new website for the Council shortly.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

242 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30571/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

My Department was established in July 2011 and I can confirm that no redundancy payments have made under the Croke Park Agreement to staff in my Department.

Departmental Properties

Shane Ross

Question:

243 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the construction work undertaken on Farmleigh House, Dublin, in the past five years; if he will provide the costs of each and any such work. [30573/12]

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

Farmleigh Estate comprises 78 acres and includes Farmleigh House, estate offices, various workshops, Farmleigh Gallery, the Cowshed Theatre, the Stewards House and various other lodges and buildings.

During the period 1 June 2007 to date, the construction projects at Farmleigh Estate included refurbishment works to the Motorhouse and the historic glasshouse in the walled garden and the construction of a new visitor car park.

The costs associated with these works in the period in question were:

Year	Amount €
2007	418,298.80
2008	289,032.41
2009	0.00
2010	51,524.00
2011	0.00
2012	0.00
Total	758,855.21

All the projects have been completed and no construction-related expenditure separate from an element of routine maintenance has been incurred during the last 12 months.

Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 240.

Civil Service Language Centre

Finian McGrath

Question:

245 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of the Civil Service Language Centre; the staffing and budget given to the Civil Service Language Centre for each of the past four years; the reason it has cut back the number and range of language courses it is offering in particular Chinese and Russian; if he will outline his strategic vision for increasing the capacity of the Civil Service to successfully engage internationally using such languages as Chinese, Russian and Portuguese; the way he sees the Civil Service Language Centre fitting into this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30751/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The strategic future direction of the Civil Service Language Centre (CSLC) is the subject of deliberations within my Department at present in consultation with the relevant interested parties. The context to this deliberative process is a reduction in the funding available for foreign language teaching and the ongoing requirement to ensure greater cost effectiveness in the delivery of staff in-service training of this nature. The foreign languages traditionally delivered by the CSLC to civil servants (including members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces) include modern European languages (French, German, Spanish Italian) and Irish Sign Language. Bespoke language training has also been provided to staff on the basis of the particular requirements of their employing organisation. Costs associated with the provision of this service, apart from administrative and incidental costs, derive from the salaries paid to the cohort of part-time teachers delivering the training programmes. Details for the period requested are as follows:

Year	Amount €
2009	€262,498.07
2010	€265,375.57
2011	€188,632.26
2012 to date	€103,478.86

Gaeleagras

Finian McGrath

Question:

246 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of Gaeleagras; the staffing and budget given to Gaeleagras for each of the past four years; the reason it has cut back its training activities including the summer Gaeltacht programme; his strategic vision for increasing the capacity of the Civil Service to conduct business through the Irish language and the way he sees Gaeleagras fitting into this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30752/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The strategic approach to how Gaeleagras can best achieve the delivery of its mandate is under active deliberation by my Department. The need to look closely at the way in which the services of Gaeleagras are delivered has arisen in the context of staff retirements as well as the need to examine more cost efficient ways of realising the objectives of this important Irish language service. These developments are also pertinent to the non availability of Irish language training programmes at present.

The civil service is fully committed to building the capacity of its staff to conduct their business through the medium of the Irish language and the deliberations currently underway in this connection are aimed at ensuring that objective.

The allocated budget for Gaeleagras for the period requested is as follows:

Year	Amount €
2009	€450,000
2010	€300,000
2011	€120,000
2012	€45,000

Sale of State Assets

Sean Fleming

Question:

247 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his assessment of the likely impact on investors demand for State assets from the ongoing eurozone crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30781/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The House will be aware from my announcement of22 February that the Government has decided to pursue the sale of a number of State assets. It is foreseen that transactions will commence in 2013. Under this State asset disposal programme, separate sale processes and timelines will apply to each individual transaction. My Department, supported by the NewERA unit of the National Treasury Management Agency, which is acting as the Government's financial advisor in respect of the programme, will evaluate market conditions on a continuous basis up to the launch of each transaction to ensure that likely market appetite is understood before any process is commenced. In this regard, I would point out that, despite ongoing turbulence in financial markets, transactions continue to complete across the Eurozone, including, for example, SSE's recent purchase of Endesa's Irish electricity generation assets.

Croke Park Agreement

Sean Fleming

Question:

248 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the projected increase in 2012 in respect of the combined public sector pay and pensions bill as compared to 2011 highlights a need for accelerated implementation of the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30782/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

Over the period 2009-2015 the cost of the Exchequer Pay Bill will reduce from a peak in 2009 of €17.5bn (gross) in 2009 to €13.7bn (net of Pension Related Deduction) in 2015, effecting a saving of €3.8bn. The pensions bill is estimated to increase from €2.6 to €3.1 billion (an increase of €0.5bn) in the same period as compared to the saving of €3.8 billion in pay costs. However, within that overall substantial decline, falls will be greater in some years than others depending on the rate of retirements etc. The forecast increase in the Pay and Pensions Bill for 2012 is accounted for by an increase of €285m in the Pension Bill which will exceed the expected reduction in the pay bill of €270m (gross) or €250m (net of Pension Related Reduction). Pension costs include the once off costs of superannuation lump sums payable under public service superannuation schemes (generally 1.5 times the annual rate of pensionable remuneration for full-length careers). Given the higher retirement rates of recent years, and particularly in the current year due to the expiry of the "Grace Period", these lump-sum pay outs will naturally tend to increase the annual pension cost out-turns.

The Implementation Body noted in its Second Annual Progress Report that the sustainability of the Agreement will be measured against its ability to accelerate the pace of change across the public service and its potential for extracting further Exchequer pay bill savings and non-pay administrative efficiency savings through the early implementation of key deliverables across sectors. It concluded that accelerating change now needs to occur across all public service bodies, in every sector, with an increased sense of urgency and that there is a need to go much further in this regard in view of the ongoing difficult circumstances facing the country. The Government would share this view.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 240.

Performance Management and Development System

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

250 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public service employees that have completed performance management development scheme assessments in 2011 by sector and if he will provide a breakdown of the scoring categories 5 to 1, in each sector. [30869/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

My Department collects data on the operation of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) in the Civil Service only. In this regard theAnnual Evaluation of PMDS for 2011 was concluded recently and showed that 77% of civil servants completed PMDS assessments. The distribution of ratings in 2011 is set out as follows.

Rating	% of staff
5	8
4	56
3	35
2	0.9
1	0.1

There has been an overall increase in PMDS completion rates since 2009. In that year, completion of PMDS was at 56%, rising to 69% in 2010 and to 77% in 2011.

The central aim of any performance management system is to support managers and employees in improving the performance of the individual and, in turn, the performance of the organisation.

The most important element of how effective performance management will be in an organisation is the skills and talent of line managers. My Department has developed a range of tools to support line managers in developing good management skills.

In addition to the skills of line management, it is also critical that the performance management system itself is designed in such a way as to support management and staff in delivering high performance levels. My Department carried out a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the performance management and development system used in the Civil Service in 2010.The Evaluation of PMDS Survey 2010 identified a number of problems with how PMDS is currently operating.

My Department has been working with management and unions, in accordance with commitments in Croke Park to strengthen performance management in the Civil Service, and has agreed changes to strengthen performance management.

In 2011 changes were introduced aimed at improving the operation of PMDS. This involved streamlining the paperwork associated with PMDS primarily to create space for more discussion about performance between staff and managers. Critically we are increasing manager accountability for managing performance by giving a low rating to managers who do not manage the performance of their staff proactively i.e. a manager who has not been managing their staff (including the completion of PMDS for their staff) should not get a rating above 2. My Department alongside management of the Civil Service and unions is now engaged in a process of identifying ways to improve more fundamental problems with PMDS.The Evaluation of PMDS Survey 2010 highlighted that one of the main underlying problems with PMDS is a perceived lack of fairness and consistency in the application of the system. In this regard, my Department is currently negotiating with the unions on further changes to PMDS aimed at improving fairness and consistency and the operation of PMDS from both a management and a staff perspective.

The ultimate aim of any changes to PMDS is to ensure that the PMDS system itself will support the improvement of individual and organisational performance across the Civil Service and that it is applied in a more fair and consistent manner.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

251 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30886/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

My Department was established on 6 July 2011 and since that date 23 staff have retired. The table below gives a breakdown for 2011 and for the period from 1 January 2012 to date. In accordance with the relevant superannuation scheme, on retirement staff are entitled to receive a lump sum payment, and the total paid out in respect of these payments in 2011 and 2012 is also included in the table.

Number for 2011	Numbers for 2012 at 26 June	Total of Lump Sum Payments
		2011	2012
6	17	656,611.65	2,036,322.31

Of the 23 staff who retired there was one Second Secretary, six Principal Officers or equivalent grades, nine Assistant Principal Officers, four Higher Executive Officers, 1 Staff Officer and 2 Clerical Officers.

Jobs Initiative

Michael McGrath

Question:

252 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the response to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 19 June, 2012, in which it was stated that he was responsible for accounting for the way sums of money raised in the jobs initiative have been spent, if he will provide a report accounting for the way in which the sums of money raised from the jobs initiative of May 2011 were spent in 2011; and the way they have been allocated to Departments for expenditure in 2012. [30917/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The Government intention in introducing theJobs Initiative 2011 was to focus our now more limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. The Jobs Initiative 2011 is one element of the Government’s wider and ongoing strategy to support economic activity. The aim is to target key sectors of the economy that can assist in getting people back to work, providing opportunities for those who have lost their jobs to re-skill and building confidence in order to encourage consumer activity. Given our commitments under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, and our current public finance difficulties, the Jobs Initiative 2011 was constructed to be budgetary neutral over the period to 2014. Funding of current expenditure measures announced in the Jobs Initiative is being met from a combination of re-prioritisation of existing resources and additional funding arising from the introduction of a temporary levy on pension funds. The total additional current expenditure to specified areas of €29 million in 2011 was to be funded by reallocations of €18 million from within existing current resources and €11 million from the introduction of the levy on pension funds in 2011. In a full year the total additional current expenditure to specified areas of €45 million was to be funded through €15 million of the additional expenditure from within existing resources and €30 million from the levy on pension funds.

Funding for Capital projects in theJobs Initiative provided an additional €30 million for labour intensive school works and associated works in 2011 over the existing allocation. Some €20 million of this was reallocated by the Minister for Education and Skills from within his own Department’s allocation. A further €10 million of Exchequer funding was provided to the Department from the proceeds of the new pension levy announced in the Initiative. This was allocated to “ready-to-go” projects to be delivered by schools.

The Initiative also provided for €60 million to be reallocated from within the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport's overall allocation to invest in our regional and local roads to carry out much-needed surface restoration and road reconstruction works. This important, remedial work allowed local authorities to bring forward important projects to 2011 that had previously been pushed back to 2012. A further €15 million was allocated to Smarter Travel projects.

€30 million was assigned to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, comprising of €19 million additional Exchequer funding as well as a reallocation of €11 million from within the existing 2011 allocation, for investment in the national retrofit, home energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes.

Individual Ministers and their Departments are responsible for the roll out of these expenditure programmes and should be in a position to provide further information if requested by the Deputy. Detailed expenditure allocations for voted expenditure in 2012 and the provisional outturns for 2011 have been published in theRevised Estimates for Public Services 2012.

Work Permits

Michael McGrath

Question:

253 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an appeal in respect of an employment permit application on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30277/12]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 10th April 2012 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. In this instance the salary advertised for the post was €30,000 but this did not correspond with the salary proposed for this application.

With regard to this application it was found that the position of non-ferrous buyer fell within the ineligible categories list of occupations that is publicly available on my Department's website. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal this decision within 21 days. An appeal was received on 25th April 2012 and this appeal will be processed very shortly.

Consumers Association of Ireland

Anne Ferris

Question:

254 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the Consumers Association of Ireland; if a subvention will be offered to the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30356/12]

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

The Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) is a non-government, independent and non-profit organisation. The Association, which is a registered charity, is mainly funded by subscriptions from its members and by the sale of its magazineConsumer Choice.

My Department has previously provided funding to the Association to support appropriate projects to assist in enhancing the Association's capacity to represent consumers' interests. The Deputy will appreciate the importance of ensuring that value for money is the uppermost consideration when expending public money and any application from the CAI for funding must be evaluated in that context. No applications were received by my Department from the CAI in 2011 or in 2012 (to date) for funding.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

255 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30482/12]

John Deasy

Question:

257 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30607/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

259 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30824/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 257 and 259 together.

Currently, my Department has two staff in the redeployment pool and there are no further staff waiting to be redeployed. Since the beginning of 2011, nineteen staff transferred out of my Department on redeployment. The maximum period of time that a staff member has been waiting for redeployment was approximately two months.

The Employment Control Framework (ECF) requires my Department to reduce staff numbers year on year until the end of 2015. At this point staff numbers in my Department are in line with targets set under the ECF programme and I am confident that the end of year target will be met.

As this is a day to day matter for the Agencies, I have asked the Agencies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputies.

Electrical Registered Employment Agreements

Dara Murphy

Question:

256 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the enforcement power of EPACE; the composition of its governing council; the plans he has to have this State body merged with other similar bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30514/12]

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

I have no statutory remit concerning this body. EPACE is a non-statutory private limited company comprising employer and trade union representatives from the electrical sector. I understand that the primary objective of EPACE is to advise Electrical Contractors operating in the State of their responsibilities under the Electrical Registered Employment Agreement (REA) and to seek compliance with same.

I am informed that to achieve this objective EPACE carries out inspections of employer's records with a view to verifying compliance with the Electrical Registered Employment Agreement. However being a non-statutory body and having no statutory authority to inspect records, EPACE relies on the co-operation of employers. As EPACE is a non-statutory private limited company I have no function or plans in relation to the company.

Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 255.

Community Enterprise Centres

Regina Doherty

Question:

258 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he anticipates the appointment of any business development managers in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30634/12]

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

I recognize the importance of a business development function within community enterprise centres and I recently announced funding to support the appointment of Business Development Managers to 37 community enterprise centres as part of a €2m Programme managed by Enterprise Ireland. This announcement follows on from a Government commitment under Action Point 2.5 of the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. Navan Enterprise Centre Co Ltd is included in the list of centres which have been allocated funding to support the employment of a Business Development Manager.

Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 255.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

260 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30884/12]

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

I have listed the number of staff who have retired from my Department in the years 2009 to date and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of those years.

Year	No. of Staff Retired	Total Gratuity paid
2009	73	*€3,400,129
2010	28	*€1,674,457
2011	27	*€2,546,808
2012	44	*€4,354,672

*Includes 90 % Lump Sum payments for retirees under Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement as follows: 2009 (1), 2010 (3), 2011 (7) and 2012 (2).

Under the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement, Pension along with 10% of the retirement lump sum, based on the salary held at the date of retirement, was be paid on retirement without actuarial reduction. The 90% balance of the lump sum, based on the salary scale point on the date the person reaches the normal preserved pension age, was to be paid on reaching that age and was subject to the taxation provisions in force on the date the application under this Scheme was approved.

FÁS Training Programmes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

261 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a limit to the number of FÁS courses a person can undertake over a given period of time; the reason any such limitation might apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30843/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Recruitment to FÁS courses for unemployed people is based on referral by Employment Services Officers of my Department. Referral is based on an officer's assessment of whether the client has the aptitude and ability to complete the training and whether this training will improve the client's prospects of being offered and accepting employment. In all cases, participation on a training programme should be on the basis of a clear plan and commitment to enter/re-enter the workforce. The assessment in each case will take account of the client's prior training record and the likely usefulness, for the client, of the particular further training being considered.

In the case of FÁS courses leading to Major Awards at Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), current guidelines are that a client may complete only one such training programme within a two year period. This ‘two year rule' is in place to support Employment Services Officers in their role to progress clients through a defined progression path that leads clients to employment, and to avoid the possibility of clients being "re-cycled" through a series of unrelated major courses. It does not apply to shorter/evening/online courses leading to Minor qualifications, nor to courses leading to Major qualifications at levels below Level 5.

In exceptional circumstances, an officer may provide for a client to be referred to a second major award course at Level 5-10 within the two-year period where this can be shown to meet particular needs and where a training place is available that does not involve the displacement of other priority clients.

Rent Supplement Scheme

Jack Wall

Question:

262 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance has been suspended in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30296/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Rent supplement for the person concerned was suspended pending receipt of information that was sought to enable a re-assessment of entitlement. The necessary documentation has since been received and the claim has been re-assessed. The payments (including arrears) are due to issue at the end of the month. The person concerned has been informed of the decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 12 of June 2012, the monthly rate of entitlement in respect of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if they receive the full pay; the reason for any deductions; if they have any entitlement to rent supplement; if he will accept this inquiry as a basis for appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30333/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned receives a weekly rent supplement payment of €77.61. This is based on the maximum rent supplement payable to a person in his circumstances of €107.61 per week; less the personal contribution of €30 per week applicable to a person in a single tenancy.

He is, therefore, receiving the full amount of rent supplement payable to a person in his circumstances.

Disability Allowance

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 14 June 2012, when it is expected to deal with the appeal arising from the refusal of their application for disability allowance, in view of the fact that it was submitted some time ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30338/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Further to my response to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 28797/12 on 14th June 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.

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:

265 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a review of the rate of disability allowance will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30343/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 17th May 2012 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.

Invalidity Pension

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue on an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30352/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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

This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is 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 applicant was notified of this decision and advised of her right to request a review of the decision and also of her right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.

To date no further correspondence has been received from the person concerned.

Carer’s Allowance

Pearse Doherty

Question:

267 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the current waiting times for carer’s allowance claims to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30361/12]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

268 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some claimants are waiting up to 10 months for claims in respect of carer’s allowance to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30362/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.

Currently the average time taken to award a carer's allowance application is 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 8,640 new carer's allowance applications registered and awaiting a decision. Of these, there are 9 cases that have been awaiting a decision for more than 40 weeks. Certain cases take longer to decide for various reasons such as information required from a customer in order to decide a claim being unavailable or significantly delayed or where a complex case must be investigated by a social welfare inspector.

I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims at present is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking action to resolve the situation.

A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the deployment of information technology solutions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customers.

Full deployment of the new system for carer's allowance has completed this month. In tandem with the full implementation of the new system, a comprehensive business process improvement exercise is commencing on the 2nd July, the focus of which is to optimise performance and provide improved customer service. However it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.

Pearse Doherty

Question:

269 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the average waiting time for carer’s allowance, as published by her Department, was 17 weeks in respect of the last quarter of 2011, the reason these times have increased in the past six months in spite of the modernisation process due to be completed by her Department by the end of June; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30363/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Currently the average time taken to award a carer's allowance application is 28 weeks. There are approximately 8,650 new carer's allowance applications registered and awaiting a decision.

I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims at present is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking action to resolve the situation.

A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the deployment of information technology solutions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customers. Significant internal resources have been invested in the development and rollout of the new computer system over the past 18 months or so. However full deployment of the new system for carer's allowance has completed this month. In tandem with the full implementation of the new system, a comprehensive business process improvement exercise is commencing on the 2nd July, the focus of which is to optimise performance and provide improved customer service. However it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.

Social Welfare Appeals

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

270 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30364/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 7th March 2012 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

Anne Ferris

Question:

271 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30365/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned commenced an internship on 16th January 2012 and is scheduled to finish on 12th October 2012.

In order to be eligible to participate on Community Employment (CE), the person concerned needs to be currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit for 12 months or more. However, the Deputy should note that time spent on an internship does not count towards the qualifying period for eligibility for CE.

Carer’s Allowance

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

272 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection the average time to process a claim for carer’s allowance including an assessment of medical evidence, means, residency and confirmation that the full-time care condition has been satisfied; the number of cases awaiting a decision of more than 30 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30376/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Currently the average time taken to award a carer's allowance application is 28 weeks. There are currently approximately 8,640 new carer's allowance applications registered and awaiting a decision. Of these, approximately 1,450 cases have been awaiting a decision for more than 30 weeks.

I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims at present is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking action to resolve the situation. A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the deployment of information technology solutions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customers. Full deployment of the new system for carer's allowance has completed this month. In tandem with the full implementation of the new system, a comprehensive business process improvement exercise is commencing on the 2nd July, the focus of which is to optimise performance and provide improved customer service. However it is expected to be a number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.

Re-employment Rate

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

273 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the progression rate to employment of persons who are unemployed for three months, six months and for more than one year. [30420/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

In 2011 a total of 540,560 jobseeker's allowance, jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's credit claims were closed for a variety of reasons. 30% of these or 160,256 claims were closed indicating the closure reason as returning to employment. However these data are not necessarily comprehensive as people may not say the reason they are leaving the live register. I attach for your information a table detailing the breakdown of this number in the time bands requested.

Claim Closure Reason	Less than3 Months	3 to 6 Months	6 to 12 Months	Greater than1 Year	Total
Returned to Employment	71,178	34,634	29,570	24,874	160,256

Question No. 274 withdrawn.

Rent Supplement Scheme

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

275 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30437/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned has made an application for rent supplement to the Department and was requested on 20th June 2012 to provide further information in order to process her claim. A decision will be made on her application when the information has been provided.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Question:

276 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30443/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Further to my response to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 23640/12 on 15th May 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.

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.

Household Relocation

John O'Mahony

Question:

277 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when final decision will be made in respect of applicants for relocation in the wake of the flooding which occurred in various parts of the country in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30446/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.

Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to offer support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering relocating rather than permanently returning to their original home. A letter inviting the household to formally apply for assistance toward relocation issued from the Department in November 2011. A number of the families, who received these letters, requested a meeting to discuss their particular case. These meetings took place between March and June this year.

The information necessary to make a decision on the amount payable in all cases is being finalised at present and it is expected that this amount will be communicated to the affected households in the coming weeks. Additionally, Department officials are currently in consultation with the Chief State Solicitors Office to finalise legal agreements which will need to be signed by all parties to the agreement. Payment will issue to families in accordance with these legal agreements.

Job Initiatives

Arthur Spring

Question:

278 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people from County Kerry who have participated in the JobBridge initiative since the scheme commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30447/12]

Arthur Spring

Question:

279 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have participated in the JobBridge initiative since the scheme commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30448/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

The National Internship Scheme (JobBridge) was launched on 1st July 2011 and is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.

It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience by providing them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. As at 14th June 2012, 7,868 internship placements have commenced. There are currently 4,893 interns participating on internships. In addition, there are in excess of 1,900 internship opportunities presently advertised onwww.jobbridge.ie.

The number of internship placements that have commenced in County Kerry is 222.

Community Employment Schemes

Sandra McLellan

Question:

280 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person taking part in a community employment scheme was disqualified from applying for the position of a Tús supervisory role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30452/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Tús is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide up to 5,000 short-term work opportunities for those who have been fully unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, and who are in receipt of jobseeker's allowance at the time of application.

Currently, under the initiative, there are 4,271 participants and 230 supervisors engaged in the provision of services to their communities. Recruitment to supervisory positions is conducted by local development companies and governed by the same eligibility criteria as applies to the random selection of participants. This requires that a candidate must have been continuously unemployed for at least 12 months and be in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance payment at the time of application.

For this reason, persons who are engaged in community employment or who had breaks in the period of unemployment may not be eligible. As recruitment to all supervisory positions is nearing completion, I am not in a position to alter the criteria. The Deputy will appreciate that the criteria ensures that those who have more limited access to work are being prioritised for these opportunities.

Question No. 281 withdrawn.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

282 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30485/12]

John Deasy

Question:

290 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons employed in her Department and in agencies under her aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30610/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

305 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons within her Department or within agencies under her aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30827/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 282, 295 and 305 together.

My Department has not provided staff to the redeployment panel managed by the Public Appointments Service to date. As this Department is currently under its Employment Control Framework (ECF) figure, as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, it is, in fact, sourcing staff from the Redeployment Panel to fill critical vacancies.

Free Travel Scheme

Catherine Byrne

Question:

283 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the number of persons over 65 years and under 65 years currently availing of the free travel scheme; the cost to the State in 2011, and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30515/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There are currently 737,249 customers in receipt of free travel passes.

The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by over 90 private operators in various parts of the country.

The breakdown by age as requested is as follows:

Breakdown by Age	No. of Free Travel Passholders
Under 65	192,347
Over 65	544,902
Total	737,249

The total paid to operators in 2011 was €75.6 million.

The total paid to operators from January 2012 to the end of May 2012 date is €31.6 million.

Child Benefit

Catherine Byrne

Question:

284 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the number of parents currently in receipt of child benefit where their children are not resident here; the related cost to the State for 2011 and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30516/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There are currently 4,913 customers in receipt of Child Benefit in respect of a total of 7,744 children who are resident elsewhere in the EU. The total cost of payments to this category in 2011 was €13m. The cost of payments to this category in 2012 to date is €6.5m.

Rent Supplement Scheme

Gerry Adams

Question:

285 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Louth in receipt of rent supplement at present and the number of persons in County Louth in receipt of rent allowance at the end of December 2011. [30518/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There are currently 2,638 people in receipt of rent supplement in County Louth. The number in receipt of the supplement at end December 2011 was 2,734.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

286 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expand on her proposal to force hard pressed employers to now pay for and cover the cost of sick leave of their employees as this will certainly ensure that more businesses will close; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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.

A report of a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay held in February 2012 is now available on the Department's website athttp://www.welfare.ie/EN/Policy/CorporatePublications/Finance/exp_rev/Pages/consultation.aspx. Amongst other things, the report reflects the concerns expressed by organisations representing smaller enterprises and these concerns will be taken into account as the range of complex issues associated with the introduction of such a scheme continue to be considered.

The issues involved will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013 and any decisions which might be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme will be considered in that context.

Community Employment Schemes

Dara Calleary

Question:

287 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the results of the recent review carried out by her Department into a community employment scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason this review has resulted in a €10 reduction in material grant for this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30579/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is very near to completion. Given the volume and breath of the data being returned, the review has taken longer than originally envisaged to complete. However, 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 CE which will improve the budgetary situation for schemes. The outcomes of this review will be communicated to CE sponsoring organisations directly by staff in my Department in the coming weeks. My Department is committed to supporting the CE Programme and the valuable contribution it makes to the provision of services to individuals and communities.

Carer’s Allowance

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

288 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will be granted in respect of an application for carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30581/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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 the case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Peter Mathews

Question:

289 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30583/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal, of the person concerned, by way of summary decision.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

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

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

Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 282.

Community Employment Schemes

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

291 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection when she plans to publish the financial review of community employment schemes; if she will consult with representatives of CE supervisors, CE participants and CE sponsors again in advance of its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30618/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The financial review of Community Employment (CE) Schemes is being finalised at present. As you will appreciate, the review is of interest and importance to the many stakeholders involved and I will ensure that they will be able to contribute and respond to the findings. My Department is committed to supporting the CE Programme and the valuable contribution it makes to the provision of services to individuals and communities.

Jobseeker’s Allowance

James Bannon

Question:

292 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide the up-date position in relation to an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, which was applied for more than six months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30623/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 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 on 7 June 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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

Disability Allowance

James Bannon

Question:

293 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide the up-date position in relation to an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford which was submitted on 6 April 2012, just before his illness benefit was cut off in mid-April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30627/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken at present to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means, medical condition and habitual residence status is approximately 17 weeks.

Social Welfare Appeals

Gerry Adams

Question:

294 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the average and longest waiting times for appeals against refusals of domiciliary care allowance; and if she will arrange for the recruitment of additional staff in order to address the backlog of appeals. [30637/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

295 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the average and longest waiting times for appeals against refusals of carer’s allowance; and if she will arrange for the recruitment of additional staff in order to address the backlog of appeals. [30638/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

296 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the average and longest waiting times for appeals against refusals of the one parent family payment; and if she will arrange for the recruitment of additional staff in order to address the backlog of appeals. [30639/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 295 and 296 together.

The figures requested by the Deputy are provided in the following table. Generally the vast majority of cases fall within average times but extenuating factors, often outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, will cause greater delays in some cases.

These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. By its nature and because it is a quasi-judicial nature, the processing of appeals takes time even at the best of times and reflects the fact that, by definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one.

In an effort to reduce the processing times, the Department appointed 12 additional Appeals Officers since between 2010 and 2011. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This brought the total number of Appeals Officers to 39. In addition to this, the Office has improved its business processes and IT support.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.

Scheme	Average processing time for summary decisions (weeks)	Average processing time for cases requiring oral hearing (weeks)
Domiciliary Care Allowance	28.5	41.8
Carer’s Allowance	30.9	45.3
One Parent Family Allowance	25.5	46.7

Social Welfare Code

Willie Penrose

Question:

297 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the commission which she set up to investigate the position of self employed persons who find themselves out of work and cannot avail of the welfare system, due to the fact that they only contributed SI contributions, if the objective of extending the contribution rate of AI to the self employed whether on a compulsory or voluntary basis has been explored; if the recommendations of the commission will soon be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30646/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces and it is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues. To this end, last year I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience to examine a number of specific issues. These include making cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes. Among the issues provided for under the Advisory Group's Terms of Reference is for the Group to examine and report on the issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable.

The Group's overall method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the Terms of Reference. Where possible, the aim is to provide recommendations that can be acted upon in time for the annual budget, estimates and legislative cycle and to allow the Government to best address its commitments under the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. Decisions in respect of publishing reports of the Group will be made at the appropriate time. The Group will revert to me with its report on its considerations and recommendations on social insurance coverage for the self-employed once their examination of the various questions has been completed.

Invalidity Pension

John O'Mahony

Question:

298 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision in relation to their application for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30731/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15 March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 June 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

299 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a claim for domiciliary allowance has been processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30737/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was awarded domiciliary care allowance on appeal in September 2011. She was notified of this in correspondence dated 15 September 2011 and informed that the payment in respect of her son would be backdated to December 2010. This claim is in payment and all arrears due issued at that time.

Insolvency Payments Scheme

John O'Mahony

Question:

300 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 15 May 2012, when a decision will issue on an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30744/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

A claim under the Insolvency Payment Scheme for arrears of wages, holiday pay and minimum notice in respect of the person concerned has been awarded recently. Payment of the full amount claimed is due to issue to the relevant liquidator by EFT in the coming days.

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Jim Daly

Question:

301 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30745/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 21st November 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 17th January 2012 advising of the decision.

The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. As part of the appeal process, the case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor on the 19th June 2012 who confirmed that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. The file will now be sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for consideration of the appeal.

Departmental Staff

Billy Timmins

Question:

302 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the 100 extra staff to take mortgage queries from the public; the location at which persons may apply for these positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30758/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The 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

This 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 publication of the heads of the Personal Insolvency Bill in January 2012 proposes 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. The 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.

The 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 including any staff requirement. 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 will 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 fully concluded its deliberations. It reports regularly to the Implementation Steering Group and to the Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears.

Social Welfare Code

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

303 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make adjustments to the PRSI system to allow the self-employed to make a greater contribution and reap a greater benefit when the need arises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30777/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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

Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits, including jobseeker's benefit or social insurance illness benefits, would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will,inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund examines this matter and I will be examining this in detail.

Community Employment Schemes

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

304 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of citizens aged 64 years of age that have been targeted for inclusion on the Tús programme; the number of citizens aged 63 years of age that have been targeted for inclusion on the Tús programme; the number of citizens aged 62 years of age that have been targeted for inclusion on the Tús programme; the number of citizens aged 61 years of age that have been targeted for inclusion on the Tús programme; the number of citizens aged 60 years of age that have been targeted for inclusion on the Tús programme; and the criteria used for selection of citizens for Tús. [30809/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Tús is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide up to 5,000 short-term work opportunities for those who have been fully unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, and who are in receipt of jobseeker's allowance at the time of application.

Applying the above conditions, participants are identified by the Department using a random selection process. Once randomly selected, the local social welfare office writes to the persons concerned offering them the opportunity to be considered for local employment, as opportunities arise. When those identified agree to participate on Tús, their details are forwarded to one of the 52 Local Development Companies or Údarás na Gaeltachta. They will then contact them for an initial assessment interview and their skills and interests are profiled and matched to available positions offered by the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sector locally.

Currently, under the initiative, there are 4,271 participants and 230 supervisors engaged in the provision of services to their communities.

The number of citizens aged between 60 and 64 years of age who have been engaged on Tús in either a participatory or supervisory capacity is set out in the following table:

Age	Participants	Supervisors	Total
Aged 64 or over	26	2	28
Aged between 63 and 64	34	2	36
Aged between 62 and 63	52	0	52
Aged between 61 and 62	36	2	38
Aged between 60 and 61	30	2	32

Question No. 305 answered with Question No. 282.

Rent Supplement Scheme

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

306 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that persons with special needs such as those with disabilities or those coming from situations of homelessness may have higher rent levels under the rent supplement scheme due to their specialised housing requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30831/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 92,800 persons in receipt of rent supplement, with €436 million provided for 2012.

Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. The general practice is that rent supplement is not paid where the rent is above the relevant limit.

However, rent supplement may be paid in cases where the rent is above the relevant limit where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances. This may include a person with a disability in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons whose housing needs cannot be met within the standard terms of the rent supplement scheme.

Social Welfare Code

Gerry Adams

Question:

307 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has completed a report to advise on the appropriate steps to deal with the general issue of social welfare payments to retained fire fighters; if she will publish the report; if legislation may be required in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30847/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Taking account of the unusual circumstances of retained fire brigade personnel and general efforts to develop and standardise our jobseeker schemes, a departmental group was established in late 2011 to examine the position of these workers vis-à-vis jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance.

While this examination has been largely completed, a number of issues arising from it are being considered further.

Rent Supplement Scheme

John Lyons

Question:

308 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied). [30868/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

We have no record of having received an application for Rent Supplement from either the person in question or her partner.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

309 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from her Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30887/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Details of the number of staff who retired from my Department in each year since 2009 and the retirement lump sums paid to them are as follows:

Year	Number of Retirements	Retirement Lump Sums Paid (€)
2009	253	11,804,914.84
2010	93	4,920,853.18
2011	111	6,341,899.53
2012 (to date)	255	16,748,998.37

Question No. 310 withdrawn.

Íocaíochtaí Iomarcaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

311 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cén uair a íocfar airgead iomarcaíochta le duine (sonraí leis seo); cén fáth a bhfuil moill leis an íocaíocht seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30911/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There is no record of a redundancy claim in respect of the person concerned. Níl aon taifead ar éileamh iomarcaíochta i leith an duine lena mbaineann.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

Seán Kyne

Question:

312 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the progress of the key areas of competence of the Combat Poverty Agency which was abolished by the previous Government and whose functions were transferred to her Department. [30919/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion to form the new Social Inclusion Division in the Department took place on 1st July 2009. A strategic plan setting out the functions and objectives for the Division was agreed between the outgoing Board of the agency and the Department, which encompassed the key areas of competence of the agency.

The Division transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2010. With the re-assignment of functions from that Department in 2011, the functions of the Division were transferred back to the Department of Social Protection by statutory instrument. They include co-ordinating the implementation of Government policies for social inclusion, promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment in government policy making, analysing the impact and effectiveness of public policy on poverty, promoting data and research to inform anti-poverty policies and practice, monitoring poverty trends, developing mechanisms to promote the participation of people experiencing poverty in policy development and implementation and promoting co-operation on social inclusion issues between Ireland and other countries.

The Division continues to meet these functions and plays a lead role in co-ordinating Government policies against poverty and for social inclusion at national and EU levels. For instance, in the last six months, the Division has:

convened the Social Inclusion Forum attended by a wide range of community and voluntary organisations;

produced the Social Inclusion Report to monitor progress on the implementation of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion for 2009 and 2010;

led the review of the national poverty target to enable Government to adopt appropriate and achievable targets to meet Ireland's contribution to the Europe 2020 Strategy and the commitments in the Programme for Government; and

published new research on childhood deprivation and convened a national conference with key stakeholders to discuss its findings and policy implications, and has supported a summer school by University College Cork on conceptualising and measuring poverty in the 21st Century.

The Division continues to maintain a website (www.socialinclusion.ie) and this provides further details on its activities and reports.

Question No. 313 withdrawn.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Simon Harris

Question:

314 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if a tenant has handed back the keys of their council property due to serious anti-social behaviour, if this person is entitled to apply for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30927/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 92,800 persons in receipt of rent supplement, with €436 million provided for 2012.

Social welfare legislation provides the Department with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body. This can be due to anti-social behaviour of the tenant or the interests of good estate management.

Question No. 315 withdrawn.

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Regina Doherty

Question:

316 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the structure and procedures for the planned review of the domiciliary care allowance and to ensure that the parents of children with disabilities are included in this review. [30997/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The domiciliary care allowance scheme has been administered by the Department of Social Protection since April 2009 and I have recently announced that a review of the operation of the scheme is to be carried out. The terms of reference will be finalised shortly and the working group is due to have its first meeting in July and report by year end. The working group will include representatives from a number of relevant Departments and will also include representatives from organisations representing parents/guardians of children who are in receipt of the allowance.

The review will examine the policy objectives and legal provisions underpinning the Scheme. In addition, it will review the Scheme's current administrative, medical assessment and appeals processes, including an examination of the duration of review periods for the Scheme. As part of its work, the Group will have the Medical Guidelines and the Report of the Expert Medical Group, which underpin the operation of the Scheme, reviewed by a suitably qualified medical expert. A consultation process with parents and representative groups will also be undertaken to ensure that they have an opportunity to make their concerns known in relation to the administration of the Scheme.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

317 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park Agreement during its implementation; if she will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings [31345/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

My Department continues to operate within its Employment Control Framework (ECF) figure, as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and in this regard no staff have been made redundant under the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement).

Natural Heritage Areas

Dara Calleary

Question:

318 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if townlands (details supplied) in County Mayo, are included as natural heritage areas; and if so, the consequences for bog owners in these townlands. [30297/12]

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

There are fifteen Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) in County Mayo which have been designated for the protection of Blanket Bog Habitat. Details of the location of these sites, the townlands affected and the implications for land-owners can be found on my Department's web-site athttp://www.npws.ie/protectedsites/naturalheritageareasnha/.

Animal Welfare Issues

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

319 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to organise a cull of wild deer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30531/12]

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

In accordance with the Wildlife Acts, the annual open season when deer can be legally shot under licence operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer.

However, landowners may apply to my Department for a licence under the Wildlife Acts to cull deer when this is necessary outside the annual open seasons in instances where damage is being caused to habitats or where levels of deer may have negative ecological consequences.

Turbary Rights

Robert Troy

Question:

320 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will request the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to direct Bord Na Móna to make available as a pilot project part of their bog an Bunahinley, Athlone, County Westmeath, to turf cutters to relocate to with their existing rights from the two neighbouring special areas of conservation bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30378/12]

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

My Department has worked very closely with Bord na Móna in relation to the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs. Relocation arrangements have already been agreed between my Department and the company as regards groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and Mountbellew in County Galway. These arrangements involve the groups relocating to nearby Bord na Móna owned bogs, with the group from Clara Bog recently having commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly.

My officials are currently investigating a number of potential relocation options in the area referred to in the Question with the assistance of Bord na Móna and Coillte.

It should be noted that Bord na Móna is a commercial semi-state body and it would not be appropriate to direct the company in relation to the management of its assets in any particular case.

Natural Heritage Areas

Robert Troy

Question:

321 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to allow the continuation of turf cutting on Nure bog, County Westmeath post 2013; the progress he has made with the EU to ensure that no turf cutting restrictions will be applied to natural heritage areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30379/12]

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

In May 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on all raised bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), such as Nure Bog NHA, at the end of 2013. The Programme for Government undertook to review the situation with regard to NHAs and the future of turf-cutting on such sites will be considered as part of that review.

It is expected that the review will be completed prior to the commencement of the 2014 turf-cutting season.

Turbary Rights

Robert Troy

Question:

322 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [30380/12]

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

The land referred to by the Deputy is located in a natural heritage area designated in 2002.

In 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on raised bog natural heritage areas at the end of 2013. However, in accordance with the Programme for Government, the situation regarding the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas will be reviewed in conjunction with the Peatlands Council and decisions will be made in advance of the cutting season in 2014.

In April 2011, the Government made a decision to put in place a compensation scheme for those who have been required to cease cutting on the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation. My Department is giving priority to implementing this scheme. In the circumstances, and in light of the decision to review the approach to these areas more generally, the issue of any further purchase of land or rights in natural heritage area bogs, including the land referred to, is being kept under review.

Turbary Rights

Catherine Murphy

Question:

323 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken to ensure that offences under 36(2) of the Habitats Regulations are not committed on raised bog special areas of conservation this summer. [30409/12]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

324 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of names of persons that have been notified by his Department to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and the Marine as cutting turf on raised bog special areas of conservation in 2012 broken down by county. [30410/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.

Activity on all 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation, where the requirement to cease turf cutting applies, is being monitored on an ongoing basis, both from the ground and from the air.

Where evidence of unlawful cutting is detected, it is investigated and enforcement action is undertaken jointly by officials of my Department and An Garda Síochána. Evidence gathered through this monitoring and surveillance work can be used for pursuing the individuals concerned. Sanctions available where the law is breached include prosecution, the impounding of machinery, and the recovery of remediation and restoration costs from individuals who have caused environmental damage. Thus far, some 70 letters have issued from my Department warning turf cutters and contractors about the implications and potential consequences of illegal turf cutting. This work is continuing.

Persons undertaking unauthorised works on protected sites may also risk future Single Farm payments, Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) payments, or payments under my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme. In addition, persons who carry out unauthorised works or permit such works to be carried out on these sites may jeopardise the receipt of compensation under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme, administered by my Department.

My Department has begun to cross-report unlawful turf cutting to the Cross Compliance Section of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine — some 45 such reports have been transmitted so far. 28 of these reports relate to turf cutting on bogs in County Galway, with the remaining 17 relating to bogs in County Roscommon.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

325 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30473/12]

John Deasy

Question:

326 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30598/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

333 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30815/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 333 together.

No employees of my Department are currently on the Public Appointments Service redeployment panels. In relation to agencies within the ambit of my Department, I am advised that three members of staff of the National Museum of Ireland are currently on redeployment panels. Two members of staff were placed on the panel on 17 January 2012 and the other was placed on the panel on 15 February 2012. I am advised that redeployment has been agreed in respect of one person, to become effective from 3 August 2012.

Garden of Remembrance

Finian McGrath

Question:

327 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if it is possible to have a ceremonial guard at the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin, in order to develop the civic and cultural well-being of our capital city [30681/12]

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

I have no function in relation to the management of the Garden of Remembrance.

National Cultural Institutions

Catherine Murphy

Question:

328 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the current protocol governing the lending to the State of records, artefacts and historical materials of significance to our national history and culture by the private owners of same for analysis and display at the State’s cultural institutions; if the State has been offered any such records, artefacts and historical materials, either as a loan or as a gift, and has not been in a position to accept due to inadequate facilities or an inability on the State’s behalf to ensure the adequate preservation and storage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/12]

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

The protocol and procedures governing the lending to the State of any records, artefacts or other materials are determined by the specific National Cultural Institution to which it is proposed to lend the item in question and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to operational matters such asthis.

I am advised, however, that the National Cultural Institutions evaluate any proposed loan in the context of it enhancing and/or complementing the national collection to which it pertains. Amongst the factors to be considered in any evaluation is the condition of the item in question, the quality of any associated documentation, the period of the proposed loan and operational matters such as finance, staffing, curatorial expertise, storage and care. Every effort is made by the institutions to ensure that all gifts and loans that are deemed of significance to our national history and culture are accepted, having due regard to the responsibilities of the institution in this regard.

Question No. 329 withdrawn.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

330 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will list the buildings and storage locations available across all cultural institutions under his remit at which archive records and materials are stored, catalogued, examined or are made available for public use; if the total storage space available is adequate to ensure the safe storage of materials; if the total space available is adequate to ensure that all records which are held currently at these sites may be accessed by members of the public and catalogued and examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30763/12]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

331 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in view of the decade of commemorations currently underway, he has any proposals to expand the State’s capacity to catalogue, examine and make available for public use archives, records and historical materials held by the State in storage; if he has considered the use of the older portion of the Bolands Mill buildings at the Grand Canal Dock, Dublin, which is currently held by the National Assets Management Agency, for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30765/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.

A number of Cultural Institutions under the remit of my Department, including the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives, currently hold collections which are relevant to the Decade of Centenaries.

The provision of improved storage and accommodation National Archives at Bishop Street is under ongoing review by OPW and my Department. The premises of the former Bolands Mills at Grand Canal Dock was one of a number of buildings under consideration for the National Archives over thirty years ago. The premises were deemed unsuitable at that time because of the poor condition of the building and the cost and the amount of work that would be required to bring it to a minimum standard.

The list of buildings and storage locations for archive records and materials available across all cultural institutions under my Department's remit is listed below

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
National Museum of Ireland	the Science and Art Museum building, Kildare Street, Dublin
the Natural History Museum building, Merrion Street, Dublin,
the Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks,
Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Co. Mayo

The archives in the National Museum are managed locally and overseen by a qualified archivist based in Collins Barracks. The archives are not routinely open to the public. When processed, the records can be consulted by prior appointment, usually through the archivist or through a member of curatorial staff on the relevant site. The storage space available is deemed by the National Museum to be adequate.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
National Library of Ireland	Nos. 2-5, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
No. 7 Kildare Street, Dublin 2;
National Photographic Archive, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Park West Business Park, Dublin 12
Trinity College Book Depository, Santry, Dublin 9
Iron Mountain Storage Facility, Damastown Industrial Estate, Dublin 15

Storage space and facilities are subject to ongoing review by the National Library of Ireland. The National Library has an internationally acclaimed reading room.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
National Archives	Bishop Street
Four Courts
Small amount of commercial storage

Storage of materials by the National Archives is an ongoing challenge. All public consultation of archives is carried out in the Reading Room in Bishop Street for reasons of security and efficiency. Archives stored in the other buildings are available in Bishop Street within 24 hours.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
National Gallery of Ireland	Merrion Square West, Dublin 2

The National Gallery of Ireland's Library and Archives collections are held in specific library and archive storage areas which are environmentally monitored and secure. Archive storage is accessible by staff only, but processed archive collections are available for public consultation in the Gallery's own reading rooms.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
Chester Beatty Library	Dublin Castle

All archive records held by the Chester Beatty Library are professionally stored in climate controlled secure conditions and total storage space is adequate for collections and paper archives. A Reference Library is available online for public consultation. The Chester Beatty Library Image Repository has over 500 digital files stored electronically and available in-house for public consultation and research. The image gallery online is currently being expanded as part of the Library's on-going digitisation programme.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
Irish Museum of Modern Art	Royal Hospital in Kilmainham
National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace
Off-Site Storage

The Irish Museum of Modern Art records and archives are catalogued or publicly accessible. The Museum's archive records are stored both on-site and off-site. The storage is currently adequate to ensure the safe storage of the collection.

Cultural Institution	Buildings and Storage Facilities
Crawford Art Gallery	Emmet Place, Cork

All materials held by the Crawford Art Gallery are held in adequate storage space at the Gallery and are accessible to the public.

Wildlife Protection

Finian McGrath

Question:

332 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason thousands of nooski traps, unlawful under the Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003, have not been seized by the National Parks and Wildlife Service division of his Department; if he will confirm if the traps remain in the country; and if he will arrange for appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the legislation. [30806/12]

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

While the Deputy's Question does not specify a particular incident, officials of my Department understand that, in a recent case, a number of the traps referred to — numbering less than 1,000 — have been returned to the relevant UK distributor.

Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 325.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

334 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30875/12]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2nd June 2011. The table below sets out the details requested for the period from that date to 25 June 2012.

Year	No. of retirements	Value of retirement lump sums
2011 (2.2.11-31.12.11)	8	€475,432
2012 (1.1.12-25.6.12)	24	€1,478,446

For completeness, I would also advise that a further €479,155 has been paid in 2012 in respect of the balance of retirement lumps sum payments due to staff who had retired under the former Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement.

Job Initiatives

Seán Kyne

Question:

335 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way he envisages the provision of the Gaeltacht Bill which empowers him to direct Údarás na Gaeltachta to provide funding to projects previously funded by Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority to operate. [30906/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley)

In accordance with a Government decision of 31 May 2011, Údarás na Gaeltachta is to retain its enterprise functions in the Gaeltacht, subject,inter alia, to the development of a mechanism to enable it to operate in co-operation with other enterprise agencies in relation to any significant Gaeltacht projects of high potential that may arise. An administrative mechanism to give effect to this decision is currently under development by a high-level working group consisting of representatives of my Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the relevant enterprise agencies.

The provision in the Gaeltacht Bill 2012 is designed to ensure that Údarás na Gaeltachta would not be precluded at some time in the future from providing assistance to companies that may have been supported by the Industrial Development Authority or by Enterprise Ireland under this mechanism, subject to adequate resources being made available. The existing legislation which governs Údarás na Gaeltachta prohibits the provision of financial assistance in any particular case where financial assistance has been provided by the aforementioned enterprise agencies.

Mobile Telephony

Tom Fleming

Question:

336 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding mobile phone coverage in respect of the issuing of new mobile phone licences; the implications for predominantly rural counties such as County Kerry in view of the fact that under current rules operators must only provide coverage to 70% of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31040/12]

Jim Daly

Question:

337 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent media reports on the possible lack of coverage for mobile phone users in rural areas as a result of the failure of ComReg to ensure a universal service obligation on providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31060/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

340 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that following on from policy decisions made by the telecom regulator ComReg, that the proposed auction of mobile facilities next month could result in a decline in coverage in rural areas; his views on whether the failure by ComReg to push for a universal service obligation, which would require mobile phone operators to provide coverage for the whole country, will result in an inevitable decline in coverage for rural customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30532/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 337 and 340 together.

The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function.

In accordance with its statutory functions, ComReg has consulted extensively on its proposals for the release of spectrum rights of use in the 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz frequency bands.

I am advised that ComReg received considerable interest in this consultation process which has resulted in the decision document for the award of a number of individual rights of use in the 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz radio spectrum bands (ComReg Document 12/25 and Decision 04/12 published on 16 March 2012). ComReg's Information Memorandum for this award process details the processes and procedures ComReg is employing to implement its substantive decisions (ComReg Document 12/52 published on 25 May 2012).

The reasons, analysis and other material relied upon by ComReg in support of its decisions on the minimum coverage and roll-out requirements are set out in section 5.5 of Document 12/25. Amongst other things, ComReg considered that actual coverage levels are expected to exceed the 70% population obligation by a considerable margin given the competitive nature of the market and the limited risk of roll-back of coverage from the existing levels. It should be noted that the four existing mobile operators have achieved coverage levels exceeding those set out in their current respective licences. For example, for 3G services, Vodafone's coverage covers 90% of the population, 5% more than its obligation. Hutchison 3G, better known as 3, covers 96% of the population, 11% more than its obligation. O2 also covers 90.5% of the population, which is more than its obligation.

ComReg also notes that coverage continues to be an important competitive differentiator in the mobile telecommunications market. Any deterioration in coverage by any one network would undermine that network's attractiveness to its existing and potential customers.

The importance of maintaining the existing levels of mobile telephony and mobile broadband coverage has been raised with ComReg by my officials. While the outcome of the forthcoming multi-band spectrum release process cannot be anticipated, I understand that ComReg is not expecting any reduction in coverage as a result of the process.

It is also important to note that ComReg's coverage proposals are designed to facilitate the possible entry of new operators in a manner that would ensure that cherry picking of high density urban areas would not occur.

With regard to the question of whether a universal service obligation should be imposed on mobile phone service providers, I would advise that the setting of such obligations are subject to the EU Universal Service Directive. The Directive requires the setting of a universal service obligation to provide a network connection at a fixed location and does not provide for such an obligation in respect of mobile coverage.

Salmon Stocks Management

Thomas Pringle

Question:

338 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures that are being taken to protect migrating salmon smolts being killed going to sea from hydros and fish farms causing sealice; and his plans to review dams under the responsibility of his Department. [30424/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O’Dowd)

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the response I gave to the House on 1st May last on both issues.

In relation to the issue of salmon smolts going to sea, the Electricity Supply Board operate 10 large-scale hydro-electric stations located on the Rivers Shannon, Erne, Liffey, Lee and the Clady/Crolly.

ESB have advised that during the downward salmon migration to sea (March-early June), the ESB operate a salmon smolt generation protocol involving evening and early night-time generation on their Kaplan sets (the most fish-friendly type of turbine). These turbine sets are run at near to maximum efficiency and smolt losses are minimised. The effectiveness of these running regimes has been shown to result in survival rates of up to 92% for these stations. The ESB operate salmon hatcheries that further mitigate the very small scale losses.

Smaller hydroelectric schemes operate differently as water is selectively discharged over spillway gates or through fish passes to prevent smolt losses. On relatively small hydroelectric plants Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have advised that there is also a requirement to fit fine mesh screens to the intake point during the spring migration period to prevent smolts being taken into and through the turbine. As an additional safeguard, provision is also made for spilling water over a weir so as to provide an alternative downstream route.

As regards the Deputy's concerns regarding "fish farms causing sealice", protocols for the control of sea-lice infestation at salmon farms is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of the development of fish farming in which I have no role. I am fully supportive of sustainable aquaculture development and strongly support the ongoing efforts of the Minister, his Department and its agencies to ensure that all such activity complies with our obligations under the Habitats Directive and other EU legislation designed to protect our environment.

I am liaising with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine with a view to progressing matters in this regard.

The Deputy will be aware from my response to his question in the house on 20 May that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) advises that an important scientific study conducted by IFI on the impact of sea lice infestation of outwardly migrating salmon smolts from a number of rivers on Ireland's West Coast was published earlier this year. I have already organised for a copy of the study to be forwarded to the Deputy and I want to reiterate that IFI scientists are available to discuss the report with the Deputy if he so wishes.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

339 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30475/12]

John Deasy

Question:

342 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30600/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

346 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30817/12]

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

I propose to take Question Nos. 339, 342 and 346 together.

The staffing level in my Department is currently below that allowed under the Employment Control Framework, consequently there are no staff in the Department on the redeployment panel. Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I will, however, request the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Question No. 340 answered with Question No. 336.

Copyright Law

Terence Flanagan

Question:

341 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding digital piracy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/12]

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

I regret the delay in responding formally to the Deputy in writing. On foot of the Deputy's correspondence I met with the parties on whose behalf he wrote to me regarding their concerns about digital piracy last December. In the interim the Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation signed into law the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2012. This provides a statutory basis to address the issues of concern to the parties in question. The Minister also launched the next stage of the Copyright Review Committee review of Ireland's copyright legislation, aimed at removing barriers to innovation.

Question No. 342 answered with Question No. 339.

Warmer Homes Scheme

Billy Timmins

Question:

343 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the warmer homes scheme for elderly persons who were told initially that they would be eligible for central heating but have now been told that this will not be the case, that they are not carrying out central heating projects; when central heating will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30684/12]

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

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme which delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty at no cost to the homeowner. The measures include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. To date, the scheme has completed energy efficiency measures in over 83,000 homes.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme does not include the provision of central heating. In 2009 and 2010, as a result of increased Exchequer allocations, 825 homes received central heating and either internal or external wall insulation. However, due to a significant increase in demand for the scheme in late 2010 which continued through 2011, the SEAI has prioritised the delivery of lower cost measures in order to address the maximum number of vulnerable homes. A further 400 homes were surveyed and assessed as suitable for additional measures, of which 388 have subsequently received the standard package of energy efficiency measures. In 12 instances it has not proved technically feasible or cost effective to provide the standard measures. There are no plans to revise the scheme to include the delivery of central heating.

There are currently 8,667 homes on the waiting list to receive energy efficiency measure under Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme. All new applicants since the end of 2011 have been informed that there is a change in eligibility criteria for the scheme. The focus in 2012 is shifting to addressing those households identified as being in extreme energy poverty as a priority: such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hot line can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent [e-mail] and will be dealt with promptly.

Fisheries Protection

Nicky McFadden

Question:

344 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if public consultations will take place as part of the review of the eel management plan for Ireland (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if members of the eel fishing community will receive any form of compensation due to the ban on eel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30687/12]

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

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.

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.

There is no property right attaching to public eel licences and consequently the issue of compensation is not relevant or appropriate, given that the closure of the fishery was applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts. Given that context, I am sure you will appreciate that in the current economic climate the Government does not have funds available to provide for compensation payments.

The National EMP is currently being updated following the provision of three additional years of scientific research and monitoring of the status of eels stocks. The latest independent Standing Scientific Committee report on eels has been posted onto Inland Fisheries Ireland's (IFI) website and a link to this web page is also available on my Department's website. IFI's three-year eel monitoring report is also available online.

Ireland's Eel Management Plan Implementation report, which details progress on Ireland's 2009 Eel Management Plan, is due to be submitted to the EU shortly.

In relation to the information contained in these reports and prior to consideration of the continuation of existing measures, a public consultation period has commenced. The closing date for receipt of submissions to be considered as part of the review of eel plans for Ireland was set as Monday 2nd July 2012. However, on foot of presentations made to stakeholders as part of the consultation, I have decided to extend the closing date to 11 July to facilitate the receipt of submissions from as many stakeholders as possible. Submissions made during the public consultation period, which included a number of public meetings/seminars, will be considered in formulating proposals for the management of the eel fishery for the coming years. Three public meetings on the eel management plans have been held during the last week, in Clonmel, County Tipperary on June 19th, in Athlone, County Westmeath on June 20th and in Carrick on Shannon, County Leitrim on June 21st. Copies of all relevant documents (EU Report, Scientific Report and Monitoring Report) were available at the public meetings and are also available on IFI's website (www.fisheriesireland.ie) or through the link on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie).

Telecommunications Services

Ann Phelan

Question:

345 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the poor level of broadband connectivity in an area (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and the adverse effects the lack of service has on local business; his position on developing such broadband services following a commitment to work with a range of telecom companies to ensure a nationwide roll out of fast broadband services over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30746/12]

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

Ireland's telecommunications market has been liberalised since 1999 and has developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis, including county Kilkenny, can be found on the Commission for Communications Regulation's (ComReg) website atwww.callcosts.ie.

The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of one such intervention, namely the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), services are available since October 2010 from the NBS service provider, 3, to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in each of the 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) designated to be covered under the Scheme.

Prior to the roll-out of this scheme, my Department had a comprehensive mapping exercise carried out to establish which parts of the country, by virtue of the existing and planned investment by commercial operators, could be deemed to be served and those that could be categorised as un-served and consequently required a State-led market intervention.

That exercise established that the area of Castlecomer was already served by at least one commercial operator and consequently the area was excluded from the NBS.

The combination of private investment and State interventions means that Ireland will meet the EU Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.

With basic broadband services available throughout Ireland, the challenge now is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. This Government accepts that the widespread availability of such speeds is required to deliver future economic and social development.

Following the recent publication of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), and a short public consultation on its findings and recommendations, I will be bringing proposals for a National Broadband Plan to Government shortly with a view to agreeing a comprehensive set of policy actions to underpin the provision of high speed broadband services on a national basis.

Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 339.

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Jim Daly

Question:

347 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any facility available to appeal a decision of the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland to refuse payment of an approved grant when the payment request was submitted late due to the applicant’s medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30848/12]

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

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Homes Programme, which is a demand-led scheme open to all homeowners of dwellings built before 2006.

One of the principal requirements of the Better Energy Homes scheme is that a grant offer remains valid for 6 months from the date of the offer notification and all works and paperwork must be notified and returned to the SEAI before the grant offer expires.

I am advised by SEAI that the Authority clarified in writing the outcome of the application in question on 1 June. The relevant documentation was not supplied until some weeks after the expiry date of the grant offer on 2 March 2012. The applicant was informed on 2 April of the decision not to award a grant on these grounds. The applicant submitted an appeal on the 27 April and SEAI advised by letter on 1 June that the appeal had been refused on the grounds that the explanation for the late submission of the relevant documentation was not considered sufficiently mitigating. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and there is a dedicated hotline at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent [e-mail] and will be dealt with promptly.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

348 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30877/12]

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

The information requested is contained in the table below. In addition to the standard lump sums paid to retirees in years 2011 and 2012, the total gratuities for those years includes balances of lump sums paid to staff who opted to retire in 2009 under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme (ISER) and who reached minimum retirement age in those years.

Year	No. of retirements	No. of ISER Balances Paid	Total Gratuities
2009	19		€1,253,386
2010	11		€831,250
2011	7	1	€472,270
2012 to date	14	1	€1,382,758

Telecommunications Services

Seán Kyne

Question:

349 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress of his recent programme of installing 100 mbs broadband in schools in the west. [30918/12]

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

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 (DES), in conjunction with our network partners, HEAnet, following the successful completion of a pilot project that ran from 2009 to 2011.

The 2012 phase of the national roll-out plan aims to connect all remaining post-primary schools in the following 14 counties:

Counties
Cavan	Louth
Clare	Mayo
Donegal	Monaghan
Galway	Offaly
Laois	Roscommon
Leitrim	Sligo
Longford	Westmeath

The procurement of the connections necessary to deliver the high-speed broadband for each school is proceeding under an existing Framework Agreement. The Working Group involved in running this project (comprising officials from DCENR, DES, HeaNet and the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) is currently evaluating tenders received from those companies qualified under the Framework Agreement and it is my hope that actual work on connecting the 200 schools involved in the first phase of this 3-year programme will begin this week. It is expected that all schools in this phase of the project will have their connectivity finalised by October next.

Consumer Protection

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

350 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is anticipated that responsibility for matters relating to regulation or operational rules in respect of the print media is likely to pass to his Department; if he has had any discussions or met with any of the individual stakeholders or their representatives, principal figures or organisations in the media in this regard; if any issues arising are likely to be dealt with by way of the promised Competition Bill or otherwise; if he or his Department have made or are likely to make submissions as to the degree to which the Competition Bill might impact on the print of electronic media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30998/12]

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

In July 2011, the Government approved the heads of the Consumer and Competition Bill. The Bill will reconfigure the existing measures governing media mergers in this State and will include the transfer of these powers to my Department.

There has been ongoing contact at Ministerial and Official levels between the two Departments on this matter. My Department has in particular provided the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with a series of suggested amendments relating to the matter on the Draft Heads of the Competition Bill.

I have met with most stakeholder interests in the media sector including, since last July, the newspaper sector. I have met representatives of the National Newspapers of Ireland; I have met the Board of the Press Council and I have met separately with the then CEO of INM, Gavin O'Reilly and the Chairman of Communicorp, Denis O'Brien at their request.

Telecommunications Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which plans are afoot or likely to materialise with the objective of dramatically enhancing the quality and speed of broadband services here with a view to achieving a quality of service equal to the best in Europe; if he has had any discussions with the various service providers regarding same; when it is expected that the enhanced standards are likely to prevail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30999/12]

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

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband customer access and associated fast speeds to every home and business in the State.

The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT) report, which I launched on 2 May last, will have an important role to play in this regard. The Taskforce, which I chaired, comprised the CEOs of ten broadband services providers. The industry participants included the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services.

In launching the report, I also commenced a public consultation to allow all other interested parties to comment on the document and to offer any additional or alternative proposals. The public consultation closed in early June and more than 50 responses were received. My Department is currently considering the responses received and related matters. Building on the work of the Taskforce and the responses received, it is my intention to bring proposals for a National Broadband Plan to Government shortly with a view to agreeing a comprehensive set of policy actions to underpin the provision of high speed services on a national basis which will take due account of the NGBT report and the additional responses received.

Mobile Telephony

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

352 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if directly or in conjunction with the regulator he has had any discussions with the service providers in respect of the various mobile telephone services; if any particular or specific deficiencies in the standard and quality of service to the customers have been particularly identified; the proposed action if any to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31000/12]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that the management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended.

In accordance with this function and with its obligations under national and EU law, ComReg designs and manages the assignment of radio spectrum, which includes the imposition and enforcement of usage conditions. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function. I have not been engaged in any discussions of the type referred to by the Deputy.

The Deputy may be aware that ComReg is engaged in a detailed process in relation to the release of spectrum rights of use in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands which are used to provide mobile telephone services. Details of this process are available on ComReg's website.

Renewable Energy

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

353 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions with the various stakeholders involved in alternative energy production with particular reference to the need to maximise capability and output in this area; if the desirable targets have so far been reached in this regard; if he intends to incentivise this sector with a view to achieving better targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31001/12]

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

Under Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland has been set a legally binding target of 16% of all energy consumption to be from renewable sources by 2020. This target has to be achieved across the transport, heating and electricity sectors. To achieve this, we have set goals of 40% for the electricity sector, 10% for the transport sector and 12% for the heat sector, which together amount to 16% of all energy consumption overall.

There are plans and processes in place to ensure that we move along the trajectory towards delivery of our target. Ireland's first progress report on the National Renewable Energy Action Plan was published in January 2012 and sets out where we were at the end of 2010 and how we intend to progress towards 2020. At the end of 2010, 5.5% of all energy consumed in Ireland was from renewable sources, up from 3.1% in 2005.

In the transport sector, under the biofuels obligation scheme, our intention is to increase blending of biofuels in petrol and diesel gradually in the period to 2020, in line with the fuel quality directive. This will deliver the bulk of our 2020 renewable transport target. A small additional proportion will be delivered through increased use of electric vehicles and a grant scheme for electric vehicles was opened by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2011.

In the electricity sector, which will deliver the bulk of our target, the Commission for Energy Regulation through the Gate grid connection process has ensured that sufficient grid connection offers to meet our 40% renewable electricity target have been issued. EirGrid under its Grid 25 strategy and under its implementation plans is ensuring sufficient grid upgrade and grid build to ensure that the grid can deliver on this significant amount of new renewable generation, particularly new wind.

At the end of 2011, it is currently estimated that 17.6% of our electricity consumption was from renewables. There are a total of 152 windfarms connected to the national grid with a total installed capacity of 1,628 MW approximately. Additionally, there is small and large hydro and biomass generation attached with approximately 1900MW of renewable generation connected to the grid in total.

In addition to what is already connected to the grid, 1500MW of renewable generation has already contracted for grid connection build with either EirGrid or ESB Networks. For the most part, these are projects from Gate 1 and Gate 2 that are still awaiting grid build-out, along with about 500MW from Gate 3. 3900MW of grid connection offers issued under Gate 3 and the full take-up rate is not yet known.

The latest forecasts from the SEAI as to the amount of renewable generation required to meet our 40% renewable electricity target is 4000MW, provided we achieve our energy efficiency goals. It is expected that between what is already built in Gate 1 and Gate 2 and what has already contracted to build along with the remainder of Gate 3 is largely sufficient for the achievement of our 40% target, even if some Gate 3 developers ultimately decide not to accept their offer.

Renewable generation is supported through REFIT which guarantees a minimum price over a 15 year period for electricity from specific renewable sources exported to the grid. Onshore wind, hydro, landfill gas, biomass combustion, biomass co-firing, biomass combined heat and power (CHP) and anaerobic digestion are the categories of technology which are eligible for REFIT.

The heat sector is indirectly supported through REFIT in the CHP category. Additionally, there are grants available for certain bioenergy crops.

Exploration Licences

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

354 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which explorations licences issued in each of the past three years to date have been activated or are likely to be so activated in the near future; if he will further outline the degree to which he expects the State to benefit from any revenues or royalties accruing therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31002/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

356 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of individual explorations of oil and gas and or other mineral resources currently on-hand or contemplated on and off-shore; the extent, if any to which commercially viable results have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 356 together.

Exploration licences are valid from the date of issue and are granted on the basis of the performance of a work programme by the licence holders. Exploration activity related to the agreed work programmes for each of the exploration licences issued in the last three years is ongoing. In the event of a commercial discovery arising from petroleum exploration licences awarded since 1 January 2007, the State would benefit from a tax on profits of between 25% and 40% depending on the profitability of the field. A commercial discovery would also help strengthen Ireland's energy security of supply and have a positive impact on Ireland's efforts to attract an increased share of international exploration investment.

There are 18 petroleum exploration licences at present and while there have been a number of discoveries of oil and gas in recent years, none have been declared commercial to date. The only petroleum discovery that has been declared commercial but has yet to come into production is the Corrib Gas Field. With regard to non-petroleum minerals as of 21st June 2012, there are 592 mineral prospecting licences currently held by 45 companies. Once issued, all licences are active.

While no new commercially viable deposits of minerals have been discovered in the past three years, there have been some encouraging results, particularly in Counties Limerick and Clare. However, it is too early to determine whether these results will lead to identification of commercially viable deposits or to estimate the economic benefits that might accrue. Details of all exploration licences can be found in the six-monthly reports to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses under the Petroleum and other Minerals Development Act 1960 and Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999 respectively. The last such reports are in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2011. These reports are also available on the Department's website at:

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Petroleum+Affairs+Division/Acreage+and+Activity+Reports/ and http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Exploration+and+Mining+Division/Oireachtas+Reports/

Postal Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

355 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he or his Department directly or through the medium of the Regulator have monitored the developments in An Post post de-regulation with particular reference to the need to ensure the continued provision of countrywide next day delivery of letter and parcel services supported by the countrywide network of post offices and sub-post offices involving enhanced and modernised counter services and ensuring that cherry-picking is not allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31003/12]

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

The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011, which was enacted in August 2011, has put in place a robust and appropriate regulatory framework for the postal services market.

While I have overall responsibility for the postal sector, the Act charges the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as the postal regulator, with the promotion of the development of the postal sector, particularly the availability of the universal postal service, the promotion of the interests of users and the facilitation of the development of competition in the sector. ComReg is in regular contact with my Department.

Under the 2011 Act, An Post is statutorily required, as the designated universal service provider, to provide a universal postal service. The essential element of this obligation is the collection and delivery of mail to every address in the State on every working day. The universal service obligation is a form of safety net, ensuring by way of regulatory obligations that a minimum set of services is provided at an affordable price for the benefit of all users, irrespective of their geographical location. It is a fundamental principle of the regulatory framework for postal services and is an explicit requirement of the EU Postal Services Directive which has provided for the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition. The Deputy may wish to note that the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011 also makes provision for a compensation mechanism, to be met by the postal industry, if it is found that the universal service obligation is an unfair burden on the designated universal service provider.

Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 354.

Gas Exploration

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

357 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in bringing product ashore from the Corrib Gas field; if the statutory requirements in respect of the project have been fully complied with; when it is expected that supply will become available to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31005/12]

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

Completion of the Corrib gas field development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.

The developer is in receipt of all statutory permits relevant to the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline. Works commenced in July 2011 and oversight of these works is being undertaken by the appropriate authorities with respect to their respective consents i.e. Mayo County Council is charged with enforcement and compliance with the conditions of An Bord Pleanála's development permission pursuant to the Planning and Development Acts, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government monitors compliance with the Foreshore Licence and my Department oversees and ensures statutory compliance with regard to the permissions granted pursuant to the Gas and Petroleum Acts. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, which began last year, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.

Fuel Prices

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

358 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has monitored the impact of oil, gas and commercial diesel prices on the economy, whether directly or in conjunction with his EU colleagues any particular procedure can be followed whereby the EU can avail of economies of scale through bulk purchase and or storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31006/12]

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

I have no statutory function in relation to energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated energy markets. Energy policy objectives for Ireland and the European Union are delivering security of supply and reducing the impact of energy costs for consumers and business, through the development of renewable energy resources, enhanced energy efficiency and greater competition. National and EU energy policy objectives are also informed by the critical work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on all aspects of energy supply. The Government's energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes including the Biofuels Obligation are aimed at moving Ireland's economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility.

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. There is no price control on petroleum products and it has been the policy objective of successive Governments to promote price competition and consumer choice. Previous surveys have shown that prices, which Irish retailers charge for oil products, relate to the refinery price rather than to the price of crude oil. The refinery price for oil products varies with demand and does not always move in line with crude oil prices. There is a time lag between movements in crude prices and refined prices. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, which is fluctuating, transportation costs, euro/dollar exchange rate fluctuations and other operating costs as well as the impact of taxes on oil products.

Radio Broadcasting

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

359 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which local radio stations throughout the country have remained local in the context of ownership and-or control since the original granting of their respective licenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31007/12]

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

The Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides the statutory framework for the licensing and regulation of broadcasting and multiplex services in Ireland. The 2009 Act also established the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to regulate content across all Irish broadcasting services and it sets out a range of general and specific objectives for the BAI including ensuring the provision of open and pluralistic broadcasting services. Part 6 of the 2009 Act, deals with broadcasting contracts for commercial and community broadcasters. This Part recognises the continued importance and need for community broadcasting, and sets out the conditions under which such licences can be granted.

In relation to the licensing of local and commercial broadcasters, the 2009 Act assigns these functions to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), which is an independent statutory body. I have, however, passed the Deputy's query to the BAI and asked the Authority to reply directly to him.

Electricity Generation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

360 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the various forms of alternative electricity production have been utilised as a means of achieving major reduction in energy imports with particular reference to oil and gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31008/12]

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

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) advise that renewable/alternative energy electricity generation contributed 17.6% of the gross final consumption of electricity in 2011. 17.6% of gross final consumption represents over 5,000 GWh of electricity in the Irish market in 2011. The latest analysis from the SEAI shows that these alternative energy sources replaced over 12,000 GWh of electricity which otherwise would have been generated by conventional fuel. This resulted in 21% less overall natural gas imports in 2011 (or 28% less gas for electricity generation) and 0.3% less oil imports than would have been required if renewable energy sources were not deployed. This would equate to approximately €300 million each year in avoided imports of fossil fuels.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind generation projects currently in operation throughout the country; the total contribution to the national grid; the extent to which similar projects are awaiting approval or planning permissions; when the projects currently on hand are likely to become fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31009/12]

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

There are a total of 152 windfarms connected to the national grid with a total installed capacity of 1,628 MW approximately. This information is publicly available on the Eirgrid and ESB Network websites atwww.eirgrid.ie and www.esb.ie/esbnetworks. Planning applications are decided under planning legislation on an individual basis by each planning authority and details regarding number and type of projects awaiting planning permission are available from individual planning authorities.

In order to connect to the electricity grid, generators require a grid connection offer. Supervision of the grid connection process, including access to offers, is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The Gate process was put in place by the CER following public consultation. It is a group processing approach (GPA) towards the processing and issuance of grid connection offers to renewable generators.

To date there have been 3 Gates. Under Gate 1 and Gate 2, 1755MW of connection offers were made and accepted. Under Gate 3, 3900MW of offers have issued to renewable generators. In addition to the 1900MW of renewable generation already connected to the grid, 1500MW of renewable generation has already contracted for grid connection build with either EirGrid or ESB Networks. For the most part, these are projects from Gate 1 and Gate 2 that are still awaiting grid build-out, along with about 500MW from Gate 3. Indicative timelines for the connection of those who have contracted are available on the EirGrid and ESB Networks websites.

The latest forecasts from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as to the amount of renewable generation required to meet our 40% renewable electricity target is 4000MW, provided we achieve our energy efficiency goals. It is expected that between what is already built in Gate 1 and Gate 2 and what has already contracted to build along with the remainder of Gate 3 is largely sufficient for the achievement of our 40% target, even if some Gate 3 developers ultimately decide not to accept their offer. In order to be accepted into the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff scheme (REFIT), administered by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, applicants must have both a grid connection offer and planning permission.

Security Systems

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

362 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which burglar alarm or other intruder alert systems in the commercial or domestic sectors continue to exist without the benefits of wireless or digital backup; if the Regulator has made any specific enquiries in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31010/12]

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

The provision of burglar alarm or other intruder alert systems is a matter for the private marketplace. Neither my Department nor the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has any role in monitoring the benefits of technologies deployed in the alarm industry.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

363 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park Agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31341/12]

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

There have been no redundancy payments in my Department over the period of the Croke Park agreement. Over the period of the Agreement, a number of staff retired from the Department. Details of the lump sum payments will be forwarded directly to the Deputy. Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I will, however, request the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Electric Vehicles

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

364 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is considering using road tax or other charges as a way of incentivising the purchase and use of electric vehicles. [30492/12]

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

A review of options for the improvement in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and motor tax revenues in future years was announced on Budget day, 6 December 2011. Interested parties were invited to make submissions regarding the proposed revision in the current system of VRT and motor tax to adjust CO2 bands and rates in line with technological advances in motor vehicles while maintaining a positive environmental incentive to reduce transport emissions. The public consultation period ran to 1 March 2012. Submissions, including submissions in relation to electric vehicles, were received from motoring representative organisations, motor dealers and other elements of the motoring industry, and also from private individuals. My Department and the Department of Finance are currently considering the submissions and possible options with a view to bringing proposals to Government.

Tax Collection

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

365 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way he can stand over the fact that the new property tax is to be deducted directly from the wages of PAYE employees in order to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

388 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Thornhill Report will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30526/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 388 together.

An independently-chaired Inter-Departmental Expert Group was established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation-based property tax. The Group has recently completed its work and submitted its report to me. The approach to the report will be considered by the Government in due course.

Building Regulations

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

366 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action a homeowner can take if they feel that their home has not been built to the specifications of the 2003 Building Regulations and wish to make a complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30594/12]

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

The Building Control Act 1990 clearly places responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations on the owner of the building concerned and on the builder/developer who carries out the works. The Building Regulations set out the legally enforceable minimum standards which a new building must achieve. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the 37 local Building Control Authorities who have strong powers to serve enforcement notices for non-compliance or to institute proceedings for breaches of regulatory requirements within a period of five years from the date the building has been completed. Homeowners should be advised to report any concerns about non-compliance with the Building Regulations to the Building Control Authority in the Local Authority responsible for the area in which they live.

It may be the case that the builder/developer who built their home was a member of a structural guarantee warranty/scheme, such as that provided by HomeBond, or subject to other insurance cover. This should be ascertained and pursued where relevant. Remediation of defects is a matter between the parties concerned, the owner and the builder/developer and their insurers. If satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved through dialogue and negotiation the option of seeking civil legal remedy may be considered.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

367 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether Ireland’s responsibilities in respect of EU targets for carbon emission reductions can be met fully and on time; if he is satisfied that the progress made to date in this regard adequately meets expectations; his further proposals which might complement efforts to date in this regard and at the same time create employment opportunities in line with current and projected needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30494/12]

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

For the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period. In accordance with the National Climate Change Strategy, that target will be met on foot of domestic mitigation action supplemented by the purchase of carbon allowances or credits under the flexible mechanisms provided for in the Protocol.

Ireland's greenhouse gas mitigation target for 2020 requires a 20% reduction on 2005 levels in the sectors of the economy not covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). This reduction must be achieved along a legally-binding trajectory, beginning in 2013 at the average emissions for 2008-2010, with annual targets up to 2020. This poses a very significant challenge and, even under the most optimistic scenario, a compliance gap will need to be bridged. This gap will be addressed through domestic policy development complemented, as necessary, by use of the flexibilities provided in Decision 406/2009/EC of 23 April 2009. Irish installations participating in the EU-ETS will operate within an EU-wide cap which will deliver a 21% reduction on 2005 levels by 2020.

The programme for climate policy and legislation published 23 January 2012 set out my approach to the development of national policy and legislation over an 18 month period. The principal milestones include:

a public consultation (which ran from 29 February to 1 April 2012);

in the second half of this year, the publication of an initial report by the NESC Secretariat on potential climate polices and measures, and the development of heads of a Climate Bill for consideration by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht following Government approval; and

consideration of the final report by the NESC Secretariat and the heads of the Bill by the Committee in the first half of 2013.

As I indicated in the programme for climate policy and legislation, I will publish the Heads of a Climate Bill in the fourth quarter of 2012.

In my presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on 15 December 2011, I set out my approach to ensuring that we develop the necessary policy mix to support an ambitious but realistic national direction towards a low-carbon future. The green economy and sustainable development agendas are key elements of Ireland's economic recovery strategy. They can provide the opportunities for job creation in start-up and scale-up companies, with increased public demand for green goods and services in both domestic and international markets. Earlier this month, I published Our Sustainable Future, a Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland, which sets out a medium to long-term approach to guide the essential work required to progress the sustainable development agenda and more fully embrace the green economy in Ireland. The agenda in this area will be progressed further through the development of a Green Economy Action Plan under the Jobs Action Plan, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Planning Issues

Catherine Murphy

Question:

368 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the situation regarding exemptions for planning permission in the case of the construction of waste processing facilities, particularly bio waste facilities; if it is required under planning legislation for waste licences, permits or certificates of registration to be secured under Statutory Instrument 821 of 2007 as a pre-condition for obtaining planning permission to construct such bio waste facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30285/12]

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

The construction of a waste processing facility, or the material change of use of a structure or land to a waste processing facility, is not exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission. It is not a pre-condition of applying for planning permission that an applicant have complied with Statutory Instrument 821 of 2007; however, as specifically provided in section 34(13) of the Planning Act, a person is not entitled solely by reason of a planning permission to carry out any development, and a recipient of planning permission is also required to comply with all other relevant statutory codes before carrying out any development.

Waste Disposal

Catherine Murphy

Question:

369 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will supply a record of the correspondence between his office and Kildare County Council in 2011 and 2012 relating to a facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30286/12]

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

On 21 July 2011, at my request, my special adviser wrote to Kildare County Council and requested that the already sanctioned waste permit for Cleary Composting be processed and posted to that company. I do not have a copy of that letter.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

370 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the certificates of registration, permits and licences available under Statutory Instrument 821 of 2007 to facilities who wish to engage in waste transfer, storage, treatment or collection is in all cases granted only once animal by-product approval has been granted from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to the applicant in question; if not, if he will clarify the processes involved in the licensing regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30287/12]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

376 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that waste certificates of registration and waste permits issued by local authorities under Statutory Instrument 821 of 2007 may also include animal by-product approval as part of the issuing process; if so, if he will outline the role of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in facilitating this arrangement; if he will provide a list detailing, by local authority, instances in which animal by product approval has been granted as part of the awarding of waste certificates of registration and waste permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30350/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 376 together.

Premises involved in the treatment of animal by-products are subject to an approval process overseen by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The primary purpose of the waste facility permitting and registration system is to facilitate appropriate controls on waste facilities and activities so as to ensure good and consistent waste management practice and the implementation of high standards of environmental protection. The waste and animal by-products statutory permitting mechanisms are distinct processes with no formal sequencing. This reflects the fact that a waste permit or licence may allow several activities, some of which may not be relevant to the treatment of animal by-products. I understand that it can be preferable from the waste facility operator's perspective that such a distinction exists, as, for example, an operator may wish to phase the introduction of different waste treatment operations.

Under the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, a local authority is required to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in a number of circumstances. These requirements include:

When a local authority considers that a valid waste facility permit application has been received, and where the application is concerned with the composting of animal by-products, the local authority is required to notify the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine within 5 working days, and include a copy of the application.

When a waste facility permit is issued which involves the biological treatment of animal by-products, the local authority is required to notify the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and include a copy of the permit.

A local authority, when making a clerical or technical amendment to a waste facility permit, is required to notify particulars of the amendment involved to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in a case where the waste facility permit is concerned with the treatment of animal by-products.

Where a waste facility permit which involves the treatment of animal by-products has been reviewed, the local authority concerned is required to notify the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and include a copy of the reviewed permit.

In the case of an activity involving the biological treatment of animal by-products and where a certificate of registration has been granted, refused, revoked or surrendered, the local authority is required to notify the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of such a decision.

In addition, an application for a waste facility permit is required to contain, in the case of an application which involves the biological treatment of animal by-products, details of any application made to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a veterinary authorisation for the facility.

As specified in the 2007 Regulations, composting facilities are also subject to a number of other regulatory requirements, including under the European Communities (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Animal By-Products) Regulations 2008 and the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) (Fertilizers and Soil Improvers) Order 2008. Queries concerning the instances in which waste facilities are permitted to treat animal by-products should be directed to individual regulating authorities, that is the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities. I understand that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also maintains a database of approved premises and registered hauliers; this database is available for inspection on that Department's website,www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Foreshore Licences

Brian Walsh

Question:

371 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consent will be granted to Galway County Council to sublease foreshore (details supplied) in the ownership of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to facilitate the development of a public park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30334/12]

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

Galway County Council has written to my Department seeking consent to construct facilities related to the Clifden Sewerage Scheme on lands which were created by the reclamation of an area of foreshore. My Department has established that ownership of the lands in question was transferred from the Minister for Finance to the Minister for Communications in 1981. The Minister for Communications subsequently leased the lands to Galway County Council in 1985 under Section 10(2) of the State Property Act, 1954.

The information supplied with the question suggests that the Council also proposes to sublease a portion of what appears to be the same lands to the Clifden District and Community Council for the construction of a public amenity park. This is new information which was not included in the Council's correspondence with my Department. Clarity is required on the current ownership of the lands concerned in order to establish which Minister is the consenting authority in respect of the application by the Council. To that end my Department has sought advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office. When the advice of that Office is received my Department will advise the Council on the appropriate next steps in the process.

Noise Pollution

Finian McGrath

Question:

372 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on the situation of noise pollution (details supplied). [30337/12]

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

Currently, a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. This Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on my Department's websitewww.environ.ie.

Local Authority Housing

Dessie Ellis

Question:

373 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to develop guidelines for allowing persons to seek local authority housing in areas in which they do not have strong connection especially when their is an oversupply in that area in comparison to the applicants area of residence. [30340/12]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

374 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to make family residing in an area sufficient criteria for recognising a strong connection for applicants seeking local authority housing outside of the area they currently reside in such as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [30341/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 374 together.

Sections of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009 dealing with social housing support, and the related Social Housing Assessment Regulations, 2011, were commenced on 1 April 2011. These set out the procedures for assessing applicants for social housing in every housing authority. Under the new arrangements a household need only apply to one housing authority for the purpose of determining whether or not they have a housing need. A household may thus apply to a housing authority in one functional area and be on the waiting list in another local authority area, without having a local connection. This applies to the joint city and county areas and to town councils within a county area. A housing authority may also decide at its discretion to accept a household who does not meet the residence or local connection criteria.

With regard to local connection to an area, under the Regulations this can be established if the applicant or a member of the household;

has lived in the area for a continuous 5 year period previously;

is employed in the area or within 15 km of the area;

is in full-time education, or attending specialist medical care in the area;

has a relative living in the area for 2 years or longer.

Homeless Persons

Robert Dowds

Question:

375 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the numbers of persons known to be homeless in the Dublin area in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and his proposals to address the issue of homelessness. [30344/12]

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

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The Housing Agency's Housing Needs Assessment 2008 and 2011 reports break down the categories of housing need, including in respect of homelessness, for all 88 housing authorities nationwide. These are available on my Department's website atwww.environ.ie. However, as the Housing Needs Assessment only counts homeless persons where an application has been made to a housing authority, it was decided in September 2011 that details on the extent of homelessness in the Dublin region, where numbers are most pronounced, would be reviewed and updated using the now fully operational Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) and crosschecked against each of the Dublin local authorities housing management data systems to give an accurate figure of the known homeless population in Dublin. Following extensive cross checking and quality control to remove duplications and ensure accuracy of all data entries the confirmed extent of homelessness in the Dublin region as at September 2011 was 1,891 persons. PASS, which commenced operation in the Dublin region in 2011, is being extended nationally on a phased basis with work currently underway in other regions. It is intended that the PASS system will be operational across the entire country by end 2012. The PASS system will in future provide good quality, timely, data on homelessness nationally as an evidence base for all homelessness services.

The current homeless strategy The Way Home — A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness 2008-2013 sets out Government policy on tackling homelessness and has a number of key aims including:

preventing homelessness;

eliminating the need to sleep rough;

eliminating long-term occupation of emergency accommodation;

providing long-term accommodation solutions;

ensuring effective services; and

better co-ordinated funding arrangements.

The Programme for Government committed to reviewing the national homelessness strategy and to implementing a housing led approach to homelessness. The draft of the review is being considered by my Department and was presented recently to the Cross Departmental Team on Homelessness and the Homeless Consultative Committee for consultation. The review will take account of demands on existing housing and will assess how best to continue providing services in a manner consistent with the elimination of existing homelessness and to ensure more effective prevention strategies. On its conclusion, I will be indicating what I expect from housing authorities and other stakeholders in accelerating progress towards realising the ambition of eliminating involuntary long-term homelessness.

There is no single solution to increasing the level of social housing supply for the homeless, and maximising delivery will require flexible and diverse approaches. The initial emphasis is necessarily on the Dublin region, where there is a concentration of those accessing homelessness services, by moving away from the current over reliance on emergency accommodation provision to a more permanent accommodation solution to be achieved through a number of measures including:

directly linking the provision of funding with specific targets and outcomes;

making better use of the existing available accommodation units in the local authorities and in the voluntary sector;

additional social housing provision through acquisitions and remedial works/upgrading of vacant local authority housing stock and a leasing programme;

ongoing engagement with NAMA to secure properties;

targeted use of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS);

an enhanced role for the private rental sector;

better co-ordination with the voluntary and cooperative housing sector; and

the establishment of Homeless Action Teams across all regions.

Question No. 376 answered with Question No. 370.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Noel Harrington

Question:

377 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Castletownbere sewage scheme, County Cork; the date on which he expects the project works to commence; the expected timetable for its completion; if he will confirm that funding will be provided by him to complete the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30357/12]

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

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €230 million in the county during the period of the Programme. The Castletownbere sewerage scheme is included in the programme as a scheme to advance through planning during the lifetime of the programme. My Department is awaiting the submission by Cork County Council of a revised preliminary report for the scheme.

Local Authority Charges

Charles Flanagan

Question:

378 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legal position in respect of commercial rates and pre-school facilities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are certain inconsistencies surrounding this matter; the steps he will take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30370/12]

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

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The Valuation Office is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function. With regard to the application of rates on child care premises and crèches, local authorities levy rates on commercial establishments. It is my understanding that where child care provision is within a community facility, operating in a non-profit capacity, commercial rates do not generally apply. In all other cases, pre-school services continue to be liable to commercial rates. I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.

Fire Service

Michael Colreavy

Question:

379 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will be funding a new fire services capital programme; when new fire stations in Virginia and Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan will be built; the stage of these projects; when they may expect to advance to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30393/12]

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

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority for the available capital funds. Correspondence has been received in my Department from Cavan County Council in relation to proposals for works at Ballyjamesduff and Virginia fire stations, and these are currently under consideration. Further investment to support the redevelopment of these fire stations will be considered under future capital programmes, within the constraints of reduced public finances, and will have regard to the priorities of Cavan County Council, the value-for-money offered by proposals, the level of investment to date and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide for the limited funding available.

Local Government Audit Service

John McGuinness

Question:

380 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of meetings to date held by the review group established by him to consider the role of the of the Local Government Audit Service and the Comptroller and Auditor General; if he will explain the matters to be considered by this group; the names of the members of this group; the time frame in which this group has to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/12]

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

The Local Government Audit Service / Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General Critical Review Group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, 26 June 2012. The members of the Review Group are:

Table
Pat McLoughlin	Chief Executive, Irish Payment Services Organisation. (Chairman)
Des Dowling	Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Noel O’Connell	Local Government Audit Service
Marie McLaughlin	Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Paul Ryan	Department of Finance
Andy Harkness	Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
Terry O’Niadh	Former County Manager, North Tipperary County Council

The Group will undertake a critical review in accordance with the policy on rationalisation of State agencies set out in the Public Service Reform Plan. The timeframe for the completion of a report will be considered by the Group at its inaugural meeting. I expect that this will be expedited to the greatest extent possible.

Appointments to State Boards

John McGuinness

Question:

381 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the names of those persons appointed to the board of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority by Ministerial appointment and the name of the Minister in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30406/12]

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

The information requested in the question in respect of appointments to the Executive Board of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is as follows:

Table 1: First Executive Board of DDDA (May 1997-April 2002)

Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Expiry of Appointment	Appointing Minister
Lar Bradshaw (Chair)	May 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
Mary Bergin	May 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
P.J. Drudy	May 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
John Egan	May 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
Cyril Forbes	Jun 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
Lewis Glucksman	May 1997	Resigned Oct 1997	Brendan Howlin
John McCarthy	May 1997	Resigned Jan 1998	Brendan Howlin
Joan O’Connor	May 1997	Apr 2002	Brendan Howlin
Jim Lacey (Replaced L. Glucksman)	Nov 1997	Resigned Mar 1998	Noel Dempsey
John O’Connor (Replaced J. McCarthy)	Jan 1998	Resigned May 2000	Noel Dempsey
Sean Fitzpatrick (Replaced J. Lacey)	Aug 1998	Apr 2002	Noel Dempsey
Mary Moylan (Replaced J. O’Connor)	Jul 2000	Apr 2002	Noel Dempsey

Table 2: Second Executive Board of DDDA (May 2002-April 2007)

Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Expiry of Appointment	Appointing Minister
Lar Bradshaw (Chair) (Re-appointed)	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Angela Cavendish	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Dónall Curtin	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Sean Fitzpatrick (Re-appointed)	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Declan McCourt	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Mary Moylan (Re-appointed)	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Joan O’Connor (Re-appointed)	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey
Niamh O’Sullivan	May 2002	Apr 2007	Noel Dempsey

Table 3: Third Executive Board of DDDA (May 2007-April 2012)

Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Expiry of Appointment	Appointing Minister
Donal O’Connor (Chair)	May 2007	Resigned Jan 2009	Dick Roche
Dónall Curtin (Re-appointed)	May 2007	Apr 2012	Dick Roche
Brendan Malone	May 2007	Apr 2012	Dick Roche
Mary Moylan (Re-appointed)	May 2007	Resigned Oct 2007	Dick Roche
Niamh O’Sullivan (Re-appointed)	May 2007	Resigned Sep 2010	Dick Roche
Niall Coveney	Jun 2007	Apr 2012	Dick Roche
Catherine Mullarkey	Jun 2007	Apr 2012	Dick Roche
Sheila O’Donnell	Jun 2007	Resigned Feb 2009	Dick Roche
Gerry McCaughey (Chair) (Replaced D. O’Connor)	Mar 2009	Resigned Mar 2009	John Gormley
Niamh Brennan (Chair) (Replaced G. McCaughey)	Mar 2009	Apr 2012	John Gormley
Mark Griffin (Replaced M. Moylan)	Nov 2007	Apr 2012	John Gormley
Yvonne Farrell (Replaced S. O’Donnell)	Mar 2009	Apr 2012	John Gormley
Berna Grist (Replaced N. O’Sullivan)	Dec 2010	Resigned Sep 2011	John Gormley

Table 4: Fourth Executive Board of DDDA (1 May 2012-31 May 2012)

Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Expiry of Appointment	Appointing Minister
Niamh Brennan (Chair) (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Niall Coveney (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Dónall Curtin (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Yvonne Farrell (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Mark Griffin (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Brendan Malone (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan
Catherine Mullarkey (Re-appointed)	1 May 2012	31 May 2012	Phil Hogan

Table 5: Fifth Executive Board of DDDA (Jun 2012-Dec 2013)

Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Expiry of Appointment	Appointing Minister
John Tierney (Chair)	Jun 2012	30 April 2017	Phil Hogan
Gerry Grimes	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Phillip Matthews	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Lucy McCaffrey	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Charlie Murphy	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Imelda Reynolds	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Michael Stubbs	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan
Frank Walsh	Jun 2012	31 Dec 2013	Phil Hogan

Environment Fund

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

382 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the €5,479,744 allocated to the waste management capital grants scheme and the €2,709,616 allocated planning and procurement for major local authority infrastructure projects from the Environment Fund in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30411/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

383 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of income the Environmental Fund received in 2011 and 2012 from the environmental levy on the landfill of waste and plastic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30416/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

384 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the €12,341,663 from the Environment Fund allocated to local authority enforcement initiatives in 2010; the amount each local authority received; and the way in which the local authority spent this money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30421/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 384, inclusive, together.

Income from the Environment Fund is used to support a range of environmental measures including within the area of waste management and the enforcement of waste management legislation. The 2011 and 2012 Environment Fund Accounts will be published in due course once they have been audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. However, provisional figures (on an accruals basis) indicate that income of €62,147,730 was received in 2011 from the environmental levies on the landfilling of waste and the provision of plastic bags. Cash receipts of €28,039,386 have been received for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 May 2012. The breakdown of Environment Fund expenditure (on an accruals basis) on the waste management capital grant scheme in 2010 is set out in the table that follows this reply. The funding was provided to support the development of local authority recycling facilities.

Local Authority	Project	Amount
Cavan County Council	Bailieborough Civic Amenity Site	€52,295
Donegal County Council	Donegal Town Civic Amenity Site	€323,305
Fingal County Council	Coolmine Civic Amenity Site	€352,458
Galway City Council	Carrowbrowne Composting Facility	€568,041
Kildare County Council	Athy Civic Amenity Site	€69,289
Laois County Council	Portarlington Civic Amenity Site	€32,040
Leitrim County Council	Leitrim Bring Bank Network	€6,174
Louth County Council	Drogheda Civic Amenity Site	€311,387
Meath County Council	Kells Civic Amenity Site	€64,092
Monaghan County Council	Carrickmacross Civic Amenity Site	€607,028
Roscommon County Council	Castlerea Civic Amenity Site	€318,177
Roscommon County Council	Roscommon Bring Bank Network	€7,165
Sligo County Council	Ballisodare Green Waste Facility	€8,741
Sligo County Council	Tubbercurry Civic Amenity Site	€6,432
South Tipp County Council	Cashel Civic Amenity Site	€947,958
Waterford County Council	Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site	€18,150
Waterford County Council	Dungarvan Composting Facility	€11,474
Waterford County Council	Dungarvan Materials Recovery Facility	€188,800
Waterford County Council	Lismore Composting Facility	€26,120
Waterford County Council	Tramore Composting Facility	€14,511
Westmeath County Council	Mullingar Civic Amenity Site	€406,848
Wexford County Council	Enniscorthy Civic Amenity Site	€553,378
Wicklow County Council	Arklow Civic Amenity Site	€ 9,108
Wicklow County Council	Bray Civic Amenity Site	€576,774
	Total	€5,479,744

The breakdown of Environment Fund expenditure (on an accruals basis) on the planning and procurement of local authority infrastructure projects in 2010 is set out in the table below:

Local Authority	Project	Amount
Dublin City Council	Ballyogan/Kilshane Biological Treatment Facilities	€2,116,259
South Tipperary County Council	South East PPP Project	€593,357
	Total	€2,709,616

A summary of the €12,341,663 allocated from the Environment Fund to support local authority enforcement initiatives in 2010 is set out in the following table:

Enforcement Expenditure Area	Amount
Environmental Enforcement Grants Scheme	€7,499,599
Enforcement Deployment costs	€1,000,000
Diesel Laundering clean up costs	€303,895
Historical Landfill Pilot Project 2010	€235,743
National TFS Office	€600,000
Environmental Training	€129,002
Repatriation of Waste from NI	€2,573,424
Total	€12,341,663

A breakdown of payments made under each of these enforcement expenditure areas is given in the following tables:

Scheme of Environmental Enforcement Grants

Local Authority	Amount
Carlow	€165,000
Cavan	€278,000
Clare	€403,000
Cork	€455,000
Donegal	€202,000
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown	€480,000
Fingal	€220,000
Galway	€72,000
Kerry	€68,000
Kildare	€121,000
Kilkenny	€153,000
Laois	€169,000
Leitrim	€74,000
Limerick	€207,000
Longford	€200,000
Louth	€130,000
Mayo	€156,000
Meath	€259,000
Monaghan	€219,000
North Tipperary	€153,000
Offaly	€292,434
Roscommon	€136,373
Sligo	€140,412
South Dublin	€130,000
South Tipperary	€58,000
Waterford	€212,000
Westmeath	€175,000
Wexford	€236,885
Wicklow	€360,000
City Councils
Cork	€180,750
Dublin	€1,032,745
Galway	€50,000
Galway	€50,000
Limerick	€170,000
Waterford	€91,000
Total Enforcement Grants 2010	€7,499,599

Enforcement Deployment

Local Authority	Amount
Carlow	€13,772
Cavan	€21,323
Clare	€45,605
Cork	€66,145
Donegal	€34,564
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	€61,102
Fingal	€15,579
Galway	€8,125
Kerry	€20,695
Kildare	€25,038
Kilkenny	€17,645
Laois	€22,822
Leitrim	€5,998
Limerick	€16,871
Longford	€25,284
Louth	€14,619
Mayo	€40,389
Meath	€42,653
Monaghan	€27,997
North Tipperary	€22,683
Offaly	€27,433
Roscommon	€37,827
Sligo	€14,336
South Dublin	€14,693
South Tipperary	€10,622
Waterford	€24,735
Westmeath	€20,595
Wexford	€25,415
Wicklow	€50,871
City Councils
Cork	€24,268
Dublin	€75,890
Galway	€3,172
Limerick	€25,006
Waterford	€16,228
Mid West Regional Waste Mgt (Limerick County Council)	€80,000
Total	€1,000,000

Diesel Laundering clean up costs

Local Authority	Amount
Louth	€246,211
Monaghan	€28,414
Offaly	€29,270
Total	€303,895

Historical Landfill Pilot Project

Local Authority	Amount
Cavan	€14,991
Clare	€17,887
Cork	€52,435
Galway	€10,696
Kilkenny	€9,548
Limerick	€13,572
Louth	€11,499
Mayo	€3,891
Monaghan	€2,786
Offaly	€14,635
Sligo	€19,284
South Tipperary	€40,258
Waterford	€12,487
Wicklow	€10,582
Training	€1,191
Total	€235,743

National Transfrontier Shipment Office

Local Authority	Amount
Dublin City Council	€600,000

Enforcement Training

Local Authority	Amount
North Tipp County Council	€123,202
Training Event Costs	€5,800
Total	€129,002

Repatriation of Waste from NI

Local Authority	Amount
Donegal County Council	€2,573,424

Household Charge

Noel Grealish

Question:

385 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 595 of 6 June, 2012, the reason the legislation was originally drafted to specifically levy the household charge on property owners only, in view of the fact that the charge is for the provision of local services which are also enjoyed by both private and public tenants; if he will also comment on the fact that letting agreements generally contain a clause giving owners of private residential property the power to pass on such local government charges to their tenants, in the view of his specific comment that tenants are not liable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30451/12]

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

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 125 of 9 May 2012, 115 of 17 May 2012 and 595 of 6 June 2012 which set out the position in this matter. As previously outlined, section 2(2) of the Local Government (Household Change) Act 2011 provides that certain buildings are not residential property for the purposes of the legislation. Section 2(2)(b), in particular, provides that a building vested in a Minister of the Government, a housing authority (within the meaning of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992) or the Health Service Executive is not a residential property for the purposes of the Act.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

386 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30478/12]

John Deasy

Question:

390 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30603/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

402 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30820/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386, 390 and 402 together.

There are nine persons in my Department available for redeployment. Six have already been redeployed to other Departments. The maximum time a person has been awaiting redeployment has been fifteen months and this arises due to the particular business specialty of the persons concerned.

In relation to the state agencies under the aegis of my Department thirty four people are available for redeployment with 28 deployed already. The maximum waiting time for this sector is 12 months and again this is due to the specific nature of their business specialty.

Every effort is being made by my Department and the agencies under its aegis to progress these redeployments in line with the agreed procedures.

Election Management System

Michael Creed

Question:

387 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will collate information regarding the number of public service employees employed as either polling clerks or presiding officers on polling day of the most recent referendum; if he will further collate information regarding the number of public servants employed to count the votes in the most recent referendum and if in view of the record levels of unemployment and further referenda envisaged in the near future the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30522/12]

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

The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law. Accordingly, there is no information in my Department about the staff employed at the recent referendum and I have no proposals to collate information in that regard.

To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed.

Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 365.

Planning Issues

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

389 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to his proposals regarding planning matters and in particular his proposal that there should be a record kept of all conversations and representations with regard to public representatives supporting or commenting on planning applications, which is the case in the majority of local authorities that this Deputy is aware of; if he will explain his proposals for change; and if it will involve extra time and costs on local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30534/12]

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

One of the recommendations of the Final Report of the Planning Tribunal is that interventions made by elected members in respect of specific planning applications should be noted on the file and that file should be available for inspection on the relevant planning authority's website.

This recommendation, together with all the other recommendations of the Planning Tribunal, is currently under consideration by the Government. It is already the case that all written submissions on planning applications made in accordance with the Planning Regulations are required to be placed on the publicly-available file as soon as possible after receipt.

Question No. 390 answered with Question No. 386.

Mortgage Arrears

John Deasy

Question:

391 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position that is being adopted by local authorities to assist persons with council mortgages who are finding themselves unable to maintain their original loan repayments due to unemployment or a change in circumstances; if he will ensure that every assistance is given to facilitate council mortgage holders who find themselves in this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30613/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

411 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the pilot mortgage to rent scheme will be rolled out for local authorities and Housing Finance Agency loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30867/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 411 together.

Local authorities have long been the lenders of last resort servicing the housing loans needs of less affluent members of society. In the present economic circumstances it is to be anticipated that the ability of some borrowers to service housing loans may become restricted and that a number of loans may fall into arrears.

Section 34 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides local authorities with powers to deal flexibly with distressed borrowers, and they have exhibited admirable forbearance over the years in dealing with such cases. In March 2010 my Department issued guidelines to local authorities, based upon the Central bank's first Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, which continued the tradition of handling arrears in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.

To reflect the content of the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct — which replaced the previous code from 1 January 2011 and was informed by the deliberations of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt — my Department is currently preparing updated guidance to local authorities in consultation with the County and City Managers Association. This will further enable local authorities to provide a range of flexible repayment options for households in difficulty.

In particular, the introduction of a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP), which closely mirrors the suite of options available in the commercial sector, will present borrowers in difficulty with a range of alternative payment agreements, which can be accessed to ease the particular circumstances of each case. This process will feature a standard set of options including, in cases of certain unsustainable mortgages, the facility of mortgage-to-rent. Local authorities have been restructuring loans for some time using their own internal practices. The introduction of these revised guidelines will standardise the approach across the whole sector, introduce a systematic structure to this area and provide borrowers with a transparent and accessible model for arrears resolution. I expect that the adoption of these revised guidelines will serve simultaneously to resolve mortgage difficulties for both local authorities and their borrowers. I anticipate that this updated guidance will issue very shortly.

Local and Community Development Programme

Pearse Doherty

Question:

392 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that the Tallaght Area Partnership and the Clondalkin Palmerstown Lucan Area Partnership, Dublin, are to be merged; the date on which this merger is due to take place; the implications for funding, staff numbers and existing projects arising from this merger; if this merger will result in a loss of funding for the partnerships concerned and if so, the amount expressed in monetary and percentage terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30615/12]

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

My Department is responsible for a range of programmes and initiatives to support communities including the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). Both Local Development Companies (LDCs) referred to in the Question are funded under this Programme.

In terms of future approaches, the Programme for Government provides for a review of the delivery of local and community development functions by exploring options to improve the alignment of these functions with those of local government. Accordingly, I am keen to identify opportunities to enhance the alignment between local government and the local and community development programmes that my Department implements.

There is a range of proposals currently being considered with implications for both the local government and local development sectors, arising, inter alia, from the work of the Steering Group that I established on the alignment of local government and local development. In the context of on-going work on the reform of local government, I am considering the key findings and recommendations of the Steering Group, with a view to determining the future development arrangements which will deliver the greatest benefits for the citizen. Building on the range of reforms already underway, I intend to bring policy proposals to Government in the near future.

With regard to the two areas referred to in the Question, my Department has recently commenced a process of engagement with the stakeholders to develop a plan to achieve greater efficiencies and to protect, insofar as possible, front-line services and supports, through e.g. merger/rationalisation, or otherwise, with a view to establishing a single structure for LCDP delivery for the two areas in question. That structure should operate within the South Dublin County Council boundary. Deliberations are at a very early stage.

The 2012 allocation for the LCDP is €54.884 million. While unavoidable reductions present challenges to all delivery bodies in managing their costs for 2012, it is nevertheless expected that groups can continue to maintain key services and supports through prioritising resources at the front-line. LDCs were asked to consider how best to achieve the required saving, while maintaining services and staff numbers.

Budgets for the LCDP are communicated to implementing organisations on an annual basis, funding for 2013 and beyond will fall to be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process.

Library Projects

James Bannon

Question:

393 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the up-date position in relation to the progress with regards to funding for the refurbishment of a town hall (details supplied) in County Longford, in view of the fact that plans and proposals have been submitted by Longford County Council for a considerable period and the council is awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30624/12]

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

Under Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001, the provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority.

My Department provides capital funding towards the provision and refurbishment of new and existing public libraries. In this regard, in 2008 my Department requested library authorities to provide details of priorities for library development within its area.

In its response, Longford County Council ranked Ballymahon branch library as its main priority, followed by projects at Granard and Edgeworthstown and the provision of a library delivery vehicle.

Grant aid of €900,000 was approved and drawn down in respect of the Ballymahon project with the final payment being made in October, 2011. In addition, my Department provided €80,000 for the purchase and fit out of a library vehicle in 2010. Under the Library Capital Programme 2012, €5 million is fully committed towards previously approved library projects and there are no additional funds available.

Water Services

Denis Naughten

Question:

394 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the regulations under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30628/12]

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

The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 contains a number of regulation-making provisions for the purpose of enabling the provisions of the Act to have full effect. Yesterday, I signed a Commencement Order under Section 5(3) of the Act which brings the provisions of the Act into operation with effect from today, 26 June 2012 and I also made regulations under Section 70B(13) of the Act enabling registration of domestic waste water treatment systems to commence from today. I intend to make further regulations concerning performance standards for domestic waste water treatment systems under Section 70L(1) of the Act today. The relevant Statutory Instruments will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas without delay.

Building Regulations

Denis Naughten

Question:

395 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the building control regulations will be revised to ensure the strict regulation of third party contractors and inspections of domestic waste water treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30630/12]

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

Earlier in 2012 I released, for public consultation, proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations which will provide for mandatory certification of compliance with the requirement of the Building Regulations and for the submission of drawings demonstrating how the building concerned has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations, including Part H (Drainage and Wastewater Disposal). The public consultation period has now concluded and my Department is currently reviewing the submissions received with a view to having a definitive set of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations agreed and signed into law in the coming months.

Mandatory certification and the submission of drawings are key reforms which I believe will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to a further strengthening of the regulatory regime.

The design and installation of wastewater treatment systems for single houses is addressed in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Code of Practice in respect of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2009). Part H — Drainage and Wastewater Disposal — of the Building Regulations has recently been amended to reflect relevant parts of the EPA's Code of Practice. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document (TGD H 2010) further stipulates that the design and commissioning of wastewater treatment systems should be carried out and/or supervised by a suitably qualified person and that the owner of the building should be provided with sufficient, clear and comprehensive information on any continuing maintenance required to facilitate the effective operation of the system in order to protect human health and the environment.

Renewable Energy

Regina Doherty

Question:

396 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has a renewable energy strategy for County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30635/12]

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

My Department understands that the draft Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019, currently on public display from 25 May 2012 until 3 August 2012, includes an objective to investigate the preparation of a renewable energy strategy promoting technologies which are most viable in County Meath. Under the Planning Acts, the making, reviewing and varying of a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of the planning authority for the area. I have no function in regard to the preparation of renewable energy strategies by city and county councils.

Household Charge

Emmet Stagg

Question:

397 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the owner of an uninhabited property may receive an exemption certificate in respect of the household charge. [30649/12]

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

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.

The Act provides at section 9(1) for application to be made to the relevant local authority for a certificate of exemption from the charge in respect of a property to which the exemptions contained in subsections 4(1), 4(2) and 4(3) apply. These are:

Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts,

Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity; and

Residential property the sole owner of which has died and where the personal representative of that person is not liable under the Act for the charge.

Housing Management Companies

Dessie Ellis

Question:

398 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that companies being paid by local authorities for property management services and are responsible for insuring buildings and structures on these properties do in fact have sufficient and up to date insurance policies to cover these buildings. [30756/12]

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

The management and maintenance of local authority housing is a matter for the local authority concerned. Where a local authority transfers responsibility for management and maintenance to an approved housing body, responsibility for insurance remains with the local authority.

My Department is not aware of any case where a local authority has transferred responsibility for the management of a local authority housing estate to a private company.

Private Residential Tenancies Board

Brendan Griffin

Question:

399 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the Private Residential Tenancies Board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30759/12]

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

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector.

My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 with a specific emphasis on whether the Act best supports the PRTB's key functions and on whether legislative amendments would support either the achievement of additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of those functions or the broader good working of the private rented sector. The outcomes of the review were announced in April 2010 and the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2011 was approved by Government in July 2011. The Bill is currently in preparation by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in collaboration with my Department with a view to early publication.

The Bill will, inter alia, extend the remit of the Act and of the Board to the voluntary and co-operative housing sector and will give legal effect to the administrative merger of the Rent Tribunal and the PRTB.

Private rented dwellings must, by law, be registered with the PRTB within one month after the commencement of the tenancy and the cost of registration is €90 for a single tenancy. Where the tenancy is registered more than one month after the commencement of the tenancy an additional late fee of €90 is payable. The same late fee is payable regardless how late the registration is received by the PRTB.

Electronic Voting

Patrick Nulty

Question:

400 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work of the Task Force on the Cessation of the Electronic Voting Project; if he will confirm if the tendering process has yet been concluded and a contract agreed for the disposal of the e-voting machines; if not, the reason for the delay and when a contractor will be chosen; if he will consider having all e-voting machines not held in Gormanston Army Camp stored at Gormanston Camp from the 13 other local premises as a matter of urgency in order to avoid further storage costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30804/12]

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

Following the Government meeting of 11 January 2012, a Request for Tenders was published on 19 January 2012 seeking proposals for either the purchase of the equipment or for its recovery as waste, consistent with environmental and other obligations. The deadline for receipt of tenders was set for 3 p.m. on 15 March 2012. Seven tenders were received by this time and these have been considered by the Task Force on the Cessation of the Electronic Voting Project. The process to conclude the tendering process and to agree a contract with a preferred tenderer is expected to be completed shortly.

Over 60% of the electronic voting machines (4,762 in total) are stored at Gormanston Army Camp where there are no ongoing rental costs in respect of the use of this property. The remaining machines, apart from a small number kept in the Custom House, are stored at 13 local premises that were originally identified by Returning Officers for this purpose.

It is intended that all machines will be removed from their present locations when arrangements for disposal are implemented.

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge

Mattie McGrath

Question:

401 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the avenue that is available to a person who wishes to dispute their liability for the non-principal private residence charge; the avenue available for a person to dispute or appeal penalty fees relating to the non-payment of the NPPR where they were not aware of their liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30810/12]

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

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. 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 situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance. Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority.

Where a property is liable and the charge is not paid by the due date, the legislation provides at section 6 for late fees and penalties to be applied, which remain a charge on the property and continue to accrue until the liability is discharged. There is no provision in the Act for fees and penalties to be waived.

However, I have recently issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the legislation in the context of individual situations where genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. The guidelines set out the modalities for local authorities in relation to entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period. Enquiries in this regard should be directed to the relevant local authority.

Question No. 402 answered with Question No. 386.

Local and Community Development Programme

Dessie Ellis

Question:

403 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the Tolka Valley and Ballymun Whitehall Partnerships, Dublin 11; and if he plans to implement any further cut backs to their funding. [30830/12]

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

My Department is responsible for a range of programmes and initiatives to support communities including the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). Both Local Development Companies (LDCs) referred to in the Question are funded under this Programme. In terms of future approaches, the Programme for Government provides for a review of the delivery of local and community development functions by exploring options to improve the alignment of these functions with those of local government. Accordingly, I am keen to identify opportunities to enhance the alignment between local government and the local and community development programmes that my Department implements.

There is a range of proposals currently being considered with implications for both the local government and local development sectors, arising, inter alia, from the work of the Steering Group that I established on the alignment of local government and local development. In the context of on-going work on the reform of local government, I am considering the key findings and recommendations of the Steering Group, with a view to determining the future development arrangements which will deliver the greatest benefits for the citizen. Building on the range of reforms already underway, I intend to bring policy proposals to Government in the near future.

The Dublin City Local Development Company configuration, which includes the two Local Development Companies referred to in the Question, will be reviewed, in time, commensurate with the recommendations of the Alignment Report.

The 2012 allocation for the LCDP is €54.884 million. While unavoidable reductions present challenges to all delivery bodies in managing their costs for 2012, it is nevertheless expected that groups can continue to maintain key services and supports through prioritising resources at the front-line. LDCs were asked to consider how best to achieve the required saving, while maintaining services and staff numbers.

Budgets for the LCDP are communicated to implementing organisations on an annual basis, funding for 2013 and beyond will fall to be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process.

Property Law

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

404 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any regulations in place restricting the height or nature of hedges in urban areas with particular regard to the boundaries between residential properties; his plans to bring forward measures regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30832/12]

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

There is no legislation in Ireland regulating the height of trees and hedges. My Department understands that there is no right in Irish law to receive light in a garden and that, while there is a civil remedy available of nuisance in respect of the branches or roots of a neighbour's trees encroaching on one's property, there is no civil law remedy in respect of the loss of light in a garden due to a neighbour's high trees or hedges.

I do not propose to introduce legislation to deal with this issue but I have written to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform suggesting that we might give consideration to potential alternative options towards the introduction of a civil remedy in this matter.

Waste Management

Colm Keaveney

Question:

405 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to implement recommendation 22 of the International Review of Waste Management Policy 2009, that is, that all households will be required to use, and pay for, the waste collection service provided by the local authority or its contractor once; and if competitive tendering is in place. [30833/12]

Colm Keaveney

Question:

406 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he proposes to implement that part of the Programme for Government 2011, which provides for competitive tendering for local waste collection services, the appointment of a utilities regulator and a public service obligation to provide for a waiver scheme for low income households availing of a private collector; the steps that have already been taken to implement this part of the Government’s Sustainable Waste Policy. [30834/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service, a system otherwise known as ‘franchise-bidding.'

A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. A consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department's website,www.environ.ie.

I expect to be in a position to finalise proposals for Government in relation to household waste collection in the coming weeks. All policy proposals will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives, including the matter of waivers for low income households.

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

407 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the non-principal private residence charge (details supplied). [30841/12]

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

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties.

The Act has a starting position of a universal liability for residential property in respect of the charge. It goes on to exempt certain buildings and owners from this liability, the most important exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date. Where a property is not occupied by the owner, it falls liable for the charge, even if it is the only property that person owns.

Local Authority Housing

Nicky McFadden

Question:

408 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure taken by local councils in determining rent increases for tenants in council housing; the way those tenants are notified of the increase; the information that is provided to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30844/12]

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

Local authority rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each housing authority. The making and amending of these rent schemes are an integral part of a housing authority's housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002 under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 (as amended). It is a matter for each housing authority to manage information given to tenants in an appropriate and efficient manner. Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 will replace, once commenced, existing provisions in relation to differential rent schemes. Regulations and guidelines for housing authorities in relation to differential rent are currently in preparation in my Department. While it is not the intention to implement a national standardised differential rent scheme, the proposed regulations will more clearly set out the matters that may be included in a local rents scheme, including procedures for rent reviews.

Local Authority Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

409 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will obtain and set out in tabular form the number of staff who retired from local authorities in each year since 2009; the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30854/12]

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

The information requested in respect of the years 2009 and 2010 is provided in the table below. In relation to 2011 the number of retirees is provided and the financial information is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Year	Number retired	€
2009	1,722	88,653,808
2010	951	46,381,325
2011	977

Motor Taxation

Sean Fleming

Question:

410 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding motor tax of quad bikes for use on a public road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30865/12]

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

Liability for motor tax on any vehicle arises when the vehicle is first used in a public place following registration of the vehicle by the Revenue Commissioners and assignment of Irish number plates.

The rate of motor tax applied to an All Terrain/Quad vehicle is based on how it is used. A vehicle that is used for private, domestic or pleasure purposes is taxed at the private rate based on engine capacity. Where the vehicle is used to haul another vehicle or trailer it is taxed at the general haulage tractor rate.

Question No. 411 answered with Question No. 391.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

412 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30880/12]

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

The information requested is set out in the following table:

	Number of retirements	Total lump sum payments
2009	88	€4,410,357
2010	33	€3,210,242*
2011	27	€3,205,170*
2012 (to date)	30	€3,087,839*

*Includes the 90% balance of retirement lump sums for persons who previously retired in 2009 under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Jim Daly

Question:

413 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are plans in place to address the matter of ongoing prominent sewage odour at a village (details supplied) in County Cork when the tides are low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/12]

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

The operation, maintenance and management of water and sewerage services infrastructure are in this instance a matter for Cork County Council and I have no function in the matter.

However, Courtmacsherry/Timoleague Sewerage Scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 among the contracts to start during the life of the programme. The Preliminary Report was approved by my Department in January 2011. The approval of the Preliminary Report cleared the way for the Council to procure consultants to undertake the detailed design of the scheme and prepare contract documents. I understand that Cork County Council expects to appoint a consultant shortly.

Local Authority Housing

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

414 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby some persons and families have been on local authority housing lists for years and the need for a cap on the length of time a person or a family can be left waiting by a local authority to be housed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/12]

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

It is a matter for each housing authority to determine, in accordance with its scheme of letting priorities, the manner in which households are allocated social housing in its area.

It is my intention to review the operation of allocation policy with the broad objective of putting a greater emphasis on ‘time on the list' as a criterion for allocating local authority housing.

Rent Supplement Scheme

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

415 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of families nationwide that have been transferred from rent supplement to the rental allowance scheme operated by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30909/12]

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

By end of April 2012 local authorities had transferred a total of 39,450 households from rent supplement. Of these 22,979 were housed directly under RAS with 16,471 accommodated under other social housing options.

Local and Community Development Programme

Seán Kyne

Question:

416 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an application for funding on a contingency basis will be favourably considered for an organisation (details supplied) which caters for a vulnerable community but which has had to announce a cessation of operations this year. [30923/12]

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

My Department is responsible for a range of programmes and initiatives to support communities including the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

The LCDP superseded the Community Development Programme and the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme in January 2010. The objective of the LCDP is to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The Programme is managed by Pobal on behalf of my Department and delivered at a local level by the nationwide network of Local Development Companies (LDCs). Funding of some €55m has been provided under the Programme for 2012.

My Department is aware that the Local Development Company (LDC) based in Galway — Galway City Partnership — provided support to the start-up process for the group referred to in the Question, and currently, has the lead role in the operation and management of an information, advocacy and support service to migrants and their families in Galway City through the conduit of the LCDP. Funding for this service has been sourced from the Department of Justice and Equality's European Integration Fund (€114,078 in 2012), with Galway City Council providing €10,000 support.

The LDC may also be able to offer some small-scale support in 2012 in the context of a facilitative and advocacy role, through minor grant support, if requested, subject to the activity fitting within the LCDP programme framework. The LDC, in addition, is the lead agency of the Migrants Service Project, which is European Integration funded. If any aspect of this service can be of benefit to Galway Refugee Support Group, it will be made available. All funding applications would have to be considered by the Board of the LDC, and, therefore, the group should contact the Company directly regarding any potential future funding.

The LDC can be contacted as follows:

Galway City Partnership,

3, The Plaza,

Headford Road,

Galway.

Phone: [phone]. Email:[e-mail].

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Griffin

Question:

417 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will financially support a walk in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30924/12]

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

The Walks Scheme was launched in 2008 for the development, enhancement and maintenance of National Waymarked Ways and priority walks. The Walks Scheme currently operates on 40 trails managed by 16 Local Development Companies around the country.

Due to funding constraints, it is not possible to provide financial support to the walk referred to in the Question at this time. No new participants have been added to the scheme in 2012. Any future expansion of the Walks Scheme will depend on the availability of additional funding.

Electoral Divisions

Seán Kyne

Question:

418 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review local authority boundaries with regard to the recent publication of the report on the Constituency Commission; and the process to be followed if any such a review were to be conducted. [31025/12]

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

Unlike for Dáil constituencies, there are no constitutional or statutory requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area boundary reviews. The most recent reviews of local electoral areas were carried out in 1998 and 2008. The June 2009 local elections took place on the basis of the local electoral areas enacted following the 2008 review.

The Constituency Commission presented its report on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to the Chairman of the Dáil on 21 June 2012. I will now give consideration to arrangements for the review of local electoral areas having regard to the Commission's recommendations on Dáil constituencies and to the final results of Census 2011. I will also have regard to any decisions by the Oireachtas on the Constituency Commission Report and to Government decisions on local government reform, including the establishment of unified local authorities in Limerick and Tipperary.

Visa Applications

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

419 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30301/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Abuja, Nigeria on 10th April 2012. Following full consideration the visa officer decided to refuse the grant of the visa for the following reasons.

The applicant was seeking to join a person who has been granted "Temporary Leave to Remain" in the State. Persons granted such permission are informed in writing that one of the conditions of accepting the permission is that it does not confer any entitlement or legitimate expectation on any other person, whether related to them or not, to enter or remain in the State. In this case no compelling grounds have been shown as to why an exception to this policy should be made.

In addition, no evidence was shown of a relationship being in existence prior to the visa application. A full account of relationship history including details of all time spent together with evidence such as immigration stamps, photos, evidence of cohabitation and evidence of ongoing contact and financial support should accompany this type of visa application.

As is the case with all refused visa applications, the refusal decision and the reasons for that decision were sent by way of letter to the applicant.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the Visa Officer within two months of the date of refusal, in this case before 2nd July, 2012. Guidelines on the appeals process can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

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.

Proposed Legislation

Willie Penrose

Question:

420 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed judicial council Bill, which has been promised for a considerable period of time; when it will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30346/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Programme for Government undertakes to "legislate to establish a Judicial Council, with lay representation, to provide an effective mechanism for dealing with complaints against judges” and this commitment is being given expression in the form of the proposed Judicial Council Bill. As well as providing for the establishment of a Judicial Council and Board that will promote excellence and high standards of conduct by judges, the proposed Bill is aimed at providing a means of investigating allegations of judicial misconduct supported by the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Committee which will have lay representation.

In November 2011, the then recently appointed Chief Justice, Mrs. Susan Denham, announced that the judiciary had agreed to establish an Interim Judicial Council pending the publication and enactment of the proposed Judicial Council Bill. The taking of this important, forward-looking initiative by the judiciary has been widely welcomed. A sub-committee of the Board of the Interim Judicial Council was subsequently established to consider the General Scheme for a Judicial Council Bill a version of which had been published by the previous Government in August 2010. The observations of the sub-committee were conveyed to me by the Chief Justice on 8 May 2012 and are the subject of ongoing consideration and consultation taking account of intervening developments and current Government policy. This continuing work will inform the framing and drafting of the new Bill including in conjunction with the Offices of Parliamentary Counsel and of the Attorney General. Beyond this, the situation remains as under the Government's Legislation Programme announced by the Chief Whip on 17 April 2012, namely, that the Judicial Council Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to being published late in 2012.

Commencement of Legislation

Sean Fleming

Question:

421 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality with reference to the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 as amended by Part 12 and Part 13 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, when Part 8 of this Act will come into operation or when he intends appointing orders or an order relating to the different provisions to bring the Act into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30349/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Part 8 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 was commenced on 1 December 2009.

Part 12 (in relation to amendment of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009) and Part 13 (in relation to amendment of the Registration of Title Act 1964) of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 were commenced on the date of its passing, i.e. 2 August 2011.

Information and Communications Technology

Robert Troy

Question:

422 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the IT services that are based in the Irish Prison Service headquarters in Longford; if it will remain in Longford or if it will be recentralised back to Dublin and absorbed into his Department. [30358/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Department has agreed a broad Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consolidation strategy in the context of the Government's commitment under the public service reform programme to the development of shared services. There are also substantial developments around Cloud Computing with a Government strategy due to be published shortly.

The detailed implementation of the Department's ICT strategy will begin shortly. Prison specific systems will continue to be delivered from consolidated infrastructures and will, thanks to extensive and well developed networks linking the agencies of the Department and other public service Agencies, be geographically dispersed. As the detailed working out of the consolidation programme proceeds, it will probably identify some functions now carried out in Longford but which may be carried out from Dublin, some from Dublin which may be carried out from Longford, and some which are currently carried out both in Dublin and Longford which may move to central Government supplied shared services.

Departmental Contracts

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

423 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of tenders or contracts that have been awarded at a value of more than €100,000 in each of the past three years from his Department; the evaluation used when comparing these tenders; the number that have been evaluated using a scoring mechanism in which at least 50% of the scoring mechanism was on the basis of cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30389/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

My Department's procurements operate within the legal framework of EU procurement directives and the guidance of the Department of Finance for procurements under EU thresholds — as required, all tenders over €25,000 are publicly advertised either on etenders or in the EU Journal.

As part of its procurement controls my Department has had in place a database for all contracts placed over €25,000 for the last number of years. It also has records of contracts placed earlier than 2009 and still in place during the period under question. However, my Department considers this database to be a representative source for the purposes of the question as it covers contracts within and outside the scope of the EU Journal, including contracts over €100,000 in value.

An examination of the records in this database which covers all expenditure above €100,000 for the period in question allowed an assessment to be made of contracts as follows, reflecting changing compliance thresholds at both National and EU levels:

a. Contracts valued between €25,000 and €124,999;

b. Contracts valued between €50,000 and €124,999;

c. Contracts valued over €125,000.

There is no formal categorisation of the specific award criteria in each instance and the response below represents a best estimate in the time allowed of the number of contracts recorded in the Database that have been awarded, at a value of more than €100,000 in each of the past three years by my Department, where in the scoring mechanism at least 50% of the award criteria was on the basis of cost.

It should be noted that in the matter of all publicly held competitive tender exercises, the Award Criteria used by the Department for the evaluation of proposals is "The Most Economically Advantageous Tender". The majority of contracts awarded on foot of supplementary tenders run from Framework Agreements, are evaluated by means of 100% Lowest Cost as the Award Criterion, though not exclusively.

	2009	2010	2011
Number of tenders awarded with value over €100,000	57	80	82
Number of tenders with scoring of 50% or more based on Cost	42	62	70

Naturalisation Applications

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

424 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason an application for a certificate of naturalisation was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30434/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division in February, 2006 and my predecessor decided to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of this and the reasons for it in a letter issued on 10th December, 2009 — over two and half years ago. While there is no provision under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended for appeal in relation to an application for a certificate of naturalisation, it is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if they consider they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements.

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

Proposed Legislation

Arthur Spring

Question:

425 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation that cash for gold outlets will be obliged to adhere to similar regulations that apply to pawnbrokers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30454/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can inform the Deputy that on 19 June 2012 I published a report on the criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade which was prepared by my Department. I have stated that while the relevant criminal justice law is adequate to deal with the transactions in question, it is arguably inconsistent that there are rules and regulations that apply to pawnbrokers for the protection of the public and that similar rules do not apply to cash for gold outlets. I have formally requested the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence to consider the content of the report, that it considers holding hearings on the issues raised in the report, that it obtains the views of all relevant interested parties and that it makes such report and recommendations to the Houses of the Oireachtas and to Government as it deems proportionate and appropriate in the public interest.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

426 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30483/12]

John Deasy

Question:

434 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

448 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30825/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426, 434 and 448 together.

To date, I understand that my Department has placed 12 posts in the redeployment pool operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). I am also advised that other areas in the Justice Vote Group and Agencies under the aegis of the Department, for which I have information to hand, have not placed any posts in the same pool. I would draw the Deputies' attention to the fact that it is posts rather than persons that Departments and Agencies place in the pool and therefore the situation of a maximum time for a person does not arise. The Deputies will be aware that my Department and the Vote Group generally is subject to the Employment Control Framework for the public service and available actions, including the opportunities afforded by redeployment, are being used to ensure compliance with the limits that the Framework imposes.

Investor Visa Scheme

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

427 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of persons who have applied for the entrepreneur or investor visa scheme; and the number who were successful. [30489/12]

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

428 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons involved in the technology industry who have been granted an entrepreneur or investor visa. [30490/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.

My Department has been open to accept applications under the Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme since 16 April of this year. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service have informed me that, to date, five applications have been lodged for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, which are being examined as part of the evaluation process outlined in the published guidelines. At this early stage therefore no applications have been approved or rejected. Nevertheless this early interest is encouraging as it was envisaged that applicants would require quite some time to put together their applications and supporting business plans. To date no formal applications have been received from investors but I understand that there continues to be a significant number of enquiries from potential participants and their representatives.

Road Safety

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

429 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in terms of the recent figures released from his Department that 45 unaccompanied learner drivers were involved in fatal crashes from 2009 to 2012, the number of unaccompanied learner drivers that were fatalities in these collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30530/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, of the 45 unaccompanied learner drivers involved in fatal road traffic collisions in the period 1 January 2009 to 21 June 2012, 26 were fatally injured. The Deputy will be aware that enforcement by An Garda Síochána continues to focus on high risk behaviour such as speeding, drink or drug driving, non-use of seatbelts, reckless driving, use of mobile phones while driving and on identified vulnerable road users, including learner drivers. In that regard, the Deputy will be also be aware that the Garda authorities conducted two specific enforcement operations targeting learner drivers, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority and other relevant stakeholders, this year on 1/2 March and 19 April 2012. A substantial number of cautions and proceedings arose as a result of these targeted initiatives. An Garda Síochána will continue to prioritise the enforcement of road traffic legislation to ensure greater compliance by learner drivers.

Garda Transport

Seán Kenny

Question:

430 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the 40 additional Garda vehicles to be on the road; if the contract for the purchase of additional Garda vans has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30560/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the vehicles referred to by the Deputy have all been brought into service. In addition, I am informed that, following a tender process organised by the National Procurement Service, a new contract has been put in place for the provision of Garda vans.

Garda Auctions

Seán Kenny

Question:

431 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of revenue generated through the seizures of vehicles by An Garda Síochána in the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; if he plans to allocate the revenue generated to An Garda Síochána for new and additional resources and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30561/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the amounts of revenue generated through the seizure of vehicles by An Garda Síochána in the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 were as outlined in the following table:

Year	Amount of Revenue Generated
2009	€2,444,337
2010	€2,605,085
2011	€2,364,112
2012 (31/05/12)	€718,410

The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. Within that framework the Garda authorities have indicated that, in accordance with Government accounting requirements, revenue generated by An Garda Síochána from the seizure of vehicles must be dealt with by way of Appropriations-in-Aid to the Garda Vote. In this context it is not open to the Garda Commissioner to allocate the relevant monies to specific areas of expenditure.

Legal Aid Service

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

432 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not yet been informed if he or she will be granted legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30580/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to inform the Deputy that as the Legal Aid Board is a statutory, independent body in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995, any decision to grant or refuse legal aid is a matter for the Board. Under Section 7(3) of the Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which the Legal Aid Board is or may be concerned. Furthermore, the solicitor/client relationship is protected by privilege in accordance with the terms of section 32 of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and therefore the Board does not provide information to third parties regarding a person who may or may not be a client of the Board.

Garda Training

Catherine Murphy

Question:

433 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of gardaí available in each region who have been trained to conduct specialist child interviews as part of the joint protocol with the Health Service Executive; the resources available to them to assist in the carrying out of such interviews; his future plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30591/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Child Specialist Interviewers trained to conduct interviews with children and vulnerable adults, including persons with intellectual disability, per region, as at 22 June 2012 is as set out hereunder:

Region	Number
D.M.R.	20
Eastern	13
South Eastern	12
Western	10
Southern	8
Northern	8
N.S.S.	9
Total	80

Garda personnel, with personnel from the HSE (Children and Family Services Division) undergo an intensive training programme to become competent to deal with all victims of serious crime occurrences but particularly children under 14 years of age and persons with intellectual disabilities. Section 16(1)(b) of the Criminal Evidence Act, 1992 provides for the video recording of statements made by such persons, in respect of whom certain offences are alleged to have been committed. Subject to approval by the court, the video recording may then be played at any criminal court proceedings, thus eliminating the necessity for the child / vulnerable adult to give direct evidence in the normal fashion.

Garda Specialist Interviewers are required and facilitated to give priority to the interviewing of children and persons with intellectual disability over other duties. Their training entails an intensive four week course that commences a two-year personal experiential learning programme. Specialist Interviewers undergo professional supervision by Garda trainers of the Crime Training Faculty at the Garda College to ensure that good practice is maintained while they are employed in that role.

Seven suitably equipped and dedicated interview suites have been secured at strategic locations throughout the country and are specifically designed to provide appropriate facilities for these interviews.

Question No. 434 answered with Question No. 426.

Road Traffic Offences

John Deasy

Question:

435 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of learner drivers who have been prosecuted since the introduction of the new learner permit regulations in 2007 whereby they must be accompanied by a qualified driver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30614/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of proceedings commenced against persons for failing to be accompanied by a qualified driver, contrary to the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999 and 2006, for the period 2007 to 22 June 2012:

Failure to be accompanied by a Qualified Driver

Year	No. of Proceedings commenced
2012 (to 22 June)	1,215
2011	3,478
2010	4,080
2009	4,000
2008	3,366
2007	2,167

Departmental Staff

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

436 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of higher executive officers, executive officers and clerical officers that will be appointed to the permanent representation in Brussels, Belgium, arising from Ireland holding the EU presidency in 2013; if he will state for each grade the number of applicants under 35 years and over 35 years that applied; if he will state for each grade the number of applicants under 35 years and over 35 years that applied that were short-listed for interview; the short listing criteria for each grade; if he will state for each grade the number of applicants under 35 years and over 35 years that applied that were successfully placed on a panel for possible appointment; if he will detail the allowances by grade that the officers will receive for their duration in Brussels; if there is any independent review channel for candidates that are dissatisfied with this recruitment process; if so, the number of complaints received by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30652/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

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 have been selected and will be assigned, these are: 1 Clerical Officer; 1 Executive Officer; 1 Higher Executive Officer and 2 Administrative Officers. (It was open to Higher Executive Officers or Administrative Officers to apply for the posts).

My Department did not ask applicants to advise their age when applying for possible assignment. The Deputy should be aware that as age had no relevance to the selection process, an applicant's age was not established in the processing of their application nor included in the information provided to the selection board. Indeed, to have done so would have been inappropriate. Consequently, I am advised that the age breakdowns sought by the Deputy are not readily available without a significant amount of work to interrogate each individual officer's file and even then it is unclear what interest would be served in establishing the said information. In addition, I am unclear as to what relevance the age of 35 has as a possible threshold, were age of itself to be meaningful.

I can confirm that my Department is committed to policies conducive to promoting equal opportunities for all its staff regardless of their age. 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.

All HEOs/AOs who applied were called for interview. In regard to shortlisting, this was applied to the Executive Officer and Clerical Officer grades given the number of applications received. The criteria used were as set out below:

Clerical Officer	Executive Officer
Quality of Application	Quality of Application
Supervisor’s assessment	Supervisor’s assessment
Relevant experience and overall suitability assessed relative to the job/personal requirements set out for the post	Judgement/decision-making skills
Ability to work as part of a team	Communication skills
Ability to work on own initiative	Ability to work on own initiative and show commitment
Communication skills	Relevant experience and overall suitability assessed relative to the job/personal requirements set out for the post

My colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will shortly make recommendations arising from a review of allowances payable to civil and public servants. Any allowances payable to the staff being assigned to the Permanent Representation Brussels will have regard to those recommendations. However, I am advised that it is expected to pay an allowance to officers in respect of rental of accommodation and in the way of foreign service allowances as currently arise. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is in the nature of all selection processes, 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, although some disappointed applicants did make enquiries. 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. I am advised that feedback including one to one meetings has been provided to a number of applicants.

Garda Recruitment

Dara Calleary

Question:

437 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is envisaged that Garda recruitment will resume and the status of those on the panel of candidates short-listed in 2008 for a selection process which did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30661/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The moratorium on recruitment remains in place, as the objective set out in agreement with the EU and the IMF, is to reduce the numbers of public servants. 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. The Government are 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.

I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that there is a Garda recruitment panel currently in place consisting of applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service as part of a 2008 recruitment campaign. However, no offers of employment have been made to applicants since the introduction of the public service moratorium on recruitment in 2009. Given that the current panel is in existence since 2008, the lifetime of the panel, and the position of applicants on it, is being kept under review in the light of when Garda recruitment might recommence.

Question No. 438 withdrawn.

Garda Reserve

John O'Mahony

Question:

439 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the report on the Garda reserve force will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30670/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that an internal review of the role of the Garda Reserve was undertaken in 2011 with a view to expanding their powers and duties. This review is now complete and is at the advanced stages of implementation. There are no plans to publish the review.

John O'Mahony

Question:

440 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recommendations of the Garda review on the Garda reserve being implemented at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30671/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

It is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy within the time available. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Garda Deployment

John O'Mahony

Question:

441 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the chief administrative officer's post in the Garda, vacant since September 2011, will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30672/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am in ongoing discussion with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the filling of senior positions in the Garda Síochána, including the position of the Chief Administration Officer as referred to by the Deputy. I hope soon to be able to build on recent progress in filling key vacancies.

Garda Transport

John O'Mahony

Question:

442 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the size of the Garda fleet in each divisional area in County Mayo in 2010; the size of the Garda fleet in each divisional area in County Mayo in 2011; the size of the Garda fleet in each divisional area in County Mayo in 2012; the number of Garda cars taken off the road in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 due to the car reaching its kilometres limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30673/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The provision and allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified policing priorities.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda vehicles assigned to the Mayo Garda Division for the periods referred to is as set out in the following table:

Period	Number
2010	59
2011	57
2012 (as at 21/06)	54

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles are retired for a variety of reasons, including where vehicles are considered beyond economic repair, as a result of accidents and where patrol vehicles have reached an odometer reading of 300,000 kilometres. I am further advised that it is not possible to isolate the number of vehicles which have been decommissioned upon reaching 300,000 kilometres as this information is not readily available and its extraction would require a disproportionate use of Garda time and resources. However, I am informed that the total number of vehicles decommissioned from the Garda Fleet in 2010, 2011 and to 21st June, 2012, is as set out in the following table:

Period	Number
1 Jan-31 Dec 2010	124
1 Jan-31 Dec 2011	306
1 Jan-21 June 2012	168

Coroners Service

Finian McGrath

Question:

443 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support proposals on the Coroners Court (details supplied). [30678/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions No. 459 and 507 of 12 June 2012, which was as follows:

"Under the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent office holder with responsibility under the law for the medico-legal investigation of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths.

Regrettably, there are an increasing number of cases in our society that involve suicide and that fall to be investigated by our coroners. Coroners must ensure that a proper public investigation be seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of our coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as is possible, to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests and particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic death situations, but perhaps especially in regard to suicide.

I have no plans to amend the law to exclude the public from an inquest which may be investigating a death resulting from suicide."

I have nothing further to add to that reply.

Organised Crime

Finian McGrath

Question:

444 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the efforts being made to combat drug dealing and organised crime. [30679/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Tackling organised crime including drug dealing remains a key ongoing priority both for the Government and for An Garda Síochána. The Policing Plan of An Garda Síochána for 2012 sets out the continued commitment of An Garda Síochána to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised crime activities. In targeting serious and organised crime, members of An Garda Síochána continue to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.

Multi-agency approaches have been, and continue to be, used whereby all of the National Units from National Support Services including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Garda Technical Bureau, along with the Criminal Assets Bureau, are used to combat serious crime including those involved in the trafficking, importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. These Units are supported by the Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and timely information. These operations are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure effectiveness and are deployed in conjunction with the responsibility on all members of An Garda Síochána tasked with implementing and enforcing the criminal law.

In line with the National Policing Plan, the Garda National Drugs Unit continues to lead the Policing Strategy for Tackling Drugs by Demand Reduction and Supply Reduction strategies. The Garda National Drugs Unit continues to work with Divisional and District Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level. A strategic partnership has also been established between the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying common targets who are then pursued through intelligence-led investigations. In addition, with regard to preventing drug use, the Garda National Drugs Unit actively works with other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and represents An Garda Síochána on the relevant fora established under the National Drugs Strategy.

An Garda Síochána works collaboratively with law enforcement agencies throughout the world including through Interpol, Europol and Garda Liaison Officers based in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. An Garda Síochána also works closely with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Branch), the Police Service of Northern Ireland and HM Revenue and Customs in targeting the activities of organised crime gangs suspected of involvement in the importation, sale, supply and distribution of illegal drugs.

With regard to the further development of the legislative framework in this area, the Deputy will be aware that I have indicated to the House that I will keep under review the criminal law targeting organised crime, primarily that introduced under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. In addition, under the auspices of my Department a comprehensive review of the Proceeds of Crime legislation is underway with a view to identifying possible improvements which would serve to strengthen the operation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Departmental Staff

Finian McGrath

Question:

445 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 12 June 2012, if the advertisement for the visa office posts in April 2010 expressly stated that the staff members had to hold Irish citizenship and if not, the reason for same; the reason non-Irish citizen staff members are unable to take up these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30750/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised that the relevant Office Notice circulated in April 2010 did not state that the staff members had to hold Irish citizenship in order to apply. It has, however, been the practice that staff posted abroad, as advised in my earlier reply to which the Deputy refers, are expected to hold Irish citizenship in order to take up that posting. Where staff cannot satisfy this requirement it is not possible to assign them to such a posting. This, I understand, has been a long and established practice. Whilst it is not essential, as a matter of general practice, staff of this Department of whatever grade serving in missions abroad must be capable of being accredited to the country in which they are posted. Accreditation can only be requested for, and therefore afforded to, Irish citizens.

The Deputy may wish to note that in the context of the work undertaken by the officers who serve abroad representing this country and making important decisions, in these instances, on visa applications, I consider it entirely appropriate and reasonable that the staff concerned be Irish citizens. However, I am advised by my Department that it regrets that the previous Office Notice to which the Deputy has referred did not make the citizenship requirement explicit and so as to avoid any doubts into the future will ensure that all future similar Notices make the requirement clear.

Garda Transport

Catherine Murphy

Question:

446 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide detailed information on the current Garda vehicle fleet, including the manufacturer, model and current distribution of vehicles by district and division; the current arrangements governing the use of Garda vehicles, including the upper acceptable mileage and upper acceptable age for use as Garda vehicles; the number of vehicles which are nearing these upper limits currently in use; his plans to purchase new vehicles in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30760/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have sought information from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised in this Question and I will respond further to the Deputy as quickly as possible.

Personal Insolvency Bill

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

447 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress that has been made towards the introduction of the Personal Insolvency Bill; the provision that has been made for the appointment of personal insolvency trustees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30802/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Personal Insolvency Bill is currently being drafted by my Department in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General and Parliamentary Counsel. I can assure the Deputy that the Bill remains a legislative priority for the Government and the revised time frame for publication of the Bill is now the end of June with the strong intention to commence Second stage in the Dáil prior to the Summer recess to facilitate early passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas in the Autumn session.

It is intended that the Bill will introduce a number of new non-judicial debt settlement systems. Two of the proposed arrangements — Debt Settlement Arrangement and the Personal Insolvency Arrangement — require the involvement of a Personal Insolvency Trustee to essentially act as an intermediary between the debtor and his or her creditors. The precise details in regard to the appointment and regulation of such trustees are likely to require further consideration in the final development of the Bill in consultation with the Department of Finance, the Central Bank and professional bodies.

Question No. 448 answered with Question No. 426.

Garda Equipment

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

449 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the 22 extra intoxilysers that were requested by the Garda to facilitate the lower drink driving limits will be rolled out to their allocated Garda station; the stations that will receive a new intoxilyser machine; the reason for the delay in rolling out these 22 extra intoxilysers; if he will confirm that each new machine cost in the region of €80,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30851/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that the introduction of the lower limits for breath alcohol in October 2011, as provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2010 (as amended), necessitated the replacement of existing evidential breath testing instruments in Garda stations. In advance of the introduction, 64 evidential breath testing instruments were allocated by the MBRS to Garda stations nationwide. The Garda authorities and MBRS trained Garda personnel from the 64 Garda stations as supervisors and operators of the new instruments.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána have requested an additional 22 intoxilyser devices from the MBRS. In that regard, the MBRS has indicated that the purchase and installation of the devices has been approved. An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are preparing an implementation plan for the installation of the additional evidential breath testing equipment and for the training of sufficient Garda personnel. The following shows table shows the Garda Divisions where the intoxilysers are to be installed:

Garda Division	No. of Intoxilysers
DMR West	2
DMR North	1
Laois/Offaly	1
Meath	1
Kildare	3
Clare	1
Cork City	1
Kerry	1
Cork North	1
Sligo/Leitrim	2
Donegal	1
Cavan/Monaghan	2
Wexford	2
Tipperary	3

I am also informed by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that each evidential breath testing instrument costs in the region of €10,000.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

450 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when all Gardaí will be trained in the use of intoxilysers; if he will ensure that on every Garda roster or at each Garda station there will be Garda personnel who are trained in the use of intoxilysers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30852/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

There are currently 64 evidential breath-testing machines allocated by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to Garda stations nationwide and it is proposed to increase this with an additional 22 in the near future. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. Training has been and will continue to be provided to the operators of these devices so that a full service can be provided on this particular issue.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

451 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will set out in tabular form the number of staff who retired from the justice sector in each year since 2009; the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/12]

Sean Fleming

Question:

452 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30885/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.

The number of staff who retired from my Department and from agencies under the auspices of my Department in each year since 1 January 2009 up to 26th June 2012 is set out in Table 1. For the most part the cost of lump sum gratuity payments in respect of staff who retire from my Department and from agencies in the Justice Sector are paid from the Superannuation and Allowances Vote of the Office of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Vote 12). However, the most significant exception to this is in relation to lump sum gratuities to members of An Garda Síochána which are paid from the Garda Vote. Details of the number of retirements and the cost of lump sum gratuity payments in respect of members of An Garda Síochána for each year since 2009 are set out in Table 2.

Table 1

Department of Justice and Equality	Number of retirements
2009	56
2010	40
2011	32
2012	55
Irish Prison Service (discipline grades)
2009	193
2010	208
2011	95
2012	69
Courts Service
2009	47
2010	32
2011	29
2012	55
Legal Aid Board
2009	5
2010	7
2011	4
2012	7
National Disability Authority
2009	1
2010	0
2011	2
2012	1
Property Registration Authority
2009	32
2010	19
2011	12
2012	12
Garda Civilian
2009	54
2010	32
2011	43
2012	35

Table 2

An Garda Síochána	Number of retirements	Gratuity payments
2009	722	€76.4 million
2010	363	€34.2 million
2011	438	€51.7 million
2012 (to end May)	286	€33.1 million

It should be noted that the amount of gratuity payments may not relate directly to retirements in that particular year in all cases as members who retire towards the end of one year may not be paid their gratuity until the beginning of the following year.

Registration of Title

Jack Wall

Question:

453 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) to permit the family obtain their legal rights in regard to a family property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31024/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

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.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

454 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if he will set out in tabular form the number of staff who retired from the defence sector in each year since 2009; the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/12]

Sean Fleming

Question:

459 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30878/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 459 together.

The number of personnel who retired in each year since 2009, to date, with entitlement to gratuity immediately on retirement, as well as the total gratuity payments made to retiring personnel in each of these years, are shown in tabular form below:

Table 1 — retired members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).

Table 2 — retired civil servants from the Department of Defence.

Table 3 — retired civilian employees employed with the PDF.

The annual cost of retirement gratuities shown includes payments in relation to some personnel who retired towards year-end and to whom payment was actually made at the start of the following year. The data does not include lump sums paid in respect of severance and redundancy-type payments (specifically for those in Tables 2 and 3) or for deaths in service generally.

Table 1

Permanent Defence Force
Year	Cost of Retirement Gratuities €m	Numbers of retired personnel paid immediate pension and/or gratuity (see note)
2009	23.831	443
2010	21.574	448
2011	25.757	525
2012 to date	29.185	538

Note: These figures include 82 military personnel (18 in 2009, 21 in 2010, 27 in 2011 and 16 in 2012) who retired with entitlement to a short-service gratuity only (i.e. with no pension). The figures also include 13 members of the Army Nursing Service (4 in 2009, 3 in 2010, 2 in 2011 and 4 in 2012) who retired with entitlement to pension only (i.e. with no gratuity).

Table 2

Civil Servants employed with the Department of Defence
Year	Cost of retirement gratuities €m	Numbers who retired with immediate benefits (pension and gratuity)
2009	1.132	26
2010	0.588	11
2011	0.437	10
2012 to date	0.648	7

Table 3

Civilian employees employed with the PDF
Year	Cost of retirement gratuities €m	Numbers who retired with immediate benefits (pensions and gratuity)
2009	1.539	41
2010	1.345	33
2011	2.406	57
2012 to date	1.349	31

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

455 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30476/12]

John Deasy

Question:

456 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30601/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

458 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30818/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 456 and 458 together.

There are three civil servants and two civilian employees of this Department on the redeployment panel at present. The civil servants were placed on the redeployment panel in October 2011, and the civilian employees were placed on the redeployment panel in March 2012. My Department is actively engaging with the Public Appointments Service and individual Departments on the redeployment of these staff and it is hoped to identify suitable opportunities for their reassignment at an early date.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

457 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the provision there is for dyslexia support for candidates sitting tests for entrance to the Defence Forces such as a reader; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30773/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunity, in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces operate in an environment which is free from discrimination as provided for by the Equality Acts. However, the Defence Forces have a derogation from the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts, 1998 to 2011 in respect of criteria of disability and age. Accordingly, recruitment criteria based on physiological and age requirements are permitted by legislation. Similar derogations apply to the Garda Síochána and the Prison Service.

Psychometric Testing is carried out as part of the recruitment process for appointment as a Cadet and enlistment as a General Service Recruit in the Defence Forces. Testing is conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Defence Forces. The PAS makes provision for candidates with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Such candidates are given additional time (one sixth of stipulated time) to answer questions. Prior to presenting for tests, candidates wishing to avail of this provision are required to contact the PAS and forward supporting documentation in the form of medical and psychological reports. However, there is no provision made for a reader during these tests as the current age, medical and physical requirements for entry into the Permanent Defence Force reflect the fact that only recruits who are free from disability, including the ability to read unassisted, can satisfy the difficult demands of the training and operational environment in which all recruits must operate.

Question No. 458 answered with Question No. 455.

Question No. 459 answered with Question No. 454.

Defence Forces Operations

John Lyons

Question:

460 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer for policing the monthly Smithfield Horse Fair, Dublin. [30930/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I would like to advise the Deputy that Questions relating to the cost of policing events fall within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have sought information from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised in this Question and I will contact the Deputy when I receive their response.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

461 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Defence the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31342/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the period covered by the Croke Park Agreement. During this period, a total of €1,312,700 was paid in redundancy payments. The bulk of the payments arose as a result of the closure of military barracks. The redundancies represent a permanent reduction in staff numbers and ongoing savings in pay costs and as such, are reported under the Croke Park Agreement.

Public Sector Pay

Sandra McLellan

Question:

462 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 13 June 2012, the reason employees of a company (details supplied) were refused benchmarking in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30934/12]

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

In the past, MTL staff benefited from national pay awards for private sector workers negotiated in the context of National Agreements and their pay scales were benchmarked with comparators in the Dairy industry sector. Therefore, benchmarking, as operated in the public sector, did not apply to staff in MTL.

The position of MTL staff changed in 2009 with the introduction of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009. MTL is deemed under this legislation to be a "public service body" by virtue of the fact that they have a public service pension scheme and is, therefore, statutorily prohibited from increasing pay rates.

MTL has been advised that no pay increases will be approved in line with current public service pay policy and having regard to the explicit provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. The impact on the financial position of MTL and the future cost on public sector pensions is also relevant.

Animal By-Products

Catherine Murphy

Question:

463 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the processing of organic fines at waste facilities routinely requires the prior awarding of animal by-product approval; if he will provide a detailed explanation of the method by which organic fines are assessed for quantities of animal waste by agents of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/12]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

464 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will supply the final report, results, and detailed observations from a routine inspection carried out by agents of his Department at a facility (details supplied) in April 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30284/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 464 together.

Animal by-products (ABP) are defined as entire bodies or parts of animals, products of animal origin or other products obtained from animals which are not intended for human consumption. This definition encompasses catering waste and former foodstuffs.

Because of the associated risk and to protect both human and animal health, the use of ABP is covered by comprehensive EU Regulations (Nos. 1069 of 2009 and 142 of 2011). These regulations ensure that ABP is disposed of safely and that controls are implemented to ensure this material is not illegally diverted back into the human food chain.

Whether or not ‘organic fines' are regarded as ABP is a question of fact i.e. whether or not they include material which falls within the definition as set out above. If such material contains ABP then that material must be processed or disposed of in accordance with the options set out in the regulations. The onus for determining if such material contains ABP lies with the operator who generates the material. The regulations also place an obligation on the user of any ABP material to ensure that the product is dealt with in accordance with the regulations.

Under Article 24(g) of ABP Regulation (EC) 1069 of 2009 any plant or establishment involved in the transformation of ABP and/or products derived from ABPs into biogas or compost must be approved by the competent authority, in this case my Department.

My Department does not comment publicly on its dealings with individual business operators. The names of those approved to handle ABPs are published on the Department's website.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Dara Calleary

Question:

465 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in tabular form, on a county basis the number of new agri-environment options scheme applications made in 2011; the number which have been paid and when all eligible approved applications will be paid out. [30294/12]

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

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This process is well advanced with a view to commencing payments shortly. Every effort is being made to ensure that participants receive their initial payments under the scheme as quickly as possible.

In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the applicants concerned.

The table below gives a breakdown of applications received for the Agri Environment Options Scheme 2011 on a county by county basis:

List of AEOS 2011 Applications received

County	Number of Applications received
Carlow	38
Cavan	220
Clare	404
Cork	438
Donegal	966
Dublin	7
Galway	893
Kerry	429
Kildare	45
Kilkenny	145
Laois	92
Leitrim	243
Limerick	230
Longford	100
Louth	39
Mayo	970
Meath	100
Monaghan	137
Offaly	107
Roscommon	391
Sligo	220
Tipperary	294
Waterford	67
Westmeath	147
Wexford	104
Wicklow	74
Total Received	6,900

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Paul Connaughton

Question:

466 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants for the agri-environment options scheme 2011 who have received 100% of their payments; the number who have received 75% of their payments and if he is confident that the same issues that occurred last year will not be repeated this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30299/12]

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

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This process is well advanced with a view to commencing payments shortly. Every effort is being made to ensure that participants receive their initial payments under the scheme as quickly as possible. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the applicants concerned.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Michael Creed

Question:

467 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/12]

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

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €523.29 issued in respect of 2010.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is also subject to verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. These checks have now been successfully completed and payment in respect of 2011 will issue shortly to the person named.

Horse Racing Industry

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

468 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what details his Department records on thoroughbred horses and the details his Department requires other State agencies to record on thoroughbred horses; if his Department or other State agencies record the number of thoroughbred horses present in the country each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30371/12]

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

Weatherbys Ireland GCB Ltd. is the body approved, by my Department, to maintain the studbook for thoroughbred horses. European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 504/2008 sets out an improved system for the identification for equidae and is binding on all Member States of the European Union. All approved studbooks are required to record data in accordance with the provisions set down in European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 504/2008.

In January of this year I signed the Diseases of Animals Act 1988 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012, S.I. No. 8 of 2012. This legislation requires that owners or persons in charge of premises where equines (horses/mules/ponies etc.) are kept must register their location with my Department. Registered persons must keep records of the equines on the premises and the movement of equines off and on to the premises. The scale of record keeping depends on the nature of the business at the premises.

This legislation, which came into effect on 1 May 2012, has been put in place to assist with disease control in equines and the register will be used by the Department as a means of contacting owners/persons in charge of equine premises in the event of a disease outbreak to give advice about precautions/measures, etc., to be taken. The register could also be used to collect data on the Irish horse population through a census from time to time.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the industry. HRI publish detailed information on various facets of the thoroughbred sector.

Forestry Sector

John McGuinness

Question:

469 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if permission granted by Coillte to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to access woods will be reviewed in view of the fact that part of the access route granted is through private property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30408/12]

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

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as mentioned by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company.

Fish Farming

Thomas Pringle

Question:

470 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being taken to protect migrating smolts being killed at hydros and from sealice emanating from his Department licensed fish farms. [30423/12]

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

My Department's policy on sea lice controls in relation to farmed salmon is strictly evidence based. The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry,

data obtained as a result of inspections is published,

treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.

These controls are generally regarded as representing best practice internationally.

An important longitudinal study by the Marine Institute into the impact of infestation of outwardly migrating salmon smolts from a number of rivers on Ireland's south and west coasts has recently been published. This study took place over a period of ten years and concluded that infestation by sea lice was a minor component of the overall marine mortality of the stocks studied (Jackson et al published in the journal ‘Aquaculture' September 2011).

I assume the reference by the Deputy to hydros relates to hydroelectric schemes on rivers and their potential impact on wild salmon. Matters relating to the protection of wild salmon are the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Teagasc Rationalisation Programme

Clare Daly

Question:

471 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 14 June 2012, in relation to the cost benefit analysis which he told the Seanad would be available, not a business case with unsubstantiated figures and to support with data and independent analysis, the assertion of savings being made within a seven year period, in view of the costs of €5 million to develop the Ashtown facility and the €2.5 million to deliver classrooms in the Botanic Gardens. [30432/12]

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

As I have stated in previous replies to the Deputy and as was stated during the Seanad debate on 21 April 2011, the Kinsealy Research Centre is owned by Teagsac, the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority and the decision to close the Centre and transfer staff and activities to Ashtown is an operational matter for Teagasc. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of Teagasc management to assess, budget and plan the move to Ashtown. I understand from Teagasc that the re-location is in progress and it is expected that staff and activities will be moved as facilities are made available in Ashtown.

Teagasc advise that savings in overhead and staff costs can be realized from operating at one site in Ashtown as opposed to two sites (Kinsealy and Ashtown). They have carefully assessed the potential investment attributable to relocation and estimate potential once off upfront capital costs of €4.8m. The actual costs will depend on the results of competitive tendering processes. Teagasc expect that the savings generated from consolidating activities in Ashtown will offset re-location costs over a 7 year period.

I am also advised by Teagasc that the decision to upgrade education facilities in the Botanic Gardens predates the decision to consolidate operations in Ashtown and is necessary to accommodate the increased demand for horticultural courses.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Pearse Doherty

Question:

472 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce a replacement for the agri-environment options scheme; the likely benefits of such a scheme to farmers on disadvantaged lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30445/12]

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

I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale, including the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year. The full year cost of any new scheme will have to be met in 2013 and any decision to re-open AEOS will be taken in the context of consideration of the resources available and the need to remain within the agreed expenditure ceiling for my Department in 2013. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the situation.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

473 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30472/12]

John Deasy

Question:

478 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30597/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

486 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 473, 478 and 486 together.

As a result of my Department's Local Office Reorganisation in 2009, a number of local office staff were identified as surplus. A large number of these were redeployed to other Government Departments through bilateral arrangements. Details of 61 of these officers (administrative grades) have been placed on the Public Appointments Service Resource Panel in June 2011 as no suitable arrangements could be made for them.

The information in respect of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.

Departmental Schemes

Pearse Doherty

Question:

474 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider increasing compensation amounts paid to farmers who receive compensation under the disease eradication scheme; if he will review the current on-farm market valuation scheme and take into account the fact that pedigree cows can sell for prices exceeding the levels paid under the current scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30503/12]

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

Under the existing arrangements, the main compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB or Brucellosis is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme, which was introduced in 2002 following discussions between my Department and representatives from the farm organizations.

This scheme provides, in general, for compensation for cattle removed as reactors to be paid on the basis of "Market Value", which is the equivalent price that might reasonably have been obtained for the animal, at the time of determination of compensation, from a purchaser on the open market if the animal was not affected by TB or Brucellosis or was not being removed as part of depopulation under the disease eradication programme. However, the scheme also provides for a ceiling on payments in respect of any individual animal. These ceilings were reviewed in 2007 and were increased from €2,540 to €2,800 in respect of any single animal, except in the case of one pedigree stock bull per farm (breakdown episode), where the ceiling was increased from €3,175 to €3,500 . While it is accepted that some pedigree stock are valued above the ceiling rates, herdowners are advised to take out insurance cover against losses which may occur in the event that any of their animals with a value in excess of these ceilings becomes infected with disease.

I should also point out that, in addition to valuation payments, herdowners who experience a disease breakdown may also qualify for compensation under the Income Supplement, Hardship or Depopulation Grant Schemes, subject to the terms and conditions applying in each case.

I am satisfied that these compensation arrangements provide a very comprehensive range of financial supports to herdowners whose herds are restricted as a result of a TB breakdown in their herd.

Tuberculosis Incidence

Pearse Doherty

Question:

475 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information regarding the incidence of TB in County Donegal; and if he will provide statistics on the reported levels of the disease in the county over the past number of years. [30504/12]

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

The information sought is set out in the table below:

	2008	2009	2010	2011	Jan-June 2012
Herd Incidence	3.29%	3.40%	3.34%	3.38%	3.17%
No of Reactors	405	656	396	415	144
APT	1.74	2.67	1.71	1.78	1.33

The incidence of TB in Donegal over the past four years has been below the national average. For example, the herd incidence of TB nationally in 2011 was 4.65% compared with 3.38% in Donegal. I am satisfied that the eradication programme is being implemented effectively in Donegal.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Michael Creed

Question:

476 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which the regulations were finalised under the agri-environment options scheme regarding manufacturer certificates for fencing posts and if applications submitted prior to this date are exempt from this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30521/12]

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

My Department issued a circular on 15th April 2011 advising all participants in the Agri Environment Options Scheme that fencing materials purchased on or after 18th April 2011 must conform to standards set out Departmental specifications in S148. Materials purchased prior to 18th April 2011 were exempt from this requirement. This issue does not arise in relation to participants accepted into the Agri Environment Options Scheme in 2011 as the requirement in relation to fencing materials was clearly stated in the scheme specifications when the scheme was opened for applications in 2011.

Services to Farmers

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

477 Deputy Luke “Ming” Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the provision of general software services to farmers including stock management, health management, financial recording, financial planning, sheep recording, and nitrates management fall within the remit of the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation; his views on this in view of stated objective of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to encourage the development of an indigenous, export-oriented, small and medium-sized enterprise-based software sector, his further view of the fact that up to six private companies, now reduced to two, were at one stage engaged in the provision of such services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department has funded the ICBF to become the No. 1 seller of farm software services in Ireland via its software HerdPlus and that this funding is severely undermining the existing non-taxpayer funded companies in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/12]

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

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) was established in 1997 as a cooperative and is registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Its shareholders include all stakeholders in the cattle breeding industry such as Pedigree Cattle Herdbooks, AI Organisations, Milk Recording Organisations and farmer representative organisations.

The mission of the ICBF is ‘to achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the National cattle herd for the benefit of Irish farmers, and the dairy and beef industries and members by collecting, collating and distributing available information and data of practical and scientific interest, by promoting the exchange of all such information and data amongst breeders of cattle in Ireland.' ICBF has a proven track record of accelerating the genetic gain in the National herd, and thus improving profits for farm families across the country. The unique industry led nature of ICBF has allowed Ireland to develop a world class breeding infrastructure and become a world leader in cattle breeding activities.

The ICBF does not provide software services to farmers.

Question No. 478 answered with Question No. 473.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Brendan Griffin

Question:

479 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment options scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30619/12]

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

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and 75% payment totalling €546.41 issued in respect of 2010.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application was selected for a Cross Compliance inspection which resulted in a penalty being imposed. The cross compliance penalty, in this case 5%, will be deducted from the balancing payment which will issue shortly.

Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process. Following the payment of year 1, the administrative checking process in respect of year 2 will be completed.

Suckler Welfare Scheme

James Bannon

Question:

480 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be paid his suckler welfare grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/12]

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

The person named registered eleven beef breed animals under the 2011 Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. It is a condition of the Suckler Welfare Scheme that in the case of herds of more than ten cows the calves must be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being weaned at a minimum interval of five days. The person named declared that all of the eleven animals were weaned on the same day, which contravenes these Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. My Department issued a letter regarding outlining the situation to the person named on 4 May 2012 and also informing his right to appeal the decision. To date no further communication has been received from the applicant.

Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

481 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a íocfar deontas faoin scéim um roghanna comhshaoil talmhaíochta, 2011 le feirmeoir (sonraí tugtha); cén fáth a bhfuil moill leis an íocaíocht seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30729/12]

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

Cuireadh in iúl don duine ainmnithe go ndearnadh é a fhormheasadh le bheith rannpháirteach sa Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta a tháinig i bhfeidhm ón 01 Meán Fómhair 2011.

Faoi Rialacháin an AE a rialaíonn an Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta agus scéimeanna íocaíochta bunaithe sa cheantar, ní mór seiceáil riaracháin chuimsitheach, tras-sheiceáil leis an gCóras Aitheanta Dáileachtaí Talún ina measc, a chur i gcrích ar gach iarratas sular féidir íocaíocht ar bith a eisiúint. Tarlaíonn na seiceálacha seo i bhfad roimh ré agus táim ag súil leo a bheith curtha i gcrích go luath amach anseo agus go dtosófar ag déanamh íocaíochtaí a luaithe agus is féidir. Má eascraíonn aon fhiosruithe as na seiceálacha seo beidh mo Roinn i dteagmháil go díreach leis an duine ainmnithe.

Single Payment Scheme

Brendan Griffin

Question:

482 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal on a penalty imposed on future payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30730/12]

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

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2011.

This application was selected for a Cross Compliance inspection.

During the course of the inspection breaches were recorded relating to the Tagging of Sheep and the failure to maintain a flock register for the previous 5 years. This resulted in a 5% penalty being recorded against his direct payments for 2011. The person named was informed of this decision on the 13 January 2012 and of his right to seek a review. Following an earlier Parliamentary Question from the Deputy such a review was initiated and a letter upholding the original decision was sent to the person named on 29 February 2012. The letter also informed the person named of his right to appeal the outcome of the review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. To date, no such appeal has been lodged.

Milk Quota

Billy Timmins

Question:

483 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding entitlements in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30738/12]

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

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2012 National Reserve. The 2012 National Reserve caters for farmers who commenced farming after 17 May, 2010. Applicants are required to submit a 2012 Single Payment application form detailing all lands which they are currently farming. In addition, applicants are required to meet certain criteria with regard to income limits and educational qualifications. Off-farm income cannot exceed €30,000 and total income, including farm income, cannot exceed €40,000. Applicants must have obtained a FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture or its equivalent. The green certificate in farming is regarded as equivalent for this purpose.

Processing of the 2012 National Reserve Scheme is ongoing. My Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed. A formal letter setting out the details of the decision will issue at that stage. In February 2012 my Department announced details of the 2012 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants to Dairying with a closing date of 4 May 2012. About 270 applications have been received and examined in my Department for eligibility. All valid applications are currently being distributed to the members of the Assessment Panel for consideration and the Panel hope to be in a position to recommend a list of suitable applicants to me by mid August.

I can confirm that an application has been received from the named person and has been forwarded to the Panel for consideration.

Aquaculture Licences

Thomas Pringle

Question:

484 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licenses granted to non-Natura 2000 sites since late 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/12]

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

Seventeen aquaculture licences were issued in respect of sites located in non-Natura areas since late 2007.

The low number of licences issued largely arises because the majority of areas for which aquaculture licences are sought are located in Natura areas. An additional factor is that all aquaculture applications now undergo Environmental Impact pre-screening assessment which requires significant input from the Department's scientific and technical advisors.

The timeframe for processing a particular application varies depending on location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites, potential visual impact etc. Other factors include consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period.

Applicants who have submitted valid renewal applications are statutorily entitled to continue existing aquaculture operations pending Ministerial determination of the application.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all aquaculture applications having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

Forestry Sector

Michael Creed

Question:

485 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in processing forestry road grants; if he will expedite a decision on a case (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30812/12]

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

The Department's consideration of this application has now been completed and the application for approval to construct a forest road has been granted. On satisfactory completion of the road, the applicant may apply for payment of the grant.

Question No. 486 answered with Question No. 473.

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

487 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 537 of 19 June 2012, the persons who are the leaseholders in Howth Port, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30866/12]

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

In my reply of 19 June 2012 I advised that there were twenty-eight leased premises in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre. Details of individual lease terms are confidential and of course commercially sensitive; however, I am arranging for a list of names of the current leaseholders to be made available to the Deputy on a confidential basis, as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

488 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30874/12]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:

Year	Number of staff	Amounts of retirement lump sum (gross)
2009	284	€18,175,021.20
2010	131	€10,340,863.95
2011	112	€8,670,776.63
2012 (to date)	191	€14,581,297.72

Dairy Equipment Scheme

Jim Daly

Question:

489 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for a dairy equipment grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30901/12]

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

The person concerned is an applicant under the Dairy Equipment Scheme and submitted an application under the tranche which closed at end-January 2012. This tranche was very heavily over-subscribed and the selection of applications which are to go forward to the approval process has recently been made. The applicant concerned was not successful and the application will therefore be rolled over to the next tranche.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

490 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce a new round of the agri-environment options scheme to assist those farmers whose support under the REP scheme programme is ending. [30912/12]

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

I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale, including the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year. The full year cost of any new scheme will have to be met in 2013 and any decision to re-open AEOS will be taken in the context of consideration of the resources available and the need to remain within the agreed expenditure ceiling for my Department in 2013. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the situation.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

491 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing many families due to the retrospective criteria being applied under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and the action he will take to alleviate those difficulties. [30913/12]

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

The purpose of the changes announced to the 2012 Terms and Conditions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is to achieve the required savings, prompted by the budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme being reduced to from €220 million to €190 million. However, in order to make these savings, it is proposed to make technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria, rather than simply apply an across-the-board cut, by reducing the maximum payable area, or reducing the rates of aid payable, or both.

Choosing to opt for the technical adjustments ensures that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in DAS areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:

To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;

To maintain the countryside;

To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.

While changes are being introduced in respect of the minimum stocking density requirements, specific provision is being made for those farmers who had a stocking density less than 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, where that lower stocking density was as a result of adherence to an agri-environmental measure, such as a Commonage Framework De-stocking Plan, Rural Environmental Protection Schemes (REPS) or Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS).

All applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, will be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation on the grounds that his or her participation in one of the above measures resulted in the lower stocking density. The principles of force majeure/exceptional circumstances will also be provided for in the process and provision will also be made for new entrants to farming.

Departmental Offices

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

492 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of offices of his Department across the State that are open and operational; and the locations of same. [30914/12]

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

The table below sets out the offices of my Department which are open to the public:

Office	Location
Agriculture House, Kildare Street	Dublin
Border Inspection Post, Dublin Port	Dublin
Border Inspection Post, Dublin Airport	Dublin
Border Inspection Post, Shannon Airport	Clare
Unit 11, Clonminam Industrial Estate, Portlaoise	Laois
Kea Lew Business Park, Portlaoise	Laois
Eircom Building, Knockmay, Portlaoise	Laois
Gandon Court, Fairgreen, Portlaoise	Laois
Grattan Business Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise	Laois
Govt Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise	Laois
Regional Office, Poplar Square, Naas	Kildare
Administration Complex, Backweston	Kildare
Regional Office, Athlumney, Navan	Meath
Govt Offices, Farnham Street	Cavan
Regional Office, Meeting House Street, Raphoe	Donegal
Regional Office, Heuston Hall, Raheen	Limerick
Regional Office, Davis Street, Tipperary Town	Tipperary
Regional Office, Darrara, Clonakilty	Cork
National Seafood Centre, Clonakilty	Cork
Regional Office, South Mall	Cork
Regional Office, Convent Road	Roscommon
Regional Office, Dock Gate Building	Galway
Regional Office, Michael Davit House, Castlebar	Mayo
Regional Office, The Glen	Waterford
Regional Office, Spa Road, Tralee	Kerry
Regional Office, Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo	Leitrim
Johnstown Castle	Wexford
Regional Office, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy	Wexford
Govt Offices, Clonminch, Tullamore	Offaly

Marine Strategy

Seán Kyne

Question:

493 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the recent positive objectives achieved at EU level, if he will report on the progress of the establishment of the marine strategy entitled Our Ocean Wealth. [30922/12]

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

The European Council recently adopted a partial common approach on the Common Fisheries Policy Reform. This is a separate matter to the national initiative which is underway to develop an integrated marine plan for Ireland, known as our "Ocean Wealth". The first step in developing this was to draft and publish the document "Our Ocean Wealth". That was then the subject of a major public consultation which was carried out over recent months and is now complete. The results of the consultation will help inform the plan, which is currently being drawn up by the Marine Institute and the Departments represented on the MCG, an inter-departmental Coordination Committee convened by the D/Taoiseach that I chair. The aim is for publication later in the summer.

Farm Assist Scheme

John McGuinness

Question:

494 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a payment under the farm improvement scheme due to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be issued in view of the fact that all works were approved during construction and the project cleared a health and safety check after construction; and if he will expedite the matter. [31017/12]

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

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme. However, as the completed investments were found not to be in compliance with the technical specifications of my Department, no grant-aid has yet been paid in this case. My Department has recently been in contact with the applicant setting out the alterations which must be carried out in order to enable the grant-aid to be paid.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

495 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31339/12]

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

To date no redundancy payments have been made by my Department arising from the implementation of Croke Park agreement.

National Education Welfare Board

Finian McGrath

Question:

496 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will respond to allegations regarding the National Education Welfare Board (details supplied). [30840/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is a statutory body established under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Responsibility for the NEWB transferred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on 11th May 2011 on the establishment of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The core function of the Board is to ensure that every child in the State, either attends school, or otherwise receives an education. Questions in relation to its operational arrangements are a matter for the Board. The information provided by the Deputy has been forwarded to the Board for examination. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the Board's response is to hand.

Child Care Services

Charles Flanagan

Question:

497 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of applications under the recent child care capital grant aid scheme that were received from County Laois; the number of such applications that were from the private sector as opposed to from the community; the reason no community-funded scheme in County Laois was grant aided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30292/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

In Budget 2012, the Government announced capital funding of €6m to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities. The programme was open to both community not-for-profit childcare facilities and private childcare facilities, that are currently participating in one of the three childcare programmes implemented by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). The maximum grant available was €50,000 (including VAT). The aim of the funding is to provide support to childcare settings to address remedial, maintenance and renovation work, or to purchase equipment.

Following a robust appraisal of all applications received, 290 applications were approved for funding with the average amount approved being €21,000. Of the total number of applications approved, 125 were from private childcare facilities. Of the total amount approved, 63% was approved for renovation/expansion works, 25% was approved for the purchase of equipment, 11% for maintenance works, and 0.5% was in respect of professional fees associated with the capital works.

The figures available to my Department are broken down in line with the City and County Childcare Committee structures. The figures for Laois indicate that 56 applications were received from childcare providers in the county and that 4 of these applications were approved for funding. The total funding approved for these groups amounts to €110,357.

The successful applications were those that represented the most complete, coherent, precise and compelling cases for funding. The investment has been directed, to the greatest extent possible, to addressing the most urgent works, and supporting the quality of services making the greatest impact for disadvantaged children and communities. All applicants were notified by Pobal of the outcome and the Pobal website provides a facility for unsuccessful applicants to request by call-back, information to assist them in understanding the reasons for the outcome of their applications.

Pearse Doherty

Question:

498 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the threat to the complementary funding stream to Donegal County Childcare Committee; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this funding is directed towards child protection and upskilling of employees and that cuts to this funding will result in job losses and in childcare providers being unable to upskill their workers, taking into consideration that almost 800 employees are directly affected by this reduction; and if she will ensure that complementary funding stream is retained by the committee. [30375/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The 33 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) were established in 2001 to advance the provision of childcare facilities in their local areas. They comprise local representatives from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, social partners, childcare providers and parents.

The role of the CCCs was expanded under the National Childcare Investment Programme to enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, and they had a key role in the development of local childcare infrastructure, quality standards, training and information. More recently, CCCs have been increasingly dedicated to locally managing administrative processes associated with the national childcare programmes (the Community Childcare Subvention programme, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme and the Childcare Education and Training Support programme). They also support the performance and sustainability of services in their respective areas.

Each CCC receives funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to implement its Local Implementation Plan. In 2012, the total amount allocated to the CCCs is €11.3m, with Donegal County Childcare Committee receiving an allocation of €370,000.

In relation to funding provided nationally by the HSE to support City and County Childcare Committees, the HSE has advised that there has been no decision to withdraw this funding. However, I understand that at a local level funding has been reduced or has ceased in some areas due to the implementation of cost containment measures. The HSE has advised that it allocates funding on a prioritisation basis which takes cognisance of the best interests of the child as paramount to any decision.

The HSE has confirmed that funding totalling €87,678 was provided to Donegal County Childcare Committee in 2011 and €83,631 was provided in 2012. The HSE is currently reviewing funding for 2013 with Donegal County Childcare Committee.

Local Authority Charges

Charles Flanagan

Question:

499 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to certain inconsistencies regarding the application of commercial rates payable to local authorities in respect of private child care facilities and if she will outline the current position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30466/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The issue of local authority commercial rates comes within the remit of the Department of Finance, which has responsibility for fiscal policy, and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has responsibility for the local authorities.

The Valuation Office, which comes under the remit of the Department of Finance, is responsible for the implementation and interpretation of the Valuation Act 2001 under which commercial rates are levied by the local authorities. The Valuation Office prepares valuation lists of commercial properties, as required by the Act, and local authorities are obliged to collect rates on properties which are listed.

Following concerns expressed by childcare providers throughout the country, I raised the issue of commercial rates on pre-school services with the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., who confirmed that, in line with the existing legislative framework, local authorities have no discretion in the collection of commercial rates on properties which are on the Valuation List. As stated, responsibility for the Valuation Act 2001 and the Valuation Office fall within the remit of the Minister for Finance, and therefore any change to the Act including any provision for exemptions is for his Department to consider, and my Department would have no role in this matter.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

500 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30474/12]

John Deasy

Question:

508 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons employed in her Department and in agencies under her aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30599/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

509 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons within her Department or within agencies under her aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30816/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 500, 508 and 509 together.

Redeployment allows staff to be moved as a result of the rationalisation, reconfiguration or restructuring of public service bodies or where activities have assumed lesser priority arising from changing business needs. Similarly, where an organisation has posts in excess of its Employment Control limits, or has other budgetary or business reasons to redeploy staff, it must identify the number of posts at the different grade levels that will need to be redeployed. None of these situations currently pertain to my Department nor any agencies under the aegis of my Department. As a result, there are no surplus staff waiting for redeployment.

Family Support Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

501 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has received a copy of the Health Service Executive’s Review of Adequacy of Services for Children and Families, as required annually under section 8 of the Child Care Act 1991, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011; the reason for the delays in publishing the reviews; when the reviews are expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30584/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Review of Adequacy of Services Reports for 2009 and 2010 were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the HSE's website, earlier this month. I am advised by the HSE that it is expects to submit the report for 2011 to me by the fourth quarter of this year.

Foster Care

Catherine Murphy

Question:

502 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of the cost of private foster care services used by the Health Service Executive in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30585/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

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

Child Care Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

503 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers available in each local health office who have been trained to conduct specialist child interviews as part of the joint protocol with the Garda; the resources available to them to assist in the carrying out of such interviews; her future plans for this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30586/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

My Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.

Health Service Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

504 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of posts filled expressed as a percentage of total current posts for each grade in social work teams in each local health office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30587/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

My Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.

Departmental Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

505 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of social work team leader posts filled with acting team leaders; the total number of principal worker posts filled with acting principal social workers; the number of acting positions that have been backfilled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30588/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

My Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.

Foster Care

Catherine Murphy

Question:

506 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of new relative foster carers recruited by each local health office for each of the past five years; the number of new non-relative foster carers recruited by each LHO for each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30589/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

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.

Health Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

507 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of new supported lodgings providers recruited by each Local Health Office for each of the past five years. [30590/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

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.

Questions Nos. 508 and 509 answered with Question No. 500.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

510 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from her Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30876/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

My Department was established on 2nd June 2011. The details requested by the Deputy are provided in the following table:

Year	Number of retirements	Lump Sum
2011	1	€95,504
2012	6	€405,646
Total Cost	7	€501,150

In addition, three members of staff who were seconded from my Department to the Adoption Authority of Ireland retired in 2012 at a total lump sum cost of €213,874.

Child Care Services

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

511 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she will take in response to the report of the independent child death review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30902/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Government reform agenda represents an essential response to the litany of child protection failures outlined by the report of the Independent Child Death Review Group. The report represents clear evidence of why a reformed system of State care and intervention is needed. In this context the Programme for Government had already demonstrated the high priority it attaches to children and family services by establishing a dedicated Department of Children and Youth Affairs (in place since March, 2011), and by committing to the early establishment of a stand-alone Child and Family Support Agency. I am working towards an establishment date of 1 January, 2013 for the agency.

Under the leadership of Mr. Gordon Jeyes, CEO Designate of the new agency and National Director of the HSE's Children and Family Services, a "change agenda" is currently being implemented in Children and Family Services which will continue and be accelerated under the new agency; and will be further informed by the recommendations of this report. Key elements of this "change agenda" include:

A service delivery model that will address a multi-agency, albeit differentiated, approach to managing the child welfare and protection system;

A nationwide consistency of approach in practice and implementation of Children First and child welfare and protection services generally;

Use of standardised definitions, criteria and thresholds for reporting and referrals including prioritisation of cases;

Greater reliance on real-time data on social work referrals and alternative care collated through HSE performance management indicators and the ongoing development of the National Child Care Information System;

Improved resource allocation responsive to changing needs;

Clearer management and budgetary accountability;

Better workforce planning, training and induction of new staff.

In advance of the establishment of the agency a new management and reporting structure is being put in place in Children and Family Services, and it has been allocated a distinct budget. The Task Force which I established in September 2011 to advise on the new agency will present its final report by the end of this month and I look forward to addressing its recommendations relating to vision, governance and scope-of-services, such that the agency is established and up-and-running in 2013. I am committed to working with Minister Roisin Shortall and the relevant agencies on progressing a fresh approach to addressing the harm posed by alcohol and other substance abuse. I am also committed to working with Minister Kathleen Lynch in addressing the many inter-agency deficits identified by the report in terms of access to Mental Health Services.

I have indicated that I accept the essential criteria set out in the Report on developing an independent child death review structure, and I intend to consult further on this with a view to making an announcement in September on the appropriate future mechanism.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) will shortly assume a new role in relation to the oversight of child protection services, in addition to its current role in the inspection of children's residential centres, special care units and foster care settings. Next month HIQA will publish new National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children which will set out the key features of an effective child protection service and they clearly put the needs of children at the heart of that service. This new standards-led approach is central to enforcing a new culture of quality, effectiveness and accountability in Ireland's child protection services. I believe the law needs to be strengthened in relation to aftercare services, and with advice from the Attorney General I intend to propose legislative change later this year, in the bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency. In relation to out of hours services it is important that children in crisis, no matter where they are, have access to 24 hour social work advice and assistance. I am working with Gordon Jeyes towards this objective. The evaluation of two recent pilot projects will be of assistance in this context in terms of the nature of the services required.

The report of the Independent Child Death Review Group is harrowing in its nature. It is a salutary lesson in how systemic failures can exact a terrible price on those most in need of quality integrated services. A great many changes have been put in train since this Government took office, and the months ahead will see many further positive developments for children, including the holding of a referendum on children's rights. The Government is committed to transparency and honesty about the challenges in getting children's services right. Child protection will continue to be a high priority on our agenda and changes at every level — policy, law, structures and individual practitioner — have happened and will continue to happen.

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

512 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 22 February 2012, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive. [30926/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The HSE has forwarded the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 22 February 2012 directly to the Deputy on 25th June 2012.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

513 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if she will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31340/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I can confirm to the Deputy that there have been no redundancies from my Department or agencies under the aegis of my Department in the period in question. All staff reductions have been by way of retirement or resignation.

As noted in the Second Progress Report of the Implementation Body under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, the Agreement continues to provide valuable stability in difficult economic circumstances and it is facilitating significant reductions in staff numbers. The Agreement is allowing for significant restructuring to be implemented in a climate of sustained industrial relations stability and staff co-operation.

Health Insurance

Niall Collins

Question:

514 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in relation to the authorisation of the VHI, as required by the European Commission; when he will ensure that the VHI is fully capitalised; his views on whether the proposal to re-designate beds in public hospitals will further undermine the solvency of the VHI, delay its authorisation and increase the risk that Ireland will be subjected to significant fines because of its failure to abide by the ECJ judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30332/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The European Commission took a case against the State regarding the VHI's derogation from the EU Non-Life Directives which have, for some time, exempted it from the requirement to be authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled against the State on 29 September last. In response to this judgement the Government agreed to engage with the Commission to:

Work with the VHI and the Central Bank on the VHI's application for authorisation, with a decision to be taken later regarding the question of capitalisation;

Examine the legal and legislative requirements to allow for the incorporation of the VHI as a limited company, in order to address the concerns of the EU Commissioner for Competition that the VHI may benefit from an unlimited State guarantee;

Examine other options for the future status of the VHI.

The Government has informed the Commission that it expects to resolve the matter by 31 December 2013 at the latest. Since the judgement was announced, Department of Health officials have been engaged in ongoing, positive discussion with officials of both the Directorate General for Competition and the Directorate General for Internal Market and Services, on the range of inter-related issues which must be resolved in order to address the Court judgement.

Resolution of the issues involves a number of steps, including a number of EU State Aid matters which are being addressed in consultation with the EU Commission Directorate General for Competition. The Government will make a decision on recapitalisation of the VHI when the Central Bank has determined the amount of any capital requirement and the EU Commission has approved a capital injection under State Aid rules. VHI's capital requirement will be influenced by a range of issues, most notably the level of transfers it can expect under the new Risk Equalisation Scheme which is to be introduced from 1 January 2013.

While the Government's policy of abolishing the bed designation system and to levy charges for all private patients in public hospitals will have an effect, my Department is working closely with the VHI and the other health insurers on the issue of costs in the market. This engagement, through the Health Insurance Consultative Forum, is intended to assist the insurers in reducing their level of costs, thus minimising the impact of the bed designation policy change.

A significant proportion of private patients who are provided with treatment by a public hospital are not currently charged for the services because of the current rules on bed designation. In contrast, the public hospitals' consultants receive private fees even where the hospital cannot levy its maintenance charge. This represents a loss of income to the public hospital system and a significant subsidy to private insurance companies.

It is intended to introduce new arrangements to allow public hospitals to raise charges in respect of all private patients in public hospitals. My officials are carefully examining the potential implications of different approaches to achieving this significant change in policy. I consider that the new system of charging will be fairer and is in keeping with the changes required along the road to Universal Health Insurance.

National Carers Strategy

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

515 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will give a clear timeframe for the implementation of the carer’s strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30568/12]

Willie Penrose

Question:

516 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when the national carers strategy will be introduced; the timetable for implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

The development of a National Carers' Strategy to support carers and to address issues of concern is a key commitment in the current Programme for Government.

While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach allocated responsibility for the preparation of the Strategy to me in my capacity as Minister for Equality, Disability, Mental Health and Older People.

Consultations with other Departments and with national organisations representing carers have taken place and a draft has been completed for submission to Government in July, requesting formal adoption and publication of same.

The Strategy will not be an operational plan but will set the strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of their role and contribution to maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental health difficulties in their own homes. It will be cross-departmental, conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation.

Nursing Education

Regina Doherty

Question:

517 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will consider an exemption for the nursing class of 2011 (details supplied), who were excluded from educational qualification payments, due to a delay in their grading exams until 2012; if these students will not be given this payment retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30861/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is currently carrying out a review of allowances in the public service. This review is being undertaken following a Government decision requiring the public service to take additional measures to deliver further efficiencies in the public sector pay bill.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

518 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the numbers of persons treated and the numbers on the waiting list for treatment at the Cork University Hospital dental clinic for young adults with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30275/12]

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

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

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

519 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive medical treatment at the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7; and if he is concerned about the waiting lists for this medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30291/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by 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.

Disability Support Service

Dara Calleary

Question:

520 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Health Service Executive review which he has requested in relation to the sheltered attendance allowance cut which came into effect on 13 January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30293/12]

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

The decision to reduce the top up payment made to people with a disability attending rehabilitative training was implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE) without informing the Department of Health. The reduction from €31.80 per week to €20 per week, from the 1st January 2012, was communicated to the HSE Local Managers in advance of the Minister approving the National Service Plan for 2012. This proposed measure sought to bring consistency to the top up bonus paid to people attending the HSE rehabilitative training scheme with similar payments paid in other State training schemes. Any reduction in payments to individuals requires adequate advance notice to enable the recipients and indeed, service providers, to take the reduction into account in planning their support needs and other arrangements.

It should also be noted that people with a disability attending Rehabilitative Training are usually in receipt of a State payment such as the Disability Allowance. Following examination of a report on this issue from the HSE, I requested the Executive not to proceed with this reduction pending a fuller consideration of the effects and consequences of this measure.

Child Care Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

521 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if step-down funding provided by the special delivery unit will be used where appropriate to help fund the care of children at a children’s hospice (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30320/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In relation to funding for this facility funding allocated to the Intermediate Care Initiative relates exclusively to older people. Therefore, there is no facility to fund initiatives outside of this care group.

Hospital Services

Niall Collins

Question:

522 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his proposals on bed re-designation in public hospitals; if primary legislation is required to effect these changes; when this legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30321/12]

Niall Collins

Question:

523 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with all relevant stakeholders, including private health insurers on the proposal to re-designate beds in public hospitals; the response from such stakeholders; if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis and/or public consultation in relation to this proposal; if he will publish same; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30322/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

A significant proportion of private patients who are provided with treatment by a public hospital are not currently charged for the services because of the current rules on bed designation. In contrast, the public hospitals' consultants receive private fees even where the hospital cannot levy its maintenance charge. This represents a loss of income to the public hospital system and a significant subsidy to private insurance companies.

It is intended to introduce new arrangements to allow public hospitals to raise charges in respect of all private patients in public hospitals. My officials are carefully examining the potential implications of different approaches to achieving this significant change in policy. Once a final policy decision has been taken I will be in a position to determine precisely what primary legislation, if any, will be required. I would like to advise the Deputy that I established the Health Insurance Consultative Forum this year which includes representatives of the country's three main insurers, the Health Insurance Authority and the Department. This provides a forum for engagement and consideration of, amongst other things, issues relating to bed charges and income collection, and the implementation of Universal Health Insurance. I consider that the new system of charging will be fairer and is in keeping with the changes required along the road to Universal Health Insurance.

Health Insurance

Niall Collins

Question:

524 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if bed re-designation will impact on the principle of community rating, particularly in terms of the numbers leaving private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30323/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Community ratingmeans that the level of risk that a particular consumer poses to a private health insurer does not directly affect the health insurance premium paid. It also means that premiums for younger or healthier lives are typically higher than their expected claims would require, whereas for older or less healthy lives, premiums are typically lower than the expected claims would require.

I am strongly committed to protecting community rating, whereby older and sicker customers should pay the same amount for the same cover as younger and healthier people and can confirm that any policy decisions taken with regard to bed designation will not impact on the principle of community rating.

Niall Collins

Question:

525 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the Health Insurance Authority in respect of his proposal to re-designate beds in public hospitals, particularly in view of the authority’s statutory remit in relation to the functioning of the health insurance market; if so the views of the HIA on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30324/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I currently have no proposals in relation to bed designation. Furthermore, the Deputy may wish to note that the HIA has no role to play with regard to any decisions being made in the re-designation of beds in public hospitals. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and also on health insurance plans and benefits. The HIA plays an important role for customers, both in ensuring that they have accurate information, and in enforcing the implementation of the law protecting consumers in relation to health insurance and where appropriate it issues enforcement notices to enforce compliance with the Health Insurance Acts.

Niall Collins

Question:

526 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information in relation to the total amounts due to all public and voluntary hospitals in relation to outstanding health insurance claims which have yet to be submitted by such hospitals to private health insurers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30325/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The total amount due to all public and voluntary hospitals in relation to outstanding health insurance claims which have yet to be submitted to private health insurers amounted to approximately €96.6m at 31st March 2012. Hospitals have improved their submission performance by 21% on a cost neutral basis in the fifteen months from 31st Dec 2010. The HSE is continuing a drive to reduce the time taken to submit claims through implementing an electronic claims management system in its hospitals which will make the process more efficient for patients, medical staff, administrative staff and private health insurers. This system will reduce the time taken to submit claims. In addition, HSE Management continues to engage with Hospital Managers and Clinical Directors to stress the importance of increasing the timeliness of submissions.

Niall Collins

Question:

527 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the level of income per annum that public and voluntary hospitals received from the private health insurers in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide a national average percentage figure on the level of private income raised from private beds in public and voluntary hospitals in 2011 and similarly the percentage figure for the best performing hospital in terms of private income raised from private beds in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30326/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The level of private maintenance income for public and voluntary hospitals was:

2009 — €387m.

2010 — €382m.

2011 — €464m.

The increase in 2011 is mainly due to increased charges introduced on the 1st January 2011. The percentage of private maintenance income in acute hospitals as a percentage of total patient income is 86%. The hospitals with the highest percentage are the dedicated maternity hospitals as public maternity services are exempt from charges.

Niall Collins

Question:

528 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the increasing number of persons opting out of private health insurance will undermine the implementation of universal health insurance in view of the fact that the funding basis for UHI is being reduced by the numbers exiting private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30327/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

While there has been a decrease in the numbers with private health insurance, by 76,000 in the year to end-March 2012, it is important to note that the decline in private health insurance coverage is modest to-date, at less than 4% of the overall market. This leaves some 2.139 million, or 46.6% of the population, covered by private health insurance. Even in the current difficult financial climate, the vast majority of consumers holding private health insurance are choosing to retain some level of health insurance cover rather than allowing policies to lapse completely.

Under Universal Health Insurance (UHI), everyone will be insured for health care and the current unfair discrimination between public and private patients will be removed. The Government's clear objective is for the health insurance market to remain as competitive and affordable as possible, as we move towards a new system of UHI. The Government is committed to fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland that will deliver a single tier health system, where access is based on need, not income. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy. This reform programme is a major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years, to be supported by a number of key reform initiatives.

The Health Insurance Consultative Forum, which includes representatives from the country's three main health insurance companies, the Health Insurance Authority and the Department of Health, is tasked with examining how costs in the health insurance industry can be reduced. The Forum provides a vehicle for engagement and consideration of issues relating to the implementation of UHI. In addition, in February I established an Implementation Group on UHI which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for UHI and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme. The Group will also assist my Department in preparing a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance. The White Paper will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of UHI. Preparation of the White Paper is a complex process. It will involve significant financial modelling to support analysis of different design options and to estimate the cost of UHI. The White Paper will be published as early as possible within the Government's term of office.

In the interim, I am focusing on addressing the problems of the current private health insurance market, where insurers have a considerable financial incentive to cover younger, better risks rather than older, poorer risks. I am very concerned that any inefficiency in the management of claims is addressed before the introduction of UHI and am determined that measures currently being undertaken will have a significant impact in containing the cost of health insurance premiums, as we move towards the new system of Universal Health Insurance.

Niall Collins

Question:

529 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a system of co-payments by patients under universal health insurance will be necessary to fund all but the most basic treatment services under UHI, due to the fact that the likely funding base for UHI will be insufficient to fund all treatment services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30328/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not income. Every individual will have a choice of health insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy.

In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme.

The Group will also assist my Department in preparing a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance. The White Paper will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. Preparation of the White Paper is a complex process. It will involve significant financial modelling to support analysis of different design options and to estimate the cost of UHI. The White Paper will be published as early as possible within the Government's term of office.

The reform programme is a major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee implementation of the reforms and consult widely.

Niall Collins

Question:

530 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that increasing costs of private health insurance is now a major concern for multi-national corporations and has the potential to negatively impact future foreign direct investment decisions and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30329/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am not aware of any specific concerns raised by multinational corporations regarding the cost of private health insurance in this country being a significant factor for consideration when making foreign direct investment decisions. It is my understanding that the Deputy may be referring to any companies which pay health insurance premiums on behalf of employees, as an additional employment benefit. I refer the Deputy to a recent national consumer survey of the private health insurance market in Ireland commissioned by the Health Insurance Authority, a statutory regulator of the health insurance market in Ireland. The survey included an analysis of the effects of the economic environment on the attitudes and behaviour of consumers of private health insurance, part of which examined the issue of employer subscriptions.

The survey found that eighteen percent of Irish businesses operate an employee health insurance scheme and that the sectoral profile of those businesses is similar to the overall sectoral breakdown of businesses in Ireland. It can be noted from the survey that two in three companies review the provision of employee private health insurance yearly, or more often, and that three in four companies intend to keep private health insurance subsidies the same. In addition, the level of subsidy has been increased by 19 percent of companies in the past two years, with almost seven in ten companies stating that they have kept subsidies the same over the past two years. This suggests a high level of stability from the employers' viewpoint concerning the provision of employee private health insurance schemes.

It is also worth noting from the survey that the vast majority of companies intend maintaining the current private health insurance scheme for the considerable future.

General Medical Services Scheme

Dan Neville

Question:

531 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Nalcrom Sodium Cromogylcate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30345/12]

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

The company that manufactures the drug Nalcrom has discontinued the product in Ireland and it is no longer authorised for marketing in Ireland. In view of this the product is no longer available for reimbursement under the GMS and community drugs schemes.

In order for a medicinal product to be added to the List of Reimbursable Items maintained by the HSE for reimbursement under the GMS and community drugs schemes it must meet specified criteria. These include the following: the product must be a medicinal product authorised by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Commission; the product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription; and the product should not be advertised or promoted to the public.

However, the HSE operates a protocol under which unlicensed medicines, which satisfy specific criteria, are made available to patients. The patient concerned should raise the matter with their pharmacist in the first instance.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Clare Daly

Question:

532 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health in relation to kidney transplant operations at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, at which the waiting time for the procedure has increased from three to six months to 14 months, his views on the 70 patients who, as of 31 May, are at an advanced stage of work-up to have this procedure done with live donors; the number of these 70 patients that are pre-emptive patients; and the difference in waiting times for those patients having the same procedure done privately at the same hospital. [30366/12]

Clare Daly

Question:

533 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health in relation to kidney transplant operations at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, at which the waiting time for the procedure has increased from three to six months to 14 months, the measures he will take to reduce this delay; the additional resources that will be allocated in order to do this; and his views on this matter, in the context of the urgent nature of this operation. [30367/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Charles Flanagan

Question:

534 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which St. Brigid’s Hospital, Shaen, Portlaoise, County Laois, which for many years served as a geriatric unit and is now a designated community nursing unit, when such designation took place; the criteria applicable to such designation exhibiting a copy of the appropriate resolution in respect of such designation to include details as to by whom such designation was made when and in what manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/12]

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

Under the Health 2007 Act statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority for inspecting and registering categories of designated centres providing residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities. In this regard the definition of a designated centre is set out in Section 2 of the Act.

On 1 July 2009 a new registration and inspection regime for all residential centres for older people — private, public and voluntary commenced. This regulatory system is to underpin quality and safety for residents in designated centres for older people.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Brendan Griffin

Question:

535 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the National Treatment Purchase Fund’s forensic accounting service will be actively investigating section 39 and 40 nursing homes; if the implementation of the service is on schedule as per previous correspondence to this Deputy; the specific timeframe surrounding this process; if emergency cases will be prioritised such as a case (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30372/12]

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

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has tendered for a forensic accounting service to support it in its role of negotiating prices with private and voluntary nursing homes under Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Once the tendering process is completed, tasks will be assigned to the successful supplier(s). These will include an assignment to provide factual input to an NTPF review of nursing homes, including the nursing home referred to by the Deputy, which received funding for long-term residential care services under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 prior to the commencement of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The NTPF anticipates, at this stage, to have substantive information for initial review by end August.

There are only 10 nursing homes nationally which received funding for long-term residential care services under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 prior to the commencement of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Any question of prioritisation will be a matter for the NTPF which is independent in the performance of its function under Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.

Hospital Waiting Lists

John Halligan

Question:

536 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons now on the waiting list at Waterford Regional Hospital for 2012; the number of persons left on trolleys or on chairs in Waterford Regional Hospital this year in comparison to 2011; and the number of men that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer this year in comparison to 2011. [30377/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by 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.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Drug Treatment Programmes

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

537 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of detox beds for those in addiction under 18 years of age; if he will outline the extent of Exchequer funding in respect of residential addiction services; the numbers availing of those services in 2011 and to date in 2012; and the numbers currently on waiting lists. [30383/12]

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

The information requested has been sought from the HSE. I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Disabled Drivers

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

538 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the assistance available from him or from the Health Service Executive to assist parents of severely disabled children under 17 years of age living in isolated areas to purchase a motor vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30384/12]

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

The Revenue Commissioners' operate a Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme whereby a family member of a disabled passenger can qualify for tax relief linked to the purchase of vehicles, provided he/she is living with and is responsible for the transport of the disabled person in question, has acquired the vehicle for that purpose and the disabled passenger is the holder of a Primary Medical Certificate. Applications for Primary Medical Certificates are processed by the Health Service Executive through local health offices.

Health Services

Michael Colreavy

Question:

539 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently taking part in the Health Service Executive boarding out scheme; the initiatives being taken by him and the HSE to support this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30391/12]

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

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

Hospital Accommodation

Michael Colreavy

Question:

540 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the cost of the use of a hospital bed per week; the cost of the use of a nursing home bed per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30392/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The cost of the use of a hospital bed per week is a service matter and has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. With regard to the cost of a nursing home bed, that information is published on the HSE's website at:http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/nhss/costs.html.

I would like to advise the Deputy that the cost of care in public nursing homes is currently being reviewed.

Home Help Service

John McGuinness

Question:

541 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if home help and home care hours will be restored in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [30401/12]

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

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

Drugs Payment Scheme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

542 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of drugs at the time of budget 2012; the new estimate for this year following the agreement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30412/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

543 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects to complete discussions on a final agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association on drug costs in addition to the interim agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30413/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

544 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the drugs that will be made available to patients under a new agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association; the number of patients expected to benefit; the total cost; when the drugs will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30414/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 to 544, inclusive, together.

As announced last week the recent interim agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) should deliver savings of approx €10m in 2012. As part of the agreement, the HSE will give its approval to the reimbursement of drugs which in the normal course of events would have been approved for reimbursement under the schemes. The HSE is assessing a number of applications from manufacturers and suppliers for the inclusion of their products on the GMS and community drugs schemes. I am not in a position to fully assess the budget impact and numbers of patients expected to benefit until these applications and related price negotiations have been completed. Detailed discussions with IPHA on a possible new agreement shall commence shortly. These discussions shall be concluded in the shortest possible time.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

545 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30468/12]

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

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

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

546 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30481/12]

John Deasy

Question:

560 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30606/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

585 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period of time that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30823/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546, 560 and 585 together.

Each Government Department has an Employment Control Framework (ECF) which sets an upper limit on staff numbers. Thus far my Department has complied with its ECF limits and redeployment has therefore not arisen. This position will be kept under ongoing review.

The HSE has confirmed that that it does not have any employees currently in the public service redeployment pool. Redeployment is to be voluntary, in so far as possible. This protocol has proved largely successful. Given the size of the health sector, any surplus staff are redeployed within the sector itself. An estimated 4,500 redeployments has been reported by the health sector in its second annual progress report on implementing the PSA (reporting period of 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012). This is a significant increase from the previous reporting period (1st April 2010-31st March 2011), where a total of 750 staff redeployments were reported. Redeployment is one of the main achievements of the Agreement in the health sector. It is essential to allow local management to continue to deliver services with reduced staffing numbers and budgets, as well as service reconfigurations. Numbers of staff involved can range from large to small, but all require staff flexibility and cooperation.

With regard to the other agencies under the remit of my Department, there are no staff either on, or awaiting placement on, a redeployment panel currently.

Health Service Executive Funding

Gerald Nash

Question:

547 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding to the Dignity4Patients organisation to allow its unique service to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30496/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

On-going funding for any service is a matter for the HSE. In this regard, the HSE has recently met withDignity 4 Patients and signed a Grant Aid Agreement with them for €22,500 for one year’s office supplies and voluntary support. The HSE has also advised Dignity 4 Patients that there is no funding available towards staffing costs and suggested that they consider working more closely with other similar agencies, to continue to provide support to its client group. My Department is also currently considering an application for National Lottery Funding from Dignity 4 Patients. The purpose of National Lottery Funding is to provide funding for applications in respect of once off initiatives and it is not intended for the provision of ongoing or staffing costs.

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

548 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a long-term illness card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30498/12]

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

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

Medical Cards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

549 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on the medical card application appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/12]

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

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

John O'Mahony

Question:

550 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 601 of 12 June 2012, the reason a decision has not been made on an application regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in issuing a decision; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30562/12]

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

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.

Hospital Facilities

Gerry Adams

Question:

551 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the opening hours of the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30574/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

552 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the of the average number of patients who make use of the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital each week. [30575/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

553 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the of the average number of patients who make use of the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital since the beginning of 2012. [30576/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

554 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the of the average number of patients who make use of the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital after 6 p.m. on weekdays. [30577/12]

Gerry Adams

Question:

555 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the of the average number of patients who make use of the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital on weekends. [30578/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 551 to 555, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ambulance Service

Denis Naughten

Question:

556 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific medical conditions that are deemed by the National Ambulance Coordination Centre an appropriate for a response from the aeromedical ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30592/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Regina Doherty

Question:

557 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the special delivery unit has implemented a new plan of action for accident and emergency in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30593/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In early October this year, the new emergency department at the Mater Hospital will open. This is an integral part of the €284m new adult hospital at the Mater and will provide significant additional space and capacity to treat patients with dignity and respect. Patient comfort, safety and quality will be greatly enhanced in a significantly upgraded and top quality environment.

The Mater fully supports and has committed itself to the implementation of 18 national clinical care programmes. The hospital has advised my department that, in July 2012, it will implement the first phase of the Acute Medicine Programme, which along with the Care of the Elderly Programme and the Elective Surgery Programme will significantly improve waiting times for patients awaiting admission to the hospital for both scheduled and unscheduled care. Three new consultant physician posts are currently being recruited as part of the Acute Medicine Programme. These will improve access to senior clinical decision makers and ensure that patients are diagnosed and treated as quickly and efficiently as possible, in order to avoid the need for acute hospitalisation where possible. This also involves changes in work practices and routines to ensure that waste and delays are addressed, to maximise the capacity available for acute patient care by keeping lengths of stay to a minimum.

The hospital is working collaboratively with the Special Delivery Unit in these matters. Weekly focussed meetings ensure that progress is made to help further reduce excessive trolley waits and to meet nationally agreed waiting times for scheduled care.

Health Service Executive Funding

Regina Doherty

Question:

558 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the organisations in County Meath which support patients with brain injury that are funded by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/12]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff

Regina Doherty

Question:

559 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be replaced in Acquired Brain Injury Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30596/12]

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

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is a registered charity, established in 2000. The organisation works in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide a range of flexible and tailor made services for people with acquired brain injury. While the organisation received funding in excess of €8m from the HSE in 2010 towards the provision of such services as Assisted Living; Home and Community Rehabilitation; Day Resource and Family Support services among others, the issue of recruitment of staff at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is a matter for the organisation's Board of Directors to address.

Question No. 560 answered with Question No. 546.

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

561 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the updated position in relation to an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30621/12]

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

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

James Bannon

Question:

562 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a person (details supplied) in County Longford with a continuing full medical card, following submission of full supporting documentation, including evidence of loan repayments in relation to the completion of home construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30625/12]

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

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

Health Services

Regina Doherty

Question:

563 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons registered as brain injured in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30641/12]

Regina Doherty

Question:

565 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the facilities available for persons with brain injury post rehabilitation residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30643/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 565 together.

The aim of rehabilitation is to enable the person to achieve the highest level of independence as possible. Desired outcomes can range from return to full independence in social and work activities, to a requirement for long term support and care but with a higher level of independence than in the absence of rehabilitation. Current services available to persons with acquired brain injury include: Acute hospital services; the National Rehabilitation Hospital; Multi-disciplinary community services; Long term assisted living supports; Family Support, Home Liaison and Social Work; Psychological Services; Supported Employment and Rehabilitation training services. These services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a number of non-statutory organisations. Within Disability Services, the two main organisations that are funded by the HSE to meet the needs of service users with acquired brain injury nationally are Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and Headway Ireland. Last December, I welcomed the publication of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on the reconfiguration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context. The Strategy is focused on the specific needs of those with neurological illness or injury outside of stroke. Five of the more common neurological conditions were selected for detailed review and analysis in the report. The five selected were Acquired Brain Injury — other than stroke — Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis; Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Cord Injury. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy and to achieve the objectives of the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme which aims to: improve the quality of care; improve access to services and improve cost effectiveness. In this regard, both clinical and executive leads have been assigned and a national working group comprised of a team of experts has been established. I am happy therefore that the HSE National Service Plan 2012 for the development of the neuro-rehabilitation services includes a focus on inter-agency collaborative working. There is now a clear policy with a recommended service framework, that, when implemented, will ensure that Neuro-rehabilitation services are developed for those we serve in the most appropriate, effective and efficient way. I know that with the commitment of the HSE and service providers to the implementation process, we can achieve improved neuro-rehabilitation services for those persons with a neurological illness or injury or with a significant physical disability.

Regina Doherty

Question:

564 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the rehabilitation facilities that are available for persons with brain injury in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/12]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 565 answered with Question No. 563.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Willie Penrose

Question:

566 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be admitted immediately to St. James's Hospital, Dublin, for an urgent procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by 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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Billy Timmins

Question:

567 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if a review of the possibility of children with cerebral palsy having access to the National Treatment Purchase Fund is currently under way in the Health Service Executive; when this report will be finalised. [30657/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In July 2011 I announced changes to the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) — namely its role would be changed to support the mission of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU). The NTPF is now fully aligned with the SDU and is targeting waiting lists strategically and incentivising hospitals to manage their waiting times proactively. The NTPF capability is a core part of the SDU's performance improvement role in holding public hospitals to account.

The NTPF does not have any remit around the delivery of disability services and I can confirm that the SDU and NTPF are not in the process of reviewing this policy at present.

Health Services

John O'Mahony

Question:

568 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 13 June 2012, when will a reply issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30660/12]

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

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.

General Medical Services Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

569 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing applications for transfer of general medical practitioner under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30662/12]

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

If a patient wishes to change doctors, they must complete a Change of Doctor form (available from the HSE's Local Health Office) specifying the name of the new doctor, who must be a GMS contract holder. When an individual submits a change of doctor form and where the information provided is correct, the appropriate changes are made and a new medical card is issued. I have been advised by the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) that there is currently no backlog of applications from clients who wish to transfer to another doctor. However, if there is a particular case of concern, the Deputy may contact the PCRS directly (01-8647109 [e-mail]) and an update will be provided.

Orthodontic Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

570 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 27 March 2012, when the independent review of orthodontic services here will be published; the provisions being made to implement the recommendations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30665/12]

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

The Independent Review of Orthodontic Services is due to commence in July 2012 and to be completed in 2013. Decisions on the implementation of its recommendations will be taken at that stage.

Orthodontic Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

571 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently waiting for orthodontic treatment here; the average and longest length of wait; if he will provide a breakdown of same per Health Service Executive area; and the comparative figures for 2010 and 2011. [30666/12]

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

Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE. Some figures are unavailable due to staff shortages in some areas. This issue is being addressed by the HSE and it is expected that figures from all areas will be available from later in the year.

The most recent information available is for the first quarter of 2012. This is set out in the following table, together with comparative figures for end 2011 and end 2010:

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2012

Area	Grade 5 (formerly Category A)	Waiting Time (Months)	Grade 4 (formerly Category B)	Waiting Time (Months)
South Western	505	n/a	693	n/a
Mid-Leinster	441	n/a	456	36
Midland	175	16	980	n/a
Northern/North Eastern	1,375	5	1,519
South Eastern	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern	381	n/a	1,496	18
Western	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mid Western*	1,252	24
North Western	332	12	219	21

*combined waiting list.

Information for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2011

Area	Grade 5 (formerly Category A)	Waiting Time (Months)	Grade 4 (formerly Category B)	Waiting Time (Months)
South Western	504	14	537	26
Mid-Leinster	446	24	419	36
Midland	172	16	819	36
Northern/North Eastern	857	5	2,175
South Eastern	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern	373	n/a	1,575	18
Western	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mid Western*	1,148	24
North Western	256	12	212	20

*combined waiting list.

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2010

Area	Grade 5 (formerly Category A)	Waiting Time (Months)	Grade 4 (Formerly Category B)	Waiting Time (Months)
South Western	549	16	658	27
Mid-Leinster		18	899	36
Midland	310	9	714	27
Northern/North Eastern	1,208	12	1,216	48
South Eastern*			1,397	27
Southern	151	n/a	2,842	36
Western	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mid Western*	1,103	24
North Western	260	12	297	32

*combined waiting list.

Statistics on the longest waiting times are not routinely collected. The HSE has been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and this information will be provided to the Deputy when available.

Health Services

John O'Mahony

Question:

572 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 13 June 2012, when a reply will issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30668/12]

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

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

John O'Mahony

Question:

573 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on an application for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/12]

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

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

Question:

574 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with a disability on waiting lists for day and home care, respite care and residential places. [30677/12]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

575 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if type 1 diabetes automatically entitles a person to a full medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30683/12]

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

Medical cards are granted by the HSE on the basis of means and individual circumstances and all persons seeking a medical card must be assessed under the undue hardship principle. There are no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group of patients with specific medical conditions. The HSE may look beyond the applicants financial situation and have regard to other matters they consider appropriate in assessing a persons circumstances for a medical card. This can address an individuals circumstances including an illness or medical circumstances which result in financial hardship.

At the request of Minister Reilly, the HSE has set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances. 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.

Jack Wall

Question:

576 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal against a decision to refuse an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30739/12]

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

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

Health Service Executive Properties

Robert Troy

Question:

577 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will consider using a building (details supplied) in County Westmeath for use by the Health Service Executive in place of the private rented space they currently occupy which would result in significant savings to the annual budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30743/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

578 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [30747/12]

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

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

Hospital Transfers

Colm Keaveney

Question:

579 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct University Hospital Galway to provide for the necessary funding and arrangements to be made with St Vincent’s University Hospital to facilitate a referral to the pain management centre in order to provide a critical service to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will instruct Galway University Hospital to make arrangements to provide for the necessary funding as the procedure is not provided for in the Health Service Executive west area. [30764/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Finian McGrath

Question:

580 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the care options open to a person (details supplied). [30766/12]

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

Should the individual referred to by the Deputy wish to return to Ireland to nursing home care, he would have to satisfy the HSE that he is ordinarily resident in the State in order to apply for financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Ordinarily resident means that you have been living in Ireland for at least a year or that you intend to live in Ireland for at least a year. Should he wish to enquire about options other than nursing home care, he should, in the first instance, contact the HSE. Their information line is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. The number is 1850 24 1850. They can also be contacted by email [e-mail]. mailto:[e-mail]

Medical Cards

Tom Fleming

Question:

581 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30768/12]

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

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

General Medical Services Scheme

Pearse Doherty

Question:

582 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will advise definitively the position regarding general practitioners charging for filling in confidential health reports, as requested by colleges, from medical card patients; if his attention has been drawn to the extent of this practice; the steps he is taking to have this and any other inappropriate charging ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30772/12]

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

Section 11 of the General Medical Services (GMS) GP Capitation Contract, which was introduced in 1989, provides that the medical practitioner shall provide for eligible persons, on behalf of the Health Service Executive, all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess. GPs who hold GMS contracts with the HSE must not seek or accept money from medical card or GP visit card holders for services covered under the GMS contract. The GMS contract also stipulates that fees are not paid to GPs by the HSE in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences".

Consultation fees charged by general practitioners to private patients and to GMS patients outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and the patients. While I have no role in relation to such fees, I would expect clinicians to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting their fees.

Value for Money Reviews

Patrick Deering

Question:

583 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a submission by the fibromyalgia group made in November 2011; and when the group may expect a response. [30774/12]

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

A submission was received from the Carlow branch of the Fibromyalgia Support Group in response to a public invitation for submissions on disability policy in Ireland. The invitation for submissions was issued in respect of the Disability Policy Report prepared by the Policy Expert Reference Group established to advise the Disability Services Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) Steering Group.

Ninety four submissions were received on a wide range of issues concerning disability policy in Ireland. The purpose of the call for submissions was to inform the deliberations of the VFMPR Steering Group by eliciting the views of members of the public and stakeholders as to the policy directions proposed in the Disability Policy Report. All submissions received were considered by the Steering Group in its finalisation of the Value for Money and Policy review. The Value for Money and Policy Review will be submitted for Ministerial approval shortly, and if approved will be submitted to Government in July and published as soon as practicable if accepted by Government.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

584 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to publish the value for money report on service providers of services in the disability sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30799/12]

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

The Steering Group of the Disability Services Value for Money and Policy Review met on 5 June 2012 and signed off on the final draft report, subject to minor editorial changes. Final editing of the report is now being completed. The report will be submitted for Ministerial approval shortly, and if approved, will be submitted to Government in July. The report will be published as soon as practicable if accepted by Government.

Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 546.

Medical Cards

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

586 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health further to cut backs in dental treatment available to medical card patients (details supplied) his views on whether the scheme should be refinanced to allow persons to take care of their dental health in view of figures provided. [30853/12]

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

Given the current difficult position of the public finances, it is not possible to increase the services available under the DTSS. The HSE is working to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs are prioritised for treatment. In addition, free emergency dental treatment and a free oral examination every 12 months are available to alleligible patients.

Health Service Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

587 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will set out in tabular form the number of staff who retired from the health sector in each of the years since 2009; the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30855/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Nursing Home Services

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

588 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that are living in nursing homes on a long term basis; the number of these persons who are aged under 65 years; the number who are between 65 to 70 years; the number who are over 70 years; the number of these who are on the nursing home support scheme, fair deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30860/12]

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

The Department of Health carries out a survey of long-stay units each year. Each long-stay unit (public, private and voluntary) is sent a questionnaire and the responses are collated by the Department. The aim of the survey is to provide statistics on the number of beds available for long-term care, how these beds are used and the types of residents who occupy these beds. The results of the surveys are used to prepare the Long-Stay Activity Statistics Reports which are published on the Department's website. The Long-Stay Activity Statistics for 2010 (the most recent year available) reported that about 6% of those in long-term residential care were under 65 years of age, 3.5% were between 65 and 69 years of age and 90.4% were 70 years and older.The Deputy should be mindful that these are self reported survey results and the response rate for 2010 was 80% of long-stay units.

Health Service Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

589 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if minimum staffing levels exist for approved mental health centres; if so, if he will give details of these staffing levels are, particularly in relation to the new mental health unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; the number of posts from the 414 promised for community mental health teams that will be converted to nursing posts; if he will confirm that these nursing posts will be allocated to the community mental health teams as intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30863/12]

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

Part 5 of the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 specifies that approved centres must have the numbers of staff and skill mix of staff appropriate to the assessed needs of the residents, the size and layout of the approved centre. In-patient staffing levels for approved centres are decided by the service provider in accordance with these provisions and on the basis of need to ensure a safe and appropriate level of care. The staffing required for the new unit at Beaumont has not been decided yet. Of the 414 posts set out in the Service Plan to implement the €35 million special allocation for mental health to progressA Vision for Change, the HSE is now proposing to convert 31 of these posts in the Dublin Mid Leinster region to nursing that will be assigned in the immediate term to acute in-patient services. However, it is intended that this will be done in the context of introducing a nursing floor for the acute in-patient and community services in that region consistent with the provision of safe in-patient services in line with A Vision for Change, the Mental Health Commission Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland and the roll out of the clinical care programmes.

Proposed Legislation

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

590 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views are on those under 18 years of age using sunbeds and his plans to introduce any measures in this area. [30870/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

There has been a growing body of evidence over recent years that the use of sunbeds, especially by children, should be restricted because of the associated increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems. Currently, there are no statutory regulations governing sunbed use. Government has approved the drafting of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Bill. e Bill will prohibit the use by those under 18 years of age and sets out a comprehensive range of measures to promote a greater public awareness across all age groups of the dangers of developing skin cancer, premature ageing and eye damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Key provisions proposed for inclusion in the Bill are:

(i) a prohibition on operators of sunbed premises from allowing anyone under 18 years of age to use a sunbed on their premises;

(ii) a prohibition on the sale to or hire of sunbeds to anyone under 18 years of age;

(iii) an exemption for medical treatment to be provided;

(iv) a prohibition on the use of sunbeds in unsupervised commercial premises;

(v) control on the remote sale or hire of sunbeds (internet transactions);

(vi) sunbed operators, sellers and hirers will be required to notify the Health Service Executive (HSE);

(vii) a requirement that sunbed operators provide training for staff;

(viii) an enforcement regime and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance;

(ix) an obligation on all sunbed operators to provide protective eyewear;

(x) a requirement that warning signs be displayed in all sunbed premises;

(xi) a prohibition on promotional marketing practices;

(xii) a requirement on operators to ensure that sunbed users are made fully aware of the potential dangers of sunbed use; and

(xiii) a provision whereby sunbed users are required to acknowledge/accept the risk associated with sunbed use (consent forms).

I understand from the Office of the Attorney General that drafting of this legislation is expected to be completed in late 2012. e Bill, when drafted,will need to be notified to the EU Commission under the Technical Standards Directive prior to its publication.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

591 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30883/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The information requested by the Deputy relating to retirees from my Department is set out in tabular form as follows:

	2009	2010	2011	2012 (to date)
Number of Staff Retired	40	8	9	22
Total Gratuity Payments made to Retiring Staff	€1,647,647	€1,010,189	€529,351	€2,059,260

Under the terms of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) of 2009, retiring officers received 10% of their gratuity with the balance of 90% payable on their reaching 60 years of age. Officers that had availed of the ISER and reached 60 years of age between 2010 and 2012 to date were paid a total of €508,821 during 2010, €402,212 in 2011 and €130,252 in 2012. These amounts are additional to those in the table above.

Services for People with Disabilities

Tom Fleming

Question:

592 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the urgent need for a speech and language therapy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30893/12]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Universal Health Insurance

Seán Kyne

Question:

593 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if extra resources will be allocated to the Health Service Executive medical card section to facilitate the efficient roll-out of the legislative proposal to extend free primary care to those citizens with medical conditions recognised on the long-term illness schedule. [30920/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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.

€15 million was set aside in the Budget for 2012 for the purpose of commencing the phased extension of GP services without fees.

Special Delivery Unit

Seán Kyne

Question:

594 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the special delivery unit operating in Galway University Hospital and the impact it has had on waiting times, particular in emergency departments. [30921/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Improving access for patients, to both unscheduled and scheduled care in hospitals across the country, is central to the role of the Special Delivery Unit . Since the SDU become operational in September 2011, it has worked with hospitals across the country, including University Hospital Galway. The hospital works closely with the SDU Liaison Officer and there are weekly meetings held with the management teams of both hospitals, along with management from the local community services. In addition to discussing current performance issues and trends, the Liaison Officer works with the hospitals to improve patient pathways and develop and improve operational issues.

While the provision of funding is not a core function of the SDU, there are limited resources available to assist hospitals to meet targets on unscheduled and scheduled care. For unscheduled care (emergency departments), funding was made available to University Hospital Galway as part of the successful SDU initiative in 2011 to ensure that the number of patients waiting in ED was kept to a minimum over the Christmas and New Year periods.

A limited amount of funding has also been made available in 2012 to assist the hospitals to meet their trolley wait targets. For University Hospital Galway, funding related to opening additional bed capacity for short-periods and also an initiative for hospital avoidance for older people run by the geriatricians. There was also an an initiative involving community and hospital liaison, weekend liaison nurses and home support, to enable earlier discharge home and avoid hospital admissions.

To date, the SDU interventions in relation to unscheduled care have reduced the number of patients waiting on trolleys in ED. In relation to University Hospital Galway, up to 8 June 2012, there has been a reduction of 8.7% in the numbers waiting on trolleys, compared with the same period in 2011.

For scheduled care (inpatient and day case surgery) last year, I instructed all hospitals that no person should be waiting more than 12 months for surgery by the end of the year. The scheduled care access targets set for public hospitals for 2012 are that no adult should wait longer than 9 months for surgery, no child should wait more than 20 weeks for surgery and no person requiring a routine GI endoscopy should wait more than 13 weeks.

This year the hospital is progressing towards the 2012 access targets, assisted by a targeted programme of support agreed between the hospital and the NTPF. This support is directed towards adult ENT, urology and GI endoscopy procedures and also towards paediatric ENT and general surgery. These are the areas where the greatest challenges, in terms of faster access times for procedures, exist.

Health Service Executive

Martin Ferris

Question:

595 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 26 April 2012, when an answer will be forthcoming from the Health Service Executive. [31012/12]

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

I understand that a letter from the HSE issued to the Deputy by e-mail on 23rd May and has recently been re-sent.

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Question:

596 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment for assessment will be arranged at Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [31016/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by 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.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

597 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [31019/12]

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

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

Home Help Service

John McGuinness

Question:

598 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange the review of a case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of their need for home care attendant and home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31020/12]

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

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

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

599 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31344/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In early November 2010 the then Government approved a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the HSE, as well as bodies funded by the HSE. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate public health sector reform. The schemes were open to both management and administrative grades, and general support staff. The cost of the schemes in 2010 was approximately €100.4m, of which about €58m was in respect of the VR scheme. Final uptake for the schemes was 2,025 individuals (1,626 WTE). Of the 2,025 individuals, 639 (32%) departed under the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,386 (68%) availed of the voluntary redundancy scheme.

The first annual Health Sector report on progress and savings achieved under the Public Service Agreement (Croke Park) covered the period March 2010 to March 2011 and reported that under these schemes there was a gross saving of €60m in 2011.

The second annual Health Sector report on progress and savings achieved under the Agreement, covering the period 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, was submitted in May of this year. The savings reported were attributable to factors other than the VER and VR schemes. The completed savings template for the health sector, along with the other elements of the health sector's second annual progress and savings report can be found on both my Department's website (www.doh.ie) and that of the national level implementation body (www. implementationbody.gov.ie).

Road Safety

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

600 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it has cost the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to test the 22 new Garda intoxilyser machines for the past six months and other further tests by the bureau before installing in Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30859/12]

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

The subject matter of the Deputy's question is the responsibility of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to whom it has been sent for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if he has not received a reply within ten days.

Departmental Correspondence

Michael McCarthy

Question:

601 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a response will issue to correspondence originally sent to him on 30 March 2012 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30282/12]

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

The person in question was advised in 2008 by the Minister for Transport at the time that the matters raised are the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

My office was in contact with the Deputy following receipt of his letter of 30 March 2012 seeking any other correspondence in relation to the case. The papers show that the matter was been dealt with by the Departments of the Taoiseach and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Your correspondence has been referred to those Departments for attention and direct response to you.

Rail Services

John Lyons

Question:

602 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to consult with Irish Rail to expand the service of allowing passengers to bring bicycles on inter-city train services, beyond the current limitation of three bicycles per train on all lines except Dublin to Cork; if a study has been done to examine the feasibility of same for other lines, particularly to key tourist destinations; if Irish Rail will be reintroducing the facility to book bicycles on trains via its website in the near future. [30359/12]

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

The issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail. I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. A copy has also been sent to the National Transport Authority for information.

Cycle Facilities

Paul Connaughton

Question:

603 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the recently announced 20 km cycle route from Athlone to Ballinasloe will be completed; if there are any plans to complete a route from Ballinasloe to Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30360/12]

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

The Athlone to Ballinasloe route will be delivered by Roscommon County Council, with a planned completion date of October 2013. There are currently no specific plans in place for extension of the cycle route on to Galway City.

In this regard I would note that the recent National Cycle Network (NCN) funding call has assigned NCN funding for 2012 and 2013. A further NCN funding call will be undertaken next year for the determination of NCN projects to be funded from 2014-2016.

Sports Capital Programme

Dara Calleary

Question:

604 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications made under the 2012 sports capital programme on a county basis. [30426/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

My Department has received over 2,100 applications for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.

The process of inputting paper based hard copy applications into the Sports Capital Programme database is on-going. Until this process is completed, it is not possible to provide definitive figures for the exact number of applications received or the exact amount of funding sought for the whole country or for individual counties. When this information is available I intend to publish it on the Department's website.

Departmental officials have started processing all applications received. This process will take some time, due to the volume of applications and the detailed information contained in each one. As a result, I do not expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants before the late autumn or early winter 2012.

I intend to use the media and our websitewww.dttas.ie to announce grant allocations and will also write to individual applicants confirming the outcome of their application.

Departmental Staff

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

605 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons in his Department’s redeployment pool, including agencies responsible to it, that is, those persons who are to be redeployed as their current role is no longer necessary, but have not been redeployed as of yet. [30487/12]

John Deasy

Question:

610 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons employed in his Department and in agencies under his aegis that are in the redeployment pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30612/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 610 together.

My Department's staff number is currently below its Employment Control Framework target which is set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

There are two staff of this Department on the Redeployment Resource Panel. One is currently on secondment to another organisation and the other is due to resume from a career break.

I have asked the State agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Tourism Promotion

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

606 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a study or audit of all major towns in Ireland with regard to the availability of coach parking within their town centres that will allow access for tourists to visit town centre attractions without the difficulty of long walks; if he will agree that this proposed study will inform his Department if local authorities are sufficiently providing for coach parking within their major towns and thus ensuring visitors are able to get the most from their visit to Ireland. [30499/12]

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

607 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider possible funding (details supplied) to local authorities to provide for proper regulated coach parking in town centres to ensure proper access for this visitor sector. [30500/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 607 together.

The matter of conducting a study of major towns to establish the availability of tourist coach parking facilities is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland who are responsible for encouraging promoting and supporting the development of tourist traffic within the State.

I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that, in association with the Department of the Environment, it has recently launched the Tourist Towns awards scheme. This awards scheme which is open to the top 100 Tidy Towns from the previous year, will focus on the quality of visitor facilities and the quality of the visitor experience in these towns. The criteria that each town will be assessed against will include the provision and quality of parking facilities in these towns and villages, which would include coach parking. While this is a qualitative exercise, it would certainly serve to highlight any significant concerns around the issue of coach parking in these towns and could lead to a more quantitative study if this issue was considered to be an impediment to the sustainable development of tourism in any of the towns, or if any of the town were missing an opportunity which could be capitalised upon through the provision of better planned coach parking.

Capital funding for tourism product development is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the funding aspect of the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Driver Testing Centres

Michael Lowry

Question:

608 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide clarification further to local concerns that a driver testing centre is to be lost in the north Tipperary area, if this is the case if he will confirm which centre is in line for closure and the reasons for such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30523/12]

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

The subject matter of this question, namely the operation of the driver testing service, is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I understand from the RSA that they have been in contact with the Deputy on this matter and have now replied to him in this regard.

Bus Services

Seán Kenny

Question:

609 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to have security personnel on board Dublin Bus Nitelink services. [30559/12]

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

The issue of security on board Dublin Bus Nitelink services is a matter for the company in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. I have referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Question No. 610 answered with Question No. 605.

Sports Capital Programme

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

611 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

The Sports Capital Programme is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland.

The 2012 round of the SCP was advertised in March 2012. By the closing date at the start of June, over 2,150 applications for funding had been received. The organisation referred to by the Deputy did not apply for funding.

Departmental Staff

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

612 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons within his Department or within agencies under his aegis that are awaiting redeployment; the maximum period that a person has been waiting for redeployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30829/12]

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

There are two staff of this Department on the Redeployment Resource Panel. One is currently on secondment to another organisation and the other is due to resume from a career break. The staff member on secondment has been the longest waiting for redeployment and has been on the panel for 12 months.

I have asked the State agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Public Transport

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

613 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the sustainable transport measures programme — second round of allocations allocated by the National Transport Authority; where the Rialto village improvement scheme came in the selection process; and if he will outline the criteria adopted by the NTA for the selection of projects. [30842/12]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

617 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin, is being considered for the second round of allocation under the sustainable transport measures programme; if not, the reason it was not chosen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30928/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 617 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Matters relating to the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme are the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have no function in such matters.

I have referred the Deputy's letter to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

614 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff who retired from his Department in each year since 2009 and the total gratuity payments made to retiring staff in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30889/12]

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

The table below provides the information requested by the Deputy:

Year	Number of staff who retired	Total gratuity payments made
2009	45	€4,775,229.73
2010	22	€2,050,145.23
2011	21	€1,550,964.11
2012 (to date)	26	€1,764,196.01

Tourism Industry

Seán Kyne

Question:

615 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed breakdown in the expenditure, proposed or already undertaken, of the €1.8m investment announced for the first phase of the wild Atlantic way. [30908/12]

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

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the question to Fáilte Ireland for directly reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.

Tourism Promotion

Seán Kyne

Question:

616 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure to date in 2012 in tourism marketing and promotional campaigns in the US and Canada, Germany and China. [30910/12]

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

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 617 answered with Question No. 613.

Smarter Travel

Dessie Ellis

Question:

618 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria for selection for funding under the sustainable transport measures programme. [30929/12]

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

The promotion of smarter travel is a key policy objective of my Department, and indeed of the Government. Our aim is to make smarter travel choices available for all, by establishing safe walking and cycling routes, by funding national and local public transport services and by actively promoting smarter travel.

My Department is pursuing the smarter travel agenda through programmes which use local expertise, guided by international best practice, to develop infrastructure in towns and villages to support sustainable transport, such as bike lanes and improved pedestrian facilities. Each of these programmes (e.g. Smarter Travel Areas, National Cycle Network, Smarter Travel Demonstration projects, Active Travel Towns, Smarter Travel Workplaces) has their own criteria for selection for funding. Further details regarding many of these programmes are available from the websitewww.smartertravel.ie.

Cycle Facilities

Seán Kyne

Question:

619 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the progress made to establish a greenway along the old Galway to Clifden railway, particularly in recognition of the retention of the Galway, Oughterard and Clifden Railway Act of 1872 and 1875 in the recent Statute Law Revision Bill 2012. [31026/12]

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

The development of plans for cycling and walking routes along the abandoned rail line from Clifden to Galway would be a matter for the Local Authority to progress. My Department has provided funding for a number of projects to deliver greenways along abandoned rail lines, most recently through the National Cycle Network (NCN) funding call. The project plans for routes were developed by the relevant Local Authorities and then submitted as project proposals to the Department. In this regard I would note that a further NCN funding call will be undertaken next year for the determination of NCN projects to be funded from 2014-2016.

Redundancy Payments

Shane Ross

Question:

620 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31347/12]

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

My Department has not paid out any redundancy payments to staff under the Croke Park Agreement. There has been no voluntary redundancy scheme available for staff in my Department.

Any savings recently announced have been made in accordance with our commitments in the Croke Park Agreement.

I have asked the State agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.