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Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 282-303

Schools Recognition

Questions (282)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

282. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a request by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7039/19]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question and it is under consideration. My officials will be in contact with the relevant parties as quickly as possible.

Tax Collection

Questions (283)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

283. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances that have resulted in substitute teachers paying emergency tax since before Christmas 2018; the measures he has taken to resolve the issue; when it will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Revenue Commissioners introduced real time PAYE (PAYE modernisation) which went live on the 1st January 2019. This was the biggest change to the PAYE system since the 1960s.

From 1 January 2019 employers are required to report their employees’ pay and statutory deductions to Revenue for each payroll issue.

The salary issue relates to the taxation of the substitute staff who were paid in the first payroll of 2019 and in the case of post primary substitute teachers in the second payroll.

In these payrolls, in which the new system was applied for the first time the payroll files that transferred to Revenue inadvertently included an end date for substitute staff. This informed Revenue that these staff would not be paid under this employer number in the future.

This notification caused Revenue to immediately reduce the tax credits and cut off points to zero for this cohort of staff which meant that when they were next paid, there were no tax credits available to be applied to the salary.

This has meant that some substitute staff paid on the payrolls of the 3rd, 10th and 17th January and who have continued to be employed since have been assigned week 1 / cumulative zero credits or emergency tax.

The payroll software has been amended to prevent an end date transferring to Revenue for future payments which means substitute staff paid on payrolls after the 17th January do not have problems with tax credits.

However this software amendment did not correct the issues that arose for the staff who were paid already.

My Department is working closely with Revenue to implement a solution to this problem. A solution is currently being implemented in consultation with Revenue.

Some adjustments will be processed for the post primary payroll issue of the 14th February and further adjustments will be processed for the next pay issue of the 28th February.

This solution will be applied to the primary and non teaching staff payrolls of the 21st February and primary substitute teachers and substitute non teaching staff paid on that date should have the correct tax deducted.

There are staff paid on the payroll who are assigned zero credits apart from those impacted by the end date issue. For example in cases where a substitute staff member is retired and in receipt of pension their credits may be assigned to the pension payment and zero credits assigned to the substitute employment. In addition teachers are placed on emergency basis where their tax position has not been finalised with Revenue. Some substitute staff may have other employments and their credits may be assigned to that employment.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (284)

John Curran

Question:

284. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expenditure and allocations attributable to drugs programmes that were made available in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7114/19]

View answer

Written answers

Over the last five years, my Department has provided funding to the following six projects in local drugs task force areas in Dublin ;-

- Killinarden Drug Primary Prevention Group in Tallaght (KDPPG)

- Drug Education and Training, Dun Laoghaire Parents Making Children Aware (PMCA)

- Blanchardstown Early School Leavers Project (BESLP)

- Crinan Youth Project (Salesian Youth Enterprises), Seán McDermott Street

- Familibase, Ballyfermot

- Rehabilitation and Support Programme (RASP), Malahide Road Industrial Estate

The funding provided to each of these projects over the period is set out in the table.

My Department is working to support the Government’s policy on drug and alcohol use through its engagement on the national strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. Working with other Government Departments and agencies it is represented on both the National Oversight Committee and the Standing Sub-Committee, established to give leadership and drive implementation of the strategy.

Schools support their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the SPHE programme, which has a specific module on the use and misuse of a range of substances. SPHE is currently mandatory in all primary schools and in junior cycle. It also forms part of the mandatory 'Wellbeing' area of learning for the new junior cycle which was introduced in September 2017. Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in senior cycle.

Relevant topics in SPHE include student decision-making skills and safety and protection. Students learn how to exercise judgement, weigh up different possibilities, examine the steps and choices that guide them towards considered decision-making, begin to understand their own rights and the rights of others, and explore decision-making. In respect of safety, students’ ability to assess the consequences of risky behaviour is developed.

Current best practice guidelines for the delivery of SPHE indicate that the classroom teacher is the best placed professional to work sensitively and consistently with students and that individual themes such as Substance Misuse Prevention should not be treated in isolation but should be integrated with the other SPHE modules.

Funding provided by DES to projects in LDTF areas 2014 - 2018

Year

KDPPG

PMCA

BESLP

Crinan YP

Familibase

RASP

2014

€48,000

€7,450

€71,070

€50,475

€67,400

€138,840

2015

€43,200

€6,705

€76,615

€52,040

€67,400

€138,840

2016

€38,880

€6,035

€76,615

€52,040

€67,400

€143,830

2017

€34,560

€5,365

€76,615

€52,040

€67,400

€148,820

2018

€34,560

€5,365

€76,615

€52,040

€67,400

€148,820

Information and Communications Technology

Questions (285)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address matters relating to a device (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7138/19]

View answer

Written answers

As part of the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment, funding of €210m for ICT Infrastructure will be distributed to schools over the five years of the Strategy, to date a total of €60m has been distributed in respect of the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, and a further instalment of this grant is due to issue shortly in respect of the 18/19 school year. Schools do not have to apply for this grant.

It is a matter for a school’s Board of Management and Principal to decide how the grant can be best used for their school, in line with the schools Digital Learning Plan including the purchase of Interactive Screens such as the devices mentioned by the Deputy. All purchases must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures with further information for schools available on the Schools Procurement Unit website at www.spu.ie. ICT purchasing Frameworks are in place operated by the Office of Government procurement with appropriately defined technical specifications. These Frameworks should be engaged with and taken advantage of as they simplify the process of purchasing ICT equipment for schools.

Further information on current ICT Frameworks open to schools is available through the School Procurement Unit at www.spu.ie. Further information on Digital Learning Planning can be found at http://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Planning/. Advice on appropriate ICT infrastructure for schools is available at www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie.

Inspector of Prisons

Questions (286)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

286. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the staffing complement of the Inspector of Prisons; the staffing level deemed necessary; if requests for additional funding to increase staff numbers have been made in 2018 or to date in 2019; if so, the result of such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6268/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Inspector of Prisons was established on a statutory basis under Part 5 of the Prisons Act 2007. A new Inspector of Prisons, Ms Patricia Gilheaney, was appointed in May 2018. She has an important role in ensuring an effective independent oversight of our prison system. Following her appointment, Ms. Gilheaney contracted PA consultants to carry out a review of the functions and arrangements of her office. The report was recently submitted to my Department and discussions regarding resources, legal powers and other related issues are ongoing.

Including Ms Gilheany, there are currently six staff assigned to the Office of Inspector of Prisons. The Deputy will appreciate that the Inspector of Prisons is independent in the performance of her statutory functions and it is a matter for her to determine how she implements her functions within her allocated resources.

Direct Provision System

Questions (287)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

287. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the tender process for the new direct provision centre within a 40 km radius of Newbridge, County Kildare, has concluded; if so, the contracts that have been awarded for same; and the way in which this affects the status of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [6278/19]

View answer

Written answers

The tender process for the provision of premises within the Kildare region (radius of 40 km from Newbridge Town Centre), including the provision of management, catering, housekeeping, general maintenance and security services for persons seeking international protection will be completed on Thursday, 14 February 2019 on the expiration of the requisite standstill period provided for under Section 5 of the European Communities (Public Authorities' Contracts) (Review Procedures) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 130/2010, as amended).

After this date it is open to the Department to invite all Successful Tenderers to become a Framework Member by entering into a Framework Agreement with each of them in terms as set out in the Request For Tenders (“RFT”).

My Department then intends to award contracts by drawing down from the Framework to meet the required demand for accommodation services as set out in the RFT.

The Deputy will appreciate that as this particular tender competition is still in process, I cannot comment on any individual bids at this time.

Execution of Wills

Questions (288)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

288. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process in a situation in which no will relating to land is left by a deceased person in which there is no immediate family or known descendants to the deceased; if the State eventually takes control of the land in such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6388/19]

View answer

Written answers

The position is that Part VI of the Succession Act 1965 deals with the distribution of an estate on intestacy. Where a person dies without having made a will, or if the will is invalid for whatever reason, that person is deemed to have died intestate.

Section 73 of the Succession Act 1965 provides that where a person dies intestate and without known next-of-kin, the estate of that person shall be taken by the State as ultimate intestate successor. Where an estate falls to the State under section 73, it is administered by the Chief State Solicitor. Depending on the extent and nature of the estate, this process may involve the extraction of letters of administration from the High Court and advertising for next-of-kin. Where no next-of-kin can be found, the proceeds of the estate are paid into the Intestate Estates Fund Deposit Account.

Section 73(2) of the 1965 Act provides that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform may waive, in whole or in part and in favour of such person and upon such terms as he or she thinks proper having regard to all the circumstance's of the case, the right of the State under this section.

Victim Support Services

Questions (289)

Pat Buckley

Question:

289. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the supports available for the families of victims of crime abroad to help them to attend court dates and trial hearings that may be financially prohibitive independently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6405/19]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through its Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin and the Irish Missions worldwide, provides a range of supports to Irish citizens and family members who are victims of crime abroad.

This can include, for example, providing practical assistance such as help in finding English speaking legal and medical practitioners, in dealing with the police, in making travel arrangements and in liaising with family members back home, for example.

I am informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that while the Consular Assistance Unit and Missions abroad make every effort in assisting Irish citizens who experience crime abroad in these ways, there is not a funding scheme in place to provide financial supports directly to the families of the type raised by the Deputy.

The provision of such funding is an issue which would need to be considered in the context of the wider issues surrounding any decision to extend the provision of supports for victims of crime and to their families in cross border situations.

These wider issues include, for example, the reimbursement of expenses to victims and/or witnesses in order to participate in proceedings abroad and the related provision of translation and interpretation services as required.

These are matters which will be raised with the European Network on Victim Rights, of which Ireland is a founding member. This is a network of Government officials involved in their respective victim support policy areas across the EU Member States.

The Network has been established in order to further strengthen the supports to victims across the European Union and to enhance the co-operation of the Member States in the area of victims’ rights against the background of the European Union Victims Directive.

Deportation Orders Re-examination

Questions (290)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the options available to a person (details supplied); if the deportation order will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 01 October 2018. This Order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of Deportation Orders are a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

It is open to the person concerned to submit representations requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Deployment

Questions (291, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

291. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to each sub-district within the Cork city division. [6468/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

299. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the station in Carrigaline, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6478/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

300. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the station in Ballincollig, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6479/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

301. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the station in Passage West, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6480/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

302. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the station in Douglas, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6481/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

303. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the station in Togher, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6482/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 299 to 303, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, the manner in which the resources of the Garda Síochána are deployed is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I, as Minister, have no direct role in this regard.

Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I can assure the Deputy that local Garda management in the areas referred to remains resolute in its determination to act against all forms of criminal activity and will work with these communities to prevent and detect crime.

Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,400 Garda recruits have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, including 800 trainees who passed out from the college during 2018.

The Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána to €1.76 billion for 2019, which includes provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí this year. The Commissioner has now informed me that he plans to recruit a total of 600 trainee Gardaí in 2019 and 600 Garda Civilian Staff. This Garda Staff recruitment will allow the Commissioner to redeploy a further 500 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties to frontline policing in 2019.

I believe that the injection of this large number of experienced officers into the field, along with the new recruits, will be really beneficial in terms of protecting communities. This and on-going recruitment will clearly provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible effective and responsive policing service to communities across all Garda Divisions including Cork City.

The Garda strength of the Cork City Division from 2009 to 31 December 2018 as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website through the link below. http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and%20Station_2009_to_30_December_2018.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and%20Station_2009_to_30_December_2018.xlsx

For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the link below:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

Garda Transport Data

Questions (292, 293)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

292. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars or Garda vehicles attached to each sub-district within the Cork city division. [6469/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

293. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars on duty in the Cork city division between October 2018 and to date in 2019. [6470/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.

There has been unprecedented investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.

Specifically in relation to Garda vehicles, €46 million has been provided by the Government for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet allowing Gardaí to be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the Garda fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. I am pleased to confirm that a capital allocation of €10 million is available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the distribution of Garda funding and resources, including allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the various Districts of Cork City Division as at 6 February 2019. I am informed by the Garda authorities that responsibility for the efficient deployment of vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations in accordance with operational need.

Cork City Divisional Fleet as at 06/02/2019

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4 x 4

Other

Total

Anglesea Street District

55

13

7

3

4

82

Gurranabraher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Mayfield District

11

4

1

0

4

20

Togher District

13

1

0

0

0

14

Total Cork City Division

90

19

8

3

9

129

As further requested by the Deputy, the following table sets out the number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the Cork City Division in October 2018.

Cork city Divisional Fleet as at 31/10/2018

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4x4

Other

Total

Anglesea Street District

55

13

7

3

4

82

Gurranabraher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Mayfield District

10

4

1

0

4

19

Togher District

13

1

0

0

0

14

Total Cork City Division

89

19

8

3

9

128

Garda Transport Data

Questions (294, 295, 296, 297, 298)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

294. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars attached to the Garda station in Carrigaline, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6473/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

295. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars attached to the Garda station in Ballincollig, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6474/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

296. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars attached to the Garda station in Passage West, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6475/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

297. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars attached to the Garda station in Douglas, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6476/19]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

298. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of squad cars attached to the Garda station in Togher, County Cork, in each of the years since 2010. [6477/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 to 298, inclusive, together.

There has been unprecedented investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.

In relation to Garda vehicles, €46 million has been provided by the Government for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet allowing Gardaí to be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the Garda fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. I am pleased to confirm that a capital allocation of €10 million is available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the distribution of Garda funding and resources, including allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use.

I understand that Carrigaline, Douglas, Passage West and Togher Garda Stations are in Togher District of Cork City Division and that Ballincollig Garda Station is in Gurranabraher District of Cork City Division.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the various Districts of Cork City Division as at 6 February 2019. I am further informed that responsibility for the efficient deployment of vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations in accordance with operational need.

Cork City Divisional Fleet as at 06/02/2019

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4 x 4

Other

Total

Anglesea Street District

55

13

7

3

4

82

Gurranabraher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Mayfield District

11

4

1

0

4

20

Togher District

13

1

0

0

0

14

Total Cork City Division

90

19

8

3

9

129

The Deputy also requested information on the number of Garda vehicles assigned in the years from 2010 onwards. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of Garda vehicles assigned to the various Divisions in the Cork City Division from 2010 to 2018. The requested details for 2010 are available only at Divisional level.

Year

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4x4

Other

Total

2018

Anglesea Street District

55

13

7

3

4

82

Gurranabraher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Mayfield District

11

4

1

0

4

20

Togher District

14

1

0

0

0

15

Total Cork City Division

91

19

8

3

9

130

2017

Anglesea Street District

67

15

7

3

4

96

Gurranabraher District

12

1

0

0

1

14

Mayfield District

10

3

1

0

4

18

Togher District

11

1

0

0

0

12

Total Cork City Division

100

20

8

3

9

140

2016

Anglesea Street District

65

17

8

4

6

100

Gurranabraher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Mayfield District

9

2

1

0

3

15

Togher District

14

1

0

0

1

16

Total Cork City Division

99

21

9

4

11

144

2015

Anglesea Street District

65

16

4

2

2

89

Gurranabraher District

8

1

0

0

1

10

Mayfield District

9

3

0

0

2

14

Togher District

13

1

0

0

1

15

Total Cork City Division

95

21

4

2

6

128

2014

Anglesea Street District

61

16

6

3

3

89

Gurranabraher District

8

1

0

0

1

10

Mayfield District

9

4

1

0

2

16

Togher District

11

1

0

0

1

13

Total Cork City Division

89

22

7

3

7

128

2013

Anglesea Street District

50

13

5

2

3

73

Gurranabraher District

6

2

0

0

1

9

Mayfield District

9

4

1

0

2

16

Togher District

10

1

0

0

1

12

Total Cork City Division

75

20

6

2

7

110

2012

Anglesea Street District

39

10

7

2

3

61

Gurranabraher District

8

1

0

1

1

11

Mayfield District

7

4

1

0

2

14

Togher District

11

2

0

0

1

14

Total Cork City Division

65

17

8

3

7

100

2011

Anglesea Street District

55

12

7

4

3

81

Gurranabraher District

7

0

0

1

2

10

Mayfield District

8

4

2

0

1

15

Togher District

10

2

2

0

1

15

Total Cork City Division

80

18

11

5

7

121

Cork City Divisional Fleet 2010

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4x4

Other

Total

81

23

12

3

2

121

Questions Nos. 299 to 303, inclusive, answered with Question No. 291.
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