Tuesday, 16 Jul 2013

Written Answers Nos. 924-940

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Questions (924)

Jim Daly

Question:

924. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider a more innovative approach to current Garda vetting procedures that would involve a licence for up to three years post-issuance of a Garda clearance certificate as opposed to the current system requiring separate and new applications for every employment, noting particularly the burden on the system and applicants involved in multiple part-time positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35406/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

A vetting disclosure is made in response to a written request and with the permission of the person who is the subject of that request. Garda vetting disclosures are issued to specified organisations registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) for that purpose in respect of a particular post or employment. The Unit processed approximately 328,000 vetting applications on behalf of these organisations in 2012.

The disclosure is made to the requesting, registered organisation of the position at the time when it is issued.

Each time a new vetting application is received, a full vetting check is conducted to ensure that the most recent data available is taken into account. The non-transferability and contemporaneous nature of the certificate protects against the risk of fraud or forgery and is a guarantee of the integrity of the vetting service. It also affords the registered organisation the facility to assess suitability based on the most up to date information available on the applicant.

I remain in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner as to how best the service can continue to be delivered and improved upon, while at all times protecting the integrity of the process. Clearly, the protection of children and vulnerable adults is the primary objective of the GCVU and this must remain the case.

The possibility of introducing an e-vetting system has been assessed and the Garda authorities are now in the process of developing a system which will enable vetting applications to be submitted electronically through a secure web service. In addition, the system will facilitate the checking and monitoring of applications. The relevant work is being pursued on a priority basis and it will be completed as quickly as possible.

Residency Permits

Questions (925)

Denis Naughten

Question:

925. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of residency applications in each of the past three years and to date in 2013 from non-EU nationals as spouses of EU citizens; the number of applications involving a national from each member state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35467/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the number of applications for residency from non-EU nationals as a spouse of an EU citizen for the years in question is as follows:

Year	Number
2010	1,906
2011	1,573
2012	1,944
2013 year to date	907

Figures are provisional and liable to change.

The further detailed breakdown of information requested by the Deputy as is available is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy in the near future.

A persistent problem with the operation EU Treaty Rights under Statutory Instrument No. 656 of 2006 (as amended) is the suspicion that some marriages (so-called marriages of convenience) are entered into for the purpose of the non-EEA national obtaining permission to remain in the State. This is a complex issue with no single remedy, either legislative or administrative, and the constitutional protection afforded to the institution of marriage makes the possibility of effective criminal sanctions highly problematic. However, the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill, which I hope to republish later this year, contains a number of provisions that would make it more difficult for persons engaging in a marriage of convenience to benefit from it in immigration terms. My colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, is likewise in the process of looking at possible changes to the Civil Registration Act in order to make such marriages more difficult to contract. These legislative steps should contribute to reducing the incentive to seek to engage in such marriages.

Prison Accommodation

Questions (926)

Denis Naughten

Question:

926. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and capacity of each low security accommodation unit within the Irish Prison Service; if such persons are maintained by the Irish Prison Service or if they avail of health and social assistance supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35468/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

There are two open centre facilities within the Irish Prison Service, Shelton Abbey and Loughan House. In addition there are is a low security accommodation unit at Harristown House (Castlerea). The numbers in custody and the capacity of each are outlined in the following table.

Institution/Unit	In custody on 15 July 2013	Bed Capacity
Shelton Abbey Open Centre	96	115
Loughan House Open Centre	123	140
Harristown House	5	15

All prisoners housed in these areas are in the custody of the Irish Prison Service. In these locations they can access a similar level of health care services to that available in a closed prison. The Irish Prison Service is providing general health care services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to that available to those entitled to General Medical Services in the community and which are appropriate in a prison setting.

They also have access to therapeutic services such as Probation Service, Education & Addiction Services and receive gratuity rates of €2.20 per day up to a maximum of €18.90 per week, the same as those on enhanced regime in a closed prison.

Prisoners being considered for a transfer to an open centre or a low security unit are identified by a number of different means but primarily on the recommendation of the Prison Governor or the therapeutic services in the prisons. The prisoner, their family or their legal representative can also apply for consideration of such a concession. Recommendations are also made to me in relation to long term sentence prisoners by the Parole Board. It is important to note that it does not necessarily follow that a prisoner will receive a transfer to an Open Centre or temporary release even if the recommendation is to that effect.

Prisoners serving short sentences, i.e. under 12 months, can be moved to an open centre shortly after committal. Other longer term prisoners being prepared for the transition back into the community can be considered for moves with about 2 years left in their sentence. Exceptional prisoners who are engaging strongly with the therapeutic services can sometimes be considered for a transfer with up to 4 years left to serve in their sentence.

It is worth mentioning that Open Centres and lower level security settings are vital tools in the re-integration and rehabilitation of prisoners. They encourage an ethos of independent living and offer a transition between custody and community-family life.

Dissident Republican Activity

Questions (927)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

927. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is concerned by the threat posed by criminal elements known commonly as dissident republicans; what is being done to protect citizens of the State and neighbouring states from such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can assure the House that countering the paramilitary threat has always been a priority for the Garda Síochána and nothing has changed in that regard. The Garda will continue in their ongoing efforts to counteract these groups and their criminal activities.

The recent seizure by the Garda in Dublin of a significant cache of arms and explosives is testament to their ongoing efforts to disrupt the activities and the lethal intentions of these terrorists.

The Deputy will know, of course, that these so-called "dissident republicans" are none other than criminal terrorists who use lethal violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. Let us be clear also that they are deeply and inextricably involved in serious crime in order to fund their activities and their own comfortable lifestyles.

The threat from terrorism is a matter of strong, shared concern North and South. There is also a shared, strong resolve to take all necessary actions within the law to bear down on the groups involved to ensure that they can be disrupted and brought to book.

The Garda co-operate seamlessly with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in actively bearing down on these groups. Operational policing co-operation is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI and both have repeatedly emphasised that the close and high quality co-operation between their forces has been instrumental in preventing attacks, combating criminality and, indeed, in saving lives.

I meet frequently and have ongoing discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, and the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford, with regard to the security situation and the ongoing efforts to combat the threat from these gangs of criminal terrorists. There is also a close and ongoing working relationship between our officials. By working together on these matters of mutual concern and interest we can improve community safety for all the people on this island and vindicate their democratically expressed desire for a peaceful future.

The Government remains committed, in co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, to spare no effort to ensure that those criminal terrorists who seek to subvert the democratic will of the people of these islands will face the full rigours of the law.

Criminal Law Review

Questions (928)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

928. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he considers the act of deliberately ramming a Garda vehicle to be serious enough to warrant its own legislative response; if he is concerned with the figures pertaining to such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can assure the Deputy that I consider the deliberate ramming of a Garda vehicle to be a very serious matter and am satisfied that there is a range of robust road safety and other legislative enforcement provisions available to the Garda authorities in such circumstances. The Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended) provides for the offence of driving without reasonable consideration, careless driving and dangerous driving. Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the person Act, 1997 also provides for the offence of intentional or reckless conduct which creates a substantial risk of death or serious harm, while section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991 provides for the offence of damage to the property of another person. Furthermore, section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 (as amended) provides for the offence of assault or obstruction of a member of An Garda Síochána.

Sentencing Policy

Questions (929)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

929. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the mandatory life sentence for murder should be increased in duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35482/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The mandatory penalty for murder is life imprisonment. A sentence of life imprisonment means that the prisoner is subject to that sentence for the rest of his or her life. Such prisoners have no right to be released early at any stage. If granted temporary release, the prisoner remains subject to the life sentence and can be recalled to prison at any stage. Accordingly, it is not possible to increase the duration of a life sentence.

Drugs Crime

Questions (930)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

930. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been in contact with his counterparts in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, on the use of a number of websites which provide graphic details on ecstasy in view of the recent deaths from use of ecstasy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35486/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

While this issue has not arisen specifically in my personal contacts with other EU Ministers I can advise the Deputy that the following comprehensive measures are in place for addressing such issues.

At European level the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) monitors and reports on the nature and extent of drug use and related issues in Europe. There are also a number of fora for discussion through which drugs issues of concern may be raised by the EU Member States on an ongoing basis including, for example, the Horizontal Drugs Group. In addition, the Member States recently agreed a EU Action Plan on Drugs for the period 2013-2016 which includes actions to raise awareness of the risks and consequences associated with the use of illicit drugs and other psychoactive substances.

Furthermore, through the mechanism of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, in place under our National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, any concern with regard to the emergence of new trends or early warnings regarding drug use can be fed into the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction through the Irish focal point which resides in the Health Research Board. In addition, a HSE led early warning alert system to notify front-line health and drugs related services and the general public of drug use emergencies is in place. There are also state supported websites such as Drugs.ie which provide appropriate drugs information.

Regarding the Internet the Deputy may be aware that any suspected illegal content online may be reported by members of the public to the Hotline service at www.hotline.ie. Where there is any concern that there is illegal activity being facilitated by a particular website this is a matter which should be reported to the Hotline service and-or to An Garda Síochána. The hotline is operated by the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) and it is overseen by the Office for Internet Safety, an Executive Office in my Department. The hotline provides a central point of contact for members of the public who become aware of child pornography or any other illegal content on the Internet in Ireland. The hotline accepts reports about such material and attempts to identify the source. If the material is hosted in Ireland, it will request the relevant internet service provider to remove it, in accordance with the ISPAI Code of Practice and Ethics. The hotline liaises with the Garda, as appropriate.

To provide a fast response to illegal material that is hosted outside the Irish jurisdiction, the Hotline is a member of INHOPE, the international organisation of Internet Hotlines. Not all countries have an Internet hotline service and in cases where potentially illegal material is identified by the Hotline as located in such countries, it will forward the report to a specific contact point in An Garda Síochána for transmission and action through international law enforcement channels.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings

Questions (931)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

931. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the circumstances in which a young undercover garda was disciplined and returned to uniformed duties in spite of the fact their work had led to the discovery of a significant drugs haul; if he acknowledges this action has undermined morale among drugs squad and community gardaí in the city and if he is committed to the work of the drugs squad. [35487/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and as soon as it is to hand I will pass it on to the Deputy.

Garda Vetting Applications

Questions (932)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

932. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in processing a Garda vetting application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35511/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application on behalf of the individual referred to was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU).

The application was processed and returned to the registered organisation concerned but I am informed that the applicant raised certain issues which are the subject of inquiries at present, after which an appropriate response will be issued.

Departmental Bodies Board Remuneration

Questions (933)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

933. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual saving to the Exchequer if all State agency board fees under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35803/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

In the time available to answer the question, it was not possible to furnish the information requested. I will write to the Deputy in due course.

Question No. 934 answered with Question No. 883.

Departmental Reports

Questions (935)

Niall Collins

Question:

935. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the name of the external consultant involved and the costs, date of commission and date or expected date of publication of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011. [34400/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department has commissioned one external report since March 2011. On 19 April 2011, I commissioned Mr Frank Callanan, SC, to carry out an independent review into matters relevant to the deaths of Corporal Fintan Heneghan, Private Mannix Armstrong and Private Thomas Walsh on 21 March 1989 while serving with the 64th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This report was published on 19 September 2011.

The cost of the report was €51,660, including VAT.

Legislative Programme

Questions (936)

Jack Wall

Question:

936. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position of the proposals made as a result of his Department's withdrawal of the Curragh of Kildare Bill; if he has reviewed the withdrawal of the Bill; the plans he has to republish the Bill; if he is satisfied with the actions and proposals to address the problems regarding the Curragh as determined in the original Bill; if any of the proposed actions or proposals has being addressed and, if so, the cost of each proposal or action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34431/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Curragh of Kildare Bill was withdrawn because of a number of technical issues arose which caused difficulty in progressing the Bill. In addition the establishment of the Authority as a separate agency under the aegis of the Department of Defence (as proposed in the Bill) would involve additional costs in terms of staff, accommodation, expenses and payments to members of the Authority which would be significantly greater than the costs incurred by my Department in administering the Curragh Lands. This Government has targeted the rationalisation of State agencies as a key cost saving measure and in that context it would be inappropriate to establish a separate agency to manage work currently being done by my Department. The establishment of the Authority was the major proposal contained in the Bill. Consequently I have no plans to review or republish the Bill.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (937)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

937. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the total cost to his Department of its involvement in the recent JFK 50 commemoration events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34436/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As all relevant costs have not yet been processed in the short time since the event in question, it is not possible at present to provide the information sought by the Deputy. My Department and the Defence Forces are currently working to compile this information and, when finalised, it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Ministerial Travel

Questions (938)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

938. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the usage of the Government jet from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012, to include the Minister, the country visited, the event attended and the cost to the State of each journey. [34487/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The details sought by the Deputy are as set out in the following tabular statement. The purpose of each trip is a matter for the individual Department and is not included in the details held by my Department.

Learjet 2012

Date	Return Date	Min.Time on Board	Route	Department	Passengers
11/01/2012	12/01/2012	300	Baldonnel - Vienna - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 5
18/01/2012	18/01/2012	250	Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 6
23/01/2012	24/01/2012	250	Baldonnel - Brussels - Frankfurt - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 6
26/01/2012	29/01/2012	725	Baldonnel - Naples - Tel Aviv - Naples - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 6
09/02/2012	09/02/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 3
20/02/2012	21/02/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	MOS Finance	MOS plus 4
24/02/2012	24/02/2012	385	Baldonnel - Tunis - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 3
08/03/2012	09/03/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Environment, Community & Local Government	Minister plus 5
12/03/2012	13/03/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 3
29/03/2012	30/03/2012	240	Baldonnel - Copenhagen - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 6
23/04/2012	23/04/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 4
01/05/2012	02/05/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 4
06/05/2012	07/05/2012	330	Baldonnel - Warsaw - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 4
14/05/2012	15/05/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 5
21/06/2012	22/06/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Finance/Health	Minister x 2 plus 5
06/09/2012	08/09/2012	650	Baldonnel - Northolt - Naples - Paphos - Naples - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 5
01/10/2012	01/10/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Environment, Community & Local Government	Minister plus 3
08/10/2012	09/10/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 3
14/10/2012	15/10/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs) / MOS European Affairs	Tánaiste, MOS plus 4
25/10/2012	26/10/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Justice, Equality & Law Reform	Minister plus 6
05/11/2012	07/11/2012	700	Baldonnel - Naples - Larnaca - Naples - Baldonnel	Public Expenditure & Reform	Minister plus 4
12/11/2012	13/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 3
18/11/2012	19/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Defence	Minister plus 4
20/11/2012	21/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 3
26/11/2012	27/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 4
03/12/2012	04/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 5
06/12/2012	07/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Justice & Equality / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation / Health	Minister x 3 plus 6
10/12/2012	11/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)	Tánaiste plus 5
12/12/2012	13/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 4

Gulfstream IV 2012

Date	Return Date	Min. Time on Board	Route	Department	Passengers
12/01/2012	12/01/2012	120	Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 8
25/01/2012	27/01/2012	240	Baldonnel - Zurich - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 8
30/01/2012	30/01/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach	Taoiseach, MOS plus 11
08/02/2012	09/02/2012	790	Baldonnel - Teteboro - Whiteplains - Teteboro - Dublin	An Taoiseach / Enterprise/Trade & Innovation	Taoiseach, Minister plus 11
15/02/2012	17/02/2012	835	Baldonnel - Teteboro - White Plains - Teteboro - Boston - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 9
23/02/2012	24/02/2012	385	Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 7
29/02/2012	02/03/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Finance / MOS Taoiseach	Taoiseach, Minister, MOS plus 9
15/03/2012	21/03/2012	1050	Baldonnel - Chicago - Southbend - Whiteplains - Washington - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 14
12/03/2012	12/03/2012	120	Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 8
26/04/2012	27/04/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Agriculture, Marine & Food / Justice & Equality	Minister x 2 plus 12
23/05/2012	24/05/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade)	Taoiseach, Tánaiste plus 10
11/06/2012	14/06/2012	840	Baldonnel - Yerevan - Tbilisi - Batumi - Baku - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade)	Tánaiste plus 13
22/06/2012	22/06/2012	185	Baldonnel - Edinburgh - Cork - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources	Taoiseach, Minister plus 10
25/06/2012	25/06/2012	200	Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade)	Tánaiste plus 6
28/06/2012	29/06/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS Taoiseach	Taoiseach, Tánaiste, MOS plus 11
09/07/2012	11/07/2012	680	Baldonnel - Brussels - Larnaca - Baldonnel	Finance/Health	Minister x 2 plus 7
17/07/2012	17/07/2012	210	Baldonnel - Frankfurt - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 6
23/07/2012	24/07/2012	495	Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Budapest - Baldonnel	Agriculture, Marine & Food	Minister plus 6
27/07/2012	28/07/2012	120	Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 5
11/09/2012	15/09/2012	775	Baldonnel - Paris - Berlin - Rome - Larnaca - Baldonnel	Finance	Minister plus 10
21/09/2012	22/09/2012	340	Baldonnel - Rome - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 6
03/10/2012	03/10/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / Finance / Public Expenditure & Reform / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation / Social Protection / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources / Environment, Community & Local Government / Agriculture, Food & Marine / Transport, Tourism & Sport / MOS European Affairs	Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister x 7, MOS plus 9
09/10/2012	09/10/2012	190	Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade)	Tánaiste plus 5
11/10/2012	14/10/2012	905	Baldonnel - Philadelphia - Cleveland - Knock - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 8
18/10/2012	19/10/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste / MOS European Affairs	Taoiseach, Tánaiste, MOS plus 12
22/10/2012	22/10/2012	190	Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Food, Horticulture & Food Safety	Taoiseach, MOS plus 8
25/10/2012	26/10/2012	250	Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade)	Tánaiste plus 8
01/11/2012	01/11/2012	250	Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 8
07/11/2012	08/11/2012	395	Baldonnel - Budapest - Vienna - Berlin - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 7
19/11/2012	20/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS European Affairs	Tánaiste, MOS plus 10
22/11/2012	23/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / Agriculture, Food & Marine / MOS European Affairs	Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister, MOS plus 12
26/11/2012	26/11/2012	100	Baldonnel - Cardiff - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Children & Youth Affairs	Taoiseach, Minister plus 8
28/11/2012	29/11/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Agriculture, Food & Marine / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation	Minister x2 plus 9
10/12/2012	10/12/2012	260	Baldonnel - Oslo - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach	Taoiseach plus 6
13/12/2012	14/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs	Taoiseach, MOS plus 10
16/12/2012	17/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS European Affairs	Tánaiste, MOS plus 6
20/12/2012	20/12/2012	180	Baldonnel - Brussels - Dublin	Communications, Energy & Natural Resources	Minister plus 9

In relation to costs, my Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the average cost per flying hour under each of two headings as set out in the following table.

The direct cost, which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown, including maintenance, fuel and support services; and

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

For clarity, an additional column has been included in the table showing the cost associated with having the aircraft regardless of whether it is flown.

-	Average Associated Cost of having the aircraft per Hour - €	Average Direct Cost Per Hour - €	Average Total Cost Per Hour - €
Gulfstream	520	3,270	3,790
Learjet	2,260	1,940	4,200

These costs are currently being reviewed by my Department and revised figures will be published shortly.

The Programme for Government contained a commitment to introducing a new code of practice for the use of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS), ensuring transparent and cost effective travel. In line with this commitment, information relating to the MATS is now published on my Department’s website and this information is updated on a monthly basis.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (939, 940, 957, 959)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

939. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the fees and expenses paid to each member of each State board, to include the chair and board members, and the number of members on each State board under the aegis of his Department. [34510/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

940. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual salary of the chief executive officers of all the non-commercial State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department. [34526/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

957. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the annual saving to the Exchequer if all State agency board fees under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35797/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

959. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, a list of all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36214/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 939, 940, 957 and 959 together.

The only body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board.

The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. It does not have a Chief Executive Officer. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. The chairperson and the civilian doctor are entitled to annual fees of €7,618 and €5,079, respectively.

If a 25% reduction was applied to the above fees this would give a total potential annual saving of €3,174.

The only expenses payable to the members of the above Board are travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines.