Tuesday, 2 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 395-414

Traveller Accommodation

Questions (395, 396)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

395. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if, in view of the difficulties in relation to housing members of the Traveller Community and the difficulties that arise at local authority level, any consideration has been given to setting up a national authority to oversee this issue and ultimately have responsibility for traveller housing; if this is been considered will at least half of the members of the board be travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42042/12]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

396. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure adequate housing is available to members of the traveller community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42043/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes, designed to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers, rests with individual housing authorities. My Department's role is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial system in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation.

Accommodation for Travellers is provided across a range of options including standard local authority housing, which is financed from my Department's capital allocation for social housing, private housing assisted by the housing authority or voluntary organisations, private rented accommodation and through their own resources. My Department also provides funding for Traveller-specific accommodation such as group housing schemes and halting sites.

The Government remains committed to meeting the accommodation needs of Travellers. Since 2005, over €187m has been expended for the provision of new, and refurbishment of existing, Traveller-specific accommodation. This is in addition to expenditure on standard local authority housing and other housing supports. The results of this substantial financial commitment are reflected in the significant reduction in the numbers of Traveller families on unauthorised sites, despite continuous increases in the numbers of Traveller families nationally.

The National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (NTACC) is a statutory body established for the purposes of providing advice on all matters relating to housing for Travellers. While the matter of a Traveller-led accommodation agency has been examined, no firm proposals have been put forward for consideration by the NTACC. A proposal for a statutory Traveller accommodation agency, as set out in the 1995 Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community, was considered by my Department. However, it was subsequently decided not to establish such an Agency and I have no plans to review the matter at this time.

Question No. 397 answered with Question No. 382.

Light Pollution

Questions (398)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

398. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his views on the fact that with regard to astronomy, the majority of street lighting diffuses the light not only downward to the pavement but also upwards, in other countries this practice has ceased to ensure that the orange sky glow over towns will be done away with; misdirected light not only destroys the view for astronomers but also leads to a huge wastage of energy and is unnecessary in view of modern options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42047/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

There is no environmental legislation pending or in force, at either EU or national level, on light pollution. However, steps have been taken at a national level to help alleviate the effects of light pollution.

Irish regulations on environmental impact assessment (of projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment) require an environmental impact statement to include an estimate of expected residues and emissions from the operation of the proposed development. This requirement expressly covers impacts from artificial lighting.

While a very limited number of planning authorities have included objectives in their development plans in relation to the minimisation of light pollution, it is open to authorities to address this issue in the context of providing for the proper planning and sustainable development of their areas through their development plans.

There are no currently no provisions in planning legislation that require planning applications to be accompanied by lighting plans. Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities may attach such conditions to the grant of planning permission as they consider necessary for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The guidance document Recommendations for Site Development Works for Housing Areas, dated November 1998, is currently being reviewed by my Department to bring it more fully in line with the requirements for sustainable development. The 1998 recommendations include a section on public lighting in housing areas and in the current review the opportunity will be taken to assess what further measures may be necessary to avoid or minimise light pollution. When finalised, the revised recommendations will be made available to planning authorities.

I will keep under review the need for any additional measures to address the issues raised in the question.

Commercial Rates Write-Offs

Questions (399)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

399. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the amount of commercial rates written off as bad debts over the past three years for each local authority; the total revenue stream lost to local authorities as a result of commercial rates written off as bad debts; his plans to supplement the shortfall of income to local authorities to minimise any adverse impact on the provision of local services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42067/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of due amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures.

Commercial rates are legally payable in two moieties, the first moiety and arrears are payable on the date of the making of the rate, and the second moiety is payable on 1 July. In practice, most local authorities promote the use of direct debit payment facilities and work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.

In accordance with the Local Authority Accounting in Ireland Code of Practice and Accounting Regulations, issued by my Department in December 2009 under section 107 of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities are required to make provision for doubtful debts and to write off known uncollectable debts.

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Amounts Written off - Commercial Rates	-	-	-
County Councils	2008	2009	2010
Carlow County Councils	63,701 2008	84,558 2009	65,201 2010
Cavan	78,828	150,332	767,529
Clare	419,856	396,538	205,650
Cork	3,868,254	5,041,167	6,672,558
Donegal	2,302,580	1,363,280	2,492,414
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	1,161,247	1,712,032	3,325,110
Galway	2,636,068	2,727,353	4,043,523
Kerry	1,719,763	2,362,878	2,368,421
Kildare	3,180,814	4,099,647	6,940,100
Kilkenny	1,013,476	1,237,416	1,699,530
Laois	172,267	271,481	659,583
Leitrim	439,741	545,554	696,734
Limerick	1,948,681	2,644,874	4,028,917
Longford	410,706	204,541	117,420
Louth	654,051	756,462	946,116
Mayo	1,649,093	2,484,383	2,533,929
Meath	956,359	1,740,270	2,293,943
Monaghan	274,444	602,947	1,022,223
North Tipperary	77,122	188,260	316,956
Roscommon	751,669	1,563,232	1,688,361
Sligo	283,838	579,355	671,143
South Dublin	-188,700	1,687,009	3,012,133
South Tipperary	2,380	1,760	24,720
Waterford	383,252	408,964	530,506
Westmeath	1,480	236,607	178,733
Wexford	509,989	660,644	398,791
Wicklow	1,260,842	1,464,190	1,730,389
City Councils
Cork	313,373	1,852,616	3,483,443
Dublin	5,616,183	6,247,794	9,035,651
Galway	2,627,132	2,435,131	4,664,801
Limerick	2,079,954	1,823,528	2,676,147
Waterford	143,235	189,950	192,323
Borough Councils
Clonmel	0	47,189	38,886
Drogheda	928,391	2,149,886	2,517,366
Kilkenny	457,958	555,533	838,460
Sligo	661,977	890,046	1,127,339
Wexford	209,381	467,995	714,075
Town Councils
Arklow	413,109	520,877	638,080
Athlone	0	0	99,142
Athy	255,193	856,165	662,463
Ballina	525,779	729,526	851,891
Ballinasloe	321,894	324,172	437,460
Birr	270,109	233,453	0
Bray	734,883	704,429	369,999
Buncrana	282,303	762,828	569,131
Bundoran	54,630	87,232	76,240
Carlow	161,463	110,825	116,322
Carrick on Suir	3,253	4,606	0
Carrickmacross	51,037	88,280	78,791
Cashel	0	0	0
Castlebar	537,165	682,085	800,826
Castleblayney	150,298	133,134	143,966
Cavan	213,192	300,985	271,722
Clonakility	12,343	52,862	159,339
Clones	51,175	128,492	121,380
Cobh	125,741	146,664	303,998
Dungarvan	276,356	311,792	478,296
Ennis	540,437	591,822	528,930
Enniscorthy	51,780	58,316	131,649
Fermoy	138,402	204,826	224,882
Kells	134,646	79,920	137,149
Killarney	654,326	833,203	918,274
Kilrush	1,970	7,777	12,820
Kinsale	51,171	14,472	309,488
Letterkenny	347,679	388,328	869,900
Listowel	217,702	209,707	244,837
Longford	339,023	591,740	526,848
Macroom	5,855	51,661	191,450
Mallow	135,168	171,242	246,973
dleton	80,524	108,601	159,674
Monaghan	299,864	538,040	566,891
Naas	886	0	3,828
Navan	0	331,598	996,615
Nenagh	247,242	377,330	386,733
New Ross	12,565	8,065	93,602
Skibbereen	133,064	161,644	168,981
Templemore	14,354	16,509	39,623
Thurles	215,490	344,008	409,940
Tipperary	0	0	39,348
Tralee	1,179,870	2,912,370	2,696,114
Trim	0	0	0
Tullamore	855,628	736,996	701,140
Westport	121,984	149,391	282,849
Wicklow	230,205	291,953	256,035
Youghal	440,598	339,981	321,338
Total	52,303,027	71,486,528	98,892,821

Unfinished Housing Developments

Questions (400)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

400. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if there will be a further survey of unfinished housing estates carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The National Housing Development Surveys 2010 and 2011 are available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie

My Department is currently carrying out the National Housing Development Survey 2012, in conjunction with the local authority sector. It is intended that the findings of this Survey will be made available later in the year.

Unfinished Housing Developments

Questions (401)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

401. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide details on the implementation rates in respect of measures contained site resolution plans for unfinished housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42069/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Site Resolution Plans (SRPs) have been identified by the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Unfinished Housing Developments as a key tool in resolving issues associated with unfinished housing developments. Such plans enable stakeholders, including developers, local authorities, financial institutions, NAMA and residents to collaborate in determining how best to pursue resolution of problematic sites. The process also entails working with stakeholders in identifying the best long-term solution for developments in terms of their configuration, use of vacant buildings and ownership. Such solutions also take account of the best interests of residents.

The first Annual Progress Report of the NCC, published by my Department on 5 July, confirmed that, through the use of the SRP process, 211 estates have now been completed and issues are now resolved. On a further 523 estates, plans are now in place and in many of these cases work has commenced and significant progress will be achieved over the coming months. I anticipate that this progress will be reflected in the 2012 National Housing Development Survey now underway. The results of this Survey are expected later this year and will update the position on Site Resolution Plans.

Septic Tank Registration Scheme

Questions (402)

Seán Kyne

Question:

402. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the number of private residential septic tanks, if any, that were grant funded or aided by his Department in the period 2007 and 2011 in order to comply with Environment Protection Agency guidelines from 2006 and 2009; and his views on the demands from some to provide 100% funding for the same in the future. [42075/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

No grant aid to assist with the maintenance, upgrade or remediation of septic tanks was provided by my Department during the period 2007 to 2011. I have stated on a number of occasions that I am prepared to consider all possible options to provide financial support to householders' whose systems are deemed, following an inspection carried out under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012, to require substantial remediation or upgrading. Any financial support will have to take account of the overall budgetary situation and of the financial circumstances of the households concerned.

Register of Electors Administration

Questions (403)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

403. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will confirm that voter registration may take place in mass registration campaigns at locations such as college campuses; if official supervision is required for such mass registration campaigns to take place; if he will provide information on the methods by which a person may register to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42077/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority – the city and county councils. It is their duty to ensure as far as is possible, and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register.

In the normal course, voter registration is an ongoing process in which those entitled to be registered apply to their registration authority for inclusion in the Register of Electors. The new register comes into effect each year on 15 February. The draft register is published in November each year in preparation for the coming into effect of the register on the 15 of February following. The public is invited to check the draft during this period so that people can make sure that they are correctly registered. Any errors or omissions in the draft should be brought immediately to the attention of the registration authority. Claims for the addition or deletion of names are ruled on by the county registrar who is a legally qualified court officer. The ruling is made in public and any person may attend and give evidence.

Provision is also made in electoral law for inclusion in the supplement to the register. If a person is not included in the register of electors currently in force but considers that he or she qualifies for registration - for example if they have come of age to register or if they have changed address - the person may apply for entry in the supplement to the register which is open year round subject to certain practical limits in the weeks before a polling day. The closing date for the supplement to the register for the forthcoming referendum is Tuesday, 23 October 2012.

The detailed requirements regarding the inclusion of persons in the supplement are set out in section 15, and Part 2, of the Second Schedule to the Electoral Act 1992. An applicant for inclusion in the supplement to the register must apply directly to his or her registration authority. The application must be signed by the applicant in the presence of a member of the Garda Síochána from the applicant’s local Garda station who must first be satisfied as to the person's identity before signing, dating and stamping the form. The Garda may request photographic or other identification. Where the applicant establishes in writing that he is unable to progress the application in this way, the form can be signed by the applicant in the presence of an official of the registration authority who is satisfied as to his or her identity. Again, photographic or other identification may be required. If neither option is viable due to physical illness or physical disability, the application form must be accompanied by a medical certificate.

Student campaigns which encourage people to register to vote are to be welcomed. However, it is important that the requirements of electoral law are met.

Departmental Staff Rehiring

Questions (404)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

404. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will list all the current positions, where the appointment was made by his Department held by retired senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42665/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Mr. David O'Callaghan is current Chair of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. He was originally appointed by my predecessor, Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, in June 2009 when the board was first constituted; he was reappointed by me for a second term in June 2011. He is a former Secretary General in the Department of Defence.

Mr. Christy McDonagh is currently a member of the Board of Irish Water Safety. He was appointed by me in November 2011 and is a former Principal Officer in the Department of Social Protection.

Departmental Funding

Questions (405)

Martin Ferris

Question:

405. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason funding for People with Disabilities in Ireland ceased at the end of 2011; the other avenues of funding that are available for local groups such as Kerry Network of People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41424/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In Dec 2011, it was decided that funding to People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI) would cease. On the basis of a value for money review, it was clearly established that the vast majority of the money allocated to PwDI was being spent disproportionately. The largest proportion of PwDI’s annual budget was spent on the operation of its office headquarters and on administration rather than on the creation of projects which would directly benefit people with disabilities. This was an untenable situation that could not be allowed to continue as the conclusions of the VFM report show that people with disabilities were benefiting very little from the allocation in real terms.

Expenditure on health services for people with a disability in 2012 will be around €1.54 billion. The majority of that funding is used by the non-statutory agencies providing services. Specialist services include assessment and early childhood/family support services, community-based medical, nursing and therapy services, aids and appliances, financial allowances, specialist day services including sheltered work and rehabilitation training, home support and personal assistance, respite care and residential services. The HSE has undertaken to maximise the provision of services within available resources.

It is my wish to ensure that people with disabilities directly benefit from any money allocated to this sector. With this in mind, I just recently oversaw the finalisation of a major Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in the Department of Health to ensure that existing funding allocated for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. I am also interested in hearing what people with disabilities have to say on issues affecting them. I have established and am personally chairing a new National Disability Strategy Implementation Group to develop and progress disability strategy. The new group includes representation from a number of disability stakeholder organisations, also three former members of PwDI and a number of people with disabilities who are able to bring their lived experience directly to bear on the very important work of this high level group. This ensures the voice and perspective of people with disabilities will continue to be heard in a more focused and cost effective way.

At my request the National Disability Authority held the first National Disability Forum event in June 2012. This event, which is hoped will be held on an annual basis, was primarily about listening to the views of individual people with disabilities, their families and carers in relation to the key policy areas and service developments that impact on their lives.

The Government must ensure that funding is allocated for maximum provision of services for people with disabilities, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time. Specialist disability services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings. The integral role of the non-statutory, voluntary and community groups is of particular relevance to the provision of health and personal social services to people with a disability. These agencies provide a very significant and broad range of services in partnership with and on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Charities Regulation

Questions (406)

Simon Harris

Question:

406. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to regulate the charity sector to ensure accountability and transparency in its operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41740/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Charities Act 2009 provides for an integrated system of mandatory registration and proportionate regulation and supervision of the charities sector in Ireland. The various sections of the Charities Act are subject to implementation through commencement orders. Sections that it was possible to commence in advance of the establishment of the Charities Regulatory Authority, as provided for under the Act, have been commenced. The remainder will be commenced following the establishment of the Authority.

The Deputy will appreciate that the full implementation of the Charities Act, including the establishment of the Authority, had to be examined in the context of the comprehensive review of expenditure, which took place last year. Arising from this review, and in the context of the need to reduce Government spending, I took the view that it was not possible to proceed with the full implementation of the Act at this time given the likely scale of the financial and staffing resources then envisaged, and that this should be deferred. In light of this decision my Department is currently examining options for resource efficient ways of making progress towards the objectives of the Charities Act.

It should be recalled that there is, at present, a range of regulatory oversight measures that can apply to charities. Many charities are already subject to scrutiny by various State Bodies. The Revenue Commissioners have granted charitable tax exemptions to almost 8,000 charities and have significant powers to ensure that such charities comply with tax law. A full list of these charities is available to the public at www.revenue.ie. Many charities are companies limited by guarantee and, as such, are also subject to the provisions of company law and are generally required to provide certain information to the Companies Registration Office under the Companies Acts. This information can then be accessed by the public. Such charities would also potentially be subject to scrutiny by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Charities that take the form of a trust are subject to the provisions of trust law. And, of course, any business entity is subject to general criminal and fraud legislation.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (407)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

407. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his policy with regard to Latvian persons living for many years here and who are anxious to acquire Irish residency status or even Irish citizenship and who currently have the Alien Latvian passports apparently given to non-Latvian speakers; if in such cases he will consider granting residency on compassionate grounds in view of the extraordinary nature of those Latvian passports in a member state of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41233/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, this is a complex issue which is derived from the status of such persons living in Latvia when it was part of the former USSR. I understand there is no blanket policy here in operation in relation to persons classified as Latvian aliens, as the circumstances of each case may be different. In general, the holder of a Latvian alien passport is treated much in the same way as a non-EEA national. They do not enjoy the same rights of free movement as the holders of a full Latvian passport. However, they are not debarred from seeking Irish citizenship and, over the years a number have become naturalised while others have obtained Irish residence and registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (408)

Clare Daly

Question:

408. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person to whom the Property Services Regulatory Authority are responsible; and to whom a citizen who has a complaint with the functioning of this organisation may make that complaint known. [41234/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Property Services Regulatory Authority was formally established on 3 April 2012 pursuant to the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. The Authority consists of a Chairperson and ten ordinary members.

The primary purpose of the Authority is to set and enforce standards in the provision of property services by auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents and to provide redress mechanisms for the consumers of those services.

Subject to the provisions of the 2011 Act, the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Accordingly, an individual who is dissatisfied with the functioning of the Authority should make his or her complaint directly to the Authority in the first instance.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (409)

Clare Daly

Question:

409. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress that has been made by the Property Services Regulatory Authority regarding the introduction of mandatory seller packs. [41235/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) was established on a statutory basis on 3 April 2012 in accordance with the provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Authority to licence, control and regulate Property Service Providers (PSPs), i.e. Auctioneers/Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Management Agents. The new PSRA licensing system came into effect on 6 July 2012.

I am advised by the Authority that its main priorities for the short to medium term are: Introduction of the new licensing system for PSPs; Setting and enforcing of new standards for PSPs; Establishment of a system of investigation and adjudication of complaints; Establishment and maintenance of the Compensation Fund; Establishment and maintenance of the Property Prices Register; Establishment and maintenance of a Commercial Leases Database; Establishment and maintenance of a Public Register of Licensed Property Services Providers.

The Authority has further advised that the question of examining the feasibility of the introduction of “seller packs” cannot be considered until the Authority’s main priorities have been addressed. It might be noted that in the United Kingdom, "Home Information Packs" which were a form of mandatory seller pack were discontinued with effect from 21 May 2010.

Anti-Racism Measures

Questions (410)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

410. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide local authorities with extra resources to deal with major incidences of racist attacks in local authority housing. [41245/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have no function in relation to the funding of local authorities. However any person subjected to racist abuse should report the matter at their local Garda station, or to any member of An Garda Síochána and the matter will be investigated. Members of the public affected by racism may speak to an Ethnic Liaison Officer, whose function is to liaise with local ethnic communities. Ethnic Liaison Officers have been trained to be particularly aware of the issue of racism and its impact. These officers are available in each Garda Division in the country. If a person needs encouragement or support in reporting a racist incident, they can arrange to meet an Ethnic Liaison Officer at their local Garda station to discuss the matter.

The Garda Racial and Intercultural Office (GRIO) can also be contacted by anyone wishing to seek advice on addressing issues of racism.

Crime Data

Questions (411)

John Deasy

Question:

411. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that have been convicted of cruelty to animals under relevant legislation over the past five years; if he will specify the individual crimes committed in each case and the sentences passed. [41284/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

While information on the specific details of the individual crimes committed is not readily available, I have requested the CSO to provide relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.

Legal Aid Application Numbers

Questions (412)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

412. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 20 September 2012 if he will provide a breakdown of practitioner's earnings (details supplied). [41336/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that the additional information he sought is detailed below in tabular form. As stated in Parliamentary Question No. 164, legal aid is sub-divided into criminal legal aid and civil legal aid. The details are as follows:

Criminal Legal Aid

The highest amount earned over the 12 months of 2011 by a single practitioner was €889,659.

The number of practitioners, in bands of €10,000, who were paid between €100,000 and the highest amount earned are as follows:

€100,000 - €110,000	18
€110,000 - €120,000	16
€120,000 - €130,000	7
€130,000 - €140,000	10
€140,000 - €150,000	11
€150,000 - €160,000	10
€160,000 - €170,000	7
€170,000 - €180,000	5
€180,000 - €190,000	6
€190,000 - €200,000	5
€200,000 - €210,000	7
€210,000 - €220,000	3
€220,000 - €230,000	5
€230,000 - €240,000	2
€250,000 - €260,000	4
€260,000 - €270,000	3
€280,000 - €290,000	3
€310,000 - €320,000	2
€320,000 - €330,000	2
€340,000 - €350,000	1
€350,000 - €360,000	2
€360,000 - €370,000	1
€390,000 - €400,000	3
€400,000 - €410,000	1
€410,000 - €420,000	1
€420,000 - €430,000	2
€430,000 - €440,000	1
€450,000 - €460,000	1
€460,000 - €470,000	1
€470,000 - €480,000	1
€500,000 - €510,000	1
€580,000 - €590,000	1
€710,000 - €720,000	1
€760,000 - €770,000	1
€770,000 - €780,000	1
€780,000 - €790,000	1
€880,000 - €890,000	1

Civil Legal Aid

The highest amount earned over the 12 months of 2011 by a single practitioner was €137,085.

The number of practitioners, in bands of €10,000, who were paid between €100,000 and the highest amount earned are as follows:

€100,000 - €110,000	1
€120,000 - €130,000	2
€130,000 - €140,000	1

Registration of Title

Questions (413)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

413. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, notwithstanding the work of the Property Registration Authority of Ireland, of the Valuation Office and of the local authorities which must determine whether real property is residential or commercial; and if it is non-residential, whether it is rateable or exempt by virtue of the tax exempt status of the occupant, is it nevertheless possible for legal title to real property in Ireland to be held anonymously for example on foot of a Deed of Trust, the existence of which is not in the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41372/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

There are two systems for recording property transactions in Ireland, the system of registration of title operated by the Land Registry and the system of recording deeds operated by the Registry of Deeds. Both systems are under the control of the Property Registration Authority (PRA) which was established on 4 November 2006.

When title or ownership is registered in the Land Registry, the legal ownership is entered on folios which form the registers maintained in the Land Registry. Where title is registered in the Land Registry it is referred to as "registered property" and is open to public inspection.

The Registry of Deeds provides a system of recording the existence of deeds and conveyances affecting unregistered property (i.e. property which has never been registered in the Land Registry). The effect of registration of a Deed in the Registry of Deeds is generally to govern priorities between documents dealing with the same piece of land.

The Registration of Title Act, 1964 provided that notice of trusts shall not be entered in the Land Register. The Land Conveyancing and Law Reform Act, 2009 provides that the legal title shall vest in the trustees to be held in trust for the beneficiaries. Thus, for registered land (i.e. property registered in the Land Registry), the legal title will be a matter of public record, while the beneficiary interest may be off the register.

Crime Levels

Questions (414)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

414. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of murders recorded in the State in 2009; 2010; 2011 and to date in 2012; if he is concerned at the high level of murders that have occurred so far this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41376/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of murders recorded and detected in recent years up to 26 September 2012.

Year	Recorded	Detected
2012	40	25
2011	42	35
2010	54	39
2009	53	35

I am further informed that all outstanding incidents are under active investigation, or are before the Courts and members of An Garda Síochána are utilising all available legislation to pursue these crimes. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is expected that the detection rate detailed above will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and proceedings commenced.

I will continue to support the Gardaí in their work to investigate and detect these offences.