Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 2004

Vol. 592 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 12 to 73, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 74 to 80, inclusive, answered orally.

Cead Pleanála sa Ghaeltacht.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

81 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta conas is féidir a dheimhniú go mbeidh caighdeán Gaeilge ard a dhóthain ag daoine a lorgaíonn cead pleanála sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [27960/04]

Mar atá a fhios ag an Teachta, baineann an córas pleanála leis na húdaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantair Ghaeltachta faoin a gcúram agus leis an mBord Pleanála i gcás achomharc, i gcomhréir leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000. Leagtar síos san Acht sin nach mór aird a thabhairt, i gcomhthéacs treoracha reigiúnacha pleanála, ar an ngá le cosaint a thabhairt d'oidhreacht teanga agus cultúrtha na Gaeltachta. Tá sé den riachtanas, ar ndóigh, go bhfeidhmeodh na heagrais éagsúla Stáit ar bhealach a thugann an tacaíocht is fearr agus is féidir don teanga sa Ghaeltacht.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

82 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to legislation concerning the dormant accounts fund; when he expects the legislation to proceed through Dáil Éireann; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new legislation leaves allocations from the fund open to political abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27971/04]

The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published in June 2004, fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December last, following its review of arrangements relating to dormant accounts funding. At that time, the Government committed itself to maintaining an open, transparent and accountable process for dealing with applications for dormant accounts funding. These commitments have been honoured in the Bill in the following ways: the objectives of the disbursements scheme will remain unchanged; disbursements will continue to be within the framework of objectives and priorities set out in the dormant accounts disbursements plan; application processes for dormant accounts funding will be transparent and publicised; decisions on disbursements will be made and publicised by Government; appropriate arrangements will be put in place so that the spend from the dormant accounts fund is separate and additional; and the future role of the board will focus on preparation of the disbursements plan, reviewing progress in achieving objectives and assessing the additionality and impact of spend. The Bill has completed Second and Committee Stages in the Seanad and the draft legislation will continue its passage through the Oireachtas shortly and be enacted in due course.

With regard to concerns raised, one of the main reasons the Government decided to review arrangements is to ensure that the focus of spending from the fund is consistent with policy priorities debated in this House and approved by Government. If we are serious about tackling disadvantage, we must ensure that available resources are targeted in a particularly focused and sustained manner. I am satisfied the draft legislation provides that decisions made by Government will be based on transparent assessment criteria and will not be influenced by other factors.

Company Closures.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

83 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which he has responded to the call by an association (details supplied) that his Department should become more involved in supports for Inishowen, in the aftermath of several recent factory closures. [28016/04]

My Department provides funding and supports to the Inishowen area from a number of sources. The Inishowen partnership board delivers the local development social inclusion programme, LDSIP, in its area. This programme aims to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social and economic partnership. Funding of €695,524 was allocated to the partnership under LDSIP in 2004 to support actions under the three submeasures of the programme — services for the unemployed, community development and community-based youth initiatives. Inishowen Partnership also operates a jobs club in three separate locations in Inishowen which provides a range of options for people who are unemployed.

With regard to the community development programme, CDP, Action Inishowen is funded by my Department at a level of €92,000 per annum to concentrate on social development throughout the Inishowen peninsula. It is part of a strong network of projects all over the county, which act as community development resource projects or centres in communities affected by high unemployment. The target groups identified by Action Inishowen include the elderly, youth, long-term unemployed, early school leavers, children of separated, divorced and-or deceased parents, lone parents, people with disabilities and low income farm families. Under the scheme of grants for locally based community projects, funding was recently announced to the following five projects in Inishowen:

Donegal CPAB

1,680

Education

Inishowen Women’s Information Network

3,330

Computer Training

Inishowen Women’s Information Network

5,500

Training

Moville & District Mental Health Assoc

5,000

Computer Training

Muff Comm. Development Co Op Ltd. MCD

5,520

Equipment

Six DEDs in the Inishowen peninsula are included in the CLÁR programme for disadvantaged rural areas. Those areas are benefiting this year under the class III roads, local improvement roads scheme, flashing amber safety lights at schools, ESB single to three phase electricity conversion, village enhancement and school outdoor play facilities measures of the programme to the value of €90,000 CLÁR funding. Under my Department's rural development fund, Inishowen Rural Development Limited has received 80% of the cost of employing a development worker and related administrative expenses for almost two years, up to a maximum of €40,000 per annum, to help the Malin Head community group to develop a tourist attraction for its area. Inishowen Partnership Company Limited, based in Buncrana, is also receiving 80% of the costs of providing a training programme to preserve traditional skills and talents, up to a maximum of €26,000. My Department also provides funding to Inishowen Rural Development Limited under the LEADER programmes to encourage the implementation of high quality and innovative strategies in rural communities, including rural enterprise projects. Inishowen Rural Development Limited was allocated €2.32 million under the LEADER+ community initiative and €730,000 under the LEADER national rural development programme for the period 2001 to 2006.

Proposed Legislation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

84 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to publishing legislation specifically based on the recommendations contained in Tipping the Balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/04]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

131 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he proposes to introduce specific legislation on volunteering during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27975/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 131 together.

The process of examination and consideration of the recommendations contained in the report of the national committee on volunteering, Tipping the Balance, is continuing in my Department. The question of legislation and other issues arising from the examination of the report will be considered on conclusion of my Department's examination.

National Drugs Strategy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

85 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy. [28020/04]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

109 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 will be complete; the number of submissions he has received to date for consideration in the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27984/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 109 together.

The mid-term review of the national drugs strategy is under way. The review is examining the progress made to date in implementing the strategy and it will enable priorities for future action to be identified — and a re-focusing of the strategy, if necessary — for the remaining period up to 2008. The review will also examine the relevance of the strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of drug misuse in Ireland, including emerging trends, and will identify any gaps presenting and how they might be addressed.

The review is being overseen by a steering group chaired by my Department, which comprises representatives from a number of Departments and agencies involved in implementing the strategy as well as the community and voluntary sectors. PA Consulting Group is assisting the steering group in its ongoing work. A comprehensive consultation process has been undertaken as part of the review. Presentations from more than 25 Departments, agencies and voluntary and community groups involved in delivering the strategy were made to the steering group during September and early October, most of which I attended. Five regional seminars also took place in October in Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Carrick-on-Shannon and Dublin. The sessions were attended by members of the public as well as representatives from statutory agencies, Departments, community and voluntary groups, regional and local drug task forces and public representatives. I was happy to attend all the regional sessions and to partake in discussions. Focus groups involving young people were also held during October in Galway, Sligo, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin. A total of 117 written submissions to the review have been received to date.

The consultation process has enabled us to get a broad and varied perspective on the strategy and what its future direction should be. PA Consulting are synthesising and evaluating the views received and they will be reporting to the steering group by mid-December. Following consideration of the various issues by the steering group, I will make recommendations on the way forward to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. I expect the review to be completed early next year.

Limistéirí Gaeltachta.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

86 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon phlean aige cabhair agus tacaíocht a thabhairt do phobail atá lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht teacht suas go dtí caighdeán teangeolaíochta a bhainfeadh stádas Gaeltachta amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [27961/04]

Tá Fóram na Gaeilge bunaithe agam chun comhairle a chur orm maidir le: inmholtacht plean straitéiseach 20 bliain a réiteach don Ghaeilge sa Stát le spriocanna réalaíocha; na tosaíochtaí straitéise gearrthéarmacha do chaomhnú agus do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge laistigh den Stát; na tosaíochtaí maidir le cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; agus na bealaí is fearr agus is praiticiúla chun dul chun cinn a bhaint amach maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na hoibre sin.

Bheadh súil agam go mbeidh obair an fhóraim, go háirithe maidir le plean a réiteach a bheadh dírithe ar chothú agus ar chaomhnú na teanga sa Stát agus a chlúdódh réimse leathan tosaíochtaí i leith na Gaeilge, mar thaca do phobail ar fud na tíre atá ag iarraidh an Ghaeilge a chothú. Ar ndóigh, tá réimse tacaíochtaí ar fáil cheana féin ó Fhoras na Gaeilge agus ó mo Roinnse chun cabhair a thabhairt do phobail lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht an teanga a chur chun cinn mar theanga labhartha.

Maidir le stádas Gaeltachta de, tá conradh chun staidéar teangeolaíoch ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht bronnta ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, i gcomhar leis an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Anailís Réigiúnach agus Spásúil, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Máigh Nuad. Beidh an staidéar mar bhunús chun forbairt theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta mar cheantar labhartha Gaeilge a threisiú agus athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na limistéir oifigiúla Gaeltachta. Tuigim go mbeidh na roghanna éagsúla tíreolaíocha agus deimeagrafaíochta, a mheastar a bheith oiriúnach mar bhunús chun na limistéir oifigiúla Ghaeltachta a shainiú, á scrúdú mar chuid den staidéar.

Community Development.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

87 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has proposals to expand and develop the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27966/04]

I envisage that the RAPID programme will operate on a number of different levels in tandem in future. Many small-scale proposals from RAPID areas are being dealt with more effectively at local level. I have put in place a dedicated fund of €4.5 million in 2004 to help progress these proposals and support this approach. These proposals are being co-funded by the relevant Department or local agency under a number of categories, with broad levels of funding agreed at national level.

A total of €2 million is being provided for the local authority housing estate enhancement scheme. This scheme is being operated by the local authorities and is being funded on a euro for euro basis —€1 million from my Department and €1 million from the local authorities through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Each of the strand I and strand II RAPID areas received total allocations of €60,000 and €40,000 respectively. Funding of €3 million is being provided for the current year to support the development of playgrounds in RAPID areas —€1.5 million from my Department and €1.5 million from the Department of Health and Children. Each of the strand I and strand II RAPID areas received total allocations of €72,000 and €60,000 respectively. The local authority, in consultation with the relevant area implementation team, AIT, selected the projects to be supported under both schemes.

A sum of €2.2 million in top-up funding has been allocated to 73 projects in RAPID areas, which were successful under the sports capital programme 2004. All successful projects that were endorsed by the AIT were considered for top-up funding, with up to 30% additional funding being provided by my Department, subject to the total grant not exceeding 80% of project cost or the amount requested by the applicant. The roll out of these co-funding measures is continuing and it is hoped to make further announcements regarding same in the near future.

The larger projects from RAPID plans that have been submitted to Departments will continue to be considered for funding within existing funding streams in each Department. However, I expect Departments will deal with a smaller number of projects and will, therefore, be in a better position to prioritise projects and set out timescales for further actions. Work on improving integration and co-ordination of service delivery at local level will also continue, as this is a key component of the RAPID programme.

Special provision was made by the Government for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. Under the women's equality measure, €7 million out of €12 million of the funds has been reserved for RAPID areas. Discussions are ongoing with Departments regarding prioritisation of other non capital actions included in the AIT plans.

I have no plans to expand the RAPID programme geographically. However, Ballyfermot met the criteria for inclusion in strand I of the RAPID programme but was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme. I am examining this apparent anomaly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

88 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the situation regarding medical cards and benefits for those who join the new rural social employment scheme; his views on whether they should have the same rights as community employment workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/04]

It has always been my intention that participants on the rural social scheme should retain their entitlement to medical cards and other secondary benefits and, indeed, have the same entitlements as community employment workers. My Department has made a case to the chief executive officers group of the health boards regarding medical cards and they have accepted, in principle, that payments under the scheme will be treated the same as payments to those on community employment. Confirmation of this from the Department of Health and Children is expected soon.

The only other case that has arisen in terms of secondary benefits relates to the fuel allowance. Those on the rural social scheme who claim fuel allowance receive it is as part of their normal weekly payment under the scheme. The Christmas bonus will also be paid to participants on the rural social scheme.

Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 80.

Community Development.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

90 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the latest action he has taken with colleagues in Government to support the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe; if progress has been made on the development of a national countryside recreation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27976/04]

John Gormley

Ceist:

118 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures he has taken or intends to take to encourage and protect access to the countryside on recognised walking routes. [28017/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 118 together.

When I established Comhairle na Tuaithe in February 2004, I identified several specific aims and objectives for this group, including the development of a national countryside recreation strategy, and the identification of appropriate mechanisms for resolving issues of access to and responsible enjoyment of the countryside, including access to recognised walking routes. The work of Comhairle na Tuaithe is supported by funding I made available from the rural development fund, including support for the appointment of a research-development officer.

Comhairle na Tuaithe has established working groups to address specific required outputs to achieve its work programme. These groups are working on the examination of the issues surrounding access to the countryside; the development of a national countryside recreation strategy; and the development of a countryside code. Comhairle na Tuaithe has arranged a national conference to be held in November to promote and develop its work including the areas specifically outlined above. This event will serve as an opportunity to progress the development of a countryside recreation strategy. I will pursue with my colleagues in Government action, which may be necessary, arising out of the results of the ongoing processes outlined.

Irish Language.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

91 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has been involved in the recent initial bilateral discussions with representatives of other EU member states and EU institutions regarding official working status for the Irish language in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27968/04]

As I announced on 14 July 2004 on behalf of the Government, a process of discussions has been initiated with the other EU member states and the EU institutions with a view to seeking official and working language status for the Irish language in the EU under EEC Regulation 1/1958. The regulation is the legal instrument that governs the EU institutions' official and working language regime. The focus in these ongoing discussions, which are taking place at official level, with representatives of the other member states and EU institutions is on securing agreement on the practical modalities in relation to this objective. As our relationship with the EU institutions and other member states is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the discussions are led by that Department.

As I indicated in reply to Question No. 230 on 5 October, once these official level discussions have progressed sufficiently to clarify the practical options and issues arising in achieving this objective, the matter will return formally to Government. The Deputy will understand why it would not be appropriate for me to make a public comment on the detail of these discussions until they have been brought to a conclusion.

Community Development.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

92 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has proposals for putting measures in place to adequately resource community and voluntary organisations in order that they can provide services, retain staff and attract the required expertise. [28001/04]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

96 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will allocate adequate funding to the community and voluntary sector to provide adequate training and capacity building. [28004/04]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

105 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has plans to address the problem of ad hoc funding in the community and voluntary sector by allocating the sufficient core funding to these groups. [28002/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 96 and 105 together.

My Department provides a broad range of measures to support the voluntary sector, including schemes that provide once-off grant support and others which offer multi-annual funding, normally over a three-year period. My Department will provide in excess of €31 million in grants to community development projects, CDPs, and supports to community groups this year. This amount includes allocations as part of multi-annual funding to CDPs. In addition, my Department is providing €42.1 million in support of local development. The bulk of this amount is also payable in the context of multi-annual funding to area based partnerships and community partnerships, based on three-year renewable contracts. Funding for LEADER groups is also provided on a multi-annual basis.

I announced the successful applicants for two funding initiatives arising from the White Paper in September 2003 — the funding scheme to support the role of federations, networks and umbrella bodies in the community and voluntary sector and the funding scheme for training and supports in the community and voluntary sector. Both schemes operate on a multi-annual basis with successful applicants receiving total funding of €5.48 million in respect of the federations and networks scheme and €1.83 million in respect of the training and supports scheme over a three-year period.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, having regard to his previously expressed concerns on rural depopulation and difficulties in regard to one off housing development in rural Ireland, he has satisfied himself that current building regulations adequately address the issues involved; if he plans further initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27944/04]

My Department is committed to maintaining the maximum number of people in rural areas and to strengthening rural communities economically, socially and culturally. The national spatial strategy addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the differing local circumstances in different areas.

My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, agrees it is vitally important that there should be certainty and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy on rural housing through their own development plans and in the operation of the development control system under planning legislation. On 4 March, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, published the consultation draft of guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing. These draft guidelines are vitally important so that there is clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy in on rural housing. They provide a more detailed framework for planners, based on what the national spatial strategy has to say on rural housing policy.

The guidelines reflect what I have been saying for the past number of years. As I said in my statement at the time welcoming the publication of the draft guidelines, rural housing within the confines of good planning practice is needed. The consultation process has been concluded and that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government expects to publish the definitive guidelines later in the year.

Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

94 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén machnamh atá déanta aige faoin moladh ón Ollamh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh agus ó dhaoine eile ag féile an Oireachtais le déanaí, Áisíneacht Tionchair Teanga a chur ar bun chun úsáid na Gaeilge a chosaint agus a chur chun cinn sna Gaeltachtaí. [27950/04]

Is amhlaidh gur tháinig na moltaí seo chun cinn ag Féile Shamhna an Oireachtais mar chuid den díospóireacht faoin gcóras pleanála sa Ghaeltacht. Baineann an córas pleanála leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil agus leis na húdaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantair Ghaeltachta faoina gcúram, i gcomhréir leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000. Leagtar síos san Acht sin nach mór aird a thabhairt, i gcomhthéacs treoracha réigiúnacha pleanála, ar an ngá le cosaint a thabhairt d'oidhreacht teanga agus cultúrtha na Gaeltachta. Tá sé den riachtanas, ar ndóigh, go bhfeidhmeodh na heagrais éagsúla Stáit ar bhealach a thugann an tacaíocht is fearr agus is féidir don teanga sa Ghaeltacht.

Beidh a fhios ag an Teachta freisin go bhfuil céimeanna suntasacha tógtha ag mo Roinnse agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta le tamall anuas chun an Ghaeilge a chosaint agus a láidriú sa Ghaeltacht, ina measc cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003; ceapachán an Choimisinéir Teanga; cinneadh maidir tús a chur le próiseas plé le baillstát eile an Aontais Eorpaigh agus leis an gCoimisiún d'fhonn stádas oifigiúil oibre a iarraidh don Ghaeilge; an staidéar ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a bheidh mar bhunús chun forbairt theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta mar cheantar labhartha Gaeilge a threisiú agus chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na limistéir oifigiúla Ghaeltachta; an feachtas feasachta teanga —Ár dTeanga Nádúrtha féin — a fhéachann leis na buntáistí a bhaineann le húsáid na Gaeilge mar phríomh-theanga teaghlaigh a chur ina luí ar thuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta; an ciste €1.56 millúin thar trí bliana chun tionscnamh pleanála teanga a chur chun cinn sa Ghaeltacht ar bhonn trialach; an soláthar breise de €890,000 atá curtha ar fáil do mo Roinn i 2004 chun díriú tuilleadh ar ghníomhaíochtaí teanga-lárnaithe trí chéile sa Ghaeltacht; agus an soláthar breise €1 millúin atá ceadaithe agam d'Údarás na Gaeltachta lena chumasú dóibh béim níos láidre a chur ar naíscolaíocht, ar sheirbhísí don óige, ar gníomhaíochtaí na gcomharchumann agus ar sheirbhísí tacaíochta eile don Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.

Tá mé sásta go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta agus á dhéanamh maidir le caomhnú agus buanú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Ní mór a rá freisin go mbeidh mé sásta i gcónaí scrúdú a dhéanamh ar mholtaí nua chun na spriocanna seo a bhaint amach. Ar ndóigh, tá rath na hoibre seo trí chéile ag brath cuid mhaith ar thacaíocht agus comhoibriú ó phobal na Gaeltachta iad féin, chomh maith leis na páirtithe leasmhara uile a bhfuil baint acu le ceist na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.

Departmental Bodies.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

95 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in regard to the latest work of the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27972/04]

I refer the Deputy to my reply on 5 October 2004 to Question No. 151 regarding the work of the Western Development Commission. There has been no significant change since.

Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has utilised funds from the dormant accounts fund to assist urban or rural community groups in the fight against drugs; if he intends to take further significant initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27945/04]

John McGuinness

Ceist:

267 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board has further funds to allocate; if new applications will be invited from interested groups; if so, when; the criteria used to assess applications and disburse the funds; the reason certain counties that submitted applications received no funding; if he intends to change the process for future allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 267 together.

Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board has engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer this initial round of funding on its behalf and the process of assessing and approving applications received is ongoing. The Government announced in June 2004 an increase in the overall amount that the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board may spend from €30 million to €60 million under the initial round of funding. To date, the board has approved 318 projects for funding totalling approximately €30 million. Over the coming months, further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million.

The bulk of dormant accounts funding is initially being targeted at areas designated as disadvantaged, that is, RAPID, CLÁR and drugs task force areas. Within those parameters, it is anticipated that a balanced regional distribution of funding will be achieved when the board has allocated the full amount available for disbursement under this round of funding. The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 24 June 2004 fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December last following its review of arrangements in relation to dormant accounts funding. The Bill proposes key changes to the role of the board and in relation to decision making on disbursements. The Bill is before the Oireachtas. Subject to its enactment, a further round of applications for funding may be anticipated during 2005.

Community Development.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

98 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Tallaght west childhood development initiative; his views on the serious picture of inequality and social deprivation in some areas of Tallaght depicted in the report; the action he plans to take on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27990/04]

I refer the Deputy to the motion on this matter taken in the House on 27 and 28 October 2004 to which I gave a detailed response.

Foclóir Béarla-Gaeilge.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

99 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta i leith an fhoclóra leictreonaigh Béarla-Gaeilge atá idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [27959/04]

Tá céim a haon, céim na pleanála agus an dearaidh theicniúil, de thionscadal an Fhoclóra Béarla-Gaeilge ag druidim chun deiridh. Beifear ag fógairt comórtas tairisceana poiblí i dtaca le céim a dó den tionscadal, céim an tiomsaithe, go luath agus táthar ag súil nuair a bheidh an plé ar fad le hábhar conraitheoirí curtha i gcrích go gcuirfear tús leis an obair ar an gcéim seo faoi thús an tsamhraidh 2005.

Proposed Legislation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

100 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is his intention that the proposed regulatory body in the promised charities legislation will have the power to publish a league table of charities to allow for more public information regarding the way in which money is spent by charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27994/04]

In response to Question No. 132 on this subject tabled by Deputy O'Shea on 5 October 2004, I indicated that, as signalled in the consultation paper on establishing a modern statutory framework for charites, the proposed regulatory body would be tasked with issuing performance reports on areas of the charities sector and that I would expect matters such as the publication of league tables to come under this aspect of its responsibilities.

Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 80.

Community Development.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

102 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has addressed the apparent anomaly whereby communities that have met the criteria for inclusion in the RAPID programme were omitted from strand I due to their inclusion in the URBAN two programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27977/04]

While I have no plans to expand the RAPID programme, I am aware that Ballyfermot met the criteria for inclusion in strand I of the RAPID programme but was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme. I am examining this apparent anomaly.

Departmental Bodies.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

103 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in the clarification and updating of the functions of Udaras na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27993/04]

It is proposed to clarify and update issues relating to the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta and to consolidate the existing body of legislation. Departmental officials are examining the various issues in association with an tÚdarás and other relevant stakeholders. As part of the process, I intend to initiate a public consultation shortly. I hope to bring proposals to Government by next summer.

Community Development.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

104 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the definition of “community” within his Department is strictly geographic; and if support is forthcoming from his Department on community groupings formed on any other basis. [28011/04]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

269 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the definition of “community” within his Department is strictly geographic; and if support is forthcoming from his Department on community groupings formed on any other basis. [28070/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 269 together.

Under the community development programme, funding is targeted at the support of disadvantaged and socially excluded communities. The network of 175 community development resource centres and projects consists of both locally-based communities and communities of interest. A number of projects with a national remit are receiving funding under the programme, including the national Traveller women's forum, the Bosnian CDP, the senior citizens parliament and Interaction. In addition, funding is also provided to Women's Aid, Pavee Point and the national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism towards the specialist support needs of projects in the programme.

Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

106 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the rural social scheme; when the scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27978/04]

John Gormley

Ceist:

115 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the uptake of places being provided through the rural social scheme. [28018/04]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

268 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of participants per county in the new rural social scheme as announced in budget 2004; and the total expenditure to date on this scheme. [28209/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 115 and 268 together.

The rural social scheme was introduced on a phased basis for the LEADER companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta from May 2004. The scheme is available throughout the country. A total of 509 participants have commenced on the scheme and a further 498 places have been allocated to participants who will commence on the scheme this month. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of scheme participants per county:

County

No. of Participants

Cavan

1

Clare

54

Cork

32

Donegal

38

Galway

58

Kerry

73

Leitrim

74

Limerick

9

Mayo

90

Roscommon

76

Sligo

3

Tipperary

1

It is expected that all 2,500 participants will have commenced on the scheme no later than the end of January 2005. The total expenditure by my Department to date on the scheme is, €1,587,508.00.

Íocaíochtaí Deontais.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

107 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cént-idirphlé a bhí aige le déanaí, nó atá á phleanáil, a bhaineann le soláthar deontas ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go mór mór i dtaobh an nuachtáin a chuireann nuachtán laethúil le 11 phost ar fáil. [27951/04]

Tuigfidh an Teachta gur ceist d'Fhoras na Gaeilge féin cinntí a dhéanamh maidir le soláthar deontas, i gcomhréir leis an réimse reachtúil ina fheidhmíonn sé agus na Pleananna Oibre agus Corporáide atá aige. Maidir le , tuigtear dom go dtugann Foras na Gaeilge deontas forbartha do Phreas an Phobail chun cúig eagrán den nuachtáin laethúil a fhoilsiú in aghaidh na seachtaine. Faoi láthair, tá measúnú neamhspleách á dhéanamh ag Foras na Gaeilge ar an togra agus, bunaithe ar thorthaí an mheasúnaithe seo, déanfaidh bord an fhorais cinneadh maidir le maoiniú don nuachtán sa todhchaí.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

108 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of projects allocated funding by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board; if the board has allocated funding up to €60 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27989/04]

The Government announced an increase in the overall amount that the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board may spend from €30 million to €60 million in June 2004. The board has engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer this round of funding on its behalf. The board has approved 318 projects for funding totalling approximately €30 million to date. The details of these approvals, including the names of the individual organisations and the specific grant amounts follow. Over the coming months, further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million.

Appendix

List of Approved Grants.

Group/Organisation

Grant (€)

Proposal Description

Wexford Borough Council

160,000.00

Provision of three play areas within local disadvantaged estates

Co. Roscommon Higher Education Centre

104,000.00

Establishment of a centre to provide a range of third level certified courses for mature students

Donegal Youth Information Centre

37,450.00

For the provision of a computer clubhouse to provide an outreach service to young people in South and West Donegal.

ÉIRÍ Corca Baiscinn, Kilkee, Co Clare

58,000.00

Providing a full-time youth worker for Kilrush town

Éirí Corca Baiscinn

47,000.00

To provide supports to increase the employability of rural adults

North & West Connemara Rural Project Ltd

120,200.00

To develop and expand the Social Care programme with older people and persons with a disability throughout North West Connemara.

Bantry Integrated Development Group

327,000.00

To develop a structure of home visits for people in isolated areas of West Cork.

Frenchpark & Districts Childcare, Roscommon

190,000.00

Equipping and fitting out Frenchpark Childcare facility

Inishowen Women’s Information Network, Lifford, Co Donegal

100,000.00

Employing two staff

Ballyfermot Youth Services, Dublin 10

34,000.00

Providing computer training

Labre Park After Schools Programme Ballyfermot, Dublin 8

158,920.00

Supporting a group of young boys in transferring successfully from Primary School to second level education

FACT Ballincollig Family Resource Centre LTD, Co Cork

60,000.00

Providing an Education Disadvantage Intervention Service

St. Laurence O’Toole GAA Club

170,000.00

Floodlit all weather training facility

Mountwood Fitzgerald Park Community Development Project

127,500.00

To employ a family service Coordinator

Crosscare Aftercare Support Unit, Dublin 7

103,000.00

Development of community programmes to benefit young people

Youghal Youth Committee (Foróige), Co. Cork

130,000.00

Programme enabling at risk young people achieve optimum benefit from school

Mayfield Employment Action Project Ltd., Old Youghal Road, Co. Cork

5,231.00

Conduct study of community education needs

KDYS Youth Centre, Kerry

154,357.00

Responding to the personal, social, cultural and educational needs of young travellers

Nagle Centre, Slievekeale Rd, Waterford

89,578.00

Providing IT training

Knockanrawley Resource Centre Ltd., Tipperary Town

110,000.00

Providing integrated personal and educational development programmes

St. Saviours National School, Ballybeg, Waterford

35,636.00

Furnishing a ‘targeted’ room in the school for various uses

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service, Francis St., Wexford

53,601.00

Extending Coolcotts Community Youth Project

Youth New Ross, Co Wexford

121,565.00

Addressing educational disadvantage

Waterford Pathways, Manor St, Waterford

30,500.00

Delivering a programme dealing with early school leavers

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS, Tralee)

32,500.00

Developing a project focused on, the educational needs of young mothers

Drogheda Youth Development, Co Louth

167,920.00

Targeting young people to participate in training with the intention of breaking the cycle of educational disadvantage

Barnardo’s Carlow Family Support Project

19,000.00

Building a structure which will provide additional space and enhance existing use of premises and services

Athy Youth Project, Co Kildare

58,775.00

Recruiting a full-time community youth worker

Athy Travellers’ Club, Co Kildare

50,420.00

Setting up a ‘Breakfast and after schools project’ for Traveller children aged from 5-16 who live in the Athy region

Wexford Education Network

149,616.00

Employing project workers to monitor attendance and track potential early school leavers at primary and post primary level

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service

131,000.00

Employ outreach worker for drugs education/prevention

St. Paul’s Scout Unit, Lisduggan, Waterford

95,000.00

Scout hall renovation

Mallow Daycare Centre, Cork

6,029.75

Provision of furniture for daycare extension

Tralee Community Development Project Ltd., Kerry

199,912.05

Refurbishment of first floor of centre

Monsignor McCarthy Steering Committee, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

110,300.00

Renovations to existing community recreational facility

Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group, Limerick

122,772.00

Refurbishment to provide a youth/sport facility

Clonmel Celtic Football Club, Tipperary

49,000.00

Construction of a sports pavilion

St. Oliver’s Community Management Committee

6,068.00

To repair the roof at St. Oliver’s Community Centre

Mayfield Community Adult Learning Project

7,874.00

Equip community resource centre computer room

Avondhu Dev. Group Ltd.

147,299.00

To implement ‘integrate Mallow’ project

Longford Women’s Link, Ardnacassa Ave, Longford.

84,272.00

For the employment of a Domestic Violence Outreach Worker

Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre

95,800.00

To employ two part-time counsellors

Bedford Row Family Centre, Limerick City

70,941.00

Maintaining and developing a hospitality information support and referral service

Clare Youth Service, Ennis, Co Clare

78,828.00

Employing a youth worker to work in Ennis

Tallaght West Education Support Forum, Dublin 24

52,300.00

Training programme for isolated women

Futurama Out of School Transition Initiative, Dublin

190,000.00

Extension of support programme for 12 to 15 year olds who have left, or are at risk of leaving, formal education

Blanchardstown Travellers Support Group, Dublin 15

106,300.00

Hiring a worker

Little Bray Family Resource Centre, Co Wicklow

75,288.00

Providing accessible educational courses for parents and young adults

Tallaght Intercultural Action, Dublin 24

130,000.00

Employing an Intercultural Education Co-ordinator

Dillon’s Cross/Post Release Project, Cork

34,133.00

Providing education/training to ex-prisoners and their families

Ballymun Job Centre, Dublin 11

79,127.00

Providing support, guidance and structured interventions for young early school leavers

Community Women’s Education Initiative Ltd, Lr. John St. Cork

24,726.00

Delivering a community education programme

Barnardo’s Childrens Services Dublin North, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

80,000.00

Employing project worker and assistant

Blakestown and Mountview Youth Initiative, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

78,742.00

Employing of a Resource Teacher

Dolphin House Community Development Association, Rialto, Dublin 8

118,000.00

Providing training in all aspects of IT, from basic computer skills to web design

Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service, Dublin 17

84,000.00

Recruiting a project worker

Dublin Aids Aliance (DAA) LTD, Parnell Sq, Dublin 1

41,000.00

Training young people in peer education

Larkin/ Shelbourne Project, Dublin 1

100,000.00

Enabling young boys/girls, who have a talent for football, to avail of the coaching expertise of Shelbourne Football Club through the “Learning through Soccer” programme and continue their education to Junior Cert level at least

Fettercairn Youth Horse Programme, Tallaght, Dublin 24

184,314.00

Developing outreach action aimed at seeking the participation of the most marginalised group (including potential and early school-leavers, travellers, young people with disabilities, and young people at risk) within the West Tallaght area using horse care as the medium

St. Andrew’s Resource Centre, Pearse St, Dublin 2

125,200.00

Providing computer training

Mellow Springs Childcare Dev, Finglas, Dublin 11

85,790.00

Setting up a language and creativity room

O’Devaney Gardens Forum, Dublin 7

66,943.00

Running after schools activities for children in O’Devaney Gardens aged between 5-10 years

Youth Horizons, Dublin 24

45,000.00

Developing a project which focuses on two areas of assessed need for young people, IT training and sessional counselling

Loreto Centre, Dublin 12

48,148.00

Employing a part-time support worker to assist the coordinator in the delivery of Diploma in Women’s Studies

Dime Project Advisory Committee, Dublin 1

135,318.00

Developing and implementing needs based programmes, in the North Inner City of Dublin

Fingal ICTU Centre for the Unemployed, Finglas, Dublin 11

100,878.00

Enhancing and expanding the opt-in programme

Adventure Sport Project, Dublin 1

113,680.00

Providing an issue-based sports youth programme for young females age between 11-17 years in an after school environment in the North Inner City area of Dublin

St. Vincent de Paul, Cork

20,000.00

Providing a part-time outreach worker in Cork

Gateway Project, Dublin 7

6,900.00

Providing new equipment and furniture

Collinstown Park School Completion Programme

71,500.00

To employ a full-time youth worker to work directly with Collinstown Park Community College to implement school-based youth work activities

Scoil na Croise Naofa, Mahon, Co Cork

10,000.00

Purchasing new computers

Tallaght Volunteer Bureau, Dublin 24

46,762.00

Employing a supported volunteering officer

Merchants Quay Project, Dublin 8

157,709.00

Managing drug-related neighbourhood programme

Clonliffe and Croke Park Community Hall

15,000.00

Towards the initial cost of equipment to furnish the community centre

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre

80,000.00

To provide a salary for one counsellor for two years to counsel young people under 18 and their parents

Irish Traveller Movement, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

129,510.00

Implementing an education programme

Board of Management of Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre, Killarney, Co Kerry

20,000.00

Providing a Homework Support Club

Tramore YDP — Foróige, Co Waterford

161,625.00

Increasing targeted young people’s participation in school through individual, group and family support

Kildare Youth Services (Curragh Youth Project)

81,226.00

Recruiting a community youth worker to work with young people at risk of early school leaving in the Curragh

Rosemount Community Dev Group, Dublin 14

50,974.00

Providing homework support for primary and post primary students who live in the Dundrum area of Dublin

Taghmon Action Group, Co Wexford

70,000.00

Implementing an integrated, community-based programme to tackle three specific aspects of educational disadvantage in Taghmon

Mountmellick Development Association

60,332.60

Building renovations to ensure accessibility for persons with a disability

Co. Wexford Community Workshop, Enniscorthy

250,000.00

Provision of sports facility for persons with a disability

Irish Rural Link, Moate, Co. Westmeath

45,109.61

Building renovations to ensure accessibility for persons with a disability

Ballyowens Meadow School, Stillorgan, Dublin

50,000.00

Building an outdoor playground for autistic children

The Swan Group, Sligo

3,053.00

Supporting the local community in being independent and providing a “sound beam” for use with adults with complex needs

AWARE, Dublin 2

141,000.00

Expansion of an awareness programme about depression and suicide to both non-mainstream and mainstream schools

The Autistic Outreach Unit

20,000.00

To provide a special educational unit with equipment for autistic children and children with special needs within the Co. Tipperary area

The Linkup Project

24,000.00

To provide an adult literacy tutor training program for 20 deaf adults

The Alzheimers Society of Ireland

25,000.00

To facilitate the centre to open 5 days per week

Leitrim County Council

40,000.00

Renovations to Drumshanbo outdoor swimming pool

Sligo County Council

117,800.00

Development of urban regeneration plan for Cranmore area

TASS (Target After School Service), Drogheda

122,750.00

Providing targeted children with after school support

Family-School-Community Educational Disadvantage Partnership, Limerick

331,396.00

Setting up intervention projects for disadvantaged pupils

Families and Schools Together, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

77,245.00

Employing a project worker

National College of Ireland, Mayor St, Dublin 1

33,950.00

Providing educational mentoring

St. Peter Apostle JNS, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

41,000.00

Provision of breakfast for school children and cooking facilities for after school clubs

TOFE Program ( School Completion Prog), Dublin 15

37,600.00

Purchasing a bus to collect targeted students who have very high rates of absenteeism

Learning Through Arts Scholarship Programme, Dublin 1

91,000.00

Providing ‘The Learning through Arts Scholarship Programme’ for pupils from disadvantaged schools throughout Dublin

Our Lady Immaculate Junior National School, Darndale, Dublin 17

10,000.00

Refurbishment and equipping the school library

Castlecomer Community School, Co. Kilkenny

147,640.00

Establishing the current educational disadvantage project in two other key locations in the catchment area

Clonmel Borough Council/SEHB

7,449.38

For a marked play space for children and young people

Clonmel Borough Council

74,431.03

For the development of a playground for children and young people.

Waterford City Council

200,000.00

Creation of two playground areas and upgrading of surrounding area

Cavan County Council

278,210.00

Development of a coordinated and integrated youth service for all, particularly those classified as difficult to reach

Clonmel Borough Council

3,375.90

Provision of notice boards to enable communities access to information about service provision, community activity and training and other opportunities

Sligo Borough Council

203,280.00

To develop the foreshore area, for recreational and amenity purposes around a large local authority estate on the northern suburb of Sligo town

Tralee Town Council

175,000.00

Developing the green area in St. Martins Park

Ennis Town Council, Clare

278,764.79

Development of a recreational sports facility

County Leitrim Partnership Ltd.

73,991.00

Providing education and training opportunities to increase employment

Tralee Learning Together Network

137,500.00

Extending after school study support programmes in the 3 RAPID areas of Tralee and Ardfert rural community

Drogheda Northside Partnership (DNCP), Co. Louth

41,000.00

Employing a family counsellor to work with the children and the families attending the eight primary schools on the North side of Drogheda town

Galway Rural Development

430,000.00

To establish a service that will enable greater co-ordination and integration of educational service provision in Tuam and Ballinasloe.

Clondalkin Community Health Initiative, Dublin 22

133,230.00

Pilot project to increase awareness of health issues, deliver health programmes, train local people as trainers and develop a local health alliance

Emotional Behavioural Difficulties Project, Dublin 22

141,358.00

Introducing the Incredible Years Child, Parent & Teacher Training programmes into schools and community organisations

The Glen CDP, Cork

6,000.00

Purchasing computers

The Larkin Centre, 57-58 North Strand Road, Dublin 3

147,700.00

Implementing a community arts programme

Ronanstown CDP/Womens Ed. Forum, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

79,670.00

Employing a development worker

North Clondalkin CDP/Campus

47,712.00

Developing a project addressing educational disadvantage which includes the employment of a Parent Resource worker

Northside Partnership

331,000.00

2 year pilot programme to reintegrate former drug misusers

The Glen CDP, Cork

67,637.00

The provision of an outreach/development support worker

Co-Operation Fingal, Co Dublin

66,000.00

Developing a tracking system for young people at risk of dropping out of the education system

Borrisokane Area Network Development Co., Co. Tipperary

3,000.00

Providing an ‘Art for Youth’ project which will target disadvantaged children between the ages of 7-12 years of age

Borrisokane AND Company Ltd., Co. Tipperary

17,687.00

Employing a youth worker to develop a new after-school club in Kilbarron and extend existing club in Borrisokane

Wicklow Working Together Ltd.

22,500.00

The creation of a therapeutic room to provide more therapeutic support for children and as a place in which to carry out assessments

National Adult Literacy Agency, Dublin 1

69,555.00

Develop literacy CD

South Westmeath Literacy Scheme, Athlone

17,500.00

Assistance for After Schools Programme

City of Galway VEC

20,214.00

Helping young people complete FETAC accredited modules

Literacy Service, Co Westmeath VEC

116,000.00

Co-ordinating a Family Learning project in areas of geographical disadvantage

North Cork Adult Basic Education Service, Mallow

49,331.00

Education programme for adults who missed out on second-level education

City of Limerick VEC Adult Education Service

249,540.00

Development of new services and consolidation of existing services

Vocational School Abbeyfeale, Limerick

9,600.00

Providing a homework club for disadvantaged students

Junior Certificate School Programme Demonstration Library Project, Dublin 12

113,500.00

Providing a further 5 schools in disadvantaged areas with a high quality school library, staffed by a full-time professional librarian

Senior Citizens Social Housing Unit Beaufort, Dún Laoghaire

3,500.00

providing laundry facilities for elderly residents of Beaufort

Kerry Adolescent Counselling Service, Tralee, Co Kerry

35,000.00

extending its current bereavement & counselling service by providing a preventative suicide outreach programme for young people

The Midland Health Board Steering Group on Suicide, Portlaoise, Co Laois

14,264.00

providing a means of disposal of unused medications in order to limit access to means of self-harm

SAOL, Dublin 1

105,500.00

provision of training in suicide prevention and drug misuse prevention

Loughlinstown Community Rooms, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

20,247.00

providing furniture and equipment and security shuttering

Ógra Chorcaí Ltd,Cork City

200,775.00

refurbishment of a building

Smashing Times Theatre Company Ltd, Dublin 7

79,990.00

raising awareness of the issues surrounding suicide through the medium of drama

Common Ground Ltd,10 Grattan Crescent, Dublin 8

32,333.00

developing a drama and visual arts project

Comhar Chathair Chorcaí, Mallow Rd, Cork City

10,750.00

creating awareness of the work of carers

Dominican Day Centre for Senior Citizens, Dublin 1

10,696.00

carrying out building renovation works

Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway City

81,879.00

provision of a counselling and support service for female survivors of sexual violence

Mulhuddart Resource Centre, Dublin 15

2,500.00

refurbishment and decoration of two rooms in centre

Mulhuddart Corduff Community Drug Team, Dublin 15

13,080.00

providing training courses for drug misusers

Vista Community Development Project, Dublin 8

8,000.00

expanding the range of play club activities provided

CANDO Ltd, Dublin Rd, Carlow Town

6,000.00

providing playground markings in two schools and two communities in Carlow

Mountview Senior Citizens Support Group, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

15,000.00

providing a free and confidential telephone alert/good neighbour service for older people and those vulnerable to social isolation

Streetline Ltd, Dublin 1

25,000.00

funding a residential project providing accommodation and care to young people

West Cork Carers Support Group Ltd, Bantry, Co Cork

81,580.00

developing a support service to meet the needs of carers in an isolated rural area of West Cork

TRAIL, Dublin 1

80,000.00

providing accommodation and support for prisoners who are homeless on release from prison

Samaritans, 112 Marlborough St, Dublin 1

97,998.00

awareness raising, volunteer targeting and volunteer training programme

Dublin Simon Community, Dublin1

160,885.00

developing a non residential community based aftercare programme for homeless people

The National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Services, Athlone, Co Westmeath

45,000.00

developing programmes of work in the area of women’s domestic violence support services in Ireland

Longford Community Resources Ltd, Longford Town

150,376.00

developing a community development programme in specific areas of disadvantage

Youth Projects Network, Dublin North-East Inner City, Dublin 3

39,900.00

providing a transport service for the participants in activities and programmes delivered by neighbourhood youth projects

Killinarden Drug Primary Prevention Group, Tallaght, Dublin 24

40,000.00

funding personal development, education and training for new facilitators

Finglas Cabra Partnership Finglas RAPID Programme, Finglas, Dublin 11

107,865.00

developing programmes for elderly residents within the Finglas area

Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

25,846.00

refurbishing the premises to acceptable safety standards

Kerry Respite Care Ltd, Co Kerry

118,987.00

developing the respite care and personal care service

Finglas Sports Development Group, Finglas West, Dublin 11

26,160.00

developing a ‘Teen Gym’ for young teenagers from 14 to 18 years in the Finglas area

Southern Health Board, Tralee, Co Kerry

7,500.00

developing a Springboard Initiative in Tralee

Leenane Development Association, Leenane, Co Galway

7,040.00

developing a playground

Drogheda Borough Council, Drogheda, Co Louth

18,000.00

developing a playground

Catherine McAuley Centre, Dublin 2

68,208.00

setting up support and integration groups for women asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants

ADAPT (Limerick), Limerick City

285,000.00

fitting out newly constructed apartments and outreach facilities to assist women who are homeless and/or disadvantaged due to domestic abuse

An Síol Senior Citizens Project, Dublin 7

38,000.00

providing transport service for elderly people

The Traveller Visibilty Group, The Glen, Cork City

5,580.00

providing supports for the Farranree Traveller Women’s Health and Social Group

Franciscan Social Justice Initiatives, Dublin 8

93,541.00

providing support services for homeless people

Longford Community Resources Ltd, Longford Town

110,354.00

establishing a youth service in the area

Carrick-on-Suir Neighbourhood Youth Project, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary

89,561.00

developing an early pregnancy prevention programme

St. Brendan’s The Glen Snr. Citizens, Cork City

30,000.00

providing support services and activites for the elderly in the Glen and surrounding areas

Carrick-on-Shannon Active Age Group, Co Leitrim

5,882.00

purchasing additional equipment for the benefit of the group’s participants

Watergate Muintir Community Council, Limerick City

71,600.00

developing community structures in disadvantaged areas

Awareness Education Office, Dublin 7

105,500.00

expanding service delivery in the areas of suicide, bullying and relationships

Whitefriar St Community Education & Development Project, Dublin 2

4,350.00

providing office and kitchen equipment

Cairde, Dublin 1

76,072.00

provision of public service information to ethnic minorities

Galway Refugee Support Group, Headford Road, Galway City

82,710.00

developing programmes that help refugees integrate into the local community

Mulhuddart Lifestart, Dublin 15

79,090.00

providing support to parents of young children

Dublin North East Community Communications Co-Operative, Bunratty Road, Dublin 17

126,000.00

providing IT training

Dóchas Family Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

200,000.00

providing appropriate facilities to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to centre and provision of additional space

After Care Recovery Group Ltd, Dublin 1

28,653.00

fitting out premises

Adrigole Family Resource Centre, Beara, Co Cork

7,200.00

providing accommodation to facilitate a Community Education programme at local level

2nd Galway Tuam Scouts SI, Co Galway

110,000.00

renovating an existing hall for use for the Scouting Organisation in Tuam

Togher Wednesday Social Group, Co Cork

4,000.00

producing a regular News Letter

Little Bray Family Resource Centre, Bray Co Wicklow

62,940.00

developing the Centre’s Little Bray Youth Project

Kerry Suicide Support Group, Castleisland, Co Kerry

42,000.00

training volunteers in peer support and information dissemination

Foróige, Rockwood Parade Sligo Town

101,280.00

rolling out the ‘Big Brother / Big Sister’ (BBBS) programme in the Sligo town area

Carlow Regional Youth Services Ltd, Carlow Town

64,699.00

providing targeted youth work among the most at risk young people in the Graiguecullen RAPID area of Carlow town

Corduff Community Resource Centre, Corduff Dublin 15

30,000.00

extending the centre’s coffee shop and providing additional facilities

Cork Threshold Housing Advice Service,

174,303.00

extending the existing service to homeless persons

Millennium Holiday Home Project,

17,500.00

refurbishing and providing furniture for residence used to provide holidays for disadvantaged families

Catholic Youth Care/Bray Outdoor Pursuits Project, Bray Co Wicklow

78,150.00

expansion of existing programmes for young people to learn outdoor pursuits and adventure activities

MAAN Group, Dublin 22

162,500.00

completing an improved sports facilities at Corcaigh Park in Clondalkin

Neighbourhood Youth Project, Castlerea Co Roscommon

10,000.00

equipping the groups new premises and some programme funding

Tallaght Homeless Advice Unit, Tallaght Dublin 24

155,000.00

providing funding to allow the group move to new dedicated premises and to develop the services provided

Tallaght Homeless Advice Unit, Tallaght Dublin 24

90,658.00

providing information, advice, advocacy and crisis intervention to persons homeless or at risk of homelessness

Parasuicide Intervention Study Group, Wilton, Cork City

96,900.00

an evaluation of a large-scale intervention programme for parasuicide

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS, Killarney), Killarney, Co Kerry

120,000.00

delivering a range of Youth Projects in response to the identified needs of young people

Doras Luimní, South Circular Rd Limerick City

41,754.00

providing an information and advice service to asylum seekers

Socially Inclusive Health Centre — SWAHB, Dublin 12

130,500.00

developing a model of a Socially Inclusive Health Centre

Anna Liffey Drug Project, Dublin 1

35,000.00

developing a research project to produce an inter-agency plan to address needs of homeless drug users

Dublin 15 Playground Action Group, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

26,800.00

developing two innovative play areas for children

Blakestown Community Resource Centre, Blakestown, Dublin 15

134,000.00

refurbishing part of the resource centre in order to expand range of services offered

Farranree Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Project, Farranree, Cork City

21,180.00

developing computer services and recreational facility

Ballybane/Mervue Community Development Project, Galway City

107,423.00

developing a resource programme for men in two designated areas of Galway City

Cumas and Cairdeas, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

13,400.00

refurbishing and providing equipment for premises

Bray Community Enterprise, Bray, Co Wicklow

55,600.00

reducing isolation by teaching people about e-mail and the internet

Crumlin Sports Employment Project, Dublin 6W

60,000.00

managing the new all weather facility in Willie Pearse Park

Inishowen Partnership Company, Buncrana, Co Donegal

4,500.00

providing information and support to socially isolated farm and fishing families

St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre, Carlow Town

11,000.00

providing enhanced security measures at the centre

North Wall Womens Centre, Dublin 1

119,700.00

re-developing the premises

Ballymoe Development Centre Ltd, Galway City

60,000.00

developing a community based playground on a green area adjacent to Ballymoe Development Centre

Deora Project, Seville Place, Dublin 1

45,000.00

developing and expanding the existing bereavement counselling service

Duhallow Carers Network, Mallow, Co Cork

950.00

organising a Patient Moving and Handling Course for carers in the area

Loughlinstown Playgroup Development Group, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin

51,250.00

developing a purpose built play facility

Harmony Community Development Programme, Athlone, Co Westmeath

110,151.00

supporting a Development Worker, to work with the traveller community in Athlone

Mahon Resource Centre Ltd, Cork City

141,205.00

completing the construction and equipping of a purpose-built Family Resource Centre.

Basement Project Trading as Mountwood Fitzgerald Park CDP, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

300,000.00

building a new Community Centre

Homeless Network, Cope Street, Dublin 2

132,492.00

developing and strengthening the homeless network to facilitate it to participate more effectively in the partnership structures of the Homeless Agency

Community After Schools Project (CASPr), Dublin 1

40,000.00

replacing mini bus and purchasing musical instruments

Mayfield Community Arts Centre, Newbury House, Mayfield, Cork City

45,000.00

part funding extension of premises

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Company Limited, Mulranny Co. Mayo

152,310.00

extending the services offered by the Centre

Limerick Travellers Development Group, Limerick City

41,000.00

self-improvement and development of Travellers in the Limerick area

Vita House Family Centre, Roscommon Town

65,000.00

providing counselling services and development programmes

Bunratty Road Tenants Association, Coolock, Dublin 17

38,860.00

erecting CCTV to cover the Stardust Memorial Park

Hillside Club, Ballinalee, Co Longford

1,000.00

providing local transport to members to facilitate their attendance at club meetings and outings

Churchfield Community Trust, Cork City

172,520.00

further extending the services and support offered to young men within the project and to those who leave and move on to work

Cope — Meals on Wheels, Tuam Road Galway City

90,750.00

renovating and refurbishing kitchen

Sligo Northside Community Partnership Ltd, Sligo Town

129,010.00

consolidating and developing programmes and activities for young people in Sligo North Ward

Rahoon Family Centre, Galway

15,383.00

running a series of workshops to support and aid parents

Roma Support Group, Dublin 1

65,000.00

supporting the development of Roma network and profile in Ireland

Dublin Community Games, Dublin7

70,000.00

introducing children to sports and cultural activities in six identified areas in Tallaght and Clondalkin

Huntington’s Disease Association of Ireland, Dublin 7

3,536.00

improving and enhancing a library of information on all aspects of Huntington’s Disease

KARE, Co Kildare

194,000.00

installing a lift

Delta Centre Ltd, Carlow Town

200,000.00

providing a sensory theatre building

Co-operation Fingal, Balbriggan Co Dublin

171,616.00

establishing a holistic information, training and support service for people with disabilities in North Fingal

ROSEQUAL Ltd, Roscommon Town

21,374.00

providing capital funding for its Community Radio programme

Walkinstown Association for Handicapped People Ltd, Dublin 12

8,800.00

provision of literacy and numeracy training to adults with an intellectual disability and to purchase literacy teaching materials

Walkinstown Association for Handicapped People Ltd, Dublin 12

50,000.00

renovating a four-bedroomed house to be used as a residential house for people with intellectual disabilities

Disability Federation of Ireland, Fumbally Lane Dublin 8

79,850.00

providing training and advice to disability organisations and people with disabilities on how they can improve upon their advocacy skills

Avondhu Development Group Ltd, Mallow, Co Cork

20,777.00

providing a fully accessible bus for an integrated transport project

Employ Ability Ltd, Old Naas Road Dublin 12

144,830.00

providing employment support to people who have significant support needs or disabilities

Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

97,576.00

developing local befriending supports for people with a mental illness

Spinal Injuries Action Association, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

66,312.00

supporting people with spinal injuries to become active again through new sports and activities

Kilcannon Industries Limited, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

250,000.00

constructing a training room, restaurant facilities and toilets for persons with a disability

Ballincollig Child and Family Clinic, Ballincollig, Co Cork

10,234.00

purchasing snoezelen and other sensory equipment to assist children with intellectual disabilities

Waterford Befriending Project, Tramore Co Waterford

60,000.00

developing a befriending scheme to assist mental health service users

St. Mary’s Hall Committee, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim

20,000.00

refurbishment of a building

Aspire, the Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland, Dublin 7

22,200.00

developing a social and communicative group development programme for people with Asperger Syndrome

Service Users Forum-South East Region, Kilkenny City

34,000.00

developing and implementing a leadership model of training to members of the existing service users forum

Schizophrenia Ireland, Dublin 7

30,500.00

the expansion of the national lo call Information Helpline

Myasthenia Gravis Association, Ennis, Co Clare

6,000.00

an awareness raising campaign about Myasthenia Gravis

Kilrush Family Resource Centre Ltd, Kilrush, Co Clare

21,000.00

the renovation of old toilet facilities to provide wheelchair and disabled accessibility

Walkinstown Association for Handicapped People Ltd, Dublin 12

10,000.00

providing advocacy training for staff and self-advocacy training for service-users

Board of Management, Our Lady of Good Counsel Special School, Ballincollig, Co Cork

17,902.00

purchasing a minibus

Cneasta, Buncrana, Co Donegal

52,500.00

start up costs for organisation representing people with disabilities

Brothers of Charity Services, Limerick Region, Limerick

60,599.00

providing Person Centred Planning for adults with an intellectual disability

North Western Health Board Assistive Technology Unit, Sligo Town

112,000.00

initiating an assistive technology service in Co Donegal to meet the needs of persons with a disability

Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Celbridge, Co Kildare

167,336.00

developing an IT/Computer Resource Centre with multi-media and assistive technology to teach computer skills to people with disabilities

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook, Dublin 4

78,555.00

provision of a driver for the wheelchair accessible vehicles

Hazel Day Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

22,700.00

developing the garden area of Hazel Day Hospital

AHEAD Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, Dublin 2

123,500.00

developing and implementing a career opportunities programme for students with disabilities in second level about career opportunities

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Co Kildare

300,000.00

contributing to the capital costs of providing purpose-built accommodation for people with disabilities

Ballyduff National School, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford

21,000.00

establishing play area for children with autistic spectrum disorders

Aiséirí Treatment Centre, Cahir, Co Tipperary

47,000.00

building on a bedroom with en suite facilities for persons with special needs and other works to make the building more accessible

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon Town

7,500.00

creating an organic garden for use by people with intellectual disabilities

RehabCare, Sandymount, Dublin4

45,277.00

developing and delivering a leadership development course for adults with disabilities and for parents of young children with disabilities

Easi Access Transport Ltd, Bray Co Wicklow

129,894.00

providing transport services for persons with a disability

Lucan Disability Action Group Ltd., Lucan, Co Dublin

22,900.00

providing transport services for persons with a disability

Togher Family Centre, Togher, Co Cork

3,447.00

making the centre wheelchair accessible and purchase of a wheelchair

Ability Enterprises Ltd, Ballindine, Co Mayo

41,441.00

purchasing an accessible minibus and selective aids for students with disabilities

North West Parents and Friends, Sligo Town

110,000.00

modernising existing building used to provide services for children and adults with learning disabilities

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon, Roscommon Town

161,862.00

providing services to people with an intellectual disability and autism

Marian Centre Special School, Tullamore, Co Offaly

60,000.00

purchasing a bus which is accessible to persons with a disability

Avondhu Development Group, Mallow, Co Cork

36,663.00

improving the participation of people with hearing impairments/deafness in society through promoting the understanding and use of Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre Ltd, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

88,237.00

a capital project to develop the third floor of Cluain’s Training Centre

Blue Teapot Theatre Company, Renmore, Co Galway

45,722.00

funding a theatre project for learning disabled and to purchase a van for the theatre company.

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association Ltd, Ranelagh Dublin 6

11,117.00

installation of an improved security system for residents

Irish Wheelchair Association and National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Clane, Co Kildare

211,800.00

running a programme which will train people with disabilities as peer counsellors

County Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) Limited, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

115,000.00

upgrading existing residential areas for persons with intellectual disabilities

Western Care Association, Castlebar, Co Mayo

70,000.00

developing a Bocce court at St. John’s Day Service, Kiltimagh

Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability Ltd, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim

24,826.00

extending the educational services provided for children with special needs

Longford Dyslexia Association, Ballinalee, Co Longford

10,000.00

updating and restocking workshop resources

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association Ltd, Ranelagh Dublin 6

34,340.00

commissioning an “action van” to facilitate older people & adults with disabilities to stay in or return to their own home environments

Tír na nÓg Pre-School for Travelling Children, Ballyfermot Dublin 10

111,700.00

buying a larger, purpose built prefab for pre-school and creche

St. Fergal’s Resource Centre, Bray Co Wicklow

75,288.00

providing training programmes for parents and young adults

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd, Tallaght Dublin 24

62,346.00

providing an Early Childhood Development and Education Programme for pre-school children from the Tallaght West area

St. Teresa’s Gardens Environment and Employment Project, Dublin 8

7,741.00

running a course of recreational and educational activities for at risk teenagers

Dublin CABAS School Parent Group, Kilbarrack Dublin 5

49,884.00

extending the CABAS project assisting in the education of children with Autism

Pathways Through Education Community Links Programme, Dublin 1

212,571.00

providing support for students during the transition from primary to secondary schools

Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

102,173.00

providing transport services to disadvantaged school children

The Web Project, Taylors Lane, Dublin 16

17,000.00

provision of training and purchase of computers

Togher Family Centre After Schools Activity Programme, Togher, Cork City

29,620.00

employing a part-time project worker to work in the After Schools Activities Programme

Colaiste Eoin Secondary School/Co Cork VEC, Youghal, Co Cork

50,852.00

providing after school homework support and recreational activities for educationally disadvantaged children

Bray Adult Learning Centre, Co Wicklow VEC Adult Education Service, Co Wicklow

78,740.00

employing a Literacy Resource & Outreach Worker

Inishowen Partnership Company, Buncrana Co Donegal

6,000.00

providing IT training for older people living in Inishowen peninsula

Educational Disadvantage Centre, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

158,158.00

installing a sound field amplification system in eight schools and funding a research programme

Cherry Orchard Equine, Education and Training Centre, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

297,400.00

providing a range of activities for young people using horses as a medium for their education and development

Parkside Community Development Project Ltd, Ballina, Co Mayo

10,500.00

providing a community media resource, which will enable access to the medium of film, video and sound production

Kilbarrack CDP, Children’s Centre, Dublin 5

3,000.00

providing furniture, books and training materials

Board of Management St. John’s and St. Paul’s NS, Co Louth

104,700.00

developing and operating the Breakfast and Homework Club for two primary schools in disadvantaged areas

Board of Management, Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy, Co Kildare

41,000.00

upgrading the present kitchen, dining and storage facilities to current health and safety standards

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre, Limerick City

71,500.00

expanding the group’s present arts therapy services

Comhlamh, The Irish Association of Development Workers, Dublin 2

20,000.00

running a series of workshops in the South West Inner City RAPID area

St. Peter Apostle SNS, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

20,000.00

updating and modernising the school kitchen

ABAILE, Co Louth

54,894.00

setting up an outreach programme in conjunction with the Drogheda CABAS School

WESLIN — Waterford Early School Leaving Integrated Network, Waterford City

90,579.00

expanding the existing service to reduce the incidence of early school leaving

NWHB, Barrack St, Sligo Town

63,251.00

adapting and delivering the existing Lifestart programme to members of the Travelling Community in Sligo town

Kerry Education Service,Tralee, Co Kerry

144,000.00

providing training to men and women from the Travelling Community

Ballinasloe Community Resources Ltd, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

53,000.00

establishing a learning and study centre

Beara Youth Development Project (YDP) — Foróige, Castletownbere, Co Cork

108,000.00

employing a project worker to provide an outreach service to those experiencing crisis situations

Global Action Plan, Dublin 9

40,000.00

implementing projects, which raise environmental awareness among young people in the school and community context

Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Blackrock Branch, 34 Northumberland Ave, Dún Laoghaire

2,277,171.00

developing a National Alzheimer Centre

Waterford Local Economic Development Co Ltd, Kilbarry, Waterford

816,000.00

developing a multi-purpose sports facility

Garranabraher Churchfield Development Group, Garranabraher, Cork

485,000.00

development an refurbishment of Garranabraher Churchfield community facility

Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Co Dublin

783,000.00

capital development project

Totals

29,729,981.11

No. of Projects — 318

Question No. 109 answered with QuestionNo. 85.

Irish Language.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

110 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will elaborate on his comments in his letter in a newspaper (details supplied) on 31 October 2004, that people often profess to love the Irish language, yet at the same time object to money being spent to provide equality of service in the Irish language to Irish speakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27995/04]

The Deputy will appreciate that I was pointing out the inconsistency by those articulating a love of the language on the one hand, while objecting to money being spent to provide equality of service in Irish.

Community Development.

David Stanton

Ceist:

111 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which he supports the work of community councils; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27997/04]

My Department does not fund community councils. However, we fund the community development programme, CDP. The CDP supports locally-based groups involved in anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives in their communities so that they can contribute to a process of change in their areas and improve the quality of life of their communities. The CDP remit is to maintain an anti-poverty-anti-exclusion-anti-discrimination focus and to promote the participation of people experiencing poverty, exclusion and discrimination at all levels within the programme. A total of 175 projects are participating in the programme in urban and rural areas with a further 15 in the process of establishment. The total funding allocated in 2004 to the programme was €20.6 million.

Inland Waterways.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

112 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on his efforts to provide funding for the reopening of the Ulster Canal on either a phased or total basis; his views on whether this is a truly cross-Border project with the full support of all politicians and communities North and South; and his further views on whether this project would be of major benefit towards a proper tourism structure and therefore of major economic benefit to this hard-pressed Border area. [27837/04]

One of the functions of Waterways Ireland, one of the six North-South implementation bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, is to examine the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal. No decision has been taken to proceed with the restoration of the Ulster Canal. A study was commissioned which estimated the cost of the restoration of the full canal at approximately £90 million Sterling based on costs in 2000. The issues arising in regard to the Ulster Canal, including the question of whether a phased or partial approach to the matter might be feasible, are being considered by my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. The Deputy will appreciate that the question of allocating funding does not arise at this time.

Community Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

113 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27967/04]

I introduced the CLÁR programme in October 2001 to address depopulation as well as the decline and lack of services in rural areas. The agreed programme for Government contained a commitment to annual funding for the CLÁR programme and to consider additional areas for inclusion in light of the 2002 population census data. The Government decided on the additional areas for inclusion in the CLÁR programme and I announced these on 17 January 2003. Areas in 18 counties, amounting to a total population of 361,000, are included in the programme.

CLÁR funds or co-funds, together with other Departments, State agencies and local authorities, investment in selected priority developments. These investments are made through a series of more than 20 measures, which support physical, economic and social infrastructure such as electricity conversion, roads, water and sewerage, village, housing and schools enhancement, health, broadband and sports and community projects. The measures reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas whom I consulted at the start of the programme.

The measures were agreed with and are operated in tandem with the lead Departments, State agencies or public utilities, as appropriate. This ensures efficiency and effectiveness and meets the needs of the people in the CLÁR areas. I intend to continue this practice for new measures I may introduce, depending on identified needs. Equally, I will keep the operation of existing measures under review.

The merits of this practice are reflected in the successful delivery of the programme. Expenditure amounted to €14.14 million in 2002 and €8.613 million in 2003 which, it is estimated, secured a further €21 million in related public and private expenditure in these areas, which otherwise would have been bottom of the list for infrastructure investment. To date in 2004, more than €19 million has been allocated to the counties in CLÁR under the various measures operating under the programme. A number of measures operate on a two-year cycle, 2004 and 2005, and this is reflected in the funding allocated. The bulk of the approved funding in 2004 for other areas will not fall for payment in the same year, for example, top-up funding under the 2004 sports capital programme.

Tourism Industry.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

114 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has a strategy to promote agri-tourism; the value to the economy annually of agri-tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24498/04]

Under the area based rural development initiative, my Department provides some €30 million in funding for rural-agri-tourism over the period 2000 to 2006. This funding is made available to rural communities through their local Leader companies. The objectives of this funding include the development and enhancement of the rural-agri-tourism product range in an environmentally and sustainable way and the promotion and development of rural-agri-tourism in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and the regional tourism authorities.

My Department also provides a number of other supports to rural or agri-tourism including sponsorship of the national rural tourism awards, funding the western development tourism programme aimed at developing areas in the western counties which are underperforming in terms of tourism and the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe in relation to the development of a countryside recreation strategy.

Agri-tourism plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the rural economy. Work is under way on advancing performance indicators for various areas relating to the work of my Department. Matters such as the value to the economy of agri-tourism will be considered.

Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 106.

State Property.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

116 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding work being funded through his Department on the refurbishment of the old courthouse at Clifden, County Galway. [28013/04]

I introduced a scheme for the refurbishment of courthouses in CLÁR areas in 2003, for which funding of €300,000 was made available for 2003-04. The scheme is funded on the basis of €1 from CLÁR to every €2 from the Courts Service. The refurbishment works cover replacing windows and doors, painting, repairs to footpaths, general clean-up of grounds and minor improvements.

CLÁR funding of €50,000 was approved for Clifden Courthouse, County Galway, in October 2004 to enable interior refurbishment works of €150,000 to proceed. Works being carried out by the OPW are expected to be completed by end 2004.

Garda stations approved 2003

None in 2004.

County

Station

DED

Total Cost

Approved CLÁR Funding

CAVAN

Shercock

Shercock

20,000

6,666.67

CLARE

Miltown Malbay

Miltown Malbay

20,000

6,666.67

CORK

Goleen

Goleen

19,630

6,543.33

CORK

Boherboy

Boherboy

15,000

5,000.00

DONEGAL

Carrick

Glencolumbkille

20,000

6,666.67

GALWAY

Glenamaddy

Glenamaddy

20,000

6,666.67

KERRY

Castlegregory

Castlegregory

19,000

6,333.33

LIMERICK

Dolla

Dolla

20,000

6,666.67

LEITRIM

Cloone

Cloone

20,000

6,666.67

LOUTH

Omeath

Drummullagh

20,000

6,666.67

MAYO

Ballycroy

Ballycroy

20,000

6,666.67

Louisburg

Louisburg

16,000

5,333.33

ROSCOMMON

Keadue

Keadue

20,000

6,666.67

Loughlynn

Loughlynn

17,967

5,989.00

Ballaghadereen

Ballaghadereen

23,927

7,975.67

SLIGO

Skreen

Skreen

20,430

6,810.00

TOTAL

311,954

103,984.67

Courthouses approved 2003.

County

Courthouse

DED

Total Cost

Approved CLÁR Funding

DONEGAL

Glenties

Glenties

15,000

5,000

MAYO

Belmullet

Belmullet

300,000

100,000

TOTAL

315,000

105,000

Courthouses approved 2004.

County

Courthouse

DED

Total Cost

Approved CLÁR Funding

DONEGAL

Glenties

Glenties

65,000

21,666

GALWAY

Clifden

Clifden

150,000

50,000

WATERFORD

Lismore

Lismore Urban

500,000

100,000

TOTAL

715,000

171,667

Irish Language.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

117 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which grants under the language planning initiative were allocated to the five successful applicant groups; the way in which the spending of these grants will be monitored by his Department; when the next tranche of money will be allocated under the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27964/04]

The scheme in question initially provided for an annual grant of up to a maximum of €130,000 to community-based Gaeltacht organisations over a three-year period to assist in the preparation and implementation of an Irish language plan within their areas of operation. A total of €1.56 million was provided for this purpose.

Applications received under the scheme were assessed according to the following criteria: the fulfilment of the various conditions outlined in the application procedure; the manner in which the applicant intended to pursue and achieve the objectives of the project; the capacity and suitability of the organisation to carry out the project; the experience and competence of the organisation in the preparation and implementation of an appropriate language plan in the Gaeltacht; the level and appropriateness of the resources available for the project; value for money and overall cost to the Department on an annual basis. A total of three people — two from my own Department and one from Údarás na Gaeltachta — were involved in the evaluation of all applications received.

With regard to monitoring, it is intended that a language manager will be recruited in each case who will be responsible in the first instance to a local steering committee. This committee will include representatives of the local community, representatives of the organisation itself as well as regional officials from my Department and from Údarás na Gaeltachta and will meet on a regular basis to monitor progress. The various steering committees will then report periodically to a high level steering committee, which will include senior representatives of the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

This is a pilot scheme introduced by my Department this year as a result of the recommendations in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta. The provision of further funding will depend on the success of this initiative in meeting the goals set out in the various plans.

Question No. 118 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Decentralisation Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

119 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the decentralisation of his Department to Knock; the number of applications or expressions of interest which have been made to the central applications facility in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27969/04]

As I indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 142 and 231 of 5 October 2004, the progress of decentralisation in all Departments is guided by the overall implementation process being carried out centrally by the decentralisation implementation group. In that context, the following steps have been taken by my Department to advance the decentralisation process: a dedicated decentralisation unit was set up to manage the programme. The unit is staffed by a higher executive officer and a clerical officer, who report to the personnel officer. This unit has prepared and distributed to staff an information pack which includes a wide range of information on decentralisation areas relating to my Department's remit. The unit issues regular bulletins to staff with the most up to date information available on decentralisation and all documentation relating to the issue is made available on the public folders of my Department's e-mail system. A departmental decentralisation committee has been established to steer the decentralisation process within the Department. Membership of the committee is made up of senior management and staff. A liaison officer has been appointed to facilitate communication between the Department of Finance and my Department. Special meetings of my Department's partnership committee are held to specifically address issues arising from decentralisation and use is made of such meetings to ensure staff are kept informed on all aspects of the decentralisation process. There is regular communication between my Department and staff associations through the departmental council process.

In addition, work is in hand regarding the establishment of systems for job analysis and process mapping for each function within my Department to facilitate effective transfers of staff in the future. An initial decentralisation implementation plan for my Department has been prepared and submitted to the decentralisation implementation group. The September 2004 data obtained from the CAF system indicates that 159 civil servants and nine public servants have lodged applications for or expressed an interest in decentralisation to Knock Airport. The number of staff required by my Department for that location is 159.9.

Ferry Services.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

120 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has finished the preparation of regulations in respect of formal contracts with ferry operators providing services, which incorporate road transport links, to the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27973/04]

My Department is preparing regulations in respect of formal contracts with ferry operators providing services, which incorporate road transport links. It is hoped to have these regulations published at an early date. These regulations, which will be subject to the consent of the Ministers for Finance and Transport, will set down the agreed destinations for connecting bus passenger services and will form the basis for entering into formal contracts in these cases.

Laghdú Fostaíochta.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

121 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é mar atá an cás maidir le tionscal (sonraí tugtha) faoi láthair agus leis na hiarrachtaí atáá ndéanamh leis an tionscal a dhul i mbun táirgíochta arís. [27952/04]

Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Uimh. 190 ar 5 Deireadh Fómhair 2004. Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil caidreamh rialta idir an Údarás agus an comhlacht seo agus go bhfuil iarrachtaíá ndéanamh ag an gcomhlacht féin gnó nua a aimsiú chun cur ar a gcumas dul i mbun táirgíochta arís go luath.

National Drugs Strategy.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

122 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the Department of Finance in regard to seeking increased funding for local drugs task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27985/04]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

130 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which community research is contributing to efforts to combat drug abuse here; the support that he is giving to community-based organisations working on drug use; if he has asked the Department of Finance for more funds for these organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27986/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has offered assistance to communities involved in the fight against drugs in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28134/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of urban and rural community groups to which he has awarded grant aid or other assistance in the fight against drugs; if he has proposals to increase activity in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28135/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 130, 272 and 273 together.

My Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The strategy contains 100 individual actions, under the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research, to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies. My Department also has responsibility for the work of 14 local drugs task forces, LDTFs, which were established in the areas experiencing the highest levels of drug misuse, particularly heroin.

To date, more than €80 million has been allocated to the task forces to implement their two rounds of local action plans. A broad range of community-based projects are being supported in areas such as treatment, prevention, education etc., through these plans. A further €12.8 million has been allocated to capital projects under the LDTF premises initiative, which is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects. In addition, approximately €75 million has been allocated to support the work of the young people's facilities and services fund in LDTF areas and four other urban centres. The main aim of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into recreational facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse.

My Department also has responsibility for the national advisory committee on drugs, NACD, which was established in July 2000 to advise the Government on the prevalence, prevention, treatment and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland based on the analysis of research findings and information available to it. The NACD launched a community-voluntary sector research grant scheme to generate innovative, community-based drugs research in December 2001. Arising from this scheme, four research studies were published in September last. Ballymun youth action project undertook a study on the role of benzodiazepines in the development of substance misuse problems in Ballymun Kilbarrack coast community programme examined the issue of drug misuse among ten to 17 year olds in the Kilbarrack area. Merchants Quay Ireland examined drug use among new communities in Ireland. Tallaght homeless advice unit explored the links between homelessness and drug use. The findings of these studies are being examined by various Departments and will also be considered by my Department in the context of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy.

I refer to funding for drugs work. The Estimates process for 2005 is ongoing and my Department has been in discussions with the Department of Finance in this regard. While the Deputies will appreciate that the allocations for my Department for next year have not been finalised, I assure them that tackling drug misuse remains a priority for this Government and it is my intention that significant resources will continue to be targeted at this problem.

Community Development.

David Stanton

Ceist:

123 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the initiatives he has taken to support rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27996/04]

I have undertaken a wide range of initiatives in support of rural communities. These include establishment and expansion of the CLÁR programme; establishment of the rural social scheme; small food producers forum and co-ordinator; Comhairle na Tuaithe; and a review of enterprise supporting rural areas. In addition, my Department continues to oversee the delivery of programmes which support rural communities. These comprise the Leader programme; rural development fund; PEACE II programme; rural initiative measure of INTERREG; farm relief services; local development and social inclusion programme; community development programme; and Gaeltacht and island development.

Details on each of the foregoing are set out in the following appendix:

Appendix

I introduced the CLÁR programme in October 2001 to address depopulation as well as the decline and lack of services in rural areas. Areas in 18 counties, amounting to a total population of 361,000, are included in the programme. CLÁR funds, or co-funds, with other Departments, State agencies and local authorities, investment in selected priority developments. These investments are made through a series of more than 20 measures that support physical, economic and social infrastructure such as electricity conversion, roads, water and sewerage, village, housing and schools enhancement, health, broadband and sports and community projects. The measures reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas whom I consulted at the start of the programme and were agreed with and are operated in tandem with the lead Departments, State agencies or public utilities, as appropriate.

Expenditure amounted to €14.14 million in 2002 and €8.613 million in 2003 which, it is estimated, secured a further €21 million in related public and private expenditure in these areas which otherwise would have been bottom of the list for infrastructure investment. To date in 2004, more than €19 million has been allocated to the counties in CLÁR under the various programme measures.

I launched the rural social scheme in May of this year. The aims of the scheme are to provide services of benefit to rural communities by harnessing the skills and talents available among low income farmers and fishermen and income support to low income farmers and fishermen who are in receipt of specified, primarily long-term, social welfare payments. I hosted a small food producers forum in Maynooth in November 2003 to support small food producers and those working with them. A number of topics were raised at this forum, including co-ordination between small food producers and statutory agencies, training bodies etc.; training and technical support; access to markets; food safety issues and testing, assessment and waste disposal; the regulatory environment; access to information; and product promotion, branding and accreditation. The European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr. David Byrne, spoke at the forum.

My Department is financially supporting the appointment of a small food producers co-ordinator, working with Comhar Leader na hÉireann, who will endeavour to tackle the barriers inhibiting small food producers, ranging from the scale of the enterprise, access to funding and distribution, marketing and promotion as well as the provision of skills training and the regulatory environment.

I established Comhairle na Tuaithe in February 2004. It includes representatives of farmer, recreational users, tourism marketing bodies and other interested groups. Comhairle na Tuaithe is working on conflict resolution on access to the countryside, the development of a countryside code and a countryside recreation strategy. A national conference organised by Comhairle na Tuaithe will take place on 19 November.

I have initiated a review of enterprise support in rural areas in conjunction with the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Arts, Sport and Tourism.

My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Leader programmes, the rural social scheme, the rural development aspects of the cross-Border programmes, PEACE and INTERREG and the farm relief services measure of the national development plan. The rural measures under these programmes promote the development of rural areas and strengthen the rural communities within them.

Leader is the European Union initiative for rural development, which provides approved local action groups with public funding — EU and domestic — to implement multisectoral business plans for the development of their own areas. In accordance with the bottom-up philosophy of rural development, the local Leader group is the decision-making authority in relation to approving actions falling within its business plan. The approval of grants by groups is made within detailed operating rules drawn up by the Department and approved by the European Commission. Leader is being delivered in two ways during the current Structural Fund period 2000 to 2006: the EU Initiative, Leader +, and the area based rural development programme — Leader— funded under the Border, midland and west and southern and eastern regional operational programmes. Public co-funding of theses programmes, amounting to €150 million, has been allocated to the new Leader programmes over the period.

I am also supporting a number of pilot projects from my Department's rural development fund to regenerate particularly disadvantaged rural areas through a variety of community initiatives. Payments totalling €266,000 have been paid to these projects to date in 2004.

The cross-Border rural development measures of the PEACE II programme aim to promote agriculture and rural development co-operation in the Border area. The rural initiative measure of the INTERREG Ireland-Northern Ireland programme is aimed at encouraging rural businesses and communities to engage in the development of their area. Financial support is also provided to rural communities under the INTERREG Ireland-Wales programme for rural development and diversification activities within the programme's eligible area.

My Department also provides funding to the farm relief services measure of the national development plan. The funding is primarily aimed at training of farm relief operatives and staff with smaller elements for infrastructure and research and development. Funding of €42.144 million is available for the local development and social inclusion programme in 2004. This programme operates in both rural and urban areas and aims to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social and economic inclusion through the provision of funding and support to local partnerships and community groups.

My Department also supports, on a multiannual basis, 47 locally-based projects, which are involved in anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives in rural communities. This support is provided by way of core funding through the community development programme. Projects funded under the programme provide support to disadvantaged communities geared towards improving their capacity to benefit from economic and social development.

The Department will spend up to €10.5 million in 2004 on the development of capital infrastructure on the islands. In addition, a total of €2.5 million will be spent on providing essential transport services between the islands and the mainland. In addition to current funding of €10.193 million, capital funding of €22 million has been made available to Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2004 to enable it to achieve its objectives of developing the economy of the Gaeltacht and encouraging the preservation and extension of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht. An tÚdarás also promotes and supports community development and pursues a range of language and cultural activities involving individuals, community groups and industries throughout the Gaeltacht.

Proposed Legislation.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

124 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the best estimate for a publication date for the draft legislation on charities remains the end of 2005; the likely content of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27965/04]

The current best estimate publication date for the draft legislation on charities regulation is the end of 2005. The most up-to-date information on progress is always available on the charities regulation web page of my Department's website at http://www.pobail.ie/en/Charities Regulation/. The content of the draft legislation is likely to reflect the proposals contained in the Government approved consultation paper on establishing a modern statutory framework for charities, which received a broad overall endorsement in the public consultation earlier this year. The draft legislation will be substantial, given that, as signalled in the consultation paper, it will involve statute law revision and restatement in addition to the new legislative provisions to regulate the charities sector.

Irish Language.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

125 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the efforts he is making to ensure language clauses are included in planning permissions granted by local authorities for housing developments in Gaeltacht areas; the action he can take against local authorities which do not include such language clauses for housing developments in Gaeltacht areas; his views on whether the failure to include language clauses in planning permissions granted for housing developments in Gaeltacht areas represents a threat to the survival of the Irish language in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27981/04]

Planning permission is a matter for the local authorities that have responsibility for Gaeltacht areas or An Bord Pleanála on appeal, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000. This Act outlines the need to protect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht, including the promotion of Irish as the community language. It is essential that all State agencies function in a manner that supports the Irish language in the Gaeltacht in every way.

Decentralisation Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

126 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the situation with regard to the decentralisation of Foras na Gaeilge to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27974/04]

The relocation of Foras na Gaeilge staff is subject to the agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council. Discussions in this regard are ongoing and I met Minister Angela Smith in May last to discuss this matter among a range of issues. My Department is preparing documents for submission to the authorities in the North and I hope this will be done in the near future.

Irish Language.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

127 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has met officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss the workings of their new advisory group to encourage and promote the use of Irish in local authorities; if his Department will play a supplementary role in promoting the use of Irish in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27983/04]

My Department is represented on the new local authority advisory group and participated in the work of the first meeting of the group on 20 October 2004. I welcome the establishment of the working group and look forward to fruitful co-operation between it and my Department. I have no doubt that the group can exert a positive influence with regard to the promotion of the language within the local authority sector. This work will compliment the role of my Department under the Official Languages Act 2003.

My Department has been asked to make a presentation to the group at a future meeting on the Official Languages Act 2003 and its implications for local authorities. As the Deputy may be aware, four local authorities — Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Waterford County Councils — are in the process of drafting schemes under the Act.

Telecommunications Services.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

128 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will elaborate on remarks of his made at the launch of a scheme (details supplied). [28012/04]

I am always anxious to facilitate Deputies with detailed replies to questions. I touched on the following issues at the launch: the telephone system in Connemara in the 1970s and 1980s; the Border, midland and west broadband scheme; the desirability of community involvement in development; the CLÁR broadband scheme; the benefits of broadband to rural areas; and replies to questions from the media regarding broadband in schools. The Deputy will appreciate, against the background of this range of subjects, that it is not practicable to make further comment in the absence of him specifying the topic in which he has an interest.

Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 122.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 84.

Fóram na Gaeilge.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

132 D’fhiafraigh Dr. Upton den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá aige díospóireacht náisiúnta a spreagadh ar cheist na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [27963/04]

Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheisteanna Uimh. 79 agus 129 maidir le Fóram na Gaeilge. Bheadh súil agam go dtarlódh de bharr obair an fhóraim — go háirithe maidir le plean a réiteach a bheadh dírithe ar chothú agus ar chaomhnú na teanga sa Stáit agus a chlúdódh réimse leathan tosaíochtaí i leith na Gaeilge — go spreagfar tuilleadh suime sa phobal maidir leis an teanga, rud a chabhródh le díospóireacht náisiúnta faoi cheist na Gaeilge.

Proposed Legislation.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

133 Mr. Costello asked the Taoiseach if he will consider amending the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 to require the DPP to respond to requests for an explanation when decisions not to prosecute or to prosecute in a particular way are queried by persons affected by the decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27803/04]

There are no proposals to initiate legislation to amend the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974, as suggested by the Deputy.

Health Board Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

134 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the services which are planned for autistic children who are coming towards 18 years of age and who require an adult service within the ERHA area; and if his attention has been drawn to the serious deficiency in services. [27741/04]

Responsibility for the provision of services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism in the Eastern Regional Health Authority is a matter, in the first instance, for that authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to her.

Hospital Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

135 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the immediate measures which are being taken at the Beaumont Hospital dialysis unit on foot of the report which fails to identify the source of new infection of a dialysis patient with hepatitis C; when funding will be made available for the planned new unit; and when the unit will be operational. [27742/04]

Services at Beaumont Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine this issue and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Mental Health Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

136 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of specialist beds available in each of the health board areas to treat patients suffering from eating disorders; and if her attention has been drawn to the under capacity to treat or respond in a timely fashion to patients, particularly young patients, presenting with this problem. [27743/04]

As part of a comprehensive community oriented psychiatric service, persons presenting with eating disorders are generally treated in their own health board area. Where inpatient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient units or the local acute psychiatric unit or hospital. Outpatient services are provided from hospitals, health centres, day hospitals and day centres. In addition, a tertiary referral service for eating disorders is available in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, where three inpatient beds are designated for this purpose. A similar service is available privately at St. Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, and at St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin.

At present, psychiatric inpatient services for children and adolescents under 16 years of age are provided in Warrenstown House, Dublin, and St. Anne's, Taylors Hill, in Galway. Project teams have been established to progress the development of new child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units in Cork, Galway, Limerick and at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area. Approval was recently given by the Department of Health and Children to the relevant health board to proceed with the selection of a design team for the proposed units in Cork, Galway and Limerick. It is envisaged that the focus of these centres will be the assessment and treatment of psychiatric, emotional or family disorders, including eating disorders, using a combination of family systemic, individual psycho-dynamic and medical model perspectives.

The internationally acknowledged best practice for the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services is through the multi-disciplinary team. Since 1997, additional funding of almost €19 million has been provided to allow for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant led multidisciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. This has resulted in the funding of a further 19 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrists. Nationally, there are now 52 such psychiatrists employed.

An expert group on mental health policy is preparing a national policy framework for the further modernisation of the mental health services, updating the 1984 policy document, Planning for the Future. The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including those services for persons with an eating disorder, will be considered in the context of the work of the group. It is expected that the expert group will report in 2005.

Hospital Accommodation.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

137 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has sanctioned the funding for 19 additional beds in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27744/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

138 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will sanction the funding for 19 additional beds in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27745/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

140 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason sanction has not yet been given for the funding for 19 additional beds in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27747/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138 and 140 together.

My Department accepts the need for an additional 19 inpatient beds at Wexford General Hospital. It is hoped to progress this development in the context of the health capital investment framework 2004-08 in line with overall funding resources available under the framework.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

139 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consideration will be given to utilising the facilities under proper medical supervision at Ely Hospital, Wexford town, to address the chronic overcrowding at Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27746/04]

Responsibility for the provision of health services in County Wexford is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to reply to the Deputy directly about the issue raised.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 137.

Organ Retention.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

141 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding matters raised by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27756/04]

The terms of reference of the post mortem inquiry require it to review post mortem policy, practice and procedure in all hospitals in the State since 1970, with particular reference to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal. The inquiry is also mandated to examine any arrangements with pharmaceutical companies regarding retained organs, including pituitary glands.

The chairman has confirmed that the inquiry has received considerable co-operation from each of the hospitals with which it is dealing and that the inquiry's non-statutory nature has not thus far significantly hampered its substantive work. The chairman has indicated that she will provide a report on paediatric hospitals in December 2004. There are ongoing consultations with the inquiry about the other elements of its remit, having regard to the Government decision that the inquiry should conclude by 31 March next.

Pending receipt of the chairman's report, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the actions of specific pharmaceutical companies. I am advised that individual hospitals have adopted differing policies on the question of contacting next of kin of deceased persons whose organs were retained.

At the end of August 2004, the inquiry had incurred direct expenditure of €11,577,610. This includes fees to the inquiry's legal team and costs associated with the establishment and rental or administration of the inquiry office. My Department has also provided funding to the Eastern Regional Health Authority and Parents for Justice in respect of inquiry — related expenditure amounting to €6,780,424. This brings the total expenditure relating to the inquiry to the end of August 2004 to €18.358 million.

The persons who wrote to the Deputy may wish to make contact with the relevant hospital for further details about the particular post mortem that affects them.

Departmental Properties.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

142 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 920 of 30 September 2003, if her Department or the South Eastern Health Board carried out a feasibility study of the lands and building at Myshall, County Carlow; if the study is available; if so, the location of same; the action that has been taken or will be taken arising from the study; the cost of the study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27758/04]

John McGuinness

Ceist:

143 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if plans are available setting out the proposed use for a property at Myshall, County Carlow; if services for persons with autism will be located here; if the plan is costed; if so the total cost involved; the cost of maintaining the property to date; the cost of security for the property to date; her views on the unacceptable length of time it is taking to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27759/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

It is my Department's understanding from correspondence recently received from the health board that the board has not fully completed its study on the potential use of the property at Myshall, County Carlow. The responsibility for the provision of security at Myshall rested with my Department from September 2002 to December 2002. During that period the total cost of the security to my Department was €18,606.36. Since January 2003, it has been the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the health board to reply directly to the Deputy on the matter.

Health Board Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

144 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the outcome of an assessment which was recently carried out on a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [27769/04]

The provision of health services in County Mayo is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the issue raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

145 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in County Mayo who are receiving dialysis in the Galway hospitals on a weekly basis; and the number who are receiving dialysis in Sligo General Hospital on a weekly basis. [27770/04]

The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position on the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Properties.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

146 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she or the health boards have proposals to sell lands, properties or facilities between now and the coming into force of the new Health Service Executive; the nature of each proposal and its location; if such sales have taken place to date in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27779/04]

Following requests from my Department earlier this year, health boards have provided some information regarding plans or proposals to dispose of lands and properties between now and the coming into force of the new Health Service Executive. These proposals largely relate to a number of small holdings of lands and property which are deemed to be surplus to requirements and would, therefore, be appropriate for disposal. In this context, I have asked my Department to provide the Deputy with the details of the more significant proposals being considered.

Following the enactment of the Health (Amendment) Act 2004, my consent is now required before health boards can sell or otherwise dispose of lands. I can confirm that since these proposals have not yet materialised in the form of actual transactions to dispose of the lands in question, I have not to date provided my consent to such proposals.

I am concerned that the proceeds from the sale of any particular land or properties in the health area will be applied and used for health purposes, with the exception of contributions of lands to the social and affordable housing initiatives. I am also concerned that we now establish the extent of the total surplus land and properties available in the health service. In that context, it will be necessary to carry out a professional assessment/evaluation of the entire health estate in the near future.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

147 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the terms on which the national treatment purchase fund operates can be expanded to include orthopaedic outpatient facilities for those who are unable in the short to medium term to obtain an appointment with a consultant to be assessed, in order that they can be put on a waiting list for an operation. [27781/04]

In accordance with health strategy objectives, the Government's immediate focus is on the reduction of waiting lists and waiting times for inpatient and day case treatments in acute hospitals. This is being facilitated by the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF.

Responsibility for the management and monitoring of patients waiting for outpatient appointments rests with the individual hospitals and health boards concerned. It is a matter for each hospital to prioritise its services based on patient need and use its available resources to best effect to ensure that patient services are delivered efficiently and effectively. The issue of expanding the remit of the NTPF to include outpatient waiting lists will be kept under review.

Hospital Services.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

148 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the crisis in the accident and emergency services in Dublin city, she will consider re-opening the old hospitals such as the old Meath, Richmond, Sir Patrick Dunne’s, Adelaide and so on, which could function as accident and emergency facilities. [27783/04]

Responsibility for the provision of health services, including accident and emergency services, to persons residing in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. It is, therefore, necessary to take a whole system approach, involving primary care, acute care, sub-acute and community care, in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments. I am currently identifying the particular pressure points within the health system that affect the efficient delivery of emergency services. I intend to ensure that the most pressing problems are addressed as a matter of urgency and, in the context of the upcoming Estimates, I intend to introduce a wide ranging package of measures that will address these problems.

Community Care.

Denis O'Donovan

Ceist:

149 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal by Cork County Council for a convalescent and day care centre for Bantry, County Cork, under the national development plan; if land has been purchased for this purpose; if her Department has invited tenders for the new project; if it is envisaged that this project will be built by public private partnerships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27806/04]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the proposed public private partnership, PPP, project in the Southern Health Board. The project is for eight 50-bed community nursing units, CNUs, and one of these units will be located on a site adjacent to Bantry General Hospital, which is in the ownership of the Southern Health Board. The CNU will provide respite, convalescence, long stay and rehabilitation services to elderly patients in the area. It is not intended to provide a day care centre as part of this development. It is a priority to increase the availability of community nursing and other units that would meet the needs of people who need care that could not be adequately provided at home.

There have been discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance in the development of this PPP scheme, as is normal and entirely appropriate with a PPP project. As PPPs are complex schemes, it is important to have a clear view of the benefits that will accrue given the complexity of the PPP contracting structure. The work that has been done so far has helped to clarify a number of issues. I intend to examine this project in detail very soon. The putting in place of a large number of nursing units will greatly help people make the transition from an acute hospital setting to care matched to their needs.

Health Board Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

150 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the assistance available for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford now that the South Eastern Health Board has reduced their home help hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27811/04]

The provision of home help services, and any matters relating to such provision within its functional area, is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. In the case of County Wexford this responsibility lies with the South Eastern Health Board. In the circumstances, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to reply direct to the Deputy.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

151 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the dentist at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 was not replaced; and the position regarding dental services at the hospital. [27816/04]

The management of dental services in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of the regional chief executive. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

152 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there was no response from the North Western Health Board to a query in the case of a person (details supplied); the reason no real attempt was made to resolve this issue at a local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27818/04]

Responsibility for the matters raised by the Deputy rests in this instance with the North Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer to investigate these matters and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Children in Care.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

153 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 was placed in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27819/04]

Responsibility for the matter referred to by the Deputy rests with the Northern Area Health Board and Eastern Regional Health Authority. Accordingly, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the authority to reply directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

154 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 123 of 28 October 2004 regarding inappropriate database entries, if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers deleted in each category or reason in the Southern Health Board area since 2003. [27835/04]

Information provided from the Southern Health Board shows that there were 32,593 deletions from the board's medical card database from 1 January 2003 to date. The board has advised that the majority of these, 20,215, relate to clients who failed to reapply when a review of their eligibility was due and can be attributed to an increase in the number of people in employment and the improved economic situation nationally. The following is a detailed breakdown of the numbers of deletions across the various categories during this period.

Category of deletion

Number

Failed to return Review Form

20,215

Refused (Over Scale)

1,093

Deceased

6,869

Left Area

2,532

Long Stay Institution

684

Now Married

22

Registered Twice (other number remaining)

592

Did not reply to request for further information

298

Refused to Disclose Information

2

Students — Parents do not have a medical card

114

Students — Studying in an outside area

10

Over 16

1

Others

156

Parents hold a card on medical grounds

4

Means Other

1

Total

32,593

Hospital Services.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

155 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be given an appointment for an operation to remove cataracts. [27849/04]

The provision of hospital services for people living in County Kerry is a matter for the Southern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

156 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason therapeutic services have not been provided for the unit for children with autism at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if the services will be provided without further delay. [27869/04]

Responsibility for the provision of services, including therapeutic services to persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism, in the Kildare area is a matter, in the first instance, for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

John Gormley

Ceist:

157 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the huge inter-country adoption assessment waiting lists that have built up in the various health board regions; and if she will consider the short-term temporary re-allocation of social workers from other duties to reduce the assessment waiting lists. [27870/04]

John Gormley

Ceist:

158 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the maintenance of a near two-year delay for adoption assessment constitutes a denial of the constitutional rights of Irish citizens who seek such assessment. [27871/04]

John Gormley

Ceist:

159 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing an optional charge of €1,000 per inter-country adoption application, to raise moneys for the sole purpose of employing extra social workers to clear the waiting list. [27872/04]

John Gormley

Ceist:

160 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to significantly increase funding to health boards for the purpose of reducing the near two-year waiting time for initial assessment of couples’ suitability for inter-country adoption; if she will consider amending adoption legislation in order that qualified persons who are employed by organisations other than health boards and registered adoption agencies may conduct the necessary assessment. [27883/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 160, inclusive, together.

Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by health boards under the Adoption Acts 1952-1998. The length of time it takes to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the health board is a matter for the management of each individual health board. However, I have asked the Adoption Board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists for inter-country assessments and it is examining this.

Departmental Properties.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

161 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the sale of lands at Newcastle Hospital in County Wicklow in view of the announcement of the intention to sell off lands at a number of psychiatric institutions; if she has carried out an assessment on this; the extent of land; the planning consideration taken into account; the details of the consultation with the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27891/04]

Earlier this year, my Department requested health boards to provide it with detailed schedules of all proposals regarding planned disposal of property. The sale of assets in the health area will be used for health purposes, with the exception of a contribution towards social and affordable housing.

The information received from the health boards in response to this request is being examined at present. Among the matters to be considered in this context is the fulfilment of my Department's obligations in respect of the provision of lands for affordable housing. I believe it would be inappropriate to provide further details in advance of the completion of this process. With regard to establishing the extent of the total surplus properties available to the health services, it will be necessary to carry out a professional assessment or evaluation of the entire health estate. This issue will be addressed by a group of senior officials in my Department in the near future.

With regard to Newcastle Hospital, I am informed by the East Coast Area Health Board that consideration is being given to the development of a number of new health service facilities on the lands of Newcastle Hospital. Technical staff have been asked to formulate an overall development plan for the site. Subsequent to the production of this overall plan, the question of residual property will be reviewed in the context of health services priorities for the region.

Health Board Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

162 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has responded to representations from this Deputy concerning a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27914/04]

My Department has written to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority requesting him to investigate the matter raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Distribution of Iodine Tablets.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

163 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to issue a supply of iodine tablets as were issued to every dwelling here in 2002 to the many new households existing in 2004; and the cost to the Exchequer of the initial distribution. [27915/04]

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

164 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that iodine tablets issued to dwellings in 2002 are still retained by those households; if there is a risk to public health should these tablets be consumed in any quantity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27916/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

In 2002, as part of the national emergency plan for nuclear accidents, approximately 12.6 million iodine tablets were distributed by post to households nationwide. Each household received a packet containing six potassium iodate tablets BP85mg, which is sufficient to provide a single dose for each member of an average sized household.

The tablets were aluminium foil blister packed and sealed in a carton containing an information and instruction leaflet. Each carton delivered by An Post was in a sealed firm envelope labelled with appropriate warning statements and the name and address of the recipient. A public notice was placed in national newspapers at the time advising persons that these tablets were medicinal products and that they should be stored in a cool dry place, in their original sealed container and out of reach of children. While all medicines should be stored safely, I am advised that there is no significant risk from these tablets given that the average household will only hold one carton containing six tablets.

A further 1.6 million iodine tablets were distributed to health boards for persons who did not receive a supply of tablets or who did not receive a sufficient number of tablets via the postal distribution. Persons who do not have a supply of tablets for any reason should contact their local health board and arrange for the collection of the tablets required. The following table sets out relevant contact details.

Health Board

East Coast Area Health Board

Community Care Area 1, Dún Laoghaire — (01) 2365200

Community Care Area 2, Clonskeagh, D. 6 — (01) 2680300

Community Care Area 10, Wicklow Town — (0404) 68400

South Western Area Health Board

Dublin South City — (01) 6486500

Dublin South West — (01) 4154700

Dublin West — (01) 6206300

Kildare/West Wicklow — (045) 876001

Northern Area Health Board

Community Care Area 6, Rathdown Rd., D. 7 — (01) 8680444

Community Care Area 7, Richmond Rd., D. 3 — (01) 8575400

Community Care Area 8, Cromcastle Rd., D.5 — (01) 8164200

Midland Health Board

Athlone — (0902) 83101

Longford — (043) 50169

Mullingar — (044) 39191

Laois — (0502) 21135

Offaly — (0506) 41301

Mid-Western Health Board

Community Care Area — Tipperary North — (067) 31212

Community Care Area — Clare — (065) 6828525

Community Care Area — Limerick — (061) 483712

North Eastern Health Board

(046) 9079483

(046) 9023333

North Western Health Board

Sligo Area — (071) 9155100

Donegal Area — (074) 9189118

Leitrim — (071) 9650319

South Eastern Health Board

(056) 7784164

(056) 7784114

Southern Health Board

Cork City — (021) 4923133

North Cork — (022) 31855

West Cork — (028) 40413

Kerry — (066) 7184516

Western Health Board

Galway Area — (091) 523122

Roscommon Area — (090) 6626518

Mayo Area — (094) 9022333

The Eastern Regional Health Authority, which managed this contract, has indicated that the cost of purchase and distribution of iodine tablets in 2002 was approximately €2.2 million. My Department is considering what further steps may be necessary regarding the use of iodine tablets as a counter- measure under the national emergency plan for nuclear accidents.

Health Board Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

165 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reply given to Question No. 811 of 29 September 2004 in view of the fact that the assessment quoted was undertaken two years ago and the parents’ preferred option has not been acted on to date; if a decision will be expedited and action taken in the case. [27937/04]

My Department has again made inquiries of the relevant health board in respect of this matter. The health board has informed my officials that the preferred option referred to by the Deputy in his question is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, and therefore does not come within my remit. My Department has been in touch with the Department of Education and Science and understands that it will contact the Deputy concerning this matter.

Medical Cards.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

166 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of the 8,319 persons who lost a medical card in County Mayo between 1997 and October 2004 due to the medical cardholder being deceased or due to a duplicate entry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27942/04]

Information from the Western Health Board indicates that of the 8,319 deletions from medical card databases for County Mayo from 1 January 1997 to 31 October 2004, 8,047 were due to deletion of deceased cardholders while 272 were for other reasons, including duplication.

The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the programme for Government. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of the extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position.

Health Board Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

167 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28007/04]

The provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

168 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if health boards pay nursing home subvention in arrears of up to two months; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this causes difficulty for nursing homes and relatives of patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28008/04]

I have had inquiries made from the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority and have been informed that arrangements for payment are made for services provided when the board or authority receives the invoice, provided details are in order. This is done in a timely fashion and the boards or authority are not aware of any difficulties arising from late payments. If, however, the Deputy has a specific case in mind, he should take this up with the appropriate health board.

Mental Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

169 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider transferring a person (details supplied) to a suitable place nearer to their family home upon the closure of St. Ita’s Hospital in Portrane, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28022/04]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

170 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the location to which a person (details supplied) will be transferred upon the closure of St. Ita’s Hospital in Portrane, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28023/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

One of the key priorities of my Department is to progress as quickly as possible the development of purpose built residential and day facilities on the campus referred to by the Deputy. The suitability of the person referred to by the Deputy for transfer to an alternative facility would be a decision taken by her medical team in consultation with the relevant health board.

Medical Cards.

Damien English

Ceist:

171 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath is still waiting for a medical card; the reason, in an emergency situation such as this, it was not given priority and fast-tracked through the system; if her attention has been drawn to the undue and unnecessary stress this is causing to the person and their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28074/04]

Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the North Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

172 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive an appointment in the orthopaedic department of Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28075/04]

Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Wexford is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and reply to the Deputy directly.

Alcohol Abuse.

John Perry

Ceist:

173 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the north-west alcohol forum, which includes representatives from various State agencies, community groups, voluntary agencies and commercial interests, has offered Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal as a pilot area to implement an action programme on alcohol abuse and misuse; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the forum, sponsored by the health board, published a report on a number of recommendations, ranging from health initiatives to education legislation and community action; the progress made; if she will commit to the mandate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28076/04]

I am familiar with the work carried out by the north-west alcohol forum and I welcome its recent report. The pilot project proposed by the forum will be considered as part of the implementation of the recommendations of the reports of the strategic task force on alcohol.

Health Board Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

174 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the South Eastern Health Board has sought funding under the national development plan for the provision of new accommodation at Mary Street, Dungarvan, County Waterford, to replace the present archaic community welfare office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28086/04]

My Department has not received a proposal from the South Eastern Health Board for the provision of new accommodation at the community welfare office in Dungarvan. The question of providing new community care facilities in Dungarvan would, in the first instance, be a matter for the South Eastern Health Board.

Training of Health Professionals.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

175 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the changes (details supplied) that were made to the terms and conditions of the training programme for persons who recently commenced the three-year doctorate programme in clinical psychology at Trinity College, Dublin; if she will reverse these changes as urgently as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28087/04]

A bursary model for supporting postgraduate clinical psychology training was adopted to underpin the implementation of a key recommendation of the union-management joint review group on psychological services in the health services to substantially increase the number of training places in clinical psychology from 30 to 50 and support the establishment of new courses at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and the University of Limerick. This increase in training places will help meet the long-term human resource needs of the health service for clinical psychologists and is, therefore, of significant benefit to those who need to avail of psychological services. The bursary model is also intended to secure the best return on the significant resources invested in the training of clinical psychologists.

The terms of the bursary model were agreed jointly by my Department with the health boards' directors of human resources group in August 2003. It assists students undertaking postgraduate training in clinical psychology by providing each student with an untaxed bursary payment of €18,000 per annum, along with an annual contribution towards fees of €6,000 for the three years of the course, that is, a total contribution of €24,000 per annum. I understand this level of financial support compares favourably to that available to postgraduate students generally.

In the absence of a national plan for postgraduate clinical psychology training, some students were previously employed as trainee clinical psychologists on a salary scale with a multiplicity of arrangements in place to fund course fees ranging from the deduction of fees from the pre-tax salary to payment of full fees. These arrangements were put in place at a time when the limited number of training places severely restricted access to postgraduate courses in clinical psychology. The introduction of the bursary model is, therefore, facilitating a substantial improvement in access to training through the development of new courses to the benefit of prospective students. It is also intended to contribute to a significant improvement in the volume of psychological services provided to the public by training the increased personnel required to reduce the current high level of vacancies for clinical psychologists in the health service.

The Deputy may wish to note that discussions have taken place with representatives of the IMPACT national vocational group and the professional body regarding the introduction of the new model. However, it has not proved possible to reach agreement and, following a conciliation conference held by the Labour Relations Commission, the matter has now been referred to the Labour Court.

Departmental Staff.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

176 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses who are employed in the health service on permanent contracts and the number who are employed on temporary contracts; the criteria for issuing permanent postings; if she has satisfied herself that high reliance on temporary posting is satisfactory either from the point of view of health delivery or from the point of view of offering nurses a secure career path; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28090/04]

Information is provided by the health boards or Eastern Regional Health Authority on a quarterly basis for the health service personnel census. The following table provides a breakdown of the employment status of nurses on 30 June 2004.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Total WTE excl. career break

WTE Permanent

WTE Job-Sharing Permanent

WTE Temporary

WTE Part-time

WTE Sessional

WTE Training

WTE Locum

33,969

22,588

2,383

4,313

2,062

1,035

1,012

576

Note: Columns A and B are permanent employees. Column C are temporary employees. A breakdown between permanent and temporary is not available for columns D to G.

The chief executive officer of each health board or authority is responsible for the management of the workforce in his or her region, including decisions on the type of contract, permanent or temporary, under which staff are employed.

Temporary nurses have always been a feature of the health service and the employment of such qualified staff is not considered detrimental to service delivery. There are a number of reasons that some nurses are employed on a temporary basis in the public health service. Temporary nurses may replace permanent nurses who are absent from their post while on career break, maternity leave, adoptive leave, parental leave and so forth; overseas nurses may initially be employed on temporary contracts; recent nursing graduates are usually employed in a temporary capacity for the first 12 months of employment; and some nurses choose to remain on temporary contracts rather than apply for permanent positions.

Temporary nurses are eligible to apply for permanent posts as they arise. The Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 ensures that temporary employees are not treated less favourably than colleagues who have permanent appointments. The Act also provides that temporary employees in their fourth or subsequent year of continuous employment are in most cases entitled to permanent status.

Medical Cards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

177 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which capital and interest are assessed by CWOs in deciding on the provision of medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28102/04]

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board or authority other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically eligible for a medical card. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.

Income guidelines are drawn up each year by the health board or authority chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility for a medical card and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index, CPI. The last such increase was notified in January 2004.

Health board or authority chief executive officers have discretion in issuing medical cards and a range of income sources are excluded by the health boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Despite someone having an income that exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.

With regard to investment income and capital generally, health board staff take interest from savings and the amount of capital available into consideration in the assessment of means for a medical card, which is routinely carried out by a community welfare officer, CWO. Additionally the issue of the treatment of SSIA proceeds in the assessment of means for a medical card is under consideration with a view to ensuring that nobody is disadvantaged under the scheme. The chief executive officers of the boards-authority are reviewing numerous issues regarding the administration of the medical card scheme and I understand that their findings and recommendations will be available in the near future.

The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of the extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position. In line with the health strategy, my Department is committed to the preparation of new legislation to update and codify the legal framework for eligibility and entitlements in regard to health services.

Departmental Expenditure.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

178 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has considered a report (details supplied) in the context of budget 2005 and the financial requirements of the report; if, in the context of this report, a company (details supplied) will obtain the funding it requires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28121/04]

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage give specific commitments about levels of expenditure in 2005 for any particular service as these matters will be decided as part of the discussions on the Estimates and budget for the year between my Department and the Department of Finance.

Child Care Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

179 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 918 of 29 September 2004, if the child care report has been finalised; if training issues for pre-school inspection staff will arise as a result of the requirements of the revised regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28162/04]

The report on the review of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and amended regulations of 1997 has not as yet been finalised. I understand that training issues for pre-school inspection staff which may arise as a result of the requirements of the revised regulations will be considered as part of the implementation of the revised regulations.

Health Board Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

180 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received essential orthodontic treatment from the Western Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28231/04]

Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Mayo rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Tax Code.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

181 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the incapacitated child allowance prior to budget 2005 and double the tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27817/04]

It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets and I do not intend to depart from that approach.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

182 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the range of tax breaks and relief available to smaller operators in the tourism sector. [27840/04]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no specific tax breaks or reliefs for smaller operators in the tourism sector. The general position is that expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of a trade are deductible in arriving at taxable profits. Tax relief is available in the form of capital allowances for capital expenditure incurred on certain buildings, such as hotels, holiday cottages and holiday camps. Relief is also available for capital expenditure on plant and machinery used for the purposes of a trade. In addition, tax relief for certain tourist facilities is available under certain of the property-based incentive schemes and the business expansion and seed capital schemes.

Full details on the rural renewal, urban renewal and town renewal schemes, business expansion scheme, seed capital scheme and the relief for significant buildings are available from the Revenue Commissioners website at www.revenue.ie in the “Leaflets and Guides” section.

Departmental Properties.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

183 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the amount of rent paid to date for a green field at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on foot of an agreement signed in March 2002; if he intends to withdraw from this agreement; if he intends to develop the field for use by a Department or to house asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27924/04]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency, have paid rent to date of €490,643.52 for the site in question. This case is before the courts and is scheduled for mention on 30 November to allow time for formal correspondence between the parties about settlement proposals and to allow time for implementation of terms of settlement. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the licence agreement at this stage.

Financial Services Regulation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

184 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the action he intends to take regarding the endowment mortgage scandal as detailed in a television programme (details attached); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27751/04]

The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, is studying the situation with regard to endowment loan shortfalls, having commenced a survey earlier this year, to determine whether and to what extent there will be difficulties for customers. It would be inappropriate to reach any conclusions on this issue in advance of IFSRA's consideration of the outcome of the survey. I will continue to review the adequacy of the relevant legislative framework as information from IFSRA becomes available.

There are no reliable data on the overall number of cases where there may be a shortfall. However, endowment loan approvals in the last five years represent just 3% of the overall mortgage market, although it has been considerably higher in the past. Since 1989, a total of 90,000 endowment loans were approved, roughly 10% of total loan approvals since 1989.

These types of mortgages operate on the basis that instead of making capital payments on a mortgage, the client pays only the interest on the mortgage — therefore the capital amount owed does not decrease. However, the client also makes an investment with a life assurance company, the aim of which is to cover the mortgage and, possibly, provide some additional benefit beyond that. The products provided additional benefits, for example, in the form of higher tax relief, which were attractive to borrowers. These products inherently require customers to take some risk. They are exposed to market fluctuations, just like any market based life assurance investments. The fact that a person does not gain as much as expected is not in itself an indication of any inappropriate practices on the part of the bank or insurance company concerned.

The consumer director of IFSRA, Mary O'Dea, has encouraged people to come forward if they are worried about the possibility of having been mis-sold an endowment mortgage. They should complain in the first instance to the company from whom they bought the policy.

As regards the legal framework, there is already a substantial volume of legislation in place relating to these financial products. Following the enactment of the Insurance Act 1989, a code of conduct for insurance intermediaries and guidelines were drawn up by the industry in consultation with the then Department of Industry and Commerce. Key requirements of the code were that the intermediary should know the client and give best advice.

The Consumer Credit Act 1995, which commenced in May 1996, contains specific provisions relating to endowment loans and, in particular, prescribes certain information which must be included in any application form or information document issued to consumers applying for such loans. Since the commencement of the Act, for example, all endowment loan application forms must contain a prominent notice to the effect that: "There is no guarantee that the proceeds of the insurance policy will be sufficient to repay the loan in full when it becomes due for payment." The Act also obliges that in instances where the borrower may be required to increase premium payments on the insurance policy during the lifetime of the loan, any document approving the loan must contain a prominent statement of this possibility. Similarly, obligations apply where a policy is surrendered early resulting in a net loss to the consumer.

The Act also places an obligation upon insurers underwriting policies relating to endowment loans to issue a statement to the consumer every five years setting out not only the value of the policy at the time of issue but also a comparison of this valuation to the valuation at such date projected at the time the policy was first written and a revised estimate of the valuation at maturity.

In addition to the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act, the Life Assurance (Provision of Information) Regulations, which came into being in 2001, obliges insurers to provide policy holders, including holders of policies relating to endowment mortgages, with an annual written statement containing inter alia information on the current surrender or maturity value of the policy. More recently, this Government has already considerably enhanced the regulatory and supervisory regime governing the financial services industry, primarily through the enactment of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003, which established the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority or IFSRA.

The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004 complements the Act passed last year and further enhances IFSRA's powers and strengthens the regulatory environment. This Act will provide for an enhanced structure for dealing with consumers who have complaints about financial institutions and also provides consumer and industry consultative panels for the financial regulator. The consumer panel will have an important role in ensuring that the regulator is correctly reflecting the interests of consumers in its protective — issue of codes of conduct — and educational-information pamphlets and so forth — roles.

Disabled Drivers.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

185 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposal to change the minimum length of time a new car must be retained by disabled drivers from two years to three years as proposed by the interdepartmental review group on disabled drivers’ and disabled passengers’ tax concessions scheme will cause undue hardship to disabled persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27810/04]

The disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme, which applies to certain persons with severe physical disabilities has been in operation since 1968. Its benefits have been considerably enhanced over the period and now involve the following.

There is relief in respect of vehicle registration tax, VRT, and value added tax, VAT, subject to the following maximum limits: €9,525 for a driver with a disability and €15,875 for a passenger, family member or organisation. Relief is available for a vehicle which has been specially constructed or adapted for use by a person with a disability and which has an engine size of less than 2,000cc in the case of a driver and 4,000cc in the case of a passenger or an organisation which represents persons with disabilities. The cost of the adaptation, in the case of a passenger, must amount to at least 10% of the cost of the vehicle exclusive of VRT. There is repayment of excise duty on fuel used in a vehicle for the transport of a person with a disability up to a maximum of 600 gallons or 2,728 litres per year. These limits are increased to 900 gallons and 4,092 litres for an organisation which represents persons with disabilities. There is exemption from annual road tax.

The benefits amount to over €5,250 on average per person per year. The scheme is not means-tested and the scale of benefits involved has created demand for the scheme to be extended to cover a much broader range of physical impairments. The scheme, excluding road tax, cost €36 million in 2003, compared with €5 million in 1994. The cost in 2004 of the scheme is expected to be €44 million.

An interdepartmental review group was convened to review the operation of the scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it both on an administrative and user level, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme. The report of the interdepartmental review group on the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers', tax concessions, scheme made a number of recommendations for consideration by the Minister for Finance. In respect of the minimum period of retention of a vehicle, the report recommends that the minimum limits on the period of retention of a vehicle purchased under the scheme, and the frequency of renewal of a subsequent vehicle also purchased under the scheme, should be extended from two years to three years or, alternatively, the level of tax relief should be reduced in the case of second or subsequent applicants.

The basis for this recommendation is that the frequency of vehicle change is contributing to the ongoing steep rise in the cost of the scheme. The proportion of persons claiming every two years is at least 85%. The report highlights that the review group was not convinced by any evidence that vehicles used by persons with disabilities depreciate at a faster rate than other vehicles to the extent that they need to be replaced every two years. Moreover, the report highlights that a three-year warranty is standard for many makes of cars. Schemes in other countries were examined by the review group and indicate that tax relief or assistance on the purchase of a car is only available after three to seven years use of a vehicle.

Given the scale and scope of the scheme, changes can only be made after very careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June this year that the Minister for Finance will consider the recommendations contained in the report of the interdepartmental review group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.

Tax Code.

John Cregan

Ceist:

186 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance the reason the business of being a landlord in providing private residential accommodation is treated differently to other businesses in regard to the liability to capital gains tax when passing on property to one’s adult children; if he will report on the current situation; if he will use budget 2005 to bring equality to the system and treat the landlord profession in the same way as other businesses; if he will cover transfers when alive and dead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27832/04]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under section 599 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, relief from capital gains tax applies on the transfer of "chargeable business assets" from parent to child. "Chargeable business assets" include assets used for the purpose of a trade or profession but exclude assets held as investments. The provision of private residential accommodation is not regarded as a trade or profession for tax purposes. Consequently, gains arising on the transfer, during the lifetime of the parent, of property used for that purpose are chargeable to capital gains tax.

Section 573 (2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that the assets of a deceased person are not deemed to be disposed of by him or her on death. This provision ensures that assets passing from parent to child, on the death of the parent, are not subject to capital gains tax. Relief from capital acquisitions tax for all gifts and inheritances taken on or after 11 April 1994 of relevant business property was introduced in the Finance Act 1994. The relief amounts to a reduction of 90% in respect of the taxable value of relevant business property taken by the beneficiary. However, section 93(3) of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 specifically excludes certain types of business, including businesses which consist wholly or mainly of making or holding investments.

The letting of accommodation, whether on a long or short-term basis, is generally regarded as a business of making or holding investments and is therefore excluded from capital acquisitions tax business relief under section 93(3) of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003. It is not the practice to comment in the lead up to the annual budget and Finance Bill on the intention or otherwise to make changes in taxation.

Garda Stations.

John Perry

Ceist:

187 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence on the refurbishment of Tubbercurry Garda station, County Sligo, in view of the inadequate conditions that exist: the progress made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27859/04]

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that tender documents for improvement works at Tubbercurry Garda station are currently being prepared with a view to invitation of tenders early in the New Year.

National Development Plan.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

188 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the details in percentage terms of the projected spend in the Border, midland and west and eastern region under the National Development Plan 2000-2006; the spend to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/04]

It is estimated that approximately €31 billion or some 87% of the profiled expenditure for the period of the plan to the end of June 2004 has been incurred. The regional breakdown of this expenditure is €8.3 billion for the BMW region and €22.8 billion for the southern and eastern region representing, 75% and 92% of profiled expenditure respectively.

With regard to the key NDP area of investment in infrastructure, the BMW region is at 85% of profiled expenditure under the economic and social infrastructure operational programme, ESIOP. Exchequer-funded investment in the BMW region is at 93% of profile under the ESIOP. The Government is committed to significant expenditure on infrastructure in the BMW region and I anticipate that this will continue to occur over the remainder of the NDP.

National Monuments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

189 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if the OPW will take over the maintenance of a national monument (details supplied) in County Cork, including the adjoining car park and public lighting; and the further works the OPW proposes at this location. [27881/04]

The Office of Public Works recently completed a major works programme of re-roofing at Kilcrea Friary to house the extensive carved stone collection. A continued maintenance programme is planned to include improved access, resurfacing, cleaning of vegetation and some consolidation of wall tops. While the area adjoining the friary is used as a car park, this is not in State ownership and the question of the Office of Public Works maintaining it does not arise.

Tax Code.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

190 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the proposal from persons (details supplied) for staggered excise to apply to beer produced by microbrewers as in the UK and the US; and if he will give consideration to the case made. [27888/04]

A pre-budget submission from the Irish Craft Brewers Network has been received. This submission, as with all other pre-budget submissions, will be considered in the context of preparations for the forthcoming budget and Finance Bill.

Departmental Properties.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

191 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the purchase price of properties (details supplied) in County Wexford; the selling price, if sold, and the date of sale; and the cost of maintenance and security while the property was in State ownership. [27930/04]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, purchased the Devereux Hotel and bungalow in April 2000 for €2,745,808. The properties were disposed of on 21 July 2003 for €1,854,999. The security and other costs incurred on the property prior to disposal were €452,590.92.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

192 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost of a property (details supplied) in Dublin 4; if the property has been disposed of; the cost to the State of the judicial review proceedings; the cost of security and maintenance of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27931/04]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, purchased Broc House in June 2000 for €9,205,601. The security and other costs incurred on the building are €563,703.18 up to 8 November 2004. The property has not been disposed of but negotiations are in hand regarding its future use.

The court judgment in this case did not include an order for costs. The State used the services of the Chief State Solicitor's Office who also retained one senior and junior counsel. The costs of counsel are not readily available but on receipt of the information it will be communicated directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

193 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the purchase price of a hotel (details supplied) in County Cork; the cost of the judicial review proceedings; the cost of security and maintenance; if the property was sold and the selling price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27932/04]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, purchased Lynch's Lodge Hotel, Macroom, in October 2000 for €3,549,711.00. Judicial review proceedings are still ongoing and costs are not available. The property has not been sold and the total security and other costs incurred on the property are €637,235.12 to 8 November 2004.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

194 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance further to correspondence (details supplied) the projects he envisaged that might use the system built accommodation held in storage arising from the inability of his Department to use the structures in Kilkenny; if the buildings are in use or still in storage; if the units can be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27933/04]

Two accommodation units have been allocated to other Departments. One unit has been given to the Irish Prison Service for use at Loughan House Prison, Blacklion, County Cavan, as a visitor centre-workshop. A second unit is in use at the Medialab Europe headquarters, the old Guinness hop store, Dublin 8 as an information technology suite for children. The remaining units are being allocated to the Department of Education and Science for use at various schools and as staff accommodation at Kilkenny Castle. The Department of Education and Science is examining layouts for the schools at present.

Tax Code.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

195 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in issuing a tax clearance certificate to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27934/04]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the certificate referred to by the Deputy is a certificate of discharge from capital acquisition tax and this was issued on 4 November 2004. Documents submitted in connection with this matter were received on 11 October 2004. The documents were processed in accordance with Revenue's customer service standards, that is, to respond to 80% of items of correspondence, e-mail or fax in clear and comprehensive terms within 20 working days.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

196 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to introduce early retirement schemes in the context of decentralisation or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/04]

As the Deputy may be aware the Government decided in September 2004, to implement a number of further key recommendations of the Commission on Public Service Pensions. These included a cost neutral early retirement facility which will allow public servants to retire early with actuarially reduced superannuation benefits.

Under this arrangement, workers whose current minimum pension age is 60 years will be able to avail of the facility from age 50 years and upwards. Those whose minimum pension age is 65 years will be eligible from age 55 years and upwards. The facility is being made available to serving staff and the option will be extended to staff who resigned on or after 1 April 2004, with an entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits. Superannuation benefits in such cases will be based on pensionable service at the time of resignation reduced, on an actuarial basis, to take account of early payment.

Implementation of this and the other changes announced in September 2004 will commence as soon as detailed guidelines have been prepared and circulated by my Department. My officials are completing work on this aspect, at present. From time to time, early retirement schemes form part of broader policy measures aimed at achieving improvements in efficiency and effectiveness in areas of the public service or in specific public service bodies. However, no such proposals are under consideration at this time.

With reference to the decentralisation programme as announced in the budget for 2004, the programme will be implemented on a voluntary basis. There will be no redundancies, nor is any scheme of early retirement envisaged as part of the programme. As on previous occasions, the payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

197 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the implementation of decentralisation will affect the ceiling on public service numbers which he imposed in budget 2003; and if this ceiling applies to promotion and grades. [28046/04]

I accept that there may be pressure for temporary increases in numbers during the training of staff that are decentralising. However, the process is not intended to create extra costs for the Exchequer. Overall public service numbers will not increase as a result of decentralisation.

From the start, the policy of capping and reducing public service numbers was to be implemented by natural wastage and without impacting on front line services to the public as far as possible and this remains the case. No specific grades were targeted but it was intended that there would be an even distribution across grades rather than a concentration on lower grades.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

198 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposal to invite tenders to provide the public service with space and services in two world-class data centres; the proposed location of these centres; the security and sovereignty issues involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28084/04]

The first report of the decentralisation implementation group sets out a rationale and a recommendation for the public service acquiring space in private sector world- class data centres. It also recommended the establishment of an inter-agency group to progress such a procurement. My Department has established and chairs this group. It comprises senior IT representatives from the large Civil Service Departments and offices and from the justice, health and local authority sectors. It also includes project management experts from the Office of Public Works.

The group is considering all issues associated with such a procurement, including the most appropriate procurement approach, the type of facilities and services required, the technology and telecommunications issues involved, possible contract types, potential location options, ownership, management and operation requirements, and any possible security and sovereignty issues that may arise. These are complex issues by their nature and will take some time to work out in detail. The group is working to reach conclusions by the first quarter of 2005.

Tax Code.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

199 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to reduce income tax on elderly pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/04]

It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets and I do not intend to depart from that approach.

Flood Relief.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

200 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to implement measures to prevent flooding in the Waterford constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28112/04]

A flood relief scheme for John's River, Waterford city, was placed on public exhibition in March-April 2002. Certain revisions were subsequently made to the proposed works and OPW officials are in discussions with officials from Waterford City Council in relation to progressing the scheme. There are no other proposals at this time for the implementation of flood relief works elsewhere in Waterford.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

201 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if plans exist for alleviation measures in respect of serious flooding of the River Nore at Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28207/04]

The OPW has no proposals at present in respect of flood alleviation measures in Thomastown. The possibility of devising flood relief measures and the priority to be accorded to any such measures may have to be examined in the light of the recent flood event. Existing OPW resources are heavily committed to dealing with areas, which are already in the OPW programme and which were also affected by the recent flooding.

Tax Code.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

202 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated gain to the Exchequer by introducing a minimum flat rate of tax of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% respectively to all persons who have gross income in excess of €200,000 per annum. [28208/04]

Before the estimated gain to the Exchequer from introducing such a minimum flat rate of tax could be calculated, it would be necessary to make a number of assumptions regarding what would be allowed and not allowed, for example, in relation to deductions for the purpose of calculating the tax. Before such a tax could be introduced, it would be necessary to define the gross income to which it would apply and certain issues would arise in relation to that definition. For instance, it would be necessary to decide whether gross income should be defined as income prior to deductions for capital allowances, interest paid, losses, allowable expenses, retirement annuities or superannuation contributions. It would also be necessary to decide whether gross income should include certain other income which is not income for tax purposes or is exempt from tax and how to treatother income sources such as interest income that does not need to be declared or is not recorded but from which tax has been deducted. For these reasons the definition of gross income for the application of such a tax is likely to be different to the gross income figures captured on Revenue's system.

While there are figures available on the gross income of individuals for the short tax year 2001, the figures on the gross income of individuals in respect of the tax year 2002 and later are not yet available. Estimating the gross income of such individuals and making assumptions regarding the level of their likely allowable deductions would add further unreliability to the estimation exercise. In addition, in attempting to estimate the gain to the Exchequer, it would be necessary to make assumptions regarding the behaviour of individuals in response to the introduction of such a minimum flat rate of tax. Those paying at tax rates in excess of whatever minimum was prescribed would undoubtedly see the new rate as an opportunity for a tax reduction. For these reasons, it is not possible at this time to answer the question in the form sought by the Deputy.

Departmental Properties.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

203 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the properties secured to date in provincial locations for the decentralisation programme in relation to his Budget Statement in 2004 (details supplied); and the way in which the Budget Statement was implemented. [28210/04]

To date, eight property solutions have been identified for decentralisation purposes and a further 20 locations are at an advanced stage in the acquisition process. The locations involved are Carlow, Longford, Newcastle West, Athlone, the Curragh, Sligo, Dundalk and Furbo. In regard to Carlow, Longford and Newcastle West, the Chief State Solicitor is processing contract documents in respect of sites and it is expected that the associated acquisition phase will be completed as quickly as possible.

State-owned land will accommodate the decentralised buildings scheduled for Athlone, the Curragh, and Sligo, while the proposed location of the Dundalk building will be on land at the Dundalk Institute of Technology. It is proposed to locate the staff relating to Furbo in an extension to an existing building. The overall cost of acquiring sites will be funded from the disposal of surplus properties in Dublin. So far this year some €85 million in proceeds have been secured from property sales.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

204 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the 25% bonus paid to subscribers to the SSIA scheme is a tax refund, interest or some other payment; and if these bonus payments need to be included in income tax returns. [28211/04]

The specific goal of the SSIA scheme is to encourage people to save over a period of at least five years. In order to provide an incentive to save for this period, the Exchequer makes a contribution of 25% of the amount that a person saves. This is equivalent to giving a tax credit at the standard rate of income tax in respect of the amount the person saves. This is the mechanism that is used in the legislation to provide for the Exchequer contribution. In effect, the saver is paid a tax credit in respect of an amount of tax that the saver is treated as having paid. Therefore, the Exchequer contribution is not income for tax purposes and is not required to be included in an income tax return.

State Property.

David Stanton

Ceist:

205 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the future of properties (details supplied) in north Cork; the amount made available since 1998 towards the upkeep and refurbishment of the property and the amount expended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28213/04]

In accordance with the Government decision with regard to the built heritage, responsibility for operational functions in relation to the management of Doneraile Park and Doneraile Court has recently transferred to the Office of Public Works from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government while responsibility for policy functions, including capital funding, has been retained by that Department. The total current expenditure from 1998 to date is €1.23 million. Capital expenditure over this period has been limited mainly to securing the building by the provision a new roof in 2002 at a total cost of €1.59 million.

Coastal Protection.

David Stanton

Ceist:

206 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount made available in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for protection against coastal erosion; the amount expended in the respective areas in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/04]

Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €52.01 million is identified for expenditure. Expenditure under this measure in 2002 was €6.509 million, €2.9 million in 2003 and an allocation of €2.7 million for the coastal protection programme has been made available to my Department in 2004. Details of funding for coast protection projects are set out as follows:

2002 Coast Protection Programme.

Location

Project

Total Cost 2002

Strandhill, Co Sligo

Shoreline Protection

710,000

Mullaghmore, Co Sligo

Road Protection

89,715

Keadew, Kincaslagh, Co Donegal

Sea Wall

245,300

Maghery, Dungloe, Co Donegal

Road Protection

109,774

Mountcharles, Co Donegal

Road Protection

12,333

Kerrykeel, Co Donegal

Road Protection

1,574

Carrickaroary, Co Donegal

Repointing Existing Sea Wall

22,274

Drung, Quigley’s Point, Co Donegal

Rock Armour

15,476

Lagg, Malin Head, Co Donegal

Study of Coastal Processes

31,058

Inver, Co Donegal

Protection Works

1,322

Inisboffin, Co Galway

Protection Works to South Facing Shore

190,500

Salin to Silverstrand, Co Galway

Study

106,441

Tawin Island, Co Galway

Road Protection

71,885

Claggan Island, Co Mayo

Repair Works

33,160

Bunnafolly, Co Mayo

Protection Works

36,144

Lacken, Co Mayo

Cliff/Road Study

30,000

Elly Bay, Co Mayo

Installation of ECAB Units

198,144

Bellurgan, Co Louth

Embankment Re-instatement

226,869

Louth Coastline

Survey of Coastline

10,091

Whitestown, Co Louth

Rock Armour Protection

49,781

Blackrock, Co Louth

Seawall Protection

43,317

Salterstown, Co Louth

Repairs & Protection to Road Verge

524,823

Seapoint, Co Louth

Dune Protection Works

100,000

Blackrock to Dundalk, Co Louth

Study

48,400

Shelling Hill/Gyles Quay, Co Louth

Protection Works

45,892

Carlingford Harbour, Co Louth

Repairs

831

Annagassan Harbour, Co Louth

Protection Works

34,758

Tramore, Co Waterford

Promenade Refurbishment

304,260

Cunnigar, Co Waterford

Rock Revetment

337,628

Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford

Study of North End of Spit

152,580

Courtown, Co Wexford

Design of Breakwater

178,414

Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford

Revetment Works

103,795

Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford

Maintenance

13,292

Cahore, Co Wexford

Rock Groynes & Beach Nourishment

57,289

Ballyconnigar, Co Wexford

Rock Revetment

29,000

Garretstown, Co Cork

Road Protection Works

279,013

Durris to Ahakista, Co Cork

Road Protection Works

180,239

Warren, Co Cork

Beach Groynes

150,000

Youghal, Co Cork

Planning Stage

50,000

Ballyheigue/Inch, Co Kerry

Road Protection Works

552,325

Knightstown, Co Kerry

Protection Works

50,475

Carrigaholt, Co Clare

Protection Works

61,196

Shanganagh, Co Dublin

Study

9,977

Bray, Co Wicklow

Pier Repair Works

586,992

Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Vico Road Revetment

283,624

Portmarnock, Co Dublin

Dune Protection Works

49,984

Coastal Study

Consultancy Study

2,955

Coastal Surveys

General Coastal & Project Related

4,212

GIS System

Customisation, Maintenance & Training

9,537

Wave Buoys

Maintenance & Deployment

7,391

Beach Monitoring

Monitoring of Nourished Beach, Bray

5,816

East Coast

Aerial Survey— Carnsore to Killiney

21,785

Value for money

Review

37,368

2003 Coast Protection Programme.

Location

Project

Total Cost 2003

Elly Bay, Co Mayo

Installation of ECAB Units

92,244.00

Devlin, Co Mayo

Rock Armour, Retaining Wall

80,000.00

Bellurgan, Co Louth

Embankment Reinstatement

7,648.00

Salterstown, Co Louth

Repairs & Protection of Road Verge

120,000.00

Carlingford Harbour, Co Louth

Damaged Navigational Light

3,004.00

Shore Road, Dundalk, Co Louth

Sea Defence Embankment

78,000.00

Blackrock, Co. Louth

Rock Armour

54,540.00

Annagassan, Co. Louth

Protection Works

8,942.00

Cruisetown, Co. Louth

Extend coastal protection

80,984.00

Salterstown Pier, Co. Louth

Protection Works

30,037.00

Drung, Quigleys Pt., Co. Donegal

Road Protection Works

53,703.45

Meenacross, Co. Donegal

Rebuild Portion of Wall, Repoint Wall

20,000.00

Muckross, Co. Donegal

Rock Armour Revetment to Protect Public Road

80,000.00

Carrigaholt Castle, Co. Clare

Protection Works to National Monument

43,549.00

Cappagh, Co. Clare

Road Protection Works

99,600.00

Carrigaholt, Co. Clare

Reconstruction of Rock Revetment

29,004.00

Doonbeg, Co. Clare

Rock Armour

22,682.00

Liscannor, Co. Clare

Rock Armour

18,280.70

Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford

Study

11,488.00

Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford

Capital Works

19,054.00

Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford

Maintenance

7,957.00

Rosslare, Co. Wexford

New Scheme

207.00

Cahore, Wexford

Rock Groynes, Beach Nourishment

57,715.22

Rosslare, Co. Wexford

Revetment Works

37,094.68

Ballyconnigar, Co. Wexford

Rock Revetment

29,652.00

Warren Strand, Co. Cork

Beach Groynes

160,000.00

Youghal, Co. Cork

Coastal Protection Phase, Prep. Contract Documents

30,250.00

Warren Strand, Co. Cork

Complete Phase 2 Groyne

55,497.74

Tramore, Co. Waterford

Promenade Refurbishment

23,429.73

Cunnigar, Co. Waterford

Balance of 2001 Grant

1,339.00

Dublin City Council, Dublin

Risk Assessment Study

484,890.00

Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry

Road Protection Works

200,000.00

Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry

Complete Phase 1

300,000.00

Ventry, Co. Kerry

Coastal Protection Works

29,047.31

Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Sea Wall

15,026.36

Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow

Update Study, Extension of Scheme

49,802.39

Burrow, Portrane, Fingal

Repairs to Embankment, etc.

10,000.00

Portmarnock to Malahide, Fingal

Repairs to Coastal Walkway

5,000.00

Coast Protection Strategy Study

370,471.00

GIS System Maintenance and Customisation

26,726.00

Bray Beach Monitoring

4,646.00

Basic Research Tide Gauge Review Statistical Analyses

19,800.00

2004 Coast Protection Programme Approvals.

Location

Project

Total Cost 2004

Inishboffin, Co Galway

Emergency Work

350,000.00

Laytown, Co Meath

Laytown Study

40,000.00

Drogheda, Co Louth

Erosion of R167

35,000.00

Bellurgan, Co Louth

Erosion (Road)

10,000.00

Cooley, Co Louth

Replacement of rock armour

50,000.00

Kilfenora, Co Kerry

Revetment Works

200,000.00

Baile an Rannaig, Co Kerry

Provision of rock armour

150,000.00

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown CC

Coastal Survey

25,000.00

Corbawn Lane, Co Dublin

Contract documents, etc.

30,000.00

Warren, Co Cork

Coast Protection Works

200,000.00

Youghal, Co Cork

Phase 1

500,000.00

Helvick Pier, Waterford

Emergency Works & Diving Survey

120,000.00

Courtown, Co Wexford

Design of Breakwaters, etc.

395,000.00

Curracloe, Co Wexford

Dune Protection

75,000.00

Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow

Study

40,000.00

Greystones, Co Wicklow

Coast Protection Site Investigation

70,000.00

Coast Protection

Strategy Study

248,000.00

GIS System

Maintenance & Customisation

40,000.00

Wave Buoy

Maintenance & Deployment

15,000.00

Beach Monitoring

Monitoring of nourished beach at Bray

15,000.00

Tide Gauge

Installation of gauge for monitoring mean sea level

60,000.00

Coastal Video Survey

Video Survey of national coastline

20,000.00

Detailed Survey

Selected Coastal Areas

40,000.00

Rosslare, Co Wexford

Maintenance

60,000.00

Departmental Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has proposals to assist directly or indirectly TG4 with reference to home-produced material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28137/04]

Funding for TG4 is provided to RTE by means of an annual grant-in-aid, the level of which is determined as part of the annual Estimates process. It is a matter for TG4 to determine the mix of programming to be included in its schedules. I have no role in the matter.

Coastal Protection.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

208 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has been made to protect public access and to strengthen the existing revetment at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27801/04]

Responsibility for the coast protection of the location referred to by the Deputy rests with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in the first instance.

Under the coast protection programme 2004, I have allocated €25,000 to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the preparation of contract documentation to protect public access and strengthen the existing revetment at Corbawn Lane, Shankill, County Dublin. The issue of providing further funding in 2005 will depend on the amount of Exchequer funding available for such works and overall national priorities.

Communications Masts.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

209 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a base station control unit causes a health and safety risk to patients and residents in a nursing home. [27459/04]

I understand the Deputy to be referring to a mobile phone base station situated on an upper floor of premises which also includes a nursing home. The Deputy has asked a number of questions in recent months concerning mobile phone base stations generally and so he will be aware of my Department's policy in this area. Summarised, this is that no adverse health effects have been proven to have been caused by the kind of non-ionising radiation which is emitted from mobile phone base stations. Ireland participates in a number of international projects which conduct relevant research into this area and my Department continually monitors the latest research to ensure that we have the best and most up-to-date information.

Limits are set for the allowable electromagnetic emissions from installations such as mobile base stations. These limits are set some 50 to 100 times lower than the experimental levels at which no ill effects have been found. My Department participates in the international process which regularly reviews these limits and validates them as continuing to offer protection to the public. ComReg polices compliance with these limits through the operator licensing process and appropriate measurements.

In the particular case of an installation on the upper floor of a building, the aerials emit electromagnetic energy laterally away from the aerial installation. It is a fact that the position which receives the lowest emissions from such an installation is directly underneath it. In fact, the residents of the nursing home receive much more electromagnetic emissions from the wiring and the electrical appliances in the building than they do from the base station and such emissions are well within the safety guidelines.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in regard to the labour relations discussion with An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28005/04]

As outlined previously to the House, An Post management and the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers Union have been participating in negotiations under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission aimed at reaching agreement on cost-saving measures to address the company's financial situation. It is my understanding that the union in question is currently considering the proposals which emerged from the negotiations. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on proposals discussed at the Labour Relations Commission.

I have also been informed that the Labour Court issued a recommendation on issues in dispute with the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants, the union representing management grades in An Post, on Friday, 7 October. This recommendation is now being implemented by both parties. I understand that negotiations are ongoing with other unions representing An Post employees.

Shipping Industry.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

211 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to develop projects which qualify for EU funding under the trans-European network motorway of the sea concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/04]

The Irish Maritime Development Office, IMDO, the development agency for our shipping and shipping services sector, has been active in advising our port companies, ship operators and others in the maritime sector about the opportunities provided by the Commission's motorways of the sea initiative.

In that regard the IMDO has organised a seminar entitled Motorways of the Sea, Opportunities and Challenges for Ireland which takes place on 17 November 2004 in the National Concert Hall. I will be opening the seminar which is intended both to publicise the motorways of the sea initiative and to give advice on how motorways of the sea projects can be developed for submission to the Commission. I am hopeful that suitable Irish projects will be developed which merit inclusion in this ambitious Community initiative.

Coastal Protection.

David Stanton

Ceist:

212 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his role in protection against coastal erosion; the amount expended by his Department in 2002, 2003 and 2004 in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28091/04]

My Department's coast protection programme seeks to address the most urgent instances of erosion on the Irish coastline. Coastal erosion affects all coastal counties and is particularly prevalent on the softer coastline in the east and south east of the country. Allocation of funding for coast protection projects is currently made on the basis of initial project proposals from local authorities, subsequently screened and augmented by my Department's staff on the basis of a small number of selection criteria.

A value for money report in March 2002 highlighted the need for a more strategic focus in addressing the problem of coastal erosion in Ireland. In this respect, the coastal protection strategy study commenced in 2003. The study will address the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seek to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. It is expected that when this study is completed, a more targeted approach to programme delivery will enable a greater level of efficiency to be achieved.

Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €52.01 million is identified for expenditure. Expenditure under this measure in 2002 was €6.509 million, €2.9 million in 2003 and an allocation of €2.7 million for the coastal protection programme has been made available to my Department in 2004.

Military Overflights.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

213 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of overflights of foreign military aircraft which have taken place over Irish airspace in the five years by year and country to October 2004; if all these overflights had prior permission by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27919/04]

In the year 2000, permission was granted for 1,963 foreign military aircraft to overfly Ireland. Permission was granted to the following countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Botswana, Egypt, Germany, France, Greece, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Ukraine, the UK and the United States.

In the year 2001, permission was granted for 1,766 foreign military aircraft to overfly Ireland. Permission was granted to the following countries: Algeria, Australia, Belgium Botswana, Egypt, Germany, France, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, the United States and the Republic of Yemen.

In the year 2002, permission was granted for 2,460 foreign military aircraft to overfly Ireland. Permission was granted to the following countries: Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the UK, the United States and the Republic of Yemen.

In the year 2003, permission was granted for 3,691 foreign military aircraft to overfly Ireland. Permission was granted to the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK and the United States.

In the year 2004, to date — 1 January to 31 October — permission has been granted for 3,110 foreign military aircraft to overfly Ireland. Permission was granted to the following countries: Belgium, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UK and the United States.

Permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly the State is granted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952. Permission is normally granted on condition that the foreign military aircraft is unarmed and not carrying arms, ammunition or explosives. The specific arrangements that apply to the United States of America regarding overflights were agreed in an exchange of letters in January 1959 between the then Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Frank Aiken, and the US Ambassador. Under this agreement, the US is granted blanket permission for overflights of unarmed military aircraft. The US Embassy provides regular post hoc statistics of overflights, broken down by month. It is not the practice of the Government to release details of an individual country’s landings and overflights.

Overseas Development Aid.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

214 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will put in place a ring-fenced multi-annual spending plan to achieve the UN target of 0.7% of gross national product, GNP, on overseas aid by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27815/04]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

223 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he intends achieving the target of spending 0.7% of gross national product, GNP, on overseas development aid by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28078/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 223 together.

I refer the Deputies to my answer to Questions Nos. 156, 157 and 158 on 19 October 2004.

Referendum Commission.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

215 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring the referendum commission into being early and give it ample funds to inform citizens objectively on the proposed EU constitution and not leave it until just a month before the referendum as on previous occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27822/04]

Statutory responsibility for the establishment of the referendum commission lies with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Under the Referendum Act 1998, as amended in 2001, an order by him establishing the referendum commission for any given referendum can only be made following the initiation in the Dáil of the Bill to amend the Constitution.

The Government has already made clear that it is committed to ensuring that the referendum commission will have sufficient time and resources to fulfil its role in respect of the referendum on the European constitution, as indeed it had for the second referendum on the Nice treaty.

On that occasion, the Referendum Commission was established on 9 July 2002, more than three months before the polling day of 19 October. In its subsequent report the commission was "glad to report that the additional time made available to it on this occasion enabled it to carry out a much more wide-ranging and comprehensive information campaign than in the past."

Passport Applications.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

216 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person travelling to the USA and currently holding a hand-written passport can have a replacement machine-readable passport issued free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27868/04]

The appropriate statutory fee has to be paid on each occasion when a passport is sought. The relevant fees are set out in S.I. 82 Diplomatic and Consular Fees [Amendment] Regulations 2004. There is no provision in these regulations for the issue of replacement passports free of charge.

From 26 October 2004, all Irish passport holders visiting the United States require an individual machine-readable passport to avail of the US visa waiver programme. Holders of hand-written passports have the option of either replacing their existing passport with a machine-readable one (including, as indicated above, paying the appropriate fee) or obtaining a visa, in advance, from their nearest US diplomatic or consular mission. These new requirements apply to all visa waiver countries, including Ireland.

My Department has gone to considerable lengths to publicise these new requirements so that holders of Irish passports that are not machine-written would be able to obtain new, machine-readable passports in good time if they envisaged travelling to the US. The Passport Office advertised these new requirements in the national press of the 12 and 13 September and they have been publicised on the Department's website and on passport application forms for the past year. An arrangement was also put in place last year to produce machine-readable passports in Dublin for applicants abroad who requested such a passport.

All Irish passports produced in Ireland and in the Irish Embassy in London are machine-readable and meet the new US requirements. Only passports issued at other missions abroad, or by the Duty Officer Service in Dublin and Cork, are hand-written. These comprise approximately 5% of all Irish passports issued world-wide each year. My Department is currently developing a new passport issuing system, which is due to commence production before the end of this year. When that system is fully implemented, Irish passports, whether issued at home or abroad, will be machine-written.

Suicide Incidence.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

217 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the recent inquest into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/04]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

218 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason there was no representative from the Irish Embassy at the recent inquest into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/04]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

220 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the question of Irish deaths in Brixton Prison, south London, will be raised in the context of the task force on emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28041/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217, 218 and 220 together.

The person to whom the Deputy refers died on 12 May 2002 at King's College Hospital, having been found hanging in his prison cell while on remand at Brixton Prison on 9 May 2002. The Irish Ambassador in London wrote to the Governor at HMP Brixton on 16 May 2002 to express the Government's deep concern about his death and to request that the Embassy be informed of any developments in relation to the investigation of his death.

It is not the normal practice for a representative from an Irish Embassy to attend inquests into the death of Irish nationals in custody abroad. However, I am aware that, in the report of the inquest into this case on 15 October 2004, the coroner's Office, while concluding that he was suffering from severe depression, highlighted failures in the Prison Service that it felt could have contributed to his death.

The Irish Ambassador has made strong representations to the prison authorities in London following the deaths of a number of men of Irish nationality or of Irish descent, including the person to whom the Deputy refers, between 1998 and 2002 in HMP Brixton. Subsequently, the Governor of HMP Wandsworth was asked to conduct a review of all non-natural deaths in custody in HMP Brixton from 1998 onwards. In March 2003, the review team published its findings, known as the Heavens report.

The report concluded, inter alia, that, in some of these cases, policies and procedures were not properly carried out and that, in some instances, actions were taken that were not in accordance with the prison’s suicide prevention policy. It also noted that there was no evidence to indicate that any of these deaths was as a result of prejudice against the men because of their Irish nationality or descent.

Shortly after the publication of the report, a new prison governor was appointed at Brixton drawn from the Prisons Services Inspectorate. Following the appointment, an officer from the embassy met with the Governor and the Director General of the Prison Services and was assured that both were committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the report. Also since then, the embassy has had regular contacts with the new governor and his staff about the report and the implementation of its recommendations as well as other prison matters.

The Irish Ambassador has also met with the relatives and friends of the men involved to discuss the findings of the report.

Since the report's publication, the embassy has not been notified of any further deaths of Irish citizens in HMP Brixton but I can assure the Deputy that my Department, through the embassy, will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

219 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas should be given more resources to enable it to carry out its work in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/04]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

221 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the question of adequate funding for the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas will be raised in the context of the task force on emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28042/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 221 together.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has been providing financial assistance to the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas for many years. The ICPO provide valuable support and assistance to Irish prisoners overseas and their families which complements the services provided by the consular section of my Department and our missions abroad.

Since 1997, an annual grant of €25,000 has been made to the ICPO here in Ireland and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I am in a position to increase the amount this year to €30,000.

Assistance is also provided through the Díon fund to the ICPO office in London, which deals exclusively with Irish prisoners in Britain. Earlier this year, the ICPO in London received an initial grant of €110,000 from my Department. As a result of the additional funding for services to the Irish abroad this year which my predecessor announced last July, I understand that the Díon Committee, which advises me on welfare issues relating to the Irish community in Britain, has recommended that an additional grant be awarded this year.

As the funding for services to the Irish community in Britain is further increased in line with the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding emigrants, I can assure the Deputy that the valuable work done by the ICPO on behalf of Irish prisoners in Britain will be duly recognised.

Question No. 220 answered with QuestionNo. 217.
Question No. 221 answered with QuestionNo. 219.

Communications Masts.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

222 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the issue of the communication mast at a location (details supplied) was raised at the recent peace talks in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28063/04]

Concerns regarding the progress toward security normalisation in Northern Ireland, including in regard to communications masts, are frequently raised with the British authorities at the highest level, and have been the subject of numerous discussions between my predecessor and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland within the framework of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. While the specific communications mast referred to by the Deputy has not been raised at the most recent negotiations, we will continue to press on the British Government, as the security situation allows, the need to ensure continued progress toward the complete normalisation of security arrangements as set out in the Joint Declaration and Good Friday Agreement.

With regard to this particular communications mast, my officials have recently been in correspondence with local community representatives in the area with a view to meeting and discussing matters of particular concern to them at the present time. I will keep the Deputy fully informed of any developments as they arise in the coming period.

Question No. 223 answered with QuestionNo. 214.

Decentralisation Programme.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

224 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress being made with plans for decentralisation to Kilkenny city; if he has identified suitable properties at both locations; if he is close to selecting the property solution; the locations of same [28089/04]

The Arts Council, one of the State agencies under the aegis of my Department, is designated for transfer to Kilkenny under the Government's programme of decentralisation. I met the chairperson and the chief executive of the Arts Council in January this year to emphasise the Government's commitment to the process and to underline my firm resolve that the move to Kilkenny should take place as soon as possible. The Arts Council, at my request, nominated a representative to my Department's decentralisation committee.

In early June 2004, a decentralisation implementation plan was prepared by and in respect of the Arts Council and submitted to the decentralisation implementation group, chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn.

There are currently 45 members of staff employed in the Arts Council and a total of 29 applications for transfer to Kilkenny have so far been received under the Central Application Facility.

The Office of Public Works is assessing a number of options regarding suitable locations and properties in Kilkenny for the Arts Council. However, a decision has not been made at this time on any particular property.

Abbey Theatre.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

225 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the foyer of the original Abbey Theatre, including the stones of the facade which were numbered and stored, the canopy over the original entrance, the railings, doors, windows and the last billboards from 1961 are available for incorporation into the proposed new Abbey Theatre; if the OPW will insist that this material, which has considerable historical and sentimental significance, will be incorporated in any future building that will house the new national theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27753/04]

Design work on a new building for the Abbey Theatre has not begun as yet. Accordingly, it is impossible to make any detailed comment about what elements might or might not be incorporated within it. I will, however, bring the offer referred to by the Deputy to the attention of the OPW.

Horse Racing Industry.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

226 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the meetings he has had with Horse Racing Ireland regarding the provision of all weather horseracing track; the funding that is necessary for such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27913/04]

As the Minister with responsibility for the horse racing industry, I meet the chairman and executives of Horse Racing Ireland on a regular basis, as do officials from my Department. Regular liaison meetings with HRI are held at various stages throughout the year. All policy issues are discussed at these meetings, including HRI's capital develop programme, which includes the proposal to develop an all weather track.

Under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act of 2001, HRI was established as the statutory body with responsibility for the horse racing industry. The general functions of HRI include the development and promotion of the Irish horse racing industry including the development of authorised racecourses and the making of grants, loans and other disbursements to authorised racecourses.

As outlined in their strategic plan for 2003-07, HRI pointed out that there is a compelling case for the development of an all-weather facility. HRI also takes the view that commercial considerations must also be taken into account, and it will support the development of an all-weather track either at an existing track or on a green field site subject to the following conditions being met: proximity to a major urban area; ability to stage floodlit evening racing; a left-handed oval circuit of ten furlongs in circumference; constructed using the best available surface; a dual-purpose facility which can stage national hunt racing.

I have been informed by HRI that it is considering three proposals for such a development and HRI expects to finalise its consideration of the various issues shortly.

Arts Council.

John Gormley

Ceist:

227 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to increase the budget to the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27948/04]

I will do my utmost to secure the best possible deal for the Arts Council in the context of the Estimates for next year.

Decentralisation Programme.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

228 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress being made with plans for decentralisation to Thomastown, County Kilkenny; if he has identified suitable properties at both locations; if he is close to selecting the property solution; and the locations of same. [28089/04]

The Health and Safety Authority is actively working to implement the Government decision on the decentralisation of its offices to Thomastown, County Kilkenny. An implementation team has been set up which reports directly to the chief executive and progress is reported to the board of the authority on a regular basis. In addition, the interests of the authority are represented on my Department's main decentralisation implementation committee and senior representatives from the authority participate in a decentralisation implementation sub-group on decentralisation of agencies of the Department.

A detailed implementation plan has been prepared in consultation with the key stakeholders and submitted to the Flynn working group. The plan sets out the challenges, opportunities and issues arising for the authority and its staff from the decentralisation programme, along with proposed models for continuity of service. Proposals are being formulated for optimal delivery of compliance and enforcement services by the authority. In addition, discussions have commenced with the staff unions through the authority's industrial relations council.

To date, 11 of the authority's staff have applied to transfer to Thomastown. This figure represents 10% of the total figure of 110 staff required. However, when the total number of applications received from both within the agency and within the Civil Service and public service is considered, it climbs to 46% of the 110 staff required by the agency. Further analysis of expressions of interest from the central applications facility will be required in order to determine the grades and "fit", in terms of competencies and so on, of the external applications.

The Office of Public Works has identified a number of potentially suitable sites in Thomastown and the detailed evaluation process is at an advanced stage. It is expected that the acquisition negotiations phase for Thomastown will commence shortly.

Redundancy Payments.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

229 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the meeting held between officials of his Department and representatives of the workforce of a company (details supplied) in County Kilkenny which took place at the factory; if there was an outcome to the meeting; if officials have put forward a solution to satisfy all parties which is awaiting a political response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27757/04]

At the request of the Tánaiste, two officials of my Department travelled to Kilkenny to meet union officials, workers' representatives and Mr. Martin Carroll, county councillor, at the factory (details supplied) on 23 June 2003. The manager of the company attended as an observer for a short while. There have been no further meetings since that time, nor is it envisaged that there will be any such meetings.

The union officials and the workers' representatives spoke at the meeting. They made the case that the workers who had been made redundant up to January 2003, before the new enhanced rates came into force in May 2003, should be retrospectively paid these enhanced rates. However, these workers were paid about 3.2 times the then statutory rate by the company on a voluntary basis.

The legal advice given to my Department when this type of issue was considered during the drafting stage of the Bill to give statutory effect to the new enhanced rates was that retrospective effect could not be given, as to do so would be placing a legal onus on employers retrospectively. The Oireachtas is not permitted to impose retrospection on employers in these circumstances. Unfortunately for the workers concerned, my Department is precluded from paying the enhanced rates of redundancy with retrospective effect.

The case was also made on behalf of these workers that, if it was not legally possible to meet their claim for payment of the enhanced rates, the Government should consider bringing a scheme to the Oireachtas to enable them to be paid the enhanced rates from the social insurance fund, SIF, as a special case. This proposal was also considered and deemed impractical. It would mean making a special case for the workers concerned on the basis that they had missed out by being made redundant quite some time before the new enhanced rates were passed by the Oireachtas into law. Many thousands of other workers are in a similar position and could make a case for special treatment.

It was also mentioned at the meeting, which the officials attended, that during the negotiations with the employer, the workers had intimated that they were at that time prepared to accept, in final settlement of their claim for extra statutory redundancy payments from the employer, the 60% rebate the employer was entitled to receive from the SIF. I have no say in what the employer does with the 60% refund, which he was legally entitled to be paid from the SIF.

It is regretted that the workers in this factory and other workers in similar circumstances have not been able to benefit from the increased redundancy payments. However, the legal position cannot be changed, nor can special legislative provisions be made for any particular group of people.

Skill Shortages.

John Cregan

Ceist:

230 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered the concept of a highly skilled migrant programme for all graduates and graduates educated at universities and colleges here; and when such a programme will be formally announced. [27828/04]

I have no plans to introduce a new scheme of migration for highly skilled graduates. I am satisfied that the current administrative arrangements are sufficient to allow highly skilled individuals to reside and work in Ireland, where the required skills cannot be sourced within the European economic area, EEA. The EEA comprises the 25 member states of the European Union and Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Nationals of the EEA do not require any form of authorisation or permit.

The working visas or work authorisations scheme is designed to facilitate the employment of individuals from outside the EEA who are highly skilled in particular economic sectors where labour shortages exist. Principally, these are health professionals, information computing technology professionals, and construction professionals, for example, architects, engineers and town planners. However, for international companies that are located here, an intra-company transfer facility is available, on a case-by-case basis, to enable them to transfer senior managers or exceptionally skilled staff to Ireland, for a fixed duration, without an economic needs test.

Even in cases where skills shortages exist, employers should of course consider training suitable personnel within their own companies before seeking employment permits for overseas personnel.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

231 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for supplementary welfare allowance for persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be considered by his Department. [27775/04]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards, provides for exceptional needs payments to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of his or her weekly income. In determining entitlement to an exceptional needs payment, the health board must be satisfied that an exceptional need exists which cannot be met from other sources. As a general rule, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is not used to fund medical services or costs directly incurred in the delivery of medical services.

The South Eastern Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the couple in question made an application for an exceptional needs payment in respect of the cost of an alternative medical treatment. In the opinion of the board, the expenses in question are not considered appropriate to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The matter is being considered as a health services issue by the board, which is now examining the possibility of providing the treatment directly or of contributing to the cost of it for the couple through that system.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

232 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded unemployment assistance following an appeal. [27875/04]

The person concerned was in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance from 28 May 1992 to 20 July 2004. Following a review, a deciding officer disallowed her unemployment assistance claim from 21 July 2004 on the grounds that she was not available for and not genuinely seeking employment. An appeals officer subsequently upheld the deciding officer's decision. The person concerned made a repeat application for unemployment assistance effective from 28 September 2004. A deciding officer disallowed this application on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking employment.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose may be obtained from her local social welfare office. Under social welfare legislation, decisions with regard to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Insurance.

David Stanton

Ceist:

233 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid into the social insurance fund in 2003; the amount paid out of the fund in 2003; the amount remaining in the fund at the end of 2003; the amount in the fund at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27947/04]

The amount paid into the social insurance fund in 2003 was €6,058 million. Some €5,814 million was paid out of the fund in that year. The fund surplus at the end of 2003 was €1,529 million and the surplus at the end of August 2004 was €1,842 million, which is the latest confirmed figure available.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

234 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to amend the means assessment with regard to SSIA accounts held by social welfare recipients; the number of persons currently receiving a reduced payment due to their SSIA accounts; the total reduction in social welfare means-tested payments due to income assessed from SSIA accounts; if these persons will be reassessed and if so, the cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28027/04]

I have recently asked my Department to carry out a comprehensive examination of the arrangements for assessment of capital, particularly in so far as they apply to SSIAs, and I will consider what action needs to be taken on foot of it. I expect that this examination will be concluded in the near future.

It is not possible to readily quantify the number of persons in receipt of social welfare payments who are holders of SSIA accounts. This is because the source of any capital held is not maintained electronically on the relevant payment systems.

In assessing means for social assistance purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property. Capital may include stocks and shares of every description, which are assessed according to their current market value, savings certificates, bonds or national instalment savings, which are assessed according to their current market value, and money invested in a bank, building society, and so on. In assessing the value of capital, however, significant disregards are applied. The first €12,697.38 of capital is disregarded and the assessment is on a sliding scale for amounts above this. In the case of old age pensions, for example, a single pensioner with capital of up to €20,315.80 qualifies for a full pension while a single pensioner with capital of up to €68,565.84 qualifies for a minimum pension. These amounts are doubled in the case of married pensioners.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

235 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of achieving the promised €185 target for child benefit in 2005; the commitments which have been made under the Sustaining Progress agreement for the achievement of this target; and if there are plans to achieve this in 2005. [28029/04]

The Government's strategy on child benefit is to increase the monthly rate payable in respect of the first and second child to €149.20 per month and to €185.40 for the third and subsequent children. The Sustaining Progress agreement contains a commitment that this strategy will be completed by 2005. It is estimated that completion will cost €239 million in full.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

236 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to introduce an all-Ireland free travel scheme; and the work that has been done to date on this proposal. [28030/04]

Under the existing free travel scheme, pass holders who reside in the Republic of Ireland can travel free within this jurisdiction. Similarly, people who live in Northern Ireland and who hold a concessionary travel pass can travel free within the North. Under the special cross-Border arrangements, in place since 1995, both southern and northern pass holders can undertake cross-Border journeys free of charge.

The introduction of free travel on an all-Ireland basis would enable southern pass holders to make free onward journeys within the North. Similarly, Northern Ireland pass holders would be able to make internal journeys within the Republic free of charge. There are a number of issues to be resolved in order to implement an enhanced all-Ireland free travel system on these lines. These issues will require co-operation between my Department and the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland as well, as the relevant northern and southern transport operator companies.

My predecessor met the Minister of State at the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland in September 2004 to explore the potential for co-operation between the two Departments with regard to the proposal. Contacts are continuing between officials of the two Departments. I have written to the Minister, Mr. John Spellar, in Northern Ireland stressing my interest in progressing this matter.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

237 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance subsidy will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [28051/04]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards, provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to assist with the reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people who are unable to provide for their housing costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

The Mid-Western Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned made inquiries regarding rentsupplement at her local health centre. She was given the appropriate application forms and advised that she should apply to the local authority to be assessed in respect of her housing needs. The board understands that the local authority has deemed her not to be in need of accommodation.

While no formal application for rent supplement has yet been made by her, the board has further advised that such an application is unlikely to succeed in light of the local authority assessment.

Social Welfare Overpayments.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

238 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider amending SI 227/96 to allow a distinction be made by an approved officer of his Department between fraudulent welfare overpayments and welfare overpayments which have arisen from a genuine misunderstanding on the part of the claimant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28061/04]

The repayment of social welfare overpayments is regulated by a code of practice, Statutory Instrument No. 227 of 1996. The code requires that, in the context of overpayments, due account be taken of the interests of taxpayers and social insurance contributors who finance the various social welfare payments as well as the ability of the person concerned to repay and, in this regard, that every effort be made to recover overpayments in full.

Where an overpayment has been assessed, the person concerned is afforded an opportunity to bring to the notice of the Department or health board any views he or she wishes to offer on the assessment of the overpayment and the proposed method of repayment. The person's views are taken into consideration before the matter is finalised. There is provision within the code for the repayment of an overpayment to be deferred, suspended, or cancelled, or for the rate of repayment to be reduced depending on the circumstances of the case. When determining the method and rate of repayment, the authorised officer is required to give consideration to any facts or circumstances relevant to the question of the recovery, and the circumstances in which it arose.

The code of practice already ensures that account is taken of a person's ability to repay an overpayment, whether this is attributable to misunderstanding or fraudulent intent, while at the same time ensuring that moneys incorrectly paid are recovered. In 2003, 17,000 cases of fraud, costing €13.7 million, were discovered, while customer or third party error accounted for 23,000 cases, at a cost of €17.6 million. Almost €17 million was repaid to the Department last year for overpayments.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

239 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his estimate of the number of cases in the past two years in which his Department has initiated overpayment requests from social welfare recipients of deserted wife’s benefit or one parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28062/04]

The total numbers of overpayments raised by my Department in the case of recipients of deserted wife's benefit and one parent family payment for each of the years from 2002 to date are set out in the following table.

Year

Deserted wife’s benefit

One parent family payment

2002

45

585

2003

51

1,113

2004 to date

71

2,027

Overpayments arise for a variety of reasons, including inadequate or incorrect information supplied by customers and fraudulent claiming. My Department's control programmes are aimed at ensuring that social welfare payments, funded by the taxpayer, are paid to those who are entitled to them and that payments wrongly made are recovered under the code of practice on overpayment recovery.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

240 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the figures of persons benefiting from the back to work allowance over the past three years; and if there is a significant restriction on those now benefiting from this allowance. [28079/04]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

241 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the figures of persons benefiting from the back to work enterprise allowance over the past three years; and if there is now a restriction in those benefiting from this allowance. [28080/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

The back to work allowance scheme which was introduced in September 1993 is part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to assist long-term unemployed people, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. There are two strands to the scheme, the back to work enterprise allowance for self-employment and the back to work allowance for employees.

The allowance was introduced at a time when long-term unemployment stood at 8.9%. In its early years, the scheme proved very effective in helping people who had been long-term unemployed to return to the labour force. However, changes in labour market conditions since the mid 1990s have reduced the need for the scheme. This is illustrated by the drop in numbers availing of it in recent years. At present, there are 12,097 participants in the scheme, compared to 39,343 in October 2000 when the scheme reached its peak.

The scheme was reviewed in 2002 in the light of economic and labour market changes and, in particular, the drop in unemployment levels since the introduction of the scheme in 1993. This review also took account of an evaluation of the scheme by independent consultants. They recommended that the scheme should be restructured in the light of the changes in the labour market. In particular, the review recommended that the scheme be refocused on the longer-term unemployed, that the non-financial supports be enhanced and that the overall numbers on the scheme be reduced.

In January 2003, the qualifying period for persons on unemployment benefit or assistance was increased to five years. Recipients of other social welfare qualifying payments were not affected by the change. The scheme is continually monitored to ensure its relevance to current labour market and economic conditions. It was recognised that there was some difficulty being experienced by persons wishing to enter self-employment after five years attachment to the live register. Therefore, in the budget of 2004, the qualifying period for access to the self-employed strand of the scheme was reduced to three years for those in receipt of an unemployment payment, effective from March 2004.

The numbers of recipients at the end of each of the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 are shown in the following table.

2001

2002

2003

Self-employed

15,973

13,510

9,873

Employees

16,218

11,566

7,197

Total

32,191

25,076

17,070

Social Welfare Code.

David Stanton

Ceist:

242 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the regulations governing the way persons who are in long-term residential care are entitled to claim disability benefit or disability allowance; the restrictions that are involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28103/04]

In the case of disability benefit, entitlement to payment is not affected by the residential status of the claimant. Disability benefit is an insurance payment made to persons who are unable to work due to illness and is paid if the person satisfies the PRSI contributions for payment. Disability benefit is, therefore, paid while a person is in hospital or any long-term care institution without restriction.

Responsibility for the disabled person's maintenance allowance, DPMA, scheme was transferred from the Department of Health and Children and the health boards to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in October 1996. On the transfer of the scheme the existing qualifying conditions were retained and the scheme was renamed disability allowance.

One of the qualifying conditions applying to the former DPMA scheme was that the payment could not be made to people who were in residential care where the cost of the person's maintenance was met in whole or in part by a health board.

Effectively, persons who would otherwise have qualified for disability allowance would continue to have their maintenance costs and, in certain cases, an element of spending money met separately rather than through a disability allowance payment.

Since the take-over of the scheme by my Department, the restrictions on payment to persons in residential care have been progressively eased. From August 1999 existing disability allowance recipients who are living at home can retain their entitlement where they subsequently go into hospital or residential care.

A review of illness and disability payment schemes completed by my Department in September 2003 recommended the removal of the residential care disqualification for disability allowance purposes. The working group which oversaw the review recognised that the removal would have a range of implications, and that, in the absence of reliable data on the numbers involved and the funding arrangements currently in place, it was not possible to fully assess the likely impact or cost of such a move.

Budget 2003 provided for the take-over by my Department of the discretionary "pocket money" allowances paid to people with disabilities in residential care who are not entitled to disability allowance and for the standardisation of the level of these allowances. My Department is currently completing an information gathering process with the health boards with a view to arranging for the transfer of responsibility for the payment of these allowances and of the funds involved. An assessment of the scale of the transfer and its implications for a more general removal of the residential care disqualification for disability allowance purposes will be made in the light of this transfer and having regard to available resources and priorities generally.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

243 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the review that he has asked to be carried out of the cutbacks which took place in December 2003; if the review has been completed; and when he expects a report on it. [28183/04]

The Estimates for the Department of Social and Family Affairs announced last November included a number of provisions to better target resources within the social welfare code.

My Department is currently reviewing all of the measures in question. It is expected that this review will be completed shortly and I will be bringing forward proposals, if appropriate, in the light of the findings of the review.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

244 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend the Christmas bonus to persons in receipt of short-term social welfare payments; the number of persons who would be affected; and the costs of same. [28184/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Christmas bonus will again be paid this year to all recipients of long-term social welfare payments, at a rate equivalent to 100% of the person's normal weekly payment, subject to a minimum payment of €30. The measure will cost an estimated €127.4 million in 2004 and will benefit 1.2 million persons comprising 816,000 recipients and 386,000 dependents.

The estimated cost of extending the Christmas bonus to all persons in receipt of short-term payments, including short-term unemployment payments, disability, maternity benefit, carer's benefit, family income supplement and supplementary welfare allowance, is €28.3 million. The number of persons currently receiving these short-term payments is 196,000.

Social Welfare Code.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the last time the income guidelines were changed for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme; and the plans he has to change the income guidelines. [28185/04]

Under the back to school clothing and footwear scheme, an allowance of €80 is payable in respect of qualified children aged two to 11 years while €120 is payable in respect of qualified children aged 12 to 22 years. The income limits for the scheme are increased each year.

The income limits for 2004 are as follows:

Couple with Income Limit

Lone Parent with Income Limit

1 child

348.10

1 child

238.90

2 children

367.40

2 children

260.50

3 children

386.70

3 children

282.10

4 children

406.00*

4 children

303.70**

* Limit is increased by €19.30 for each additional child.

** Limit is increased by €21.60 for each additional child.

Where the prescribed income limits are exceeded in the case of persons participating in approved employment schemes, including the back to work scheme, special arrangements are in place which allow such people to retain entitlement to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance subject to a separate income limit of €317.43 per week. The back to work allowance and family income supplement, in cases where one or both of these are in payment, are now disregarded in the assessment of the €317.43 weekly income limit.

As part of the expenditure review programme in my Department, a working group was established to undertake a review of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme. The report of the working group is being finalised, and when completed I will consider any changes recommended to the scheme. Any further changes in income limits or in the amounts payable under the scheme would be a matter for consideration in a budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

246 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been refused unemployment assistance or benefit in the past three years on the grounds that they are not genuinely seeking work, despite producing letters from employers to the contrary; and the reason these letters are not accepted as proof that they are genuinely seeking work. [28186/04]

To be entitled to unemployment benefit, UB, or unemployment assistance, UA, social welfare legislation provides that, among other conditions, a person must satisfy the condition of being genuinely seeking work.

The number of customers disallowed as not genuinely seeking work in each of the past three years is as follows:

Year

2001

5,320

2002

3,567

2003

4,024

Up to August of this year 2,435 customers have been disallowed under this provision. The figures given above cover all disallowances for not genuinely seeking work, including any disallowances where the customers had produced letters from employers.

A deciding officer will take a number of factors into account in deciding whether a customer is genuinely seeking work. The production of letters from prospective employers is only one such factor and, of itself, may not be a sufficient indicator that a person is genuinely seeking work.

Regard may be had to any other steps which a person has taken — provided the person offers a reasonable chance of getting employment. The steps which are expected to be taken to seek work will vary from person to person and from one period to another. In determining what are reasonable steps, the deciding officer considers the nature and conditions of the employment sought and the individual circumstances of the persons concerned, including their level of skills and-or qualifications for the employment in question having regard to the state of the labour market and existing labour market opportunities.

Any person who fails to satisfy the deciding officer that he or she is genuinely seeking work is not entitled to an unemployment payment. Where a person is dissatisfied with a decision made by a deciding officer he or she may appeal this decision to the social welfare appeals office.

Social Welfare Code.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

247 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the costs of giving free travel and the household benefits package to all widows and widowers in the country, regardless of their age; and the plans he has to bring proposals to Government to give free travel and the household benefits package to all widows and widowers. [28187/04]

The household benefits package of schemes, which comprises the electricity, gas allowances, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who fulfil a means test.

The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments such as invalidity pension and disability allowance. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, to all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and to carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance. It is also available to certain people with disabilities.

Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefit package or free travel retain that entitlement to ensure that those households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of the spouse.

In the time available it has not been possible to cost the Deputy's proposal. This estimate will be communicated to him as quickly as possible.

A range of proposals, including that proposed by the Deputy, has been made to extend the free schemes to other groups. These are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.

Asylum Support Services.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

248 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends the gross inequality of treatment of asylum seekers in direct provision compared to others in hostel type accommodation; his views on whether the direct provision rate for an adult of €19.10, which has remained unchanged since 2002, should be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28230/04]

The objective of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the health boards, is to make up the difference between a person's means and his or her basic needs. Where a person has access to some resources in kind or in cash, through the social welfare system or otherwise, the relevant legislation requires that this be taken into account in determining the amount of assistance payable.

Asylum seekers who are catered for under the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are provided with full board accommodation and other facilities such as laundry services and access to leisure areas. In recognition of the level of services provided in these cases a reduced rate of supplementary welfare allowance, that is, €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child, is payable in respect of personal requisites.

In some cases asylum seekers are accommodated in step down facilities under the direct provision system. The criteria for assessment of such cases are the same as those applying to any other recipients, including people who have been supplied with hostel type accommodation. If accommodation only is supplied full rate supplementary welfare allowance less a deduction of €13 in respect of the accommodation is payable. If additional services are supplied, for example, breakfast or other meals, the amount of allowance payable is reduced to take account of the level of additional service supplied in each individual case.

With effect from May 2004 basic supplementary welfare allowance is subject to a habitual residence condition. Newly arrived asylum seekers are unlikely to satisfy this condition and are instead paid a direct provision allowance, equivalent to the relevant supplementary welfare allowance rate. Payment of this allowance is currently being made on an administrative basis through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, as an interim measure, pending arrangements being put in place by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform who will assume responsibility for direct provision allowance and in step down facilities with an similar agreement in place with the Department of Health and Children for that Department to take over responsibility for payments to unaccompanied minors.

The structure and rate of the direct provision payment is designed to give equality in the treatment of asylum seekers in direct provision compared to others in hostel type accommodation. Wherever there is a shortfall in the level of a person's means, assistance in the form a basic allowance may be paid to bring the person up to the appropriate supplementary welfare allowance rate.

Any increase in the rates of the weekly allowance paid to asylum seekers in direct provision would have to be considered in a budgetary context.

Insurance Industry.

John Cregan

Ceist:

249 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Transport the situation in relation to insurance protection available to a person (details supplied); and if there is a fund from which this person can seek compensation. [27829/04]

Under an agreement dated 31 March 2004 between the Minister and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, the bureau continues its undertaking of liability to pay compensation to innocent victims of motor vehicle accidents involving uninsured drivers and untraced vehicles, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Such compensation covers personal injuries and injury to property in the case of accidents caused by uninsured drivers and personal injury in the case of accidents caused by unidentified vehicles.

Determination of eligibility for compensation in individual cases is a matter for the bureau. The agreement prescribes the conditions for notifying an accident to the bureau and indicates the procedures for making a claim against the bureau.

A copy of the agreement may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, or by mail order from Government Publications, Postal Trade Section, 51 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, price €3. It may also be accessed on my Department's website, www.transport.ie.

Public Transport.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

250 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding which has been allocated for the purchase of additional buses to expand and increase the Dublin Bus fleet since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27784/04]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

251 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding which has been allocated for the purchase of replacement buses for the Dublin Bus fleet since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27785/04]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

257 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding under the NDP that has been allocated to Dublin Bus to purchase new buses in 2003 and in 2004; the number of new additional buses which were anticipated to be purchased from this allocation in both these years; the number of additional as opposed to replacement that have been purchased by the company in both these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27861/04]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

258 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of the 276 additional buses promised to Dublin Bus over the lifetime of the NDP that have been delivered to date; the number that are now fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27862/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 251, 257 and 258 together.

The national development plan, NDP, provides for the purchase by Dublin Bus of 275 additional buses and 500 replacement buses over the period to the end of 2006.

I am informed by Dublin Bus that since 1997 the company has allocated a total of €69 million for the purchase of new additional and €127 million of new replacement buses. These buses have been funded under the NDP from a combination of Exchequer grants, CIE borrowings and own resources, and EU funds. In 2003 and 2004, €22 million and €9.3 million, respectively, has been allocated for new buses. The NDP provides for the purchase by Dublin Bus of 275 additional buses over the period of the NDP to the end of 2006. To date 93 additional buses have been purchased by the company.

Driving Tests.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

252 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to publish a circular for driver testers which would no longer require them to check for a valid tax disc before taking a driving test; if so, the reason such a basic fulfilment of the rules of the road should not be required of driving test applicants; his policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27786/04]

Following consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which is responsible for motor taxation, my Department recently issued a circular letter to driver testers instructing them not to check motor tax discs on vehicles presented for test with effect from 6 December 2004. In future, non-compliance with motor tax law will not be considered to be a valid reason for refusing to take a driving test candidate out on test. Under the Road Traffic Acts, the role of a driver tester is to assess the driving competency of candidates presenting for a driving test. A driver tester has no enforcement function in relation to the validity of motor tax discs. This is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

253 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his plans in relation to the oral part of the driving test; if he intends to abolish it to free up time for the new technical part of the test; and if so, the details of the research he has based this decision upon. [27787/04]

I have no proposals at present to abolish the oral part of the driving test which is required under section 33(3)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.

Road Traffic Offences.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

254 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the reason penalty points cannot be endorsed on the entry in licence records from the date of payment of charge. [27807/04]

The Road Traffic Act 2002, which provides the legislative basis for the introduction and operation of the penalty points system, contains specific provisions governing application of such points on the licence record of an individual. Section 5 of the Act provides that where penalty points are to be endorsed on a record, a notification of that endorsement must be issued to the licence holder involved. The notice sets out in particular the basis for the endorsement of the points.

Section 7 of the Act provides that, save in very limited and quite specific instances, the operative date for penalty points is 28 days from the date of the notice issued under Section 5. This date is referred to in the Act as the appropriate date.

The provisions in the 2002 Act on the appropriate date recognise that as a result of the endorsement of penalty points a person may face the application of an automatic disqualification from driving. Section 3 of the Act establishes that where a person accumulates at least 12 penalty points, he or she will be disqualified for a period of six months.

If penalty points were to be applied from the date of the commission of the offence in the first instance or from the date of the payment of the fixed charge, a person could be faced with the prospect that they would have already been disqualified in advance of any notification being sent to that effect. This would in turn create the situation that a person would be open to a charge of driving when disqualified where they had driven in the period between the commission of the original offence or the payment of the charge and the date of the notice.

The penalty points system has been designed and structured to ensure that any person who is accused of the commission of a penalty point offence is afforded a significant time period to chose whether or not to allow the matter to proceed to court. Save in respect of eight of the 69 offences determined to be penalty point offences in the Act, the option of the payment of a fixed charge is afforded to the accused person. A person presented with a fixed charge notice is given a period of 56 days in which to make such a payment before the certainty of a court summons is applied.

There is therefore a potentially significant period made available to a person to make a decision and all of the time period relating to the system that are established in the Act are set out in the fixed charge notice issued in respect of the alleged commission of the offence.

Traffic Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to requests to allow motorcyclists use dedicated bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27823/04]

The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business. An overriding concern is the carrying capacity of bus lanes and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles are allowed access.

However, representations have been received by my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators and motorcyclists. A review of the access issue was carried out in 2001. As part of that review the views of the director of traffic in Dublin City Council, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Garda Síochána were sought. All of those bodies suggested that there should be no change to the current position. I do not have any immediate proposals to review the question of extending access to bus lanes to other road users.

Driving Tests.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

256 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the provision of driving test centres for heavy goods vehicles in line with the EU directive governing such tests; and if Kilkenny will be one of the locations selected for such tests. [27838/04]

A range of options in relation to off road driving test centres are currently under consideration in my Department in consultation with the Office of Public Works. No final decisions have yet been made.

Questions Nos. 257 and 258 answered with Question No. 250.

Airport Development Projects.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

259 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 25 May 2004, if it was his Department or Aer Rianta that was responsible for initially giving the incorrect co-ordinates of the western threshold of proposed runway 10/28 to ERM; if he will confirm both the incorrect and amended co-ordinates as depicted respectively on the draft ERM report of June 2003 and the final version of the said report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28055/04]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

260 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if SI 92 of 1977 still exists; if such statutory instrument was revoked by him; if so, the date of revocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28056/04]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

261 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if a green belt for 2.5 miles around the airport was designated by the then Department of Industry and Commerce at Dublin Airport in or around the 1940s; if this green belt still exists; if it has been revoked; if so, the means by which such revocation took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28057/04]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

262 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 28 October 2004, if the airport development plan prepared by his Department for Dublin Airport on 11 March 1968 indicated that each of the proposed parallel runways would be 11,500 feet in length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28058/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 262, inclusive, together.

I am informed by Dublin Airport Authority that preliminary co-ordinates of the western threshold of proposed runway 10/28 were provided by the former Aer Rianta to ERM at the commencement of its study and the latter's draft report of June 2003 depicted, for illustrative purposes, the proposed runway 10/28. A minor amendment to the co-ordinates of the western threshold of the runway, in the order of approximately 100 m, was notified by the airport authority to ERM during the consultation phase of the draft report and this correction was incorporated in the final version of the ERM report.

The Dublin Airport (Parking Fees) By-Laws, 1977, SI 92 of 1977, set the parking fees for vehicles in Dublin Airport from 1 April 1977. However, the airport by-laws of 1978, SI 225 of 1978, provided at Regulation 6(7) that parking fees at the airport may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister. The 1978 by-laws were revoked by the airport by-laws of 1994, SI 425 of 1994, which provided at Regulation 8(9) for the former Aer Rianta to set parking charges at the State airports.

Planning and development issues, including the designation of areas where development is restricted, such as green belts, are a matter for the local planning authorities who take account of the views and requirements of third parties and the facilitation of sustainable economic growth and development. In the case of lands in the vicinity of Dublin Airport, Fingal County Council and its predecessors are responsible for land use planning and the Deputy might consult the local authority on the status of its designations around Dublin Airport in the 1940s.

With regard to the documents of March 1968 referred to by the Deputy, I am informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that they indicated two parallel east-west runways of potentially 11,500 ft in length.

Driving Tests.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

263 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he has received legal advice on the issue of retention of civil servant status for driving testers who will transfer to the Driver Testing and Standards Authority (details supplied). [28059/04]

As is the case with all legislation the Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill has been examined by the Office of the Attorney General prior to its introduction to the Dáil. The Bill is currently at second stage.

Public Transport.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

264 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacies of the Bus Éireann transport service between Letterkenny and Dublin particularly to the fact that the service does not avail of the M1 motorway and that there is no dedicated stop for Dublin Airport; if CIE will consider the feasibility of addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28073/04]

Changes in Bus Éireann services are an operational matter for the company. However, since 10 January 2001, Bus Éireann is required to notify my Department of proposed new services or proposed changes to existing services at least four weeks prior to their introduction. The sole purpose of this notification procedure is to ensure a level playing field between public and private operators from a market regulatory perspective. In considering there notifications my Department makes no judgment on the operational merits of the proposed service changes.

Bus Éireann has been in correspondence with my Department about a number of proposed changes to their services between Letterkenny and Dublin among others. A number of the changes sought were noted by my Department on 16 June and 30 July. Bus Éireann recently notified my Department of a number of additional proposed changes to services and these are currently being processed by my Department.

Rail Services.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

265 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has to improve the Maynooth-Clonsilla rail line; if his attention has been drawn to the extreme overcrowding on the line; the plans he has for more services, longer trains and improvements to Connolly Station to facilitate trains from Clonsilla; and when these will come about. [28216/04]

I refer the Deputy to a similar question put to me on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, by Deputy Durkan. The situation in relation to the Maynooth to Dublin railway line has not altered since then.

Irish Rail has significantly increased the capacity of services along the Maynooth rail line over the past five years and is committed to further increases in line with growth in commuter demands. In particular a step change increase in the order of 35% was implemented during peak periods from December 2003 onwards. This was achieved through the introduction of 80 diesel railcars for use on commuter services. Plans are currently in place to further increase capacity along the line with the deployment of new units of rolling stock to be introduced during 2005. I understand further service enhancements for commuters along this line are currently being planned by Irish Rail.

Harbours and Piers.

John Perry

Ceist:

266 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding that has been granted for work on the pier at Clare Island: the amount that has been sanctioned; the Department from which the funding came; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27860/04]

In January 2004, I approved funding of €11.604 million from my Department's Vote to Mayo County Council for the construction, under a single contract, of improved pier facilities on Clare Island and Inishturk. The contract was awarded following a public tendering process. The balance of €380,920 of the cost of this joint project will be paid by Mayo County Council.

Question No. 267 answered with QuestionNo. 97.
Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 106.
Question No. 269 answered with QuestionNo. 104.

Grant Payments.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

270 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision on a grant application for a group (details supplied) in County Laois will be processed and adjudicated upon; if he will provide the funding sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27865/04]

My Department received an application for funding from the group in question under the 2004 programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations. The number of applications for funding received under the programme far exceeded the limited funds available and only those proposals which achieved a sufficiently high score arising from the assessment process have been recommended for funding.

The application for funding from the group in question failed to achieve a sufficiently high score to enable it to be considered at the moment. However, should further funds become available to the scheme this application will be then reconsidered.

Departmental Funding.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

271 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if mainstream financing will continue to be made available for a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 10 in order that it can continue its work when URBAN funding runs our early in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27912/04]

My Department currently provides a number of supports for volunteering, including: direct funding for Volunteering Ireland, the Tallaght Volunteer Bureau and Focus Ireland; funding via Partnerships and the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme; funding via the grants schemes established in the context of the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity; and funding via the training and capital grants for locally-based voluntary groups.

The current budgetary position does not allow my Department to provide for any significant new initiatives in this area at this time. I understand that the organisation referred to by the Deputy is currently funded by Dublin City Council under the EU Community Initiative URBAN II Programme 2000-2006. It is also understood that options for future funding of the organisation following expiry of URBAN II funding are currently under consideration by the URBAN project in the area in question.

Questions Nos. 272 and 273 answered with Question No. 122.

Community Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has awarded grant aid to various community groups, urban or rural, throughout the country in the past 12 months; and the headings under which it was awarded in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28145/04]

Information relating to grant aid awarded to community groups, urban or rural, throughout the country in the past 12 months is set out in the following appendix.

* Name of scheme

Amount

CLÁR (Community Initiatives Measure)

€185,425 (€433,000 allocated)

Rural Development Fund

€377,508

Community Development Programme

€16,510,025 (allocated)

Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations

€2,417,415 (allocated)

Local Development/Social Inclusion Programme

€38,769,141

LEADER

€21,500,000

Drugs Initiative/Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund

€30,123,297

Ciste na Gaeilge

€2,498,650

Islands

€45,098

RAPID (capital)(current)

€4,700,000 (allocated)€1,188,109

Údarás na Gaeltachta schemes

€1,373,000

*(i) Amounts indicate spend, unless otherwise indicated.
(ii) Relevant period is 1 November 2003 to 31 October 2004.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Ceist:

275 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the beef premiums will be awarded on two animals of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27761/04]

The person named has to date submitted four applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, one on 26 January 2004 in respect of five animals, one on 8 June 2004 in respect of ten animals, one on 7 October 2004 in respect of four animals and one on 20 October 2004 in respect of eight animals.

Under the terms and conditions of the scheme all animals are required to be CMMS compliant on the date of application. Following computer validation, two of the animals included on the application of 26 January 2004 were identified as non-CMMS compliant on the date of application, in that their movements were not recorded on the CMMS database until 8 April 2004. The person named was written to on 21 September 2004 advising that the animals in question would accordingly be rejected from the application and was informed of the right of appeal. To date the person named has not availed of this opportunity.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

276 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded the bullock slaughter premium; the reason for the delay in processing the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27788/04]

Under the 2004 EU slaughter premium scheme, 48 animals have been deemed eligible for payment to the person named. The 60% advance payment has issued in respect of all these animals to the amount of €2,304.00. The 40% balancing payment shall be paid in 2005 after it has been established whether the national quota has been exceeded and after completion of all checks.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

277 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of force majeure applications received by her Department to date; the number of these applications that have been processed; the number of these applications that have been rejected; and if she will give an outline of the cases that have been decided under different subject areas. [27789/04]

The following is the up-to-date position regarding the processing of force majeure applications under the single payment scheme:

No. cases received

15,288

No. cases processed

14,110

No. unsuccessful applicants

9,610

No. successful applicants

1,785

No. cases requiring additional information

2,715

Force majeure decisions by category.

Death of applicant

938

Incapacity

1,999

Disaster

43

Destruction

27

Disease in herd

1,562

Other exceptional circumstance

5,221

Multiple circumstances

1,605

My Department has also received in excess of 2000force majeure applications under the second tranche of this measure, which closed on 29 October 2004.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

278 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the slaughter premium payment. [27809/04]

Under the 2004 EU slaughter premium scheme, four animals have been deemed eligible for payment to the person named. The 60% slaughter premium advance payment of €192, together with the 60% national envelope top-up for beef heifers advance payment of €54.84 issued to the person named on 20 October 2004 and 21 October 2004, respectively. The 40% balancing payments shall be paid in 2005 after it has been established whether or not the national quota has been exceeded and after completion of all checks.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

279 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) has any other appeal mechanisms open to them. [27876/04]

The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure-exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee.

Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the independent single payment appeals committee made a recommendation and a letter issued to the person named on 23 August 2004. The findings of the appeals committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.

It is open to the person named to have my Department's decision in his case examined by the Office of the Ombudsman. It is noted however, that the person named changed his farming system during 2002 and consequently he may be eligible for entitlements under the provisions of the national reserve for which application forms will be available shortly.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

280 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive an increase to the early farm retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27877/04]

The person named is the husband of a participant in the 1994 scheme of early retirement from farming, who joined the scheme under the joint management arrangement. Consequently he too has ceased farming. His wife qualifies for the maximum rate of pension payable under the 1994 scheme, which is set by the EU Council regulation under which the scheme was introduced. Therefore it is not possible to increase the rate of pension.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

281 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she reduced the eligible stock numbers by one animal for the 2003 suckler cow grant for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27889/04]

The person named applied for premium on seven animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. While processing the application for payment it was found that according to CMMS records, one of these animals bearing tag number 181850810049 was not in the ownership and possession of the herd owner on 27 June 2003, that being the date of his application. Correspondence regarding this matter issued to the person named on 16 September 2003 and details of a formal decision to reject the animal were notified to him on 6 November 2003. At that time he was given the opportunity to appeal the decision. The herd owner did not request an appeal and so the application was processed on the basis of six eligible animals and one rejected animal.

Milk Quota.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

282 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding milk quotas for a farmer who had milk quota leased for the period April 1998 to April 2005; the effect which the new agreement will have in regard to such a farmer regarding payments, remuneration and the quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27907/04]

The milk quota regulations allow a number of options to a lessor when a lease expires. The lessor may resume production, renew the lease with the same lessee, establish a lease with a close family member, and in certain very limited circumstances where the lessor is in the early retirement scheme he or she may establish a new lease with a non-family member. The lessor may also sell the quota without the land to the departing lessee, sell the quota into the restructuring scheme, or sell the land with the quota attached on the open market.

Under the single payment scheme, the dairy premium is payable in respect of eligible quota available on a producer's holding on 31 March 2005. Where a person has leased out his or her quota to a producer for the period of 1 April 1997 to 31 March 2005, the dairy premium in respect of that quota is payable to the lessee.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

283 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding a farmer who has lands and milk quotas leased prior to the de-coupling agreement and whose lease expires within the next three months in respect of payments for milk quotas; the position regarding the remuneration to the landowner in regard to such quotas; the effect this will have in regard to the new agreements reached for the farmer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27911/04]

In respect of the decoupled dairy premium, where a lease of lands and milk quota expires during the milk quota year, that part of the milk quota utilised by the lessee will be available to that person for the purposes of establishing the de-coupled premium in 2005. The remainder of the leased quota will be transferred to the lessor, if the lease is not renewed. The lessor will be entitled to the de-coupled dairy premium on the transferred quota if he or she is a milk producer during the 2004-05 milk quota year or commences milk production in his or her own right prior to May 2005.

Land Annuities.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

284 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current value of land annuity arrears owed to her Department; the value of such arrears in the case of annuities amounting to €200 or less per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28031/04]

The value of land annuity arrears outstanding on 31 October 2004 is €4.9 million. The value of arrears in respect of annuities of €200 or less per annum is €1.3 million.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

285 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff employed in the lands division of her Department; the location, staff numbers and function of each section of the division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28032/04]

The 33 staff in the lands division of my Department are located in Cavan. The main functions of this division are the disposal of the land on hands which was owned by the former Land Commission, revesting title in those to whom land has been allotted, overseeing the operations of trusts established under the Land Acts, completion of commonage division and rearrangement for cases on hand, answering queries relating to the affairs of the former Land Commission and dealing with consents under sections 12 and 45 of the Land Act 1965.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

286 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff employed in the lands division of her Department in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28033/04]

There are at present 33 staff in the lands division of my Department in Cavan. There were 27 staff in the division in 1997 and the number of posts has not changed significantly over the past ten years.

Live Exports.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

287 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding Northern Ireland sheep farmers not being allowed to buy breeding sheep in the Republic; if this can be reversed as speedily as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28043/04]

Sheep farmers from Northern Ireland are not precluded from buying breeding sheep here but the following rules apply to the export of such sheep. Intra-Community trade in sheep is governed by the provisions of Council Directive 2003/50/EC, which amends Council Directive 91/68/EEC as regards reinforcement of controls on movements of sheep and goats and which came into force on the 1 July 2004. These controls apply to breeding sheep whether they are imported or exported.

Under these rules, breeding sheep must be certified as having been continuously resident on a holding of origin for at least 30 days prior to export including a standstill period of 21 days prior to export during which time no sheep or goats have been introduced on to the holding. A derogation applies where sheep or goats introduced during the standstill period are completely isolated from all other animals on the holding. Breeding rams must also come from a holding on which no case of contagious epididymitis, brucella ovis, has been recorded in the previous 12 months and they must have been kept permanently on the holding for 60 days prior to export. Breeding rams must also be tested for contagious epididymitis, brucella ovis, with a negative result, within 30 days prior to export. The rules on scrapie are that all breeding sheep must either be of the ARR/ARR prion protein genotype, or have been kept in a scrapie monitored flock for at least three years with no cases of scrapie being confirmed during this period.

In the case of exports from breeding shows, it is a fundamental requirement that breeding sheep being exported would not come into contact with animals of a lesser health status, that is, production or slaughter sheep. In this respect, prior arrangements between show organisers and the appropriate district veterinary office would be needed. Breeding sheep being exported must be inspected by an official veterinarian during the 24 hours preceding the loading of the animals and issued with an intra-Community health certificate signed by the official veterinarian.

Animal By-products Disposal.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

288 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government policy on animal blood mixed with slurry from meat factories and spread on land; if this is Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28065/04]

EC Council Regulation 1774/2002 stipulates the methods for handling, processing and disposal of all animal by-products including blood. The regulation does not permit the spreading of blood originating from meat factories on land. Manure may be spread on land in accordance with the regulation, provided that the competent authority does not consider it to present a risk of spreading any serious transmissible disease. Blood mixed with slurry may not be spread on land.

Departmental Staff.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

289 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is any proposal to transfer staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food to the national parks and wildlife services; if so, the staff and the positions involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28107/04]

The introduction of mechanical grading machines to carry out beef carcase classification has lead to the redeployment of 55 supervisory agricultural officers to other duties. Some 35 of these officers were redeployed to posts within my Department. The remaining 20 are not yet redeployed.

There are staff shortages in the conservation ranger area in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the feasibility of redeploying agriculture officers to suitable work in reasonable locations in that Department is being explored. Agricultural officers have been interviewed by officials from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and a panel has been created. Offers of appointment as conservation rangers have been made to the nine officers and replies are awaited.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

290 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed transfer of the headquarters of the Prison Service to Longford; the present staff numbers involved in headquarters; the number who have indicated a wish to relocate to Longford; and the arrangements in place for a building in Longford to house the service. [28110/04]

As announced by my colleague the former Minister for Finance on 3 December 2003, the Irish Prison Service headquarters will be decentralised to Longford. It is anticipated that up to 178 jobs currently assigned to various Dublin locations, including 130 staff of the Prison Service employed at its current Clondalkin headquarters, together with other elements of prison management including the buildings services, purchasing services and a number of contract IT support staff will decentralise. The legal formalities relating to the acquisition from Longford County Council of the site selected for the new headquarters building are nearing completion.

Based on the decentralisation central applications facility, CAF, data of 7 September 2004 some 37 employees of the Prison Service together with 108 other civil servants and five public servants have nominated Longford as their first preference for relocation. As the Deputy is aware, the CAF continues to be open for the receipt of applications until such time as the decentralisation programme has been implemented in full.

Departmental Bodies.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

291 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is appropriate to include in the membership of the new group set up to look at legal costs, either a solicitor in private practice, or a nominee of the Law Society. [27804/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have established a working group to examine the present level of legal fees and costs arising in civil litigation and the system and arrangements in place relating to the taxation of costs. The best way of guaranteeing an independent, fair and balanced consideration of the complex issues the group has been asked to examine is for legal professional bodies to work closely with, but separately from, the group.

I fully accept that legal professionals are key players in any examination of legal costs and acknowledge their unique insight into the current system. I have no doubt that the process, which I have initiated, will fully and completely take into account the views and experience of legal professionals. To this end, the legal costs working group has invited submissions from interested parties. The invitation was advertised nationally and is currently displayed on the Department's website, www.justice.ie.

Garda Investigations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27820/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that inquiries into the death of this person are still ongoing and the file will remain open until a satisfactory conclusion is reached in the matter.

Compensation Payments.

John Cregan

Ceist:

293 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation related to Garda or insurance protection available to a person (details supplied); and if there is a fund from which this person can seek compensation. [27830/04]

There is no fund under the remit of the Garda Síochána, or my Department, from which the person in question can seek compensation. However, I would refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 249, which is answered by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, today.

Work Permits.

John Cregan

Ceist:

294 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation in relation to the status of non-EU persons who have been living here on student visas for four years and wish to remain on after graduation; if they qualify as parents of a child born here before the change in the rules in 2002/2003; if they qualify under any scheme other than by obtaining a work permit or working visa; if such parents are both holders of PhDs obtained in universities here, if these qualifications are taken into account; and his views on whether a highly skilled migrant programme should or can be devised to attract them to stay. [27831/04]

The information sheet which accompanies every visa application form states that in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to involve themselves in any activity or to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.

Generally, students are not able to change their status while in the State. If they wish to enter employment following completion of their studies they will require a work permit to do so. In general, visa required nationals are required to return home while the work permit is processed and apply for a visa in order to return to the State. However, where the prospective employment is directly related to the course of studies the person has recently completed then it is possible to change one's status from student to worker without having to leave the State. The working visa or work authorisation schemes may also be open to certain graduates depending on the field of their qualifications.

Being the parents of an Irish-born child does not of itself grant any special immigration status to non-nationals. Such persons must ensure they are legally resident in the State.

Departmental Programmes.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

295 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next announcement of awards under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 are due. [27847/04]

The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. The progress of the programme was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of both the regional operational programmes and the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and, following the mid-term review, additional funding of approximately €12 million was made available for the child care measures. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €449.3 million. This now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €157 million has been set aside.

Since 2000, my Department, with the technical assistance of ADM Limited, has processed and I have approved 1,253 applications for capital grant assistance of more than €120 million and 997 applications for staffing grant assistance totalling €103 million. Almost €45 million has been allocated for quality projects. A list of outstanding capital applications is now being finalised and my Department will write to the applicants in the near future.

Garda Investigations.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

296 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities will report on an incident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27848/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that criminal cases are currently pending before the courts in relation to this matter. As the Deputy will appreciate in the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Visa Applications.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

297 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [27882/04]

The refugees in question made an application for ten family members to join them in the State. The application fell to be dealt with under the provisions of section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 which provides a statutory mechanism for the evaluation of applications for family re-unification with family members by refugees who are resident in this jurisdiction. Under section 18(3) such permission will be granted to immediate family members, that is, spouses, minor children and parents of minor children, upon verification of the authenticity of the relationship. Visas have now been approved in respect of three children of the applicants who came within the ambit of section 18(3).

Applications for other dependent family members may also be made under section 18(4). Dependent members of the family mean any grandparent, parent, brother, sister, child, grandchild, ward or guardian of the refugee who is dependent on the refugee or is suffering from a mental or physical disability to such an extent that it is not reasonable for him or her to maintain himself or herself fully. If such dependency is proved these applications may be granted at my discretion.

As six of the family members who are the subject of the current application do not come within the ambit of either of these provisions I am not in a position to grant family re-unification in respect of them under the provisions of the Act. In processing the application for the tenth person inconsistencies were noted which require further investigation before this application can be finalised. My Department has recently written to the refugees concerned informing them of the position relating to their application.

Garda Secondments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

298 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions under which officers of the PSNI can be either members of or seconded to the Garda Síochána; if there are analogous provisions applicable is respect of other police forces throughout the world; and if so, the details of same. [27886/04]

Section 2 of the Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Act 2003 provides for the appointment of members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI, to certain ranks in the Garda Síochána. Section 3 of the same Act provides for the secondment of members of the PSNI to the Garda Síochána. There is no provision which allows secondment or appointment of members of other police forces to the Garda Síochána, except for the provision relating to the PSNI referred to.

Fireworks Seizures.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

299 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount and approximate value of fireworks seized by the Garda Síochána or otherwise in each of the past five years; and the arrangements made for the disposal of same. [27887/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested is not readily available. I will be in touch with the Deputy as soon as I obtain the information from the Garda.

Naturalisation Applications.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

300 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 13 May 2004, the position regarding the application for citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [27890/04]

I have been informed by officials in the citizenship section of my Department that the processing of the application for naturalisation by the person concerned has now been completed and that it is due to be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming weeks. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned as soon as I have reached a decision in this case.

Residency Permits.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a green card will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27893/04]

An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in September 2004. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately 16 months to process.

Refugee Status.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

302 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) for refugee status; if he has received an application by this person, and his family for permission to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds; when this application will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27894/04]

The person in question and his family entered the State on 28 December 2001 and applied for asylum. The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner recommended that his asylum claim be refused and he was notified of this refusal on 19 June 2002. He subsequently appealed this recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Following an oral hearing, the original recommendation was affirmed and he was notified of this decision on 18 February, 2003. His wife's asylum application has not been completed. An application for residency on the basis of an Irish-born child was received from the person in question on 11 October 2002.

In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, he was informed on the 24 April 2003 that it was proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and was given the following options: to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons as to why he should not be deported, that is, why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; to voluntarily leave the State; or to consent to deportation. Representations have been received on behalf of the applicant setting out reasons as to why he should be granted humanitarian leave to remain, including that he is the father of an Irish born child.

This case will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. Because of the backlog of cases it will be several months before a final decision will be reached in this case.

Visa Applications.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

303 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 414 of 5 October 2004, if he has received an appeal from a person (details attached) in Dublin 8 by registered post on 29 September 2004. [27896/04]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

304 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 414 of 5 October 2004 and 458 of 19 October 2004, if a senior official of his Department will review a visa application in view of correspondence received (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27897/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

The decision on the visa application in question is as outlined in my response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 414 of 5 October and 458 of 19 October 2004. I am satisfied that the application in question has been processed in a fair and open manner by a visa officer and subsequently by a visa appeals officer of the immigration division of my Department and see no reason to have the application reviewed again. It is open to the person in question to submit a fresh application.

International Terrorism.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

305 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda adopted a strategy to deal with the risk of international terrorism or the planning of it within Ireland; his views on whether there is a real and substantial risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27918/04]

The Garda authorities maintain an up-to-date assessment of the threat of attacks against this country from international terrorist groupings through analysis of intelligence gathered from domestic and international sources.

The Garda involvement over an extended number of years in fora within the European Union and further afield has ensured that excellent lines of communication and co-operation have been developed and fostered with police and security services worldwide. This facilitates ongoing sharing of intelligence concerning terrorist groupings and enables a rapid operational response to be put in place where circumstances dictate.

Moreover, the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002, which concluded Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 4 November last, will further enable this State to fully play its part in the fight against international terrorism. In particular, it will give effect to a number of international instruments directed to terrorism and will enable the State to meet commitments undertaken as part of the European Union and the broader international community.

Specifically, the Bill will give effect to the European Union Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism by making provision for the first time for terrorist offences as a separate and distinct category of offence in our law and by making provision for the application of the relevant provisions of our existing anti-terrorist legislation to terrorist groups who commit terrorist offences whether based in or outside the State. It will also give effect to four United Nations conventions directed to specific manifestations of terrorism and its support structure.

Security threat assessments on the risk level to Ireland of terrorist attack are furnished by the Garda authorities at regular intervals to the Government and myself. While it is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to reveal the content of these threat assessments, the Deputy will appreciate that it is vital that the resources of the State are used fully to combat the real, ongoing threat posed by international terrorism.

Crime Levels.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

306 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of residents here of minority races and cultures who have been the subject of racist attacks in the past four years; and the number of arrests made leading to prosecution, arising from such attacks. [27920/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of incidents with a racist motive recorded from 2000 to date are set out in the following table. The statistics for 2004 are provisional and are, therefore, subject to change. The total number of arrests is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

Year

Reported

Detected

Proceedings

2000

71

38

18

2001

43

20

6

2002

102

40

21

2003

69

25

17

2004 (up to 8 Nov.)

42

13

5

Total

327

136

67

Garda Strength.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

307 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to expand the mounted police division of the Garda Síochána; and the current strength of same. [27921/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are no plans to expand the Garda mounted unit.

The unit was established in March 1998 with one sergeant, six gardaí and a complement of six horses. As part of the approval to establish the unit, a review of the unit was conducted after the initial two years. The unit is a national resource in support of regional policing requirements. The current strength stands at 14, all ranks, and 13 horses.

A new competition will commence in the near future to return the strength of the unit to its authorised strength of 18 members, all ranks. In this regard, I am informed that one sergeant is currently serving on a UN mission overseas and is due to return in May 2005.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

308 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to grant the right to work to asylum seekers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27923/04]

It is not proposed to allow asylum applicants to take up paid employment pending a final decision being made on their applications. There is a number of key reasons that the present policy in regard to access to work by asylum seekers should not be changed.

Section 9 (4)(b) of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, provides, inter alia, that an applicant for asylum shall not seek or enter employment. It must also be borne in mind that under the 1996 Act asylum seekers only have temporary permission to remain in the State pending the determination of their applications. However, we must face the fact that, despite its humanitarian purpose, people seek protection under the 1996 Act, which gives effect to the State’s obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention, for the purpose of avoiding legitimate immigration controls in order to gain a foothold in the State for economic reasons. Other EU states have experienced similar trends.

I am convinced that any extension of the right to work arrangement would greatly undermine the considerable progress which has been made in relation to asylum processing arising from the Government's asylum strategy which has resulted in more speedy decisions in regard to applications for refugee status. The continued momentum in processing timescales for asylum applications has resulted, for example, in a situation where prioritised applications receive an interview and decision at first instance within six weeks of application and timescales for considering appeals have also been reduced considerably. The number of applications over six months in the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the refugee appeals tribunal at the end of September 2004 stood at 1,536 as compared to some 6,500 at the end of September 2001.

Extending the right to work would have a very negative impact on asylum numbers as was experienced in the aftermath of the July 1999 decision to do so. The immediate effect of that measure was a threefold increase in the average number of applications per month leading to a figure of 1,217 applications in December 1999 compared with an average of 364 per month for the period January to July 1999.

Any significant increase in applications would also have a negative impact on our capacity to accommodate asylum applicants while they are awaiting a determination of their claims. As things stand, the ongoing provision of services to meet the reception, health, welfare and accommodation needs of asylum seekers is an enormous challenge for all the State agencies who work in this area. The total cost to the Exchequer of the provision of services to asylum seekers was approximately €353 million in 2003.

Any proposal to grant asylum seekers access to the labour market would also undermine the current and effective work permit system which provides a comprehensive channel for legal migration to the State. It would further widen the gap in a negative manner in terms of reward between those who access the labour market legally through the work permit and visa channels and those who simply abuse the asylum process to gain entry.

It is a well established fact that those engaged in trafficking and those seeking to access the labour market without going through the appropriate legal channels are very quick to identify any perceived attractiveness of a country as a preferred or easily accessed destination. It is clear from the profile of applicants, and the results of the determination process, that a significant number of people have sought asylum in Ireland with a view to seeking work. Many people are already working illegally. It is my very strong belief that any extension of the right to work to all applicants would be portrayed abroad by people traffickers to potential victims as a cast iron guarantee of a right to work.

The greatest service we can provide to those who should be recognised as refugees is to ensure that their claims are decided speedily and that nothing is done which undermines this policy priority by attracting large numbers of non-genuine applicants to the detriment of genuine applicants. The structures in place provide the State with an asylum system that meets the highest international standards and fulfils our international obligations under the Geneva Convention to those seeking asylum. Overloading the process with large numbers of new applicants who come here under the misguided expectation that they will be able to work would be totally contrary to these obligations and could completely negate the major investment in effort, time and resources which has gone into bringing our overall strategy to its current status.

Departmental Properties.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

309 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 8 October 2003, his views on the case and the costs to date; if the Chief State Solicitor has received a fee note in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27925/04]

Settlement negotiations are ongoing in this case and, in the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment at this time.

Visa Applications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

310 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a re-entry visa in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be approved; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27926/04]

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 29 March 2004 and was accompanied by a passport for the eight year old in question. The immigration authorities were not satisfied as to the authenticity of this passport and the visa was refused on 11 October 2004.

It may be of benefit to the Deputy if I outline some background to this case. The eight year old in question arrived in the State in the company of his mother in January 2000 whereupon his mother made an application for asylum. She gave birth in July 2000. The husband arrived in the State in November 2000 and made an application for asylum. Both parents subsequently withdrew their asylum applications and applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child. This permission was granted to both parents in March 2001. The mother of the person in question has since come to the adverse attention of the Garda authorities.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

311 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the residency permit has not been renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27927/04]

When renewing permission to remain in the State, all relevant circumstances are examined. The person in question had a significant change in circumstances which required consideration but I can inform the Deputy that a further period of permission to remain has now been granted.

Asylum Applications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

312 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for permission to stay here in the name of a person (details supplied); and if a decision will be expedited in the case. [27928/04]

The person concerned and her son arrived in the State on 18 August 2003 and claimed asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the refugee appeals tribunal.

A notification under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999 issued to the person and her son on 14 October 2004 in which they were advised that the Minister had decided to refuse them a declaration as refugees and setting out the options now open to them, that is, to leave the State before the Minister decided whether or not to make deportation orders in respect of them; to consent to the making of deportation orders in respect of them; or to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons they should not be deported, that is, why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Their cases will shortly be considered under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. All representations received from, or on behalf of the persons concerned, will be taken into consideration in reaching a decision. It is still open to the person concerned and her son to return voluntarily to their country of origin before their cases are considered.

Visa Applications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

313 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a multi-entry visa will be issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if a decision will be expedited in the case. [27929/04]

The person concerned was granted a C visit visa to enter the State to spend her school holidays with her mother for a period of three months. It now appears that she is seeking an extension of her permission to remain in the State.

An examination of the papers in relation to the case indicates that the father of the person concerned gave his permission for her to travel to Ireland for three months, to visit her mother, in the company of named persons who guaranteed they would return his minor daughter to her country of origin.

A wrap around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to involve themselves in any activity or to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted. Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete.

A C visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence, it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. The person concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State should she wish to return. She should include in her new visa application the purpose and duration of her intended stay.

Garda Deployment.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

314 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí of all ranks stationed at Clonmel Garda station on 1 January 1997 and on 1 January 2004. [27956/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Garda statistics regarding the personnel level in every Garda station within each Garda division refer back to 31 January 1997. Accordingly, I am informed that the personnel strength of Clonmel Garda station as at 31 January 1997 was 40, all ranks. The personnel strength of Clonmel Garda station as at 1 January 2004 was 40, all ranks.

In regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

315 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at stations (details supplied) on 1 January 2004. [27957/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Clonmel, Thurles, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tralee Garda stations as at 1 January 2004 is as set out as follows:

Station

Number

Clonmel

40

Thurles

59

Kilkenny

66

Wexford

71

Tralee

83

In regard to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.

Visa Applications.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

316 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 has recently been informed that there was no application on file. [28024/04]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 11 November 2002. The application was submitted to me in July 2004 and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation on foot of that application. The legal representatives of the person in question were informed in writing of this decision on 10 August. There is no record of a further application for naturalisation having been submitted by the person concerned.

Garda Deployment.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

317 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to the Cabra west area; and the roads they are allocated to. [28025/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Cabra Garda station as at 4 November 2004 was 64, all ranks. This figure is supplemented by gardaí from the divisional crime task force, divisional traffic unit and district detective units, as necessary. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all areas of Cabra west are patrolled.

In regard to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

318 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when dealing applications on folios in County Mayo will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [28026/04]

I am informed by the registrar of titles that there are no applications pending on the folios mentioned by the Deputy. I am further informed that there were a number of applications in respect of the folios mentioned by the Deputy in recent years, all of which have been completed. The most recent application, relating to a release of a charge was lodged on 3 July 2003 and was completed on 4 June 2004. Dealing number D2003SM005554P refers.

Garda Investigations.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

319 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an investigation was carried out in 1997 into a water scheme (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if so, the outcome of same. [28081/04]

I am informed by the garda authorities that a thorough investigation was carried out by the Garda into allegations that were made and a file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who directed there should be no prosecution. As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no role in the investigation or prosecution of cases. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. The role of the Garda is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted, and for what criminal offence, is the responsibility of the DPP. The DPP, who is independent in the performance of his functions, makes his decision on the basis of the Garda findings viewed against the background of common and/or statute law.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

320 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 8 July 2004, if he will report on the progress of the investigations, the response the Garda have had from the Dutch authorities and the actions taken since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28088/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dutch authorities are continuing their inquiries into this incident.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

321 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he is taking in conjunction with the Garda to combat road carnage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28164/04]

The Government's road safety strategy 2004-06, which forms the framework within which road safety policy will be developed over the next few years, sets out a number of ambitious targets and strategies. The Garda Commissioner is fully committed to the enforcement strategies laid out in the strategy. Many of the targets and actions recommended are already at various stages of implementation or planning, including the private operation of speed cameras and the outsourcing of the collection of fixed charges.

I recently announced the Government approval for an extra 2,000 gardaí. Additional resources provided to the Commissioner will be used to optimum effect and in a focused way. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to examine the question of resource allocation. Among the areas being examined is the number of gardaí deployed in traffic units. The increase in the number of gardaí will enable extra manpower to be allocated to the traffic units which enforce road traffic legislation and contribute to reducing road fatalities and casualties throughout the State. In particular, it will make possible an increase in targeting enforcement on high risk locations and times and days of the week, in line with Garda operational policy.

In addition, the Commissioner is considering structural changes in this area of Garda activity with the aim of increasing the effective use of personnel and equipment resources available. I will announce changes in this area in the near future.

I understand from the Garda authorities that collision-prone locations are being identified on an ongoing basis, with the assistance of the National Roads Authority and local authorities. These data serve as input into the enforcement activities of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána have carried out Operation Lifesaver since 1998, focusing on three main collision causation factors, excessive speeding, non-compliance with seat belts and driving while intoxicated. The annual Christmas campaign focusing on drink driving will commence at the end of this month.

Garda Deployment.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

322 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí deployed at each Dublin station and district for each year from 1997 to date in 2004; and the number of gardaí allocated to community policing, administrative duties and specialist policing duties. [28214/04]

In relation to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

As regards resources in the Dublin metropolitan area, I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of personnel, all ranks, assigned to each Garda station as at the 31 December each year from 1997 to 2003 is as set out in the table following.

In this regard I should like to mention that the personnel resources in the Dublin metropolitan area as of 8 November 2004 is approximately 230 greater than the comparable number in 1997. Furthermore, there has also been a considerable increase since 1997 in the number of gardaí serving in national units which are available to all the stations in the Dublin metropolitan area.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Pearse St.

231

215

215

221

216

214

238

Harcourt Terrace

91

93

84

84

80

79

74

Kevin Street

124

122

113

116

117

117

117

Kilmainham

75

87

101

97

76

76

73

Donnybrook

126

129

126

120

116

114

123

Irishtown

60

59

57

59

54

49

55

Crumlin

82

85

83

84

86

88

83

Sundrive Rd.

54

57

52

56

58

57

60

Rathfarnham

63

57

63

63

67

74

71

Tallaght

133

139

142

159

159

159

165

Rathmines

90

90

76

79

81

67

72

Terenure

49

46

60

67

66

84

86

Santry

93

87

78

77

83

91

105

Whitehall

45

42

38

43

40

40

40

Ballymun

57

57

56

63

64

64

63

Dublin Airport

50

48

56

57

58

19

23

Coolock

93

89

93

89

85

84

87

Malahide

43

39

39

44

43

43

40

Swords

45

44

49

52

54

57

56

Raheny

64

59

61

63

61

64

60

Clontarf

57

59

56

56

60

64

62

Howth

30

34

35

37

39

41

42

Blanchardstown

89

94

104

106

124

132

140

Cabra

82

76

80

83

76

76

66

Finglas

76

83

90

88

78

78

70

Lucan

58

61

57

67

75

73

65

Leixlip

11

16

19

21

18

24

26

Ballyfermot

72

71

66

77

75

73

77

Clondalkin

56

51

62

63

66

82

81

Ronanstown

58

65

63

65

66

72

79

Rathcoole

*

17

19

19

23

21

23

Store St.

231

227

234

233

228

225

260

Fines Office

9

8

8

8

7

8

8

Fitzgibbon St.

120

118

114

113

112

116

119

Mountjoy

78

84

80

75

77

82

86

Bridewell

156

157

167

167

155

157

164

Dún Laoghaire

109

110

104

107

109

106

90

Dalkey

27

23

23

23

23

29

28

Kill-O-Grange

35

35

38

36

33

36

37

Cabinteely

42

42

46

49

41

39

40

Bray

76

74

76

77

77

79

75

Enniskerry

6

7

7

6

6

5

5

Shankhill

50

48

53

53

48

53

55

Greystones

28

28

28

28

26

28

29

Blackrock

71

75

75

75

74

66

66

Dundrum

62

57

51

53

62

69

65

Stepaside

40

40

42

42

37

36

32

*In 1997 Rathcoole formed part of the Carlow-Kildare Division.

I am further informed that the number of personnel assigned to each Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan region and the number assigned to community policing and administrative duties as at 8 November 2004 was as set out as follows.

Number Assigned

Community Policing

Administrative Duties

Pearse St.

244

15

5

Harcourt Terrace

77

2

0

Kevin Street

114

9

4

Kilmainham

76

7

0

Donnybrook

122

5

3

Irishtown

55

3

0

Crumlin

86

5

3

Sundrive Rd.

63

4

0

Rathfarnham

72

5

0

Tallaght

169

24

1

Rathmines

69

3

0

Terenure

87

7

1

Santry

102

3

3

Whitehall

32

3

0

Ballymun

64

8

0

Dublin Airport

23

0

0

Coolock

81

6

1

Malahide

43

3

0

Swords

67

8

0

Raheny

64

5

1

Clontarf

64

6

0

Howth

43

4

0

Blanchardstown

143

17

2

Cabra

64

2

0

Finglas

73

13

0

Lucan

70

5

1

Leixlip

27

4

0

Ballyfermot

75

9

0

Clondalkin

79

11

1

Ronanstown

82

11

0

Rathcoole

28

1

0

Store St.

260

21

2

Fines Office

8

0

0

Fitzgibbon St.

117

15

0

Mountjoy

87

13

2

Bridewell

162

15

9

Dún Laoghaire

102

5

3

Dalkey

26

3

0

Kill-O-Grange

34

4

0

Cabinteely

38

5

0

Bray

81

6

1

Enniskerry

5

0

0

Shankhill

59

4

0

Greystones

28

3

0

Blackrock

67

6

1

Dundrum

65

6

0

Stepaside

28

1

0

It is not clear specifically what specialist policing duties the Deputy is referring to. The figures for personnel allocated to administrative duties is based on those personnel who are in receipt of designated post and ex gratia allowances and as such employed on a full-time basis in Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan area.

Departmental Properties.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

323 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the building (details supplied) purchased by his Department; its proposed use by the probation services; the cost to date of the premises; the estimated refurbishment costs, and if he has made efforts to secure locations more central to Blanchardstown town centre in order to meet the stated objectives of the probation service in having a town centre location for the service. [28215/04]

The building referred to was acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the probation and welfare service on 15 April 2002. The total cost of the purchase was €1.5 million, including VAT. Additional costs to date amount to € 240,000, including VAT. If further envisaged refurbishment were to proceed, the future costs associated with that work have been estimated to be in the region of € 2.4 million, including VAT.

On purchasing the building, the intention was to renovate and extend the premises, using one portion as a local office and the other as a probation centre. However, before proceeding with the refurbishment project, due to concerns which emerged in the matter, the Department decided to review the suitability of the location in question and examine alternative location options in the Blanchardstown area. If an alternative location ultimately emerges for this centre appropriate steps will be taken to avoid loss to the Exchequer arising from the acquisition of the original premises in Blanchardstown.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

324 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the development and improvement plans for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; when development and improvement works are scheduled to begin at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27750/04]

The Deputy's question refers to two separate schools. The scope of the works required at one of the schools, post-primary, is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. An application has been received in school planning section of my Department under the summer works scheme 2005. All applications are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be published by 31 January 2005. The works required at the primary school are being considered in the context the multi-annual programme which I intend to publish later.

Schools Building Projects.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

325 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided in the Estimates in 2004 to allow a school (details supplied) to progress to stage two of building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27755/04]

The refurbishment-extension project to which the Deputy refers has progressed beyond stage 2 of architectural planning and is currently at stage 3, the developed sketch scheme.

My officials are nearing completion of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the programme, from 2005.

Following conclusion of the current estimates and budgetary process I intend to publish the 2005 building programme which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

Higher Education Grants.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

326 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to extend eligibility for third level maintenance grants to single parents under 23 years of age who are living independently (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27766/04]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

327 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to extend to married persons under 23 years of age the right to be assessed on their own income for the purposes of eligibility to third level education grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27767/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.

The decision on eligibility for maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

Under the terms of the Department's maintenance grants scheme, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.

When assessing students other than independent mature students, the means test provision of the scheme specifies that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.

The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application and it is not open to me to make exceptions in individual cases. It is not proposed. in the foreseeable future, to change the current position in relation to the assessment of students under 23 years of age.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

328 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the additional special needs assistants for 500 schools, announced by her on 22 October 2004, will be employed; and the difference it will make to persons who are waiting for these hours. [27768/04]

My officials have been making telephone contact with the relevant schools in recent weeks in relation to the additional special needs assistant, SNA, support being allocated on foot of my announcement on 22 October. Letters of confirmation will issue to the schools in the coming days. Responsibility for the recruitment and appointment of the SNAs is a matter for individual school boards of management.

I am confident that this additional support will improve the capacity of pupils with significant care needs to participate in and derive benefit from the education process.

Schools Building Projects.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

329 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed extension to a college (details supplied) in County Cork. [27777/04]

The application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. All projects are being assessed against the revised prioritisation criteria, published earlier this year following consultation with the Education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual programme.

Following conclusion of the current estimates and budgetary process I intend to publish the 2005 building programme which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

School Curriculum.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

330 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the analysis being taken in her Department in relation to the future needs of primary education in New Ross town, County Wexford; when a final decision will be made on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27778/04]

My Department's planning section is in ongoing discussions with the trustees of all schools in New Ross regarding the future shape of educational provision in the town. It is not possible to predict when these discussions will be fully concluded. However, it is expected a number of key decisions can be made shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

331 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for resource hours and a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made available to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27824/04]

My Department received an application for resource teaching and special needs assistant, SNA, support for the pupil in question.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has sanctioned 12.5 hours SNA support for the pupil. The school was advised of this by telephone on 6 November and a letter of confirmation will follow within the coming days. The pupil did not qualify for resource teaching support and the basis for this decision will be clarified to the school in the letter referred to.

Unfair Dismissals.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

332 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 was dismissed by a college without prior notice and due process; and if she will investigate the matter. [27825/04]

The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter between the person in question and her employer, the school authority. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to intervene.

School Accommodation.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

333 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if urgent assistance will be given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 with regard to its request for a new school, particularly in view of the recent report by OTS on behalf of the INTO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27826/04]

My Department is investigating a number of options to cater for the long-term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy. Central to this investigation is an analysis of the overall future provision of primary education in the general area. Specifically, my Department is engaged in discussions with the primary education providers in the area to determine the likely demand for primary school places in the medium to long term and the way existing provision can be maximised to cater for this demand. No decisions will be taken on capital investment for the school in question pending the conclusion of this broader examination of the area.

Special Educational Needs.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

334 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant (details supplied) in County Cork will be made full-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27836/04]

An application for an increase in the level of full and part-time special needs assistant support has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. Additional information has been submitted in support of the application and is being considered. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

335 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new post-primary school announced for Dublin 15 will go to tender in 2004; the location of the site; if the purchase price of the site is agreed; if a board of management is in place; if it will be run under the City of Dublin VEC; when construction is scheduled to commence; when classrooms will be available for first enrolment; and the catchment area and the enrolment criteria for the new school. [27846/04]

The capital programme for 2004 indicated that a new post-primary school will be provided in the Dublin 15 area. My Department is pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site for this purpose. When the acquisition process is complete, a post-primary school will be constructed to cater for in excess of 800 pupils. However, due to the commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on specific site issues. No decisions have been taken on the other matters to which the Deputy referred.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

336 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in opening the unit for children with autism at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there will be any further delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27866/04]

My officials wrote to the school authorities on 15 April 2004 advising them of my Department's willingness to establish two special classes for children with autism on receipt of a formal application from the board of management. The matter was further discussed at a meeting between school representatives and Department officials last June. My understanding of the outcome of that meeting is that the points raised were to have been taken up by the school representatives with the board of management with a view to making further contact with my Department.

School Staffing.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

337 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified for primary teaching in 2004 and who have failed to obtain employment; her plans to reduce class sizes and make proper use of these young well trained teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27878/04]

My Department is not aware of the number of primary teachers who qualified in 2004 who have failed to obtain employment. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. I am committed to reducing class sizes still further. However, this can only be done on a phased basis having regard to available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.

Schools Building Projects.

Donal Moynihan

Ceist:

338 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when refurbishment work on the unused Coláiste Íosagain building will commence for the All-Irish Education Centre in Baile Mhuirne, having regard to the fact that funding for the project has already been allocated in this year’s capital programme and the project was announced as far back as 2000. [27884/04]

Donal Moynihan

Ceist:

339 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of planning which her Department has carried out regarding the education projects which will be carried out at the All-Irish Education Centre in Baile Mhuirne; and when these projects will commence. [27885/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.

This project was included in section 1 of the 2004 school building programme which was due to proceed to tender and construction in the first quarter of 2004. Issues surrounding the optimum location for the centre subsequently arose and are being investigated. A proposal to house the All-Irish National Education Centre in Coláiste Íosagain, Baile Mhuirne, is being considered in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A structural survey of the building is being carried out at present.

The project is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. All projects are being assessed against the revised prioritisation criteria published earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual programme. On conclusion of the current Estimates and budgetary process, I intend to publish the 2005 building programme which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

The national education centre is proposed to support teaching of and through Irish, be a national centre of excellence working closely in collaboration with other bodies across all levels of education, and provide in-career development for teachers. Key functions planned for the centre are the provision of training, resources and research and sharing of best practice for teaching of and through Irish in first and second level schools. The centre will work closely with colleges of education on the pre-service training of teachers to ensure a high quality supply of teachers of Irish and support, where relevant to its remit, the work of other agencies which promote the Irish language. The centre will provide training to teachers, advisers and policy makers.

It is envisaged that An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, established in March 2001 under section 31 of the Education Act, will manage the centre when it becomes operational. Detailed plans will be further developed in conjunction with progress on the building project.

Special Educational Needs.

John Ellis

Ceist:

340 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Science if a classroom assistant will be sanctioned for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and the reason for the delay in sanctioning this appointment. [27904/04]

My Department is examining the matter referred to by the Deputy and my officials expect to be in a position to convey a decision to the school shortly.

School Accommodation.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

341 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a previous parliamentary question if she has considered a use for the system built accommodation held in storage by the Office of Public Works arising from the fact that the buildings could not be used by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on a site in Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27935/04]

A key function of my Department's planning and building unit is to examine alternative methods of delivering school accommodation. This process of exploration inevitably demands that a broad range of delivery methodologies are scrutinised including system-built accommodation. My Department is working with the Office of Public Works to optimise the use of system-built accommodation.

Teaching Qualifications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

342 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reasons for the delay in registering this person as a secondary school teacher; if all pay issues relating to the case will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27938/04]

The Registration Council is the statutory body responsible for the recognition of qualifications for the purpose of teaching in voluntary secondary schools. The delay in registering the teacher in question was due to the omission by the applicant of relevant information and documentation in her initial application. This information was required by the council to process the application. In light of the decision of the council on the qualifications of the person referred to by the Deputy, my Department is satisfied that she is qualified for the post to which she has been appointed. Arrangements have therefore been made to make any necessary adjustments to her salary.

Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

343 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science when she intends to approve the relocation of the Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute from the Frank Drohan Road Clonmel to the Watson Estate, Ballingarrane, Clonmel to enable the creation of an education and technology park at Ballingarrane. [27958/04]

The report of the capital review and prioritisation working group established under the Higher Education Authority was published recently. It sets out a strategy to meet the future capital needs of the third level sector. Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute included the proposal to develop a permanent campus in the planned Clonmel technology park at the Ballingarrane estate in its submission to the review group. The group's report stated that the institute's proposal for the disposal of an existing property in Clonmel and acquisition of an alternative one had merit on the basis that no Exchequer funding was required. The submission by the institute to the review group also included several capital proposals on other campus developments in both Clonmel and Thurles. However, the review group recommended that the policy framework for the institute should be re-examined before the other proposed investment proposals could be considered. My Department understands the institute is considering its capital development proposals in this context.

Officials of my Department met with the institute earlier this year to discuss the capital proposal referred to by the Deputy and it is likely that a further meeting will take place shortly.

Vocational Education Committees.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

344 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when the current cap on numbers permitted in post leaving certificate colleges and schools will be lifted; and the reasoning behind the imposition of this ceiling. [27988/04]

The post leaving certificate programme is a labour market programme aimed at providing vocational education and training for school leavers and re-entrants to the labour market. The programme also offers alternative pathways to higher education. The allocation of places on post leaving certificate courses has always been subject to an approval process. Vocational education committees and individual schools and colleges outside the VEC system have been given an allocation of post leaving certificate places for 2004-05 equivalent to their 2003-04 allocation except where the application by an individual school or college was for a lesser number. Nationally, a total of 28,588 places have been approved for post leaving certificate courses for 2004-05.

This level of provision is considered by my Department to be consistent with the requirements of persons eligible to participate on these programmes.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

345 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funds allocated for the refurbishment of an old school building at Goresbridge County Kilkenny, to be used for educational purposes by parents of children with autism and which was announced publicly some months ago; if the running costs and staff costs will be met directly by her Department; if these costs have been assessed by her Department; if she will expedite a decision in this urgent matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28036/04]

I understand from my officials that a contract in the amount of €253,105, including VAT, was placed on 10 September 2004 to carry out refurbishment works at the old school building in Goresbridge. It is envisaged that these works will be completed before Christmas. Funding for the approved staffing levels and approved running costs will be provided by my Department. Details of the projected operating costs have been submitted by the promoters and these are currently being examined by my Department. It is expected that these issues will be finalised prior to the completion of the current refurbishment project. Pending the completion of the refurbishment works, my Department is funding a home tuition programme for pupils awaiting placement.

Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

346 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science , further to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 5 October 2004, if a special needs assistant was granted to the person in question (details supplied); the reason there is such a delay in dealing with urgent issues like this; if the system will be reviewed and changed to give a faster response time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28037/04]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has sanctioned a full-time special needs assistant post to the school to help support the significant care needs of identified pupils, including the pupil in question. A letter to this effect issued to the school on 21 October 2004. My officials have also spoken with the school principal about the matter.

To appreciate the scale of improvement in the provision of resources to primary schools for special needs, it is worth reflecting on the fact that there are now more than 5,000 special needs assistants in the primary school system, up from a figure of 300 in 1998.

I accept, however, that there are individual cases where schools are awaiting decisions on applications for additional resources and I am taking measures to ensure the process is speeded up. This whole process will shortly undergo major transformation as the National Council for Special Education commences operation on the ground throughout the country.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department has established a team to review the level of special needs assistant support in mainstream schools generally. The team has commenced its task and is assessing the levels and deployment of such support to ensure the needs of children are being met in the context of new applications for resources for the school.

School Transport.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

347 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 2 November 2004, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the children involved live more than two miles from an existing pick-up point; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that most of the children concerned live within the catchment area of a school (details supplied); the reason some of the children are outside of the catchment area; the catchment area they are within; the number of children in each case; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that a publicly funded bus service collected children from their homes at similar locations some years ago when there was a similar demand; if the catchment areas have changed since then; the reason she has rejected this application despite recommendations in favour from the local VEC and Bus Éireann; the cost to her Department of providing this service to the pupils concerned; if she will reconsider this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28044/04]

My Department has requested further background information from the transport liaison officer of the relevant VEC. When the relevant report has been received and assessed, I will arrange for a full and comprehensive reply to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Educational Disadvantage.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

348 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the publication of youth needs in Tallaght 2004, a study initiated by Tallaght voluntary youth leaders forum in partnership with Tallaght youth service and young persons in Tallaght; if she will examine the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28053/04]

I understand from the youth affairs section of my Department that the Youth Needs in Tallaght 2004 publication was launched recently. A copy of this publication has been forwarded to the section and is being examined.

I am very much aware of the serious issues facing young people today and my Department is active both in encouraging initiatives which seek to address their needs and in supporting the youth work sector in the provision of the necessary supports and services needed. I understand that many of these concerns have been highlighted in this report which was compiled on a consultative basis with young people. I am also conscious of the concerns being raised by the youth work sector in general, regarding future funding for the sector and I assure the Deputy I am making every effort to provide ongoing support programmes and services for the sector.

The youth affairs section of my Department funds Tallaght youth services through the special projects for disadvantaged youth scheme. In 2004 a grant of €700,529 has been allocated to Tallaght youth service under this scheme.

Autism Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

349 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon for education in the specialised autism unit commencing in Summerhill national school; the reason for the delay in making a decision on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28054/04]

My Department recently sanctioned the establishment of an autism class in the school referred to by the Deputy. The staffing level of the class will comprise of a teacher and two special needs assistants. My officials are liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service regarding the application for the pupil in question. A decision will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

Household Expenditure.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Ceist:

350 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will take into account all household expenditure such as bank, credit union loans and mortgages when assessing for higher education grants (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28083/04]

The assessment of means under the higher education grants schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with specified social welfare and health board payments being excluded from the calculation. Under the schemes reckonable income is defined as income from employment-pensions; social welfare in certain circumstances; self employment-farming; rent and income from land-property; deposit-investment accounts; maintenance arrangements; and gifts-inheritances and disposal of assets and rights. I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income.

School Transport.

John Deasy

Ceist:

351 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received requests from educational interests to carry out a review of the school transport catchment areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28085/04]

For the purposes of post-primary education provision, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary education centre. These areas were drawn up in the late 1960s in the context of the free education scheme. The catchment boundaries were determined following consultation with local educational interests and the intention was that certain primary schools would feed exclusively into each centre. A relatively small number of primary schools are shared between two or more centres.

A small number of requests from educational interests in relation to adjustments to specific catchment area boundaries have been received and processed on an individual basis. However, my Department has no plans at present to carry out a full review of all such boundaries.

Public Private Partnerships.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

352 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if an evaluation has been carried out on the experience of the five post-primary schools built under public-private partnerships; her own assessment on its success or otherwise to date; if problems have been experienced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28093/04]

My Department's interest in participating in the Government's pilot programme arose primarily for four reasons: to take schools-colleges principals and managers away from running buildings and thereby allow them concentrate on their core educational-management functions; to test value for money of school-college provision over a longer period than construction; to get new ideas on school and college design through an output-based approach; and to see better usage of school-college buildings outside of school hours. These objectives are now being analysed in the operation phase of the project and it is the intention to carry out a full evaluation of all aspects of the process following a suitable timeframe. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General recognised in his recent report on the project that "ultimately, the full value for money represented by the grouped school project will be determined over the 25-year life cycle of the project".

Difficulties arose regarding the supply of some equipment to the schools. However, these have been dealt with by my Department in consultation with the operator. Other smaller issues arose with individual schools regarding, for example, the installation of IT software or the interpretation of some terms in the contract and these were also resolved. My Department receives a monthly report of any issues raised in each of the schools that allows us to monitor the operation phase carefully.

The first pilot programme has highlighted two issues, first, the speed of delivery and, second, the quality of the school buildings. In his report, the Comptroller and Auditor General highlighted the fact that the schools were constructed far more quickly than under traditional procurement. The entire process, from seeking expressions of interest to hand over of the schools, took a total of two and a half years.

As the PPP contract is for 25 years the operator, Jarvis, takes a stake in the whole-life cycle of the building by aligning responsibility for operation and maintenance with responsibility for design and construction. Therefore, the operator adopted a "spend to save" policy. In essence this means that the quality of materials and construction are high to militate against future depreciation and to minimise maintenance and operational costs. The principle of everything works applies under the PPP process. Classrooms, laboratories, heating and lighting all have to be available every day during the lifetime of the project to avoid deductions to the operator's unitary payment. Given the experience and knowledge gained by my Department on the pilot projects, it is my intention to procure further school building projects using the PPP process.

School Curriculum.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

353 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the special payment for the implementation of the new junior certificate science syllabus has not been awarded to a school (details supplied) despite the fact that it is implementing the new syllabus and is in urgent need of the grant to bring its science facilities up to a proper standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28094/04]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arrangements are in hand to issue the outstanding payment to the school in question to facilitate the implementation of the new junior certificate science syllabus.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

354 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she paid for only half the cost of the provision of a fire system, electrical work and health and safety work to a school (details supplied) in County Cork despite a commitment that the work would be funded by her; when the remainder of the grant will be awarded to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28095/04]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has recently been grant aided for the associated works in relation to the fire alarm system.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

355 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by Clonakility community college for extra classrooms; when a decision will be made on this application; if a letter issued from her Department in April 2002 confirming that this project would proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28097/04]

The application for an extension at the college to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. All projects are being assessed against the revised prioritisation criteria, published earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual programme. Estimates and budgetary process I intend to publish the 2005 building programme which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

356 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be provided; if her attention has been drawn to the difficult conditions under which the school is operating at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28098/04]

The school planning section of my Department is currently nearing completion of an examination of all building projects in hand in line with the project prioritisation criteria that were recently revised in consultation with the education partners. The proposed project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in this review. I expect to be in a position to provide an update in relation to the progress of individual projects in the context of a multi-annual building programme. I intend to publish this programme as soon as possible after the budgetary process.

Special Educational Needs.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

357 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a special needs assistant application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28099/04]

I can confirm that an application for a special needs assistant for the pupil in question has been received. My Department expects to be in a position to convey a decision on the application to the school shortly.

School Staffing.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

358 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on proposed cuts in staffing (details supplied); and her further views on whether these cuts will have a serious effect on teaching services provided to children in the school. [28118/04]

I am conscious of difficulties that could arise regarding the proposed model for allocating resource teachers to primary schools, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as proposed. Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications while at the same time ensuring that pupils in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. It is important to emphasise that applications may be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.

Higher Diplomas in Education.

John Curran

Ceist:

359 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applicants for higher diploma in education places in the years 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004; and the number of higher diploma in education places available for these years. [28178/04]

Applications for the higher diploma in education are made through the Higher Diploma in Education (National University of Ireland) Applications Centre, known as HDEAC, which was established in 1998. HDEAC centrally accepts and processes applications to the four constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland for the higher diploma in education, namely, National University of Ireland, Cork; the National University of Ireland, Dublin; National University of Ireland, Galway; and National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Previously, graduates interested in studying for the higher diploma in education applied directly to the university of their choice.

Applications are made to HDEAC through one common application form. In the case of Trinity College, applicants continue to apply directly to the university and I understand that places on the higher diploma in education course are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and the results of a competitive interview process. My Department is responsible for approving the annual number of places on the higher diploma in education course. The numbers of applicants to HDEAC and approved places in the years referred to by the Deputy are set out in the following table:

Number of Applicants

Number of Approved Places

1998 (1998/99)

940

Exact figure not available*

2000 (2000/01)

1,000

1,892

2002 (2002/03)

1,000

2,340

2004 (2004/05)

1,000

3,169

* Applicants applied directly to the constituent colleges in 1998.

On Trinity College, the numbers of applicants for the years in question are held by the college and I will arrange to have them forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as they are made available to my Department. The numbers of approved places are set out in the following table.

Number of Approved Places

1998 (1998/99)

130

2000 (2000/01)

130

2002 (2002/03)

130

2004 (2004/05)

130

John Curran

Ceist:

360 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers without the higher diploma in education qualification or its equivalent who were teaching in post-primary schools here in each of the years 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004. [28179/04]

The information requested by the Deputy will take some time to collate in my Department. I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

361 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital expenditure for each of the past five years and to date for 2004 and the projected outturn on primary school buildings and second level schools; and her plans to reduce the waiting time for such projects. [28212/04]

The capital expenditure figures at primary and post-primary levels for the five years 1999 to 2003 and to date in 2004 are as follows:

Year

Primary Capital

Post-Primary Capital

1999

76,619,804.00

117,404,786.00

2000

102,978,000.00

154,532,421.00

2001

139,828,636.00

177,857,292.00

2002

172,788,186.00

171,346,627.00

2003

175,440,731.00

151,520,699.00

2004

103,190,081.03

112,958,867.82

The entry for 2004 represents the expenditure to 5 November 2004.

The expenditure target for the year is based upon the actual capital allocations for 2004 of €201 million at primary level and €187 million at post-primary level. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the schools building programme for 2005. Following the conclusion of the current Estimates and budgetary process, I intend to publish the 2005 building programme, which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

National Parks.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

362 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has been informed of the current consultation process in Northern Ireland regarding the possible establishment of national parks; and his views on the possibility of such parks being operated on a cross-Border basis if applicable. [27839/04]

My Department is aware of consultations being conducted by Department of Environment, Northern Ireland, on the possibility of establishing a national park in the Mountains of Mourne.

This proposal does not envisage a cross-Border dimension. However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department maintains regular and beneficial contact with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and I would certainly be prepared to give careful consideration to any proposal for cross-Border co-operation on national parks that may evolve.

Nuclear Safety.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

363 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the supply of iodine tablets is still considered to be a key part of the Government’s nuclear safety strategy; if the Government’s strategy has developed in further ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27917/04]

In accordance with An Agreed Programme for Government, the Government is committed to maintaining up-to-date nuclear emergency plans, including sufficient stocks of medical supplies, so as to minimise harm to public health from the effects of any possible exposure to radiation in Ireland. Stable iodine tablets are regarded as an effective counter-measure to radiation in certain circumstances. The question of the provision, supply and distribution of iodine tablets is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children.

There is a national emergency plan for nuclear accidents, NEPNA, in place. This is a continually evolving issue and is under constant review and maintenance in accordance with international developments and best practice. An information booklet describing the main features of the NEPNA can be accessed on the website of my Department, www.environ.ie, and on that of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, www.rpii.ie.

Grant Payments.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

364 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants available through his Department for marts; if applications have been made by many marts for consideration by him; if so, the locations of same; and the assistance which is being sought. [27941/04]

The provision of grant aid for marts is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, and my Department has no function in this regard.

Urban Renewal Schemes.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

365 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to approve the appointment of consultants, requested by Clonmel Borough Council, to progress a remedial works scheme for the Wilderness Grove and Carrigeen areas of Clonmel. [27955/04]

My Department recently received an outline brief from Clonmel Borough Council for the appointment of a consultant architect to prepare a strategy for the regeneration of Wilderness Grove and Carrigeen. The matter is under examination in my Department and a decision will be made shortly.

Decentralisation Programme.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

366 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress being made with plans for decentralisation to Kilkenny city; if he has identified suitable properties at both locations; if he is close to selecting the property solution; the locations of same [28089/04]

My Department is co-operating with the Department of Finance, the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, and the Office of Public Works to ensure co-ordinated and effective implementation of the Government's decentralisation programme. An implementation plan which sets out the broad issues to be addressed in implementing the decentralisation programme for my Department has been drawn up and submitted to the DIG. A copy of the plan is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. On property requirements for Kilkenny, the Office of Public Works is evaluating a number of options in Kilkenny and this process has yet to be finalised.

Local Authority Housing.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

367 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if city and county councils are obliged to take the carer’s allowance into account when assessing the amount of rent payable from their tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/04]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 378 of 27 October 2004. The position is unchanged.

Rural Depopulation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

368 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if rural depopulation is likely to be accelerated by the new vastly increased housing development levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28139/04]

Development contributions have been levied on developments since 1964 to ensure some recoupment to local authorities of the cost of servicing lands for development. Planning authorities have been drawing up development contribution schemes in accordance with the revised framework established by section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These schemes are intended to ensure that the long-standing practice of levying development contributions to help fund local authority infrastructure is implemented in a more transparent and consistent way across the country than has been the case in the past. This process has led to a reduction in the level of development contributions in a number of local authority areas.

Under section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, it is the responsibility of planning authorities to determine the level of contributions for their functional areas, the classes of development to which the contributions will apply and any waivers which should apply in their areas. By way of departmental circular letter, planning authorities were advised that a scheme can allow for a reduced contribution or no contribution in certain circumstances, for example, for particular types of community infrastructure, shops, etc., in areas in need of regeneration, in brownfield areas or for charitable developments. All planning authorities have provided for waivers or reduced contributions in their development contribution schemes. These were adopted by the statutory deadline of 10 March 2004 and are now in force.

Development contributions are now being levied to help pay for recreational and community facilities, among other amenities. These recreational and community amenities will help to ensure the national spatial strategy objective of achieving better quality of life for everyone, both in urban and rural areas.

Architectural Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

369 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider an application for grant assistance from the authorities at a listed building (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28140/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

392 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider an application for grant assistance from the authorities at a listed building (details supplied) in County Kildare. [28142/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 392 together.

No application has been received in my Department for grant assistance for the building referred to in the question under the scheme of EU co-financed grants for the conservation of the architectural heritage provided for under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. My Department has also established that no application for funding has been made to Kildare County Council under the grants scheme for the conservation of listed buildings, which is administered by local authorities, although the council is aware of the project. If the project promoters wish to proceed with an application for grant assistance under either of these schemes, they are advised to do so as early as possible as the deadline for receipt of applications is imminent.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

370 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the upgrading of the sewerage system in Oughterard, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28239/04]

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

385 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with regard to the upgrades for sewage plants (details supplied) due to the threat of pollution to Lough Corrib from the existing sewage plants; the timescale for the completion of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27880/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 385 together.

The Oughterard sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 and is to commence construction in 2005. My Department is awaiting the submission by Galway County Council of a preliminary report for the scheme. The Headford sewerage scheme has also been approved for construction in the programme and my Department is awaiting submission of Galway County Council's tender recommendation for this scheme. I understand that Galway County Council is progressing the Clonbur sewerage scheme under the small public schemes measure of the devolved rural water programme.

Animal Shelters.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

371 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of dogs and cats which were put down by wardens in 2003 on a county basis; the costs of putting down these animals for each county; the length of time the animals are kept before being put down; and the costs of keeping the animals for that period. [27791/04]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

372 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to set up animal shelters and homes in order that impounded cats and dogs can be given to good homes rather than being put down. [27793/04]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

373 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants which were allocated in 2003 towards the provision of purpose-built centres to house stray cats and dogs; and the EU regulations which are in place in relation to this matter. [27794/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 to 373 inclusive together.

The number of dogs humanely destroyed in 2003 is set out by local authority area in the following table. Under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1982, county councils and city councils are responsible for operating dog control and licensing services. The legislation requires local authorities to appoint dog wardens and to arrange for the provision of shelters for stray and unwanted dogs. The proceeds from the sale of licences, less the commission charged by an Post, are available to local authorities to fund, or to assist in funding, their dog control services. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the level of additional resources, if any, to be applied to these services.

Section 11 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 provides that if a seized dog has not been returned to its owner after five days, it may be disposed of or destroyed in a humane manner. There is no information available to my Department regarding the costs of destroying dogs or the cost of keeping the dogs prior to their disposal or destruction. My Department has no funding line for the provision of shelters for stray dogs and, therefore, no grants were allocated or paid in 2003. However, I understand that the Department of Agriculture and Food provided funding in 2003 to voluntary organisations dealing with animal welfare.

Certain provisions of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 may be extended, by regulations, to other species of domesticated animals, including cats. In the absence of reliable data regarding the number of feral cats, and of appropriate solutions, it is not proposed to place an additional responsibility on local authorities that might dilute their control efforts in relation to dangerous and stray dogs which are generally viewed as presenting greater problems than feral cats. There are no EU regulations governing the provision of dog shelters.

County Council and City Council

Number of Dogs Humanely Destroyed

Carlow

67

Cavan

442

Clare

1,401

Cork City

230

Cork County

923

Donegal

997

Dublin City

974

South Dublin

960

Fingal

468

Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown

361

Galway City

208

Galway County

453

Kerry

1,403

Kildare

247

Kilkenny

95

Laois

232

Leitrim

88

Limerick City

546

Limerick County

1,382

Longford

490

Louth

547

Mayo

366

Meath

262

Monaghan

351

Offaly

305

Roscommon

237

Sligo

242

Tipperary N.R.

421

Tipperary S.R.

862

Waterford City and County

242

Westmeath

519

Wexford

1,158

Wicklow

216

TOTAL

17,695

Architectural Heritage.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

374 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans there are for restoration works at the Rock of Cashel. [27795/04]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

379 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of Attassel Abbey, Golden, County Tipperary; and the plans there are for restoration works at same. [27808/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 379 together.

I am advised that the Office of Public Works has appointed consultants to carry out a feasibility study to assess the future visitor requirements, access routes, visitor management and visitor numbers at the Rock of Cashel. It is expected that the final draft of the study will be completed by the end of the year. On foot of this study, the Office of Public Works, in consultation with my Department will consider what changes, if any, are necessary for the efficient management of visitors at the site.

The Office of Public Works is also currently engaged in a programme of conservation/stabilisation works at this site under the National Development Plan 2000-2006; but there are no plans for restoration works beyond these. I am advised that the Office of Public Works has commissioned a conservation plan for Athassel Abbey. It is hoped to have this plan completed by the end of the year. In light of this plan, the Office of Public Works in consultation with my Department, will consider whether conservation or consolidation works are required at this site.

Recycling Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

375 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the separation and recycling of motor car parts and materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27797/04]

European Parliament and Council Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles, ELVs, incorporates measures aimed at ensuring that ELVs can be deposited free of charge by their final owners at authorised treatment facilities and then dismantled, treated and recovered in an environmentally sound manner, and meeting new recovery and recycling targets, by average weight per vehicle, of 85% reuse-recovery by 2006, to include 80% materials recycling, and 95% reuse-recovery by 2015, to include 85% materials recycling. Article 6.3(c) of the directive specifically requires that the ELV stripping operations undertaken at authorised treatment facilities shall be carried out in such a way as to ensure the suitability of vehicle components for reuse and recovery, and in particular for recycling.

Enabling provisions to facilitate implementation of the directive were incorporated in the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. It is intended to make regulations as soon as possible fully transposing the directive provisions and facilitating its full implementation in 2005.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

376 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a cost plan for a proposed social housing scheme at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; when he received the cost plan; if he has given consideration to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27798/04]

My Department received a budget cost application in August 2004 from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for the construction of 103 houses at Stonebridge Road, Shankill, involving the combining of phases one and two of the original proposals. My Department is awaiting a technical report from the council on measures to address the presence of ground gas on the site before determining a budget cost for the scheme prior to the seeking of tenders.

Local Authority Funding.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

377 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application for funding to provide central heating in 200 dwellings in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County area; if he has given consideration to the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27799/04]

David Stanton

Ceist:

389 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding being made available to the respective local authorities to enable them to provide for central heating in local authority houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 389 together.

The following applications from local authorities have been approved for funding under my Department's central heating programme for 2004:

Allocation

City Councils

Cork

500,000

Dublin

500,000

Galway

280,000

Waterford

500,000

Borough Councils

Drogheda

112,000

Kilkenny

200,000

Wexford

150,000

County Councils

Carlow

100,000

Cavan

200,000

Clare

200,000

Cork (North)

150,000

Cork (South)

200,000

Donegal

200,000

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

300,000

Fingal

300,000

Galway

200,000

Kerry

200,000

Kilkenny

200,000

Laois

200,000

Leitrim

150,000

Limerick

120,000

Longford

200,000

Meath

200,000

Monaghan

200,000

North Tipperary

120,000

Offaly

200,000

Roscommon

200,000

Sligo

200,000

South Dublin

250,000

South Tipperary

200,000

Waterford

200,000

Westmeath

200,000

Wexford

200,000

Wicklow

200,000

Town Councils

Arklow

50,000

Ballina

120,000

Ballinasloe

100,000

Birr

100,000

Bray

300,000

Buncrana

70,000

Bundoran

140,000

Carlow

230,000

Carrickmacross

50,000

Cashel

200,000

Castlebar

240,000

Castleblayney

70,000

Cavan

140,000

Clones

70,000

Dundalk

300,000

Dungarvan

260,000

Ennis

150,000

Fermoy

30,000

Kells

140,000

Kilkee

10,000

Kilrush

120,000

Letterkenny

200,000

Listowel

120,000

Longford

300,000

Mallow

100,000

Nenagh

170,000

New Ross

120,000

Skibbereen

100,000

Thurles

138,000

Tipperary

100,000

Tralee

150,000

Trim

60,000

Tullamore

70,000

Westport

100,000

Wicklow

100,000

An application for funding has been received from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and as indicated above, an allocation of €300,000 has been made this year towards their ongoing programme to provide central heating for an estimated 2,000 rented dwellings over the period 2004-08.

Road Network.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

378 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for funding to carry out an improvement scheme on the Rathsallagh access road from Shanganagh Road; if he has given consideration to the application; if he will fund the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27800/04]

The prioritisation of non-national road improvements in their area is a matter for consideration by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on the basis of funding from their own resources supplemented by State grants.

In August this year, my Department sought applications from local authorities for funding under the 2005 EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme. The application submitted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council did not include improvement of the Rathsallagh access road. Local authorities may also use their discretionary improvement grant allocations from my Department to fund eligible road improvement schemes. In 2004, the total discretionary improvement grant allocation to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is €322,000. The selection of works to be funded from this allocation is a matter for the council.

Question No. 379 answered with QuestionNo. 374.

Planning Issues.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

380 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of grants of planning permission by Fingal County Council which were overturned by An Bord Pleanála since 1999. [27842/04]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

381 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of appeals of planning refusals made by Fingal County Council which were overturned by An Bord Pleanála since 1999. [27843/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.

Information on the number of planning decisions of Fingal County Council, which were overturned on appeal to An Bord Pleanála, is contained in the annual reports of An Bord Pleanála, which are available in the Oireachtas Library. However, these reports do not distinguish whether the overturn was of a grant or a refusal of planning permission by the local authority. The breakdown of figures sought in the question is not available in my Department.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

382 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an Bord Pleanála has put a system in place to monitor the quality of its decisions and a system to set out reasons in cases in which its final decisions depart from an inspector’s recommendation. [27844/04]

Under section 34 (10) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the board is required to indicate the main reasons and considerations on which its decisions are based. Where a decision by the board to grant or refuse permission is different from the recommendations in the report of the inspector in any particular case, the board must indicate the main reasons for not accepting the recommendations.

As part of the response to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the operation of the planning appeals system, an Bord Pleanála has put in place a mechanism in relation to complaints against its decisions. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the file relating to the decision will be reviewed and, although the decision itself will stand, where necessary, the board may issue a clarification.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

383 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if guidelines or rules are in place for An Bord Pleanála in relation to the provision of an inspector’s report when determining a planning matter. [27845/04]

Section 146 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 enables An Bord Pleanála to authorise a person to prepare a report on any matter on behalf of the board. Any person so authorised must make a written report to the board, which must include recommendations, and the board must consider the report and recommendations before determining the matter. An Bord Pleanála has issued guidance notes to its inspectors on the main issues to be reported on in making a report to the board. Section 150 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 Act provides for the adoption by An Bord Pleanála of a code of conduct for dealing with conflicts of interest and promoting public confidence in the conduct of its business.

The code further requires that persons employed by the board are to carry out its work in an independent manner that embodies the public service ethos of integrity, impartiality and a desire to serve the public interest while giving due consideration to all legitimate viewpoints and interests.

Local Authority Housing.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

384 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the application of Dublin City Council to enable its flat tenants to purchase their dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/04]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 586 of 19 October 2004. The position is unchanged.

Question No. 385 answered with QuestionNo. 370.

Local Authority Staff.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

386 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the reappointment of county heritage officers; if the heritage officer scheme set up by the Heritage Council will continue; if not, if alternative additional funding will be provided; and the way in which he proposes to ensure that local authorities have sufficient resources to protect heritage and fulfil obligations under section 6 of the Heritage Act 1995. [27954/04]

In 1998, the Heritage Council developed a pilot scheme for the placement of heritage officers, dedicated to the conservation and promotion of heritage, within local authorities. This pilot scheme involved a partnership agreement with local authorities for the appointment of heritage officers. The council co-funds the appointments with local authorities, on a declining scale, over a five-year period. The pilot scheme has since been mainstreamed in many local authorities and to date, 24 heritage officers have been employed.

The heritage officer scheme has operated well and has been very successful in raising heritage awareness at a local level, consistently with my Department's overall heritage objectives. I would expect that local authorities would favourably consider the continuation of heritage officer appointments in the context of allocating resources and within the overall framework of Government policy on public sector numbers.

Recycling Policy.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

387 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the volume of glass, plastic, paper, cans, cartons and so on recycled; the proportion of each recycled material for which the recycling process occurs here; and the final end use of each recycled material by volume. [28021/04]

The latest finalised data on packaging waste materials and recovery are contained in the national waste database interim report for 2002 published by the EPA in June 2004. The EPA estimates that 296,389 tonnes of packaging waste was recovered for recycling in that year, representing an overall recovery rate of 33%.

Indications are that packaging waste recovery has increased further since 2002 arising from the implementation of the local and regional waste management plans, assisted by my Department from the environment fund, and new packaging regulations introduced last year requiring the segregation and recycling of specified back-door packaging waste by producers.

Column one of the following table gives a breakdown of the overall tonnage of packaging waste recycled by packaging material in 2002, as outlined in the EPA interim report. Based on data supplied by Repak — the voluntary compliance scheme established by Irish industry to meet Ireland's packaging waste recovery targets — column two of the table indicates the estimated tonnage by packaging material which was recycled in Ireland in that year.

Total Recovered/ Packaging

Recycled in Ireland

tonnes

tonnes

Paper and cardboard

132,321

47,500

Glass

58,175

5,000

Plastic

29,344

3,800

Aluminium

999

Nil

Ferrous/other metals

25,063

Nil

Wood

50,260

45,000

Composite material (i.e. beverage cartons)

227

Nil

Total

296,389

101,300

On the basis of the Repak data indicated in column two of the table, an estimated 34.2% of packaging waste recovered was recycled in Ireland. In addition, most of the materials exported for recycling are subject to initial partial processing in Ireland. For example, glass is processed into cullet before being transported for recycling, primarily to a facility in Northern Ireland, ferrous metals are often sorted according to various grades and shredded, plastic is crushed and baled, paper is shredded and cardboard baled.

The packaging waste materials recovered are principally recycled into intermediate raw materials which are ultimately used in the manufacture of new packaging materials and other products.

Grant Payments.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

388 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a thatching grant will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [28064/04]

An inspection with a view to payment of the grant, if in order, will be carried out as soon as possible.

Question No. 389 answered with QuestionNo. 377.

Departmental Staff.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

390 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is any proposal to transfer staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food to the national parks and wildlife services; if so, the staff and the positions involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28106/04]

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

391 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is intended to employ additional conservation rangers with the national parks and wildlife service; and if so, when these positions will be advertised. [28108/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.

Conservation rangers are being recruited to fill nine vacancies within the national parks and wildlife service in my Department. Interviews under the auspices of the public appointments service, PAS, are being completed and offers of assignment will be made by PAS as soon as possible.

My Department has agreed in principle with the Department of Agriculture and Food, following consultation also with the trade union concerned, to accept suitable staff from the supervisory agricultural officers grade for secondment on an additional basis to the national parks and wildlife service. Interviews have been held and discussions are taking place with identified candidates on possible assignments.

Question No. 392 answered with QuestionNo. 369.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

393 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for funding in respect of a sewage scheme at Mooncoin, County Kilkenny, has been received by his Department; the date of receipt of application; if the scheme has been approved by his Department; the estimated cost of the scheme; if approval to proceed has been granted; and if not, the timeframe for such approval. [28204/04]

The Mooncoin sewerage scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 under the serviced land initiative at an estimated cost of €600,000.

My Department is awaiting submission of revised contract documents for the scheme by Kilkenny County Council. Following receipt and approval of the contract documents the council will be in a position to invite tenders for the scheme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

394 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for funding, in respect of a drainage scheme at Piltown, County Kilkenny, has been received by his Department; the date of receipt of application; if the scheme has been approved by his Department; the estimated cost of the scheme; if approval to proceed has been granted; and if not, the timeframe for such approval. [28205/04]

A proposal for a wastewater scheme to serve Piltown, at an estimated cost of €300,000, was ranked ninth in the list of waste water schemes submitted by Kilkenny County Council in November 2003 in response to my Department's request to all local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priority lists were taken into account in the framing of my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06, published in May 2004. Given the ranking afforded to the scheme by the council, it has not been possible to include it in the programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

395 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for funding, in respect of a sewage scheme at Kilmacow, County Kilkenny, has been received by his Department; the date of receipt of application; if the scheme has been approved by his Department; the estimated cost of the scheme; if approval to proceed has been granted; and if not, the timeframe for such approval. [28206/04]

The Kilmacow sewerage scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 under the rural towns and villages initiative at an estimated cost of €2.8 million. My Department is awaiting the submission of tender documents by Kilkenny County Council for approval.

Development Levies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

396 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 387 of 28 October 2004, the value of development levies raised by local authorities from housing development, commercial developments and other developments in respect of each year since 1997. [28232/04]

My Department compiles statistics on the collection of development contributions on an annual basis but these are not broken down between the types of development set out in the question. The following table sets out the total development contributions collected by planning authorities between 1997 and 2002.

Year

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

1997-2002

Development Contributions (€ million)

57.813

66.326

87.172

110.380

121.976

150.995

594.662

The amount of development contributions collected in 2003 is being compiled and will be available shortly.

Barr
Roinn