Written Answers.

Overseas Development Aid.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

83 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently working to assist those affected by the December 2004 tsunami; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6744/05]

Dan Neville

Ceist:

110 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence the reports he has received from members of the Defence Forces who travelled to tsunami affected countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/05]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

111 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of those members of the Defence Forces seconded to the UNJLC in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to assist in the relief effort following the tsunami in south Asia; if further troops may be deployed in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/05]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

123 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of a Defence Forces team to Sri Lanka to assist in relief following the tsunami disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 110, 111 and 123 together.

As soon as the scale of the recent disaster in south-east Asia became clear, the Department of Foreign Affairs deployed a high level technical assessment team, which included a member of the Defence Forces, to examine the situation on the ground and identify what assistance Ireland should offer to the affected region. Arising from its initial assessment, the team advised the Department of Foreign Affairs of an immediate requirement for two logistics planning experts and two engineers to be attached to the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre, UNJLC. Four officers of the Permanent Defence Force were seconded, with effect from 18 January 2005, on a volunteer basis to the UNJLC in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

I should point out that it was not the primary role of these personnel to report on further areas where Ireland can be of assistance but to report to the UNJLC, following a detailed analysis of key priorities within their fields of expertise. The role of the logistics officers has been to evaluate, on behalf of the UNJLC, the current and future transport requirements in the affected areas for the delivery of humanitarian aid and to recommend solutions to overcome any identified shortfalls. The role of the engineers has been to examine the road infrastructure in the affected areas, specify the rehabilitation and repair requirements and establish repair priorities so as to restore a functioning transport network in the area.

At the request of the UNJLC, an assessment of transport and logistics requirements in the north and north east of the country was conducted. In addition, the engineers completed a full and detailed analysis of the south and south east coastal road system. The team met the Government task force to rebuild the nation, TAFREN, on 17 February and presented its findings and recommendations. The two engineers returned home to Ireland last week. It is expected that the two logistic officers will complete their work in the coming weeks and then return home to Ireland.

No further requests for Defence Forces assistance have been received from the authorities in the region. However, in the event that the Defence Forces have the capacity and resources to offer further required assistance in the region in specified roles, this will be examined on a case-by-case basis having regard to the requirements and the situation on the ground. I can assure Deputies that the Government is very positively disposed towards supporting the relief effort in the affected areas to the greatest possible extent.

United Nations Reform.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if he will clarify recent comments attributed to him (details supplied) that he has been informed by senior figures in Brussels that the UN intends to introduce reforms that may lead to the speedier agreements of UN Security Council resolutions in crisis situations; the details of the reforms of which he has been informed; the persons who informed of these reforms. [6697/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The comments attributed to me were made consequent to the publishing of the UN's Report of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, which issued on 2 December 2004. I refer Deputies to the reply to Question No. 173 given by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to this House on 2 February.

Briefly, the background is that the high level panel was established in November 2003 by the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to examine how best collective action can meet current and future threats to peace and security. Specifically, the panel was tasked with analysing current and future challenges to international peace and security and assessing how best collective action can meet these challenges. It was asked to recommend changes necessary to ensure effective collective action, including but not limited to a review of the principal organs of the United Nations.

A central priority of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union was to mobilise EU support for the multilateral system and the United Nations. Ireland drafted and co-ordinated the EU's contribution to the work of the panel, and it is gratifying that many of its key elements are reflected in the panel's recommendations.

At the UN next September, Heads of State and Government will seek to reach agreement on reforms, including institutional reforms, to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the UN system.

At the end of next month, Secretary General Annan, having reflected on the panel's recommendations and the reaction to them will bring forward some core proposals of his own to act as a basis for agreement on a balanced outcome at the September summit.

In publicly welcoming the report of the panel in December, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said that it made a compelling case for the multilateral system as the best way for all states, working together, to confront threats and challenges to security and development in today's world.

From Ireland's perspective, the report contains two critically important elements. First, it makes the case, convincingly, for a new, more comprehensive approach to security, making it clear that effective collective security demands that we address poverty, disease and underdevelopment as well as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. This reflects the central premise of the EU's contribution to the work of the panel: there can be no hierarchy of threats.

Second, the report makes a number of specific recommendations for the prevention of threats, including terrorism, poverty, internal conflict and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as on the institutional reform of the UN. Many of these are sound and constructive, and worthy of support. A particular emphasis of the panel, which Ireland strongly endorses, is the need for sustained, co-ordinated multilateral support for peace-building in countries emerging from conflict and at risk of sliding back into conflict.

Ireland also welcomes the impetus the report has given to consideration of reform of UN institutions, including the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as the proposal for the establishment of a peacebuilding commission. The Deputy may be assured that the promotion of support for a positive outcome at the September summit is an important priority of the Government.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

85 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the improvements to the Air Corps he proposes to make in terms of aircraft over the coming 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The focus with regard to new aircraft for the Air Corps this year is on the acquisition of helicopters. I previously informed the House that following a comprehensive tender competition, two contracts have now been signed for the provision of new helicopters for the Air Corps, at a total cost of over €61 million. Four utility AB 139 helicopters are being acquired from the Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of €48.4 million, inclusive of VAT. The four helicopters will be built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy. Two AB 139s will be delivered in 2006 and the other two will be delivered in 2007.

The four AB 139 helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. Primary taskings for the utility helicopter will include training and operations with special forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks.

Two light utility EC 135 helicopters are being acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million, inclusive of VAT. The two helicopters will be built at Eurocopter's facility in Donauworth, Germany. Both EC 135s are scheduled to be delivered in the latter part of this year. The two light utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps primarily in the military pilot and aircrew-training role. Primary taskings for the helicopters will include pilot training, instructor training and instrument flight training.

The acquisition of the helicopters is the second major acquisition of aircraft for the Air Corps in recent years. The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft for the Air Corps at a total cost of €60 million was completed during 2004. The delivery of the modern training aircraft in tandem with the delivery of the new helicopters over the next three years has provided a very significant boost to the Air Corps.

Commemorative Events.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

86 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if, further to his reply of 26 January 2005, there is further information on an appropriate form of commemoration for the Irish soldiers involved in the events in Jadotville more than 40 years ago while on service with the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

As outlined to the House on 26 January 2005, detailed consideration was being given to the most appropriate form of commemoration for those involved in the events in Jadotville and I am pleased to be in a position to report on the progress made since then.

I have decided that a plaque will be situated in Athlone to commemorate the events at Jadotville and the very significant contribution of A company and of the 35th battalion, as a whole, to the UN peace support mission in the Congo. To this end, discussions are ongoing at present in the Western Brigade regarding the siting of this plaque.

I have also decided that portraits of Lieutenant Colonel McNamee, 35th battalion commander, and Commandant Quinlan, company commander A company, will be commissioned and arrangements in this regard are under way. Once completed, it is intended that these portraits will hang in the Congo Room in the United Nations Training School in the Curragh.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Defence Forces are equipped and capable of dealing with eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack, with particular reference to the availability of breathing and skin protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/05]

David Stanton

Ceist:

102 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of NBC protective clothing suits that will be purchased by his Department in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 102 together.

The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. It continuously monitors the potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism in co-operation with the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place in relation to the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations.

The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 7,000 NBC suits, 1,500 of which were delivered in 2004. It is planned to purchase a further 1,000 NBC suits this year.

In addition, the Defence Forces have a sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.

The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.

Overseas Missions.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

88 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Irish troops serving in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6754/05]

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

95 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the situation in Liberia and the operations that members of the Defence Forces are engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6738/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 95 together.

The Defence Forces contingent, which was deployed for service with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, in December 2003, comprises a motorised infantry battalion of 428 personnel. A small number of additional personnel have been also deployed at force headquarters and as military observers.

Irish personnel are rotated on a six monthly basis. The 92nd Infantry Battalion commenced a six month tour of duty in December 2004.

Ireland, together with an Infantry Company Group from Sweden, provides the Quick Reaction Force, QRF, to the UNMIL force commander. I very much welcome the participation of Sweden as part of the QRF. This type of co-operation is reflective of the changing dynamics in peacekeeping. The range and diversity of arrangements now in place for peacekeeping allow us to work in tandem with like-minded nations to contribute in a very effective and meaningful manner to peace support operations throughout the world. The role of the Irish personnel is the provision of an immediate response capability, deployable in sufficient strength and with the required level of force to provide a swift and decisive military reaction to any crisis situation.

The Irish battalion in UNMIL has operated in a path-finding and reconnaissance role supporting the deployment of other UN contingents. It has also conducted long-range patrols beyond Monrovia and well into the interior of Liberia showing a UN presence, deterring lawlessness and protecting local populations. The contingent also undertakes regular daily patrols within the Monrovia area. The Irish battalion is available to the force commander to provide support and a rapid response capability in the event of a breakdown in law and order or further conflict.

On 14 December 2004, I accompanied President and Dr. Martin McAleese on their visit to Liberia. The principal purpose of the visit was to meet members of the Irish contingent serving with UNMIL and to observe at first hand the work of the contingent and to convey to them, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, our deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they continue to perform their duties on overseas service. UNMIL is a challenging assignment and the Defence Forces are to be congratulated on the expeditious manner in which they planned and undertook deployment to this mission.

The situation in Monrovia has remained calm since the unrest in Autumn 2004. However, the speed with which these situations can get out of hand is indicative of the difficult circumstances in which our troops operate and one can never lose sight of this. We will continue to keep this situation under review to ensure that our troops have the necessary equipment and resources to discharge their mandate.

Departmental Properties.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

89 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to sell lands or buildings under his control in the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6734/05]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

127 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the part development or sale of Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6756/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

393 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total receipts to date from the sale of military installations closed in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6935/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 127, and 393 together.

The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Castleblayney, Naas, Kildare and Clancy Barracks, Dublin.

The sale of 97 acres approximately at Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig was completed in 2003 for a total of €42 million. The bulk of the lands was purchased by O'Flynn Construction. The sale of a site comprising c. 2.7 acres to the Southern Heath Board for €1.73 million was completed in December last. A further area comprising approximately 27 acres at Murphy Barracks is being handed over to Cork County Council for community use. Agreement has also been reached for the sale of a site c. 1.7 acres to the Department of Education and Science for approximately €1.1 million. A half acre site has been set aside on foot of a request from the Office of Public Works, OPW, for a plot of ground to facilitate extension of the existing Garda station located on Main Street, Ballincollig. My Department is in correspondence with the OPW on arrangements for transfer of the lands concerned, including the matter of a consideration therefor.

A total of 19.218 acres at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, were sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for €973,889 for development in conjunction with IDA Ireland. Castleblayney Military Post, County Monaghan, comprising c. 10 acres, was sold to the North Eastern Health Board for €761,843 in 2002. A total of seven acres at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare, were ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council, while a further 14 acres were sold to that authority for €8,888,167. The balance of the barracks lands — one acre — was sold to Kildare County Council for €380,921 in 2002. Clancy Barracks, Dublin, comprising 13.65 acres approximately, was sold to Florence Properties Limited for €25.4 million in 2004. The disposal of a number of other minor properties which were surplus to requirements was also completed during this period.

The Government decided in July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, and Gormanston Camp, County Meath, would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. The modalities of the transfer of these properties, as well as sites at St. Bricins Hospital, Dublin and at Collins Barracks, Cork, to the relevant local authorities are under active consideration in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Chief State Solicitor's office.

The value of sales-disposals completed since 1998 has totalled in the region of €90 million. There are no plans for the part development or sale of Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines. The Department's property portfolio is, however, kept under continual review and any properties surplus to military requirements will be disposed of to fund much needed investment to meet the equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.

Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 82.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

91 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the reserve Defence Forces; the type of operations they are engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6737/05]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

101 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence if the RDF unit in Cahir, County Tipperary, will be retained at its present location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6699/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

108 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence his plans to permit the service of RDF personnel overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6725/05]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

125 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6806/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

378 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6809/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 101, 108, 125 and 378 together.

On 26 July 2004 my predecessor the former Minister, Deputy Michael Smith, officially launched the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan which is the start of a process that will radically change the structure and configuration of the reserve while preserving its traditional strengths. These include such things as the spirit of voluntary commitment, the maintaining of strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread.

An important change recommended by the study of the reserve is that members of the FCA and Naval Service Reserve should be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions subject to suitable qualifications, personal availability and appropriate advance training. In other countries service by reservists on overseas peace support missions is quite common.

As specified in the reserve Defence Force implementation plan, any such participation is likely to be in specialist areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This service will be dependent on extended pre-deployment training. General criteria governing selection for overseas service come within the scope of representation and any matters relating to overseas service by members of the reserve, which come within the scope of representation, will be raised with the representative associations at the appropriate forum. The question of the security of civilian employment, for the members of the reserve who may wish to serve overseas, will be considered as part of the ongoing implementation process.

While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the reserve Defence Force in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of reserve personnel for overseas duties will be developed over the lifetime of the reserve Defence Force implementation plan. The military authorities have advised that the strength of the reserve Defence Force, including An Slua Muirí, is 12,038.

The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three-brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The reserve Defence Force will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of this plan will take place over the course of the next six years.

The plan defines the organisational framework of the new Army Reserve and provides for a greater concentration of units within each Army brigade area. There will be mergers both at battalion and company level as well as between sister technical support units. This will be the key to providing enhanced training facilities and opportunities for each member of the reserve.

In producing detailed proposals for the restructuring of reserve units within each brigade area, the military authorities have taken due cognisance of the existing FCA presence within communities. Consultation and communication have been a priority throughout the development of the plan. They will continue to be important if the changes now proposed are to be carried through smoothly and effectively. Reserve units will be kept informed of developments on a regular basis.

As part of this reorganisation Cahir in County Tipperary which is currently the B company headquarters of the 13th Infantry Battalion which has an existing strength of 31 personnel will become a troop centre, which is similar to a platoon, with an establishment of 33 personnel. Accordingly, the strength of the reserve in Cahir will not suffer as a result of this change.

Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the re-organisation process in terms of better clothing and improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the reserve, a better overall organisation structure, and opportunities for suitably qualified personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the reserve with the Army.

Questions Nos. 92 and 93 answered with Question No. 82.

Decentralisation Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

94 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence if the building that has been identified as the new permanent headquarters of the Civil Defence board in Roscrea is available to be occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6708/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

104 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the situation with respect to the decentralisation of Civil Defence to Roscrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6715/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 104 together.

The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Government Departments, has issued tenders for the fit-out of the leased building in Roscrea, and it is hoped that a contract can be placed shortly. It is expected that this building will be available for occupation later this year.

There are approximately 30 posts in the Civil Defence headquarters. Part of the staff of the Civil Defence board has moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea with effect from 10 September 2004.

Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 88.

Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

96 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence if the position of British and French nuclear weapons has been discussed within the European security and defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6749/05]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

130 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if the stationing of 480 US nuclear weapons in eight bases in six European countries, five of which are in the EU, has been discussed at meetings of EU Defence Ministers; the implications of these weapons for the EU defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6750/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 130 together.

At the European Council at Helsinki in 1999, member states set themselves a headline goal, that is, that "by the year 2003, co-operating together and voluntarily, they will be able to deploy rapidly and then sustain forces capable of the full range of Petersberg Tasks as set out in the Amsterdam Treaty", that is, in short, humanitarian, rescue, peacekeeping and crisis management operations including peacemaking.

The ambition of the EU, to be able to respond rapidly to emerging crises and undertake Petersberg Tasks peace support missions, has and continues to be the key objective of the development of the European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP. Accordingly, the issue of nuclear weapons, apart from the protection of personnel against the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical, NBC, agents, has not and does not arise in the context of participation in ESDP.

Overseas Missions.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

97 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who are available to the United Nations; if this number will be increased in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6728/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

100 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the overseas missions that it is envisaged the Defence Forces will contribute to in the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

391 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the overseas locations to which Irish troops are likely to be deployed in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6933/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 100 and 391 together.

Ireland is currently contributing approximately 770 Defence Forces personnel to 22 different missions throughout the world, full details of which are listed in the following statement. The main commitments are to the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, with 434 personnel and to the NATO-led international security presence, KFOR, in Kosovo, with 208 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations, UN, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and the European Union, EU. Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the OSCE, the UN, NATO and the EU.

Ireland's current major contribution to peacekeeping is in Liberia, where a contingent of the Permanent Defence Forces has been serving since December 2003, with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL. Here, Ireland, together with an infantry company group from Sweden, provides the quick reaction force to the UNMIL force commander. Ireland was specifically requested by the UN to participate in a substantive manner in this mission, which is a tribute to the high regard in which the UN holds the Irish Defence Forces. It is intended that Defence Forces involvement in UNMIL will probably conclude in 2005-06, once the Liberian elections, planned for mid-2005, are completed.

In KFOR, the Defence Forces are serving as part of a Finnish battalion with a Swedish-led multinational brigade. A re-organisation and down-sizing of the NATO-led forces in KFOR, including the Irish contingent, was planned and had partly commenced when civil disturbances broke out in March this year in Kosovo. That down-sizing has now been deferred to allow the situation to settle. Having regard to the fragility of the peace in Kosovo and subject to ongoing assessments of the situation on the ground, Ireland will continue to maintain a presence in KFOR for some time yet.

Ireland currently has 53 personnel deployed to EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR was established under the authority of the UN Security Council — Resolution 1575 of 22 November 2004. The resolution authorised the establishment for an initial period of 12 months of a multinational and stabilisation force, EUFOR, as a legal successor to SFOR the NATO-led UN authorised operation in Bosnia Herzegovina. The long-term objective of this mission is the establishment of a stable, viable, peaceful and multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina, co-operating peacefully with its neighbours.

Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System, UNSAS, to provide up to 850 military personnel, configured as a light infantry mounted battalion, for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army, excluding reserves, and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.

Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, we are currently fairly close to the limit of our sustainable commitments. It is appropriate that we keep some level of resources in reserve, should we need to reinforce existing missions or to take on additional missions at short notice. No other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force serving Overseas as of 23 February 2005
1. UN Missions
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)	5
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon	13
(iii) UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus)	1
(iv) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)	4
(v) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo)	4
(vi) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo)	3
(vii) ONUCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)	2
(viii) UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ	6
UNMIL 92th Inf Bn	428
TOTAL	466
UN Mandated Missions
(ix) EUFOR (EU-led Mission Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina	53
(x) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo)	208
(xi) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)	7
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions	734
2. EU Missions
(i) European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia	5
(ii) European Union Mission to the African Union Monitoring Mission to Darfur	1
Total Number of Personnel serving with EU Missions	6
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina	1
(ii) OSCE Mission in Croatia	1
(iii) OSCE Presence in Albania	1
(iv) OSCE Mission in FRY	1
(v) OSCE Mission in Macedonia	1
(vi) OSCE Mission in Georgia	5
(vii) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
Total number of personnel serving OSCE	11
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels)	1
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels)	6
6. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels)	2
7. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels)	3
8. Military Representatives/Advisers
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
(iii) Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/Supreme	1
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium
9. Appointments — UN HQ (New York)
Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations)	2
10. Other Assignments — UNJLC (Sri Lanka)
Officers seconded to the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre	2
Total Number Defence Forces Personnel serving Overseas	770

Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

98 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his plans for joint procurement of arms and equipment for the Defence Forces and the military forces of other States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

A decision to establish an intergovernmental agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments, known as the European Defence Agency, EDA, was formally adopted at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 12 July 2004.

The overall aim of the agency is to support member states in their efforts to improve European defence capabilities in support of European security and defence policy. To achieve this, the agency has been ascribed four functions, relating to: defence capabilities development; armaments co-operation; the European defence technological and industrial base and defence equipment market; and research and technology.

At its meeting on 6 July 2004 the Government agreed that Ireland would participate in the framework of the agency. Participation in individual projects of the agency will be a matter for national decision on a case-by-case basis. Ireland is not involved in any projects at this stage.

The agency, which is still in the early stage of development, will be an important forum by which the EU can seek to improve competitiveness and efficiency in the defence equipment sector which has been notable for fragmentation and duplication. While Ireland is not a major consumer of defence equipment, I believe that we should encourage developments which improve market efficiencies or which may yield some economies of scale for equipment procurement for the Defence Forces.

Ireland paid a contribution of €21,733.07 towards the agency's initial general budget for 2004. A provision of some €315,000 has been sought in respect of the agency for 2005, which includes a contribution to "once off" capital costs in respect of accommodation and facilities.

Decentralisation Programme.

John Deasy

Ceist:

99 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the stage at which his plans for decentralisation are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6719/05]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

126 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the progress being made with regard to decentralisation from his Department or agencies under his control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6731/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 126 together.

The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare. A total of 385 personnel, of whom 78 are currently serving in the Department, have declared an interest in relocating to Newbridge.

The Office of Public Works is in discussions with Kildare County Council regarding the possible acquisition of a site in Newbridge for the Department's new headquarters. A site for the Defence Force's headquarters at the Curragh has been selected and preliminary planning in connection with the design of the building has commenced. It is envisaged that the relocation will take place in 2007.

The Civil Defence board is being relocated to Roscrea, County Tipperary. There are approximately 30 posts in the Civil Defence headquarters. Some of the staff of the Civil Defence board moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea with effect from 10 September 2004.

The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Government Departments, has issued tenders for the fit-out of a leased building in Roscrea, and it is hoped that a contract can be placed shortly. It is expected that this building will be available for occupation later this year.

Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 91.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 87.

Military Police Investigations.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

103 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if, further to his reply of 26 January 2005, the second of two military police investigations into suggestions of near mutinous behaviour on a Naval Service vessel has been concluded; the action which has been taken in view of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6706/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The military police investigation into the second alleged incident is still ongoing and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter.

Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Deasy

Ceist:

105 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the cost to date of maintenance on Mowags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6721/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The initial contract for 40 APCs with Mowag of Switzerland was valued at €51 million inclusive of VAT and saw deliveries completed by March 2002. The second contract for an additional 25 armoured personnel carriers was valued at some €33 million. Deliveries of all 25 took place in 2004. This gives the Defence Forces 65 Mowag APCs in total. Some 28 Mowag APCs are currently on operational duties with our troops in Kosovo and Liberia.

With regard to maintenance of the APCs, such work is carried out by Defence Forces personnel at home and overseas. The cost to date of spare parts and equipment related to maintenance of the APCs is estimated at €3.5 million.

Defence Forces Strength.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

106 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces at 1 July 1998 and 1 January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6713/05]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

119 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service at 1 July 1997 and 1 January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6712/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 119 together.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, comprising the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as of 1 July 1997, 1 July 1998 and 1 January 2005 was as follows:

	Army	Air Corps	Naval Service	Total
1 July 1997	9,849	1,073	1,014	11,936
1 July 1998	9,600	1,026	990	11,616
1 January 2005	8,592	871	1,088	10,551

In addition, there were 258 recent recruits undergoing training on 1 January 2005.

Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 82.

Question No. 108 answered with QuestionNo. 91.

European Council Meetings.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

109 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the agenda for the informal meeting of Defence Ministers in Luxembourg on 18 and 19 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

As of today, 1 March 2005, I have not received the agenda for the forthcoming informal meeting of Defence Ministers, which will take place in Luxembourg on 18 and 19 of March next. However, indications are that the main issues for discussion will be the continued development of capabilities through the headline goal 2010, development of the rapid reaction elements concept, the fight against terrorism and ongoing peace support operations.

Questions Nos. 110 and 111 answered with Question No. 83.

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Perry

Ceist:

112 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to augment the Naval Service with any new craft over the coming 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

In the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service will be developed around the provision of an eight ship flotilla. In recent years, two new ships have been delivered to the Naval Service and the service is operating with the recommended eight ships.

LE Roisin was commissioned in December 1999 and her sister ship, LE Niamh, which replaced LE Deirdre, was commissioned in September 2001. The total cost of the two ships was €50 million. Both ships have proved to be tremendous assets to the Naval Service in carrying out its various day to day roles.

The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service that will maintain the eight ship flotilla.

Partnership for Peace.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

113 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on activities undertaken by the Defence Forces to date under the auspices of Partnership for Peace; the future activities that may be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6694/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace, PfP, to date is set out in our four individual partnership programmes, IPPs, copies of which have been lodged in the Oireachtas Library.

Ireland's fourth IPP, covering the period 2004-05, was completed in consultation with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. A total of 108 activities were chosen representing participation by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Activities consist of training courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, staff exercises and table top exercises as set out in the following schedule.

Ireland also participates in the PfP planning and review process, known as PARP. In common with the other EU neutrals, Ireland is using the PARP process in connection with planning for humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping and crisis management collectively known as the Petersberg Tasks. The scope of our involvement in PARP is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment.

Participation in Partnership for Peace, PfP, activities is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentiation, that is, a state selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation.

Exercise Title	Exercise Type	Participating Nations	Host Nation
Viking (held in 2001 and 2003)	Computer based Crisis Response Exercise	PfP Nations	Sweden
Combined Endeavour (held from 2001 annually to date)	Radio Communications Exercise (required to test DF communications equipment for interoperability purposes in PSO)	PfP Nations	Germany
Cooperative Lantern 2002	Peace Support Command Post Exercise for Crisis response	PfP Nations	Netherlands
Cooperative Nugget 2002	This exercised PfP nations on their planning and process and staff procedures.	PfP Nations	Sweden
Cooperative Safeguard 2002	Maritime Command Post Exercise, based on response to a natural disaster.	PfP Nations	Iceland
Allied Action (2003 and 2004)	Exercise to deploy a Peace Support Operation joint task force HQ.	PfP Nations	Turkey
CMX (2001)	Crisis Management Exercise	PfP Nations	In capitals
CME (2004)	Crisis Management Exercise	EU Member States
CME/CMX (2003)	Crisis Management Exercise	EU & NATO	In capitals
CME (2002)	Crisis Management Exercise	EU Member States	In capitals

Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Defence Forces Property.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

115 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence when it is proposed to carry out the refurbishment of the RDF unit at Fair Street, Mallow, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6700/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are no current plans for refurbishment of the RDF premises at Fair Street, Mallow, County Cork. The matter, however, is being kept under review.

Military Neutrality.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

116 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence the current position with regard to the development of a common defence and security arrangement across the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I have had no discussions with my counterparts at European Union level on the development of a common defence arrangement across the EU. Ireland's position with regard to the issue of common defence is as set out in our National Declaration to the European Council held in Seville in June 2002:

4. In line with its traditional policy of military neutrality, Ireland is not bound by any mutual defence commitment. Nor is Ireland party to any plans to develop a European army. Indeed, the Nice European Council recognised that the development of the Union's capacity to conduct humanitarian and crisis management tasks does not involve the establishment of a European army.

5. The Treaty on European Union specifies that any decision by the Union to move to a common defence would have to be taken by unanimous decision of the Member States and adopted in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. The Government of Ireland have made a firm commitment to the people of Ireland, solemnized in this Declaration, that a referendum will be held in Ireland on the adoption of any such decision and on any future treaty which would involve Ireland departing from its traditional policy of military neutrality.

6. Ireland reiterates that the participation of contingents of the Irish Defence Forces in overseas operations, including those carried out under the European security and defence policy, requires (a) the authorisation of the operation by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations, (b) the agreement of the Irish Government and (c) the approval of Dáil Éireann, in accordance with Irish law.

The 26th amendment to the Constitution was approved by referendum and Article 29.4.9° was inserted into the Constitution:

The State shall not adopt a decision taken by the European Council to establish a common defence pursuant to Article 1.2 of the Treaty referred to in subsection 7° of this section where that common defence would include the State.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

John Gormley

Ceist:

117 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the reason this Deputy has not received a copy of the advice from the Attorney General on the legal basis of the triple lock; if this information will be supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I have written to the Deputy in the past few days setting out the nature of the advice available to me.

Defence Forces Property.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

118 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the details of the recently announced €33.5 million programme to upgrade military buildings around the country; when this upgrade will commence; the type of projects involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6698/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

A sum of €33.447 million has been provided in my Department's Estimates for the building and refurbishment programme for 2005. This amount is divided into capital and non-capital expenditure.

The capital expenditure allocation for 2005 is €19.479 million. This amount is made up mainly of expenditure on projects started in late 2004 and projects starting in 2005. Details of these projects are shown in tabular format on the lists herewith which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

The non-capital expenditure allocation for 2005 is €13.968 million. It will be expended on approximately 100 smaller projects plus a myriad of local service contracts, local purchase of materials and overseas mission requirements.

Major Projects Started in Late 2004
Location	Project	Date Contract Signed	Cost€million
Cathal Brugha Bks., Dublin.	Upgrade Warrant Officers Quarters as Battalion HQ.	17/09/04	1.34
Renmore Bks., Galway.	Upgrade Storage Facility	22/10/04	2.12
Custume Bks., Athlone.	Upgrade Brigade Block	10/11/04	2.43
Custume Bks., Athlone.	Upgrade Old Hospital Block	7/10/04	.73
Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.	Upgrade Other Ranks Accommodation	21/09/04	1.3
Plunkett Bks., Curragh Camp.	New Workshop and Office Facility	31/08/04	1.75
Collins Bks., Cork.	Refurbishment of Private’s Mess	09/08/04	.61
Sarsfield Bks., Limerick.	Upgrade Accommodation Block	21/09/04	1.03

Major Projects to Commence in 2005
Location	Project	Proposed Start Date(all 2005)	Estimated Costs€million
Custume Bks. Athlone	Upgrade Main Accommodation Block.	November	4.1
Collins Bks. Cork	Brigade HQ & Medical Facility.	November	3.1
Sarsfield Bks. Limerick	Dining Hall and Men’s Club.	June	2.5
Cathal Brugha Bks. Dublin.	Refurbish L&M Blocks to provide accommodation and locker rooms.	July	1.7
Curragh Camp	Refurbish Connolly 7 Block, as accommodation facility.	September	1.7
Monaghan Bks	Upgrade Kitchen of Dining hall.	July	1.3
Curragh Camp	Capital contribution to Kildare County Council towards cost of new sewage treatment plant.	August	1.2
Renmore Bks. Galway	Refurbish Accommodation Blocks 1 and 2.	June	.9
Curragh Camp	DFTC HQ Building — McDermott Officer’s Mess to be refurbished and converted to Headquarters Building.	February	.8
Curragh Camp	New Sports Pavilion.	August	.6
Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel	Sewage System Upgrade, Phase II.	October	.6
Custume Bks. Athlone	Upgrade to provide office accommodation 4 LSB HQ.	February	.6
Finner Camp Donegal	Upgrade Accommodation Block Phase I.	October	.9

Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 106.

Hearing Impairment Claims.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

120 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army deafness claims that remain outstanding; when he expects these to be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

On 31 January 2005 there was a total of 1,290 army hearing loss claims still outstanding. It is hoped that these claims can be disposed of this year subject to the plaintiffs' solicitors having these claims listed for court. It should be noted, however, that a small number of new hearing loss claims are still being received in my Department each month.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

121 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence if cutbacks will be expected in future defence expenditure arising from the need for economies in Government spending following the Supreme Court decision on the illegal charging of elderly medical card holders in long-term residential care, in view of the fact that approximately €100 million was spent on military equipment in 2004 and that a similar level of expenditure is forecast in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6752/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a key focus for me as Minister and I intend continuing the good work done in this area in recent years. Investment in new equipment for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service is provided for under various subheads of the defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and Information Technology equipment etc. The amount of funds available for 2005 are as per the Revised Estimates for the Department. The funds will allow for the continuation of the ongoing investment programme in new equipment for the Defence Forces.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

122 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the progress in the tendering process for light tactical armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6753/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The acquisition of light tactical armoured vehicles, LTAVs, for the Defence Forces has been identified as a key priority by the military authorities for 2005. The LTAVs will complement the work of the 65 Mowag armoured personnel carriers delivered in the last few years at a cost of €84 million.

The procurement of the light tactical armoured vehicles is being undertaken by way of a tender competition, which is being run in two stages, a request for proposal stage and a restricted tender stage. The RFP stage, which began this week with the issuing of documentation to interested suppliers, will establish, on the basis of a broad-parameter specification, the range of suitable vehicles available in the marketplace as well as an indication of the costs involved. Proposals are due back in the Department in early April 2005. In the second stage, formal tenders will be sought, on the basis of a more precisely defined specification, from a restricted list of firms, those successful in the first stage.

The acquisition of the LTAVs forms an integral part of the ongoing re-equipment programme for the Defence Forces. The precise number of vehicles to be acquired will be confirmed at a later date. The cost of the LTAV programme will only be evident after the tender competition is held. I expect that a contract for the supply of the LTAVs will be in place by the end of this year.

Question No. 123 answered with QuestionNo. 83.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 91.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Military Neutrality.

John Gormley

Ceist:

128 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the terms under which Ireland joined the European Defence Agency; the reason membership of the agency was not referred to in Dáil Éireann; and if he will clarify the budget 2005 allocation of €315,000 to the European Defence Agency. [6747/05]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

379 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the proposed European Defence Agency will encourage Ireland and other EU member states to increase military spending; and if this proposal will damage Ireland’s integrity as a neutral country. [6879/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 379 together.

A decision to establish an intergovernmental agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments, known as the European Defence Agency, EDA, was formally adopted at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 12 July 2004. The overall aim of the agency is to support member states in their efforts to improve European defence capabilities in support of European security and defence policy. To achieve this, the agency has been ascribed four functions, relating to defence capabilities development; armaments co-operation; the European defence technological and industrial base and defence equipment market; and research and technology.

At its meeting on 6 July 2004, the Government agreed that Ireland would participate in the framework of the agency. Participation in individual projects of the agency will be a matter for national decision on a case-by-case basis. The agency will be an important forum by which the EU can seek to improve competitiveness and efficiency in the defence equipment sector which has been notable for fragmentation and duplication. While Ireland is not a major consumer of defence equipment, we should encourage developments which improve market efficiencies or which may yield some economies of scale for equipment procurement for the Defence Forces.

The agency is still in the early stage of development and is currently in the process of recruiting staff. The recruitment process is open to citizens of all the EU member states. National contributions to the budget of the agency are calculated on the basis of the gross national income scale in accordance with Article 28(3) of the treaty on the European Union. Ireland has paid a contribution of €21,733.07 towards the agency's initial general budget of €2.4 million for 2004. The budget for 2005, estimated at €25 million, includes once-off capital provisions for accommodation and infrastructure items, and means that Ireland's contribution towards the running of the agency will be of the order of €315,000.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

129 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft within the service of the Air Corps; the age of the aircraft within the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are 40 aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 14 helicopters and 26 fixed-wing aircraft. The type and age of the aircraft is set out in the following tabular statement which will be circulated in the Official Report.

In January 2005 two contracts were signed for the provision of new helicopters for the Air Corps at a cost of over €61million. Four utility helicopters are being acquired from Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of €48.4 million inclusive of VAT. Two will be delivered in 2006 and two in 2007. Two light utility helicopters are being acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million inclusive of VAT. Both light utility helicopters are due to be delivered later this year.

The eight recently purchased Pilatus PC-9M turbo propeller aircraft will replace the Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. These aircraft will allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standards. These aircraft will also be capable of being armed and, as such, will have a limited defensive capability.

The seven Marchetti aircraft which have been replaced by the eight recently purchased Pilatus PC-9M turbo propeller aircraft are being regarded as in service with the Air Corps even though they are no longer operational. The Marchetti aircraft will be disposed of in the near future.

The Squirrel and EC135 helicopters and the Defender fixed wing aircraft are being included also, even though they are owned by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Type and age of Air Corps aircraft
Aircraft Type Helicopters	Number in Service	Age
Alouette	7	31 to 42 years
Dauphin	4	19 years
Gazelle	1	24 years
Squirrel	1	8 years
EC 135	1	3 years
Aircraft Type Fixed Wing
Cessna	5	33 years
Marchetti	7	28 years
Beechcraft	1	25 years
GIV	1	14 years
Casa	2	11 years
Defender	1	8 years
Learjet	1	2 years
Pilatus	8	1 year

Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 96.

Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

132 Mr. Wall asked the Taoiseach his and his Ministers of State’s proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; if he will report on the briefing given or planned to be given by his Department to the Ministers visiting other countries; the areas and countries covered in such briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/05]

The Taoiseach

The programme for my visit to the United States this month has yet to be finalised. However, I expect to participate in the traditional ceremonies at the White House and on Capitol Hill and to meet the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board in the course of my visit.

Arrangements for attendance at St. Patrick's Day celebrations are not yet fully finalised. However, the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kitt, is currently scheduled to travel to South Africa for St. Patrick's Day. His proposed itinerary includes an address to the South African Institute of Race Relations on the Irish economy, attending an Enterprise Ireland dinner and two Tourism Ireland breakfasts and visiting a number of community projects in Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town.

The Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Treacy, is currently scheduled to undertake a number of engagements in Hong Kong for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations there on 11 and 12 March.

In consultation with officials of other Departments and relevant agencies, as appropriate, the Department of Foreign Affairs will co-ordinate briefing for Ministers representing the Government at St. Patrick's Day events overseas. As in previous years, such briefing will cover a wide range of issues with a view to maximising the unique promotional opportunities offered by the period and to deal with issues of mutual interest.

Community Welfare Officers.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

133 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) and make these concerns a priority issue. [6552/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of accommodation for community welfare officers. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.

Water Fluoridation.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

134 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the statutory basis for water authorities adding fluoride to water; the levels of fluoridation for each water authority; the limits within which water authorities must contain fluoridation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6652/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The statutory basis for the fluoridation of public piped water supplies is the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960 and various regulations made under the Act. The Act provides for the making by health authorities of arrangements for the fluoridation of water supplied to the public by sanitary authorities through pipes. The Act also provides that the amount of fluorine to be added to a water supply shall not exceed one part by weight of fluorine per million parts of water.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the levels of fluoridation for each water authority. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officers in the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Motorised Transport Grant.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

135 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an age limit applies to applicants who seek the motorised transport grant from their local health executive; if so, the reason it operates to preclude persons who require transport in order not to remain isolated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7031/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The motorised transport grant was introduced in 1968 by way of Circular 7/68. It is a grant which may be made payable by the Health Service Executive towards the purchase of a car and-or adaptations to a car being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older up to 65 years of age where such a car is essential for him or her to obtain or retain employment. Self-employed persons who satisfy the criteria for eligibility may also be considered, subject to the above age limits.

In cases where application is made on the basis of obtaining or retaining employment, the Health Service Executive must be satisfied that the applicant is capable of holding a job, has the physical capacity to drive the vehicle and is qualified to hold a driver's licence, full or provisional. The grant may also be considered in exceptional circumstances for a person with a severe disability, subject to the above age limits, who lives in a very remote location and whose disability impedes him or her from using public transport.

Ambulance Service.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

136 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the practice of dispatching ambulances and their crews on to frosty, dangerous roads at 3 a.m. to collect employee time-sheets from various locations in County Louth is considered best practice; the reason for such misuse or this most valuable resource rather than using fax machines or other electronic methods of gathering this material; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6503/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of ambulance services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

137 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth is not being taken on to the national treatment purchase fund; and when this person will receive the necessary urgent surgical procedure. [6504/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person in question resides in County Louth, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's north eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Violence Against Women.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

138 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding of €7 million will be incorporated into the Finance Bill 2005, in view of the fact that for four years running the Government budget has neglected to increase funding to the violence against women sector, other than cost of living increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6505/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The National Steering Committee on Violence against Women was established following the report of the task force on violence against women in 1997. Its purpose is to provide a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency and cohesive response to the problem of violence against women and it is chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

My Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Moneys are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Service Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now more than €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked my Department, together with the Health Service Executive, to undertake an analysis of the current level of service provision in this area with a view to planning future service needs.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

139 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6523/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the general medical services and drug payment schemes. This list ensures equity between the schemes for the range of medicines paid for by the State. The list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified.

For an item to be included on the common list, it must comply with a published list of criteria. These include authorisation status where appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. The product referred to by the Deputy does not have a product authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board and cannot therefore be considered for inclusion on the common list.

However, the Deputy will be pleased to learn that a protocol sets out the circumstances and conditions under which a necessary unlicensed medicine may be reimbursed by the State, where lawfully supplied. Applications for reimbursement which meet the terms of the protocol should be made to the primary care reimbursement service, for DPS cardholders, or the local area of the Health Service Executive for GMS cardholders.

Violence Against Women.

149 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the radio control efficiency of the ambulance service within the Kildare and west Wicklow area of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6563/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for infection control measures in hospitals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Director of the National Hospitals Office to reply to the Deputy directly about the detailed information requested.

The strategy for antimicrobial resistance in Ireland, SARI, contains national guidelines for the control and prevention of MRSA in hospitals and in the community. These guidelines cover a number of areas including physical cleanliness of the environment, hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship programmes, and availability of isolation facilities, as well as screening and detection protocols. A SARI infection control sub-committee is revising the guidelines and when finalised they will be considered by my Department and the Health Service Executive.

Requests for meetings are usually arranged through my office in the Department. The persons referred to by the Deputy may wish to contact my office outlining the particular issues that they wish to discuss.

Nursing Home Charges.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

153 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role of the then Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Callely, at the meeting on December 2003 with the Secretary General of the Department on the nursing home issue; if the Minister of State was briefed on the legal and financial implications, which may cost the State between €500 million and €2 billion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6604/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

At the time of the meeting mentioned by the Deputy, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for services for older people was Deputy Ivor Callely and the Health and Children (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No. 2) Order 2002 conferred upon him powers and duties under sections 6, 7 and 10 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990. As the Deputy will be aware, the Tánaiste has appointed Mr. John Travers to carry out an investigation into the nursing home issue, and he is due to finalise his report shortly.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

154 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6624/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I am currently scheduled to undertake a number of engagements at the St. Patrick's Day festivities in San Francisco from 10 to 15 March. However, my diary has yet to be finalised in this regard.

The Minister of State, Deputy Sean Power, will attend the annual St. Patrick's Day banquet at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, hosted by Irish Welfare and Information Centre, Deritend, Birmingham. This will take place on 17 March. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, will represent the Government at the Birmingham St. Patrick's Day parade on 13 March 2005. The parade commences at 12 noon. On the day, the Minister of State will also attend mass at St. Anne's church in the Irish quarter at 9.30 a.m.

Deputy Tim O'Malley, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, is currently scheduled to undertake a number of engagements in Dubai for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations beginning there on 22 March. His proposed itinerary includes meeting with the United Arab Emirates Minister for Health, the head of the federal hospitals administration, Mr. Dermot Mannion, CFO, Emirates Airlines and representatives from Dubai Duty Free. The Minister of State will also attend a lunch hosted by the ambassador, Enterprise Ireland and the Dubai Irish Society St. Patrick's Day ball.

Briefing material on these trips will be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Health Services.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

155 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will urgently investigate the needs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if her Department will fund the specialised treatment this person needs. [6644/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of mental health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Care Funding.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

156 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the funding requirements of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to allow it to continue its work. [6645/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding in the Dublin 12 area. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

157 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is departmental policy to allow the Health Service Executive to charge holders of medical cards who are waiting for renewal of their cards and for the issue of medication when the delay is due entirely to delays within the Health Service Executive; her views on delays within the HSE policy of not refunding the cost of medication purchased while awaiting the issue of a renewal card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6646/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards at the time of the initial application and any renewals which may occur.

Notice of requirements in respect of renewals of medical cards are sent to exisitng medical card holders in advance of the renewal date. A reminder may also be sent. Failure to submit the requested documentation, by the specified date, may result in a card not being renewed.

A valid medical card entitles its holder to a variety of personal and social services free of charge, including general practitioner services and approved prescribed medication from a community pharmacist. Persons who have not been issued with medical card, for whatever reason, are not entitled to avail of these services. The Health Service Executive will not charge the patient for these services. However, the general practitioner and the pharmacist may charge. Persons who have experienced such difficulty should approach their local Health Service Executive area office to have their particular case investigated.

If the Deputy is aware of a particular case(s), I would be pleased to have the matter passed to the Health Service Executive for examination, upon receipt of the details.

Emergency Medical Supplies.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

158 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 953 of 30 September 2003, if the study has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6662/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The report of a consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast, DHSSPS, on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services, HEMS, for the island of Ireland was published last year and is available on my Department's website.

The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital transfer service would be appropriate in an all-island context. The study estimated the cost at €12 million capital and €4 million revenue for a single helicopter. The number of missions to be performed was estimated at 400-600 annually.

Inter-hospital air ambulance services are provided by the Aer Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments. Most patient transfers are airport to airport with onward transfer by land ambulance.

My Department and the Department of Defence are finalising a service level agreement to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Aer Corps. A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme has recently been approved and is being put in place for the Aer Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability. The new fleet will also have a far greater flying capacity than is available currently.

My Department has reached agreement with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that the Irish Coast Guard will continue to provide air ambulance services on the same basis as heretofore. My Department is advised that plans are being developed within the private sector for the introduction of a dedicated HEMS, primarily in an inter-hospital transfer role and with a view to the service becoming operational at an early date. My Department is continuing to monitor developments in this regard.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

159 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 9 December 2004, the meaning of the statement in the reply given by the HSE that the person will be called for treatment in due course; and if a timeframe will be given in this case in view of the length of time the person is waiting. [6671/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

160 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if adequate speech therapy teachers will be allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to facilitate the requirements of a number of persons now attending, with particular reference to the needs of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6681/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy, for people with a physical and-or sensory disability. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and reply to the Deputy.

Food Safety Authority.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

161 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to change the legislation to allow the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to implement the name and shame policy for those whose premises it has found to be in breach of food safety legislation in the context of placing advertisements in the media informing the public of those outlets that are found to be in breach. [6818/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for payment of and entitlement to domiciliary care allowance. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Congenital Abnormalities.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

165 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of babies born with an illness (details supplied) each year from 1997 to 2004 in each county; the additional financial supports in place for parents of such babies; if she will consider introducing additional financial support for parents of such babies through the child benefit allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6822/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The principal source of incidence data on cleft palate and cleft lip in Ireland is the EUROCAT registry of congenital abnormalities. This is a harmonised European surveillance programme supported by the EU and covers three areas of Ireland. These are Cork-Kerry, Dublin and Galway. Data are also collected through the national perinatal reporting system. However, this source is incomplete since congenital defects identified subsequent to birth registration are not captured.

For the period 1997 to 2002, latest figures available, the total figure for the areas referred to above is 272. A special report by EUROCAT in orofacial clefts for the period 1980-1996 in 30 European regions showed Ireland to be close to the European average.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for payment of and entitlement to domiciliary care allowance and aids and appliances to which children born with a cleft palate or a cleft lip may be eligible. Accordingly, the individual should apply for assistance under either of these schemes to the relevant Health Service Executive.

One of the strengths of child benefit is the universal nature of the scheme. Child benefit is paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years regardless of the level or source of parental income. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to and including age 18 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability. The proposed change to child benefit would add greatly to the complexity of the scheme.

Health Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

166 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the addiction counselling service in North Tipperary will be put on a par with South Tipperary and the mid-west region; the number of persons employed by her Department and the HSE in addiction counselling in each area of the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6823/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for addiction counselling services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

167 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. [6824/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of primary, community and continuing care of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

168 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 400 persons will be examined in one day in the orthodontic assessment clinic in Markievicz House, Sligo with the brief screening lasting no more than two minutes; the steps she will put in place to ensure that proper funding is put in place to alleviate this situation; when this funding will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6857/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter of orthodontic assessment and funding and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Food Safety.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

169 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 174 and 175 of 30 November 2004 regarding the carcinogenic food dye, Sudan Red 1, the number of food items available here containing this dye; the number of these items now removed from shops; and when consumers will be informed that all items containing this dye have been removed from the shops and stores of food outlets. [6890/05]

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

170 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the source of the carcinogenic food dye, Sudan Red 1, has been identified and prevented from use in food items. [6891/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

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

Sudan Red 1 has been banned as a food colourant throughout the European Union since 2003 due to concerns about its potentially carcinogenic properties. On 18 February 2005 the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, issued a public warning about food products that contained Sudan Red 1. The authority's warning followed the receipt of information from the Food Standards Agency in the UK concerning the discovery that Premier Foods (UK) had used chilli powder contaminated with Sudan Red 1 in the manufacture of Worcester sauce. The chilli powder used had been imported from India into the UK. Premier Foods supplied its Worcester sauce for use as a flavouring agent in various branded products and in other food products such as ready meals and soups.

By 25 February, 75 contaminated products, 70 retail products and five catering products, were identified by the FSAI. The authority has worked with Irish retailers and manufacturers for an immediate recall of affected products from the market. The authority is satisfied that in all cases contaminated products have been removed from shelves as soon as they were identified.

A full list of known products is available on the authority's website (www.fsai.ie) and is being updated on an ongoing basis. The authority has also conducted a major media campaign to ensure that consumers are aware of the products identified and to advise them to throw out contaminated products or return them to the shop where they were purchased. A measure of the success of this publicity campaign can be seen in the fact that almost 22,000 hits were recorded in a single day on the authority’s website and that the consumer help line dealt with in excess of 1,300 phone calls over the period.

The source of Sudan Red 1 is a batch of chilli powder imported from India to the UK in 2002. This was used to make Worcester sauce which was used as a flavouring agent in about 500 different food products. Since June 2003, the European Union only allows imports of chilli products which have been tested and are certified to be free from contamination by the Sudan Red 1 dye. In addition, member states are obliged to carry out surveillance of the products on the market. In 2004 a total of 166 food products available on the Irish market were tested for Sudan Red. Four of these foods tested positive for Sudan Red 1, three curry sauces and one sample of chilli beans. These contaminated batches were withdrawn from the market.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

171 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if appropriate hospital care will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the issues relative to this case will be fully investigated before a decision is made; and if consideration will be given to all the issues involved. [6892/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person referred to by the Deputy resides in County Kilkenny my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

James Breen

Ceist:

172 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if next of kin will be allowed to draw moneys owed to patients in a nursing home who are incapable of making a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6893/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

My Department is studying in detail the Supreme Court judgement on the repayment of charges for publicly funded long-term residential care and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgement. A special Cabinet sub-committee comprising the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, the Attorney General, Mr. Brady, and me has been established to consider the issue of repayment in light of the judgement. Full details of a repayment scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

173 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 84 of 8 December 2004 and 179 of 26 January 2005, the way in which the person (details supplied) in County Cork could receive an out-patient’s appointment within a matter of weeks and have surgery carried out within days of the out-patient’s appointment on the payment of €4,700; and if she will investigate the situation. [6895/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person referred to by the Deputy resides in County Cork, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

174 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if interest will be applied in the return of moneys illegally taken from elderly nursing home patients over many years with the same vigour as when health boards sought the return of previous superannuation benefits; if the interest will be compounded at 7% p.a. on moneys taken prior to 1 January 1987 and at 6% thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6928/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

My Department is currently studying the Supreme Court judgement in relation to repayment of charges for publicly-funded long term residential care in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgment. A special Cabinet sub-committee comprising the Taoiseach Mr. Ahern, the Minister for Finance Mr. Cowen, the Attorney General Mr. Brady and myself has been established to consider the issue of repayment in light of the judgment. Full details of a repayment scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible.

Hospital Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

181 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if urgent assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in obtaining a place in care; and if she will work closely with the family on this matter. [7010/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the matter raised. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the health service executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Funding.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

182 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding from her Department to each voluntary organisation in the country for each of the years 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7012/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Voluntary organisations providing health and personal social services are funded by the executive and it is a matter for it to agree the levels of service and the appropriate funding in respect of each such organisation. Prior to 2005, while the majority of these organisations were funded by the health boards or authority, certain voluntary agencies were funded directly by my Department. Details of the agencies funded and the grants paid in 2003 and 2004 are set out in the following tables.

Capital Grants Paid
Organisation	Paid in 2003	Paid in 2004
	€	€
Mercy Hospital, Cork	4,712,645	16,684,937
South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork	3,345,000	3,210,000
St John’s Hospital, Limerick	307,070	1,224,525
Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin 3	2,000,000	nil
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7	nil	160,000
The Jack and Jill Foundation	nil	235,000
Caring for Carers, Ennis, Co. Clare	nil	50,000
Irish Heart Foundation, Clyde Road, Dublin 4	nil	127,476

Non-Capital Grants Paid
Organisation	Paid in 2003	Paid in 2004
	€	€
St John’s Hospital	17,610,000	19,093,000
National Association of the Mentally Handicapped in Ireland	313,000	341,000
Disability Federation of Ireland	542,000	641,000

My Department also provides funding to voluntary organisations under a national lottery funded grant scheme. Details of the organisations funded for the years 2003 and 2004 are set out in the following tables. No funding has been approved to date in 2005.

Organisation	Paid in 2003
	€
Active Living Group, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. Dublin 9	2,000
Adult Activity Evening, c/o St Brigid’s School, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	500
AIDS/HIV Family Support Group, MacCurtain Street, Cork	8,000
Athlone West Active Age Group, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon	2,000
Aware, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2	20,000
Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd., Ballinasloe, Co. Galway	14,223
Ballymahon & District Social Service, Ballymahon, Co. Longford	5,000
Ballyphehane Meals/Wheel Services. Hillview Estate, Cork	20,000
Bantry Active Retirement Association, Bara House, Bantry Co. Cork	10,000
Blessington Bowls Club, Burgage, Blessington, Co. Wicklow	1,800
Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association, Washington Street, Cork	9,000
Caheragh Community Playgroup Ltd., Glendart, Bantry Co. Cork	1,100
Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd., The Square, Caherconling, Co. Limerick	3,000
Cahir Day Care Centre Ltd., Killeigh, Clonmel Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary	50,000
Carraig na bhFear Senior Citizens' Group, Knockboy, Carraig na bhFear, Co. Cork	36,994
Castlelyons Community Centre Management Committee, Kilcor, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork	8,000
Celbridge Mental Health Association, Crodaun Forest Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	27,000
Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7	110,000
Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Roselawn, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary	6,000
Club 91, Cloncallow, Ballymahon, Co. Longford	5,000
Community of Lough Arrow Social Project, Gleann Community Centre, Drumnacool, Co. Sligo	8,000
County Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) Ltd., Bellefield, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford	175,000
Crossmolina Active Retirement Association, Ballina Road, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo	1,300
Dalkey Parish Indoor Bowling Club, Dalkey, Co. Dublin	2,598
Daughters of Charity Service for Persons with Intellectual Disability, St Vincent’s Centre, Navan Road, Dublin 7	90,000
Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Southern Regional Office, Grand Parade, Cork	12,400
Dollardstown Cottage Project, c/o Dominican Day Care Centre, Upper Dominick Street, Dublin 7	10,000
Dolmen Clubhouse Ltd., Caulgara, Teeling Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo	10,000
Drombanna Senior Citizens Centre Ltd., Bohercoyle, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick	20,000
Drumkeerin Care of the Elderly Ltd., St Bridget’s Hostel, Drumkeerin, Co. Leitrim	15,746
Dún Laoghaire Lions Club, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin	9,416
Dyspraxia, DCD Association Ltd., Cloghroe, Co. Cork	2,500
Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd.), Tigh Filí, MacCurtain Street, Cork	30,000
Fermoy Geriatrics Association Ltd., Fermoy, Co. Cork	46,585
Festina Lente Foundation, Bray, Co. Wicklow	20,000
Friends of Macroom Community Hospital, Macroom, Co. Cork	40,000
Graffiti Theatre Company, Shandon, Cork	8,620
ERHA for Crumlin Hospital for Helene Hugel, Dublin	1,000
Home Start Lucan, Lucan, Co. Dublin	5,200
Huntington’s Disease Association of Ireland, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street , Dublin 7	10,000
Inishowen Disability Action Group, c/o Action Inishowen, Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal	50,000
International Police Association Garda Motorcycle Club, Portlaoise, Co. Laois	8,000
Irish Association of Suicidology, c/o St Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	10,000
Irish Encephalitis Support Group, Passage West, Cork	5,000
Irish Heart and Lung Transplant Association, Dublin 16	127,000
Irish Kidney Association, Dublin 12	170,000
Irish Progressive Association for Autism (IPAA), Whitegate, Co. Cork	5,000
Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society, Foxrock, Dublin 18	5,000
Irish Red Cross Society, Portumna, Co. Galway	60,000
Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3	90,000
Irish Vaccine Injury Campaign, Drumconrath, Navan, Co. Meath	20,000
Irish Wheelchair Association, Colehill, Co. Longford	25,000
Kilmeedy Development Group, Kilmeedy, Co. Limerick	60,000
Kiltegan Group Indoor Bowls Club, Hacketstown, Co. Limerick	1,000
La Leche League of Ireland, Dunboyne, Co. Meath	2,500
Lacken Sports and Recreation Association, Ballina, Co. Mayo	10,000
Lifestart Lifford/Clonleigh, Lifford, Co. Donegal	100,000
Lifestart National Office, Sligo	23,800
Lifestart Newtowncunningham, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal	100,000
Limerick Cancer Support Group, Henry Street, Limerick	3,000
Limerick Senior Citizens' Club, Ballinacurra, Limerick	12,000
Mallow Day Care Centre Ltd., Mallow, Co. Cork	43,618
Marfan Syndrome Support Group Ireland Ltd., Blanchardstown, Dublin 15	7,500
Marian House Nursing Unit, Holy Ghost Community, Kimmage Manor, Dublin 12	56,188
Marino and District Community Centre Ltd., Fairview, Dublin 3	8,603
Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project Ltd., Mayfield, Cork	30,000
Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	30,000
Midleton & District Day Care Centre Company Ltd., Midleton, Co. Cork	54,420
Millstreet & District Housing Association Ltd., Millstreet, Co. Cork	15,000
Muckross Community Playschool, Tullaha, Glenflesk, Killarney, Co. Kerry	5,000
Music Network Ltd., Dublin Castle, Dublin 2	20,000
National Association for Parent Support Ltd., Portlaoise, Co. Laois	5,000
National Parents and Sibling Alliance, Santry Dublin 9	50,000
North Eastern Health Board-ERHA-Aspire-IAA-Social Communications Disorders Group, Drogheda, Co. Louth	70,000
Newcastle Walkways Development Group, Ballymahon, Co. Longford	20,000
Newtown Shandrum Community Association Ltd., Charleville, Co. Cork	2,652
Oak House Resource Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois	33,280
Older Women’s Network, All Hallows, Gracepark Road, Dublin 9	6,000
One in Four, Holles Street, Dublin 2	100,000
Open Heart House, St Mary’s Place, Dublin 7	15,500
Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St John’s House, Clyde Road, Dublin 4	90,000
Our Lady of Mercy Resource Centre, Brookwood Crescent, Dublin 5	5,200
Palmerstown Active Retirement Association, Palmerstown, Dublin 20	1,200
Parteen Meelick Coonash Senior Citizens, Meelick, Co. Clare	8,000
Post Natal Distress Support Group, Glanmire, Cork	10,000
Psychiatry of Old Age Day Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15	20,000
Raheen Mother and Toddlers Group, Raheen, Limerick	700
Right of Place, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork	50,000
Salesian Youth Programmes, Cratlow Road, Limerick	3,000
Schizophrenia Ireland, Blessington Street, Dublin 7	40,000
Shandon North Cathedral Community Association Ltd., Cork	10,000
Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Southhill, Delvin, Co. Westmeath	10,000
Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Tullamore, Co. Offaly	11,390
Slí Eile Housing Association, Dromina, Charleville, Co. Cork	25,000
Soroptomist International Club, Rochestown, Co. Cork	7,000
Spinal Injuries Action Association, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	50,000
St Andrew’s Centre, Dublin 12	10,000
St Anne’s Dinner Club, Good Shepherd Convent, Roxboro, Limerick	2,000
St Anthony’s House, St Laurence’s Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3	120,000
St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Coolock Village, Dublin 5	1,500
St Brigid’s Resource and Recreation Centre, Howth Road, Dublin 5	31,902
St Brigid’s Services for Older Persons Group, Howth Road, Dublin 5	7,000
St Christopher’s Services Ltd., Longford, Co. Longford	67,840
St Laurence Cheshire Home, Glanmire Co. Cork	26,000
St Loman’s Patients' Welfare Fund, St Loman’s Hospital, Palmerstown, Dublin 20	3,000
St Mary’s on the Hill National School, Knocknaheeny, Cork	19,593
St Mary’s Youth Centre Ltd., Tullamore, Co. Offaly	1,000
St Mary’s Senior Citizens' Club, Corbally, Limerick	5,000
St Oliver’s Management Committee, Glenconnor, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	11,656
St Paul’s Indoor Bowling Club, Raheen, Limerick	2,000
St Paul’s Special National School, Beaumont Woods, Beaumont, Dublin 9	42,000
St Vincent de Paul, Residential Unit, Ozanam House, Bundoran Co. Donegal	10,000
Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath	15,000
Sunday’s Well Life Centre, Sunday’s Well Road, Cork	25,000
Tallaght Rehabilitation Project, Jobstown, Dublin 24	3,950
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	90,000
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Clare Branch), Ennis, Co. Clare	19,000
The Arthritis Foundation of Ireland, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2	8,000
The Association for Severely and Profoundly Mentally Handicapped (Cork), The Lough, Cork	43,016
The Carers' Association, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W	30,000
The Coeliac Society of Ireland, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7	31,210
The Collins Ladies Club/St Canice’s Active Age Group, Finglas East, Dublin 11	4,000
The Counselling Centre, Fr Matthew Street, Cork	80,000
The Endometriosis Association of Ireland, Baldoyle, Dublin 13	1,500
The Frontline of Learning Disability, Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin	7,500
The LARRC Retreat Centre, Ballinalack, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	100,000
Turlough Parent and Toddler Group, Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	1,000
Two Rivers Kindergarten, Ballydehob, West Cork	10,800
Volunteer Stroke Scheme, Glasnevin, Dublin 9	1,000
Whitehall Council of Social Service, Whitehall, Dublin 9	25,000
Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland , Ballinasloe, Co. Galway	17,000
Total Paid in 2003	3,533,000

Organisation	Paid in 2004
	€
Age Action Ireland Ltd., Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2	43,971
Aisling Group/Bradan Day Programme, Navan, Co. Meath	50,000
Alpha One Foundation, RSCI Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9	20,000
Alzheimer Day and Home Care, Adare, Co. Limerick	20,000
Askea Day Care Centre, Askea, Carlow	150,000
Asthma Society of Ireland, Eden Quay, Dublin 1	9,306
AWARE, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2	30,000
Ballincollig Senior Citizens Club Ltd., t/a Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, Co. Cork	50,000
Ballinlough Community Association, Cork	30,000
Ballybane Active Retirement Association, Galway	5,000
Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon	40,000
Cahir Day Care Centre Ltd., Cahir, Co. Tipperary	50,000
Cappoquin & District Community Day Care Association, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford	8,248
Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare	30,000
Carnew Community Centre, Carnew, Co. Wicklow	100,000
Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare	60,000
Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association, Buncrana, Co. Donegal	60,000
Castlelyons Community Centre Management Committee, Fermoy, Co. Cork	6,000
Centre for Disability Studies, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4	5,000
Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Charleville, Co. Cork	63,000
Clarecare, Ennis, Co. Clare	35,000
Clifton Convalescent Home, Montenotte, Cork	140,000
Club 91, Cloncallow, Ballymahon, Co. Longford	4,000
Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd., Conna, Co. Cork	54,024
Cystinosis Foundation Ireland (CFI), Blackrock, Co. Dublin	30,000
Department of Medical Gerontology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24	15,000
Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Tralee, Co. Kerry	13,000
Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxboro Senior Citizens Club, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick	4,000
Dromcollogher & District Despite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick	50,000
Drumcor and Community Active Age Group, Cavan, Co. Cavan	50,000
Dublin Aids Alliance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1	6,500
Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	1,880
Dún Laoghaire Lions Club, c/o Blackrock. Co. Dublin	5,500
Elphin Social Services Ltd., Elphin, Co. Roscommon	20,000
Enniscorthy Branch of the Irish Red Cross, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford	20,000
Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd.), MacCurtain Street, Cork	50,000
Family Life Centre, St Brigid’s, Cabinteely, Dublin 18	20,000
Finglas Old Folks Group, Cappagh Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11	2,000
Friends of Ennistymon Hospital, Lahinch, Co. Clare	50,000
Friends of St Anthony’s Hospital, c/o Dunmanway Community Hospital, Co. Cork	68,500
Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick	100,000
Friends of St Patrick’s Hospital, St Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, Waterford	100,000
Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association, Togher, Cork, Co. Cork	10,000
Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	30,000
Irish Cancer Society, Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4	150,000
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Model Farm Road, Cork	50,000
Irish Kidney Association, Park West, Dublin 12	175,000
Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3	125,000
Kilteely-Dromkeen Housing Association, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick	9,500
Kolbe Pre-School, Portarlington, Co. Laois	27,913
League of Friends of St Cammillus Hospital, Ennis Road, Limerick	30,000
Limerick Senior Citizens' Club, Ballinacurra, Limerick	22,000
Longford Active Retirement Association, Longford, Co. Longford	2,000
Lusk Community Unit for Older People, Station Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin	10,000
Marino and District Community Centre Ltd., Marino, Dublin 3	20,000
Mayo Cancer Support Association, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	50,000
Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	80,000
Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Artane, Dublin 5	50,000
Mitchelstown Senior Citizens' Project Ltd., Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	46,000
Moore Community Council Ltd., Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Westmeath	10,000
Mother McAuley Centre, Drimnagh, Dublin 12	120,000
National Leisure Council of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway	20,000
North Eastern Health Board- ERHA-Aspire-IAA-Social Communication Research Programme, Drogheda, Co. Louth	80,000
Networking Dublin 15 Ltd., Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15	2,000
Open Heart House, St Mary’s Place, Dublin 7	10,000
Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Ballincollig, Co. Cork	21,000
Parke Community Centre Committee, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	19,000
Portumna Social Services, Portumna, Co. Galway	48,000
Raheen Hospital Support Group, Raheen, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare	30,000
Raphoe Friday Club, Raphoe, Co. Donegal	5,000
Resource Centre of St Vincent de Paul, Marino, Dublin 3	10,000
Roscrea Active Retirement Association, Ballystanley, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary	2,000
Serenity Active Retirement Association, Moville, Co. Donegal	6,000
Soroptimist International Club, Rochestown, Cork	6,750
South Meath Alcohol and Substance Misuse Response, Trim, Co. Meath	1,000
South Westmeath Rural Transport Association, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath	15,600
Special Olympics Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7	80,000
St Christopher’s Services Ltd., Battery Road, Longford	34,500
St Gabriel’s Parish Resource Centre, Dollymount, Dublin 3	25,000
St John Ambulance Brigade, Southern Command, Richmond Hill, Cork	50,000
St Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin	10,663
St Vincent de Paul, St Carthage’s Conference, Lismore, Co. Waterford	5,000
Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath	40,000
Tang Golden Years Club, Tang, Ballymahon, Co. Westmeath	3,000
Templemore Active Retirement Association, Templemore, Co. Tipperary	4,000
Templemore Community Social Service, Templemore, Co. Tipperary	50,843
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Day Care Centre, Garryowen, Co. Limerick	40,000
The Association for Severely and Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork	62,002
The Bereaved by Suicide Foundation, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	50,000
The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland, Malahide, Co. Dublin	4,500
The Counselling Centre, Fr Matthew Street, Cork	50,000
The Rosses Neighbourhood Youth Project (Donegal), Dungloe, Co. Donegal	4,800
Tolka River Project, Buzzardstown, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15	3,000
West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, Ballindine, Co. Mayo	120,000
Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway	30,000
Total paid in 2004	3,631,000

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

183 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when a refund will be made in respect of pension paid to a nursing home by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7013/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

My Department is studying the Supreme Court judgment on repayment of charges for publicly-funded long-term residential care in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgment. A special Cabinet sub-committee comprising the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, the Attorney General, Mr. Brady, and me has been established to consider the issue of repayment in light of the judgment. Full details of a repayment scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

184 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to save the lives of at least 200 women from dying of breast cancer, by making the national treatment purchase fund available to provide a temporary breast screening service to women living in the south and west, pending the full national roll-out of BreastCheck, which is estimated to be 2007 or later; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7014/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has concerns about breast cancer should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area. More than €60 million has been invested in the development of symptomatic breast disease services since 2000. This investment has enabled the appointment of additional surgeons with an interest in breast disease, histopathologists and radiologists to enhance the delivery of breast cancer services nationally.

Data supplied by the national cancer registry shows that the overall survival rate from cancer has increased between the periods 1995-1997 and 1998-2000 with the five year survival rate from breast cancer increasing from 73% to 79% over the period.

The full implementation of BreastCheck requires significant capital and human resources including two static clinical units, mobile screening units, multi-disciplinary consultant teams and radiographers together with technical and administrative support. A capital investment of €21 million has been approved to construct and equip the two clinical units and to provide for mobile units. The investment will ensure that breast screening and follow up treatment, where appropriate, is available to all women in the target group throughout the country. I am confident the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met. Pending the provision of the necessary facilities and staff, I do not believe that the national treatment purchase fund would be in a position to source providers who could provide a temporary service along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Food Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

185 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and type of food ingredients which have recently been banned on health grounds; if other food ingredients are being considered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7044/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

A number of food ingredients have been prohibited from sale across the European Union in recent years.

In May 2003 the problem of Sudan Red 1 in a dried hot chilli product was identified by the French authorities and notified to the European Commission. As a result of concerns about the potentially carcinogenic properties of the contaminant, the European Commission set controls on three country imports of hot chilli products into all EU countries. In April 2004 the European Commission suspended the marketing in the European Union of jelly mini-cups containing certain food additives derived from seaweed and-or certain gums. Jelly mini-cups are a single portion, pre-packaged sweet or confectionery, mainly intended for children. They are considered a life-threatening choking risk because of their consistency, shape and form. The authorisation for use of a similar food additive, Konjac, E 425, in jelly confectionery, including jelly mini-cups, was previously withdrawn.

Currently there is a proposal under discussion at the Council of the European Union to amend Directive 95/2/EC which deals with food additives other than colours and sweeteners. Among other provisions, the proposal will withdraw the authorisation for use of the food additive propyl paraben, E 216 and E 217. Parabens, E 214 to 219, are antimicrobial agents used by food manufacturers as a preservative in meat products and potato snacks. An opinion from the European Food Safety Authority suggests that propyl paraben could have an effect on reproductive health in exposed individuals.

My Department keeps the situation under constant review and is advised by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland which bases its risk assessments on scientific opinions published by the European Food Safety Authority.

Asylum Support Services.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

186 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the reason Broc House, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, was purchased in 2001 for nearly €10 million, as a reception centre for asylum seekers without the OPW having first examined the premises to ensure that it fulfilled current regulatory standards; the amount it will cost to achieve those standards; if the Department of Health and Children, to which he proposes to dispose of the property, will also have to meet equally stringent regulatory standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Due to the level of demand for asylum seeker accommodation at the time, Broc House was required at very short notice on the instructions of the reception and integration agency which operates under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It was inspected prior to purchase by an architect and engineer who confirmed that the building was of sound structure and was capable of being made compliant with the then current building regulations. It must be borne in mind that to meet the requirement of asylum seekers certain works would have to be undertaken anyhow, as happened in all other properties purchased for this purpose.

If the property is to be transferred to the Department of Health and Children or to the appropriate health authority, any works required will depend on the use for which the property is required.

Disabled Drivers.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

187 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance when he will act on the interdepartmental report which was completed in 2003 into the review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme. [6507/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The interdepartmental review group examined all aspects of the scheme including the qualifying medical criteria, the benefits and the appeals process. The report of the group was published on my Department's website in July 2004 and copies have been placed in the Oireachtas library.

Following on from the report's recommendations concerning the appeals process, amendments to the regulations governing the scheme were made to improve the operation of the appeals process. These were signed by the Minister for Finance on 23 July 2004.

The amendments provided for changes as follows: expanding the panel of medical practitioners serving on the medical board of appeal from three to five, and; amending the appeals process by introducing a six month waiting period between an appeal and subsequent application, and introducing the requirement for a second or subsequent application to be certified by a registered medical practitioner to the effect that there has been material disimprovement in the medical condition since the previous application.

Given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after very careful consideration. For this reason, the Government has decided 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.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

188 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will communicate with a person (details supplied) in County Galway concerning outstanding stamp duty matters. [6518/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they will assist the person in question in any matter concerning outstanding stamp duty. They have endeavoured to contact the person concerned at the mobile number they have on record but have been unable to do so to date nor have they been able to locate a landline number for him. The person may contact Mr. John Gallagher, Galway County District, Custom House, Flood Street, Galway. His contact number is 091-536333.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

189 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons and companies which have availed of the hidden patent tax break in the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the cost of same to the Exchequer on a yearly basis. [6580/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

There is no hidden patent tax break. There is relief in the legislation which provides that certain income derived from patent royalties is exempt from tax. This is a long-standing relief and was introduced to encourage research and development in Ireland and to stimulate inventions.

In regard to the cost of this relief I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that returns of income from patents are not captured in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling the information sought by the Deputy. Patent income is aggregated in the Revenue Commissioners' records with other forms of income and could not be distinguished without conducting an extensive investigation of those records.

With regard to this issue my Department and the Revenue Commissioners have been working closely recently to investigate data capture issues with a view to improving data quality and transparency without overburdening compliant taxpayers. Arising from this work, provisions were included in Finance Act 2004 introducing a number of changes to the tax return forms which will yield additional information regarding the cost of various tax reliefs including this relief. The preliminary data should become available from early 2006 after the returns for 2004 are filed in October 2005.

Liquor Licences.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

190 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all licensed premises in the Tipperary South constituency. [6581/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not keep their information on liquor licence holders on the basis of constituency boundaries. Consequently, I have arranged for the Deputy to be provided with a list of all liquor licences in County Tipperary according to Revenue's records.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Section 232 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that the profits or gains arising from the occupation of woodlands managed on a commercial basis and with a view to the realisation of profits shall be exempt for income tax and corporation tax.

The exemption applies where the profits from the sale of the trees, whether as standing timber or as felled and cut up, are made by a landowner who has planted the trees and managed the woodlands estate. It applies also where the sales are made by a landowner who has acquired by purchase, inheritance or otherwise woodlands previously planted, assuming he continues to occupy and manage them on a commercial basis.

For capital gains tax purposes, where an individual makes a disposal of woodland, the consideration for the disposal of the trees growing on the land and saleable underwood are not taken into account for capital gains tax purposes. Thus, where land held by an individual is sold with standing timber on it, the consideration for the disposal is to be apportioned and the part of the consideration attributable to the trees or saleable underwood excluded. Insurance proceeds received by an individual in respect of the destruction of or damage to standing timber or saleable underwood are also excluded for capital gains tax purposes.

As the consideration for standing timber and saleable underwood are excluded from the sales proceeds of woodland, in computing any gain or loss on the disposal of the woodland that part of the cost of the woodland attributable to standing timber and saleable underwood is also to be excluded.

I have no plans at present to widen the scope of the current tax treatment of income and capital gains from woodlands. However, this tax exemption is one of the tax exemptions being reviewed this year, as announced in the 2005 budget.

Section 50 of the Finance Act 2004 provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel.

A scheme, which includes pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol, has been drawn up in conjunction with the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources. The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a State aid and consequently its approval is required.

Following meetings between the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the European Commission, and subsequent clarifications requested by the Commission, a formal application to the Commission was submitted in January. I understand that a decision from the Commission is now imminent. Assuming approval is granted, the necessary commencement order will be signed and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will set in train the formal process of inviting proposals for the approved scheme.

Disabled Drivers.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

197 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for redemption of VAT on diesel. [7030/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers — tax concessions — scheme, an individual in receipt of a primary medical certificate can apply to the Revenue Commissioners for relief from vehicle registration tax, VAT, and repayment of excise duty on motor fuel. With respect to the details supplied, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the individual has not submitted an application which is necessary to benefit from this scheme. A completed application together with the primary medical certificate should be sent to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, central repayments office, Freepost, Coolshanagh, County Monaghan. Further information in respect of submitting an application can be accessed by telephoning the office at 047-82800.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a P21 form will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for the year ending 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this person's tax affairs are being dealt with in the Kildare Meath Wicklow customer services district in Grattan House, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, telephone number 01-6474000, and her tax details are held there.

A form P21 balancing statement is issued to a taxpayer who is subject to tax under the PAYE system. The records of the Revenue Commissioners show that this taxpayer commenced self-employment in September 2002 and that no returns of income have been submitted to date. On receipt of a completed return of income form for 2004, a notice of assessment will be issued for that year. Returns of income should also be submitted for the years 2002 and 2003.

Communications Masts.

James Breen

Ceist:

199 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Health and Safety Authority will carry out a safety audit on the installation of a telephone mast on top of a water tower at Whitegate, County Clare, in order that the residents of the area can be assured that there is no health risk involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My responsibility regarding safety issues at mobile phone masts relates solely to emissions of non-ionising radiation from these sites. There is no scientific or medical evidence that emissions below the level of internationally recognised guidelines from mobile telephone masts are injurious to health.

Over recent years, more than 25,000 peer reviewed studies into possible health effects of non-ionising radiation, the class of electromagnetic emissions associated with mobile phone technology, have been published. No definite causal link has been proven between the emissions and any adverse health effect. By consensus among many countries, guidelines are established for safe levels of exposure to various kinds of electromagnetic emissions. These guidelines are set at levels which are many times less than the experimental levels at which no adverse effects have been established. Ireland has adopted the guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, and participates in the work of the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety, which sets standards in this area. All licensed telecommunications operators in Ireland are required by the terms of their licences to observe the ICNIRP guidelines for limiting exposure of the public to electromagnetic emissions from their facilities.

The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has in the past audited emissions of non-ionising radiation from communications sites including masts. I will ask my officials to liaise with ComReg to arrange an audit of the site in question over the next month or so.

Fisheries Protection.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

200 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation regarding holders of salmon angling licences; if there is a restriction on the number of fish they can catch in one season; if so, the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6522/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

The conservation of salmon and sea trout by-law, No. 797 of 2004, provides for a bag limit of one fish, a salmon or sea trout, per angler per day from 1 January to 31 May, and three fish per angler per day from 1 June to the end of the fishing season, subject to a total allowable catch of 20 fish per year. The measure to restrict the number of fish that can be caught in one season was first introduced as a conservation measure in 2002 on the recommendations of the national salmon commission.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

201 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to contact directly the stakeholders that would benefit from increased numbers of salmon entering rivers here to establish the contribution they would be prepared to make towards a commercial drift net salmon fishing licence buy-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial drift net salmon fishing licences. The Government has consistently ruled out buy-out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and has instead, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be acquired by the State in the context of a publicly funded buy-out.

As I have previously indicated to the House, I am prepared to keep the matter under review. I would be open to any relevant proposals presented to me whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch would identify themselves and indicate a willingness to fund any compensation that might arise.

Foreshore Licences.

John Perry

Ceist:

202 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will issue a formal decision in relation to the application by the Dublin Port Company for a consent and a lease under the Foreshore Act 1933; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his decision under this Act is required in order that the Dublin Port Company can make an application to the planning authorities for planning permission; the reason he has not made a decision; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

I assume that the Deputy's question relates to the application by Dublin Port Company for reclamation of 21 hectares of foreshore at Dublin Port. I do not accept that a decision under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2003 is required in order for Dublin Port Company to make application for planning permission for this development to Dublin City Council. Section 225 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 specifies that where such a development would adjoin the functional area of a planning authority or adjoin any reclaimed land adjoining such functional area, planning permission is required. This provision is in addition and not in substitution for the requirements of the Foreshore Acts.

For practical reasons it has been the general policy of the Department that, where planning permission is required for developments on the foreshore, the planning process should be completed in the first instance. Notwithstanding this, initial processing of a foreshore application is carried out while the planning process is in train.

There is a second major issue to be resolved regarding the foreshore application which was made under sections 10 and 13 of the Foreshore Act 1933 on the basis that the company claims ownership of the foreshore in question. At this point in time the State has not accepted this claim and the matter is the subject of ongoing consultation between legal representatives of the port company and the State. The matter will require to be resolved as it is a material issue in terms of the form of consent that would be required and the factors that I am required to consider in the context of making a decision on the application. My officials have explained this position on a number of occasions to the Dublin Port Company.

Port Development.

John Perry

Ceist:

203 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will quantify the significant capacity shortfall that he has identified previously in ports capacity; the capacity shortfall in reference to each of the commercial ports operating in the State; his measures for dealing with this shortfall over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6598/05]

John Perry

Ceist:

204 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the ports are an aspect of critical infrastructure in the context of the country’s infrastructure development; his further views on whether improvements in port capacity can be achieved as elements of critical infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

In terms of the country's infrastructure development, our ports are vital gateways for commercial freight and sea passengers. This is highlighted by the fact that nine of the ten commercial State port companies are located in areas identified as gateways in the national spatial strategy. Almost all Ireland's overseas trade goes by sea, underlining the commercial significance of ports and their strategic importance. Measured by volume, 99% of the island's foreign trade uses the maritime supply chain. It is estimated that the value of these imports and exports through seaports in the Republic was €130 billion for 2003, compared with a figure of €7 billion to €10 billion through airports.

Most of the ports are State-owned companies with statutory commercial mandates and operational criteria. The port companies are required to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of their harbours and are required to conduct their business at all times in a cost effective and efficient manner. This has led to strong independence of action and a focused commercial mindset. The Government expects that the port companies, as commercial entities, should be capable of funding their operations and infrastructure requirements without relying on Exchequer support. The port companies are, therefore, encouraged to seek financial assistance from other avenues such as private sector investment within ports.

The Government's ports policy statement was launched on 6 January 2005. It is available to view on the Department's website. One of the key areas addressed in the policy statement is the timely provision of "in-time" port capacity. In the context of the ports policy statement, I have recommended to the Government that a policy framework be put in place to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and furthered in a co-ordinated manner.

The Department commissioned independent consultants, Baxter Eadie Limited, to prepare a series of reports on seaport capacity and future projected capacity needs. Last year, Baxter Eadie Limited prepared a desk study update to identify the effect Ireland's changing economic circumstances has had on projected capacity needs at the seaports. The study takes into account current economic growth projections and looks at capacity up to 2014. Looking to 2014, the study has found that traffic is expected to grow by 16.2 million tonnes, some 35% over tonnage handled in 2003, while growth in capacity over the same period is projected at a very low level, about 1% over the period. These projections are based on known changes which have full approval for implementation and do not include any other plans for infrastructure improvements. A capacity requirement of 12.2 million tonnes is projected by 2014. The consultants state that the situation warrants decisions and further action to avoid increasing delays and congestion in some ports, particularly for unit load cargos. The Department recognises that the study by Baxter Eadie Limited is necessarily an inexact exercise, the implications of which will need to be checked against actual experience in each of the ports.

The Deputy has asked for details of the projected capacity requirement by reference to each of the commercial ports. However, I do not intend to release details relating to individual ports as the work by Baxter Eadie Limited is based, in part, on commercially sensitive information provided in confidence by the ports.

The Department is initially consulting the commercial ports concerned to determine their view of port capacity and how they intend to deal with the projected capacity requirement. The Department is interested in key projects identified by the commercial ports as essential to deal with anticipated capacity deficiencies to 2014 and beyond, and whether the ports see these being funded from their own resources or in partnership with the private sector. The policy framework encourages all port sector stakeholders to address capacity provision. The State will support capacity provision, as residual financier, but only if proven essential to further identified high quality self-sustaining projects.

Natural Gas Grid.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

205 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the feasibility study being examined by Government with a view to providing natural gas from the Corrib field to Sligo; the stage of this evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Any intending supplier of gas to Sligo is free to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, for the necessary consent. A preliminary evaluation in 2001 by Bord Gáis Éireann, BGE, having examined all possible routes for this project, found that none was commercially viable and even the least expensive option would cost more than might be recovered over the lifetime of the pipeline. The CER must be satisfied that a proposal to extend the natural gas network is an economic proposition as otherwise uneconomic projects will increase costs for all gas consumers. BGE is also required by the 1976 Gas Act to demonstrate that any pipeline investment by it will be an economic business operation.

That said, there is a long-standing Government commitment to examine the feasibility of bringing natural gas from Corrib to Sligo. The decision to grant planning permission for the Corrib onshore gas refinery and pipeline is the subject of two proceedings before the High Court and a decision will be made in April whether or not to grant leave for judicial review.

Work on preparing the specification for a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of possible routes to Sligo is under way. However, considering the costly nature of this study, it will not be proceeded with until there is a measure of certainty on the Corrib appeals process. Taking this into account, it is hoped that the study will proceed later this year.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

206 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposed itinerary for the St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

At this stage I have no arrangements made for the St. Patrick's week celebrations. At present, I do not plan to travel abroad during the week in question.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

John Perry

Ceist:

207 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason licences for small commercial boatmen are now restricted to pots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6678/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

The Irish sea fishing fleet is divided into a number of segments mainly on the basis of fishing entitlements. Approximately 85% of the fleet is licensed and registered within the polyvalent or multi-purpose segment which entitles the licensed and registered owner, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, to fish for a wide range of species and with a range of fishing gear. Those licensed and registered with a standard polyvalent licence are not restricted to fishing with pots.

However, having regard to EU requirements on fleet registration, a scheme for the licensing and registration of unlicensed and unregistered pot fishing boats in the Irish inshore fleet was introduced in 2003. One of the conditions of the scheme, which required the approval of the European Commission, is that boats licensed and registered under this scheme must be ring-fenced. The licences granted under this scheme will allow the licensees to fish only for non-quota species and solely by means of pots. The provision of replacement capacity is not a requirement, unlike the normal requirement for sea fishing boat licensing, and the capacity of boats licensed and registered under the scheme will not be eligible as replacement capacity. The current position regarding this scheme is that the licensing authority for sea fishing boats has issued letters of licence offer to successful applicants under the scheme, setting out the requirements to be met before the boats concerned can be licensed and registered and will shortly be completing the process for those who have met the requirements.

The scheme for the licensing of pot fishing boats is now closed but it is open to any person to apply to the licensing authority at any time for a standard fishing boat licence in accordance with standard fishing boat licensing policy, which includes the requirement for the provision for replacement capacity. Such a licence granted for the polyvalent segment would not be restricted to fishing with pots.

Marine Safety.

John Perry

Ceist:

208 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will supplement mandatory courses on VHF radio, sea survival and first aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6679/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, has been allocated national development plan funding of €12.7 million under the employment and human resource development operational programme 2000-2006 for ongoing sectoral training in the Irish seafood industry. The training referred to by the Deputy, mandatory basic safety training and GMDSS radio training, is available in BIM's national fisheries college, Greencastle, County Donegal, the regional fisheries centre, Castletownbere, County Cork and on BIM's two mobile coastal training units which visit about 30 rural coastal locations per annum. The costs of these courses are subvented for fishermen and do not reflect the full economic cost of delivery.

Mandatory basic safety training introduced by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources under the Fishing Vessel (Basic Safety Training Regulations) 2001, SI 587 of 2001, consists of three individual one day modules: personal survival techniques, elementary first aid and fire prevention and safety awareness. The cost of each module is €75 if taken individually and €150 if taken in a three-day session. This represents a very modest cost for these important safety training courses which are of a very high quality and are helping to save lives in the fishing industry.

Broadcasting Legislation.

David Stanton

Ceist:

209 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a review has taken place or will take place into the impact of amending Section 19 of the Broadcasting Act 2001 as recommended by Section 52 of the Disability Bill 2004; if such a review will take into account the impact of such regulations on the competitiveness of industry here as laid out in the Government’s White Paper on Better Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which has responsibility for the Disability Bill 2004, has consulted my Department regarding the preparation of its legislative proposals. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform as necessary regarding the development and implementation of the legislation in so far as it relates to the broadcasting sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of pirate or unlicensed radio stations now operating; if he has proposals to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6826/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have no function in these matters. This is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1926 to 1972, the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Act 1988 and the Communications Regulation Act 2002.

Postal Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

211 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will investigate the possibility of adopting a scheme, similar to that of the UK postal service, whereby rural post offices were guaranteed an income similar to the national minimum wage of €15,106 by bringing these smaller post offices under a public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6827/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of viable business handled by the network. While it is my understanding that the UK Government has provided some funds for urban post offices under an urban reinvention programme, substantial funding for the UK network comes from historical Royal Mail surpluses which were not transferred to Government but were invested in Government gilts.

The Government here has already provided significant funding by way of a €12.7 million equity investment in 2003 to support the modernisation of the post office network and it is not envisaged that further public funding will be provided to An Post. The best way to sustain the post office network is to gear the network to provide a range of products and services which meet consumer needs. In this regard the company has had some success in winning new banking and bill paying contracts and these services are now available at the post office counter. The network also benefits from substantial existing contracts with the Department of Social and Family Affairs for social welfare payments and the National Treasury Management Agency for Government savings products.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 214 and 216 together.

For the information of the Deputy I wish to offer the following data in clarification of the questions raised by him. The quantified risk assessment, QRA, for the Corrib pipeline, which commenced in June 2001, followed by a number of revision details, was undertaken by a firm of consultants, JP Kenny on behalf of the developer. It addresses the risks present during the operational phase of the onshore pipeline only, that is, the section of the pipeline between the mean low water mark and the first isolation valve upstream of the pig trap in the onshore terminal. The purpose of the assessment was to identify and assess all risks associated with the operation of the onshore section of the pipeline. The QRA report made recommendations for risk reduction where appropriate and sought to demonstrate that the residual risk associated with the operation of the onshore pipeline would be reduced to tolerable levels.

Following receipt of the QRA as part of the developers' application for consent to construct a pipeline, my Department commissioned an independent evaluation of the pipeline design code. The report, Corrib Gas Pipeline Project: Report on Evaluation of Onshore Pipeline Design Code, undertaken by Mr. Andrew Johnston, an experienced petroleum pipeline consultant, was submitted to my Department in March 2002. Mr. Johnston used as a basis for his report the design documentation prepared by JP Kenny in conjunction with the developers and contractors.

Mr Johnston's conclusions were as follows. The pipeline design code has been selected in accordance with best public safety considerations and is appropriate for the pipeline operating conditions. The design of the onshore pipeline is generally in accordance with code selection and best national and international industry practice, provided that the actions recommended in section 2.2 are followed. The pipeline is considered to be adequately protected from third party interference by burial to 1.2 m and provision of marker tape above the pipeline. The pipeline is considered to meet public safety requirements as outlined in the selected design code, provided that the actions recommended in section 2.2 are followed.

The recommendations of section 2.2 have been incorporated in the statutory approvals issued for the Corrib pipeline development. I have the option of requesting Mr. Johnston to undertake additional work if deemed necessary as the pipeline development work progresses. Since the QRA report forms part of the deliberate process under which Shell has sought consent to install and commission the pipeline, it would not be appropriate to release the report at this stage.

Telecommunications Services.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

215 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, still cannot gain access to broadband on their Eircom telephone lines; and the immediate steps his Department will take to improve the provision of broadband in all parts of the country. [6901/05]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I understand that the telephone exchanges serving the Clonsilla area have been enabled for the provision of DSL broadband, and a number of service providers are marketing DSL in the area, subject to line survey. While the principle broadband technology in use in Ireland is digital subscriber line, DSL, which is also the situation in most European countries, there are technical limitations to the service such as line quality and distance from the exchange. If a telephone line cannot carry DSL, other technologies must be considered, such as wireless, cable modem or satellite.

My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie lists a number of service providers who offer broadband in the Clonsilla area, including six DSL, one wireless and eight satellite service providers. The website also gives comparative details of prices and service levels.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market. Recent press announcements by some of the major service providers indicate a growing level of competition in the broadband market and a considerable increase in availability. I expect these trends to continue.

Question No. 216 answered with QuestionNo. 213.

Passport Applications.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

217 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedure for the renewal of Irish passports issued to the former Kosovar programme refugee children who were born in the State during their parents’ stay here between 1999 and 2000 and whose passports have now expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6887/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Irish Embassy in Hungary has responsibility for Irish interests in Kosovo. Where families who have returned to Kosovo wish to renew passports for their children who were born in Ireland, they should contact the Irish Embassy in Budapest which will be happy to assist them. The embassy can provide them with the necessary application forms and any other advice they may seek. The contact details for the embassy are: Embassy of Ireland, Bank Centre, Granite Tower, H-1944 Budapest; telephone number: +36-1-302-9600; fax number: +36-1-302-9599; e-mail address: iremb@hu.inter.net. If families are still living in Ireland, they should apply in the normal way to the passport office. Application forms are available for this purpose at all Garda stations. Further information on passport matters is available at www.passport.ie.

Overseas Development Aid.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

218 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount spent in relation to moneys paid in overseas development aid in 2004; the percentage of this which was paid directly to each Government in these developing countries; the amount paid to each charity involved in overseas aid to help them to continue their work in these developing countries; the amount paid to other charities for development work; the amount funnelled through Irish missionaries and lay workers in developing countries; and the amount allocated for other projects in developing countries. [6509/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Mr. C. Lenihan)

The Government's national programme of assistance to developing countries comprises two elements. The major component is my Department's Vote for International Co-operation, Vote 29, while other elements of overseas development aid, ODA, are administered by other Departments.

Provisional figures for expenditure on ODA under Vote 29 in 2004 indicate that it amounted to €397 million. The 2004 outturn figures for other Departments are not yet available. However, based on previous years' returns, the total is expected to be approximately €75 million.

Of the expenditure under Vote 29, €341 million was spent on bilateral assistance and €56 million on multilateral assistance. Under the bilateral programme, €149 million was spent by our programme countries in Africa — Lesotho, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique and Ethiopia — and Timor Leste, of which €24 million was paid directly to Governments through various forms of assistance at budget level.

Approximately €60 million was paid to Irish non-governmental organisations, €3.5 million to missionaries and €15 million to others through personnel funding and the volunteer 21 scheme, a scheme designed to support voluntary work in developing countries. An estimated €50 million was spent on HIV and AIDS, of which €31 million was from the dedicated HIV and AIDS budget line and the remainder through our country programmes in Africa and funding to UN agencies under our multilateral programme. Other areas of expenditure on bilateral assistance included assistance to eastern Europe, emergency and recovery assistance and fellowships for students from developing countries.

Multilateral assistance comprised €40 million in voluntary contributions to UN development agencies and €16 million to the European Union, the bulk of which was our mandatory contribution to the European Development Fund. Precise figures for expenditure on ODA last year are in the process of being collated. They will be available later in the year, in the annual report. I will forward a copy to the Deputy as soon as it is published.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

219 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Arrangements for attendance at St. Patrick's Day celebrations are not yet fully finalised. However, I am scheduled to represent the Government at events promoting Ireland in Boston before travelling to Washington with the Taoiseach for a number of high level meetings on St. Patrick's Day, including with President Bush. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, is scheduled to undertake a number of engagements in New Zealand on behalf of the Government.

In consultation with officials of other Departments and relevant agencies as appropriate, this Department will co-ordinate briefing for Ministers representing the Government at St. Patrick's Day events overseas. As in previous years, such briefing will cover a wide range of issues with a view to maximising the unique promotional opportunities offered by the period and to dealing with issues of mutual interest

Overseas Prisoners.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

220 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas that the State establish a scheme to allow for a stipend to be sent to Irish citizens held in prisons overseas, similar to that offered by other EU countries for their citizens; and if his Department has given consideration to this recommendation. [7024/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas, ICPO, has not made a formal recommendation to me for the payment of a stipend to Irish citizens held in prison overseas. However, I am aware that it favours such a scheme and that some European countries make such payments to some of their prisoners overseas.

My Department provides an annual grant to ICPO to support its services to Irish prisoners abroad and their families. The work of ICPO complements the consular assistance provided to Irish prisoners abroad by my Department. My Department is preparing terms of reference for a research study into Irish prisoners abroad, which will cover the needs aspect of such prisoners.

Overseas Missions.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

221 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the report of the Secretary General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. [7025/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Kosovo has been under UN administration since the end of the conflict in June 1999, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1244. At the request of the Security Council, the UN Secretary General reports at regular intervals on the implementation of the mandate of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo, UNMIK. His latest report, which was issued on 14 February 2005, covers the activities of UNMIK and developments in Kosovo from 1 November 2004 to 31 January 2005. It was discussed at a meeting of the Security Council on 24 February, with the participation of the special representative of the Secretary General in Kosovo, Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen.

The EU fully supports the special representative in his work to implement Security Council Resolution 1244. He is working closely with the provisional institutions of self-government to encourage the implementation of a wide-ranging reform process, based on European standards in advance of any consideration of the constitutional status of Kosovo. I welcome the Secretary General's assessment that the new Government, which was appointed by the Kosovo assembly on 3 December 2004, is making some encouraging and tangible progress in their commitment to the implementation of the standards. The EU supports the priority which UNMIK has established for early progress on those reforms which most directly affect the security and rights of minority communities and the creation of a truly democratic and multiethnic society in Kosovo.

The year 2005 will be a crucial one for Kosovo. During the summer, the UN will preside over a comprehensive review of the implementation of standards. If the review is positive, it will be followed by the opening of a process to agree the status of Kosovo, which will be facilitated by the international community. The EU will play an important role in this process. The negotiations will inevitably be complex and difficult. They will require the resumption of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and will have implications for the region as a whole. The outcome will be subject to approval by the UN Security Council. In these circumstances, it is essential that the Kosovo Serb community now has the confidence to re-engage in the political process as soon as possible and take its place in the provisional institutions of self government.

At the meeting of the EU External Relations Council which I attended in Brussels on 21 February, Ministers had a detailed discussion of the situation in Kosovo on the basis of a presentation by the special representative of the UN Secretary General. The council emphasised the importance of the upcoming review of the implementation of standards. It reaffirmed that the EU will have an important role to play when the status of Kosovo is being considered to ensure that the agreed outcome is fully compatible with the process of European integration. The EU has given a clear commitment that the long-term future of the western Balkans, including Kosovo, rests within the European Union.

It would not be helpful at this stage to prejudge the outcome of any negotiations on the constitutional status of Kosovo. However, the External Relations Council last week issued a clear statement that Kosovo will not return to the situation which existed before 1999. The EU is committed to a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo which contributes to the stability of the western Balkans and adheres to the values and standards of the EU. In the period ahead, the EU will continue to work in co-operation with the United Nations, the US and other international partners towards the achievement of this objective.

Sports Capital Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

222 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will review an application from a club (details supplied) in County Westmeath for lottery funds for a community hall; and if the will allocate the maximum possible support for this venture. [6486/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications, including one from the club in question, are being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Finian McGrath

A grant of €25,000 was provisionally allocated to the club in question under the 2002 national lottery funded sports capital programme operated by my Department. The grant was subject to the terms and conditions of the programme and all of the documentation required should have been submitted to my Department and the grant drawn down by 27 June 2003. The club was advised of these conditions by way of letters from my Department dated 9 May 2002 and 25 June 2003. As the relevant documentation was not received from the club, the provisional grant offer was withdrawn in December 2004.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

227 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding an application under the sports capital programme by the Galway camogie board for a camogie stadium in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7034/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications, including one from the organisation in question, are being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Industrial Development.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

228 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on progress in the construction of the advance factory in Tipperary town and on actions taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to secure a suitable tenant-employer for the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/05]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland, including its regions and areas. I am informed by the agency that an advance technology building of 16,000 sq. ft. with 100% expansion capability is under construction on the business park at Knockenrawley. Construction is expected to be completed in the next few months. This building is being financed and developed by a local development group under the business expansion scheme to an agreed IDA Ireland design.

IDA Ireland also informs me that it is already actively marketing both the park and the advance technology building through its network of overseas offices and will be in a stronger position to market the park when the construction work is completed.

South Tipperary has a good base of foreign direct investment in the region and employment in these companies rose from 1,652 people in 2000 to 2,028 people in 2003. IDA Ireland continues to work with existing clients in the county to encourage further expansion and a move to higher-value activities.

I understand that the South Tipperary County Development Board's ten year economic plan, 2002-2012, identifies Clonmel as the growth centre for south Tipperary due to its potential in providing the critical mass needed to attract new investment. Although IDA Ireland, as a member of that board, has endorsed this strategy, it will also continue to market actively the new advance technology building in Tipperary town.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Tipperary town.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

229 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6628/05]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I plan to travel to Australia for the St. Patrick's celebrations. My itinerary for this visit has not yet been finalised so it is not possible to make a more detailed statement on the areas to be visited.

Work Permits.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

230 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will be granted to a person (details supplied). [6688/05]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The work permit section of my Department wrote to the above named employer on 21 February 2005 seeking additional information to process this application further. To date, the work permit section has not received a reply to this correspondence.

Job Losses.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

231 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will meet a County Limerick group (details supplied) to discuss the serious situation which has developed following serious job losses in west Limerick. [6848/05]

Dan Neville

Ceist:

232 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the loss of jobs (details supplied) in County Limerick and his plans to replace these jobs. [6849/05]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.

I am aware of the jobs situation in County Limerick. My immediate concern is for the workers who are losing their jobs. The full services of FÁS, particularly in relation to re-training and upskilling, are made available to such workers if the workers wish to avail of those services.

Most of the job losses are in the poultry sector. I understand that there is excess capacity in the poultry slaughter sector and this is hampering the competitiveness of the poultry industry. Both Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development have been working closely with the poultry companies and are intensifying their efforts to minimise the impact of the situation.

Replacing jobs is a tough challenge, particularly in regional locations. However, a central goal is the achievement of balanced regional development. The industrial development agencies will work closely with the local authority and other local interests to deliver the best solution in this regard. The emphasis is on attracting new knowledge-intensive projects in information communications and technology, international services, medical technologies and life sciences.

I am aware that Shannon Development and the local county enterprise board are already working with the Killeedy committee in Limerick and I see this as the best way forward for the present. I am satisfied that with the good will and efforts of all involved in the area, the job needs of the county will continue to be addressed.

Job Creation.

Donegal County Enterprise Board, CEB, was established in October 1993 to provide a source of support in the Donegal area for small businesses with ten employees or fewer. The board's function is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity throughout the county. Donegal CEB has also assisted financially in the construction of the community enterprise centre in the Glenties area. For 2005, one of the main priorities of Donegal CEB will be on continuing to meet with existing and potential entrepreneurs who are starting or growing their business in the Glenties area. The board is organising an enterprise afternoon in Killybegs in conjunction with the South West Donegal Chamber of Commerce which extends to Glenties in its catchment area. Donegal CEB will make every effort to ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development throughout the Glenties region in 2005, thereby continuing to deliver on its record of employment development in the area.

Enterprise Ireland, which is the agency charged with supporting indigenous industry, has partnered with the local community in Glenties to develop new, high quality enterprise space. Enterprise Ireland is providing over €120,000 in support of this new centre which will become available for new enterprises in the next number of months and it is hoped that new enterprises will emerge in the Glenties area as a result of this development. Both Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland are available to provide a range of supports to such start ups. Including the wider area south of Glenties — Killybegs and Ardara — Enterprise Ireland has 27 client companies which in total employ more than 600 people.

IDA Ireland, which is the agency charged with attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland, has indicated that 2,778 jobs were created by IDA client companies in the north-west region in the last five years. IDA is working closely with its existing base of companies in the north west. However, one of the challenges facing companies in the north west is in the area of competitiveness and this has resulted in job losses in sectors such as textiles and clothing and low-end manufacturing. Where a company has plans to introduce new functions or new technologies or products, IDA Ireland will assist the company where possible to make new investments that lead to new jobs.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

236 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the Southern Health Board has refused a funeral grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [7007/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

As I stated in my reply to a previous parliamentary question from the Deputy on 17 November 2004, the Southern Health Board advised that an application by the person concerned in September 2004 for an exceptional needs payment was refused on the grounds that he had been in a position to meet the funeral expenses from his own resources. He was unsuccessful in appealing this decision to the board's appeals officer.

In making its decision on this case, the board took account of the fact that the family of the person concerned had contributed towards the funeral costs and that he had received a bereavement grant of €635 from my Department in August 2004 as well as the standard six weeks additional payment of his late wife's invalidity pension.

The determination of entitlement to exceptional needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is a matter for the Health Service Executive — formerly the health boards — and I do not have any function in deciding entitlement in individual cases.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

237 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide the details of an appeal of unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the efforts which the social and family affairs local office made to assist this person in securing employment. [6501/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

A person applying for unemployment benefit is required to make reasonable efforts to find employment.

The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit from 29 July 2004. Her claim was disallowed as the deciding officer decided that she had not made sufficient efforts to find alternative employment. She appealed this decision. Following an oral hearing, an appeals officer upheld the decision of the deciding officer disallowing her claim on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking work. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence. It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for an unemployment payment, if her circumstances have changed.

My Department's policy is to support people who wish to take up employment. This can include providing copies of jobs advertised in the newspaper and referring people to FÁS. However, local office staff are not in a position to refer customers to specific employers. Claimants are required to inform themselves of the vacancies in the areas they live in and to make appropriate efforts themselves to access those employments.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of rent or mortgage interest supplements to assist eligible people who are unable to meet their housing costs from their own resources and do not have accommodation available to them from another source.

Supplements are payable subject to a means test. They are calculated to ensure that, after payment of rent or mortgage interest, an eligible person has income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution. The minimum contribution is €13 per week, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. There is a statutory upper limit on the level of rent an applicant may incur and still qualify for a rent supplement. The limits take the household size and the area into account.

Details of these statutory maximum rent levels appropriate to the different family sizes in Dublin and adjacent county areas are set out in the following tabular statement. There have been no special rent supplement guidelines issued by my Department to community welfare staff in the specific Dublin districts identified by the Deputy.

Rent limits applicable in Dublin 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2005
Class of person	(Former) Eastern Regional Health Authority Areas*
Single person in shared accommodation	€93.00 per week
Couple in shared accommodation	€93.00 per week
Single person	€115.00 per week
Couple with no children	€178.00 per week
Couple with 1 child or one-parent family with 1 child	€953.00 per month
Couple with 2 children or one-parent family with 2 children	€1,200 per month
Couple with 3 children or one-parent family with 3 children	€1,200 per month

*Now subsumed into Health Service Executive.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

241 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6629/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

I will be representing the Government at various ceremonies organised in Estonia as a celebration of St. Patrick's Day. During the visit, I will also have a bilateral meeting with the Estonian social affairs minister as well as meeting the chairman and vice-chairman of the Estonian Parliament social affairs committee. I will be based in Tallinn and will depart Ireland on Wednesday, 16 March and return on Friday, 18 March 2005.

Estonia often looks to the Irish economy as a model of economic development within the European Union. Ireland's trade with Estonia has been steady over the past number of years. Official figures for the year end 2004 are not yet available. However, overall trade increased from 2002 to 2003 by approximately 5% to 6%.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

242 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid by his Department to landlords in the private rented sector in respect of supplementary welfare rent allowance in each of the past five years. [6676/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

Entitlement to rent supplement rests with the tenant, not the landlord. Payment is normally made to the tenant, although a person who is awarded rent supplement may nominate his or her landlord as being the person to whom the payment should issue.

Details of expenditure on rent supplements in each of the last five years are set out in the following table.

Expenditure on rent supplement for the years 2000 to 2004
Year	Expenditure
	€
2000	150.59m
2001	179.40m
2002	252.34m
2003	331.47m
2004*	353.77m

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

246 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the granting of disabled stickers for car use by persons who use the specially designated disabled parking bays throughout the country; his views on whether the current body responsible for distributing such stickers takes full account of a variety of disabilities that persons have given the frustration that many disabled persons have in respect of their inability to obtain such stickers from the Irish Wheelchair Association; and if he will consider reviewing the scheme. [6499/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As I indicated in my replies to Questions No. 319 on 17 November and No. 563 on 26 January last, the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association to grant a disabled person's parking permit where they are satisfied that the applicant is suffering from a disability that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking.

The qualifying criterion is therefore a question of personal mobility and no specific medical condition is stipulated in the regulations. It is a matter for each of the issuing organisations to determine whether a disabled person's parking permit should be granted based on each application submitted to it. I have no involvement in respect of the determination of individual applications made to any of those bodies and I am of the view that the current broad basis of this scheme represents the optimum approach.

Road Safety.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

247 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason a car can pass the national car test but be refused as unroadworthy for use during a driving test on the basis of a faulty airbag light. [6926/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

A check on airbags is not part of the NCT. Neither EU Directive 96/96/EC relating to the roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles nor the Road Traffic (National Car Testing) Regulations 2003, which govern the NCT, provide for the inspection of airbags. As an employer, my Department has a responsibility to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of staff. Where a system warning light flashes in a motor car, this is indicative of a potential problem. In such a case, the driver tester is advised not to conduct the driving test. Test candidates are informed in the leaflet, Final Checks for your Driving Test, which issues with the letter of appointment for the driving test, that where a system warning light is flashing in the vehicle, the test will not be conducted.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

248 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason the car of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 passed the NCT one year but failed the next year for an incorrect number plate which was on it all along. [6927/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Callely)

An NCT certificate was refused for this vehicle on 16 October 2004 because the registration plates did not comply with the relevant legal requirements. It is understood from National Car Testing Service Limited that the registration plates did not show the placename of the licensing authority, namely Cill Mhantáin. Following a visual retest of the vehicle on 19 October 2004, an NCT certificate was issued for the vehicle. No fee was charged by the company as the retest did not require the use of a test lane.

Until 14 September 2003, registration plates were classified as a "fail advisory" item and failure to comply with the legal requirements for them was not a reason for refusal of a NCT certificate. For that reason, it was possible to issue a test certificate in 2002 for the vehicle in question but the owner should have been advised at the time of the need to rectify the defect.

Regional Airports.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

249 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the amount of aid, including PSO grant aid, which has been allocated to Ireland’s regional airports over the past five years; if he will provide figures for each year for each airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6485/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Exchequer support for the six regional airports in Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Kerry and Waterford falls under two categories. First, support for essential safety-related capital investment is available under the Border midlands and west and southern and eastern regional operational programmes of the national development plan. Grants are also available towards operational expenditure incurred by the airports on marketing, safety and security.

Financial compensation for air services operated under PSO contracts is paid directly by the Department to the contracted air operators. The airports do not receive grant aid under the PSO programme. Details of the PSO contracted subvention levels are as follows:

PSO contracted subvention
Route	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
	’000	’000	’000	’000	’000
Kerry	956	3,441	4,479	4,497	4,916
Galway	1,364	3,999	4,600	5,105	5,634
Sligo	874	2,725	2,681	4,800	4,800
Donegal	960	1,802	2,083	*	*
Knock	—	1,960	2,388	3,191	3,403
Derry	—	2,306	2,306	2,306	2,583
Total	4,153	16,233	18,537	19,898	21,336

*Sligo and Donegal routes are operated under a combined contract for which the total contracted subvention is €4.8m

The total amount paid to each regional airport under capital and marketing, safety and security schemes, in each of the last five years is as follows:

NDP capital grant scheme
Airport	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Donegal	0	0	252,779	717,595	0
Galway	258,646	287,807	728,065	944,712	1,276,421
Knock	0	302,610	0	2,030,996	0
Kerry	0	0	838,809	854,876	0
Sligo	0	181,759	470,060	238,694	9,441
Waterford	0	55,138	0	586,753	998,085
Total	258,656	827,314	2,289,714	5,373,626	2,283,947

Marketing, safety and security grant scheme
Airport	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Donegal	126,973	253,947	230,000	280,000	255,000
Galway	158,717	253,947	230,000	230,000	280,000
Knock	723,750	444,408	400,000	400,000	400,000
Kerry	571,382	444,408	400,000	400,000	400,000
Sligo	126,973	253,947	230,000	280,000	255,000
Waterford	196,809	253,947	410,000	650,000	650,000
Total	1,904,604	1,904,607	1,900,000	2,240,000	2,240,000

Road Network.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

250 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself regarding safety at the Dublin Port tunnel, particularly in view of the recent collapse of the Barcelona tunnel which caused 1,000 homes to be damaged and the accident at the Jack Lynch tunnel, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Safety issues at the Dublin Port tunnel are matters for the contractor, Dublin City Council, and the National Roads Authority, NRA. I understand from the NRA that a safety audit of the project confirms that the Dublin Port tunnel complies in all respects with the requirements of the proposed EU directive on safety in road tunnels. In supervising the design and construction of both the Dublin Port and Jack Lynch Tunnels, the NRA has been fully cognisant of the need to ensure the highest standard of safety provision and has taken account of the most up-to-date standards and guidance in each tunnel project. The recent incident at the Jack Lynch tunnel resulted from an oversized vehicle entering the tunnel and breaching the tunnel's height safety guidelines.

Rail Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

251 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to receive the Iarnród Éireann feasibility study on the Shannon rail link. [6593/05]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

252 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when the promised meeting with the Shannon rail link group is scheduled to take place. [6594/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

Last year my predecessor as Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, requested Iarnród Éireann to undertake a feasibility study on the viability of a Shannon rail link in consultation with various local interests. However, all issues in relation to the study, including its likely completion date, are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. The Shannon rail partnership has requested a meeting with me to discuss the proposal further, and this meeting has now been arranged for 22 March.

Driving Tests.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

253 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driving test at each of the country’s test centres at 1 February 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; the national average waiting time on each of these dates; and the number of testers based at each of the centres on each of these dates. [6614/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The following table sets out the data available for the information requested. The data in relation to waiting times for the years 2000 and 2001 is an average of longest waiting times while the data for 2002 onwards is an average of the average waiting times at all test centres. Driver testers are assigned to headquarter centres within each region. Driver testers are in turn assigned from headquarter centres to meet the demand in other test centres.

Table 1 Numbers awaiting a Driving Test
Centre	31/1/00	29/1/01	28/1/02	3/2/03	2/2/04	7/2/05
North Leinster
Finglas/Raheny*	13,544	10,120	3,981	7,416	8,208	9,037
Dundalk	1,913	1,452	1,300	2,401	2,940	3,000
Mullingar	945	868	673	1,457	1,648	1,626
Navan	2,341	1,678	1,582	3,518	4,505	4,456
Raheny	*	*	2,036	5,690	7,162	7,601
South Leinster
Churchtown/Rathgar/Tallaght	12,930	9,679	4,404	9,037	11,426	11,600
Gorey	1,161	692	451	1,652	1,943	2,047
Naas	3,709	2,345	1,990	5,074	6,544	5,540
Tullamore	963	742	529	1,411	1,514	1,965
Wicklow	1,516	1,035	918	2,122	2,442	2,313
Tallaght*	*	*	3,017	7,249	8,718	8,511
West
Athlone	759	775	33	953	759	1,295
Birr	697	709	466	926	943	1,145
Castlebar	1,859	1,745	1,290	1,814	2,319	2,059
Clifden	240	256	193	312	321	348
Ennis	948	852	468	740	762	1,123
Galway	2,585	2,346	1,692	2,085	2,716	2,811
Loughrea	866	898	557	917	805	867
Roscommon	956	900	607	974	938	892
Tuam	827	757	600	1,004	1,116	1,016
North West
Ballina	816	682	653	1,058	1,102	1,029
Buncrana	374	383	408	407	504	665
Carrick-on-Shannon	873	937	582	924	1,183	1,045
Cavan	1,257	1,108	1,016	1,583	1,956	1,660
Donegal	785	853	753	775	1,012	1,026
Letterkenny	1,628	1,459	681	1,061	1,824	2,109
Longford	871	739	692	888	1,004	940
Monaghan	914	807	555	982	1,328	1,364
Sligo	1,226	1,334	977	1,014	1,323	1,275
South East
Carlow	1,339	1,167	800	1,941	2,588	2,489
Clonmel	1,131	956	485	1,587	2,012	1,936
Dungarvan	947	807	582	1,266	1,744	1,567
Kilkenny	1,599	1,189	1,032	2,046	2,552	2,187
Nenagh	441	431	308	608	721	810
Portlaoise	983	782	664	1,406	1,537	1,629
Thurles	647	559	399	925	1,299	1,188
Tipperary	616	489	370	957	1,133	1,032
Waterford	1,824	1,500	1,392	2,823	3,533	2,835
Wexford	1,889	1,374	1,076	2,054	2,417	2,419
South West
Cork	7,720	6,452	2,830	6,248	6,848	6,245
Killarney	1,659	1,268	731	1,649	1,924	2,105
Kilrush	420	372	280	433	483	448
Limerick	3,285	2,610	1,570	2,822	3,786	3,797
Mallow	1,756	1,471	730	1,820	1,907	2,011
Newcastle West	1,500	1,188	548	1,500	1,608	1,700
Shannon	726	671	521	781	1,027	893
Skibbereen	1,698	1,451	698	1,471	1,854	1,923
Tralee	1,755	1,236	832	1,653	1,998	1,712
Average Weeks-Nationally	27.8	21.8	15.3	10.9	34	29.9

*Combined count centre until 2002.

Table 2. Testers Headquartered at Test Centres
Driving Test Centres	31/1/00	29/1/01	28/1/02	3/2/03	2/2/04	7/2/05
North Leinster Region
Finglas	17	18	17	17	16	17
Raheny	6	10	10	10	10	9
Dundalk						—
Mullingar						—
Navan	1	1	1	1	1	1
South Leinster Region
Churchtown/Rathgar	17	16	11	15	16	15
Tallaght	5	7	9	10	10	11
Gorey						—
Naas	2	2	1	2	2	2
Tullamore						—
Wicklow	1					—
West Region
Athlone	2	2	2	2	3	2
Birr						—
Castlebar	1.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	3.5	3.5
Clifden						—
Ennis	2	2	2	2	3	3
Galway	3	4	5	6	6	6
Loughrea	1	1	2	2	2	2
Roscommon						—
Tuam						—
North West Region
Ballina	1					—
Buncrana						—
Carrick-on-Shannon	2	0	1	1	1	1
Cavan	1	1	2	2	2	2
Donegal						—
Letterkenny	2	3	3	3	3	3
Longford						—
Monaghan	2	2	1	1	1	1
Sligo	2	3	4	3	3	3
South East Region
Carlow	1	1	1	1	1	1
Clonmel	1	2	2	2	2	2
Dungarvan						—
Kilkenny	3	3	3	3	3	2
Nenagh						—
Portlaoise	1	1	1	1	1	1
Thurles						—
Tipperary						—
Waterford	2	3	3	3	4	3
Wexford	4	4	4	4	4	4
South West Region
Cork	7.5	11.5	13.5	13.5	13.5	13.5
Killarney	2	2	1	1	1	1
Kilrush						—
Limerick	6	6	7	5	5	4
Mallow						—
Newcastle West						—
Shannon						—
Skibbereen						—
Tralee	2	2	2	2	2	3

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

254 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6630/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Detailed arrangements for attendance at St. Patrick's Day celebrations are being finalised. I will celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Waterford where I will attend parades in Waterford City, Tramore and Dungarvan.

The Minister of State, Deputy Callely, is scheduled to travel to Norway, Sweden and Denmark where he will represent the Government at a number of St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Norway, Sweden and Denmark are countries with which Ireland has developed relatively strong trading ties in recent years. Denmark is within Ireland's top 20 trading partners. Norway and Sweden are both well represented in the Irish technology market.

Light Rail Project.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

255 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider ensuring that the passenger tickets on the Luas lines are made of recycled paper and are recycable. [6661/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The issue raised is a matter which is the day-to-day responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency. However I have brought the Deputy's concerns to its attention.

Road Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if any developments have taken place which might encourage an increase in the height of the port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

In accordance with my decision of October 2004, the height of the Dublin Port tunnel will not be changed. The tunnel is being completed as planned and will have an operational height of 4.65 m.

Light Rail Project.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

257 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any contacts regarding the strong demand that the Tallaght Luas line be extended through the Tallaght west estates to Citywest; if his attention has been drawn to the great boost this would give to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7022/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

261 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if the DTO advisory committee is waiting for him to appoint members to the committee; if so, when he intends to make such appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7042/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.

I understand that the advisory committee last met in May 2003 and the term of office for the committee expired in December 2003. I am reviewing the membership of the committee with a view to reconstituting the advisory committee at an early date.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

262 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6631/05]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The programme for my visit to Canada has yet to be finalised. However, I expect to attend the Toronto St. Patrick's Day parade and to meet with Tourism Ireland and with the Toronto Irish chamber of commerce in the course of my visit.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with officials of other Departments and relevant agencies as appropriate, will co-ordinate briefing material. Such briefing will cover all issues with a view to maximising the unique promotional opportunities of this trip and will deal with issues of mutual interest. The Minister of State will not be travelling abroad for St. Patrick's Day in his capacity as an office holder at my Department.

Community Development.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

263 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the level of support under the scheme of community support for older persons provided to County Mayo in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; the name and location of each community voluntary group; the use for which this money was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6657/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

The purpose of the scheme of community support for older people is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; for security lighting and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. In 2004 the scheme was extended to include smoke alarms.

The names, addresses and amounts paid to groups in County Mayo under this scheme for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 are listed below.

Funding paid in 2004 under the scheme of community support for older people in County Mayo. Groups marked* were paid in 2005 under applications received in 2004
Group Name	Address	Amount Approved
		€
Midfield Community Alert	Midfield, Swinford	1,860.00
Ballyhaunis Neighbourhood Watch	Forthill, Ballyhaunis	22,237.26
Saula Community Alert	Saula, Achill	1,680.00
Ballindine Community Alert	Ballindine	589.00
Bohola Community Alert	Bohola	600.00
Kiltimagh Community Alert	Main Street, Kiltimagh	2,310.00
Keel Community Alert	Pollagh, Achill	2,700.00
Carne Shamrohee Community Alert	Corrloch West, Belmullet	1,370.00
Shrule Glencorrib Community Alert	Woodpark, Shrule	2,485.00
Knock Community Alert	Knock West	1,200.00
Church Manor Neighbourhood Watch	Manor, Church Road	30,000.00
Taugheen Community Alert Group	Taugheen, Claremorris	1,839.72
Killasser Community Alert	Kilasser, Swinford	1,950.00
Roundfort Active Retirement Association	Roundfort, Hollymount	2,161.00
Derrywash Road Residents Committee	Mount Daisey, Castlebar	1,980.00
Pullathomas Inver Community Alert	Pullathomas, Ballina	3,660.00
Killala Community Alert	Cortoon, Killala	3,800.00
Kilcommon Activity for the Elderly	Glenamoy, Ballina	2,107.90
Belmullet Neighbourhood Watch	Attycunnane, Belmullet	1,168.00
Islandeady Community Alert	Islandeady, Castlebar	5,820.00
Ballycroy Community Alert	Ballycroy, Westport	4,140.00
Fahy Community Alert Group	Cultrean, Westport	803.20
Binghamstown Community Alert	Binghamstown, Ballina	1,980.00
Castleconnor Community Alert	Bunanilra, Ballina	2,178.00
Community Alert Achill Sound*	St. Fionnan’s Road, Achill Sound	1,530.00
Pobal ar Aire Oiligh Fód Dubh*	Cochar, Béal an Átha	1,270.00
Louisburg Lecawvey Comm. Alert*	Murrisk, Westport	4,136.17
Seirbhísí Cúram Cill Choman Teo.*	Ros Dumhach, Béal an Átha	27,315.00

Funding awarded under the scheme of community support for older people in 2003 in County Mayo
Group Name	Address	Amount Approved
		€
Aughagower Community Alert	Aughagower, Westport	1,140.00
Ballyhaunis Active Retirement	Emmaus, Hazelhill, Ballyhaunis	441.00
Bangor/Erris Community Alert	Bangor/Erris, Ballina	1,980.00
Shrule/Glencorrib Community Alert	Woodpark, Shrule	2,520.00
Castleconnor Community Alert	Bunnanilra, Ballina	2,100.00
Barnacarroll Community alert	Upper Mace, Ballyfarna	4,300.00
Belmullet Neighbourhood Watch	Atty Cunnare, Belmullet	1,743.00
Bohola Community Alert	Bohola, Swinford	1,455.00
Carramore/Cloonlee Knock Community Alert	Knock	1,923.00
Fahy Community Alert	Cultalan, Westport	2,512.00
Inver/Pullathomas Community Alert	Pullathomas PO, Ballina	2,133.00
Keel Community Alert (Mayo)	Keel, Westport	3,442.00
Kilcommon Activity Group for the elderly	Glenamoy, Ballina	7,900.00
Kilkelly/Glann Community Alert	Knockbrack, Kilkelly	7,280.00
Kilmaine Community Alert	Kilmaine	1,550.00
Kilmurry Community Alert	Kilmurry, Castlehill, Ballina	3,770.00
Louisburg and Lecanvey Community Alert	Lecanvey, Westport	2,430.00
Maigh Eo Teic Community Training Centre	C/o Carey Walsh Buildings, Newport	10,500.00
Parke Community Alert	Parke, Castlebar	1,150.00
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Colman’s Conference)	Curam, Dalton St., Claremorris	2,910.00
Swinford Neighbourhood Watch	Market Street, Swinford	6,900.00
Taugheen Community Alert Group	Taugheen, Claremorris	2,340.00
Turlough Community Alert	Ballynew, Castlebar	29,513.00

Funding awarded under the scheme of community support for older people in 2002 in County Mayo
Group Name	Address	Amount Approved
		€
Aughagower Community Alert	Aughagower,Westport, Co. Mayo	739
Ballintubber Community Alert	Cuffertaun House, Ballintubber, Claremorris	3,524
Barnacarroll Community Alert	Upper Mace, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	5,220
Bellacorrick Community Alert	Bellacorrick, Ballina, Co. Mayo	2,743
Belmullet Neighbourhood Watch	Attycunnane, Belmullet, Co. Mayo	1,852
Carra Ladies Club	Annies, Hollymount, Co. Mayo	1,715
Carramore Clooneee Knock Community Alert	Co. Mayo	1,993
Castlebar Active Retirement Association	Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	12,132
Coogue Community Alert	Shanaghmoyle, Knock, Claremorris	1,178
Fahy Community Alert Group	Cultrean, Westport, Co. Mayo	411
Glenhest Community Alert	Glenhest, Newport, Co. Mayo	504
Keel Community Alert	Keel, Achill, Co. Mayo	1,489
Kilcommon Activity for the Elderly	Lenarevagh, Glenamoy, Ballina	582
Killala Community Alert	Cortoon, Killala, Co. Mayo	3,562
Kilasser Community Alert	Brookville Ave., Swinford, Co. Mayo	1,912
Kilmurray Community Alert	Carrowcloughy, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo	2,268
Louisburgh & Lecanvey Community Alert	Glencally, Kilsallagh, Westport	1,052
Robeen Community Alert	Hollymount, Co. Mayo	4,886
St. Coleman’s Conference of SVDP	Brookhill, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	2,052
Swinford Neighbourhood Watch	Davitt Place, Swinford, Co. Mayo	5,136
Williamstown Active Retirement	Fortyacres, Williamstown, Co. Mayo	6,075

A grant of €12,996.68 was awarded to Energy Action for security equipment, including window locks, door locks, door chains, bolts and spy viewers. The amount awarded was in respect of individual applicants where the necessary details were supplied in accordance with the scheme guidelines. The Department did not receive an application for funding from ER Community Services, Clondalkin.

I expect to announce the 2005 scheme in the next month or so and it is open to the organisations in question to apply for funding at that time.

	Organisation	Name	Address	Telephone Number
Dublin	Donabate Portrane Senior Citizens	Frank Fleming	Annolville, The Burrow, Portrane	01 8436707
Dublin	Neighbourhood Watch & Edenmore Tenants		137 Edenmore Avenue, Raheny, Dublin 5	01 8484566
Dublin	Corbawn & Area Neighbourhood Watch		10 Corbawn Court, Shankill, Dublin 18	01 2821817
Dublin	Passionist Mount Argus		St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin 6W	01 4992000
Dublin	Inchicore Home Help Service Ltd.		Unit 4, Iceland Buildings, Ballyfermot	01 6239457
Dublin	Naul Senior Citizens		Hazardstown, Naul, Co. Dublin	01 8413699
Dublin	Clondalkin Senior Citizens Social Club		45 Cappaghmore, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	01 4573334
Dublin	Carers’ Association Rathgar		26 Wesley Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6	01 4904554
Dublin	National Assoc. of Widows in Ireland		29 Gardiner Place, Dublin 1	01 8728814
Dublin	Carers’ Association Clondalkin		Unit 3, Dolcan Mall, Tower Road, Clondalkin	01 4670797
Dublin	Alone		1 Willie Bermingham Place, Kilmainham Lane, Dublin 8	01 6791032
Dublin	Finglas Cabra Council for Older People	Finglas Cabra Partnership	38 Tolka Estate, Finglas, Dublin 11	087 7532661
Dublin	Fold Housing Assoc. Ireland Ltd.		27 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2	01 6328603
Dublin	Coolock Darndale Home Help Service		Cromcastle Rd., Coolock, Dublin 5	01 8478410
Dublin	Age Action Ireland Ltd.		30/31 Lower Camden St., Dublin 2	01 4756989
Dublin	Rush Senior Citizens		Kenure Demesne, Rush, Co. Dublin	01 8439064
Dublin	Beaumont Residents Association		101 Coolgreena Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9	01 6390393
Dublin	Lorcan O’Toole Day Care Centre		Lorcan O Toole Court, Kimmage Road West, Kimmage	01 4554532
Dublin	Ringsend Active Retirement Association		CYMS, St. Patrick’s Terrace, Ringsend	01 6686516
Dublin	Ballyroan Community Care Group	Anne Thornhill	c/o 203 Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16	01 4946675
Dublin	SVDP, Church of The Three Patrons		48 Rathgar Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6	087 2976178
Dublin	Templeogue District Active Retirement	Donal Hogan	75 Cypress Grove Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W	01 4907298
Dublin	Ballyfermot Home Help Service		Unit 4 Iceland Building, Le Fanu Rd., Ballyfermot	01 62345555
Dublin	St. Anne’s Afternoon Club		The Parish Centre, St. Anne’s, Strand Road	01 8462685
Dublin	Royal Hospital Donnybrook Vol. House Ass.		28 Cullenswood, Off Cullenswood Park, Ranelagh	01 4979600
Dublin	Blanchardstown Innercity Home Care Assoc.		Roselawn Health Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15	01 8116070
Dublin	Parish Drumcondra Nth. Strand St. Barnabas		The Rectory, 74 Gracepark Road, Dublin 9	01 8372505
Dublin	Blanchardstown Carers' Resource Centre		Marian House, The Rise, Main Street, Blanchardstown	01 8119555
Dublin	Moorefield Environment Group		27 Moorefield Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	01 4576762
Dublin	SVDP St. Joseph’s Conference Dublin		Berkeley Road Church, Berkeley Road, Dublin 7	01 8384164
Dublin	Energy Action Ltd.		Unit 14, Newmarket, Dublin 8	01 4545464
Dublin	IWA Lucan		Broadmeadows, Newcastle Road, Lucan	01 6302415
Dublin	Malahide Active Retirement Assoc.	Miss Rosemary O’Neill	Avondale, Seamount Road, Malahide	01 8460007

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

267 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will re-instate funding to the community workers co-operative. [6897/05]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

268 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he stated in reply to Question No. 224 of 1 February 2005 that the community workers co-operative does not meet the Government funding criterion of concentrating available resources on support for communities experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and isolation when this network represents the views of both paid and unpaid community workers and hundreds of local organisations with an anti-poverty and equality focus throughout the country. [6898/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

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

As is implied by the Deputy's question, I believe that the community workers co-operative is the voice of community workers rather than of disadvantaged communities. As there is in existence a well developed structure providing supports to the sector, I do not believe that continued funding for the community workers co-operative under the national anti-poverty networks scheme could be justified. I have dealt with this issue comprehensively already in the House. I refer the Deputy in particular to my reply to Question 4 and related questions on 22 February 2005.

EU Directives.

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

269 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the rationale behind the European Commission’s proposal for a Council regulation on support for rural development 2007-2013 (details supplied); if, in view of the importance of afforestation in rural development here, he will restore grant aid and support to their current levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6577/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Commission proposal sets the framework for rural development support for the period 2007 to 2013. It reflects the strategic orientations of the conclusions of the Lisbon and Goteborg European Councils. These emphasise the economic, environmental and social elements of sustainability. In line with those elements, the proposed regulation sets the three main objectives of competitiveness, land management and environment, and wider rural diversification.

The proposed regulation is under discussion in the Council of Ministers. While the negotiations will not conclude for some time, I have already made known my serious concerns about certain aspects, including those relating to the forestry sector. I will continue to seek an outcome that will allow the sector to develop in a profitable and sustainable manner.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, together.

In the context of the closure of the 1994-99 operational programme for agricultural and rural development funding, the European Commission decided that certain expenditure under the forestry sub-programme amounting to €1,061,402 was ineligible for co-funding. The expenditure in question related to staff costs for research and development. No penalties were imposed by the Commission nor were any other deductions made in respect of forestry measures.

It was the view of the Irish authorities at the time that the expenditure in question was eligible, especially since similar expenditure had been deemed eligible under the earlier STRIDE programme. The question of reprimanding any member of staff does not arise. The expenditure deemed ineligible by the Commission was not in respect of the payment of forestry grants or premiums. Consequently, no grantee has been requested to refund grant or premium payments arising out of the Commission's decision in this matter.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

279 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a provisional entitlement statement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6508/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Minister of State, Deputy Browne, will be attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Enniscorthy. The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, will be attending celebrations in Edinburgh and Glasgow from 17-19 March and, while there, will have a number of engagements with Irish community and business leaders. He will meet also with the Scottish Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs.

In August 1998, the Hunting Association of Ireland, HAI, which encompasses bodies that represent organised fox hunting in Ireland, announced rules and procedures which apply in particular to the practices of digging out, bolting and earthstopping. This initiative was taken after my Department had conveyed to the bodies in question its concern about such practices.

The bodies concerned also gave specific written assurances that they are committed to ensuring compliance with and enforcement of these measures, and to imposing severe sanctions on anyone found not to have complied with them. I believe that these assurances were given in good faith and we have made clear the importance which we attach to ensuring that there is indeed full compliance by all concerned.

Any person making an allegation or complaint of a breach of the rules and procedures should provide to the HAI supporting evidence of the alleged breach in order to facilitate proper investigation in accordance with fair procedures. It is open to a complainant to provide such information to my Department, which will pass it to HAI with a request that the matter be investigated.

As indicated, the rules and procedures in question were introduced in August 1998 and my Department has not to date been given grounds for believing that they are not being observed by member hunts of the HAI.

My Department meets with the HAI from time to time and the matters raised by the Deputy will be discussed with that organisation in the near future.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

289 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will insist that all areas currently designated as disadvantaged within the EU scheme will hold their status in the context of the new proposals emerging from Europe; if the areas left out the last time in north Kilkenny and which have fought since then to be included will now be considered; if she will explain her policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6672/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As part of the suggested 2007-13 rural development framework, the European Commission has proposed new criteria for less favoured areas. These lay emphasis on soil and climatic conditions. In line with other member states, Ireland has highlighted the sensitivity of this issue. Ireland has also sought clarification as to the Commission's intentions.

While some clarification on the proposed methodology for redefining disadvantaged areas has just been received from the EU Commission, that proposed methodology needs detailed assessment and further clarification before we can respond fully to it in the course of ongoing negotiations. I shall continue to stress the sensitivity of this issue for Ireland in the course of those negotiations.

Pending receipt of the further clarification referred to above, I regret that I cannot answer the Deputy's inquiry about north Kilkenny.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

290 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the announcement by a company (details supplied) of its intention to close the sugar beet processing facility in Carlow and to carry out all processing at its plant in Mallow has weakened her position in negotiations at EU level regarding the future of the sugar beet industry in the EU. [6682/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

However, persons transporting animals up to a distance of 65 km will not be required to be authorised whereas, any person transporting animals over distances of 65 km will be required to be authorised. Still further provisions will apply to journeys in excess of eight hours duration.

As indicated previously, my Department is currently considering the arrangements and requirements in relation to the application of the new regime for the transport of animals here at home and to our European markets from 2007 onwards. It is my intention to consult all relevant parties on the most effective way to implement the regulation.

Fur Farming.

My Department's records indicate that the person named has 44.35 entitlements with a total net value of €3532.92. However, as the person named is now deceased, the circumstances of the case appear relevant to the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. Therefore the executor or other representative of the person named should submit a completed inheritance application form to facilitate the transfer of the entitlements.

Application forms are available from the Departments website or by contacting the single payment unit, Inheritance Section, Portlaoise.

Veterinary Laboratory.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

299 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the future plans for the veterinary centre at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare; the amount of land which is owned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6882/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Under the decentralisation programme a single laboratory complex will be located in Macroom to cater for the Munster region. My Department is liaising with the OPW on the acquisition of a suitable site for the new laboratory complex in Macroom.

The regional veterinary laboratory at Knockalisheen is located on land owned by the Office of Public Works.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

300 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the entitlements under the single farm payments which are credited to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7028/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The persons named have submitted an application for consideration under the new entrant measure of the single payment scheme.

However, following an initial examination of this application, it was deemed that the circumstances were more relevant to the inheritance measure, as the lands were transferred by way of gift in 2002. The persons named have subsequently been requested to forward a copy of the deed of transfer to support the application.

An official of my Department contacted the persons named by telephone and the documentation requested is to be furnished early next week. Upon receipt of the outstanding documentation the matter will receive immediate attention and the persons named will be issued with a decision in respect of this application.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

301 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government’s special share in a company (details supplied) means that her prior written consent is required to enable the sugar company to dispose of its beet processing assets in Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7029/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As Minister I hold a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but special conditions are attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. One of the activities for which prior written consent is required is the disposal of more than 20% of specified sugar assets in Carlow and Mallow.

Road Traffic Offences.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

302 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding illegal motoring fines levied and paid; the position in so far as penalty points allocated with the said fines are concerned; if these fines and points stand; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the requirement to repay legal charges as determined by the Supreme Court. [6484/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I can inform the Deputy that the Garda Síochána has sought the advice of the law officers on the implications of the recent decision of the High Court on section 21 of the Road Traffic Act 2002.

Citizenship Applications.

John Gormley

Ceist:

303 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the naturalisation application for a person (details supplied) will be processed soon; the action this person should take if they wish to travel; if they will experience difficulties in the naturalisation process or returning to Ireland; if their status were changed to that of a student, this person would be able to work here without requiring a work permit from their employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6521/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

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 25 July 2003.

The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. On the basis of the current average processing time, therefore, it is likely that the application of the individual concerned will be finalised in or around July 2005, as long as all the necessary supporting documentation has been provided.

The fact that a person has made an application for naturalisation does not preclude such a person from travelling outside the State. However, one of the conditions for naturalisation is that an applicant must have a period of continuous residency for one year immediately prior to the date of application and have been resident in the State for four out of the eight previous years.

Non-EEA nationals who are admitted to the State as students are entitled to work without an employment permit for limited periods.

Finally an applicant for naturalisation is not an Irish citizen — consequently such person will require permission from an immigration officer to re-enter the State.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

304 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Galway based on marriage to an Irish citizen. [6546/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The person in question arrived in the State in September 2000 and applied for asylum. This application was refused in January 2002. He then made an application for permission to remain based on parentage of a child born in the State in November 2001. Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the cases ofL & O, the separate procedure which then existed to enable persons to apply to reside in the State on the sole basis of parentage of an Irish born child ended on 19 February 2003. The Government decided that the separate procedure would not apply to cases which were outstanding on that date, including that made by the person in question.

The person in question subsequently made an alternative application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national, the mother of his child, in July 2003. The case is currently under consideration. A decision will be made when all the circumstances peculiar to this case have been fully considered.

It is also open to the person in question to make an application under the recently announced scheme set up to regularise the status of non national parents of children born in Ireland before 1 January 2005. Applications under this scheme must be made before 31 March 2005.

Employment Equality Legislation.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

305 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by members of the legal profession regarding new Circuit Court rules on employment equality, in particular the fact that the rules do not appear to take account of the Equality Act 2004; if he approved the rules, prior to publication; if he has satisfied himself with the rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Circuit Court Rules (Employment Equality Act 1998) 2004 were drafted by the Circuit Court Rules Committee before the enactment of the Equality Act 2004.

The Committee has been asked to consider the making of further rules in light of the 2004 Act.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

306 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing will be completed in the Land Registry Office for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6585/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application under section 49 of the Registration of Title Act 1964 — acquisition of title by virtue of long possession — which was lodged on 24 September 2004. Dealing No. D2004SM008211Q refers to this application.

I understand that due to their complicated nature applications under section 49, which require detailed examination of claims for registration as owners, can take some time to process. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a completion date at this stage.

However, I can assure the Deputy that this application is receiving attention in the Land Registry.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

307 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the long promised closed circuit television will be installed in an area (details supplied); the number of gardaí who are employed full time in dealing with the problem of prostitution in the area; the number of women who have been arrested for soliciting in the area for each of the past five years; the average age of the women involved; the number of men who have been arrested for soliciting the services of prostitutes in the area for each of the past five years; the average age of the men involved; the number of pimps living off immoral earnings who have been arrested in each of the past five years; the number of prosecutions and the number of convictions in all these cases. [6587/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the CCTV advisory committee has received a report from the chief superintendent DMR north central, outlining the CCTV needs for his divisions. The committee is still considering this report and is not in a position to make recommendations to the Commissioner at present. I understand that two gardaí employed full time in the area concerned are specifically tasked with addressing the problem of street prostitution.

I have been further informed that there have been no arrests in respect of people living off immoral earnings in the area in any of the past five years. The remaining information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tables.

Number of Women Arrested for Soliciting from 2000 to 2004.
Year	Number
2000	44
2001	44
2002	97
2003	89
2004	155

Average Age = 26 years

Number of Men Arrested for Soliciting the Services of Prostitutes from 2000 to 2004.
Year	Number
2000	22
2001	44
2002	63
2003	58
2004	81

Average Age = 46 years

The Number of Prosecutions and Convictions in the preceding cases.
	Women	Men
Year	Prosecutions	Convictions	Prosecutions	Convictions
2000	44	21	22	9
2001	44	20	44	16
2002	97	66	63	25
2003	89	44	58	42
2004	155	30	81	81

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

308 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new cooperation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI will include assistance in the inquiry into the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973; if he will urge action on issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on these double standards. [6589/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

On 21 February 2005, the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland signed protocols setting out the operational arrangements for secondments and personnel exchanges between the two police services, in accordance with Article 3 of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Police Co-operation of 29 April 2002.

In relation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Womens Rights' final report on the Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin Bombings of 1972 and 1973, the Government will give full consideration to its findings and recommendations in due course.

I do not accept that any double standards apply in relation to the foregoing separate developments.

Decentralisation Programme.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

309 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on progress regarding the proposed decentralisation of 200 posts from the immigration section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

An implementation plan in respect of the decentralisation of the immigration and asylum sections of my Department was prepared last year and submitted to decentralisation implementation group. It is available on my Department's website.

Progress has been made with regard to property solutions to fulfil the accommodation brief for the staff decentralising to Tipperary. A number of sites have been short listed and the process of evaluation of these sites by the Office of Public Works is at an advanced stage.

Prisons Building Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

310 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will name the two committee members who visited the site at Thorntown in advance of the committee meeting to discuss the site for the proposed new prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6591/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

It has not been the practice to identify officials by name. However, I can tell the Deputy that the two members of the committee were both officials of the Irish Prison Service with responsibilities relating to capital projects in the prisons area.

Ministerial Travel.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

311 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposed itinerary for the St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6633/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Deputy will appreciate that correspondence received by the Garda Commissioner is a matter for the Commissioner's office and not my Department. I am however aware that the content of this correspondence refers to the policing arrangements in place for Dalymount Park and as I informed the House in Question No. 420 of 15 February 2005 policing arrangements for public events and in locations generally, along with the allocation of Garda resources, are solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

Registration of Title.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

315 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application (details supplied) lodged with the Land Registry Office; when this application will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6665/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that there is no record of an application pending on these folios at present. If the Deputy can provide me with the date of lodgement of the application and a Land Registry reference number I will make further enquiries on his behalf.

I am further informed that an application concerning, inter alia, the two folios referred to by the Deputy was lodged on 7 September 2004 and was completed on 2 February 2005. Dealing No. D2004CR008527V refers to that application.

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

316 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason capital grant funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 for a community group (details supplied) in County Carlow was refused; the length of time the appeal procedure will take; if he will review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 330 together.

A working group on speed cameras chaired by my Department and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority is currently examining how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras would operate, including how camera sites will be chosen. Work is currently well advanced on preparing proposals on how the management of these arrangements will be structured and I expect to formulate proposals shortly.

The Government's road safety strategy 2004-06, published some months ago by the Minister for Transport, notes that successful jurisdictions, such as Victoria in Australia, have benefited from the engagement of private sector interests for the operation of camera and other detection equipment. It is also noticeable in relation to the experience in Victoria that the arrangements in place there greatly facilitate the determination of annual levels of checks for the entire fleet of vehicles.

The strategy therefore proposes that the Garda Síochána will enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the purposes of the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. Outsourcing of the operation of camera equipment will also free up Garda resources for enforcement purposes. These arrangements may see the project being rolled out on a phased basis and in addition to speeding offences it may extend to other appropriate traffic offences.

Provision of an outsource provider will be made by way of an open and competitive tendering process and a request for tender, RFT, document will issue in due course. In accordance with EU and national procurement guidelines this RFT will be published in the EU Journal and on the Government's procurement website etenders.gov.ie. All tender proposals subsequently received will be evaluated on an individual basis in accordance with the reward criteria that will be set down in the RFT.

The Garda authorities have informed me that there are twenty fixed camera installation posts at various locations in the Dublin area and the Meath-Louth division with three cameras rotated between these locations.

At present nine fixed camera installations are inoperable. This is due to a number of factors including criminal damage, broken glass on the fixed installation posts and road repairs obscuring road markings. The periods of inoperability are between two and eight months. In the latter instance the post was set on fire. The incidents of damage are the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Quotations were sought and financial sanction obtained to carry out necessary repairs in all cases, with the exception of the most recent ones for which quotations have been requested but not yet received. Repairs will be carried out over the coming weeks.

Arrangements are being made with the relevant local authorities to replace the road markings at two of the non-operational fixed camera positions.

Situations such as this are not satisfactory to me and in that regard I might also mention that recently an assistant commissioner was appointed to oversee the various initiatives being taken by the force in relation to the effective management of road traffic issues.

Coroners Service.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

319 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent calls for legislation allowing for the modernisation of the Coroners Service to allow the service to provide a more detailed analysis of fatal road crash data, including a national database of coroners files to aid research into the causes of road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6815/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Data from inquiries and inquests regarding fatal road traffic accidents is already available under current systems of work of coroners. I am conscious, however, that there is scope for better collation and dissemination of information by coroners so that it is available for researchers, among others. I can confirm that the organisation and structure of the Coroners Service is being considered in the context of the preparation of a coroners Bill in line with the commitment in the Government's legislation programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 28 January 2005.

Registration of Title.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

320 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a registration application made by Cork County Council for a property (details supplied) was finalised and returned to the council, it having been lodged on 29 April 2003. [6816/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Council Regulation (EC) No. 2201/2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1347/2000, which applies as from today 1 March 2005 does not provide any new measures in relation to divorce. The regulation restates the provisions on divorce which were contained in Regulation 1347/2000 which has applied in the State since 1 March 2001.

I made a statutory instrument yesterday under the European Communities Act 1972 which sets out the effect on domestic legislation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 2201/03 and makes necessary provision for the good administration of the regulation. That statutory instrument restates provisions in statutory instrument No. 472 of 2001 in relation to divorce and revokes the latter statutory instrument.

Residency Permits.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

324 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for applying for permission to return and reside here with their Irish born children for the former Kosovar programme refugee parents who gave birth to children during their stay here between 1999 and 2000; the documents required; the closing date for the applications; if the application forms are issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6886/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The revised arrangements which I have introduced for the making of applications for permission to remain on the basis of the parentage of a child born in Ireland prior to 1 January 2005 apply only in cases where the parents are and have been resident in the State since the birth of the child. The arrangements do not apply in respect of parents who are not resident in the State.

A separate application form IBC 05, which is available on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform website at www.justice.ie, must be completed by each applicant parent and be accompanied by the following original documents: original passport or national identity cards for each applicant parent; original birth certificate for the Irish born child; two passport size photographs signed on back; evidence of continuous residence in the State since the birth of the child, which could include utility bills, lease or rental agreements, etc.; a letter from a community welfare officer stating the period of receipt of welfare payments in the State; if either applicant was ever employed in the State, details of that employment, such as tax certificate, letter from employer, etc..

Completed applications, completed statutory declarations and supporting documents must be returned by post to the Irish Born Child Unit, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, P.O. Box 10003, Dublin 2 before 31 March 2005.

In relation to the former Kosovar programme refugee parents who gave birth to children during their stay here between 1999 and 2000, I am prepared to examine applications for residency in the State on a case by case basis outside of the terms of the general scheme above, subject to the requirements of the common good. I should emphasise that this separate consideration applies only to this cohort of persons in view of the unique nature of their presence in the State at the time of birth of their children here and the specific circumstances of their departure.

Child Care Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

325 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the criteria used to assess childcare groups for staffing have been or are to be changed; the meaning of references in recent correspondence to such groups that certain centres will be expected to be financially viable after 31 August 2005; if reductions are to made in staffing grants to such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6888/05]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

331 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason groups currently receiving funding towards the staffing costs of childcare facilities under the equal opportunities childcare programme are having their grant assistance terminated on 31 August 2005; and if he will reconsider the decision in view of the impact that this cut in grant aid will have on many communities, especially those in disadvantaged areas. [7020/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 331 together.

As the Deputies may be aware the equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, provides grant assistance towards the staffing costs of community based not-for-profit childcare services which have a clear focus on disadvantage.

Funding under the staffing measure of the EOCP is only made available to help support the staffing costs of those projects which can demonstrate that they are providing childcare in areas of significant disadvantage and that they are supporting disadvantaged parents to access employment, education or training. It was not intended that the EOCP will meet the full costs of running a service. The programme makes staffing grant assistance available for a period of usually three years to enable them to move towards self sustainability, which would normally be achieved when the service is operating at capacity and with an appropriate fee structure.

In a number of services the levels of disadvantage among parents are such that the families would be unable to pay economic fees and therefore those services are likely to require ongoing State support towards their staffing costs. My Department is currently reviewing the arrangements for the ongoing support of such services in very disadvantaged areas and plans to introduce new arrangements to support those services in cases where they will have received staffing grant assistance for three or more years at any date prior to 31 August 2005. Information regarding the introduction of these new arrangements will be forwarded to the groups in question as soon as it is available.

The relevant groups have been informed that their existing level of staffing grant assistance funding will be continued up to 31 August 2005, subject to the groups maintaining their forecast levels of service and meeting the targets they had previously agreed. The amounts awarded are deemed sufficient to enable the groups to maintain their approved level of service and to give them an opportunity to review their services and their fee structures.

In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on future staffing grant assistance.

Visa Requirements.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

326 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-EU nationals may require British visas, at a cost of €56 to travel by bus to or from Donegal, due to the fact that the route passes through the Six Counties, effectively preventing these non-nationals, including not only tourists but taxpaying migrant workers, from travelling throughout the State; his views on whether it is acceptable that British immigration policy can dictate the places a person can travel in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6889/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

It is well established in the case law of our Supreme Court that the right of a State to control the entry of non-nationals is a fundamental expression of national sovereignty which has been universally recognised from the earliest times. These are fundamental rights of the State itself as well as fundamental rights of the individual citizen. Notwithstanding the foregoing there is, as there must be given our geographical proximity, close cooperation between Ireland and the United Kingdom on immigration matters generally. Both Ireland and the United Kingdom maintain a common travel area arrangement which operates to the mutual benefit of Irish and British citizens, reflecting ties of cultural identity and heritage as well as labour market and business needs. An effect of that arrangement of course is passport-free travel within the common travel area for such citizens. It is not an effect of this arrangement that either jurisdiction has ceded its independent right to determine its policy in relation to non-nationals generally, although of course nationals of European Union states as well as Iceland, Liechenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy extensive free movement rights as a matter of EU law. Thus it is not the case that a non-national who is granted leave to enter in Heathrow Airport is, ipso facto, entitled to enter the State without further ado.

As a further manifestation of that independent capacity for immigration policy making, neither an Irish visa nor a British visa empowers a non-national to enter the territory of the other jurisdiction in cases where the non-national in question is visa required in both jurisdictions. For example the holder of a British visa, if visa required in this jurisdiction, is guilty of an offence under section 4(9) of the Immigration Act 2004 if he or she crosses the Border without an Irish visa. I hope that the foregoing illustrates that the situation to which the Deputy refers is one of many such situations which can arise in respect of travel by non-nationals within the common travel area. The effect of the policy to which the Deputy refers is not to prevent non-nationals travelling throughout this State — it is to prevent non-nationals from travelling from one part of this jurisdiction to another via Northern Ireland without the permission of the appropriate authorities in that jurisdiction.

The Deputy should be aware that recent joint studies between the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the British Immigration and Nationality Directorate have identified a significant amount of illegal immigration between Great Britain and the State through Northern Ireland — in both directions.

Crime Prevention.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

327 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the initiatives against hate crime in his Department; if he will further report on the initiatives against hate crime undertaken by the Garda; and if his attention has been drawn to the anti-hate crime campaign undertaken by the PSNI. [7015/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, in combating crimes with a racial motive, the Garda Commissioner approved the appointment of 145 ethnic liaison officers nationwide. The Garda racial and intercultural office provides training to the ethnic liaison officers. I understand that this is done in conjunction with leaders of ethnic minority groups and provides a good base for the ethnic liaison officers to learn about the techniques and sensitivities to be observed when investigating racially motivated incidents.

Garda authorities have assured me that ongoing liaising in the various communities instills confidence in those communities that the Garda Síochána will protect their rights where a racially motivated incident occurs. This process greatly assists in tackling such cases and also increases the probability that such incidents will be reported in the first instance.

I can inform the Deputy that a review of the incitement to hatred legislation has been ongoing in my Department in order to ascertain whether problems with the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 had contributed to the lack of prosecutions under the Act at the time the review was announced. It is hoped to finalise the review as soon as negotiations on a European framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia have been finalised and its text has been fully assessed for its implications in the context of the review.

As I previously outlined to the Deputy in the Dáil, the Government recently published the national action plan against racism 2005-08 with a core budget of €1 million. This funding will be used to further the goals of the plan and in particular to make strategic interventions in the implementation of the plan, pursue specific research or consultancy projects in particular sectors, undertake public awareness-information initiatives and grant schemes.

A strategic monitoring group is in the process of being established to oversee the implementation of the plan and will consider the needs for the type of campaigns referred to by the Deputy.

Finally, I can inform the Deputy that the campaign undertaken by the PSNI is an initiative funded by the European Union. I understand from the Garda authorities that the PSNI has invited the Garda Síochána to participate in developing this initiative whereby best policing practices can be developed in respect of an increasingly diverse society in both jurisdictions.

Garda Operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

328 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that eight members of the Garda special branch who raided the home of a Cork Sinn Féin councillor on 21 February 2005 did not question the councillor on any crime or criminal activity and took with them only the councillor’s notes on council meetings and business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7016/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into suspected money laundering activity, a number of properties in the southern Garda region were searched in recent weeks in accordance with law.

I am further informed that the home of the person in question was searched by the Garda Síochána but that no property of the kind described by the Deputy was removed and taken by gardaí.

Child Care Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

329 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government remains committed to child care provision, which is now a serious issue for many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7017/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The programme for Government and the progress of my Department's equal opportunities childcare programme are confirmation of the Government's commitment to developing and reviewing childcare services and to keeping childcare at the front of its social agenda.

The Government is making considerable progress in increasing the supply of centre-based child care places and in enhancing the awareness of quality issues among childminders while affording financial support towards the costs of child rearing through child benefit which has increased very significantly over the past seven years. To date the Government has favoured the use of child benefit for this purpose as it is income-neutral and affords parents choices with regard to the arrangements they choose to make in relation to the care of their children.

The Deputy will be aware that there have been significant improvements in the provision of supports for the development of child care over recent years. Child care was identified as an investment priority under the National Development Plan 2000-06. This was a direct response to the recommendations of the expert working group on child care established under Partnership 2000 to develop a strategy for the development and delivery of child care to support parents in employment, education and training.

The current equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, a seven-year programme, has an equal opportunities and social inclusion perspective and facilitates the further development and expansion of child care facilities to address the needs of parents, in reconciling their child care needs with their participation in employment, education and training. It aims to increase the supply of centre based-child care places by 55% by programme end.

The programme also has a focus on many of the quality issues which were identified in the child care strategy and aims to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of child care services throughout the country. Since it was launched in 2000, the funding for the programme for the 2000-06 period has increased from €317 million to €499.3 million or by 57%, the most recent increase being €50 million in budget 2005. The multi-annual capital envelopes announced that day also include the injection of a further €40 million in additional capital funding into child care between the programme end and 2009.

The programme provides capital grant assistance to create and enhance new and existing child care facilities, staffing grant assistance to community-based not-for-profit organisations whose child care services have a strong focus on the support of the child care needs of disadvantaged families, and offers supports to the city-county child care committees, to the national voluntary child care organisations, such as Barnardos, Childminding Ireland, the IPPA and the National Childrens Nursery Association, and to others who are working to improve the quality of child care in Ireland.

Total funding committed under the EOCP to date will create 33,946 new child care places, and will support 29,556 existing places. Of these, 20,500 new child care places were already in place by June 2004, an increase of 36% in the supply of child care places in four short years. These new places offer parents greater access to child care throughout Ireland as they meet their work and family needs. The EOCP also contributes towards the staffing costs of child care services which support parents who are disadvantaged to enable those services to offer differential fee scales.

The above measures relate to the supply of quality child care. I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the recommendations of the expert working group in relation to the demand side of child care. Government policy in the area of child support aims to provide assistance which will offer real choice to parents and which will benefit all children whatever care options their parents choose for them. As I mentioned previously, child benefit is the main fiscal instrument through which support is provided to parents with dependent children, and it provides support to all parents irrespective of income and employment status. In his Budget Statement 2005, the Minister for Finance announced further increases of €10 per month to €141.60 per month for the first two children and €12 per month to €177.30 per month for third and subsequent child from April 2005. This means that over the period since 1997, monthly child benefit has almost quadrupled. This level of increase is unprecedented and delivers on the Government's objective of providing support for children generally while offering real choice to all parents in relation to the care of their children.

Further measures on child care are being provided by the Government in a range of different ways and I have outlined a number of examples for the Deputy's information: In 2001, the Department of Finance allocated €12.7 million capital expenditure for the provision of up to 15 Civil Service crèches for the children of Government employees. Five crèches are in operation and a further crèche opened in January 2005. Proposals for additional crèches are being considered; in March 2001, the IDA launched a scheme to provide for the creation of high quality, workplace child care facilities in IDA Ireland business parks around the country. Four of these have opened, with another under construction and a sixth at contract stage; since the start of 2002, the city and county enterprise boards have approved funding of over €1.6 million to 153 child care centres across the country. This funding comprises mainly staffing grants, with a small number of capital grants available; capital allowances for capital expenditure on the construction, extension and refurbishment of a building, which is used for the purpose of providing a pre-school service or similar service; and there is also an exemption on the usual benefit-in-kind provisions for employees who enjoy free or subsidised child care facilities provided by their employers. In such circumstances, the employer must be wholly or partly responsible for both financing and managing the child care facility. The outcomes of the present programme will be monitored closely to inform the forward planning process in order to support the twin needs of quality child care provision and labour market supports. This Government's record in providing enhanced child care services is without parallel and I am confident that we are moving rapidly to ensure that there are quality services available to parents throughout the country.

Question No. 330 answered with QuestionNo. 318.

Question No. 331 answered with QuestionNo. 325.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

332 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a review of the application for naturalisation will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7021/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in March 2003. The application was submitted to me for a decision in January 2005 and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation in that instance.

Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that an applicant for naturalisation must have one year's period of residence in the State before the date of the application and a total of four years residence in the State in the eight preceding that period.

Section 16(g) of that Act provides that I may, in my absolute discretion, waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees. In considering applications under this provision, I am generally disposed to waiving two years of the normal residency requirement, thereby requiring such applicants to be resident in the State for three years at the time of the application. The three year period commences from the date the applicant arrived in the State to seek refugee status.

The reason for my refusal was disclosed to the applicant in the letter informing him of my decision. The applicant arrived in the State on 30 June 2001 and made his application for a certificate of naturalisation on 4 February 2003. As there were no circumstances apparent in the application which would lead me to depart from the general policy outlined above, I decided to refuse the application based on the fact that the applicant was not in the State three years at the time of the application. Assuming that the person concerned has been resident in the State continually since his arrival here in June 2001, he would now appear to have the appropriate residency and it is open to him to submit a new application at any time. Any such application will be considered against the statutory and administrative provisions in operation at the time the application is submitted.

School Closures.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

333 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the future of a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if her Department has made contact and had discussions with the board of management of this school; if this school will be taking pupils and will be operational for the next school year in September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6541/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The planning section of my Department is in consultation with the school authorities and the local schools' inspectors in the matter and no final decision has been made.

Retirement Provisions.

John Perry

Ceist:

334 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person who is due to retire as a lecturer in an institute of technology can have their contract extended if the college is willing to renew the contract to allow the person continue with their chosen profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6542/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to a lecturer who has attained, or is about to attain, age 65. Retirement by age 65 is a standard feature of public service pension schemes and usually, as in the case of established civil servants, involves retirement on the public servant's 65th birthday. Special provisions applicable to lecturers in institutes of technology and teachers in the public service generally allow service to continue until the end of the academic year in which age 65 is attained.

The standard retirement age of 65 was recently addressed in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. The Act, which is in effect since 1 April 2004, abolishes the compulsory retirement age of 65 in the case of most new entrants to the public service, including lecturers-teachers. The Act defines a new entrant as a person commencing employment in the public service on or after 1 April 2004 or a person resuming employment in the public service, after a break exceeding 26 weeks, on or after 1 April 2004. It would appear that the lecturer referred to by the Deputy is not a new entrant to the public service. I confirm that, in the circumstances, the lecturer will be required to retire at the end of the academic year in which he or she attains age 65.

Higher Education Grants.

John Perry

Ceist:

335 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in relation to the third level maintenance grant; if she will make a decision on their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6544/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

338 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the pension rights of special needs assistants employed in post-primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6567/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that, arising from the provisions of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001, special needs assistants in second level schools are eligible for admission to pensionability in accordance with standard public service arrangements. A circular letter which will set out the detailed arrangements for such admission is being prepared and it is expected that it will be issued to schools in the next few weeks.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

339 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in post-primary or secondary schools in County Kildare; the rates of pay for special needs assistants; the hours they are entitled to work; the regulations that are determined by her Department in regard to the employment of special needs assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6570/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

To date, my Department has allocated a total of 17.39 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants at post-primary level in County Kildare, with 9.51 at VEC schools, 4.95 at secondary schools and 2.93 at community and comprehensive schools.

While approval for the post of special needs assistant is granted by my Department, the appointment of individual special needs assistants in second level schools is a matter for each school authority. With effect from 1 January 2005, special needs assistants employed in voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools are now paid directly through my Department's centralised payroll system. They are paid on an incremental salary scale with part-time special needs assistants paid a salary based on the hours that they actually work. A copy of the circular outlining these arrangements is attached for the Deputy's information. This circular also includes details of the salary scale applicable to special needs assistants from 1 December 2004.

I will provide for the Deputy's information, a further circular issued in January advising vocational education committees of revised pay arrangements for special needs assistants.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

340 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the name of the second level school on the north side of Dublin that is providing a service for students with Asperger’s syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6605/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department is actively engaged in pursuing the development of a second level programme for children with Asperger's syndrome on Dublin's north side. A letter outlining proposals regarding the establishment of a unit for pupils with Asperger's syndrome has recently issued to St. Joseph's Secondary School, Fairview,Dublin 3.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

341 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the evidence of care needs which is required by her Department in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6611/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms. Hanafin)

I wish to advise the Deputy that special needs assistants, SNAs, may be approved to support pupils who have a significant medical need for assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for SNA support is outlined in my Department's circular 07/02. I am making arrangements to have a copy of the circular furnished to the Deputy.

Ministerial Travel.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

342 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6634/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms. Hanafin)

It is my intention to visit New York and Philadelphia. My itinerary has not been finalised yet but it includes the following engagements: Parades in New York and Philadelphia; ICCUSA business breakfast; Tourism Ireland event in Philadelphia; Irish Chamber Orchestra debut performance, Carnegie Hall; Ireland — US Council lunch; Top 100 event in New York; Mayor's breakfast, New York; Governor's breakfast, New York; lunch, Knights of St. Patrick, New York; interview with the Irish Radio Network, New York; and the Jerry McCabe breakfast, John Jay College, New York.

The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, is accompanying President McAleese to Japan and Korea. The schedule for this visit can be obtained from the President's office. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has agreed to represent the Government at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham on 13 March 2005. The parade commences at 12 noon. The Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, will also attend mass at St. Anne's Church in the Irish quarter at 9.30 a.m. The Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating briefing for all Ministers representing Ireland abroad during St. Patrick's week. Deputies de Valera, Lenihan and I are conscious of the excellent opportunity that St. Patrick's week events provides for Ministers to showcase Irish culture, to meet with representatives of the Irish community and to promote Ireland's economic interests abroad.

School Placement.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

343 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that over 80 children who applied for secondary school places in Limerick in accordance with the scheme negotiated with her predecessor have been allocated no place, despite listing five schools in order of preference; the action she will take to ensure that they are offered appropriate places in secondary school; her views on the manner in which the scheme in question has operated this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6654/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am aware of the situation which arose in Limerick recently where 87 children did not receive an offer of a place in any of their preferred schools in the first round of offers from the city schools. However, it is important to point out that the process did not conclude with the first round offers. The school authorities continued to meet in an effort to place all applicants. I am happy to inform the Deputy that following a further meeting on Friday, 25 February 2005, all 87 children have now been offered places in a school of their preference on the basis of their original application.

However, the Deputy is incorrect in stating that the central applications scheme was negotiated with my predecessor. Following difficulties that arose in Limerick city around the placement of pupils in second level schools in 2004, the then Minister convened a meeting of all the schools involved and received a commitment that the schools would seek to resolve the issues by co-operating with one another for the 2005-06 school year.

The centralised application system was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in the area. Limerick Education Centre agreed to administer the centralised application system on behalf of the post-primary schools. My Department was not involved in the design or operation of the system.

If, at the conclusion of the process, parents are unhappy with the place which has been offered they have a right of appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act against each school for which they expressed a preference and in which they were not offered a place. Parents have been advised to contact the schools which may have refused them a place in order to determine if there are grounds on which they feel an appeal could be pursued.

Early School Leavers.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

344 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when, or if, all or part of the school completion programme is under way in various parts of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6655/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school completion programme, which was launched in 2002, incorporates the learning, experience and best practice derived from previous early school leaving initiatives, namely the eight to fifteen early school leaver initiative, ESLI, and the stay in school retention initiative, SSRI.

The school completion programme is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. The programme has been allocated €24 million in 2005 and is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling educational disadvantage, involving 82 projects in 21 counties, 300 primary and 112 post-primary schools, parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies. It entails targeting individual young people of school going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in educational access, participation and outcomes.

A review of educational disadvantage programmes is currently being finalised by my Department and any decision to include additional schools in the school completion programme is being considered in the context of this review.

Overseas Students.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

345 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 5 October 2004, the progress to date by the working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6656/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The working group referred to by the Deputy has completed its work. Its report, entitled Internationalisation of Irish Education Services was published in November 2004. The report, which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, recommends, inter alia, the establishment of a new statutory body called Education Ireland to attract overseas students to Ireland.

My Department is currently engaged in a consultation process with the main stakeholders in the sector with a view to informing the implementation process and the preparation of the necessary legislation to establish Education Ireland. My Department will also consider the scope for implementing recommendations in the report on an administrative basis in advance of legislation.

School Placement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

346 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) will be accepted into Sallins national school, Sallins, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6680/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The compulsory school starting age in a national school is six. Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.

Where a board of management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal, with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the board of management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.

Special Educational Needs.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

347 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will implement the proposed changes in the provision of special needs education in mainstream primary schools in September 2005; the reason children who have been identified as having mild general learning difficulties will no longer be entitled to access resource teaching; the reason children who have been identified as having severe specific learning difficulties that is, dyslexia will no longer be entitled to access resource teaching and children with Down’s Syndrome functioning at the mild general learning difficulty level will no longer be entitled to access resource teaching; if she will report on the advantages of these proposed changes; the alternative tuition which will be made available by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6838/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In the light of the reality that pupils in the high incidence disability categories of mild and borderline mild general learning disability and dyslexia are distributed throughout the education system, my Department, in consultation with educational interests, developed a general model of resource teacher allocation to schools to support students in these disability categories. This model, which was announced by my predecessor in 2004 to come into effect from September 2005, was designed to put in place a permanent resource in primary schools to cater for pupils in these categories.

The model was constructed so that allocations would be based on pupil numbers, taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and the evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard. The logic behind having a general allocation model is to reduce the need for individual applications and supporting psychological assessments, and put resources in place on a more systematic basis, thereby giving schools more certainty about their resource levels. This will allow for better planning in schools, greater flexibility in identifying and intervening earlier with regard to pupils' special needs, as well as making the posts more attractive to qualified teachers.

School Staffing.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

353 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of the INTO in regard to staffing at primary schools; her views on whether a reduction in class size is long overdue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6844/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

362 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the problem of large classes in primary schools by sanctioning extra teachers to schools in which classes are unacceptably large, in view of the increasing number of graduating teachers each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6920/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 362 together.

The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.

The Deputy should note that significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio, covering all the teachers in the school, including resource teachers, fell from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. Over 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. Those additional teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for children with special needs.

Significantly smaller class sizes have been introduced in disadvantaged schools involved in the Giving Children an Even Break-Breaking the Cycle programme, with approximately 47,700 pupils in 243 participating schools availing of reduced class sizes of either 15 or 20 pupils per class. In line with the programme for Government commitment, class sizes for the under-nines will be reduced still further, with priority given to those in disadvantaged schools.

Broadcasting Regulations.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

354 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider introducing regulations in conjunction with other Departments regarding an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6845/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The radio blackout to which the Deputy refers is that which RTE, with the other radio stations licensed by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, implements immediately before general elections and referenda. This moratorium is a consequence of a voluntary agreement, and it is used as a mechanism to ensure that fairness and balance are achieved by the broadcast media during the final 24 hours before polling commences and while polling is under way. It allows voters a period for reflection in the final stages of the campaign.

Written examinations in the leaving certificate cover a period of 13 days and span almost three weeks. It would be difficult to enforce a moratorium for that period.

I believe that there is an ongoing responsibility on radio stations and other media such as newspapers to ensure that analyses presented are well researched, advice given sound, commentaries balanced and helplines very carefully managed.

School Accommodation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

355 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will meet a County Wexford group (details supplied) to address the urgent problem of access to second level schools in its area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6846/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Owing to diary commitments, I regret that I am currently unable to meet the group to which the Deputy refers. However, I will arrange for officials of my Department to meet the group again shortly to discuss its concerns.

The primary school in question is in the Kilmuckridge catchment area. An examination of enrolment trends in the catchment's post-primary school has been carried out by the school planning section for the purposes of ensuring that there is sufficient accommodation to cater for demand for pupil places. That examination revealed that enrolments have dropped by 12.8% in the past ten years. In the circumstances, the school planning section is satisfied that there is ample post-primary accommodation for the pupils in question in their own catchment area. A major refurbishment and extension project for the school, which has been approved to proceed to tender and construction in 2005, will provide it with state-of-the-art facilities for the foreseeable future.

Educational Disadvantage.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

356 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to tackle educational disadvantage in the Tallaght area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6847/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Some €540 million was provided by my Department in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage in accordance with the strategies outlined in the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2003-2005, and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on educational disadvantage. Very significant additional funding is being provided to alleviate disadvantage in 2005. That additional funding will allow for the targeting of measures from pre-school through the school system to third level, second-chance education and adult literacy.

My Department has targeted resources at those most at risk of educational disadvantage in Tallaght. This includes provision in the following areas. Under the Giving Children an Even Break programme, 13 primary schools in Tallaght have received additional teaching posts to implement reduced class sizes of 20:1 for junior classes and 27:1 for senior classes. There are six school completion programme clusters in Tallaght, encompassing six post-primary and 19 primary schools. A school completion programme co-ordinator has been appointed to work with each of those clusters. In 2004, the six clusters received a combined allocation in excess of €1.2 million. There are 18 primary and seven post-primary schools in Tallaght participating in the disadvantaged areas scheme, which benefits schools by providing over-quota teaching posts, additional funding to launch book rental schemes, additional capitation grants of €38 per pupil and a home-school liaison grant to develop links with parents.

There are 17 primary and seven post-primary schools in Tallaght participating in the home-school community liaison scheme. This scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of the child's learning.

As part of the roll-out of services of the National Educational Welfare Board, which is the national body with responsibility for school attendance, four educational welfare officers have been assigned to the Tallaght area. The Tallaght youth service has been allocated funding of €700,000 to help targeted groups, including early school-leavers, young mothers and Travellers, with self-development. My Department has also provided support for second-chance education in west Tallaght through the Youthreach programme, the back to education initiative, and the local senior Traveller training centre.

As part of a wider system of structural reform, my Department has recently established a regional office in Tallaght. That office will help identify education issues arising at a local level, particularly gaps and overlaps in social inclusion provision, and provide regular reports to my Department. The local presence will help my Department to continue to target resources at those most at risk of educational disadvantage in Tallaght.

Third Level Grants.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

357 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider the establishment of a centralised streamlined system of administration in respect of third level grants in view of the hardship that many students have to endure as a result of the delays in securing grants to which they are entitled, delays which are caused in the main by poor administration at local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6910/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

361 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are any applications for third level grants for 2004-05 which have not yet been decided; if any qualifying students have not yet received an initial payment for 2004-05; if so, the granting authority or authorities concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6919/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 361 together.

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. Those are the higher education grants scheme, the vocational education committees' scholarships scheme, the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees, and the maintenance grants scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses. The higher education grants scheme is administered by the local authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the vocational education committees. The process of assessing eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC.

My Department carried out a survey of the 66 local authorities and VECs early in 2005 in respect of the status of applications for student grants for the current academic year as at mid-January. The survey indicated that decisions had been taken on at least 82% of applications at that time. Of the remaining 18% of applications received close on 15% were ones regarding which additional documentation was awaited or where the application form itself was incomplete. The remaining 3% were either part-processed by the awarding authority, or processing had yet to commence. Those will include late applications accepted by the awarding authorities and applications received in respect of courses which commence in the first quarter of the 2005 calendar year.

My Department, in recognition of the importance of the timely provision of payment to eligible students, is engaged in ongoing consultations with the Irish Vocational Education Association and the County and City Managers Association with a view to improving the existing arrangements and ensuring the earlier processing of applications and the making of payments to eligible students.

My Department is also in discussions with the existing stakeholders regarding the future administration of the schemes. My intention is that whatever future administration of the schemes we put in place will be one which delivers a quality and timely service to students and which ensures consistency of application and client accessibility.

Special Educational Needs.

James Breen

Ceist:

358 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made in relation to autism facilities of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6911/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department received an application to establish an autistic class from the school in question. My officials are liaising with the national educational psychological service, NEPS, regarding the application. A decision will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

School Accommodation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

359 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to provide additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6912/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department is moving towards a model of devolving the responsibility of building projects to school management authorities where appropriate. The devolving of funding to local level will accommodate school authorities to have responsibility and ownership of their building projects and assist in moving projects in a specific timeframe through the design process, to tender action and construction.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been included for additional accommodation under the Devolved Initiative 2005, which I announced last week.

Question No. 360 answered with QuestionNo. 352.

Question No. 361 answered with QuestionNo. 357.

Question No. 362 answered with QuestionNo. 353.

Special Educational Needs.

Questions Nos. 366 and 367 answered with Question No. 364.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

368 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full schedule of proposed works required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if provision is being made in respect of a science room and toilets; if she expects this project to be advanced in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6949/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an extension project at the school to which he refers is on the list of projects to proceed to tender and construction in the next 12 to 15 months. The following accommodation will be provided as part of the extension: six general classrooms; a demonstration room; a computer room; a special tuition room; two lecture rooms; administration-office accommodation; storage; toilets; a circulation-social area; and a PE hall and ancillary facilities.

There are four existing science laboratories in this school and one of these is to be refurbished as part of this project. While toilets are being provided in the extension, it is also proposed to refurbish some of the toilets in the existing building.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department is proposing a new system for the allocation of resource teaching supports to pupils with special educational needs, SEN. This system will involve a general teaching allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence SEN, that is, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability, and also those with learning support needs.

This pupil's SEN appear to be within the high incidence category. Therefore, it would be expected that these needs can be met from within the current resource learning support teaching allocation available to the school.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

372 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused resource hours even though they have a visual impairment and a learning difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6989/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for resource teaching support for the pupil in question was considered by my Department. Resource teaching support was not granted as the supporting documentation submitted with the application was inadequate.

The school subsequently submitted further documentation and this is currently being considered. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

My Department is moving towards a model of devolving the responsibility of building projects to school management authorities where appropriate. The devolving of funding to local level will accommodate school authorities to have responsibility and ownership of their building projects and assist in moving projects in a specific timeframe through the design process, to tender action and construction.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been included for additional accommodation under the devolved initiative 2005 which I announced last week.

Student Accommodation.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

376 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the operation of section 50 tax relief for student accommodation, she believes any conflict of interest exists in respect of third level institutions where they are the regulator of the scheme but in many cases are providers also; and if she has any plans to review this aspect of the scheme. [7294/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Third level institutions must work to promote the best interest and welfare of students. The role bestowed on them under the section 50 tax scheme, and the rationale for that role, is consistent with that objective. Their participatory role in providing accommodation is not incongruous with their function of safeguarding and promoting the best interest of students.

School Management.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

377 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 2 February 2005, if she will confirm that the new board of management for the Ballymun comprehensive school will comprise representatives of both parents and teachers; and if she will ensure that there is no further delay in appointing the board. [7295/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

To expedite the appointment of a principal to oversee the commencement of the new Ballymun comprehensive school, it is essential that a board of management is appointed immediately. This board must be constituted in accordance with the existing model which does not, at this point in time, allow for parent or teacher representation. This board, however, will be replaced by a board that will include such representation following the finalisation of revised arrangements for the composition of boards of management across the comprehensive sector. Agreement on these arrangements is nearing conclusion with the relevant education partners. The parties involved in the Ballymun comprehensive school have been informed of the position.

Question No. 378 answered with QuestionNo. 91.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380, 381 and 387 to 389, inclusive, together.

As my predecessor outlined in a reply to a previous question on this matter on 8 July 2004, when an incident involves injury to a member of the Defence Forces, a formal court of inquiry is convened to take evidence and to make recommendations on the matter. In this case, the court of inquiry has not been convened as the incident is currently the subject of a civil action in the courts. I am advised that, once the matter has been disposed of by the courts, a court of inquiry will be convened. As the matter is the subject of legal action and still before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. I can assure the Deputy that, following the conclusion of the civil case, a court of inquiry will be held which will undertake a comprehensive examination of all aspects of this case.

Arising out of this incident, disciplinary action was taken against one officer, two NCOs and one private. All were fairly dealt with in accordance with legal procedures as set down under the Defence Act 1954, as amended, and the Rules of Procedure (Defence Forces) 1954 SI 243 of 1954. The officer was awarded a fine, the highest punishment on the scale of punishments awardable by an authorised officer, and did not exercise his legal right to refuse the punishment and elect for trial by court-martial. The NCOs and the private were awarded severe reprimands and a warning respectively which are the second lowest and lowest punishments on the scale of punishments awardable by a commanding officer. The scale of these punishments did not confer a legal right to elect for trial by court-martial. The officer was charged with two offences under section 168 of the Defence Act, one of which was for failure to comply with paragraph 4 of Training Circular 3 of 1977. The charge was found proven and he was awarded a fine accordingly.

The military justice system in the Defence Forces is constantly under review and recently a military law review board reported to the military authorities recommending certain amendments to Part V — Discipline — of the Defence Act. The recommendations, which reflect modern developments of civil law within the State and in military law abroad, have been approved in principle by the Office of the Attorney General. A memorandum for Government is currently being prepared in the matter.

Medical Discharge.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

382 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence if he will investigate the reason a person (details supplied) was discharged from the Defence Forces. [6588/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The military authorities advise that the person in question enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force on 13 April 1973 and was discharged on 23 January 1977. His reason for discharge is recorded as "below army physical standards". Due to medical confidentiality, I cannot give full details of the reason the military medical authorities determined that the person concerned was below the medical standard for continued service in the Permanent Defence Force. However, if the individual in question wishes to nominate a medical practitioner, the military medical authorities will furnish any necessary details to such a nominee.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

383 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6635/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

From Monday to Thursday of St. Patrick's week, I will attend to my ministerial duties and to constituency matters in Limerick. On Friday and Saturday, I will be in attendance at an informal defence ministerial meeting in Luxembourg. It is not envisaged that briefing material will be required from my Department for Ministers who will be visiting other countries.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

384 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements which exist for recruitment to the RDF; if the Army authorities are proactive in encouraging recruitment to this part of the Defence Forces; his plans to augment the numbers in the RDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6660/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Defence Forces reserve, comprising An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, FCA, and An Slua Muirí, recruits approximately 1,300 reservists annually. This level of recruitment reflects the success of the various campaigns and recruiting methods currently undertaken by the reserve. The Defence Forces have a proactive approach to recruiting which is particularly reflected in the reserve component of the Defence Forces stands at careers exhibitions such as those in Croke Park and the RDS. The exhibitions attract attendances in excess of 25,000 members of the public which include very large numbers of young people and satisfy the target recruit profile of the reserve. Such exhibitions are considered an important positive public relations opportunity for the Permanent Defence Force and the reserve.

In addition to the national campaign, recruiting is also ongoing at local unit level. This is done through open days, attendance at schools and reserve stands at shopping centres.

Army Barracks.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

385 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the reason a commitment made by his predecessor to hand over part of the Army land in Ballincollig, County Cork, to various community groups has not taken place; if he will honour this promise; if so, when the transfer will take place. [6833/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

An area comprising more than 27 acres of the property in question is being handed over to Cork County Council for community use, including the provision of playing pitches. At meetings held at County Hall, Cork, in January 2002 between my predecessor and representatives of the local GAA and soccer clubs, it was agreed that the soccer club should be allocated one pitch on the northern side of a mill race which traverses the barrack lands and a second pitch to the south of that mill race, while the GAA Club would be given an area adjacent to the soccer pitch on the northern side. The formal allocation of the land to the clubs is a matter for Cork County Council. My Department is in the process of transferring title to the property to the Council.

John Gormley

Ceist:

386 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if there are any microwave antennae or transmitters in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6834/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There is one microwave transmitter utilised for Defence Forces purposes operating from the communications mast in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines. Defence Forces communications systems comprising VHF and HF radio systems are also in operation at the barracks. There are no non-military communications systems operating from the mast at Cathal Brugha Barracks.

Questions Nos. 387 to 389, inclusive, answered with Question No. 380.

Question No. 390 answered with QuestionNo. 73.

Question No. 391 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

National Emergency Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

392 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy and alert warning mechanisms in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6934/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Garda Siochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by them in co-operation with the Defence Forces. The advice available to me is that, while the Garda authorities recognise that while the terrorist threat to Europe may currently be high, in relation to Ireland it is low. Notwithstanding this, it is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review. The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency. The key issue in relation to responding to any terrorist attack is to have in place appropriate and effective plans to respond to the impact of that attack and to protect the civilian population.

The Government task force on emergency planning has worked, since it was set up in 2001, to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Government Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency. The focus for this work continues to be on making the necessary arrangements to, at best, prevent or, at least, minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised, putting mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and providing coordination for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

International linkages have also been important as a means of sharing expertise and resources. The European Union continues to develop programmes to improve co-operation within the Union, to prevent and limit any consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorists threats. This was given further impetus by the EU Declaration on Combating Terrorism, agreed under the Irish Presidency last year, which, among other things, emphasises the benefits of cooperation and coordination.

A critical issue in an emergency situation is the question of issuing adequate and timely warnings and providing the necessary information to the general public on threatened or developing emergency situations. The EU civil protection mechanism and other international mechanisms provide Ireland with certain warning and alert systems. Television and radio broadcasting will be the key means of contact with the public in such circumstances but all other means of communication will be utilised.

The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place relating to the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Siochána — and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations.

The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency.

As chairperson of the Government task force, my approach continues to be that such responses should be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements. I will continue this work and I will report regularly to Government and to this House on these matters.

Question No. 393 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

394 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all military equipment, including vehicles, is not up to date; if there are any areas in need of modernisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6936/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces has been a key focus in recent years. Significant investment has taken place and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are now well equipped with modern equipment for their day to day roles at home and overseas.

However, while much has been done and a great deal has been achieved I am aware that more needs to be done. In this connection investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various subheads of my Department's Estimates this year relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and information technology etc.

This will enable me to maintain a substantial re-equipment programme to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

395 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength by rank of the Air Corps; the way in which this figure compares with that of ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6937/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

396 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength by rank of the Naval Service; the way in which this figure compares with that of ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6938/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

397 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength by rank of the Army; the way in which this figure compares with that of ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6941/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 to 397, inclusive, together.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. There were 258 recent recruits undergoing training on 1 January 2005.

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, comprising the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as of 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2005, was as follows:

Strength of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 1/1/1995 and 1/1/2005
	LtGen	MajGen	BrigGen	Col	LtCol	Comdt	Capt	Lt	TotalOffrs	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTs	CPLs	TotalNCOs	PTEs	Cadets	Total
Army 1/1/1995	0	2	6	36	133	410	490	200	1277	37	47	164	358	1365	2159	4130	5350	45	10802
Army 1/1/2005	1	2	6	38	124	349	274	245	1039	32	41	132	248	1036	1583	3072	4378	103	8592
Air Corps 1/1/1995	0	0	1	1	11	34	55	45	147	5	4	58	14	127	199	407	526	9	1089
Air Corps 1/1/2005	0	0	1	2	14	33	40	50	140	8	4	48	15	133	190	398	321	12	871
Naval Service 1/1/1995	0	0	1	2	11	34	62	24	134	6	5	64	15	189	181	460	439	11	1044
Naval Service 1/1/2005	0	0	1	2	13	46	22	72	156	7	7	76	16	195	189	490	421	21	1,088

Lt Gen — Lieutenant General

Maj Gen — Major General

Brig Gen — Brigadier General

Col — Colonel

Lt Col — Lieutenant Colonel

Comdt — Commandant

Capt — Captain

Lt — Lieutenant

SM — Sergeant Major

BQMS — Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant

CS — Company Sergeant

CQMS — Company Quartermaster Sergeant

SGTs — Sergeants

CPLs — Corporals

NCOs — Non Commissioned Officers

PTEs — Privates

Search and Rescue Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

398 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of Naval Service and Air Corps personnel currently involved in air and sea rescue; the degree to which adequate equipment and training is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6942/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. The Air Corps had been providing search and rescue services, SARs, in the north west but withdrew in October 2004, following a handover of this role to CHCI, a private operator, which also provides the service at the country's other SAR bases at Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.

The Defence Forces are already committed to providing support to the civil authorities specifically in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and the Air Corps will continue to provide support to the coast guard as the need arises and within their available capacity. Air Corps pilots will continue to train in search and rescue techniques and to provide a limited non-maritime search and rescue response. The specification for the new helicopters being acquired for the Air Corps includes a search and rescue capability.

Search and rescue capability requires a wide range of available skills, piloting, winching, medical, vessel crewing, radar etc. I am advised by the military authorities that the availability of these skills within the Defence Forces is sufficient to meet their continuing commitments in this area.

Defence Forces Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

399 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current total number of Army overholders; his proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6944/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 67 on 12 October 2004, personnel on being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force are obliged to vacate married quarters within a short period of the dates of their discharge. The provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married military personnel have an equal claim on such housing as other members of the community in the same income category.

The individuals overholding 54 married quarters — 51 at the Curragh, two at McKee Park, Dublin 7, and one at Arbour Hill, Dublin 7 — were written to in August 2002 and requested to vacate the properties. In the Curragh, eight of the quarters have been vacated to date and three others have been purchased by the occupants. A further eight of the properties have been offered for sale and a number of those sales are likely to be finalised in the near future. The three properties in Dublin have also been offered for sale to the occupants.

My Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-operative housing schemes, in relation to the rehousing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for local authority housing. The Department remains in contact with the overholders pending resolution of the issue.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

400 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the rules of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [6526/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, HSE, formerly the health boards, in line with various guidelines issued from time to time by the task force which administers the scheme under the aegis of my Department, aid is provided to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit or insanitary conditions. Only very exceptionally is grant assistance permitted to elderly persons who are not living alone: this may include cases where a dependent child resides with an elderly person. There are no proposals to alter the scheme guidelines in this respect.

It has not been possible to identify a case in County Mayo corresponding to the details supplied with the question. In a case corresponding to some, but not all of the details, the HSE has not seen fit to provide grant assistance in the circumstances involved.

Turbary Rights.

John Perry

Ceist:

401 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment for compensation for turbary rights in an SAC area; the amount which will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6856/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turfcutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs and turbary rights to my Department.

Arrangements are being made to contact the person concerned with a view to determining his eligibility and the amount that may be due to him.

Animal Welfare.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

402 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made on plans to regulate the puppy farm industry; if legislation is pending on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6498/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

On 24 September 2004, my predecessor announced the setting up of a working group to examine the current position regarding management of dog breeding establishments and to make recommendations for such improvements, including better regulation, as it considers necessary in this area.

I understand that the group has undertaken public consultation, has held three meetings to date, and that its report is currently being prepared. I expect to receive the report by the end of March. At that stage, I will consider the group's recommendations and decide the action to be taken.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

403 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vacant houses which are in the possession of each of the local authorities in County Mayo; the locations of these houses; and the reason the houses are not being allocated. [6506/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I understand that Kildare County Council's proposals to provide sewerage facilities in Ballymore Eustace under the serviced land initiative are in abeyance because the proposed residential development to be served by the scheme is not proceeding.

No other proposals in respect of Ballymore Eustace were included in the wastewater infrastructure requirements identified by Kildare 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 water services 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 the Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006 published in May 2004. In the absence of a prioritised proposal for Ballymore Eustace, no provision has been made for it in the programme.

Archaeological Sites.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

408 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures or steps which a community or voluntary organisation can take to secure a preservation order or listed status for a historical site or archaeological structure; the way in which such sites are preserved or listed if they are not in public ownership; the way in which such issues are pursued if such sites are in private ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 allow for the making by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of a preservation order in respect of a national monument, which is defined as a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance. Such an order may be made where it appears to the Minister that a monument, which in his opinion is a national monument, is in danger of being or is actually being damaged. Under the National Monuments Acts, it is an offence to interfere with a national monument.

There are however many monuments in the State outside of public ownership which would not be regarded as national monuments but would be of considerable local interest and significance. Under the National Monuments Acts, monuments and places of archaeological or historical significance are listed in the record of monuments and places, RMP, compiled by my Department and there are in excess of 120,000 so listed. A copy of the RMP for their area is to be available at the offices of the local planning authority. Before works of any kind may be undertaken which may affect an RMP listed site, two months' advance notice must be given to my Department by the person concerned and failure to comply is an offence. In case of proposed development works, the obligation to notify is met through the requirement under the planning code for planning authorities to refer relevant planning applications to the Department for comment as to heritage implications.

A local planning authority may also in appropriate cases include in the record of protected structures which it is required to maintain, structures of special historical or archaeological interest and these are then subject to protection under the planning code. The making of an addition to or a deletion from the record is a reserved function of the elected council involving a public consultation process. It is of course open to a local group to make representations to a local authority at any time as to the exercise of its functions. Local authorities enjoy broad statutory powers under local government and planning legislation to promote the community interest, to enter into arrangements with and provide assistance to local groups or other persons and to protect and enhance local heritage sites and features.

Waste Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

409 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of criminal prosecutions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities under the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, in respect of each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Information on prosecutions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency is available on its website at www.epa.ie.

My Department has no data on summary convictions taken by local authorities under the Waste Management Act 1996 for the years in question. However, data are being sought for 2004 and when this is collated it will be sent to the Deputy. Data on prosecutions taken on indictment are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Infrastructural Projects.

John Perry

Ceist:

410 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to include aspects of transport infrastructure in the context of a new framework for the development of critical infrastructure projects of national importance; the general types of projects that will be considered as part of this new legislation; the timescale for the introduction of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6600/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I believe that there is wide consensus that we should have a regulatory system for major infrastructure projects that delivers projects in the right place at the earliest possible time and in a cost effective way. In addition, the system must of course be capable of mitigating the impact of any major project on the environment and on people, and complying with all relevant national and international legal requirements.

Having examined the problems that have arisen in the area, the Government considers that legislation is desirable to address some issues arising in the approval process. Due to the complexity of the issues involved and the need to consult widely among my colleagues the preparation of draft legislative proposals has taken some time. I am working on the proposals for a strategic infrastructure Bill and I intend to bring them before Cabinet shortly with a view to publishing the Bill as soon as possible.

In advance of the Government making a decision on these proposals, it would be inappropriate to elaborate on their detail, including details of the types of national infrastructure that might be included in the proposed legislation. In general terms, however, it is intended to reduce the time required for obtaining development consent for necessary major public projects and to co-ordinate and streamline the different procedures now involved, while respecting the requirements of environment and heritage protection and the need for adequate public consultation.

Local Authority Retirement Scheme.

James Breen

Ceist:

411 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider paying gratuity to long-serving members of local authorities who retired before the scheme was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The Local Authority Members (Gratuity) Regulations 2002 introduced a retirement service related gratuity for councillors. This involves the payment of a lump sum calculated as 3/20 of representational payment rate on retirement for each year of service since May 2000, up to a maximum of 20 years' service with a minimum three year service requirement. Subject to certain conditions, the gratuity is payable on a councillor's retirement whether on the basis of voluntary retirement, failure to be elected, death or ill health. An earlier scheme was introduced in 1998 and subject to certain criteria was available to elected members retiring at the local elections in June of 1999. In the circumstances, there are no proposals to amend the current gratuity scheme for members of local authorities.

Official Engagements.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

412 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick’s week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6636/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

It is intended that I will visit China during St. Patrick's week where, supported by the Irish Embassy and Enterprise Ireland, I will seek to build on the recent successful visit by the Taoiseach and his delegation to that country.

The programme for my visit to Shanghai and Beijing has yet to be finalised. However, I expect to meet with the Vice-Mayor of Shanghai and to present the George Bernard Shaw essay prize at Fudan University, Shanghai. I also expect to meet in Beijing with the Minister responsible for the state environmental protection administration, to attend a St. Patrick's Day reception hosted by the ambassador in Beijing and to meet with representatives of the Irish community in both cities.

It is proposed that the Ministers of State at my Department will visit the Czech Republic, Hungary and Russia respectively over the St. Patrick's Day period; programmes for these visits are not yet fully finalised. Ireland's economic ties with all of these countries have been growing and the ministerial visits will show recognition of the importance we attach to this development.

Following his attendance at the EU housing Ministers' conference in Prague on 14 and 15 March, the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, will meet the Czech Irish business association. He will then travel to Budapest for St. Patrick's Day celebrations organised by the Irish Embassy. The Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, as well as attending the St. Patrick's Day parade in Moscow, will meet officials at city and state government level to discuss topics of mutual interest, including protection of biodiversity. He is also scheduled to attend business and social events involving the Irish community.

Local Authority Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

413 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received from Dublin City Council a revised scheme of letting priorities; when he received the revised scheme; and when he intends to approve the scheme. [6653/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The revised scheme of letting priorities submitted by Dublin City Council has been the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and the city council. A recent meeting was held at official level to progress matters further. A decision will be made on the matter as soon as possible.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

414 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the differential rents scheme for each local authority in the State as lodged with his Department by requirement. [6667/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Since August 1986, local authorities have had full discretion in drawing up and reviewing their rent schemes for local authority dwellings. Circular HRT 6/86 specified that rent schemes drawn up in accordance with the circular would be regarded as approved for the purposes of the housing regulations 1980, as amended. Accordingly, my Department does not approve individual rent schemes or maintain a comprehensive list of all such schemes. I intend, however, that my Department will request local authorities to ensure that their rent schemes are readily accessible and available for viewing on their websites.

Planning Issues.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

415 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of acres of undeveloped land currently zoned for housing in the State in total and in each local authority area; and the number of acres of this land which is in the ownership of the State and of local authorities in each case. [6669/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

My Department does not have details of the extent of all lands owned by the State or local authorities. However, data on the total acreage of zoned land held by local authorities have been sought from them as part of the survey of the national inventory of zoned residential land. While the overall results of this survey have been published, the remaining data have not yet been fully collated or verified. These data will be provided to the Deputy when available but they will only represent a picture at one point in time.

Broader data on total land holding by local authorities will be reflected in the local authority accounting system under the accruals accounting basis. Details are not yet available as returns containing the value of both zoned and unzoned lands held by the local authorities at 31 December 2004 are currently being submitted to the Department.

Details about the amount of undeveloped land currently zoned for housing in the State and in each local authority is published annually and is available in my Department's housing statistics bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Local Government.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

416 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps needed to the taken by a town to achieve the status of town council under the Local Government Acts. [6673/05]

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

417 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage the application by Ballincollig, County Cork, for the status of town council under the Local Government Acts is at; and when the process will be completed. [6674/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.

Section 185 of Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out the steps involved in setting up a new town council. In summary, section 185 provides that qualified electors of a town having a population of at least 7,500 as ascertained at the last preceding census and not having a town council may make a proposal for the establishment of such a council. Thereafter, a decision on such a proposal is a reserved function of the relevant county council, following a public consultation process.

The proposal must then be submitted to the Local Government Commission for preparation of a report and recommendations to the Minister. Where the Local Government Commission recommends the establishment of a town council the Minister may, by order, provide for the establishment of the town council. The establishment of a Local Government Commission to enable the commencement of Part 17 is currently under consideration.

Local government services in the Ballincollig area are provided by Cork County Council and my Department has not been contacted regarding any current plans by the local community to develop a proposal for the establishment of a town council.

Local Authority Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

418 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the development of a graduated rents discount scheme is being investigated by his Department as a viable alternative or addition to the right-to-buy policy which exists in respect of local authority housing. [6675/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The existing tenant purchase scheme includes a graduated rent discount of 3% per annum of the value of the house for each year of tenancy up to a maximum of 30%. While there are no immediate proposals to amend the scheme, the terms of the scheme will be kept under continuing review.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

419 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide skateboarding parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6690/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Last week I announced a new initiative to provide facilities, such as skateboard parks, for teenagers. I intend as an immediate measure to provide assistance for a number of facilities as a pilot project, the results of which can feed into the further improvement and targeting of this initiative. As the National Children's Office is developing policies in this area, I will ask my Department to work with that office in developing the initiative.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

420 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the appeals process in relation to special areas of conservation; the average length of time taken; and the longest period of time taken to decide an appeal. [6862/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Any landowner or person with a legal interest in land proposed for designation as part of a special area of conservation, SAC, may lodge an objection to my Department, on scientific grounds, to have the proposed designation reviewed. Three months are allowed for lodging such appeals.

The first stage of the appeals process is an internal review within the national parks and wildlife service, NPWS, of my Department. To initiate this process an appellant must contact an official of NPWS either locally, usually the local conservation ranger, or at headquarters. An appeal must be accompanied by a map indicating a clear outline of the area under appeal. Local staff then visit the site as a basis for re-examining the scientific grounds for including the specific area under appeal in the SAC, and submitting a recommendation for decision at a more senior level. The decision may be to grant the appeal, in full or for part of the land, or to reject it. The appellant is then informed of the outcome.

The second stage of the appeals process is only invoked when an appellant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the first stage, and is given the option to have the appeal referred for consideration by the nature conservation designation appeals advisory board. This is a non-statutory board, independently chaired and with equal representation of landowners, users and conservationists, which has the role of providing independent advice to the Minister on appeals.

A sample analysis of appeals dealt with in 2004 indicates that the first stage took on average 14 weeks from the date of the appellant's letter to the issue of the letter advising the appellant of the outcome. My officials are taking steps to eliminate causes of delay, so that the first stage of the appeal process in the vast majority of cases can be completed within six weeks of receipt from the appellant of a clear indication of the area under appeal.

Appeals which are referred to the nature conservation designation appeals advisory board necessarily take longer to complete. The process includes the preparation by each side of a scientific case in relation to the specific lands under appeal, an opportunity for each side to comment in writing on the opposing scientific case, the scheduling of an appeals board hearing which always includes a visit to the site, and the provision of a recommendation for decision by me.

There are cases where the process from lodging of an appeal to a final decision has taken up to three years, but these are exceptional and due to a variety of causes. Seasonal factors applying to the assessment of particular habitats and species can be a significant cause of delays. In some cases appellants themselves have chosen not to proceed with presentation of their cases, sometimes for considerable periods of time. In other cases there have been ongoing discussions between the Department and appellants with a view to resolving issues underlying the appeal. Substantial progress was made by the appeals board in 2004 in clearing outstanding appeals awaiting consideration by the board.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

421 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the position of secretary to the SAC appeals advisory committee will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6863/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

An officer will be permanently assigned to this duty in the very near future. The position of secretary to the SAC appeals advisory board has been normally filled, on a part-time basis, by an appropriately qualified member of staff from my Department's national parks and wildlife service. Given the need for the person acting as secretary to report directly to the chairperson of the board, my Department seeks to avoid temporary reassignment or sharing of the duties of secretary. The filling of the present vacancy is being approached on this basis.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

422 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to upgrading the Patrickswell sewerage scheme. [6864/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1310 of 26 January 2005.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

423 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, when works are carried out on a bridge (details supplied) in County Mayo, the road thereon will be widened also. [6904/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The report on the landslides at Dooncarton, Glengad, Barnachuille and Pollathomais, County Mayo, on 19 September 2003, prepared by consulting engineers on behalf of Mayo County Council, recommended that works on the Cornhill road and bridge be carried out. Works on the road and bridge have been completed since last autumn, funded by grant aid from my Department. Any proposal for widening the road at this location would be a matter for funding by Mayo County Council from its own resources as supplemented by the discretionary improvement grant provided by my Department. The discretionary improvement grant to Mayo County Council in 2005 is €1.497 million.

Local Authority Funding.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

424 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding which was allocated to Mayo County Council under the planned maintenance programme. [6905/05]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

425 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the parts of County Mayo which will benefit from the allocation of funding from his Department under the planned maintenance programme. [6906/05]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

429 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Glenties, County Donegal. [7047/05]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The Glenties sewerage scheme has been included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006 as a scheme to commence construction in 2006, at an estimated cost of €4.2 million. My Department is awaiting the submission of a preliminary report for the scheme by Donegal County Council.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Tuesday, 1 Mar 2005

Overseas Development Aid.

Michael Noonan

Dan Neville

Willie Penrose

Eamon Ryan

United Nations Reform.

Brendan Howlin

Defence Forces Equipment.

Paul Connaughton

Commemorative Events.

Ruairí Quinn

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

David Stanton

Overseas Missions.

Eamon Ryan

Pádraic McCormack

Departmental Properties.

Jim O'Keeffe

Trevor Sargent

Bernard J. Durkan

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jim O'Keeffe

Liz McManus

Paul Kehoe

Fergus O'Dowd

Billy Timmins

Decentralisation Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Billy Timmins

Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Dan Boyle

Ciarán Cuffe

Overseas Missions.

Pádraic McCormack

Pat Breen

Bernard J. Durkan

Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Michael D. Higgins

Decentralisation Programme.

John Deasy

Bernard Allen

Military Police Investigations.

Seán Ryan

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Deasy

Defence Forces Strength.

Olwyn Enright

Olivia Mitchell

European Council Meetings.

Dan Boyle

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Perry

Partnership for Peace.

Joe Costello

Defence Forces Property.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Military Neutrality.

Simon Coveney

John Gormley

Defence Forces Property.

Kathleen Lynch

Hearing Impairment Claims.

Pat Rabbitte

Defence Forces Equipment.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Military Neutrality.

John Gormley

Finian McGrath

Defence Forces Equipment.

Dinny McGinley

Official Engagements.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 2005