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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jun 2005

Vol. 605 No. 4

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 5 and 6 resubmitted.

Cabinet Meetings.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

7 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach if he has plans for future meetings of the Cabinet outside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/05]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

8 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if further Cabinet meetings are planned outside Dublin during the remainder of 2005; the projected costs of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22339/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

The costs arising to my Department for the Government meeting in City Hall, Cork, are estimated to be in the order of €6,000. This is accounted for mainly by support staff accommodation, overtime and expenses.

The holding of Government meetings outside Dublin is very much welcomed by communities in the areas visited and we have achieved a reasonable geographic spread with meetings held in counties Laois, Roscommon, Waterford, Louth, Kerry and Donegal so far. I see such meetings as a good usage of Government time as they present an opportunity to meet with organisations and groups from these areas and can serve to give a profile to a particular location. Accordingly, the Government intends, as the occasion arises, to continue holding such meetings from time to time. However, there are currently no plans for any such meetings.

Questions Nos. 9 and 10 resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 11 to 18, inclusive, answered orally.

Departmental Schemes.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

19 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons who have taken up the rural social scheme; and the number in each county. [22754/05]

There is currently a total of 1,702 participants on the rural social scheme with the breakdown per county, based on participants addresses, as shown in the table.

County

Number of Participants

Carlow

7

Cavan

65

Clare

85

Cork

88

Donegal

129

Galway

232

Kerry

165

Kildare

4

Kilkenny

5

Laois

9

Leitrim

78

Limerick

35

Longford

36

Mayo

402

Meath

4

Monaghan

15

Offaly

27

Offshore Islands

13

Roscommon

124

Sligo

88

Tipperary

32

Waterford

10

Westmeath

20

Wexford

23

Wicklow

6

TOTAL:

1702

Community Development.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

20 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with the issuing of long-term contracts of employment to employees of community development projects funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22599/05]

Responsibility for the issuing of contracts of employment to community development project, CDP, staff is a matter for the management committee of each project. My Department has no legal responsibility for the employment of CDP staff. It should also be noted that two thirds of the funding provided to CDPs comes from sources other than my Department.

CDPs have traditionally been funded on the basis of a three-year renewable contract. In line with the expiration of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the majority of projects are on contract up to the end of December 2006. The remaining projects are involved in a contract renewal process, which will result in the offer of contracts to the end of 2006, subject to evidence of satisfactory progress over the course of the previous contract.

Beyond 2006, I anticipate that community development projects will continue to receive support within the framework of three-year renewable contracts. Such arrangements are supportive to the provision of contracts to CDP staff.

Rural Development.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

21 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22598/05]

In February 2004, I established Comhairle na Tuaithe to address issues relating to waymarked ways and access. This decision followed consideration by the rural-agri-tourism advisory group of a report presented by the consultation group on access to waymarked ways. The establishment of a countryside council was the key recommendation of the report.

Comhairle na Tuaithe has the following aims: to ensure that all appropriate means are used to resolve conflicts that arise regarding access issues and responsible enjoyment of the countryside; to ensure that all those with an interest and concern in the sustainable development and proper management of the recreational amenities of the countryside are fully consulted on their future management; to develop and update, as necessary, a national countryside recreation strategy; to raise awareness of the benefits to and responsibilities of recreational use of the countryside and to carry out research and training on related issues; to ensure that adequate funding is made available to allow the organisation to achieve these aims and to examine the benefits and management of increased leisure use.

The Comhairle comprises representatives of the farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside and State bodies with an interest in the countryside. It has approached its work in the spirit of co-operation and through working groups, which progress components of these aims. To achieve its work programme, Comhairle na Tuaithe has established working groups to address specific required outputs. These groups are addressing: issues surrounding access to the countryside; the development of a national countryside recreation strategy; the development of a countryside code.

Comhairle na Tuaithe met on numerous occasions since its establishment and, in addition, each of the working groups met separately to progress key aspects of Comhairle's work. Their progress has been fed back to Comhairle na Tuaithe round table meetings on 4 October and 5 November 2004 and on 7 February, 7 March and 19 May 2005.

Late last year my Department, in association with Comhairle na Tuaithe, ran a national conference to promote and develop Comhairle's work. The main purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders attending to share ideas on sustainable development and proper management of recreational amenities in the countryside. The feedback received that day is a valuable contribution towards the development of a national countryside recreation strategy.

Comhairle na Tuaithe has identified and reviewed a set of access parameters in the countryside. These could serve as a basis for conflict prevention and integrate a variety of needs and responsibilities. The Comhairle has also considered the key features necessary for countryside code development, with a focus on the potential application of the internationally recognised Leave No Trace initiative. I understand that Comhairle na Tuaithe is completing its initial consideration of these matters and will meet again in early July. I look forward to receiving its report subsequently.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

22 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will review the CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22571/05]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

51 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22572/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 51 together.

I introduced the CLÁR programme in October 2001 to address depopulation, as well as the decline in and lack of services in rural areas. Areas in 18 counties, with a population of 362,000, have been selected under the programme, including areas I announced in January 2003 in light of the 2002 population census data. This honoured the commitment to review in An Agreed Programme for Government. Areas included are those that suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 2002 with an average population loss of 50% and with an aggregate population now of over 4,000. The exception is the Cooley Peninsula, which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused there by foot and mouth disease.

There are no plans at this time for any further review of the boundary of CLÁR areas. I can also confirm that no other significant areas fulfil the population criteria for inclusion in CLÁR and I have examined this issue thoroughly.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

23 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of the budgetary allocation granted to his Department in 2004 which was returned by his Department to the central Exchequer; the reason for this underspend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22749/05]

The amount of the budgetary allocation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs that was returned to the Exchequer at the end of 2004 was €0.852 million, that is, 0.28% of the gross allocation of €309.629 million. Taking extra appropriations-in-aid receipts into account, the total amount returned to the Exchequer was €3.842 million.

This total is made up of the following: extra appropriations-in-aid receipts of €2.99 million — target figure €19.998 million; amount received €22.988 million —€9.787 million of this was received in December, €4.731 million on 14 December and €5.056 million on 21 December; a saving of €0.736 million on the administrative budget of the Department, with €0.15 million of this amount being made available to my Department in 2005 under the efficiency dividend provisions of the Department's administrative budget agreement — savings on administration are not available for spending on programme budgets; a saving of €0.116 million on the programme spend of the Department, representing 0.04% of the gross programme budget of €292.052 million.

The Deputy will agree that this level of expenditure of the available resources reflects the effectiveness of the Department in progressing its objectives.

Proposed Legislation.

John Gormley

Ceist:

24 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will outline in more detail the reasons behind the recent announcement that the legislation to regulate charities which was initially promised by the Government for 2003 and then promised for 2005, will not be published until 2006. [22739/05]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

37 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if draft charities legislation will be published before the end of 2005; the reason for the delay in publishing this legislation; the difficulties the absence of such legislation causes for charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22593/05]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

47 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concern in the charities and non-governmental organisation sector at the continual delay in bringing forward the legislation to regulate charities, one year after the consultation process was completed; and if he will publish the legislation in early 2006. [22741/05]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

58 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether legislation is urgently needed to regulate the charities sector; if he will prioritise the publication of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 37, 47 and 58 together.

I do not accept the implications in the Deputies' questions about either a delay on my part in bringing forward draft legislation to regulate the charities sector or resultant difficulties for the sector. Far from there having been a delay, it is only following the establishment of my Department in June 2002, and the setting up of a dedicated charities regulation unit in February 2003, that moves began to be taken towards regulation of the charities sector. The legislation under preparation in my Department will ensure that charities are regulated for the first time since the foundation of the State.

As regards the public consultation, it is not in accordance with the facts to say that the process was completed a year ago. As I have said previously in the House, the public consultation has been undertaken in two stages. The first took place in 2004, on the basis of a consultation paper, approved by the Government at end-2003, which set out the core legislative proposals. The second took place in 2005, on the basis of a consultation paper prepared by the Law Reform Commission, which set out proposals for the specific aspect of trustee law reform. That second public consultation concluded in April last and the outcome will be the subject of a report from the Law Reform Commission, containing recommendations for consideration by my Department.

Preparation of the draft legislation remains a priority and work is proceeding accordingly.

Irish Language.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

25 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an estimated cost for the 642 State bodies to comply with the regulations of the Official Languages Act 2003; if his attention has been drawn to the huge costs involved; his views on whether this gives value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/05]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

28 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has produced an estimate for the cost of the full implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003; if not, the reason no estimate has been forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22580/05]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

29 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he has not undertaken a costing of the full implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003; if he intends to do so in advance of introducing further aspects of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22747/05]

Damien English

Ceist:

46 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to expand the remit of the Official Languages Act 2003 beyond the existing prescribed public and State bodies; if so, when this expansion will come into effect; the estimated cost of such an expansion on the part of the bodies concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22748/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 28, 29 and 46 together.

As I have indicated in response to previous similar questions in this House, no formal costings have been done in regard to the full implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003 on the basis that such an exercise would not be practicable in advance of consideration on a case by case basis by each public body of what, if any, specific additional costs might arise for it. It is clear that there will be some cost issues involved, particularly at start-up, but in the normal course these should in the main be met from within existing administrative allocations.

The Act is being implemented on a planned and pragmatic basis. Clearly, some costs will arise in connection with such matters as training and translation services. However, the position for individual public bodies, or indeed on an overall basis, cannot be established until individual schemes have been agreed in accordance with the legislation.

Circumstances will vary greatly from public body to public body in regard to demand for delivery of services through Irish. Indeed, some public bodies will be better placed than others in regard to having the resources to meet this demand, given that they already operate, to varying degrees, a policy of bilingualism. It is, however, a matter for each public body in the first instance to ensure that resources are assigned to comply with the provisions of this legislation in the same way as resources are assigned to ensure compliance with obligations imposed by other legislation and by the requirements to provide quality customer service.

The question of providing funding for specific administrative costs for individual public bodies — regardless of whether these relate to the Official Languages Act or any other service delivery or policy obligation arising — falls to be assessed against formal business cases or proposals submitted as part of the normal annual estimate and budget cycle. Given the position of Irish as the first constitutional language, the objective is to ensure that delivery of public services by public bodies — including provision of information about services and activities through the Irish language — is seen as a normal requirement to meet minimum standards of customer service and corporate governance, rather than an optional extra or add-on.

It is my intention to keep the First Schedule to the Official Languages Act 2003 up to date by making regulations from time to time to delete references to public bodies that have ceased to exist and to include new public bodies, as appropriate. While my Department is currently working on a draft of such regulations, I am not in a position to say when they might be ready to be presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval in accordance with section 4(3) of the Act. No other expansion of the remit of the Act is under consideration at this time.

Proposed Legislation.

John Gormley

Ceist:

26 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultation period and mechanisms he will put in place once the legislation to regulate charities is published to ensure that all stakeholders, in particular the charity and non-governmental sector, are fully included in the process. [22740/05]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

45 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has consulted and informed the implementation and advisory group established to oversee the White Paper on voluntary activity; the reason for the delay in publishing the legislation; and if he will take steps to ensure its full participation in the consultation and legislative process once the draft Bill is published. [22742/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 45 together.

The proposed content of the future Charities Regulation Bill has already been the subject of an inclusive, public consultative process, undertaken in two stages over the period 2004-05. At end-2003, the Government approved the core legislative proposals for regulating the charities sector. Those proposals were set out in a consultation paper, entitled Establishing a Modern Statutory Framework for Charities, which was the reference document for the first stage of the consultative process in 2004. Furthermore, the specialist aspect of the draft legislation concerning trustee law reform was the subject of proposals from the Law Reform Commission. These proposals were set out in a further consultation paper, which was the reference document for the second stage of the consultative process in 2005.

The broad, overall public endorsement of the legislative proposals has served to confirm the direction to be taken with preparation of the draft Charities Regulation Bill. I remain committed to the inclusive, public consultation process that I have adopted to date. However, the Deputies will appreciate that following publication of a Bill, control of the legislative process, including any formal consultative processes, rests with the Oireachtas rather than with any individual Minister.

Accuracy of Placenames.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

27 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén ról atá aige nó ag a Roinn i gcaighdeánú litriú agus chur i láthair logainmneacha agus ainmneacha sráide agus an gcuirfidh sé smacht air seo chun an ruaig a chur ar dhrochlitriú. [22731/05]

Cuireann brainse logainmneacha mo Roinnse comhairle ar fáil d'údaráis áitiúla agus do chomhlachtaí poiblí eile maidir le leaganacha údarásacha de logainmneacha na tíre. Bíonn an brainse sásta i gcónaí— ar mhaithe le mí-litriú a sheachaint — comhairle a thabhairt do na páirtithe sin nuair a bhíonn comharthaíocht nua á cur ar fáil acu. Ar ndóigh, tá ról comhairleach an bhrainse luaite go sonrach i dtreoir ón Roinn Iompair maidir le comharthaíocht bóithre.

Mar is eol don Teachta, tugann Cuid 5 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 cumhacht don Aire an leagan Gaeilge de logainm a dhearbhú le hordú logainmneacha, tar éis comhairle a fháil ón gCoimisiún Logainmneacha agus an chomhairle sin a bhreithniú. Tá naoi n-ordú logainmneacha déanta faoi fhorálacha an Achta go dtí seo a dhearbhaíonn leaganacha Gaeilge ainmneacha na gcontaetha agus na gcontaetha riaracháin, na logainmneacha riaracháin i sé chontae ar leith agus sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, agus ainmneacha na lár-ionad daonra.

Anuas ar sin, tá an brainse logainmneacha i mbun togra i gcomhar le Suirbhéireacht Ordanáis Éireann agus leis na húdaráis áitiúla chun leaganacha údarásacha Gaeilge d'ainmneacha sráideanna i gceantair riaracháin na n-údarás áitiúla éagsúla a chur ar fáil. Tá an chéad toradh den chomh-thogra seo le fáil sa leabhrán Sráidainmneacha Bhaile Átha Cliath, a d'fhoilsigh Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath anuraidh. Táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh an taighde déanta sa chuid eile den tír agus na torthaí ar fáil taobh istigh de thréimhse dhá bhliain.

Táim dóchasach go gcabhróidh an obair seo go léir le húdaráis áitiúla agus comhlachtaí poiblí eile chun a chinntiú go mbeidh litriú ceart agus leaganacha cearta de logainmneacha agus sráidainmneacha á n-úsáid ar chomharthaíocht dá gcuid.

Questions Nos. 28 and 29 answered with Question No. 25.

Irish Language.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

30 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Costello den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil an t-easaontas a bhí ann idir Foras na Gaeilge agus na heagrais dheonacha leigheasta anois; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [22574/05]

Tuigtear dom ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go bhfuil dea-chaidreamh acu leis na heagrais deonacha agus go bhfuiltear ag comhoibriú leo ar bhonn páirtnéireachta. Cuireann an foras bunmhaoiniú ar fáil do 17 eagras, idir eagrais Ghaeilge agus eagrais oideachasúla, bunaithe ar chlár oibre bliantúil a bhíonn aontaithe ag an bhforas le gach eagras ar leith.

Tá Foras na Gaeilge ag cur próiseas nua i bhfeidhm leis na heagrais seo maidir le hiarratais ar bhunmhaoiniú agus éilimh ar íocaíochtaí. Tuigtear dom go raibh cruinniú le ceannairí na n-eagras atáá maoiniú ag an bhforas ar 1 Meitheamh chun an próiseas nua seo a phlé agus go bhfuil cruinniú eile socruithe le haghaidh mí Mheán Fómhair d'fhonn an córas measúnaithe a aontú idir na grúpaí ar fad.

Rural Development.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

31 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent EU deal that will see a continuation of payments from the EU for rural development programmes from 2007; the services this money will be spent on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22600/05]

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

43 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of funding to be allocated to Ireland under the EU Rural Development Measure 2007-2013; his views on whether the existing level of EU funding under this measure can be sustained; the measures under way between his Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food to develop a coherent programme to allocate such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22750/05]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

44 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which the recent deal on the European Union agreement on rural funding will affect rural communities here. [22734/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 43 and 44 together.

The agreement negotiated at the recent meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg marked the culmination of important negotiations. Throughout these negotiations my Department has worked in close partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food. This collegiate approach will continue as we now proceed to prepare a national rural development plan.

The recent EU agreement covers a wide range of measures including on-farm investment, agri-environment measures, support for young farmers, food processing and Leader. The format allows flexibility for the continuation of current successful rural development programming, by grouping measures under the three main objectives of competitiveness, the environment and the wider rural economy.

While the actual amount of funding must await agreement on the EU budget, I welcome the stipulation that at least 10% of the money Ireland receives under the European agriculture fund for rural development will now be spent on the provision of services and-or support in the rural economy beyond the farm gate. A minimum funding level of 5% will be dedicated to mainstreaming the Leader methodology, which is almost double the present level of funding. Overall, this will mean a considerable increase in support for rural development programmes implemented by my Department. The agreement also provides for basic services for the economy and rural population and a new provision which will cover cultural and leisure activities.

Overall, this new approach to rural development is likely to enable development of a fuller range of programmes and projects to be supported, leading to the creation of new enterprises and employment opportunities and helping to achieve the Government's objective of balanced regional development and sustainable and vibrant rural communities. Work will now commence on a national rural development plan which will include preparation of a joint national rural development strategy and a detailed national rural development programme. The process will include working closely with stakeholders.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

32 D'fhiafraigh Ms Burton den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh cainteanna aige leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, chun a chinntiú go mbeidh go leor aistritheoirí ar fáil chun Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chur i bhfeidhm ina iomláine agus don éileamh a bheidh ann ón Aontas Eorpach mar gheall ar stádas oifigiúil oibre na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [22576/05]

I dtosach báire ba mhaith liom a rá go mbíonn teagmháil rialta agam leis an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, mar a bhíonn le mo chomhghleacaithe eile sa Rialtas. Sin ráite, ní miste dom a chur i gcuimhne don Teachta go bhfuil, mar atá mínithe agam sa Teach seo roimhe seo, Foras na Gaeilge i mbun próisis faoi láthair chun córas creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí a fhorbairt don earnáil phríobháideach aistriúcháin. Tá i gceist go mbeidh an córas seo i bhfeidhm roimh dheireadh na bliana seo. Nuair a bheidh an córas i bhfeidhm, is cinnte gur cúnamh praiticiúil fíor-thábhachtach a bheidh ann do chomhlachtaí poiblí a bheidh ag iarraidh úsáid a bhaint as seirbhísíó aistritheoirí príobháideacha. Ar ndóigh, is gnó do chomhlachtaí poiblí iad féin a shásamh maidir leis na seirbhísí aistriúcháin atá ar fáil, chomh maith le caighdeán agus luach-ar-airgid na seirbhísí sin.

Sa bhreis ar sin, tá mo Roinnse ag obair, ní amháin leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, ach le Foras na Gaeilge, Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí, An Foras Riaracháin agus institiúidí tríú leibhéil chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear leis an soláthar sainchúrsaí dírithe ar riachtanais na hearnála poiblí i ndáil le cur i bhfeidhm an Achta. Is cinnte go mbeidh ról lárnach agus fíor-thábhachtach ag na hinstitiúidí tríú-leibhéil san obair dhúshlánach atá romhainn le cinntiú go mbeidh líon leor-dhóthanach do dhaoine atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge ar fáil chun freastal sásúil a dhéanamh, ní amháin ar réimse an aistriúcháin ach ar an iliomad réimsí eile. Níl amhras ar bith orm ach go nglacfaidh na hinstitiúidí sin go fonnmhar leis an dúshlán sin.

Rural Development.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

33 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to update the 1999 White Paper on rural development here; his views on whether the Government’s rural development policy requires updating; the precise initiatives he plans to take in this respect over the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22594/05]

The strategic goal of my Department for rural development is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities. The White Paper on rural development defines Government policy in this regard and provides a framework for realising these goals.

My Department's rural development initiatives in the next year will include: implementation of the CLÁR and Leader programmes and the rural social scheme; administration of the farm electrification grant scheme; advancing the work of Comhairle Na Tuaithe; support of projects under the rural development fund; promoting debate and progressing rural development issues through the national rural development forum; cross-Border co-operation in rural development; leading the rural development co-ordinating committee under the NDP; participation as appropriate in interdepartmental committees on issues appropriate to rural development, such as the national spatial strategy; support of the Western Development Commission in the discharge of its functions. Evaluation of the rural development fund and follow up with relevant Departments on the review of enterprise supports will also fall for consideration.

Following the recent adoption of the EU regulation on rural development for the period2007-13, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food, will prepare a joint national rural development strategy and a detailed national rural development programme. This will include a stakeholder consultation process later this year. Any review of priorities to be addressed under the White Paper on rural development will be considered in that context.

Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 18.

Departmental Schemes.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

35 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when his Department will complete the review of the rural social scheme; his views on changing the eligibility criteria for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22745/05]

I expect to receive the report of the review of the rural social scheme in the near future. The review will give consideration, inter alia, to whether eligibility criteria should be broadened, narrowed or adjusted, specifying the relevant groups and the basis for any such proposals being made. Upon receipt of the report I will consider carefully any recommendations arising.

White Paper on Voluntary Activity.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

36 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made in progressing the White Paper on voluntary activity. [22738/05]

With regard to progress made to date on implementation of the White Paper, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 30 of 19 May 2005. As I stated in that reply, the White Paper remains Government policy. However, the White Paper is now five years old and the context in which White Paper policy is to be implemented has clearly changed with time. Against this background of change my Department has now commissioned a consultancy to advise the Department on practical measures to further advance the key principles set out in the White Paper.

Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 24.

Irish Language.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

38 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any progress has been made on the development of a 20 year strategic plan for the Irish language; his plans to promote the use of the Irish language over the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22587/05]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 19, 21 and 31 of 19 May 2005. The preparation of a 20 year strategic plan for the Irish language is being addressed through Fóram na Gaeilge. Three meetings of Fóram na Gaeilge have taken place to date and a fourth is scheduled to take place later this year.

As regards my plans for the promotion of the Irish language over the next year, the Deputy will be aware that this is part of the ongoing remit of my Department. This remit is carried out through a broad range of policies, including implementation of the Official Languages Act and the funding of agencies — including Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge — which are directly involved in promoting the Irish language.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

39 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent reported comments from a spokesperson for Aer Lingus that the significant cost involved for the airline in complying with the Official Languages Act 2003 puts the national airline at a significant disadvantage in comparison with its competitors; if he will consider revising the regulation demanding that Aer Lingus produces all its advertisements in Irish and English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22581/05]

I do not propose to comment on remarks attributed to a purported spokesperson who may or may not represent views of the organisation named in the media report concerned.

My Department has written on several occasions to each of the public bodies covered by the Official Languages Act with information about the operation of the Act and to offer a more detailed presentation and question-and-answer session if that were considered useful. A number of public sector organisations have had questions and concerns about how the legislation impacts on them and these presentations have proved a useful way of explaining the facts and allaying undue fears. The offer from my Department to meet with public bodies stands.

Regulations under section 9(1) of the Act — which will cover matters such as advertising — are currently being prepared and I cannot give a precise date at this time for their coming into effect. However, they are being drafted on the basis of minimising any additional costs for public bodies in their implementation. The approach being taken is a pragmatic and phased one but one which is also consistent with the unanimous will of the Oireachtas that the Irish language should be used by public bodies for official purposes such as advertising.

Offshore Islands.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

40 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider introducing a scheme where island residents who are mentally or physically impaired are offered a relocation and rehousing option in the mainland to enable them to avail of necessary services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22672/05]

I refer the Deputy to today's Priority Question No. 13.

Irish Language.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

41 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to use powers available to him under the Official Languages Act 2003 to require that all official maps carry Irish only versions of place names in the Gaeltacht; his views on whether English versions of many Gaeltacht place names will decline over the next few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22582/05]

I have made regulations to prescribe the large scale, definitive maps of the State prepared and published by Ordnance Survey Ireland, OSI, for the purposes of section 33 of the Official Languages Act. The effect of these regulations is that only the placename as declared in the Placenames (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) Order 2004 may be used on these maps. I am assured by OSI that tourist maps published by it show both the Irish language placename and the English language version. In addition, two of the main private companies in the map publishing business have indicated to my Department that they will ensure that new tourists maps and other literature to be published by them will also show both language versions henceforth.

I have no current plans to make further regulations of this type. However, I expect that an effect of the Gaeltacht placenames order is that public bodies will move over time to use of the Irish language placename for official purposes. One of the key pressures on the Irish language in Gaeltacht areas arises from the lack of practical recognition of the language in services to customers from many public bodies. The Irish language requires positive efforts to protect its future, particularly in terms of recognition by the public sector of the rights of its customers to use Irish in official dealings with it. This is one small such step, designed to reinforce the status of Irish as the spoken community language in Gaeltacht areas.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his reaction to the granting of official EU status to the Irish language; if he will back up this achievement with a renewed effort to get people to speak Irish, as opposed to concentrating on its legislative status at home and in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22586/05]

I regard the achievement of enhanced status for the Irish language in Europe as a significant one for the Irish language. As I have already said publicly, this decision now presents a challenge to the Irish speaking community to use the new status that has been achieved for Irish. It also presents a challenge to the Irish language organisations and educational institutions to ensure that there are enough highly qualified people to meet the requirements of the new status.

The provision of real opportunities for citizens to use Irish in official dealings with public bodies here at home is important to the future development of the language. It cannot and should not be dismissed as merely concentrating on legislative status. The future of Irish depends on its speakers being able to live their lives to the full through the language. Being able to use Irish in official dealings with the State is of critical importance in that regard. The perceived status of the language is not just a question of the legislative position but also relates to the practical recognition afforded in delivery of services and in their communications across public bodies to the language and to its speakers.

If we wish, as the Deputy's question suggests he does, to encourage people to use Irish and to give people opportunities to speak Irish, that cannot be done in a way that is marginal or tokenistic, or separated from the mainstream of public life and public service delivery.

Questions Nos. 43 and 44 answered with Question No. 31.
Question No. 45 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Question No. 46 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 24.

Decentralisation Programme.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

48 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in regard to the decentralisation of his Department to Knock; the number of applications that have been received to date for the decentralisation of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22592/05]

My Department is scheduled to complete its move to Knock Airport by the end of 2007. A site has been chosen for a headquarters building and the Office of Public Works is in the process of finalising the purchase of that site. It is expected that a competition will be advertised subsequently for the design and building of the headquarters and that work on site will begin in the final quarter of this year. All necessary work on the building is scheduled to be completed in time for staff to move to Knock Airport by the end of 2007. Approximately 160 posts are relocating to Knock Airport and to date 157 applications have been received through the central applications facility.

Irish Language.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

49 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the budget for the Language Commissioner for 2005 is almost double that for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/05]

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla was established in 2004 under the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. An initial sum of €500,000 was provided in the Vote of my Department for 2004 for this purpose. Mr. Seán Ó Cuirreáin was appointed to the position of An Coimisinéir Teanga in February 2004 and the remaining staff of his office were appointed during the course of last year. Clearly, therefore, 2005 is the first full operational year of the office and the budget for this year, including the full year staffing costs, reflects that fact.

Rural Development.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

50 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has examined the report on quality of life in the rural communities of west Cork, Waterford, Cavan and Monaghan launched on 9 June 2005. [22736/05]

My Department has received the recent report on the quality of life in rural areas. My Department was represented at the subsequent quality of life conference, launched by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, which discussed the findings and conclusions of the report. The Deputy will be aware that both the report and conference were funded under the Leader programmes, for which my Department has responsibility.

The report's findings will be given consideration by my Department during the preparation of the new EU rural development framework for 2007-13.

Question No. 51 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

National Drugs Strategy.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

52 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the finalised mid-term review of the national drugs strategy; the amendments and additions that have been made to the existing strategy; his further views on the creation of a new fifth pillar of the strategy to include rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22589/05]

The report of the steering group on the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy was published in early June. The report was the culmination of the mid-term review, a comprehensive review process which was launched last year and included an extensive public consultation.

The review was overseen by a steering group, chaired by my Department, and made up of the relevant Departments and agencies as well as the community and voluntary sectors. The steering group was also assisted by external consultants. The review sought to assess the impact and direction of the strategy at this mid-point stage and, in this regard, the group concentrated on identifying adjustments to the existing strategy and highlighting priorities for the remaining period up to 2008.

The steering group found that the current aims and objectives of the strategy are fundamentally sound. The review found that there are encouraging signs of progress since 2001 when the strategy was first launched, which suggests that the current approach to tackling the drugs problem is proving to be effective. At the same time, however, the report highlights the need to re-focus priorities and accelerate the roll out of some of the strategy's actions and, in this context, a number of new actions and amendments have been identified. These changes will, I believe, strengthen the strategy and enable it to better deliver its aims in the next two to three years. In overall terms, ten of the strategy's existing actions are being replaced, a further seven of the existing actions are being amended and there are eight new actions which aim to address issues such as family support and rehabilitation.

With regard to rehabilitation, this issue was identified by the steering group, and through the consultation process, as an area which needed to be developed. The steering group recommended that rehabilitation become the fifth pillar of the strategy and I strongly support this recommendation. To further this action, a working group is being set up to develop a policy for the provision of integrated rehabilitation services. This group will be chaired by my Department and will consist of representatives from all relevant Departments and agencies and the community and voluntary sectors. The group is scheduled to report by the end of the year on the appropriate policy and actions to be implemented and I look forward to the outcome of its deliberations.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

53 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the adoption of the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005-2008; the way in which this will impact on the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22590/05]

The European Council endorsed the EU Drug Strategy 2005-2012 in December of last year. This strategy sets out the framework, objectives and priorities for two consecutive action plans, the first of which is the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005 to 2008. This action plan has not yet been adopted and is scheduled to be discussed at the next meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers.

The ultimate aim of the first action plan will be to significantly reduce drug use amongst Europe's population. It will also seek to reduce the harm to society and the damage to health caused by the use of and trade in illicit drugs. In addition, it will provide a framework for a balanced approach to reducing both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs. While the action plan will be directed primarily at European institutions and bodies, it will also provide a framework for action at member state level.

The issue of concurrence between the EU strategy and the national drugs strategy was examined as part of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, which was published in early June. The steering group which oversaw the review found that the multi-disciplinary, balanced approach of the national drugs strategy and its aims and objectives are consistent with the EU strategy. In addition, the proposed actions of the new EU drugs action plan are broadly consistent with those in the current strategy and in the recommendations contained in the mid-term review. Accordingly, I am confident that the complementarities between national and EU approaches will be maintained into the future.

Irish Language.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

54 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in regard to his statement of informed opinion in the Dáil on 22 February 2005, he plans to introduce mechanisms to encourage persons from other countries who come to live here to learn Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22585/05]

There is already a wide range of options available to people who wish to learn Irish at all levels. These options are available to all, irrespective of whether a person is originally from this country or not. Accordingly, I do not consider that there is a need at present for any additional measures in this regard.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

55 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount which has been allocated from the dormant accounts fund on a county basis since its inception; and if all of the funds committed have been spent. [22753/05]

Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the dormant accounts Acts. The board engaged Area Development Management Ltd., ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf, which involves the allocation of €60 million from the dormant accounts fund. To date, the board has approved 482 projects for funding which will involve the allocation of approximately €56.2 million from the fund. A breakdown of these approved allocations by county is provided in the table. Over the coming weeks further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million.

The Government decided in December 2003 to bring forward legislative changes in arrangements for dormant accounts funding. Arising from this decision, the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill was published on 24 June 2004 and became law on 25 May 2005. The Act provides for key changes in decision making on disbursements from the fund and for a reconstituted board.

Dormant Accounts Board Approvals (by County).

County

No of Approved Projects

Value of Approved Projects

Carlow

6

313,149

Cavan

3

606,523

Clare

9

793,872

Cork

59

8,064,161

Donegal

11

983,930

Dublin

184

19,181,811

Galway

27

4,091,015

Kerry

24

2,974,470

Kildare

11

2,695,868

Kilkenny

6

748,130

Laois

4

199,722

Leitrim

7

560,749

Limerick

16

1,943,616

Longford

7

451,336

Louth

9

700,464

Mayo

14

2,281,543

Meath

1

112,000

Monaghan

1

253,233

Offaly

1

60,000

Roscommon

12

1,115,269

Sligo

13

1,204,859

Tipperary

17

1,302,150

Waterford

15

2,383,602

Westmeath

8

564,263

Wexford

9

1,319,282

Wicklow

8

1,286,788

Totals

482

56,191,804

Community Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to address social or economic deprivation in an urban or rural context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/05]

I refer the Deputy to my answers to Questions Nos. 274 of 9 November 2004, 212 of 1 February 2005, 40 of 22 February 2005, 273 of February 2005, 15 of 14 April 2005, 118 and 119 of 14 April 2005.

Irish Language.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

57 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Department of Social and Family Affairs estimates that the cost of complying with Irish language regulations under the Official Languages Act 2003 will cost the Department in excess of €1 million per year; if his further attention has further been drawn to the annual costs for other Departments to meet these requirements; his views on whether this is placing an unnecessary burden on the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/05]

My Department understands from the Department of Social and Family Affairs that a sum of €500,000 has been set aside in that Department's administrative budget in 2005 to meet costs directly associated with the delivery of services to the public through the Irish language in accordance with the Official Languages Act.

I am not in a position to comment in detail on the estimate until I have seen a draft scheme, which I await from the Department concerned. However, the administrative budget voted by this House to the Department concerned is €306.195 million in 2005, which includes a €29 million increase over 2004. The estimate provided to my Department amounts to about one sixth of 1% of the administrative budget figure, which seems good value for money for the cost of providing its services to the portion of the population who wish to do their business with the Department in Irish.

In light of the foregoing, I regard the Department of Social and Family Affairs allocation of €500,000 to meets costs directly associated with the Official Languages Act as appropriate and reasonable.

Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 24.

Interdepartmental Meetings.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

59 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh cainteanna aige leis an Roinn Oideachas agus Eolaíochta, mar gheall ar an meánscolaíocht sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [22575/05]

Mar is eol don Teachta, is í an tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta atá freagrach as cúrsaí oideachais, ar a n-áirítear cúrsaí meánscolaíochta sa Ghaeltacht. I gcomhthéacs na freagrachta atá ormsa agus ar mo Roinnse i ndáil leis an nGaeilge agus leis an nGaeltacht, bíonn cruinnithe rialta againn leis an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta agus le hoifigigh a Roinne chun saincheisteanna ábhartha a phlé, ina measc meanscolaíocht sa Ghaeltacht. Leanfar leis na cruinnithe sin de réir mar is gá.

National Statistics.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

60 Mr. Neville asked the Taoiseach the number of marriages per 100,000 of population in 2004. [23096/05]

The number of marriages registered in 2004 is not yet available. The number of marriages registered in 2003 was 20,302. This equates to 510 marriages per 100,000 population. This figure is subject to revision.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

61 Mr. Neville asked the Taoiseach the number of separated and divorced persons in 2004. [23097/05]

The most comprehensive details in respect of the numbers of separated and divorced persons comes from the census of population. The results of the 2002 census indicate that there were 99,000 separated persons and a further 35,000 divorced persons in the State on 28 April 2002.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

62 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23126/05]

The question refers to the decision of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and the Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the parliamentary question, it would appear that it is referring to the decision of Vincent Browne v the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v the Attorney General, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations.

The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

National Statistics.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

63 Mr. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of households in the country in each of the last two censuses; and his estimate of any increase since the last census. [23407/05]

The number of private households distinguished in the 1996 census was 1,123,200. The corresponding figure in 2002 was 1,288,000 — an increase of 14.7% over the six years. On the basis of quarterly national household survey figures, it is estimated that the number of private households increased by 7.3% between the second quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2005.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

64 Mr. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the details of the value and volume of the fish catch and fish production in each year since 1998. [23401/05]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

65 Mr. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the total value and tonnage of the fish catch since 2003 to date; the value and volume of the output; and the numbers employed in fishing and fish processing since 2003 to date. [23410/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

The estimates of sea fish landings for 1998 to 2003, which are largely based on data supplied by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, are set out in table 1. Tables 2a and 2b show, in addition, the value and volume of aquaculture and inland fisheries, together with the total production.

Table 1. Sea fish landings.

Year

Sea fish landings (value: million euro)

Sea fish landings (weight: tonnes)

1998

192.3

320,163

1999

189.5

279,230

2000

189.0

272,875

2001

253.6

298,521

2002

209.9

245,165

2003

216.9

298,615

Table 2a. Fish Production (value: million euro).

Year

Sea fish landings

Aquaculture

Inland

Total Production

1998

192.3

77.2

6.2

275.7

1999

189.5

86.0

5.1

280.6

2000

189.0

95.4

6.1

290.5

2001

253.6

107.1

6.0

366.7

2002

209.9

117.4

5.5

332.8

Table 2b. Fish Production (weight: tonnes).

Year

Sea fish landings

Aquaculture

Inland

Total Production

1998

320,163

39,980

895

361,038

1999

279,230

43,856

775

323,861

2000

272,875

51,247

881

325,003

2001

298,521

60,935

900

360,356

2002

245,165

62,686

789

308,640

Figures for the value of output from the fish processing sector, covering the years 1998-2002, are provided in table 3. These data are from the CSO census of industrial production. Corresponding volume figures are not available.

Table 3. Output and Employment in Processing and preserving of fish and fish products (NACE code 1520).

Year

Gross Output €000

Net Output €000

Employment

1998

303,890

101,478

2,754

1999

315,192

87,639

2,645

2000

342,895

104,042

2,568

2001

365,690

93,493

2,798

2002

429,555

126,931

3,009

With regard to employment in the fishing industry, quarterly national household survey, QNHS, estimates of persons employed are contained in Table 4.

Table 4. Persons in employment in fishing (NACE code 05).

Year

Employed in Fishing

1998

3,600

1999

3,100

2000

3,100

2001

3,200

2002

4,000

2003

2,600

2004

2,800

Note:

(1) Sea fish landings by foreign boats into Irish ports are not included in tables 1, 2a and 2b.

(2) The QNHS estimates are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values and estimates of change.

Health Services.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

66 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 21 June 2005, if she will list each facility and its value that has opened following the allocation of funding announced in September 2004; if she will list each new health facility and its value that remains closed in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22935/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

67 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the breakdown by county of the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22936/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

68 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 12 psychologists in clinical training affiliated with a doctorate course run by NUI Galway and sponsored by the north west area have not been paid salaries due to them under the Labour Court ruling of 31 January 2005 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22937/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management of human resource issues within the Health Service Executive. As the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including related human resource issues, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

69 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action which should be taken by a person (details supplied) with a medical card who needs to see a neurologist urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22938/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

70 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if at least two extra respite beds will be provided in Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22939/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

71 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Portunicula Hospital, Ballinasloe, was ignored by the HSE in its capital allocation; the proposals considered by the HSE for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22940/05]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

72 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no funding was provided for additional capacity at the county hospital, Roscommon, by the HSE in its capital allocation; the proposals considered by the HSE for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22941/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

73 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the help and services available for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22942/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

74 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will work closely with Dublin City Council and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in order that a disabled person (details supplied) be transferred from a nursing home to live independently with community supports; and if they will be given the maximum assistance. [22943/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

75 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her position with regard to proposals (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22944/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Suicide Incidence.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

76 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the league table of suicides for persons under 25 years of age in the OECD countries. [22945/05]

The most recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, report Society at a Glance, published in February 2003, presented information on a number of indices intended to illustrate levels of social cohesion in member countries. Among these indices was the youth suicide rate and the report showed that Ireland had the second highest rate of suicide for persons under the age of 25 years. It also reported that the rate of increase in the youth suicide rate over the past 20 years had been highest in Ireland. However, the statistics presented in the report must be interpreted with some degree of perspective. This report is based on data for 1998, the year in which there were 514 deaths by suicide in Ireland. The average annual number of suicide deaths for the five years since then is 471.

Work is now well under way on the preparation of a national strategy for action on suicide prevention. This strategy, involving the project management unit, Health Service Executive, in partnership with the national suicide review group and supported by the Department of Health and Children will be action based from the outset and will build on existing policy. All measures aimed at reducing the number of deaths by suicide will be considered in the context of the preparation of this strategy, which is due to be published in September this year.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

77 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of deliberate self harm persons presenting at accident and emergency departments in 2003 by gender. [22946/05]

The national parasuicide registry collects data on persons presenting to hospital as a consequence of deliberate self harm. Based on near complete coverage of acute hospitals, the registry estimates that in 2003 there were approximately 11,200 presentations nationally due to deliberate self harm involving approximately 8,800 individuals. The gender breakdown of recorded episodes shows that 42.6% were male and 57.4% were female.

National Statistics.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

78 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children born to single mothers in 2004. [22947/05]

Data on births outside marriage are compiled by the Central Statistics Office and published in the annual and quarterly reports on vital statistics. The data for the fourth quarter of 2004 are not yet available. The number of births to single mothers registered during January to September 2004 was 15,155.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

79 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to the recent announcement of the capital programme for hospitals, the stage of development sanctioned; the cost involved; the timescale involved in each of a number of projects (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22950/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

80 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been allocated for phase 2b of Mullingar General Hospital in view of her recent authorisation of capital project funding; and the timescale for completion of works to allow this wing to become operational. [22951/05]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

81 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been allocated to the Athlone health infrastructure project in view of her recent authorisation of capital project funding for 2005. [22952/05]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

82 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been allocated to community nursing units at Mullingar and Castlepollard in view of her recent authorisation of capital project funding for 2005. [22953/05]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

83 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been allocated to Tullamore General Hospital under the capital project funding allocation for 2005; the works which are planned with this funding; and the timescale for the project. [22954/05]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

84 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been allocated to Portlaoise General Hospital under the capital project funding allocation for 2005; the works which are planned with this funding; and the timescale for the project. [22955/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 to 84, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

85 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the doctor-only medical card is likely to come into effect; if she will backdate the scheme and compensate persons who meet her criteria for qualification for the doctor-only medical card and who have had excessive medical costs since January 2005. [22956/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has placed advertisements providing details of the application process in the national press and intends to place further advertisements in the regional press over the coming week. Those people whom the HSE deems eligible for GP cards will be able to visit their general practitioner thereafter without charge and receive general practitioner services under the general medical services scheme from the date of approval of the card.

Eligibility to GP visit cards will be determined by the HSE, following an assessment of the income of the applicant and spouse, if any, after tax and PRSI have been deducted. Provision for the allowance of reasonable expenses in respect of child care, rent/mortgage and commuting to work has also been included.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

86 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the nature of the contract which exists with general practitioners; the payment they receive per medical card holder and per doctor-only medical card holder; the financial assistance they receive for secretarial services and nursing services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22957/05]

Doctors holding contracts under the general medical services, GMS, scheme with the Health Service Executive are remunerated on the basis of the composition of their patient panel. The annual capitation rates payable reflect the age, gender and location of the patient and the agreed outcome of industrial relations negotiations since the inception of the scheme, between the Department of Health and Children and the Irish Medical Organisation, the representative body of the doctors concerned. A detailed list of the current rates payable is set out in the table.

Age

Up to 3 Miles

3-5 Miles

5-7 Miles

7-10 Miles

Over 10 Miles

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

up to 4 years

61.65

60.13

64.91

63.43

69.74

68.27

74.53

73.08

80.48

79.98

5-15

35.77

36.17

37.14

37.55

39.11

39.58

41.06

41.50

43.50

43.88

16-44

45.65

74.67

47.42

76.43

50.01

79.02

52.60

81.16

55.71

84.72

45-64

91.20

100.22

95.42

104.44

101.67

110.67

107.82

116.85

115.48

124.45

65-69

96.09

107.20

107.83

118.96

125.28

136.39

142.41

153.52

163.71

174.85

70 and over

105.72

117.16

117.81

129.30

135.85

147.29

153.54

165.02

175.52

187.03

A capitation rate of €495.07 per annum is paid to GPs for the provision of service under the GMS contract for each person who qualifies for a medical card for the first time on the basis of being aged 70 years and over in the community. In respect of medical card holders aged 70 years and over who are resident in a private nursing home, approved by the Health Service Executive, for any continuous period of five weeks, the GP is paid a capitation rate of €717.48 per annum per card holder.

Under the terms of the GMS, GP contract allowances are also payable to GMS doctors in respect of leave — sick, maternity, paternity, annual, study, locum, palliative care, special items of service, out of hours payments, medical indemnity, rural practice, rostering and training practices. Payments are also made in respect of superannuation. GMS GPs also receive once off registration payments in respect of their non-EU national patients. Under the terms of the recent Labour Relations Commission recommendation, GPs holding GMS contracts providing services to GP visit card holders would receive a once off payment of €35 for each of the first 200,000 patients admitted under this scheme.

GMS GPs may also apply for allowances in respect of the employment of practice nurses, secretaries and managers. These allowances are based on their patient panel composition and the experience and conditions of employment of the staff involved. The maximum grant in respect of a practice nurse is currently €31,262.43 and for a practice secretary up to a maximum of €19,894.27.

Doctors who participate in the indicative drugs target savings scheme have also been able to access savings made under the scheme to fund HSE approved practice development projects. Between January 1993, the introduction of the scheme, and 31 August 2004, in excess of €90 million has been paid nationally under this scheme to participating doctors.

Health Service Allowances.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

87 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received in the midland HSE area for the domiciliary care allowance in each of the past five years; the average time period for processing these applications; the reason for the inordinate delays in processing these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22958/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

88 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the inordinate delay in processing the domiciliary care allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if this case will be expedited. [22960/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

89 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the inordinate delay in processing the domiciliary care allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if this case will be expedited. [22961/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

90 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in admitting a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to the eating disorder unit at Loughlinstown Hospital; when they will be admitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22962/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

91 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nights between June 2005 and December 2005 during which New Ross, County Wexford, will be left without its own 24 hour ambulance cover; the efforts she is making to provide this cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22965/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

92 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nights between June 2005 and December 2005 during which Gorey, County Wexford, will be left without its own 24 hour ambulance cover; the efforts she is making to provide this cover. [22966/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

93 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nights between June 2005 and December 2005 during which Enniscorthy, County Wexford, will be left without its own 24 hour ambulance cover; the efforts she is making to provide this cover. [22967/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 93, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

94 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider providing financial assistance to communities to meet the costs of insurance, supervision, heating, lighting and so on, of parochial halls and schools during out of school hours in parishes to provide young persons with a viable social alternative to the public house. [22968/05]

My Department does not intend to provide the funding outlined in the Deputy's question. However, the National Children's Office, under the auspices of my Department, is currently developing a recreation policy for young people aged 12 to 18 years. The policy will deal with recreation opportunities funded by the State. As part of the process, consideration will be given as to how best to utilise existing facilities such as school premises, sports halls and so forth.

A public consultation was launched by my colleague, Deputy Brian Lenihan, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, on May 2005. The results are expected in the autumn. In addition, a steering group has been established to oversee and guide the development of policy. The group, chaired by the National Children's Office, has representatives from key Departments, local authorities and the Irish Sports Council.

Nursing Homes.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

95 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures being put in place to make inspections of nursing homes more frequent and random. [22970/05]

The HSE has initiated a review of the current approach to nursing home inspections which will examine issues such as preparation work undertaken, assessment tools used, methodologies employed during inspections, guidelines dealing with announced and unannounced visits and procedures to assess the quality of care. The reviewer has been asked to provide a report to the HSE outlining his findings, including any actions which should be taken to improve the quality of the inspection process and to identify any other issues that need to be addressed for the future.

As already announced, the social services inspectorate is to be established on a statutory basis. The legislation will be published later this year. The inspectorate will be charged with the inspection of both public and private nursing homes and will be responsible for reporting on standards of care in such homes. In addition, the Department of Health and Children is urgently reviewing the operation of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and regulations made under the Act to see which powers available to the Health Service Executive need to be strengthened. This wide ranging review will have the rights of patients at its centre. It is intended to have this Bill published later this year.

The Tánaiste wrote to the HSE on 14 June 2005 to ensure that the target of two inspections per year under Article 24 of the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations 1993 be achieved countrywide as a matter of urgency. The Tánaiste also requested that the inspection process be prioritised within the HSE to achieve compliance with Article 24 of the regulations.

National Drugs Strategy.

Damien English

Ceist:

96 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures in place and those that remain to be implemented to ensure that all drug users have immediate access to professional assessment, counselling and treatment by regional health services, as promised under the national drugs strategy; if she will provide information on the existing waiting times for access to such services in each regional health office area; when she envisages that these waiting times for assessment, counselling and treatment services will be eliminated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22971/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John Ellis

Ceist:

97 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will receive surgery under the patient treatment scheme. [22972/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

98 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that as a consequence of the Irish Wheelchair Association being affiliated to the Health Services Employers Agency, the hourly rate of payment for Saturday overnights and nights preceding bank holidays for personal assistants working for persons with disabilities has been cut; if no other health service funded posts receive similar premium rate of pay for working anti-social hours; and her views on whether, unless this regulation is changed, it will be even more difficult for persons with disabilities to live a normal independent life. [22973/05]

The Irish Wheelchair Association is a non-governmental organisation which provides services on behalf of the Health Service Executive or HSE. Under the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive has responsibility to manage and deliver health and personal social services or to arrange for the delivery of these services on its behalf.

The Act also provided for the dissolution of the Health Service Employers Agency, HSEA, and the transfer of its functions to the executive. The HSEA was a representative body for health service employers which promoted the development of improved human resource practices and represented employers in the management of industrial relations. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

99 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of the works to be carried out at Naas General Hospital under the recent announcement of a capital programme for health services; the amount allocated for these works in Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22974/05]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

100 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of the works to be carried out at Mayo General Hospital; the amount provided for this purpose under the capital programme announced by the HSE on 21 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22975/05]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

101 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of the works to be carried out to the senior citizens hospital in Maynooth; the amount to be provided for same under the capital programme of works announced by the HSE on 21 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22976/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals regarding the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

102 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made on the institution of BreastCheck services following the insertion of tenders in the EU Journal for the design stage of BreastCheck; the progress made in view of the continuing mortality due to the lack of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22977/05]

Following publication of tender notices in the EU Journal, BreastCheck has indicated that it received 50 requests to participate in the procurement process which will be carried out in accordance with EU procurement procedures using the restricted procedure. BreastCheck anticipates that the short-listing, interviews and fee negotiations will be complete by the end of July 2005. Discussions on staffing requirements are currently taking place involving BreastCheck, the Health Service Executive and my Department. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the commencement of the national roll out will be met.

Health Services.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

103 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the development of a national strategy for carers in consultation with the Carers Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22978/05]

Carers provide an invaluable role in supporting family members in the community and it is important to recognise their contribution to society. The role of carers in society has to some extent not been fully recognised in the past but this situation is changing with a number of initiatives being introduced to address their needs.

The Department of Health and Children provided in excess of €1 million in funding in 2005 to a number of groups supporting carers such as Care Alliance, Caring for Carers and the Carers Association. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has also implemented a range of measures since 1999 to assist carers, including increases in the carer's allowance, the introduction of an annual payment of €1,000 towards the cost of respite care and the extension of schemes such as the free electricity allowance, free telephone rental and free TV licence to those on carer's allowance.

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 allows employees in Ireland to leave their employment temporarily for a minimum period of 13 weeks up to a maximum period of 65 weeks to provide full-time care and attention. Carers' leave from employment is unpaid but the Carer's Leave Act ensures that those who propose to avail of carer's leave will have their jobs kept open for them for the duration of the leave.

The above mentioned initiatives demonstrate this Government's commitment to addressing the shortcomings identified by the Carers Association and other groups regarding support for carers.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

104 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork must wait from five to six weeks for an eye test. [22979/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

105 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a first responders scheme in County Kerry similar to that operated by the ambulance service in the former Eastern Regional Health Authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22980/05]

John Perry

Ceist:

139 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will set up the first responder scheme in Counties Sligo and Leitrim similar to the scheme operated by the former regional health authority; when it will commence; if it is her view that the provision of defibrillators with training from the local health authority in major population centres has a proven track record for saving life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23298/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 139 together.

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Infectious Diseases.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

106 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if guidelines apply in respect of the wearing of uniforms and footwear to and from work by persons working on the wards of hospitals as an element of the programme to reduce the transmission of infection; the terms of reference for the proposed audit of hygiene in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22981/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

107 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the upgrading of St Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis; the funding available for this upgrading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22982/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

108 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to ensure that her Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23127/05]

In the time available, it has not been possible to collate the information requested. However, my Department will establish the position and respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

109 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when work will begin on the 21 bed unit in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23165/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the health service executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering existing or new capital proposals with regard to the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

110 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to include elderly day care patients as class 2 persons under regulations; if she will clarify, using examples, the type of patients included under the regulations under each class provided for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23166/05]

I, and my colleague, the Minister for Finance, signed the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 on 14 June last, and these regulations reinstate charges for inpatient services. Section 53 of the Health Act 1970, as amended by the Health (Amendment) Act 2005, provides, inter alia, for the levying of a charge where inpatient services have been provided for a period of not less than 30 days or for periods aggregating not less than 30 days within the previous 12 months. In this regard, charging for patients in long-term care cannot commence until the expiration of 30 days after the regulations were signed, which means that the earliest date on which charges can be levied is 14 July 2005.

These regulations provide for the levying of a charge in respect of the maintenance of persons in receipt of inpatient services. Section 51 of the Health Act 1970 defines inpatient services as meaning "institutional services provided for persons while maintained in a hospital, convalescent home or home for persons suffering from physical or mental disability or in accommodation ancillary thereto".

The regulations, in keeping with section 53 of the Health Act 1970, as amended, have provided for two different classes of persons on whom charges can be levied. Class 1 refers to people in receipt of inpatient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser. Class 2 refers to people in receipt of inpatient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90 or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. However, the Health Service Executive has power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under the regulations, only the HSE has the power to levy a charge. It is a matter for the HSE, based on its own legal advice and taking into account the individual circumstances as well as the service being provided, to make a decision on charges.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

111 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will extend the nursing home subvention scheme to cover the full cost of care and to ensure that pensioners availing of the scheme will continue to retain at least 50% of their pensions; the cost to the State of such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23167/05]

The Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 allows for the payment of a subvention towards the cost of nursing home care based on medical and means assessments. The process used in determining a person's eligibility for subvention is set out in the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993.

As the Deputy will be aware, the placing of a person in a private nursing home is a private matter between the person or his or her representatives and the nursing home proprietor, as are the fees charged by a nursing home. The subvention scheme was introduced to assist with the cost of private nursing home care and it was never intended that a subvention payment would meet the full costs of private nursing home care.

The Government is very conscious of the changing demographic profile of our population, with more people living longer and more fulfilling lives and the consequential increasing demand for services, both community based and residential. The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. Following the publication of this report, a working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established.

The group is examining service issues in regard to home care and residential care and funding mechanisms to support initiatives that may be proposed in regard to those services. The group will report in the near future to both the Tánaiste and Minister for Social and Family Affairs and it is likely that the Government will seek the views of stakeholders later this year on any proposals put forward by the group.

It will be appreciated that since the value of persons' pensions is unknown, it is not possible to cost the proposal. Under the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993 the Health Service Executive in assessing the means of an applicant for subvention shall disregard income equivalent to one fifth of the weekly rate of the old age non-contributory pension.

Grant Schemes.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

112 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will expand the home care grant scheme to the mid-western region; the likely annual cost of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23168/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

113 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no obligation on the HSE to provide transport for patients attending outpatient appointments who have no access to either private or public transport and who cannot afford a taxi; if she will review this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23169/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

114 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will seek equality of service from the HSE for front line therapy services such as speech, occupational and physiotherapy; the way in which this might be achieved in view of the fact that the public service embargo is in place and sanctioned positions are in some cases not being advertised because of the embargo. [23170/05]

There is currently no embargo on recruitment of staff in the health services. However, the management of the employment ceiling for the health sector is a matter for the Health Service Executive, which may, as part of this management, prioritise certain areas in line with the service priorities set out in its service plan for 2005.

General Register Office.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

115 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the scheme to computerise the registers of births, marriages and deaths will be fully operational; and the stage the project is at. [23171/05]

An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar-General, is the person with statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland. I have made inquiries of the Registrar-General and the position is as follows.

The civil registration computer system has been fully operational across all areas of the Health Service Executive since the end of 2004. The functionality deployed includes search, issue of certificates and registration of life events. Currently, historic data are available in respect of births back to 1864, deaths to 1924 and marriages to 1920.

Health Services.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

116 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if places in public nursing homes have been assigned for short stay care to relieve pressure on acute hospital beds; if so, their number and location. [23172/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

117 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason enhanced subvention for nursing home care is available in some parts of the country and not in others; and the way in which it is intended to remedy this. [23173/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

118 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 10 May 2005, if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called for surgery to Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, before returning to school in September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23226/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

119 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 85 and 101 of 22 March 2005 and 179 and 185 of 26 April 2005, when funding will be made available to students covered by Labour Court recommendation 18030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23227/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

120 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be assessed for hip surgery in Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23229/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

121 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 207 of 8 March 2005, if the chief officer for the HSE’s mid-western area has investigated the matter for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23230/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

122 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department will provide funding to facilitate the opening and the adequate use of the day care centre at Shannon Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23231/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

123 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a bed in the Alzheimer’s unit in St. Joseph’s Hospital, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23232/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

124 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 19 October 2004, the status of an application for repairs to a chimney and installation of heating under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23249/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

125 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 1 of June 2005, if the community welfare officer has compiled a report under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23250/05]

As the issue raised by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 1 June 2005 related to the management and delivery of health services in the Clare area, the Department wrote requesting that the chief officer of the Health Service Executive, mid-western area, to reply direct to him. The HSE mid-western area has informed the Department that a reply was issued directly to the Deputy on 21 June 2005.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

126 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the installation of a shower under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23251/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

127 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the HSE has received quotations from a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23252/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

128 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the community welfare officer’s report and a technical report have been supplied under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23253/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

129 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for persons (details supplied) in County Clare. [23254/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

130 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the technical foreman has assessed the status of an applicant (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23255/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

131 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23256/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

132 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23257/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

133 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23258/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Insurance.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

134 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the attached correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23293/05]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

135 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the risk equalisation issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23294/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

The Government is strongly committed to maintaining community rating in the Irish health insurance market. Provision for the operation of risk equalisation is essential to the policy of maintaining a community rated health insurance market. The Health Insurance Act 2001 provides that risk equalisation should be introduced where to do so is in the best overall interests of the health insurance consumers.

The Deputy will be aware that I decided on balance recently not to trigger risk equalisation payments in the health insurance market at this point in time. The matter now rests until the Health Insurance Authority's next report for the period January to June 2005, due to be received by me towards the end of October. This is subject to developments in court proceedings currently in train against recourse to risk equalisation in the health insurance market.

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers is a letter from the managing director of BUPA Ireland, which I understand was part of a mailshot to its customers, inviting them to protest to my office against the introduction of risk equalisation transfers. The correspondence had no bearing on my decision.

Nursing Homes.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

136 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the requests which were made for medical supplies for public patients at Leas Cross Nursing Home, County Dublin, to the Health Services Executive from 8 May 2005 to 1 June 2005; the basis for the requests; the response given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23295/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

137 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if any of the public patients at Leas Cross Nursing Home, County Dublin, received any specialist medical attention or examination between 8 May 2005 and 15 May 2005; if so, the recommendations that were made and the response given to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23296/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

138 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the policy with respect to medical supply requirements for public patients at private nursing homes; if the policy is the same for public patients (details supplied). [23297/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 105.

Health Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

140 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are awaiting orthodontic treatment and assessment in each of the Health Service Executive areas and the waiting time for assessment and treatment in respect of each area. [23299/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

141 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an allocation for the fitting out of Ballymun health centre has been made in the recent capital allocations from her Department; if so, the amount of that allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23300/05]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, 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 funding of the Ballymun health centre, including the fit-out and equipping of the facility.

Earlier this year I confirmed approval for the completion and fit out of this facility and I asked the HSE to proceed with it as quickly as logistically possible. As I previously indicated, the HSE is responsible for the funding, timeframe and actual delivery of this project. The HSE has informed me that it has put the necessary funding in place to carry out this work, the work has commenced on site and will take nine months to complete.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

142 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status in respect of the long promised phase two development of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; the funding committed to the project for 2005; the amount planned to be committed for 2006; and if she will outline the additional services to be made available as a consequence. [23324/05]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

143 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the huge child population in the Dublin 15 and Connolly Hospital catchment area and her proposals to extend paediatric services to the hospital, particularly outpatient specialist services and some minor injury services in a dedicated paediatric environment. [23325/05]

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

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

144 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to provide a health centre to Mulhuddart in Dublin 15 as previously promised; the estimated cost of the Mulhuddart centre and the capital funding provided for this project; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Mulhuddart health centre proposes to serve rapidly growing areas of Dublin 15, including a number of disadvantaged areas such as Ladyswell and Parlickstown, which currently have no GP services. [23329/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

145 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing a screening programme for the diagnosis of deafness in newborn children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23353/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

146 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to offer public orthodontic work to private contractors in an effort to reduce the waiting lists or to extend the national treatment purchase fund to cover this treatment. [23384/05]

The Deputy's question regarding public orthodontic work relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

In June 2002, my Department provided additional funding of €5 million from the treatment purchase fund towards the treatment of persons on the orthodontic waiting lists. My Department instructed the health boards that the funding was to be allocated on the basis of the following principles: treatment of clients longest on the waiting list in accordance with the severity of their treatment need; allocation to provide additional treatments over and above what was provided in the normal way; efficiency and value for money; and equitable delivery across health board populations.

Children in treatment in the health board orthodontic service receive between 18 to 24 appointments over the course of their treatment period of approximately two years. The focus of the national treatment purchase fund is on the reduction in waiting times for those patients who have been waiting longest for admission for acute hospital treatment. It is not intended to extend the remit of the fund to deal with orthodontic waiting lists at this time.

Nursing Home Charges.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

147 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends to issue a detailed statement of the terms of refund to persons who were unlawfully charged in public nursing homes. [23389/05]

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges. All those who were illegally charged for publicly funded long-term residential care and are alive and the estates of all those who were charged and died in the six years prior to 9 December 2004 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not provide for repayments to the estates of those who died more than six years ago. The repayments will include both the actual charge paid and an amount to take account of inflation, using the CPI, since the time the person involved was charged.

Legislation will be brought before the Oireachtas in the autumn to underpin the scheme. One of the objectives of the legislation will be to put in place procedures which will protect vulnerable people from exploitation given that significant repayments in some cases will be paid to them.

In the case of those who were charged and are still alive, the repayments will be exempt from tax and will not be taken into account in assessing means for health and social welfare benefits. The normal tax and means assessment arrangements will apply to those who benefit from repayments to estates.

An outside company with experience in handling mass claims will be engaged to design and manage the scheme within the parameters of the key principles approved by Government. The Health Services Executive is finalising an advertisement in the EU Journal to obtain expressions of interest from companies that would design and manage the repayments scheme. The company selected will work closely with the HSE to ensure that the co-operation is forthcoming on records held by the health agencies. It is anticipated that a company will be selected over the summer and will begin work in early autumn on the design of the scheme.

An oversight committee has been appointed to monitor the implementation of the repayment scheme. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Bernard Walsh, a geriatrician in St. James's Hospital and its task will be to ensure that proper governance is applied by the HSE and the company to the scheme. The scheme will be designed and managed with the aim of ensuring that those who are eligible for repayments receive them as soon as possible and with the minimum possible imposition in terms of bureaucracy. Priority will be given to those who are still alive. Many of those eligible for repayments have already been identified under the ex gratia payments process. The scheme will include a transparent and thorough appeals process.

The legislation will include appropriate safeguards to prevent exploitation of those who receive repayments and are not in a position to manage their own financial affairs. The scheme will include a provision to allow those eligible for a repayment to waive their right to a repayment and have the money assigned to fund one-off service improvements in elderly, mental health and disability services.

It is estimated that about 20,000 people who are still alive and a further 40,000 to 50,000 estates will benefit. It is estimated that the scheme will cost approximately €1 billion. The decision to limit payments to the estates of those who died in the past six years reflects the reference in the Supreme Court judgment to the statute of limitations.

The national helpline set up by the Health Services Executive to allow people to register if they believe they are due a repayment will continue to operate but there is no need for anyone who has already registered using this facility to make contact with the HSE again to register for the scheme. Any person who considers that they or a family member may be eligible for repayment may register their interest in advance with the Health Service Executive, by writing to the National Refund Scheme, HSE Midland Area, Arden Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly; or email to refundscheme@mailq.hse.ie; or by calling the helpline 1800 777737 during office hours.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

148 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will publish details of hospital waiting lists; the reason for the delay in publishing waiting lists; the baseline which the waiting list will work off; the exact data being collected; and if data on the number of patients waiting for a first meeting with a consultant are also being collected. [23411/05]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

149 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her estimate of waiting lists numbers for 2003 to date; and if she will provide the last published data on waiting lists. [23412/05]

Responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting lists and waiting times now falls within the remit of the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive of the fund to respond to the Deputy on the latest information available to the fund in respect of the number of patients waiting for treatment.

A new on-line national patient treatment register is being developed by the fund. The new patient treatment register will allow for more accurate identification of waiting lists and, more importantly, waiting times. It is intended that the register will be implemented on a phased basis during 2005.

Up to the end of May 2005, some 30,000 patients have had treatment arranged for them. It is now the case that, in most instances, anyone waiting more than three months will be facilitated by the fund.

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

150 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card appeal application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23426/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

151 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists working for the HSE in the Mid-Western Health Board region; the plans she has to increase that number; the plans she has to decrease priority 2 assessment waiting lists times for clients aged over 65 years from 18 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23438/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

152 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria for assessing occupational therapy clients as priority one in the Mid-Western Health Board region, the assessment waiting list times for such clients; the plans she has to decrease such waiting list times; if there is a further distinction made based on age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23439/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

153 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the announced capital funding of over €20 million for Ennis General Hospital will be applied to phase 1A of the hospital development plan; if this will include upgrading of the accident and emergency facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23440/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

154 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has for the allocation of the funding of more than €20 million for Ennis General Hospital; the timeframe she proposes in such plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23441/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

155 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has regarding the maintenance of the 24 hour accident and emergency facility at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23442/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

156 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 12 April 2005, the current status of the review; when a compensation scheme will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23454/05]

My officials are examining the feasibility of introducing a vaccine damage compensation scheme. I will be in a position to consider the available options on completion of this work. This task is included in my Department's business plan. The target date for completion is October 2005.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

157 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 25 May 2005, if a design team has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23458/05]

Following publication of tender notices in the EU Journal, BreastCheck has indicated that it received 50 requests to participate in the procurement process which will be carried out in accordance with EU procurement procedures using the restricted procedure. BreastCheck anticipates that the short-listing, interviews and fee negotiations will be complete by the end of July 2005.

Nursing Home Charges.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

158 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications submitted to the HSE under the nursing home refund scheme on a county basis; when she intends to introduce legislation to implement the refund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23459/05]

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded long-term residential care. All those who were charged and are alive and the estates of all those who were charged and died in the six years prior to 9 December 2004 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died more than six years ago. The repayments will include both the actual charge paid and an amount to take account of inflation, using the CPI, since the time the person involved was charged.

Legislation to underpin the scheme will be ready in the autumn. One of the objectives of the legislation will be to put in place procedures which will protect vulnerable people from exploitation given that significant repayments in some cases will be paid to them.

The Health Service Executive is finalising an advertisement in the EU Journal to obtain expressions of interest from companies that would design and manage the repayments scheme. The company selected will work closely with the HSE to ensure that the co-operation is forthcoming on records held by the health agencies. It is anticipated that a company will be selected over the summer and will begin work in early autumn on the design of the scheme.

An oversight committee has been appointed to monitor the implementation of the repayment scheme. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Bernard Walsh, a geriatrician in St. James's Hospital and its task will be to ensure that proper governance is applied by the HSE and the company to the scheme. As regards the number of applications submitted to the Health Service Executive under the national repayment scheme on a county basis, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

159 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 31 May 2005, when a person (details supplied) will be called to Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23460/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

160 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has established a working group to examine better co-ordination between the drug and alcohol abuse services; the progress made to date by such a working group; when this group will report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23466/05]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, which asks that a working group be established, involving key stakeholders in both the alcohol and drugs areas, to explore the potential for better co-ordination between the two areas and how synergies could be improved. The group is requested to also examine and make recommendations on whether a combined strategy is the appropriate way forward and report by end 2006. The group is to be established in the near future.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

161 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 25 May 2005, the reason for the delay in reply to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23468/05]

In response to the Deputy's question of 25 May 2005, I advised that the Health Service Executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, including responsibility for the provision of hospital services for people who have suffered strokes, and that my Department had requested the director of the executive's national hospitals' office to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy. My Department has been in touch with the national hospitals' office and is advised that a detailed response issued to the Deputy yesterday.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

162 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 1 March 2005, if the study has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23474/05]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

165 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the HEMS feasibility study consultants report (details supplied); if she has completed discussions with other Departments on the matter; if there has been any recent meeting held about establishing this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23484/05]

The report referred to by the Deputy is that of a consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast, the DHSSPS, on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service, HEMS, for the island of Ireland. It was published last year and is available on my Department's website. The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital air ambulance service would be appropriate in an all-island context.

My Department is currently finalising a service level agreement with the Department of Defence to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Air Corps. Officials from my Department met recently with the Department of Defence to progress the agreement. The draft agreement has also been circulated to the Health Service Executive for comment. It is expected that the agreement will be completed shortly.

A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme has been approved and is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability and the new fleet will have a far greater flying capacity which will augment the current service.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

163 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if thousands of Mayo patients will obtain long overdue rheumatology services; when a Mayo rheumatology unit will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23482/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

164 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the situation whereby persons are waiting in excess of five years for a urology appointment; her further views on whether the establishment of a consultant urology unit at Mayo General Hospital is the only acceptable solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23483/05]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 165 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

166 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a 24 hour ambulance will be located in the three areas of Tuam, west Roscommon, Achill-Mulranny and Ballycroy; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that lives are being lost and put in jeopardy due to the considerable time lapse which is involved in an ambulance arriving to take an ill person to hospital; when an ambulance base will be provided in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23485/05]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

167 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a 24 hour ambulance will be located in the west Roscommon area; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that lives are being lost and put in jeopardy due to the considerable time lapse which is involved in an ambulance arriving to take an ill person to hospital; when an ambulance base will be provided in this area. [23486/05]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

168 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a 24 hour ambulance will be located in the Achill-Mulranny and Ballycroy area; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that lives are being lost and put in jeopardy due to the considerable time lapse which is involved in an ambulance arriving to take an ill person to hospital; when an ambulance base will be provided in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23487/05]

I intend to take Questions Nos. 166 to 168, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

169 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the national cervical cancer screening service will be instituted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23488/05]

A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in these three counties in the 25 to 60 age group, at five year intervals. I am committed to the national roll out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. Careful planning and consultation with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders is required in advance of a national roll out.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

170 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the Hanly report is unacceptable when it means that Mayo General Hospital will be deprived of essential consultant inpatient services and, as a result, large waiting lists exist for these specialists with persons having to wait years for essential specialist services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23489/05]

The report of the national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report, makes important proposals for reducing the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, in line with the European working time directive and highlights the need to implement changes in medical staffing to ensure safety and quality of patient care. The Hanly report makes no reference to Mayo General Hospital. Instead, it made specific recommendations for reorganising hospitals in two regions — the east coast and the mid-west — and set out a series of principles for the future organisation of hospital services nationally.

It should be noted that the report recommended investment in hospitals at regional level to provide more services for patients and emphasised that a full range of acute hospital services should be available within each region, so that patients should not have to travel outside the region other than for specialised supra-regional or national level services. The report also recommended a significant increase in the total number of consultants in each region, working in a consultant provided, team based system, so that patients can receive faster access to senior clinical decision making. This will help to reduce waiting lists.

I consider that the national hospitals' office is best placed to build on the recommendations of the report in this area. Its priority will be to ensure that patients, wherever they live, have equitable and rapid access to high quality hospital care.

Health Services.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

171 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 10 March 2005, if she has received a response to date from the chief officer of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23500/05]

As the issue raised by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 10 March 2005 related to the management and delivery of health services in the Kilkenny area, the Department wrote requesting that the chief officer of the Health Service Executive south eastern area investigate the matter raised and reply direct to the Deputy. The HSE south eastern area has informed the Department that a reply was issued directly to the Deputy on 22 March 2005.

Disabled Drivers.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

172 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the medical criteria for disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concession scheme 1994; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the people who do not have the use of either one or both legs but who have not physically lost a leg or a limb are ineligible under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23292/05]

The medical criteria for this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. There are six different types of disablement listed under the regulations and a qualifying person must satisfy one or more of them. The six types of disablement are as follows: persons who are wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs; persons who are wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg, such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs; persons without both hands or without both arms; persons without one or both legs; persons wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly, or almost wholly without the use of one leg; persons having the medical condition of dwarfism and who have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

An individual who qualifies under the medical criteria, as set out above, is issued with a primary medical certificate. Possession of a primary medical certificate qualifies the holder for remission or repayment of: vehicle registration tax, VRT; a repayment of value added tax, VAT, on the purchase of the vehicle; and a repayment of VAT on the cost of adaptation of the vehicle. Repayment of the excise duty on fuel used in the motor vehicle and exemption from annual road tax to local authorities are also allowed.

An interdepartmental review group was established to review the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. The group examined all aspects of the scheme including the qualifying medical criteria. The report was published on my Department's website in July 2004 and copies have been placed in the Oireachtas Library. As agreed by Government in June 2004, I will consider the report on an ongoing basis in the overall budgetary context having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.

Tax Code.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

173 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the number of first time home buyers in County Clare who have had one or more parents putting their names to mortgage documents and as a result have found themselves liable for stamp duty for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/05]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are unable to provide the statistical information requested. The Revenue Commissioners issued a re-assurance last Friday concerning first time buyers of secondhand houses in which they confirmed that a child, who is a first time buyer, will not be precluded from claiming first time buyer relief where a parent acts as a co-mortgagor in the following circumstances: the transfer of the house is taken in the name of the child; it is the intention of both the child and the parent that the parent is not to take a beneficial interest in the house; the parent has been joined into the mortgage solely at the request of the lending institution for the purpose of providing additional security for the moneys being advanced for the purchase; it is not intended that the parent will be contributing to the repayment of the mortgage in the normal course.

I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that if stamp duty has been paid in circumstances where the above conditions are satisfied, a repayment of stamp duty will be made on application to the Revenue Commissioners.

Fuel Prices.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

174 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the estimated impact on the economy here of a barrel of oil priced at $60, $65, and $70; the extent of reliance of Ireland’s energy needs on oil; the current reserves available to the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23107/05]

Economic model simulations suggest that, holding other factors constant, each sustained $10 per barrel rise in the price of oil reduces growth in the Irish economy by about 0.5 percentage points in a full year, relative to baseline. It should be noted, however, that because oil has not in the past risen to a level as high as $70 per barrel, it is difficult to accurately simulate such a scenario.

The dependency of the economy on oil has declined over the last number of years, for example, imports of oil amounted to 1.5% of GDP last year; in the late 1970s, the equivalent figure was around 6.5% of GDP. This lower oil dependency has been due to a number of factors such as the greater relative importance of services in the economy, which are less energy intensive, the growth in natural gas and other energy sources and more efficient use of energy.

As a member of the International Energy Agency, IEA, Ireland is required to maintain oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports in the previous year. At 1 May 2005, Ireland held 2,304,000 tonnes of oil, which is equivalent to 102 days of net imports using the IEA methodology and this is 12 days above the obligation of 90 days.

Tax Collection.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

175 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number and name of companies that had tax liabilities of £200,000 or more written off by the Revenue Commissioners from 1979 to 1982 inclusive; the amounts written off; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23108/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

176 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number and name of companies that had tax liabilities of £200,000 or more written off by the Revenue Commissioners from 1988 to 1992 inclusive; the amounts written off; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23109/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for the years to which the Deputy's questions relate, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of tax write off between the different categories of taxpayer whether individual, company or partnership. Due to confidentiality considerations, Revenue is not in a position to provide the names of taxpayers who had tax liabilities written off by them.

The annual tax write off for the periods 1979 to 1982 and 1988 to 1992 is as follows:

Year

1979

1980

1981

1982

Amount Written off

€772,937

€673,578

€625,427

€1,368,624

Year

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

Amount Written off

€16,629,760

€38,261,018

€63,654,509

€109,046,376

€124,236,253

The reason for the write off is set out in the following tables. The classification of grounds for write off changed over the years in question and these are reflected in the tables.

1979

1980

1981

1982

Composition Settlements

136,592

22,471

5,160

4,243

Compassionate Grounds

61,625

48,098

55,229

60,476

Miscellaneous: Liability not enforceable, etc.

574,720

603,009

565,038

1,303,905

Total

772,937

673,578

625,427

1,368,624

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

Compassionate grounds

168,875

2,825,167

1,719,225

2,456,943

2,425,200

Ceased trading — no assets

7,078,790

8,905,934

21,440,797

51,391,379

63,571,976

Liquidation — receivership — bankruptcy

4,337,425

10,171,872

16,785,937

18,795,933

31,743,452

Cannot be traced — outside the jurisdiction

5,044,670

16,358,036

23,708,550

36,402,121

26,495,625

Total

16,629,760

38,261,018

63,654,509

109,046,376

124,236,253

The main reason for the increase in the value of write off over the period 1988 to 1992 was due to a review of tax arrears on record which commenced after the 1988 amnesty. This review which was ongoing over the years 1988 to 1992 led not only to more effective collection of taxes but also, inevitably, to the increase in the amount of taxes deemed irrecoverable.

It should be noted that the amount written off may overstate the actual liability as many of the cases included estimated amounts. Following an examination of tax write off arrangements in place prior to 1997, Revenue received general approval from the Comptroller and Auditor General for the criteria to be used in new arrangements for the write off of tax debt. These procedures are subject to audit on an annual basis and the results are published in the annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

177 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if a company (details supplied) or any related company had tax liabilities written off by the Revenue Commissioners of more than £200,000 between 1979 and 1983, inclusive; if so, the amounts written off; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23110/05]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are unable to provide any information regarding the tax affairs of a company other than when the Deputy asking the question is asking it on behalf of the company concerned. As it would appear that the Deputy is not asking the question with the consent of the company mentioned, the Revenue Commissioners are unable to provide the information sought as the tax affairs of the company are confidential between them and the Revenue Commissioners.

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

178 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of taxes, penalties and interest recovered arising from the different revenue investigations and tribunals of inquiry from 1997 to date; the amount in respect of each such investigation, such as the inquiry into DIRT and Ansbacher accounts; if he allocated the proceeds of such investigations and tribunal inquiries to specific expenditure headings; and if so, if he will identify those headings. [23111/05]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures of the total yield from various special investigations and initiatives by the Revenue Commissioners, which are available for the years 1998 to 2004 and updated to 31 May 2005 are set out in the following table.

Yield from Special Investigations up to end May 2005.

Heading

Total yields

€m

DIRT audits

225.0

Bogus non-resident accounts

583.2

Offshore assets

734.2

Single premium policies

2.6

Ansbacher

47.8

NIB/Clerical Medical

54.1

Tribunals

34.8

Total

1,681.6

Any apparent discrepancies in totals are due to rounding of constituent figures. Further information on the yields from the various special investigations and initiatives can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.

As regards allocating the proceeds of such investigations and tribunal inquiries to specific expenditure headings, it is a constitutional requirement that, in the absence of specific legislation to the contrary, all State revenues be paid into the central fund. All of the moneys received to date from Revenue special investigations have been paid into the central fund and, as such, became part of the general revenues underpinning the Government's expenditure targets in those years.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

179 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made to secure office accommodation to facilitate the move of Government Departments as part of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23112/05]

The Commissioners of Public Works have primary responsibility for sourcing property solutions for the Departments and agencies which have been earmarked for decentralisation. Following a detailed evaluation of options available and intensive negotiations, suitable sites or premises have been identified in a number of decentralising locations.

Prices have been agreed for 13 locations and the contractual arrangements for these are progressing. State owned sites have been identified in a number of other locations, including Athlone, Sligo, Furbo and the Curragh, and these are being made available for decentralisation purposes. In a small number of locations, the possibility of renting existing or new buildings under construction or with planning permission is being considered.

While prices have yet to be agreed, the process of acquiring sites in several other locations is at an advanced stage and the expectation is that several more acquisitions will be agreed in the coming months. Overall, the site acquisition programme is progressing satisfactorily and is well placed to facilitate the roll out of the construction phase of the programme.

Tax Code.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

180 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the total number of taxpayers in receipt of mortgage interest relief; the total amount of interest forfeited by Revenue in respect of the mortgage interest relief scheme. [23113/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

181 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the total number of applicants each year in the past five years for mortgage interest relief. [23114/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

It is assumed that what the Deputy requires is the number of claimants for mortgage interest relief and the total amount of tax relief granted by the Revenue Commissioners under the tax relief at source system. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of claimants for mortgage interest relief in each of the five years up to 2004 are as in the table.

Year

Number

2000/01

448,400

2001 (short tax year)

474,800

2002

587,700

2003

622,500

2004

645,500

Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate. The figures for 2002 onwards are provisional estimates and are likely to be revised. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. The estimated cost of the relief to the Exchequer in 2004 was €230 million.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

182 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of section 23 and section 27 reliefs sought and awarded for each year for the past five years; the total number of taxpayers who benefited from all forms of section 23 reliefs and from any other form of urban renewal reliefs over the past five years. [23115/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

183 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the estimated total amount of tax per year foregone due to section 23 reliefs; the estimated total amount of tax per year foregone due to other urban renewal reliefs. [23116/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, until recently, claims for section 23/section 27 reliefs and other similar reliefs, were aggregated in tax returns with other claims, such as with industrial buildings allowances generally or with other capital allowances, and did not distinguish between the reliefs claimed in respect of the different schemes and so were not separately identifiable. Details of tax relief claimed for investment in these schemes were not captured by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in such a way as to provide a specific basis for compiling estimates of the total annual cost to the Exchequer or the numbers of taxpayers who benefited from these reliefs.

My Department and the Revenue Commissioners examined how information capture in this area could be improved and the Revenue Commissioners have introduced changes to the income tax returns forms which are intended to yield additional information on the take up of a range of reliefs claimed by individuals. These changes include information on claims in respect of section 23/section 27 reliefs and other similar reliefs. This information will begin to become available from late 2005. Corresponding changes have been made to the corporation tax return form which will produce similar information for accounting periods ending in 2005 and subsequent years.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

184 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23128/05]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the decisions of the High Court and the Supreme Court, of the dates mentioned, in the case of Vincent Browne v the Attorney General. I understand that the parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v the Attorney General, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case.

The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases. On receipt of this advice my Department will take any necessary action.

Economic Growth.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

185 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the amount by which the economy grew in 2003 and 2004; the increase in employment resulting from such growth; the likely impact on employment had the economy grown at half the rate achieved in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23153/05]

Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that in 2003 the economy grew by 3.7% in GDP terms and 2.8% in GNP terms. Employment in 2003 expanded by 1.9%. In 2004, the economy is estimated to have grown by 4.9% in GDP terms and 5.5% in GNP terms and employment grew by 3%.

The impact on employment of lower than forecast growth would vary according to the source of the lower growth. For example, if growth was lower due to a fall in net exports the employment effect could be expected to be less than if growth was lower due to slower growth in domestic demand.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

186 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the amount by which the economy is anticipated to grow in 2005; the increase in employment he expects from such growth; the likely impact on employment should the economy grow at half the rate anticipated in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23154/05]

At budget time my Department forecast growth in 2005 to be 5.1% in GDP terms and 4.7% in GNP terms. Employment growth was forecast at 1.9%. As is customary, these forecasts will be updated in August with the publication of the Economic Review and Outlook.

The impact on employment of lower than forecast growth would vary according to the source of the lower growth. For example, if growth was lower due to a fall in net exports the employment effect could be expected to be less than if growth was lower due to slower growth in domestic demand. It should be noted, however, that available data point to strong employment growth in the first quarter of this year. According to the quarterly national household survey, total employment grew by 3.9% year on year in the first three months of 2005.

Tax Yield.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

187 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the number of cars registered each year from 1997 to 2005; the cost of VRT for each class of car; the amount of finance raised under each car class each year from 1997 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23155/05]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the available information on the number of cars registered and the receipts of VRT for each car class, A1, A2 and A3 for the years 1997 to 2005 is shown in Appendix 1. Included at Appendix 2 are the estimated VAT receipts from cars for the period 1997 to 2005. The amount of VAT collected cannot be identified by car class from within the overall VAT yield as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require this to be identified. Appendix 3 outlines the rates of duty for VRT for cars for the period 1997 to 2005.

While the Exchequer benefits generally from revenues generated by the motor sector, the motorist has also benefited from the substantial investment in the roads network over the last number of years through the national development plan. In 2004, spending on national and non-national roads totalled over €1.65 billion. This is set to increase to approximately €1.8 billion this year. Indeed, since 1997 this Government has spent over €8.8 billion on roads.

The Government has prioritised tax reductions on income earned by employees, in preference to other areas, and this policy has helped create record employment levels.

Appendix 1: Motor Vehicle Registration Tax — Gross Registrations and Net Receipts.

Category A1

Category A2

Category A3

Total A1, A2 and A3

Cars up to 1400 cc

Cars 1401-2000 cc(1)

Cars over 2000 cc(1)

Total

Total

Total

Total

Year

Reg.

Reg.

Reg.

Reg.

1997

New

135,812

412,848,994

1,078

15,927,786

136,890

428,776,780

Used

43,991

58,156,836

837

3,677,206

44,828

61,834,041

Total

179,803

471,005,829

1,915

19,604,992

181,718

490,610,821

1998

New

144,706

512,708,640

1,437

22,933,063

146,143

535,641,703

Used

43,605

59,053,103

1,309

6,102,114

44,914

65,155,217

Total

188,311

571,761,743

2,746

29,035,177

191,057

600,796,919

1999

New

111,834

304,581,863

58,319

318,735,927

4,689

68,950,941

174,842

692,268,731

Used

15,403

15,657,068

18,432

31,956,464

3,657

14,573,392

37,492

62,186,924

Total

127,237

320,238,930

76,751

350,692,392

8,346

83,524,333

212,334

754,455,656

2000

New

150,795

425,673,696

74,387

419,347,706

6,357

100,120,378

231,539

945,141,780

Used

9,716

9,461,993

12,195

18,167,826

2,982

11,391,308

24,893

39,021,127

Total

160,511

435,135,689

86,582

437,515,533

9,339

111,511,685

256,432

984,162,907

2001

New

87,359

252,219,795

70,859

391,563,661

6,956

106,869,490

165,174

750,652,946

Used

5,494

3,574,593

8,305

9,572,046

2,341

8,179,692

16,140

21,326,332

Total

92,853

255,794,389

79,164

401,135,707

9,297

115,049,182

181,314

771,979,278

2002

New

78,138

236,090,266

70,890

405,488,685

7,285

114,757,314

156,313

756,336,265

Used

3,906

2,019,110

7,280

9,575,377

2,652

9,195,392

13,838

20,789,879

Total

82,044

238,109,376

78,170

415,064,062

9,937

123,952,706

170,151

777,126,144

2003

New

72,217

234,971,315

50,678

288,889,026

22,511

254,668,283

145,406

778,528,624

Used

3,877

2,389,244

4,978

7,519,007

5,773

18,275,929

14,628

28,184,180

Total

76,094

237,360,559

55,656

296,408,033

28,284

272,944,212

160,034

806,712,804

2004(2)

New

70,707

238,628,177

58,828

343,788,136

24,962

296,091,017

154,497

878,507,330

Used

6,046

4,511,483

8,715

18,130,459

8,812

30,725,134

23,573

53,367,076

Total

76,753

243,139,660

67,543

361,918,595

33,774

326,816,151

178,070

931,874,406

2005(2)

New

54,426

199,892,631

47,772

293,173,061

20,572

260,869,962

122,770

753,935,654

Jan-May

Used

4,145

3,621,149

6,974

16,240,595

5,591

22,049,560

16,710

41,911,304

Total

58,571

203,513,780

54,746

309,413,656

26,163

282,919,522

139,480

795,846,958

Note: The registrations shown are gross i.e. they include those vehicle registrations which are exempt from VRT.

Note (1). With effect from 1 Jan 2003 motor cars with an engine capacity greater than 1901cc and less than 2000cc were registered in Category A3.

Note (2). VRT Receipts for 2004 and 2005 are Provisional.

With regard to the figure for VRT receipts for Jan to May 2005, due to a deferment arrangement some of the VRT will not accrue to the Exchequer account until later in the year. The actual amount receipted to the end of May in respect of motor cars is €666 million.

Appendix 2: Estimated VAT Yield 1997 — 2005 on Cars —€ million.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Estimated VAT Yield(1)

290

375

427

562

422

430

431

480

493

Note (1). VAT Yield for 1997-2004 (inclusive) is estimated. 2005 VAT Yield is for the full year and is Provisional.

Appendix 3: Rates of Duty for V.R.T. for Cars.

Category

Year 1997

A1

Not Exceeding 2500cc

23.2% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

A2

Exceeding 2500cc

29.25% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

Year 1998

A1

Not Exceeding 2500cc

22.5% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

A2

Exceeding 2500cc

28.0% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

Year 1999-2001 inclusive

A1

Not Exceeding 1400cc

22.5% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

A2

Not Exceeding 2000cc

25.0% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

A3

Exceeding 2000cc

30.0% of chargeable value or £250, whichever is the greater

Year 2002

A1

Not Exceeding 1400cc

22.5% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

A2

Not Exceeding 2000cc

25.0% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

A3

Exceeding 2000cc

30.0% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

Year 2003 to date

A1

Not Exceeding 1400cc

22.5% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

A2

Not Exceeding 1900cc

25.0% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

A3

Exceeding 1900cc

30.0% of chargeable value or €315, whichever is the greater

Tax Code.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

188 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on any negotiations with the EU or EU officials regarding the abolition of VRT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/05]

There are no EU level negotiations on the abolition of VRT, although I understand that the Commission is considering a proposal on passenger car taxation. However, it should be noted that VRT is a national tax that falls within the national competence. VRT provides significant revenue to the Irish economy —€946 million in 2004 — which is used to fund vital public services.

Flood Relief.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

189 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the proposals submitted for consideration and funding by the OPW related to flooding incidents in Kildare. [23157/05]

The Office of Public Works received a study from Kildare County Council, entitled Leixlip Localised Flood Relief Study, on proposed flood relief works in Leixlip, County Kildare. The report is one of several which have been received for consideration by the Commissioners of Public Works on flooding issues throughout the country. It will not be possible, until the report has been examined, to make a decision on OPW's position with regard to flood alleviation works in Leixlip.

Kildare County Council also submitted reports related to flooding in Straffan and Ardclough, County Kildare in January 2003. In Straffan, the problem is surface water drainage and the proposed works would therefore be a matter for the county council. In the case of Ardclough, my officials advised Kildare County Council that the report required more technical detail as well as a cost benefit analysis and an environmental assessment to permit a full assessment of the problem.

The Office of Public Works has carried out a flood relief scheme on the Shinkeen stream in Hazelhatch, County Kildare, which was completed in 2002. In addition, in 2003/04, works were funded and carried out by the OPW on behalf of Kildare County Council on the Lyreen and Meadowbrook rivers in Maynooth together with the Morrell river in the Kill/Johnstown area.

Tax Code.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

190 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the average waiting time for issuing by the Revenue Commissioners of tax free allowance and tax rebates. [23159/05]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amendment of a customer's tax credit certificate, TCC, for 2005, if contact is by telephone, will in the vast majority of cases be completed while the customer is on the phone. A revised TCC issues to the employer and the employee in two to three working days. Where a customer writes in seeking an amendment for 2005, the average time for a revised TCC to issue is currently two to three weeks.

Refunds arise in the context of a review of a customer's liability for a previous tax year or years. Some reviews can be complex, particularly when multiple year reviews are involved. Generally, however, the average time for issuing refunds is three to four weeks.

Garda Stations.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

191 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position on the renovation of Oylegate Garda station, Enniscorthy, in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/05]

On foot of the condition report that was issued to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform by the Commissioners of Public Works, approval has now been granted by the Garda authorities to proceed with improvement works to married quarters at Oylegate Garda station. Tender documents for this project are currently being prepared. At present, works to sanitary services are in progress.

Tax Code.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

192 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm having received correspondence from Irish LP Gas Association, seeking to have LPG zero rated in line with that pertaining to natural gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23161/05]

I can confirm that a letter was received on this issue from the Irish LP Gas Association and that a reply issued from my office on 31 March 2005. As the Deputy may be aware, there was a small excise increase in Finance Act 2005 on non-auto LPG in order to comply with the EU energy tax directive. While under the directive certain LPG usage could have been exempted, this was not seen as feasible. It would have given rise to potential difficulties, including an increase in the potential for abuse, particularly as there is no system for fiscal marking of LPG comparable to that used for marked gas oil and marked kerosene. However, I have agreed to keep this matter under review.

Tax Yield.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

193 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the estimated total value of alcohol consumed in each of the past three years; and the estimated total revenue taken by the State in terms of excise and VAT. [23162/05]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the only relevant information available is in respect of excise duty and estimated VAT on alcoholic beverages. In this report, the total revenue for each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 is €1,855 million, €1,903 million and €1,975 million respectively. The breakdown is as shown in the table.

2002

2003

2004

€m

€m

€m

Excise receipts

Beer

477

456

458

Spirits

267

305

315

Wine

152

168

185

Cider

62

60

64

Total

958

989

1022

Estimated VAT Yield

Beer

478

487

489

Spirits

219

207

217

Wine and Cider

200

220

247

Total

897

914

953

Disabled Drivers.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

194 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 9 March 2005, the position regarding an appeal for the disabled drivers allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; if the new secretary of the medical board of appeal for the scheme made contact with the individual concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23220/05]

As indicated in previous replies, I have no direct responsibility for the day to day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. However, it is my understanding that the board of appeal has contacted the individual concerned.

National Lottery.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

195 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the proposals by the national lottery to introduce new games via mobile phones and Internet. [23327/05]

I am aware that the National Lottery Company is considering the introduction of new games via mobile phones and the Internet. Under the National Lottery Act 1986, the company requires my approval for the rules of each lottery game. I have not received any proposal on this matter from the national lottery.

Departmental Staff.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

196 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans for the recruitment of tradespeople; the skills required for any competitions planned; and the likely duration of panels established. [23385/05]

The Office of Public Works currently has immediate plans to recruit three craftpersons, namely, two stonemasons and one stonecutter for Dromahair national monuments depot, County Leitrim. Craftpersons are recruited as operational requirements dictate and the Office of Public Works may recruit other craftworkers for its various locations nationwide in the short to medium term.

The minimum requirement for a craftworker's position is a national craft certificate from FÁS or the equivalent. Panels are normally established for 12 months. The Office of Public Works recently ran a nationwide competition to recruit up to 20 apprentices in the craft areas of stone and carpentry.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

197 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many first time buyers who depend on parents to contribute to the cost of purchase are being ruled liable to stamp duty; and if arrangements will be made whereby a certificate confirming that the parents will take no beneficial interest from the home will suffice to obtain the intended stamp duty exemption. [23392/05]

A stamp duty exemption for first time buyers of second hand houses under €317,500 was brought in by budget 2005. Previously it had applied only to houses up to €190,500, so the significant increase in the threshold made this exemption relevant to a much broader range of purchasers. Reduced rates of duty were also made available for purchases up to €635,000. The relief from stamp duty is intended to benefit only genuine first time buyers. It is, of course, essential that the stamp duty advantage intended for first time buyers should not be diluted by allowing persons who are not first time buyers circumvent the rules, by borrowing in tandem with another person who is a first time buyer. Revenue has always accepted that a person would not have been precluded from obtaining first time buyer relief where a parent provides funds by means of an unconditional gift towards the purchase of a house or where a parent acts as financial guarantor for purchase moneys which are borrowed by his or her son or daughter in connection with the purchase.

In a statement issued on Friday, 24 June, the Revenue Commissioners have offered reassurance to first time buyers in situations involving parents of first time buyers acting as co-mortgagors. The Revenue Commissioners are now prepared to accept that a child, who is a first time buyer, will not be precluded from claiming first time buyer relief where a parent acts as a co-mortgagor in the following circumstances: the transfer of the house is taken in the name of the child; it is the intention of both the child and the parent that the parent is not to take a beneficial interest in the house; the parent has been joined into the mortgage solely at the request of the lending institution for the purpose of providing additional security for the moneys being advanced for the purchase; it is not intended that the parent will be contributing to the repayment of the mortgage in the normal course.

Where the four conditions set out above are satisfied, Revenue will treat the parent as effectively acting in the role of guarantor for the loan. In these circumstances, the certificate envisaged by the Deputy would not be required for a first time buyer to obtain the stamp duty exemption. I am also advised that the Revenue Commissioners do not propose to seek a clawback of stamp duty where transfers have taken place before last Friday, 24 June, which comply with the conditions outlined above.

Departmental Properties.

John Perry

Ceist:

198 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance the progress made with regard to the tenders for land (details supplied) in County Sligo; if the tender has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23397/05]

Tenders for the matter referred to are under consideration at present. A decision regarding the award of a contract will be made within the next week.

Tax Yield.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

199 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in stamp duties since 1997 to date, distinguishing between housing duties and others. [23398/05]

The following are the stamp duty receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 1997 to 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

€m

1997

545

1998

686

1999

913

2000

1,107

2001

1,227

2002

1,167

2003

1,688

2004

2,088

2005 (to end-May)

933

The Revenue Commissioners estimate that the stamp duty yield attributable to residential property transactions, on a revenue net receipts basis, for each of the years 1997 to 2004 and for the first five months of 2005 was:

€m

1997

194

1998

213

1999

263

2000

282

2001

265

2002

349

2003

528

2004

752

2005 (to end-May)

313

The end-May 2005 figure is provisional and subject to revision.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

200 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in valued added tax since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23409/05]

The following are the VAT receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 2003 and 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

Year

€m

2003

9,721

2004

10,693

2005 (to end-May)

5,534

The budgeted forecast for VAT receipts in 2005 is €11.625 billion.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

201 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in capital gains tax since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23404/05]

The following are the capital gains tax receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 2003 and 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

€m

2003

1,443

2004

1,516

2005 (to end-May)

538

The budgeted forecast for capital gains tax receipts in 2005 is €1.5 billion.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

202 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in income tax since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23403/05]

The following are the income tax receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 2003 and 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

€m

2003

9,162

2004

10,651

2005 (to end-May)

4,035

The budgeted forecast for income tax receipts in 2005 is €11.105 billion.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

203 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in capital acquisitions tax since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23406/05]

The following are the capital acquisitions tax receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 2003 and 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

€m

2003

214

2004

190

2005 (to end-May)

98

The budgeted forecast for capital acquisitions tax receipts in 2005 is €180 million.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

204 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in excise duties and customs duties since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23405/05]

The following are the excise duty and customs receipts received by the Exchequer for each of the years 2003 and 2004 and for the first five months of 2005:

Excise Duty

€m

2003

4,572

2004

4,928

2005 (to end-May)

2,098

Customs

€m

2003

136

2004

174

2005 (to end-May)

89

The budgeted forecast for excise duty receipts in 2005 is €5,075 million. The budgeted forecast for customs receipts in 2005 is €170 million.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

205 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue received in motor vehicle duties since 2003 to date; and his forecast for 2005. [23400/05]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the revenue received in respect of vehicle registration tax for all motor vehicles is as follows:

€m

2003

819

2004

946

2005 (to end-May)

677

The VRT receipts for the year 2005 are estimated at €1.039 billion.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

206 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of companies paying corporation tax in each year since 1997; and the amount received, distinguishing between the 10% rate and the standard rate. [23408/05]

The number of companies which indicated on their tax return forms that they were liable to pay corporation tax for each of the years from 1997 to 2003, is set out below. Data can be derived from corporation tax returns on the amount of corporation tax liability attributable to companies taxed wholly or partly at the reduced rate of 10%. The latest information available, which is for accounting periods ending between 1 April 1997 and 31 December 2003, is as set out in the following table.

Year Ended

All liable Companies

Number of liable Companies with 10% relief (note)

Tax Liability of Companies with 10% relief

Other liable Companies

Tax Liability of other liable Companies

€m

€m

31 March 1998

28,980

5,680

1,431

23,300

1,079

31 March 1999

31,900

5,800

1,818

26,100

1,428

31 March 2000

33,720

5,790

2,185

27,930

1,648

31 March 2001

38,730

5,620

2,716

33,110

1,737

31 December 2001

41,620

5,220

2,521

36,400

1,611

31 December 2002

43,550

5,230

2,580

38,320

1,720

31 December 2003*

41,910

4,130

2,600

37,780

1,845

*Breakdown figures are subject to revision.

The figures shown as the corporation tax liability of companies qualifying for the 10% relief reflect the total tax liability of these companies on all of their profits, including those profits taxed at other rates. It is not possible to isolate the tax attributable solely to the effective 10% rate in such cases because certain reliefs relating to income liable for tax at both the standard and reduced rates are set off against the overall tax liability after the relief at 10% has been computed.

Harbour Authorities.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

207 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to develop marine related activities on the Shannon Estuary (details supplied). [22983/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

208 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of any negotiations he has had with the ESB on usage of the deep water port at Moneypoint, County Clare, for other marine based activities including the long standing proposal to develop a transhipment business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22984/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

209 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to have negotiations with the ESB on usage of the deep water jetty at Moneypoint, County Clare, for other marine based activities including the long standing proposal to development a transhipment business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22985/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

210 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the shipping traffic at the Moneypoint jetty in County Clare, including dates, for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22986/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 210, inclusive, together.

Shannon Foynes Port Company is established and operates under the Harbours Act 1996. The Act provides that the principal objectives of the company include the management, control, operation and development of its harbour. Moneypoint jetty is owned and operated by ESB and handles mainly coal shipments for the electricity generating station at Moneypoint. The Department does not keep records of movements within individual ports. I have asked Shannon Foynes Port Company, within whose jurisdiction the facility lies, to forward the relevant information to the Deputy.

In January this year, I launched the Government's ports policy statement. The policy statement aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs. One of the key challenges that lies ahead is the provision of adequate in-time port capacity, particularly for unitised trade. The policy statement sets out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.

As an initial step, the Department has sought information from the commercial ports which handle unit load cargo on key projects identified by them as essential to deal with anticipated capacity deficiencies to 2014 and beyond and whether the ports see these as being funded from their own resources or in partnership with the private sector. In its response to this request, Shannon Foynes Port Company has provided information to the Department concerning its proposal for the development of a new container transhipment terminal on the lower reaches of the Shannon Estuary. The timeframe for the proposed development and the preparation of a detailed business plan are matters for Shannon Foynes Port Company in the first instance.

As indicated in the ports policy statement, it is intended to prioritise a range of projects catering for unitised traffic at our commercial ports from an overall economic national and regional perspective, as opposed to the perceived requirements of individual ports. To that end, the Department will procure expert and independent assistance from consultants to refine the criteria to be used for project evaluation, to draw up a uniform template for submission of detailed project proposals and to subsequently evaluate and rank the projects submitted as a basis for the Department's recommendation to Government. An invitation to tender for this consultancy is expected to be issued shortly.

The Department has no funds in its budget for the development of additional marine leisure facilities in the estuary.

Telecommunications Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

211 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of local exchanges in County Clare which will be enabled for broadband access by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22987/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

212 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of businesses and the number of households in County Clare which had broadband access on 1 April 2005; the projections for the number of businesses and the number of households which will have this access on 1 January 2005 and 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22988/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The latest data on total broadband subscribers in Ireland is provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, and is available from the following link, http://www.comreg.ie/publications/default.asp?ctype=5&nid=101985.

Questions relating to the enabling of telephone exchanges for broadband are operational matters for Eircom. I have no function in these matters. However, I understand that the company has announced that it had more than 140,000 working DSL lines by 27 May 2005 and aims to have 90% of lines broadband enabled by March 2006.

I understand from ComReg that there were more than 138,000 broadband subscribers in January 2005. The figure had risen to more than 152,000 by 30 March 2005. ComReg may have data available to show the broadband figures by county.

Water Sports Vehicles.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

213 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is the position that pursuant to section 6 of the Maritime Safety Bill as passed by Dáil Éireann on 21 June 2005, it is possible for a local authority in respect of waters under its jurisdiction to completely prohibit the use or operation of mechanically propelled personal watercraft and other recreational craft on such rivers or lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23059/05]

Section 6 of the Maritime Safety Bill 2004 as passed by Dáil Éireann on 21 June 2005, provides that by-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of craft or specified craft by local authorities in waters in their functional areas, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland in waters under their control or management, in respect of, amongst other matters, the prohibition in specified waters or at specified times of such craft. Craft is defined in the Bill as personal watercraft, often referred to as jet skis, and recreational craft when operated by a mechanical means of propulsion.

Section 6 also sets out the basis for any such prohibition and these are: in the interests of the safety of persons using the waters generally or at certain times; to prevent nuisance to or injury to persons or damage to watercraft or other property on the waters; and to protect a natural heritage area or a monument or wreck protected under the National Monuments Acts.

It is essential that the by-law making authorities under the Bill have the power under section 6 to prohibit in circumstances that warrant such action. However, in many cases the use of such craft can, with appropriate restrictions, be accommodated and I would encourage the authorities to use the power under section 6, which I introduced as a Dáil Committee Stage amendment, to restrict the operation of this type of craft in such circumstances rather than prohibit. In this way competing water users can be accommodated to the benefit of those users and the marine tourism industry.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

214 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 21 June 2005, his plans for any future upgrade of the Irish telecommunications infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23060/05]

The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit, in co-operation with the local and regional authorities, by building high speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, using European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, and Government funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The MANs programme is being rolled out on a phased basis and the 19 networks completed to date have been completed on time and within budget. Work is under way on seven MANs and construction of a further 82 will commence during the next 12 months. Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.

For smaller towns and rural communities my Department offers grant aid of up to 55% of set-up costs to enable local groups to become self sufficient in broadband, using the most suitable technology for their area. Under the broadband for schools project, all the 4,200 primary and post-primary schools in the country will be provided with broadband by the end of this year.

Fisheries Protection.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

215 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures in place to control the incidence of sea lice in fish farms; the conditions in place that govern such incidence; the extent of monitoring of sea lice in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23117/05]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

222 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of inspections carried out by his Department to monitor the extent and proliferation of sea lice affecting wild salmon stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23124/05]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

223 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had reports of an increased incidence of sea lice adversely affecting stocks of wild Atlantic salmon smolts; if his attention has been drawn to the extent of damage to these stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 222 and 223 together.

A national monitoring and control programme for sea lice at marine finfish farms is operated on behalf of the Department by the Marine Institute, in accordance with the Protocol for Sea Lice Monitoring and Control published by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources in 2000.

The programme involves the carrying out of 14 inspections a year at each site containing fish. One inspection is carried out in the period from December to January, two inspections per month are undertaken in the period from March to May and one inspection per month is carried out during the rest of the year. The key purpose of these inspections is to establish whether the lice levels at a site are in excess of the strict trigger levels that are applied in this country. If the appropriate trigger level is exceeded, the operator of the site is required to apply an appropriate treatment with a view to effecting a reduction in the lice levels.

A study of sea lice levels on wild salmon intercepted at sea, several miles from the coast, on their return migration, was carried out in 2003 by the Marine Institute in conjunction with the department of sciences at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. It showed that these fish had an average infestation in the region of ten lice per fish. No evidence has been found of increased mortality due to sea lice in outward migrating salmon smolts. While no studies are available on this subject, the Marine Institute is conducting a multi-year study, the results of which will be published in due course.

Harbours and Piers.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

216 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to improve facilities at Lecanvey pier, Louisburgh, County Mayo; the moneys allocated to this project for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23118/05]

Lecanvey pier is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. The Department co-funded with Mayo County Council and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the report, An Assessment of Piers, Harbours and Landing Places in County Mayo. Lecanvey Pier is identified in that report as a marine leisure facility and is rated as category 2, which is a medium term priority, where development and repairs should be considered as resources become available.

The funding available to the Department under the port infrastructure improvement programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is directed at projects that improve infrastructure and facilities at key strategic fishery harbours and the construction and improvement of berthage and related facilities at smaller harbours and landing places, with a key role in maintaining jobs in fishing, aquaculture and ancillary activities. The proposed works at Lecanvey pier do not come within the scope of that programme. The Department has no other funding available for marine leisure projects.

Fisheries Protection.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

217 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to offer any proposal for a buy out system to currently registered holders of drift net salmon licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23119/05]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

221 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to protect the wild Atlantic salmon species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23123/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 221 together.

Wild salmon stocks are under threat from a variety of adverse environmental and other pressures which impact on marine survival as well as in our rivers and estuaries. As Minister of State with responsibility for the marine, I am fully aware that these pressures, along with excessive exploitation of salmon stocks, pose a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of this valuable natural resource.

With this in mind, the Government has accepted the scientific advice that continues to maintain that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide. For this reason, current Government policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limits and to fully align the wild salmon catch on the scientific advice so that we can have increased confidence that a sustainable management regime is in place.

Since 2002, the Government has implemented a strategy to ensure, through progressive reductions in the commercial catch, that the conservation limits specified by the standing scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission are being reached. This policy of promoting the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling has delivered significant overall catch reductions aimed at achieving the objective of restoration of salmon stocks. A quality and value strategy is also in place within the commercial salmon fishery aimed at improving how fish are handled, post catching, to ensure that the maximum price per fish is obtained. This approach maintains or increases the overall income derived from the fishery even when the total catch is reduced.

In these circumstances, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial drift net salmon fishing licences. The Government has consistently ruled out buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks. 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 buyout of commercial salmon drift net licences or why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase.

As I have previously and consistently indicated to the House, I am prepared to keep the matter under review. In this regard, I would be open to any relevant proposals presented to me whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch would engage in the first instance with licence holders and indicate a willingness to address any compensation issues that might arise. In the meantime, the Government believes that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

218 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of salmon drift net licences that are issued in each fisheries board area for each of the past five years; the number of these that were actively used in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23120/05]

The following table indicates the total number of salmon drift net licences which were issued by the regional fisheries boards and actively used by fishermen during the period 2000 to 2004. I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that it has not been possible, within the time available, to provide this information in respect of the individual fisheries board regions. I have, however, asked the chief executive officer of the Central Fisheries Board to ensure that this specific information is collated and forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Year

Drift Net Licences issued

2004

848

2003

877

2002

883

2001

871

2000

871

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

219 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the estimated average income of a holder of a salmon drift net licence from that source as assessed by his Department for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23121/05]

Primary responsibility for the allocation of commercial salmon fishing licences is a matter for the relevant regional fisheries board, in accordance with the prescribed criteria laid down under the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 2005, SI 72 of 2005. While this licence entitles fishermen to fish for salmon in a specified fishery district, these licence holders are not required to report their income from this source to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Prior to 2005, applicants for commercial salmon fishing licences were required, in accordance with the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980 and subsequent amendments, to provide details to the regional fisheries board of their income from fishing to verify that proportion of their livelihood derived from fishing for salmon. I understand, however, that while fishermen were required to provide these details on their application forms, this information was not collated by the fisheries boards. As a result, the Central Fisheries Board advises me that it is not in a position to provide the estimate as sought by the Deputy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

220 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the strength of the Atlantic salmon stock; the number of Atlantic salmon caught and notified officially for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23122/05]

According to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme fisheries statistics reports, which are published annually by the Central Fisheries Board, the number of Atlantic salmon caught and notified to the fisheries boards for each of the past ten years is set out in the table.

Year

Numbers

1995

270,269

1996

229,529

1997

205,553

1998

240,014

1999

189,143

2000

236,448

2001

259,475

2002

236,307

2003

187,762

2004

169,808

Since 2002, the Government has implemented a strategy to ensure, through progressive reductions in the commercial catch, that the conservation limits specified by the standing scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission are being reached. This policy of promoting the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling has delivered significant overall catch reductions aimed at achieving the objective of restoration of salmon stocks.

The Government believes that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

Question No. 221 answered with QuestionNo. 217.
Questions Nos. 222 and 223 answered with Question No. 215.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

224 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23129/05]

The question refers to the High Court decision of 6 March 2002 and Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the question it would appear that the Deputy is referring to the decision in the case of Vincent Browne v. the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation could only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas, which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v. the Attorney General, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Offshore Exploration.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

225 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the sections of the Gas Act that allows a company (details supplied) to construct compounds on the upstream pipeline route without having to apply for planning permission; and if a derelict house in Rossport, approximately 10 m from the proposed pipeline route, is exempt from planning permission under the Gas Act. [23193/05]

Consent to construct and commission a pipeline was given on 15 April 2002 by my predecessor under section 40 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited, EEIL, subject to a number of conditions, including the condition to obtain consent to install and commission the pipeline in accordance with the requirements of the Department's rules and procedures manual for offshore petroleum production operations.

The works to be carried out to install and commission the Corrib gas field pipeline system comprise seven phases. As part of the developer's application for consent for phase 3 onshore pipeline works, which involved both preparatory works and the actual pipeline installation, the approval process for this phase has not yet concluded. While the developers were given consent for preparatory works, which allows for the construction of temporary compounds along the proposed pipeline route on 9 July 2002, the application by the developers for the installation of the pipeline is still under consideration.

Post Office Network.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

226 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to make grant aid available for rural post offices to ensure their computerisation, including the provision of Internet availability to the public; his views on whether this would help address the information divide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23194/05]

The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network rests with An Post. The automation of the network was completed in 1997 and it has only been in exceptional circumstances — such as an existing automated office closing and its equipment being transferred to a suitable neighbouring location which transacts significant volumes of welfare business — that further offices have been automated since then.

The automated network accounts for more than 95% of An Post's counter business. This means that the 1,000 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 475 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. Nevertheless, An Post is now moving to undertake a pilot project, which would see ten manual post offices automated, to gauge the effect on business. Furthermore, An Post is undertaking a fundamental reappraisal of the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall, and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network. In a separate initiative, the company is working with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on a project to automate nine island post offices.

At this point, An Post has no plans to provide Internet access to the public through the rural post office network. However, with the rollout of e-government services, the automated element of the post office network is ideally placed to capitalise on opportunities arising in this space, especially in the area of e-payments. A core objective for An Post continues to be the retention of access to post office services in as many locations as possible, in the manner which best meets customer needs, whether services are provided via post offices, postal agencies or the PostPoint network.

Postal Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he is taking to develop the postal service and the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23195/05]

The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing and meeting customer needs has become more important than ever. Competition can be expected to increase into the future, from the privately owned express sector, from the large European public operators now looking for international business and from electronic communications technologies such as e-mail and text messaging. The trend of dropping mail volumes internationally is also impacting on the Irish postal sector. This does not bode well for the future of a volume based business.

Already the parcels business in Ireland is liberalised, with major international players operating in the Irish market. Furthermore, the European Commission's stated intention is to complete the internal market for postal services in 2009 which, if achieved, would open up the letter post area to full competition. The Commission is undertaking a number of studies on the impact of competition on the universal service requirement, which is enshrined in EU and Irish law. The results of these studies will contribute to determining the direction of the postal market into the future.

With this in mind, An Post will continue to have a key national role, both in delivery of mail and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. To remain competitive, An Post needs to make the best possible use of its long established and trusted brand name and deploy its resources in a manner which continues to serve existing customers' needs and attracts additional customers for a range of new services.

Agreement has been reached that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future. In addition, I established a working group in January 2005 to examine the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland. This working group reported earlier this year and found that the introduction of a publicly available postcode could deliver many potential benefits, including the delivery of improvements in efficiencies and quality in the postal sector. It could also stimulate mail volume growth, assist utilities and emergency services, address the problem of non-unique addressing and facilitate competition by making it easier for new postal operators to enter the market. These improvements collectively will boost the country's competitiveness.

Following from the recommendations of the working group report, consideration of the feasibility, design and implementation of a practicable postcode project proposal will be advanced, including establishing the cost of implementing such a postcode and how that cost should be met. In accordance with the recommendation of the working group, that project managers be appointed to lead the postcode project, I have asked the Commission for Communications Regulation to appoint the project managers. I will appoint a national postcode project board, comprising representatives of Departments together with public and private sector organisations, to assist the project managers with their work and to present a proposal describing in sufficient detail a model that is the most efficient, effective and most publicly usable postcode system by 31 December 2005. I expect the new postcode system to be implemented by 1 January 2008.

Ministerial Appointments.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

228 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the names of all ministerial appointees to the harbour boards; and their county of residence and date of appointment. [23196/05]

In the time available, it has not been possible to assemble all the information sought by the Deputy. The Department is compiling the relevant material and I will write to the Deputy in this regard as soon as possible.

Postal Services.

Damien English

Ceist:

229 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the existing GeoDirectory system, that contains each of the 1.5 million building records in the State, cannot be utilised by An Post rather than the proposed postal code system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23197/05]

I have asked the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to appoint project managers to support the postcode project. As a next step I will appoint a national postcode project board, comprising representatives of Departments together with public and private sector organisations, to assist the project managers with their work. It is hoped to present a proposal describing in sufficient detail the most efficient, effective and most publicly usable postcode system by 31 December 2005. In its deliberations, the project board will examine all of the options for a postcode system. This may include an examination of An Post's GeoDirectory.

Whilst the GeoDirectory has already been developed and adopted by some organisations and goes some way towards solving the problem of identifying individual addresses in townlands, it has certain characteristics that impact upon its suitability for use as a public postcode system and it is not consistent with the generally accepted definition of a postcode as a "unique, universal identifier that unambiguously identifies the addressee's locality and assists in the transmission and sorting of mail items."

An Post has also advised that the GeoDirectory product is not a publicly available postcode system. It is a commercial, proprietary, address database that is linked to geographical co-ordinates to provide a unique identifier for buildings and has been developed by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland. The cost of the GeoDirectory product supplied by An Post is expensive for most businesses and comprises a once-off fee of €57,000 plus an annual licensing fee of 14% of the initial cost. These high costs reflect that keeping the GeoDirectory database updated is a continual and labour intensive exercise and that geo codes are not automatically assigned and require manual intervention.

While a postcode can be used with automated mail process systems, it must also be capable of being used with manual systems. The GeoDirectory product is a building identifier and the purpose of a postcode system is to make it easier to process and deliver mail. The GeoDirectory's design means that it is only when combined with An Post sorting technology that it can be employed as a technical postcode. However, because approximately 40% of Irish addresses are not "unique", the An Post sorting technology, when deployed, cannot always match the address written on the envelope with the list of delivery points. If a postcode system were in place a much greater proportion of letters could be automatically sorted, and when human intervention is necessary the time needed would be shorter.

Other potential drawbacks to the use of the GeoDirectory as a postcode system, as identified by ComReg, include that there may also be data protection and privacy issues as the database requires an occupier's name to be recorded on the database in rural areas. It is also a sequential technical code that is not intuitive or easy to recall and this could impact upon the public adoption rates of any new postcode system based on the GeoDirectory.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

230 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has involved the National Standards Authority of Ireland in the working group examining the possible introduction of new postcodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23198/05]

To examine the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland, I established a working group comprising people with experience of the postal sector, together with a representative from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department for the Irish spatial data infrastructure initiative to examine the issue of the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland. This group produced its report earlier this month.

Following from the report's recommendations, I have asked the Commission for Communications Regulation to appoint project managers through a competitive process to support the postcode project. As part of their work the project managers will consult with various interest and expert groups with a view to designing a range of postcode proposals best suited for Ireland. As a next step I will appoint a national postcode project board, comprising representatives of Departments together with public and private sector organisations, to assist the project managers with their work. It is hoped to present a proposal describing in sufficient detail the most efficient, effective and most publicly usable postcode system by 31 December 2005.

EU Directives.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

231 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 1 June 2005, the way in which the differential calculation system is applied to achieve the objectives of the regulation without reducing fees; the new respective fees for the oil tankers; if the differential calculation system only arises when comparison can be made between an SBT tanker and a non-SBT tanker such that, if no non-SBT enters port, the normal pilotage fees applies to an SBT tanker regardless of the quantity of her segregated ballast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23199/05]

Council Regulation (EC) No. 2978/94 of 21 November 1994 deals with the implementation of International Maritime Organisation Resolution A.747(18) on the application of tonnage measurement of ballast spaces in segregated ballast oil tankers. The objective of the regulation is to encourage the use of segregated ballast tanks in oil tankers. For this purpose, it introduces a differential calculation system for fees for oil tankers to be applied by port and harbour authorities and by pilotage authorities.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

232 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23130/05]

I have not been responsible for the making of any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence in the period since the judgments referred to in the Deputy's question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

233 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contracts given for the Euro Presidency; the contracts which were given during the EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23163/05]

The Department of Foreign Affairs entered into contractual arrangements with the following companies and service providers in the lead up to and-or during the 2004 Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union: Audi, Alexander Hotel, Berkeley Court Hotel, Brooks Hotel, Caroline Erskine / Noelleanne O'Sullivan, Celtic Roots Studio, Conrad Hotel, Cooley Distillers, Corporate Solutions, Craft Print, Croke Park, Datasat, Davenport Hotel, Dobbins Outdoor Catering, Dromoland Castle, Egan Hospitality, Esat BT, E-Training, Eircom, European Centre for Conflict Prevention — ECCP, European Centre Development Policy Management — ECDPM, Fiach MacConghail & Associates, Fitzers Catering, Flair Hospitality, Four Seasons Hotel, Frontline, Hibernia Atlantic, House of Ireland, James Boylan Safety, JJ Kavanagh, John McKenna, Jurys Hotels, Kellyprint, Kerrygold, Kilkenny Design, Kinnity Castle, Kristina Eustace-Werkner, Lan Communications, Lamination Services, Local Government Computer Services Board, Long Grass Productions — Caroline Erskine, Masterchef Catering, Maxwells, Merrion Hotel, Mespil Hotel, Murrays Chauffeur Drive, OBSERVE, Prontaprint, Q Design, Red Dog Design, Rosebud Florists, SAS Radisson Hotel, Servecast, Stauntons on the Green, The Kildare Club, Tipperary Water, Tony Graham & Associates, Tullamore Court Hotel, Val Byrne, artist, Westbury Hotel, Westin Hotel, Whichcraft, With Taste Catering.

The Office of Public Works also entered into contractual arrangements, on behalf of the Department, with a number of companies and service providers. In addition, many of our missions abroad contracted services locally for Presidency purposes.

Diplomatic Representation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

234 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with the Australian Government on Irish illegal immigrants; the position regarding the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23164/05]

The main visa programme under which Irish people enter Australia is the working holiday visa programme. At any one time upwards of 10,000 young Irish people are in Australia under this programme. The popularity of the scheme is such that last year Ireland was second only to Britain as the main source country for successful applications.

A very small proportion of Irish people in Australia overstay their visa. While exact figures are not available, the relevant Australian authorities consider the rate of overstay by Irish people to be less than 1%. The Deputy can be assured that officials of the embassy in Canberra and consulate general in Sydney actively monitor the situation. They have developed a close and positive working relationship with the Australian immigration authorities and our ambassador in Canberra maintains contact with the Minister who has responsibility for this area.

The Government also provides grants to three Irish immigrant support groups that offer assistance to our community in Australia. Last year grants totalling €48,000 were extended to them, an increase of 25% on 2003.

Human Rights Issues.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

235 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made through consular and other officials on a possible appeal, retrial or repatriation of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23303/05]

My Department has been monitoring developments in this case and has been providing consular assistance to the person in question since we became aware of the case in February 2003.

The Irish ambassador and a diplomatic officer from the embassy in Buenos Aires have made prison visits to the person to whom the Deputy refers. In addition, an Irish person in Quito, on behalf of the embassy and who is well known to it, has made a recent prison visit and intends making monthly visits from now on with phone contact on a weekly basis. On her recent visit, this embassy representative found the person concerned to be in good form and delivered food, money and other essential items to her. The person concerned indicated to the embassy representative that she has engaged a lawyer and the embassy representative is happy to make contact with the lawyer on receipt of contact details.

As regards legal advice, the most appropriate person to offer such advice to the person concerned is her legal representative. However, a difficulty regarding further proceedings — a possibility which has been raised by the Deputy in his question — is that I understand, following the recent political disturbances, that most legal proceedings in Ecuador are at a standstill.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

236 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals in respect of the destruction of many thousands of homes and small businesses currently being carried out by the Government of Zimbabwe; the representations he has made to African countries which are bilateral development partners of Ireland and the actions Ireland has taken at the European Union on this issue. [23304/05]

The Government views with great concern the recent actions by the Zimbabwean Government, which have resulted in an estimated 275,000 people being left homeless, as a result of Operation Restore Order, aimed at clearing away the businesses of informal street traders and unregistered homes built by the urban poor. Ireland and its EU partners have joined many others in the international community in condemning the totally unjustified actions of the Zimbabwean Government which have only succeeded in worsening the humanitarian situation in a country already facing serious food shortages this year and currently experiencing unemployment levels of between 70% and 80%.

The serious humanitarian consequences arising from Operation Restore Order has once again highlighted the failed policies of President Mugabe's Government. It is important that international pressure continues to be exerted on the Zimbabwean authorities to cease this campaign as soon as possible, to assist those who have been left homeless or in want as a result and to begin implementing democratic reforms to move away from the climate of repression and intimidation, which has characterised Zimbabwe in recent years. In this regard, I very much welcome the decision by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to appoint Ms Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, the executive director of UN Habitat, as his special envoy to assess the humanitarian consequences of the forcible eviction policies currently being pursued. Ms Kajumulo Tibaijuka is currently in Zimbabwe and will submit a full report on the situation to the Secretary General following her visit.

The Irish ambassador to South Africa, who is also accredited to Zimbabwe, visited Harare earlier this month in order to assess the humanitarian consequences of Operation Restore Order and has already submitted a full report to me on his visit. The ambassador will visit Zimbabwe again in the coming weeks and will make clear to the Zimbabwean authorities both our condemnation of Operation Restore Order and grave concerns at its humanitarian consequences. The ambassador and embassy are also in regular contact with Irish missionaries and NGOs operating in Zimbabwe who have been providing assistance to some of those worst affected by the consequences of Operation Restore Order.

The Government decided last week to provide an additional €1 million to the World Food Programme to support emergency feeding programmes for those most directly at threat from the current humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. This additional funding will also be used to support emergency feeding programmes in Malawi. The Government has made available almost €7 million in emergency and recovery assistance to assist the people of Zimbabwe over the period 2002-2004, including €2.46 million last year.

The European Union issued a declaration on 7 June condemning the actions undertaken by the Zimbabwean Government within the framework of Operation Restore Order and calling for its immediate end. A joint statement was also issued following the EU-US summit in Washington DC on 20 June expressing grave concern at the current situation and calling on the Zimbabwean Government to reverse its anti-democratic policies. It is clear that pressure also needs to be exerted on Zimbabwe's neighbours in the Southern Africa Development Community, SADC, to use their influence with President Mugabe's Government to stop Operation Restore Order and address the humanitarian consequences. EU ambassadors are being directed to make such representations in SADC capitals. The EU's concerns were also raised at a senior officials meeting with SADC, which took place in Johannesburg on 20 June. I hope that AU leaders will address the human rights and humanitarian crisis resulting from Operation Restore Order at their forthcoming summit meeting in Sirte, Libya on 4 and 5 July.

Sports Capital Programme.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

237 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the sports capital programme grant allocation of €635,000 to Laois County Council in May 2001 for outdoor and dry recreation and play facilities at Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise; the amount of this grant which has been drawn down; the works which have been carried out; the contracts there have been between his Department and the county council on this issue; if the full amount can still be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23049/05]

A provisional grant of €635,000 was allocated to Laois County Council under the 2001 sports capital programme towards the provision of supplementary facilities to the planned swimming pool at Portlaoise. Laois County Council has indicated that works to be funded through the sports capital grant would be carried out in tandem with the swimming pool development. Last week I approved the contract documents submitted by the council under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is also administered by my Department, allowing the local authority to invite tenders for the pool. The council has indicated that works funded under the sports capital programme will commence this year and it will be able to draw down the grant subject to the terms and conditions of the programme as work progresses.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

238 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23050/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

239 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23051/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

240 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

241 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23053/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

242 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23054/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

243 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23055/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

244 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23056/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

245 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) will be notified regarding the outcomes of a scheme; the current ranking of the club within the programme; when the scheme will be announced; if he will consider including the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23057/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 245, inclusive, together.

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.

A total of 1,362 applications were received before the deadline. Of these, 56 applications were for projects located in County Tipperary, including one from each of the organisations in question. All applications received before the closing date 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.

My Department will then write to all applicants informing them of the outcome of the assessment of their application; in the case of successful applicants informing them of the conditions to be met to draw down their grant and, in the case of unsuccessful applicants, enclosing a copy of the assessment conducted on their application, including the score and explanatory comments.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

246 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/05]

The question refers to the High Court decision of 6 March 2002 and Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the question it would appear that the Deputy is referring to the decision in the case of Vincent Browne v the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation could only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas, which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v the Attorney General, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Sports Capital Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

247 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on the applications from County Laois under the 2005 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23308/05]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

248 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on the applications from County Offaly under the 2005 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23309/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

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.

All of the 1,362 applications received before that deadline 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 provisional grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

249 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the sports partnership initiative operated by the Irish Sports Council will be rolled out to south Tipperary. [23310/05]

The Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including initiatives to promote sport in local areas. The provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2005 Estimates is over €34 million, in comparison with just over €13 million in 2000.

Sports Capital Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

250 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the application for the sports capital grant will be made available to organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23311/05]

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.

All of the 1,362 applications received before that deadline, 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 and to announce details of and invite applications to the 2006 sports capital programme before the end of this year.

National Aquatic Centre.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

251 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the money owed in rent by a management company (details supplied) in respect of the National Aquatic Centre; and if this company will continue to hold the lease for the centre. [23332/05]

As a number of matters relating to the lease of the National Aquatic Centre, including the issue of rent payment, are currently the subject of proceedings that have been taken by CSID against the operators of the centre and are before the commercial court, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter at present.

Adult Education.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

252 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the damage which will be caused to second chance education, particularly in disadvantaged areas by the proposed changes, and cutbacks without consultation, in respect of return to education courses; the proposes changes to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23280/05]

The FÁS-VEC return to education programme was put in place to address the literacy needs of participants on the community employment programme. It has been running for a number of years and is delivered on a regional basis by the VECs. There have been no cutbacks in the FÁS budget for literacy training over 2004. There has been an increase in expenditure on literacy to date this year when compared to last year.

While the course has been successful in achieving the overall objectives of providing literacy support, the organisational arrangements and delivery has varied from region to region. In order to bring some consistency to the programme, the representative body of the VECs, the IVEA, and FÁS had a series of meetings to review the programme. FÁS has undertaken extensive consultation with regional staff on the matter and, together with the IVEA, brought forward proposals for a restructured programme. These proposals have now been agreed and have been circulated by FÁS to regional staff for implementation. Likewise, the IVEA agreed the programme on behalf of the VECs in consultation with them. The revised structure will ensure a more effective delivery system, improved quality assurance, and will cover the following headings: referral, partnership in delivery, consistency in provision and regional coverage, progression for the learner.

The new agreement stresses the importance of providing adequate supports to the individual learner and makes provision for additional tuition to be provided based on the learner's needs which will be supported by VECs and FÁS. In addition, both the VECs and FÁS are seeking ways in which the VECs can provide other supports to FÁS and to work more closely with FÁS staff and CE sponsors in developing their awareness and skills in promoting and supporting literacy with CE participants.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

253 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23132/05]

The parliamentary question refers to the decision of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and the Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the question it would appear that the question is referring to the decision of Vincent Browne v. the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EU regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EU regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v. the Attorney General and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court, in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005, clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations.

The Attorney General will shortly be advising the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Decentralisation Programme.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

254 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland has sanctioned the sale of its lands at Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, to enable these lands be used for the Government’s decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23141/05]

IDA Ireland is at an advanced stage of negotiations with the OPW regarding the sale of approximately nine acres of land at Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, to facilitate the Government's proposed decentralisation programme, in respect of decentralising the headquarters of the Department of Agriculture and Food to the town. This proposal will be submitted for approval by IDA Ireland property committee of the board in July 2005.

Industrial Development.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

255 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by any of the agencies to a factory (details supplied) in County Wexford since the Department was made aware of the factory; the date each visit occurred; the outcome of each visit; if his attention has been drawn to the unemployment crisis in Enniscorthy town and area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23142/05]

There have been two IDA Ireland site visits to the advance technology building in Enniscorthy, in February and May 2003. Unfortunately, neither of these site visits resulted in a tenant being found for the building.

IDA Ireland's strategy for County Wexford, for the medium to long term, is to concentrate resources on the NSS hub and county town of Wexford as the location with the greatest potential to develop as a first class location for inward investment from overseas. Other towns in the county, including Enniscorthy, are expected to benefit from the greater dynamism that the NSS gateway and hub locations of Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny can bring to the wider south-east region. In the short term, however, IDA Ireland will concentrate its efforts on other towns, including Enniscorthy, where there are available advance technology buildings to market to overseas clients.

In recent years, IDA Ireland has been seeking to attract overseas companies in newer sectors to Wexford and the profile of clients has been changing, with Lake Region and Waters Corporation — medical technologies — as well as PFPC and Equifax — international services — now firmly established in the county. IDA Ireland is committed to continue marketing Wexford as a location for knowledge-intensive industries. Major recent job announcements for County Wexford were made in May 2005 including a 200 job expansion project for PFPC and a 130 job expansion project for Waters Corporation.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

256 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will specifically target Kilrush and west Clare as an area of job creation in view of the recent job losses in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23262/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

261 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he has to attract industrial development to County Clare in view of the number of factories and industrial units available for rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23436/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 261 together.

IDA Ireland is the national agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland and its regions, while Shannon Development has responsibility for Irish industry in the Shannon region and the promotion of the Shannon free zone.

IDA Ireland and Shannon Development are both committed to the achievement of balanced regional development. Both organisations recognise the need to provide high value employment opportunities in Clare that provide sustainable long-term jobs. The attractiveness of Clare for inward investment has to be considered in a regional context, and particularly by reference to its location on the Limerick-Shannon-Galway corridor. The national spatial strategy provides a framework for the achievement of this goal through the prioritisation of development and investment in the linked gateway of Limerick-Shannon and hub locations of Ennis and Tralee-Killarney. The primary needs for new investment projects can be summarised as follows: a high quality urban environment with a critical mass in population; world class access infrastructure, for example, road access to key cities and ports and international airports; telecommunications infrastructure with multiple carriers and competitive pricing with business support services; third level educational infrastructure including universities and technical institutes that are located on or close to high quality business and technology parks; and a range of affordable state of the art property solutions.

Responsibility for the provision of industrial property solutions within the mid-west region, including County Clare, lies with Shannon Development, and IDA Ireland works closely with it in the promotion and marketing of these tailored property solutions. Shannon Development has also appointed a full-time marketing and promotion executive to promote the availability of vacant premises. Vacant space and sites are advertised locally and in appropriate periodicals.

The Industry Ennis group, which includes Shannon Development, IDA Ireland, Ennis Town Council, FÁS, the Clare County Enterprise Board, Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Clare Chamber of Industries, has been working to attract new industry projects to the area. As part of a planned programme, the group has established the Clare consul programme to promote the county as a location for industry, services and tourism.

Miltown Malbay has also been selected as a pilot location for the e-towns programme, launched by Shannon Development in 2004. The aim of this initiative is to help disperse economic activity and job creation to smaller population centres.

Shannon Development is also working with the west Clare industry and employment working group, which includes Kilrush Town Council, ESB Moneypoint, FÁS, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce and Clare County Enterprise Board, to promote west Clare as a location for industry and tourism.

Departmental Agencies.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

257 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the exclusion of the Consumer Association of Ireland for membership of the interim board of the National Consumer Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23379/05]

The core recommendation in the report of the Consumer Strategy Group, which was published on 18 May 2005, is that a new national consumer agency be established. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by the Government. The establishment of the new agency will require primary legislation and my Department has already commenced preparatory work on this matter. In order to maintain the momentum of the CSG's report, earlier this month I appointed a board to the new agency to act in an interim capacity until the agency is established on a statutory footing. I am satisfied that the membership of the interim board is sufficiently representative, balanced and experienced to carry out its important work preparing for the advent of the fully fledged national consumer agency so as to ensure that the agency can hit the ground running once it is formally established by statute. Notwithstanding that the Consumers' Association of Ireland may not be formally represented on the interim board, my Department fully acknowledges and supports the valuable work carried out by the association. For the past number of years, my Department has allocated funding to the association to assist it in carrying out its work. In addition, I fully agree with the Consumer Strategy Group that the interim board and indeed the agency should work closely with State and non-State agencies such as the Consumers' Association of Ireland.

Job Creation.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

258 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken to introduce industry and employment to Tipperary town. [23380/05]

IDA Ireland is the State agency charged with the attraction of foreign direct investment into Ireland.

On Tipperary town, IDA Ireland, in conjunction with South Tipperary County Council, is currently in the process of upgrading the business park at Knockenrawley. This includes a new access road to the site, extensive landscaping, services, utilities and public lighting. Additional works are also being undertaken external to the site on the main approach road.

An advance technology building of 16,000 sq. ft. with 100% expansion capability is currently under construction on the park. 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 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 works are completed.

IDA Ireland will focus on the growth sectors of international services, health care and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the information and communications sector is likely to have potential for the county in the medium to long term. IDA Ireland will continue to work with existing clients in the county to encourage further expansion and a move to higher value activities.

The emerging Tipperary Institute can play an important part in attracting new investment to the county by increasing the quantity and quality of students in the business and science related areas.

Departmental Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

259 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the direct cost of training per participant on community employment and job initiative schemes since 1997 to date; the number of participants on community employment and job initiative schemes since 1997 to date; and the numbers trained since 1997 to date. [23420/05]

The average annual direct costs per participant, which comprise wages, training, materials and supervision provision, for community employment, CE, and job initiative, JI, schemes from 1997 to date are outlined in the following table. Training costs are shown separately. With the exception of the 2005 figure, all amounts are based on year end figures. Average annual direct costs for participants on CE and JI programmes from 1997 to date.

Programme

27 May 2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

CE Average Annual Direct Costs

*13,564

12,865

12,992

11,630

10,707

10,390

9,872

9,513

9,200

Training Costs Included Above

*540

515

520

465

428

415

395

380

348

JI Average Annual Direct Costs

*20,397

18,798

17,638

16,817

15,673

13,572

13,658

13,437

13,343

Training Costs Included Above

*816

752

705

673

627

543

546

537

534

*Budgeted cost.

Source: FÁS management accounts.

Numbers of participants on CE and JI schemes from 1997 to date.

Programme

27 May 2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

CE Participants

20,182

20,772

18,293

23,086

28,665

31,221

33,887

37,245

36,839

CE Supervisors

1,455

1,472

1,555

1,905

2,144

2,328

2,692

2,275

2,200

Total CE

21,637

22,194

19,848

24,991

30,809

33,549

36,579

39,520

39,039

Total JI

1,910

1,969

2,207

2,525

2,762

2,582

2,198

1,442

960

Source: FÁS management information system.

Departmental Agencies.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

260 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the annual cost in each of the past five years for Shannon Development to maintain its vacant factories and industrial units in County Clare; the cost of same for each of the areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/05]

Shannon Development estimates the cost of maintenance of vacant industrial premises by reference to the amount of annual service charges forgone. As the system of service charges was only introduced in 2001, the agency is unable to provide figures for 2000. The agency has also informed me that systems in place for recording the costs in respect of industrial property only facilitate a breakdown of costs between the Shannon area, which includes the Shannon free zone and Smithstown industrial estates and the rest of County Clare. The information is as follows:

County Clare (All industrial estates excluding Shannon).

2001

2002

2003

2004

€1,212

€10,018

€6,130

€1,027

Shannon and Smithstown industrial estates.

2001

2002

2003

2004

€27,790

€10,589

€19,977

€25,673

Question No. 261 answered with QuestionNo. 256.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

262 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he has for the future of Shannon Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23437/05]

I recently met the board of Shannon Development to discuss proposals it has made on a future mandate for the company. I have also received the views of a number of other stakeholders on the future of the company. I expect to be in a position to communicate formally with the company regarding a revised mandate shortly.

Farm Safety.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

263 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the figures for the moneys allocated to fund farm safety awareness campaigns by the Health and Safety Authority from 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23493/05]

The funding available to the Health and Safety Authority is not broken down into amounts spent or allocated to the various sectors under the authority's statutory enforcement and advisory remit. I am, therefore, unable to provide the Deputy with figures on the funding for farm safety awareness campaigns.

The Health and Safety Authority, in its programme of work for 2005, is, as in 2004, conducting a comprehensive programme of work in the agriculture sector as this sector unfortunately features all too often in the fatalities and injuries numbers. Among the particular initiatives is farm safety week, which was conducted in April, with a range of activities organised by the farm safety partnership, an advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority. Also among the initiatives was a programme of 400 inspections which the authority carried out nationwide during that week focusing on the four key themes of farm safety week, namely: safety for the elderly on farms; completion of farm safety self assessment document; tractor maintenance; and machine guarding, particularly power take-off, PTO, shafts.

In addition to the inspection campaign, a wide range of other activities has been undertaken by the authority, including: a national radio campaign over a two-week period; a safety advertisement aired in 21 livestock marts nationwide via Farm TV over a three-month period; the distribution of farm self-assessment documents; the distribution of 90,000 farm safety brochures in the Irish Farmers Journal; and a text message alert to farmers during the week.

A major national conference on farm safety is currently being organised by the farm safety partnership.

Labour Force Development.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

264 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government spending on labour force development and training since 1997 to date. [23499/05]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the public funding allocated to my Department for labour force development and training. This funding has been allocated by the Exchequer since 1997 to the labour force development subheads of my Department's Vote and by the national training fund, NTF, since its launch in 2001.

Combined Exchequer and NTF expenditure in this area was as follows:

Year

Year

1997

505,484,000

1998

526,863,000

1999

592,864,000

2000

689,919,000

2001

836,854,000

2002

869,075,000

2003

832,374,000

2004

834,445,000 (provisional outturn)

2005

952,241,000 (allocation)

Health Service Allowances.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

265 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total number of rent allowance recipients for each year, for each health board area for the past five years. [23375/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

266 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total expenditure on the rent allowance for each health board area, for each year of the past five years. [23376/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.

Details of recipients of rent supplement and expenditure on rent supplements in each of the past five years by health board area are set out in the following tables.

Table 1: Expenditure on rent supplement by health board area from 2000 to 2004.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

ERHA

78.3

87.9

123.9

176.5

197.9

MHB

4.7

5.8

9.0

11.1

10.6

MWHB

8.4

10.8

14.8

18.8

19.7

NEHB

6.8

9.9

14.3

16.0

14.4

NWHB

4.7

5.7

8.1

9.4

9.9

SEHB

13.0

16.8

23.6

28.6

29.6

SHB

20.5

24.6

33.7

41.5

42.3

WHB

14.2

17.9

24.9

29.6

29.4

Table 2: Recipients of rent supplement by health board area from 2000 to 2004.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

ERHA

18,609

17,866

21,874

25,523

25,711

MHB

1,606

1,790

2,285

2,319

2,090

MWHB

2,975

3,271

3,892

4,348

4,163

NEHB

2,292

2,787

3,352

3,374

2,876

NWHB

1,924

2,111

2,569

2,738

2,535

SEHB

3,995

4,667

5,536

6,190

6,018

SHB

6,579

7,035

8,334

8,985

8,539

WHB

4,703

5,501

6,371

6,499

5,942

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

267 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23133/05]

The Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 1993 sets out the circumstances in which an offence has been committed under the social welfare code, along with the associated penalties. In the main, these provisions are detailed in Chapter 4 of Part VI of that Act. The Minister does not have the power, under the provisions of the Act, to create an indictable offence by way of regulations.

Social Welfare Code.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

268 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the payment of child dependant allowance rate to each social welfare benefit and allowance payment; the reason for the difference in child dependant rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/05]

There are currently three different weekly rates of child dependant allowances payable to social welfare recipients, namely, €16.80, €19.30 and €21.60. To standardise the three main rates of allowances at the highest rate of €21.60 would mean that approximately 243,000 full-rate payments and 93,000 half-rate payments would be increased at a cost of approximately of €59 million annually.

The policy direction followed by successive Governments has been to concentrate resources for child income support on the child benefit scheme rather than child dependant allowances because the loss of child dependant allowances by social welfare recipients on taking up employment can act as a disincentive to availing of work opportunities.

Child benefit is neutral vis-à-vis the employment status of the parents and consequently does not contribute to such potential poverty traps. The Government’s commitment in this regard is reflected in the substantial resources invested in the child benefit scheme since entering office, including the increases announced in budget 2005, which came into effect from April this year. These increases will bring the monthly rate of child benefit to €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 for third and subsequent children.

In the partnership agreement Sustaining Progress, the importance of child income support arrangements, including child dependant allowances, is recognised with a commitment to examine the effectiveness of current arrangements in ending child poverty. The question of further rationalisation of child dependant allowance will be a matter for consideration in a budgetary context and in the context of priorities generally.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

269 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend the rights to the free schemes for widows aged 60 and over to all widows in this age category. [23386/05]

The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare-type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare-type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.

A range of proposals, including that referred to by the Deputy, have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package. These proposals are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

270 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the options for pension reform which he has under consideration; if he plans to undertake consultation with representatives of pensions associations as a part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23387/05]

At my request, the Pensions Board is at present conducting a review of our overall pensions strategy. The review encompasses an examination of the main strategic recommendations contained in the national pensions policy initiative including those relating to the adequacy of income in retirement, coverage targets, levels of social welfare pensions, sustainability of State pensions, including public sector pensions and the tax support for private and occupational pensions. The review is also examining the question of alternative ways of addressing adequacy and coverage issues.

I expect to receive the report of the Pensions Board in September and at that stage I will decide what further action, is required in this area. The board will be pleased to accept and consider submissions on the review and possible ways forward. In this regard, in March it invited all interested parties to put forward their views. While a formal consultation process is not proposed at this stage, I stress that there is a representative on the Pensions Board from the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, and groups representing older people can, if they wish, make their views known directly to the board or through their representative.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

271 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will indicate the social welfare pension as a percentage of the average industrial wage; the number of persons in receipt of a pension as a percentage of the total number of persons at work here and in each of the EU countries for the most recent year for which comparative date are available. [23388/05]

The current rate of old age contributory pension, €179.30 per week, represents just under 32% of gross average industrial earnings based on average earnings in 2004. At the end of March 2005, there were about 393,000 older persons in receipt of a social welfare pension. This represents 21% of those at work.

Figures on the numbers in receipt of State pensions in other EU countries are not available. However, the number of people who are over 65 years of age as a percentage of the numbers of working age is, on average, 24.5% across the EU. Italy has the highest ratio at 28.9%, with Slovakia with the lowest at 16.3%. The ratio for Ireland stands at 16.4%.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

272 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of the workforce here who have occupational pensions; and the way in which this compares to other EU countries. [23390/05]

The most recent figures released by the Central Statistics Office on occupational and private pensions coverage relate to the first quarter of 2004. These show that 52.4% of the workforce had a private or occupational pension, including 6.3% with just a private pension. Coverage for the key target group for the national pensions policy initiative, those who are 30 years of age and over, stands at 59.1%.

Comparison with other EU countries is difficult because the structure of pensions systems, the relative importance attaching to different elements of the system, mainly social security and occupational, and their contribution to the incomes of retired people can vary greatly from country to country. A group of countries with near comprehensive coverage, greater than 90% of the workforce, includes Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. As outlined above, the overall coverage rate for Ireland is 52.4% and similar rates are found in countries such as Germany, Belgium and Poland. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 43% of the workforce are covered by an occupational or private scheme. Countries such as Italy and Portugal have very low rates of coverage, that is, less than 10%.

Achieving an adequate pension level will increasingly depend on private pension provision supplementing public pensions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

273 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will change the rules whereby persons who opt to have the invalidity pension awarded directly into a bank account receive it one week in arrears, even though this arrangement saves the Department approximately €1.24 per week in handling costs; and if arrangements will be made to put such pensioners on to a same week basis. [23393/05]

My Department provides people receiving social welfare payments with a range of payment options including electronic fund transfer, EFT. The majority of those on invalidity pension who opt for this facility do so at the start of their claim and are paid on a regular weekly basis once their claim is put into payment. EFT payments for invalidity pensioners are currently made one week in arrears.

The issue of the alignment of EFT payments with that of other payment methods, including the elimination of the week in arrears payment, is being addressed and the necessary arrangements will be made as soon as possible.

Social Insurance.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

274 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount received in PRSI distinguishing employer and employee contributions since 1997 to date. [23480/05]

The information required by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.

Amounts received in PRSI from 1997 to date.

Employer

Employee

Self-Employed

€000

€000

€000

1997

1,739,552

571,844

156,671

1998

2,007,125

542,385

165,770

1999

2,328,712

620,919

205,456

2000

2,763,419

745,569

190,051

2001

3,251,639

819,752

189,191

2002

3,520,443

974,219

252,455

2003

3,692,896

1,077,203

277,696

2004(E)

4,000,313

1,257,639

356,620

Total

23,304,099

6,609,530

1,793,910

(E) Estimated.

Parking Regulations.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

275 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider increasing the fine of €19 to €100 for persons parking in reserved disabled drivers slots which is an ongoing problem throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23260/05]

Where a person is convicted by a court of the commission of the offence of parking illegally in a disabled person's parking bay, he or she is liable to a fine not exceeding €800 for a first offence. The maximum fine for a second or subsequent offence is €1,500 and in the case of a third or subsequent offence committed within a 12-month period €1,500 and-or a prison sentence of up to three months.

Those levels of maximum fines were established in the Road Traffic Act 2002 and represent very significant increases over the maximum fines that could be applied to that offence under previous legislation, which were €190, £150, in respect of a first offence and €440, £350, in respect of a second or subsequent offence. This offence currently comes within the scope of the on the spot fines system and, in association with the majority of other parking offences, it attracts an on-the-spot fine of €19.

The Road Traffic Act 2002 provides for the replacement of the on the spot fine system with the new fixed charge system. That system currently applies to the offences of exceeding a speed limit and non-compliance with seat belt regulations. Regulations to provide for the roll-out of that system to a significant number of additional traffic and parking offences are currently being prepared by my Department in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána. This extension of the operation of the fixed charge system will include its application to the offence of illegally parking in disabled person's parking bays. The level of the charge for that offence will be pitched at a level significantly higher than that which will apply to other parking offences.

The operation of the fixed charge system is dependent on the development of a new computerised processing system for the Garda. I understand that it is expected that the new system will be available later this year.

Road Safety.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

276 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any reports or feedback on the new speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23350/05]

Under the Road Traffic Act 2004 it is a matter for the elected members of city councils and county councils to determine whether a special speed limit should be applied in lieu of the 80 km/h default speed limit on any particular stretch of regional road. Any reporting or evaluation in relation to the speed limits in force in any area is a matter to be carried out at local level. I have no function in the matter.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

277 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who died by road accidents in 2004. [23366/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

279 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the numbers of fatal and non-fatal road accidents in County Clare for each of the years 2000 to 2004; the number of same which occurred in areas in which the speed limit is 100 kph; the number of same which occurred at junctions and turning points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23429/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 279 together.

Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority, NRA, in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report, Road Collision Facts, relates to 2003 and is available on the NRA website. Reports relating to previous years are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Provisional figures for 2004 indicate that 375 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions. The road collision reports include data relating to the number of fatal and non-fatal collisions in each county. Figures relating to specific counties for 2004 will not be available until the NRA has fully analysed and authenticated the 2004 statistics. The following table gives the breakdown of the number of fatal and non-fatal collisions in County Clare in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003:

Year

Number of fatal collisions in County Clare

Number of non-fatal collisions in County Clare

2000

10

102

2001

9

97

2002

15

131

2003

8

108

The reports do not provide a breakdown of the number of collisions in each county that occurred in 100 km/h speed limit zones and at junctions-turning points. However, the 2003 report shows that of the 301 fatal collisions which took place in that year, 63 occurred at junctions. Of those 63 collisions, 32 occurred outside built-up areas, that is, in areas with a speed limit greater than60 km/h.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

278 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the budget for promoting road safety for 2005. [23367/05]

The National Safety Council is the agency responsible for road safety advertising and promotion. The council has been allocated €3.965 million in 2005. A total of €1 million of this allocation relates specifically to the public information campaign relating to the metrication of speed limits, which took place earlier this year. The council also receives funding from the Irish Insurance Federation and from private sponsorship.

Question No. 279 answered with QuestionNo. 277.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

280 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23134/05]

The parliamentary question refers to the decision of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and the Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the question it would appear that it refers to the decision of Vincent Browne v. the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v. the Attorney General and Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Road Network.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

281 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered reducing to zero the tolls on the West Link toll bridge; and if so, the outcome of such consideration and the way in which it was reached. [23192/05]

I have not considered the question of the reduction to zero of the tolls on the West Link toll bridge. The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority, NRA, under Part V of the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000. Tolling of the West Link bridge, therefore, and any change to the current tolling arrangements, is a matter for the NRA, in the first instance.

I am aware that, in the context of the upgrade of the M50 and my policy objective to move to open road tolling, the NRA is in negotiation with NTR on a range of issues affecting the West Link toll agreement. The NRA will report to me on the outcome of its engagement with NTR including any implications for the current agreement.

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

282 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, further to a parliamentary question of 22 June, the length of bus lanes on each of the QBN projects approved for 2005, both prior to the projected works and after the works are completed; and if he will list information regarding the spending and length of lanes on each of the QBN projects in the 2004 programme. [23312/05]

The information requested is held by the local authorities of the greater Dublin area, who are responsible for QBC construction, and, as such, is not readily available to my Department within the timeframe for answering this parliamentary question. I have asked my officials to collate the requested material and to forward it directly to the Deputy.

Driving Tests.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

283 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an effort to remove driving testing facilities for small lorries and minibuses from towns such as Cavan, forcing applicants to travel to Dundalk, some 15 miles away; his views on whether this is yet another removal of services from rural Ireland causing unnecessary pressure and time wasting on individuals; if he will ensure that this sort of victimisation is not allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/05]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 309 of 26 April. Under EU Directive 2000/56/EC my Department is required to provide off-road testing facilities for the testing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles. My Department is in consultation with the Office of Public Works with a view to providing these facilities. Such facilities have been provided in Sligo, Limerick and Dundalk. It is the intention, subject to the availability of suitable sites and the efficient and economic delivery of the service, to provide similar facilities at the test centres that currently test drivers of articulated heavy goods vehicles.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

284 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the provision of off-road testing facilities for the testing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles; and if these facilities will be provided in Kilkenny. [23314/05]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 309 of 26 April. My Department is in consultation with the Office of Public Works with a view to providing off-road facilities for the testing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles. Such facilities have been provided in Sligo, Limerick and Dundalk. It is the intention, subject to the availability of suitable sites and the efficient and economic delivery of the service, to provide similar facilities at the test centres that currently test drivers of articulated heavy goods vehicles.

Road Safety.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

285 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to introduce the compulsory wearing of seatbelts for all users of public transport; when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23315/05]

EU Directive 2003/20, which requires that seatbelts must be used where they are fitted, must be transposed into national law by 9 May 2006. Last month's approval by the European Parliament of proposals to extend the requirement for safety belts to be fitted to all seats in all new vehicles, except for buses used on stage stop routes, opens the way for the proposals to be adopted as directives by the Council of Ministers. Assuming the proposals are adopted as directives this year, new buses, including school buses, being registered from a date in 2007 will require to be fitted with safety belts.

The outcome of the current investigations being held into the recent school bus tragedy will be carefully examined by myself and my colleague the Minster for Education and Science, as regards safety issues affecting school buses in particular.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

286 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on the issues raised in a letter from a person (details supplied); if he will indicate the reason NCT certificates do not last two years from the date of the last test rather than a specified date relating to the car’s age regardless of when tests were carried out; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current rules can lead to two tests for vehicles within a very short space of time and is seen as over-bureaucratic; if he or his Department have raised this issue at EU level and the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23317/05]

In accordance with Directive 96/96/EC, a passenger car becomes liable for the national car test when it is four years old, that is on its fourth anniversary of first registration, and is liable for a further test every two years thereafter. In accordance with that schedule, where a car is tested other than at the specified time, the test certificate is valid from the date of the actual test until the next date on which the test is due.

However, in the case of a car presented for test on a day that is less than three months before the next test due, the test certificate will be valid until the second next test due date, that is, for a period up to the next test due date together with the full two years until the following test due date. I have no plans to ask the European Commission to consider the development of proposals to amend Directive 96/96/EC in respect of the timing of vehicle tests.

Public Transport.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

287 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the moneys he proposes to allocate in capital spending on bus services in Dublin 15 including Ongar, Clonee and Tyrellstown in 2005 and 2006. [23328/05]

The day-to-day timetabling, scheduling of services and the deployment of its fleet is the statutory responsibility of Dublin Bus. My Department is currently awaiting the outcome of a review being carried out by Dublin Bus on how best to maximise the utilisation of its existing resources, in light of the significant investment made in bus and rail services and ongoing demographic changes. I understand from Dublin Bus that this review will be completed by the end of the year.

In addition, discussions are currently taking place with the key stakeholders on the modernisation of the public transport regulatory framework. It remains my intention to provide a modern and robust basis for the expansion of the bus market. Both public and private companies will have a role to play in meeting the expanding demand for bus services. I remain hopeful that these discussions will reach an effective conclusion in the near future.

Driving Tests.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

288 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time at each driving test centre; the number of applicants currently awaiting a test at each centre; the average pass rate at each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23451/05]

Table 1 sets out the the numbers waiting and the average waiting time at each driving test centre on 28 June 2005. Table 2 sets out the pass rate at each test centre for 2004.

Table 1.

Centre

Applications on Hand

Average Weeks Waiting

Nth. Leinster

Finglas

10,742

28

Dundalk

3,350

26

Mullingar

1,981

26

Navan

4,618

31

Raheny

7,984

45

Sth.Leinster

Churchtown/Rathgar

11,884

40

Gorey

2,489

44

Naas

5,239

29

Tullamore

2,023

34

Wicklow

2,665

45

Tallaght

9,416

35

West

Athlone

1,206

27

Birr

1,288

25

Castlebar

2,199

30

Clifden

396

21

Ennis

1,293

18

Galway

3,251

27

Loughrea

1,136

15

Roscommon

949

15

Tuam

1,186

21

Nth.West

Ballina

1,146

26

Buncrana

767

34

Carrick-on-Shannon

943

21

Cavan

1,687

26

Donegal

1,205

32

Letterkenny

2,340

37

Longford

954

24

Monaghan

1,317

23

Sligo

1,664

30

Sth.East

Carlow

2,498

37

Clonmel

2,190

32

Dungarvan

1,650

41

Kilkenny

2,200

31

Nenagh

923

48

Portlaoise

1,689

42

Thurles

1,316

38

Tipperary

1,173

29

Waterford

3,029

31

Wexford

2,503

29

Sth.West

Cork

7,334

25

Killarney

2,315

29

Kilrush

502

25

Limerick

4,067

26

Mallow

2,195

28

Newcastle West

1,838

30

Shannon

911

21

Skibbereen

2,143

37

Tralee

1,753

21

Table 2.

Centre

% Pass

Athlone

59.5

Ballina

62.4

Birr

64.7

Buncrana

63.5

Carlow

50.0

Carrick-on-Shannon

55.5

Castlebar

63.0

Cavan

48.3

Churchtown

47.5

Clifden

59.3

Clonmel

51.5

Cork

55.5

Donegal

56.7

Dundalk

53.0

Dungarvan

60.8

Ennis

62.7

Finglas

47.8

Galway

61.8

Gorey

48.6

Kilkenny

55.1

Killarney

59.2

Kilrush

61.4

Letterkenny

56.8

Limerick

61.9

Longford

52.7

Loughrea

61.4

Mallow

56.9

Monaghan

47.7

Mullingar

55.8

Naas

51.9

Navan

56.1

Nenagh

53.3

Newcastle West

60.4

Portlaoise

53.3

Raheny

52.4

Rathgar

41.3

Roscommon

62.0

Shannon

64.4

Skibbereen

61.6

Sligo

63.2

Tallaght

48.3

Thurles

53.6

Tipperary

48.9

Tralee

57.0

Tuam

64.4

Tullamore

49.4

Waterford

55.7

Wexford

53.7

Wicklow

44.7

Overall Total

54.0

Driving Licences.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

289 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the total number of provisional licences issued by his Department which are currently valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23452/05]

Provisional driving licences issued by licensing authorities are recorded on the national driver file, held and administered by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has advised that there were 375,286 provisional licences current at 31 March 2005.

Rail Network.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

290 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to evaluate the reopening of the railway line through Navan to Kingscourt in an effort to give some rail services to the people of Cavan and Monaghan who have to commute to work in Dublin; his views on whether a park and ride system based in Kingscourt and possibly Navan would, in some small way, minimise road traffic congestion and more importantly the pressure and tension for commuters who have to leave home at six o’clock in the morning and do not arrive home until late in the evening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/05]

I understand that Iarnród Éireann is, at present, examining the feasibility study on the proposed Clonsilla N3 interchange railway line, in consultation with Meath and Fingal County Councils. The next step is for Iarnród Éireann to decide if and how it wishes to proceed with this project and I expect that a report will be submitted to my Department in due course.

My Department is currently preparing a multi-annual investment framework for transport and the possibility of extending the line to Navan will be dealt with in this context.

There are no plans to develop the line beyond Navan to Kingscourt for passenger traffic. Integral to any proposals for the development of this line will be the provision of park and ride facilities at appropriate locations to attract longer distance traffic such as that from Cavan and Monaghan.

Community Development.

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

291 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for his decision to withdraw funding for the Community Workers Co-operative; if he intends to restore funding at a later stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22708/05]

I have comprehensively addressed the issues raised in the Deputy's question in this House on a number of occasions. In order to assist him, however, I will again explain my position.

Funding of anti-poverty networks arises from the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and was originally administered by the Combat Poverty Agency on a three-year contract basis. This function transferred to my Department from that agency in late 2003. My Department sought work plans for 2004 from each of the ten national anti-poverty networks funded under the White Paper and, pending review, agreed to extend funding for 2004 on a one-year contract basis.

As I stated in the Adjournment Debate on this issue on 26 January, my Department was established by Government in June 2002 with a mandate to produce a more co-ordinated engagement by the State with communities throughout the country as they pursue their own development. In establishing my Department, it is clear that the Government was placing a focus on communities, particularly those that are vulnerable or under threat. In such instances, the provision of support to enable communities to identify and address problems in their own areas is seen as the best way forward.

Those communities may be in rural or inner city settings, grappling with difficulties caused by a range of factors, including declining populations, unemployment, language issues, social disadvantage or drug misuse. While most such communities, or groups of communities, can be defined in terms of geographic location, others will be defined on the basis of a common focus on a particular issue, such as unemployment, disability, lone parenting and so on.

My Department's commitment, in the context of the national anti-poverty networks, is to focus on concentrating available resources on support for communities experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and isolation. In line with this commitment, I decided to continue funding for nine anti-poverty networks to the tune of €1.35 million for 2005. This represents a 5% increase over 2004 for the networks concerned. As I have previously indicated, however, in the context of the focusing of my Department's resources on disadvantaged communities, I believe that continued funding of the Community Workers Co-operative could not be justified.

The co-operative differs from the other groups funded under the national anti-poverty networks in that they deal, in the main, with specific target groups. The anti-poverty networks that will continue to receive funding have a specific focus on matters such as Travellers, unemployment, refugees and rural disadvantage. In my opinion, the Community Workers Co-operative is the voice of community workers rather than of disadvantaged communities and overlaps with the functions of other networks. As such, it fails to meet a number of the key criteria suggested by the White Paper on supporting voluntary activity. These include a membership base which ensures that the voice of disadvantaged marginalised groups will find expression in relevant national fora and the requirement that individual networks should be genuinely representative and avoid unnecessary overlaps vis-à-vis each other.

The work of the Community Workers Co-operative does not focus on, or represent the voice of, any identifiable disadvantaged group. Rather, much of its work would appear to parallel measures separately funded by my Department. There is already a well-developed structure in existence providing supports to the sector. For example, my Department will spend €2.3 million in 2005 on six regional support agencies in support of community support projects. In addition, my Department funds 38 partnership companies at a cost of €45.7 million, 185 community development projects, costing €20.1 million, and 32 community partnerships. Under the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity, 66 networks and federations, including the national anti-poverty networks, are supported to the tune of €4.2 million.

Since the decision was communicated on 17 December 2004, my Department has facilitated the Community Workers Co-operative by holding a series of separate meetings. These included meetings with senior officials of the Department on 11 January 2005, with me, as the responsible Minister of State, on 19 January 2005 and with the Secretary General and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, on 9 March 2005. I am fully satisfied that the co-operative has been afforded the opportunity to exhaustively appeal the decision at ministerial and senior administrative level.

Offshore Islands.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

292 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position relating to funding for Sherkin Island development society. [23061/05]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

293 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has put in place the appropriate structures to provide support for development projects of Sherkin Island as indicated in the reply to a parliamentary question of 14 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23062/05]

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

The position regarding funding for the Sherkin Island Development Society, SIDS, is as outlined to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 47 and 58 of 14 December 2004. Following the decision to discontinue funding to the SIDS, my Department made contact with the West Cork Arts Centre and made arrangements to financially support, for a period of one year, an arts and culture programme on Sherkin Island, the administration of which had previously been supported through the SIDS. In addition, in support of development projects on Sherkin Island, my Department is currently examining options to have the needs of Sherkin Island met through one of the existing agencies operating in the region.

Inland Waterways.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

294 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department, together with Waterways Ireland, has considered implementing a catch and release fishing policy in the Grand Canal and if he has received any reports of netting and night-lining on the canal; the level of inspection carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23063/05]

Waterways Ireland, which my Department co-sponsors, is a North-South implementation body established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. It has responsibility for the management, maintenance and development of inland waterways, including the Grand Canal, principally for recreational purposes.

Waterways Ireland has informed me that there has historically been no requirement to introduce a formal catch and release fishing policy on the canals because of a tradition among anglers to release coarse fish alive. Waterways Ireland supports this tradition and has erected signage along the canals to that effect.

Inspections relating to the matters referred to by the Deputy are a matter for the Central Fisheries Board, CFB. However, Waterways Ireland understands that the CFB has received a number of reports of netting and night-lining on the Grand Canal in recent times and, in that context, has carried out two inspections along the Grand Canal in the past fortnight.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

295 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23135/05]

While the cases were not referred to by the Deputy, it would appear that the question relates to the decision of the High Court in Vincent Browne v. the Attorney General and the Supreme Court in Thomas Kennedy v. the Attorney General and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court decided that an EU regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EU regulation. I understand that the Attorney General will shortly be advising the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases. I have not made any ministerial orders having the effect of creating an indictable offence.

Community Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

296 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider applications from community and recreational groups involved in the provision of community, cultural and recreational activities throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23200/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

304 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he can offer financial assistance to local community groups offering recreational activities, youth or other services in their immediate community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23208/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

305 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he can offer financial assistance to local community groups offering recreational activities, youth or other services in their immediate community in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23209/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

306 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider applications from community and recreational groups involved in the provision of community, cultural and recreational activities throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23210/05]

I propose to take Question Nos. 296 and 304 to 306, inclusive, together.

My Department funds a wide range of programmes, including measures in support of communities — both urban and rural — disadvantaged youth and the Irish language. Full details regarding such programmes are available on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Applications in respect of any of the matters mentioned by the Deputy, as applicable either nationally or in County Kildare, would fall for consideration within the framework of criteria for such programmes. I would be happy to provide the Deputy with additional information on any specific programme which he feels may be of particular relevance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

297 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to apply the CLÁR programme to a wider group of projects in the country at large; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23201/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to apply the CLÁR programme to a wider group of projects in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23207/05]

I propose to take Question Nos. 297 and 303 together.

I take it that the Deputy is asking if I propose to expand the CLÁR areas. There are no plans at this time for any further review of the boundary of CLÁR areas. I also confirm that no other significant areas fulfil the population criteria for inclusion in CLÁR and I have examined this issue thoroughly.

The criteria for inclusion are that the area suffers an average population loss of 50% and has an aggregate population of over 4,000. No parts of County Kildare are included in the CLÁR programme as they do not meet the criteria for selection, either with the original CLÁR areas or the revised areas following the analysis of the 2002 population census data.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

298 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his previously expressed views in respect of rural depopulation and the right to the rural population to live in their native place have been adequately addressed through the revised guidelines issued to the planning authorities in Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23202/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his previously expressed views in respect of rural depopulation and the right to the rural population to live in their native place have been adequately addressed through the revised guidelines issued to the planning authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23206/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 302 together.

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 19 May 2005 and Parliamentary Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, of 14 April 2005.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he can offer assistance from the dormant account fund to groups offering rehabilitation or assistance in the fight against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23203/05]

Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts monies are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. Disbursements from the fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons, namely, those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, those who are educationally disadvantaged and persons with a disability. Allocations made by the board must be in accordance with its disbursement plan which was approved by me in September 2003. Under the plan, the bulk of dormant accounts funding is initially being targeted at those areas designated as most disadvantaged, that is RAPID, CLÁR and drugs task force areas.

The board engaged Area Development Management Limited to administer this initial round of funding on its behalf, which involves the disbursement of up to €60 million from the fund. The board has, to date, approved 482 projects for funding totalling approximately €56.2 million, from the initial allocation of €60 million. In the region of €17 million of this approved amount is in respect of proposals within drugs task force areas, of which €2.3 million is specifically for projects to provide assistance in the fight against drugs.

Designated Areas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

300 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he might expand on the original thinking in respect of entitlements under the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23204/05]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 121 on 19 May 2005.

Question No. 301 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Question No. 302 answered with QuestionNo. 298.
Question No. 303 answered with QuestionNo. 297.
Questions Nos. 304 to 306, inclusive, answered with Question No. 296.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

307 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will address the anomaly that exists whereby many applications for CLÁR funding for group water schemes have been rendered ineligible due to the restrictive condition that ancillary costs, that is, road repairs, site supervision, insurance and so on must not exceed 25%. [23290/05]

No application for the CLÁR group water top-up scheme has been rendered ineligible because of ancillary costs. The situation is that my Department will only give a grant based on the contract price plus 25% maximum extra for ancillary costs. It is a matter for the group whether it can pay the difference between the grant and the actual cost of ancillary works if these are more than 25% of the contract price.

Under the CLÁR programme, a top-up, not exceeding €8,382 per house, is provided for group water schemes in CLÁR areas where the cost per house exceeds €7,618 and where the local authority recommends that this is the most efficient way of providing water to these houses.

As part of the criteria for approval of CLÁR funding, ancillary costs over the tender price, for example, for road restoration, must be kept to a minimum and must take into account the specification for temporary restoration works to be carried out by the contractor. Only costs in respect of actual damage done should be charged to the group and shall be less than 25% of the contractor's tender price. The aim is to ensure that the CLÁR funding is properly targeted at the provision of water.

I understand that the national rural water monitoring committee has asked for a review of the road restoration costs associated with group water schemes. I am awaiting the results of this review.

Community Development.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

308 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no further progress has been made in rectifying the damage caused by the attempt to develop playscapes on public open space at Ladyswell and Parlickstown, following the receipt of funding from his Department; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these works continue to be an eyesore, a damage to children and a focus for anti-social behaviour; and the inquiries he has made following earlier parliamentary questions on the matter. [23330/05]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 11 May 2005. I have since been informed by the RAPID co-ordinator in Blanchardstown that, following a public meeting with residents, Fingal County Council has undertaken to carry out the required work by the end of August 2005.

Electricity Generation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

309 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he is taking to roll out three-phase electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23469/05]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 19 May 2005.

Suckler Cow Quota.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

310 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a suckler cow quota will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [23087/05]

The single payment scheme was introduced in Ireland with effect from 1 January 2005 and all quotas including suckler cow quotas have been abolished since that date. The person named did not submit an application to the 2004 suckler cow quota national reserve.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve under category B, which caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

The person named applied to the reserve on the basis that he purchased land. He was, therefore, obliged to submit with his national reserve application a copy of the deed of transfer in respect of the land he purchased. He stated in his letter, which accompanied his application, that he would send proof of the purchase of the holding as soon as possible. There is no record in my Department of the deed of transfer having been received.

In excess of 17,300 applications have been received under the national reserve at my Department's office in Castlebar and are being processed at present. In view of the number of applications received and the documentation submitted, it will be some time before a decision is reached on whether the person named is entitled to an allocation from the reserve. However, a decision on his case cannot be made until such time as he submits the necessary documentation to support his claim.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

311 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her Department has a three-year restriction on the sale of cattle on the open market after being locked up and subsequently cleared of tuberculosis; the source of this regulation; her plans to review it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23046/05]

As laid down in Annex A of Council Directive 64/432/EEC, as amended, the officially tuberculosis-free status of a herd is suspended when an inconclusive reactor animal is disclosed in the herd and remains suspended while the herd contains such animals of unresolved status. The directive provides a derogation which allows animals from such herds to be traded on the domestic market provided they had no confirmed reactor animals for at least three years and provided that no animals from the holding are allowed to enter into intra-Community trade until the status of any inconclusive reactors has been resolved. The directive also requires that if the presence of disease is subsequently confirmed, all animals leaving the holding since the time of the last clear herd test must be traced and tested.

The status of the inconclusive reactor(s) can be resolved by a further test after 42 days or by post mortem and laboratory examination. If this test is clear, the officially tuberculosis-free status can be restored and animals from the herd would again be eligible for intra-Community trade provided the other conditions for export are fulfilled. All member states are obliged to comply with the provisions of EU legislation.

There is considerable research data to indicate that herds which have experienced an outbreak of confirmed TB in the past are more likely to exhibit infection again in the succeeding number of years. This supports the advisability of the policy laid down in the directive.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

312 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the discussions she had with the EU, its officials and the Commissioner regarding the impact that the leaked beet reforms would have on the Irish beet industry. [23047/05]

A Commission communication on the reform of the sugar regime was presented to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on 14 July 2004 and was subsequently the subject of considerable debate within the Council of Ministers and also at official level committees. I also discussed the Commission communication with the new Commissioner when I met her bilaterally in Brussels on 20 December 2004. I outlined to her my concerns about the negative impact it would have on the industry in Ireland in order to ensure that the Commission would be aware of our interests during the formulation of definitive proposals. Subsequently, officials of my Department had a bilateral meeting with the Commission during the preparation of the definitive proposals. On the day following the publication of the definitive proposals, I met with the Commissioner, during her visit to Ireland, to outline my opposition to the proposals.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

313 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the case of an individual (details supplied); the possibility of providing an allocation to the individual from the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23048/05]

The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure-exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No.1782/2003. Following this decision, the person named submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee on 1 June 2005. A full review of the circumstances of the case will be carried out by the independent single payment appeals committee and the person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve under category C, which caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold their milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

In excess of 17,300 applications have been received under the national reserve at the Department's office in Castlebar and are being processed at present. In view of the number of applications received and the documentation submitted, it will be some time before a decision is reached on whether or not the person named is entitled to an allocation from the reserve. He will, of course, be notified of his eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

314 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the award of special beef premium 2004 for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was affected; if this person can appeal this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23082/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

315 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the award of special beef premium 2004 for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was affected; if this person can appeal this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23083/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

316 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the award of extensification premium 2004 for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was affected; if this person can appeal this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23084/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

317 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the award of slaughter premium 2004 for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was affected; if this person can appeal this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23085/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 317, inclusive, together.

The person named included a parcel of land on his 2004 area aid application that was also claimed by another herd owner. Both applicants were contacted and, as the person named did not have entitlement to the land, a penalty of between 3% and 20% was assigned to him and the matter was resolved in favour of the other applicant. The 2004 area aid application for the person named was fully processed with a found forage area of 13.21 hectares and an adjusted forage area, after penalty, of 9.03 hectares.

The person named submitted two applications, in respect of a total of 26 animals, under the 2004 special beef premium scheme. The first application, in respect of 16 animals, was received on 8 March 2004 and the second application, in respect of ten animals, was received on 6 December 2004.

Following computer validation, ten of the animals included on the first application were found to be non-CMMS compliant in that they were not recorded, as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme, as being in the herd of the person named on the date of application. The person named was advised in writing of these findings and also of the appropriate regulatory penalty, namely, that the animals would not be paid premium and, due to the integrated of the bovine schemes, a reduction penalty would apply across all the bovine schemes, including the slaughter premium scheme. The person named was advised of the right of appeal. To date, however, no such appeal has been received.

With regard to the extensification premium, the position is that, under EU regulations, the premium is only payable on animals that have already qualified for special beef premium and/or suckler cow premium on the holding in question. Since the person named does not qualify for payment of the 2004 special beef premium for the reason stated above, he cannot be considered for payment of 2004 extensification premium.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

318 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding entitlement from the 2005 national reserve for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [23086/05]

The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure-exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003. Following this decision, the person named submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee on 1 June 2005. A full review of the circumstances of the case will be carried out by the independent single payment appeals committee and the person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve under category C, which caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold their milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

In excess of 17,300 applications have been received under the national reserve at the Department's office in Castlebar and are being processed at present. In view of the number of applications received and the documentation submitted, it will be some time before a decision is reached on whether the person named is entitled to an allocation from the reserve. He will, of course, be notified of his eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

319 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding his decision in connection with the force majeure consideration of single farm payment for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [23088/05]

The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure-exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No.1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the independent single payment appeals committee made a recommendation and a letter issued to the person named on 27 June 2005. The findings of the appeals committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

320 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation in respect of payment on three animals for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23089/05]

The person named submitted an application in respect of three animals under the 2004 special beef premium scheme on 5 October 2004.

Following computer validation, it was found that the three animals in question had been sold prior to the end of the regulatory two-month retention period. Under the terms and conditions of the 2004 special beef premium scheme, it was appropriate that these animals be rejected, that is, they would not be paid premium and a reduction penalty would apply to the premium payments due in respect of the other bovine applications lodged by the person named. In correspondence, the person named acknowledged that special beef premium could not be paid on the animals but argued that the proposed penalty should not be applied. However, following consideration of the case my Department agreed that the proposed penalty, applicable to the other applications, would not apply because medical evidence was supplied which confirmed that the person named was ill at the time of the sale of the animals.

In the written reply to an earlier question by the Deputy on this case, it was inadvertently indicated that payment would issue in respect of those animals which were not kept for the retention period. However, as the animals were not retained for the entire two-month regulatory retention period, payment cannot issue. The discretion in a case such as this extends only to the regulatory penalty provided for. In this case, it was accepted, on the basis of the evidence provided by the person named, that no penalty should be applied on the other animals claimed.

Veterinary Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

321 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main points made to her in a recent letter by the Competition Authority in respect of proposed veterinary medicine regulations; her views on the points made by the authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23090/05]

In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 535 of 28 June, I outlined my general views on the points raised by the Competition Authority in its recent letter to my Department.

With regard to the specific points raised in the letter from the Competition Authority, I fully accept the need to promote competition in all sectors of the economy. In this regard, my Department proposed certain amendments some time ago as part of a reform of the existing national arrangements and, in particular, to improve the existing rules relating veterinary medicines. These included in particular measures to require veterinarians to issue prescriptions and also to provide for a wider availability at retail level of prescription only medicines, thus stimulating competition and lowering costs. I intend to include these proposals in the legislation referred to above.

As regards the points made in the letter relating to the transposition of the EU directive and, in particular, the provisions of the EU directive governing the prescription of veterinary medicines, I should point out that the prescription only rule for all veterinary medicines for food producing animals was introduced by the EU and not the Department of Agriculture and Food. My Department opposed this proposal in the discussions at EU level and succeeded in securing an exemption mechanism in the directive which provides for certain categories of medicines to be exempted on the basis of criteria to be adopted at EU level. Pending decisions on the criteria, existing regimes can remain in place until January 2007.

My Department has made the case to the Commission for many of the existing range of off-prescription medicines to be granted an exemption and it would be premature to at this stage to consider an extension of the range of prescribers until this issue is resolved. If successful, this would mean that farmers could continue to purchase the relevant products from existing outlets. In the event of some or all of these products failing to qualify for an exemption, the decision on whether interests other than veterinarians should be permitted to supply prescribed veterinary medicines will be taken in consultation with the relevant authorities such as the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Medicines Board and the FSAI. My Department will, of course, follow Government policy on competition and will endeavour to ensure effective competition having regard to animal and human health considerations and the requirements of the EU directive.

With regard to the comments in the letter about its proposals "strengthening the close relationship which veterinarians and farmers typically enjoy", I would not characterise our approach in this way. What has been proposed is a reformulation of how prescribing rules would operate by removing some of the rigidities in the 1996 regulations so that farmers will not be burdened with the expense of repeated visits by their veterinary practitioners. As regards the profit earning potential of vets as sellers of medicines, stated Department policy is to achieve a broadening of the range of retail supply outlets and we have proposed that the licensed merchant category should for the first time be enabled to sell prescription only medicines, with certain exceptions, on foot of a veterinary prescription.

Having regard to the overall thrust of my Department's proposals, which is to make the prescribing regime more workable and to broaden the range of sales outlets, I find it difficult to see how our proposals will, as suggested in the letter, lead to "reduced choice and increased costs" for farmers and others. With regard to the distinction drawn in the letter between preventative and therapeutic products, we have to keep in mind that, from a public health perspective, the distinction is somewhat meaningless because both carry risks if not properly used.

My Department is aware of the proposals from the UK veterinary medicines directorate and will, of course, monitor developments there. I should point out, however, that the proposed UK model is not being followed in other member states.

With regard to prescriptions, my Department has already indicated its intention to require veterinary practitioners to issue written prescriptions and to show the cost of medicines separately from the cost of professional services. This will enable clients to better judge the value for money they are getting from various suppliers and to shop around for best value.

On the question of the particular product to be prescribed, my Department's approach is that the lowest cost product should be indicated consistent with the needs of the particular animal. Under the licensing regime implemented by the IMB, each medicine is allocated a VPA, veterinary product authorisation, and we would not have a difficulty with prescriptions being issued on this basis. However, there would be concerns about prescribing only an active ingredient, particularly in a situation where non-veterinarian pharmacists are permitted to fill such prescriptions. There could be serious issues relating to public health and responsibility if the wrong choice of product, which either did not adequately treat the animal or indeed damaged or killed the animal, were to be supplied.

In conclusion, I should point out that the main objective of the EU directive is to protect human and animal health. In transposing the directive, my intention will be to provide for the highest standards of public and animal health protection in this complex area in a way which is workable and which meets relevant EU requirements and underpins our export-orientated agriculture and food industries.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

322 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the changeover to the single payment system, there will be any change in the number for personnel employed at inspector level in DLOs; the percentage of farmers which can expect spot inspections; if farmers will be given time to rectify any problems they may have, especially in view of the fact that no grant aid is available for those with under 20 livestock units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23091/05]

It is not envisaged that, in the short term, there will be any significant change in the number of personnel employed at inspector level in DLOs as the change will demand the introduction of a new inspection system, with more integrated inspections. The regulations require that 5% of all applicants must to be inspected in respect of the eligibility of the land declaration under the single payments scheme. Furthermore, it is necessary to check at least 1% of applicants under most of the cross-compliance measures, with the exception of cattle identification and registration, where at least 5% of producers must be inspected.

In order to minimise the level of disruption to farming, it has been decided to integrate inspections to the maximum extent possible. On this basis my Department estimates that, in all, fewer than 10,000 farmers will be visited. This represents more than a 50% reduction in the number of inspections when compared to the old coupled regime. The number of personnel required to deliver the inspection programme will be kept under review.

My Department has engaged in detailed discussions with the farming organisations in the context of a new charter of rights which, inter alia, addresses the arrangements for or from inspections and these discussions are now coming to fruition.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

323 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of herds under restriction with tuberculosis and brucellosis on a county basis, at January 2000 and at the present time; if there has been further progress towards and all-island disease programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23092/05]

The attached table sets out the number of herds under restriction on a county by county basis for bovine tuberculosis and bovine brucellosis for the period requested. The figures show a considerable improvement in the national situation for both of these diseases since the beginning of 2000.

The substantial improvement in the disease situation is due to a number of factors, including improved co-operation from all interested parties. I am confident that this progress can be maintained into the future with the continued operation of the existing measures and the ongoing co-operation of farmers and all involved in the livestock industry. It will be necessary, however, in the medium term to continue with the existing comprehensive control and eradication measures, which have brought about positive results in recent years in terms of reduced incidence of the disease. The position regarding an all-island disease programme is that the relevant authorities meet on an ongoing basis to discuss matters of mutual concern, including animal health issues.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine Brucellosis

Herds Restricted on1 January 2000

Herds Restricted on 18/06/2005

Herds Restricted on1 January 2000

Herds Restricted on 31/5/2005

Carlow

82

32

0

0

Cavan

339

112

4

5

Clare

276

98

27

1

Cork NE

259

140

39

8

Cork Central

110

4

Cork SW

303

207

26

3

Donegal

133

80

0

0

Dublin/Wicklow

26

18

2

0

Galway

241

225

7

2

Kerry

214

54

34

13

Kildare

111

46

3

2

Kilkenny

171

161

3

1

Laois

86

82

10

0

Leitrim

101

60

0

0

Limerick

163

80

73

8

Longford

89

86

0

1

Louth

136

50

0

1

Mayo

171

69

10

1

Meath

393

178

8

5

Monaghan

332

90

6

0

Offaly

95

106

28

7

Roscommon

198

97

4

3

Sligo

131

73

0

1

Tipperary Sth

215

101

14

1

Tipperary Nth

179

128

78

10

Waterford

126

102

0

4

Westmeath

153

140

6

0

Wexford

183

135

0

3

Wicklow East

62

55

Wicklow West

41

18

Totals

5,009

2,933

382

84

Direct Payment Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

324 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position concerning an application under single payment force majeure in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23093/05]

The person named submitted an application for consideration of his circumstances under the second tranche of the force majeure-exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment scheme.

Ill health of his son was cited on the application form as giving rise to the circumstances outlined. However, additional medical evidence was requested in support of the application. This was received on 15 June 2005 and is currently under consideration. A full re-examination of the circumstances will be carried out and the person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

325 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she has taken to ensure that her Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23136/05]

The parliamentary question refers to the decision of the High Court on 6 March 2002 and the Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the parliamentary question it would appear that the question refers to the decision in Vincent Browne v. the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EU regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EU regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v. the Attorney General and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court, in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005, clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly be advising the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Animal Welfare.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

326 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 23 June 2005 if she has received a copy of the video in question and if so when; if she has viewed the video; the steps she intends to take on foot of this video; if she believes that it is acceptable that any official in her department should witness such a process without expressing any concerns or disquiet on animal welfare grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23305/05]

I have not received a copy of the video in question, which my Department requested from the journalist concerned on 17 June. As soon as it has been furnished, it will be viewed and immediate consideration will be given to what action if any might be taken in relation to its content.

As I explained in my reply to Question No. 162 on 23 June, this event occurred during July 2002, almost three years ago, and involved the slaughter on-farm by the herd owner of some 4,000 pigs over a five-day period. The slaughter occurred following the discovery by Department veterinary inspectors of quantities of Carbadox on the farm, an admission by the herd owner that he had spread the substance on the floors of pig pens and the prohibition by the Department of the movement of any animals from this herd, except under specific licence from the Department, in the period preceding slaughter in order to protect public health. Carbadox is a carcinogen, cancer-causing substance, which is banned by the EU and deemed to be unsafe at any level. Prosecutions have since been issued against the herd owner, alleging a range of offences relating to the use of this feed additive and other matters, including the illegal movement of pigs from the farm. The herd owner has issued proceedings against the Department under two headings.

While there was no question of permitting the pigs to be slaughtered for human consumption, the Department wrote to the herd owner's solicitors on 7 May 2002 explicitly stating its willingness to allow him to pursue the option of his making arrangements, acceptable to the Department, with a dedicated plant for their slaughter. However, he elected not to pursue this option.

Instead, he sought permission to slaughter the pigs himself on his farm on welfare grounds. He had discussed this approach with Department veterinary inspectors and they are satisfied that he understood fully what would be involved and that he displayed both the competence and confidence to undertake the task.

During the five-day period, two veterinary inspectors, including an animal welfare expert, from the Department visited the farm on numerous occasions in order to assess the ongoing slaughter operation. At no stage during the slaughter process did the herd owner express concerns or disquiet on animal welfare grounds in respect of the slaughter method or seek to suspend operations on grounds of professed animal welfare concerns. A non-veterinary official of the Department, whose primary function was ensuring proper disposal of the carcases — that is, to ensure they did not enter the human food chain — was present on the farm during the five-day period in question.

The circumstances in this case were highly unusual. On-farm slaughter of animals in any number is an exception rather than a rule and occurs only in extreme circumstances — for example, the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Cooley — where it is not possible to move the animals to a dedicated slaughter plant or where there are compelling reasons, such as fear of disease spread, for not attempting to so do. In this particular case, the herd owner had decided to slaughter his animals on-farm and the Department considered at the time that it could not legally have forced him to have the operation conducted in a slaughter plant.

The approach which the Department generally employs in circumstances in which it proves necessary to have numbers of animals slaughtered — for example, cattle where BSE is detected — is to have slaughter carried out at a dedicated slaughter plant.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

327 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the value on a county basis of the outstanding moneys under the SBP; the number of herd owners involved in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23306/05]

Work is ongoing on the processing of applications lodged under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, with a view to establishing definitively the extent of the quota overshoot at an early date. This involves computer processing and, where errors or inconsistencies are highlighted in such validation, those cases require individual attention. Given the volumes of applications involved, it will, therefore, take further time to establish the definitive level of quota overshoot because ineligible animals and animals applied on in excess of each applicant's stocking density limit of 1.8 livestock units per hectare will have to be excluded from the overshoot calculation. All farmers with query and rejected animals will have to be written to by my Department and given an opportunity to submit observations before a final decision in their cases.

It is not possible, therefore, at this stage to put a value on residual payments due under the 2004 special beef premium scheme in advance of the definitive position being established regarding the extent to which the national quota has been exceeded.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

328 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will reconsider the payment of a bull premium applied for on 4 November 2005 in view of the special circumstances of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [23307/05]

The herd owner applied for four animals under the special beef premium scheme on 4 November 2004. On 8 December 2004, he received a letter with his cards, informing him that there was no record of these animals on the CMMS database. On 15 April 2005 a letter issued to the herd owner stating that the animals in question were being rejected because they were not updated to the CMMS database at the time of application. On 16 June 2005, another letter issued to the named person confirming that the animals had been rejected.

Paragraph 11 of the terms and conditions of the 2004 special beef premium states "when completing each application the producer must ensure he or she is claiming premium on eligible animals only, by checking that when lodging the application form, each animal submitted for premium, is correctly recorded on the CMMS database". My Department is not aware of the special circumstances of the applicant mentioned by the Deputy. If the herd owner submits details of the particular circumstances in question my Department will, of course, review this case.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

329 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the assistance she proposes to give to beet growers in the Carlow and Wicklow area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23444/05]

Arrangements for the transport of sugar beet to the Mallow factory is a commercial matter for Irish Sugar Limited. I remain confident that the company will be able to work out satisfactory transport arrangements to cope with the one-factory situation in Mallow.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

330 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications submitted under each category for the national reserve single farm payment scheme; when she intends to inform applicants of the decision on their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23457/05]

In excess of 17,300 applications have been received under the national reserve at my Department's office in Castlebar. A breakdown of these applications under each category is shown in the attached table. I should point out that since some farmers applied under more than one category some 23,000 files have to be examined. All applications are being processed at present with a view to notifying all applicants of their eligibility or otherwise before payments under the single payment scheme commence to issue in December 2005.

2005 single payment scheme national reserve.

Category

Number of Applications

A — Land Leased out during Ref Period

2,115

B (i) — Investment — Land

4,970

B (ii) — Investment Suckler Quota Purchased

6,252

B (iii) — Ewe Quota Purchased

774

B (iv) — Other Investment

2,804

C — Dairy Premium

3,147

D — New Entrants

2,748

Total Applications Recorded

17,376*

Total Number of Applications received in Castlebar

17,376

*Some applicants have applied under more than one category and, because of this, a total of 22,810 file examinations will have to be made.

Farm Safety.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

331 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the figures for the moneys allocated to fund farm safety awareness campaigns from 1997 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23492/05]

Farm safety awareness campaigns are not funded by my Department. Funding for the Health and Safety Authority, HSA — the State agency with responsibility for the administration and enforcement of health and safety at work — is from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, the parent Department of that authority.

My Department is a member of the farm safety partnership committee and will be represented at the National Seminar on Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, which has been organised in association with the committee, next month. This seminar is a further example of the proactive approach of the HSA to farm safety, an approach which I will continue to support, as I did most recently when I launched the farm safety week.

Firearms Licences.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

332 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for any Minister to state the exact number of firearms licences that were issued by the State in the years 2000 to 2004, inclusive, under section 22(9) of the Wildlife Act 1976; the reason there is difficulty accessing the information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23323/05]

Section 22(9) provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may grant a licence to a person to hunt, capture or humanely kill a protected wild bird of a species specified in the licence.

In so far as the granting of licences for hunting is concerned, I presume the Deputy's question refers to section 29 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, which provides for the granting of licences to hunt exempted wild mammals and protected birds.

Records relating to such licences were not fully computerised until 2003 and the attached table outlines the figures for firearm certificates with endorsement under section 29 of the Wildlife Act in those years. Firearms certificates, as the Deputy is aware, are granted annually and the number of firearm certificates endorsed in 2000, 2001 and 2002 would be of a similar order to those in 2003 and 2004.

2003

2004

Firearm certificates with endorsement

95,108

98,841

Crime Levels.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

333 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of indictable crimes in 2004. [23098/05]

As regards crime figures, the Deputy will be aware that on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis in order to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to six per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country. In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy will also wish to be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there were 98,964 headline offences recorded in 2004. It is important to note that the figures provided for 2004 are provisional and are, therefore, subject to validation and change.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

334 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deaths due to homicide registered in 2004; and the number of gender. [23099/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there were 37 murders recorded in 2004, 31 males and six females. In addition, there were eight manslaughters recorded in 2004, six males and two females. The figures provided for 2004 are provisional and are, therefore, subject to change.

Visa Applications.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

335 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/05]

This application was approved on appeal on 23 June 2005. The applicant will be notified of the decision as soon as possible.

EU Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

336 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23137/05]

The Office of the Attorney General is always consulted by my Department in the context of the preparation of legislation or indeed in assessing whether legislation is required. Advice is also sought and provided in relation to the terms of EU and international agreements, framework decisions and bilateral agreements in relation to mutual assistance. In so far as this particular case is concerned, I understand that the Attorney General will shortly be advising the Government on the action to be taken to address the issues raised in this and a more recent related case.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

337 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to change licensing laws in respect of to off-licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/05]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 505 on Tuesday, 21 June 2005.

Garda Personnel.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

338 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the vacant position of a garda will be filled (details supplied) in County Wexford; the person currently filling the position; if there will be a full-time garda in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that a vacancy recently arose at Oulart Garda station as a result of the promotion of a member attached to the station to the rank of sergeant. I am further informed that local garda management has identified a replacement, who is due to be transferred to Oulart Garda station shortly.

Community Policing.

John Perry

Ceist:

339 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 661 of 14 June 2005, if he will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/05]

As I outlined to the Deputy on 14 June 2005, the function of the joint policing committees, as set out in the Garda Síochána Bill, is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority's administrative area. In particular, the committees will keep under review levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and the factors underlying them, advise the local authority concerned and the Commissioner, hold public meetings and establish as necessary local policing fora. The Bill also provides for the issuing of guidelines concerning the establishment and maintenance of the committees. These guidelines may include provision for the appointment to the committees of persons representing local community interests.

Work has commenced on the drafting of guidelines with a view to enabling early implementation of these provisions of the Bill, when enacted, to proceed. As already stated, as part of the work on drafting the guidelines for the joint policing committees, careful consideration is being given to the role that can be played by community and voluntary organisations such as community alert.

Peace Commissioners.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

340 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has ceased appointing peace commissioners in the Dublin area; the issues to be considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23177/05]

I am reviewing the possibility of certain legislative amendments relating to the appointment of peace commissioners. As is normal practice with legislative proposals, my officials have had consultations with the Office of the Attorney General on the issue and I expect to be in a position to progress the matter in the near future.

Deportation Orders.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

341 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) who has been resident here since 2001 completed their leaving certificate here and who is now pursuing a masters degree, will be permitted to continue to remain here. [23178/05]

I refer the Deputy to the reply I made to Parliamentary Question No. 579 on Tuesday, 14 June last about this case. The circumstances of the case were fully considered, including representations made on behalf of the person by the Refugee Legal Service, in arriving at the decision to make a deportation order. I will reconsider the matter in the light of the further representations made in this case and my decision will be communicated directly to the person concerned in due course.

Road Safety.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

342 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of the national roll out of speed cameras and the full implementation of the penalty points system in view of the emergency situation where road traffic deaths are on the increase. [23179/05]

A working group chaired by my Department and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority has reported to me and my colleague, the Minister for Transport, on how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras might operate. We expect to bring proposals to Government shortly.

The fixed charge processing system, FCPS, the Garda IT system for processing fixed charge notices for road traffic offences and the requirements for the penalty points system, is currently operational in the Dublin metropolitan region, Cork city and parts of Louth and Meath. The IT system will be extended nationwide in conjunction with the commencement of an outsourced payment collection service. This is planned for autumn 2005.

Identity Cards.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

343 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of the issue of identity cards in view of the latest developments in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23180/05]

I have no proposals at present for the issuance of identity cards in this jurisdiction. However, my Department is keeping developments in the UK in relation to this matter under consideration.

Proposed Legislation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

344 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to revise and update the antiquated Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23181/05]

An extensive review of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 1986 was carried out in 2000 by an interdepartmental group which made recommendations for legislative amendments in this area. Draft legislation is under consideration in my Department to update key elements of the provisions relating to gaming. These new provisions will focus in particular on the area of gaming stake and prize money limits.

Prison Drug Treatment Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

345 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures which will be pursued within the prison system in the event of a prisoner testing positive for drug misuse, following the introduction of mandatory drug testing; his views on whether adequate drug assessment, counselling and treatment services are available within the prison services here to deal with anticipated increased numbers of inmates testing positive for drug misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23182/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

361 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will commit to undertake an independent scientific evaluation of the proposed mandatory drug testing programme in prisons; if he will state when such an evaluation will take place; if the findings of such an evaluation will be made publicly available; if he will commit to the ending the programme should the evaluation show it to be failing to meet its objectives; and if he will not commit to such an independent evaluation to explain his reasons. [23243/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

362 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the anticipated annual cost of his proposed mandatory drug testing programme in prisons. [23244/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

363 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to cite the evidentiary basis substantiating his public statement on 22 June 2005 that most countries in the world use mandatory drug testing in prisons; and if he will provide a complete list of the countries to which he was referring. [23245/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 361 to 363, inclusive, together.

As envisaged in the programme for Government, the introduction of mandatory drug testing will play an important role in supporting future policy on drug supply and demand reduction in prisons. Prisoners accommodated in the open centres at Shelton Abbey and Loughan House and in the designated drug free areas of the training unit in the Mountjoy complex, St. Patrick's Institution and Wheatfield Prison are already required to undergo frequent drug tests to confirm their drug-free status. Mandatory drug testing will, however, operate across the entire prison system.

Provision for mandatory drug testing, and the penalties that may be imposed arising from a positive test, are set out in the draft new prison rules, which were published on my Department's website on 22 June. The new rules will come into force in November of this year and will operate in conjunction with a new drugs policy for the Irish Prison Service. The policy will facilitate consistent regulation and operational structure in pursuing both supply and demand reduction and will involve the implementation of further stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons. At the same time, it will lead to continued investment in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population and meet prisoners' treatment needs. Developing and improving the therapeutic resources available to meet the needs of drug misusers within the prison system is an ongoing process. The introduction of mandatory drug testing will result in additional costs. The precise level of the costs involved will be dependent on a number of factors and are currently being determined.

Drug testing has been employed in many jurisdictions, such as the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, that have prison systems and drug problems comparable to those pertaining in this country. The experience of these countries, and any lessons learnt, will inform the development of practice in our prisons.

The Irish Prison Service is committed under the national drugs strategy 2001 to 2008 to commission and carry out an independent evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the prison service's strategies in relation to drugs. This review, which will be initiated in 2007, will cover all aspects of drug services in prisons including research on the levels and routes of supply of drugs in prisons. The introduction of mandatory drug testing will play an important role in determining, for the purposes of the evaluation, the patterns, levels and types of drug use in prisons.

Asylum Applications.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

346 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received an application for asylum by a person (details supplied); if consideration will be given to this person’s circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23183/05]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, ORAC, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, RAT, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I have been informed that an interview has been scheduled by ORAC for the applicant in question which is to take place shortly and that the applicant has been notified of the arrangements.

Departmental Records.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

347 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it will be possible to furnish a reply to Question No. 372 of 31 May 2005 before the Dáil goes into recess. [23184/05]

I refer to Question No. 372 and have set out below the information requested in relation to sick leave in 2004 for the Irish Prison Service, the probation and welfare service and the Courts Service. I am still awaiting the information for the Garda Síochána. When I receive it, I will forward it to the Deputy directly.

Division

No. of man-days lost in sick leave

Rate per Person

% of total man-days lost

%

Prison Service

75,268

23.88

6.5

Probation and Welfare Service

3,456.55

8.86

2.43

Court Service

7,564

7.73

2

I have given the percentage of total man days lost instead of man hours lost as this is a more accurate reflection.

I am gravely concerned about the level of sick leave in the Irish Prison Service which, as the figures provided indicate, is almost three times greater than that in the probation and welfare service and more than three times greater than that in the Courts Service. These figures serve to underscore my absolute determination to reform and modernise work practices and procedures in the Irish Prison Service which, among other things, have given rise to unsustainable and unacceptable levels of overtime working.

Garda Strength.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

348 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey stations; the plans he has to increase the number in each station; the duties of each of the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength — all ranks — of Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey Garda stations as at 28 June 2005 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station

Strength

Enniscorthy

32

New Ross

32

Gorey

39

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that all members of the Garda Síochána, stationed in the above stations, are engaged in normal policing duties. Garda authorities also state that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey Garda stations will be fully considered.

In respect of Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered in the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

Child Care Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

349 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application has been received by his Department (details supplied); his views on the application; when the group will be informed of a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23186/05]

The Deputy may be aware that the group in question has been awarded staffing grant assistance of €178,263 to date, under the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000-06.

I understand that an application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP was submitted by this group to my Department in January 2004. This application has been forwarded to Area Development Management Ltd., which is engaged by my Department to carry out detailed assessments of all EOCP grant applications on my behalf. Each application for funding undergoes a thorough assessment by ADM to ensure it meets the EOCP funding criteria.

I understand from inquiries I have made that ADM has been in dialogue with the group recently regarding outstanding information on the scale of the project, its costings and the child care needs in the area. ADM is awaiting this additional information from the group in order to advance the assessment process.

When the assessment on the project in question is completed, the application will then be considered by the EOCP appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision and the group will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

350 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who have applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish-born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23213/05]

Applications for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for the processing of applications from the non-national parents of Irish-born children born before 1 January 2005 were received from the persons concerned on 11 February 2005.

Some 18,000 applications for permission to remain were received under the revised arrangements and more than 7,600 have been processed to date. Given the number of applications yet to be processed, it will be some weeks before the processing of the applications from the persons concerned will be completed.

Registration of Title.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

351 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry Office has received queries from the solicitor of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; if so, when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23233/05]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application under section 49, that is, acquisition of title by virtue of long possession, under the Registration of Title Act 1964, which was lodged on 28 January, 2003. Dealing No. D2003CR000781J refers.

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.

I am further informed that a number of queries issued to the lodging solicitors on 21 March 2005 and that all but one have been dealt with. The Land Registry Office is awaiting a reply to this outstanding query and the application cannot proceed until it has been satisfactorily resolved. However, I assure the Deputy that, on receipt of a satisfactory reply to the query raised, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.

Court Proceedings.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

352 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases which have been abandoned since 2003 in the Enniscorthy Garda district due to delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/05]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

353 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases which have been abandoned since 2003 in the Wexford Garda district due to warrants being out of date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23235/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that no cases have been abandoned since 2003 in the Enniscorthy Garda district due to delays. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there were no cases abandoned since 2003 in the Wexford Garda district due to warrants being out of date.

Registration of Title.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

354 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 722 of 26 January 2005, the average waiting time for processing each Land Registry Office registration on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23236/05]

I refer the Deputy to my recent answer to Question No. 173 on Thursday 12 May 2005. I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that the position concerning the average waiting time for registration on a county basis has not altered significantly since I answered that question.

Garda Stations.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

355 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 22 June 2005, the name and location of the Garda stations of the list of 703 referred to that require rebuilding, updating or replacement; if a list of priority buildings exists; the position of Ballyvary, Castlebar on this list; if it is on current estimates of the spending of €112 million before the end of 2007, if Ballyvary Garda station will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23237/05]

I assure the Deputy that all Garda accommodation is continually under review to ensure that it meets the operational requirements of the Garda Síochána. Where it does not, then the required refurbishment or construction works are completed by the Office of Public Works — which has responsibility for the vast majority of Garda properties — with all due urgency and in accordance with overall priorities within the Garda building programme and the availability of financial and other resources.

In that regard, significant funding is provided each year by the Office of Public Works for the Garda capital building programme, with an estimated €10 million allocated in 2005 alone. As indicated in my previous reply, the board has indicated that it plans to spend of the order of €112 million before the end of 2007 on a wide range of Garda projects including, for example, major works in Ballymun, Ballyshannon, Claremorris and Ballina. This figure does not include additional funding to provide new accommodation requirements for the Garda college in Templemore arising from the increased number of recruits to bring the strength of the force up to 14,000 and various other Garda building projects. There is also a separate provision of more than €7 million in the Garda Vote in 2005 to meet ongoing maintenance of Garda stations such as painting and minor repairs.

A survey of the Garda property portfolio was carried out on behalf of the Office of Public Works to determine and list the properties considered to be economically maintainable and those considered to be uneconomic to repair. Following that survey, the Office of Public Works last year ran a pilot equity exchange programme of eight Garda stations in Counties Limerick and Tipperary, following consultation with my Department and the Garda authorities. The programme was developed to test the feasibility of exchanging clusters of small Garda stations which cannot be viably maintained in return for new modern station facilities. It was intended to extend this programme to other small Garda stations such as Ballyvary.

I understand from the Office of Public Works, however, that the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme and that the Commissioners of Public Works are now considering alternative approaches. Until the Office of Public Works has concluded its deliberations, I am not in a position to indicate when Ballyvary station will be addressed. In the meantime, the Commissioners of Public Works will undertake any essential maintenance works necessary to stations.

Prisoner Escort Service.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

356 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent report on the succession of serious failures of the privatised prison escort service in Scotland and if he will make a commitment that unrestricted access by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention to monitor prison escorts will be made a condition of the contract with any privatised prisoner escort service in this State. [23238/05]

It is not my intention to comment on operational matters pertaining to another jurisdiction. The monitoring of any proposed contracted out prisoner escort service will be comprehensively detailed in the tender documents currently under preparation by my officials. The brief of the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention in carrying out an inspection of any prison or place of detention will still have regard to such matters as the attitude of staff and inmates and the health, safety and well-being of prisoners irrespective of whether prisoner escorts are contracted out.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

357 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent report that the cost of the privatised prison escort service in Scotland is greater than the cost of the previous public escort service; and if he will provide an assurance that his proposed privatised escort scheme in this State will indeed be less expensive than the current publicly run service. [23239/05]

Likely costs of a contracted out service are dependent on the outcome of the competitive tendering process involved and the Deputy will appreciate that the publication of estimated costs and savings by me would compromise this process. However, studies carried out on prisoner escorts in this jurisdiction are unanimous in identifying the potential for significant improvements in economy and effectiveness.

The Deputy will appreciate that the rationale for the introduction of contracted out prisoner escort services may differ between jurisdictions. However, the extremely high cost of prisoner escorts in Ireland is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that the majority of prisoner escorts are done on an overtime basis.

Deportation Orders.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

358 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any members of the Roma community have been deported to Kosovo in the past 18 months; if any such deportations are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23240/05]

Since January 2004, a total of 21 persons have been removed to Kosovo on foot of deportation orders. As the Department's records do not distinguish between applicants as to their ethnicity, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a breakdown as to how many of those persons belonged to the Roma community. However, I assure him that full consideration is given to the circumstances of all cases before a decision is made in respect of whether to make a deportation order.

The effecting of deportation orders is a matter for the Garda Síochána. Persons against whom deportation orders are in force are removed in accordance with logistical and operational requirements. It is not possible to indicate when the next removal operation to Kosovo will take place.

Prison Reports.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

359 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will define the criteria upon which he will decide that the publication of part or parts of future reports of the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention are against the public interest and subsequently censored — as outlined in section 127(8) of the new Prison Rules 2005, and the process that will be made available to the Prison inspector to appeal such a decision. [23241/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

360 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which section 127(8) of the new Prison Rules, 2005 (details supplied) is compatible with his public statements of 22 June 2005 that the new Prison Rules will allow the Prison inspector to be independent in the exercise of his or her functions. [23242/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

The Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention was appointed to inspect prisons and to report to the Minister of the day. It has been the practice since the appointment of the current inspector to lay his reports before the Houses of the Oireachtas and publish them on the Department's website. On one occasion, in the case of his second annual report, certain parts were not published on the basis of independent legal advice.

Rule 127 of the draft prison rules, published recently, confirms the existing practice giving it the force of a statutory instrument. The reports of the inspector shall continue to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and be published in full on the Department's website unless the rights of an individual would be adversely affected or it would be against the public interest. In such exceptional cases, the report will be published but with the relevant parts deleted. If there is any such deletions rule 127(9) requires a statement to be attached to the report stating that such deletions have been made so it will be a matter of public knowledge. Rule 127(2) of the draft prison rules provides specifically that the inspector shall be independent in the exercise of his or her functions.

Questions Nos. 361 to 363, inclusive, answered with Question No. 345.

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

364 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to investigate or otherwise inquire into whether there has been systematic Garda misconduct or incompetent Garda management in other parts of the State outside County Donegal. [23246/05]

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Bill 2004, now at the final stage of its passage through the Oireachtas, provides inter alia for the establishment of a fully independent ombudsman commission, which will have wide powers to investigate complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána and a Garda inspectorate, the main functions of which will be to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the Garda Síochána and to ensure that the Minister and the Department have objective information and advice on matters relevant to the functioning of the force.

These and other provisions of the Bill, as passed by Dáil Éireann, including a duty of members to account for their actions or inaction and new powers of summary dismissal by the Commissioner, represent a comprehensive response to the findings of the two reports of the Morris tribunal with respect to Garda misconduct and mismanagement in the Donegal division. These new legislative provisions are, of course, designed to ensure that events of the kind that took place in Donegal cannot happen again — not only in Donegal but in any part of the State — and that any misconduct or mismanagement arising at any level in the force is swiftly identified and dealt with.

Prisoner Releases.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

365 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been granted weekend parole or any other form of temporary release since their conviction; if so the dates on which and reasons therefor; if a date has been fixed for the person’s parole hearing in 2005; and if the family of this person’s victim will be informed of any future temporary release of the prisoner and parole hearing. [23247/05]

The person referred to by the Deputy has received no form of temporary release since his committal to prison. I am also informed that his case will next be reviewed by the parole board in or around August 2007. The Deputy will be aware that there are provisions whereby victims of serious crime, or members of their family, who indicate such a wish will be notified whenever significant developments occur in the sentence management of prisoner cases. For obvious reasons, my Department regards these types of communication as completely confidential and I am not, therefore, prepared to comment on whether such an arrangement is in place in this or any other case.

Crime Levels.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

366 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics across all headings for the years 1997 and 2004 for the areas of Bray, Wicklow and Arklow; the number of gardaí based in each of these areas in 1997 and 2004; the number of crimes detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23248/05]

As regards crime figures, the Deputy will be aware that on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis in order to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to 6 per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country. In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy will also wish to be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below shows the headline offences, by group, for the Garda district of Bray and for the Garda district of Gorey which includes the Arklow area and for Wicklow Garda district. It is important to note that the figures for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for the years 2000 onwards.

Headline Offences Recorded and Detected for Wicklow Garda District from 2000 to 2004.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Homicide

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Assault

24

24

24

24

45

37

32

29

36

29

Sexual Offences

9

3

21

20

12

9

12

4

13

6

Arson

14

4

3

0

3

1

6

3

3

1

Drugs

13

13

6

6

2

2

15

15

10

10

Thefts

348

125

404

139

540

118

462

120

407

114

Burglary

240

67

233

56

295

48

264

34

288

48

Robbery

5

4

11

6

10

5

4

0

9

3

Fraud

42

41

32

27

29

22

29

10

16

10

Other

2

2

6

6

18

14

9

8

13

8

Total

699

285

740

284

954

256

833

223

796

230

*Statistics for 2004 are provisional/operational and liable to change.

Headline Offences Recorded and Detected for Arklow Garda District from 2000 to 2004.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Homicide

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Assault

8

8

18

16

41

38

37

26

37

26

Sexual Offences

2

2

15

11

14

9

19

13

20

12

Arson

4

1

7

2

14

3

8

2

2

0

Drugs

25

25

22

22

25

25

19

19

23

23

Thefts

163

64

228

99

371

143

395

141

398

155

Burglary

238

90

232

91

248

41

292

46

300

45

Robbery

13

7

8

7

8

2

7

7

15

8

Fraud

27

26

24

23

14

10

22

11

23

20

Other

6

6

9

8

17

13

11

7

24

20

Total

486

229

563

279

752

284

810

272

842

309

*Statistics for 2004 are provisional/operational and liable to change.

Headline Offences Recorded and Detected for Bray Garda District from 2000 to 2004.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Rec

Dec

Homicide

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

2

1

Assault

15

10

54

37

92

71

66

48

70

29

Sexual Offences

14

11

17

10

32

22

31

20

34

13

Arson

23

14

49

10

23

4

35

4

25

1

Drugs

21

21

45

45

55

55

41

41

27

27

Thefts

727

158

751

168

858

181

892

192

952

184

Burglary

625

167

612

122

644

81

879

95

690

69

Robbery

46

17

47

19

54

20

59

18

50

11

Fraud

36

34

32

26

90

76

39

29

35

16

Other

0

0

17

13

30

21

11

7

15

5

Total

1507

432

1625

451

1878

531

2054

455

1900

356

*Statistics for 2004 are provisional/operational and liable to change.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Arklow Garda station as at 31 December in each of the years 1997 to 2004 was as set out in the attached table:

Date

Strength

31/12/1997

22

31/12/1998

25

31/12/1999

24

31/12/2000

24

31/12/2001

25

31/12/2002

28

31/12/2003

27

31/12/2004

28

The personnel strength of Bray Garda station as at 31 December in each of the years 1997 to 2004 was as set out in the attached table:

Date

Strength

31/12/1997

76

31/12/1998

74

31/12/1999

76

31/12/2000

77

31/12/2001

77

31/12/2002

79

31/12/2003

75

31/12/2004

85

The personnel strength of Wicklow town Garda station as at 31 December in each of the years 1997 to 2004 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Date

Strength

31/12/1997

33

31/12/1998

39

31/12/1999

40

31/12/2000

39

31/12/2001

40

31/12/2002

41

31/12/2003

39

31/12/2004

36

Local Garda management states that the existing available resources at the Garda stations to which I refer are adequate to meet the current policing needs of the area.

As regards Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of all Garda stations including those referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies particular areas with significant drugs problems and large numbers of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

Citizenship Applications.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

367 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 23 June 2005, if he will confirm receipt of correspondence to him from this Deputy dated 21 April 2005 and subsequent correspondence from the person concerned; and if he will give the up to date position on the matter. [23282/05]

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers has been received and the person concerned has recently been granted permission to remain in the State with an exemption from work permit requirements.

Prison Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

368 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to close Loughan House, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23283/05]

I draw the Deputy's attention to my response to a question which was taken on 4 May, 2005 — reference No. 14281/05 — and to the Adjournment Debates on 12 and 19 November 2003, in which I outlined the rationale behind the proposal to put in place alternative arrangements for the operation of Loughan House.

I also refer the Deputy to my responses of 23 June last to two parliamentary questions, reference Nos. 21320/05 and 21465/05, and the Adjournment Debate on the same date in which I stressed that I will not be drawn into renegotiating the terms of the proposal for organisational change in the Prison Service and that in the absence of an agreed way forward I have no option but to move ahead to implement whatever measures are required to realise the necessary cost efficiencies.

Garda Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

369 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has sanctioned the revised sketch scheme for the new Leixlip Garda station in County Kildare, in view of the fact that the OPW is now recommending proceeding with planning in respect of the development of the station on the existing State-owned site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23284/05]

I am informed by the Office of Public Works that the revised sketch scheme for the proposed new Garda station in Leixlip will be available to my Department shortly for consideration and consultation with the Garda authorities. I am further advised that it is the intention of the Office of Public Works to proceed to planning once the sketch scheme has been agreed.

Community Relations.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

370 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider providing financial assistance to communities to meet the costs of insurance, supervision, heating and lighting and so on of parochial halls and schools during out of hours in parishes to provide young people with a viable social alternative to the public house. [23285/05]

The matters raised by the Deputy are more appropriate to the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children.

Citizenship Applications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

371 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency and citizenship of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will confirm that the application will now be finalised as indicated in Parliamentary Question No. 769 of 12 April 2005. [23286/05]

The person in question has made an application for residency in the State based on marriage to an Irish national. As indicated in my reply of 12 April 2005, the application will be finalised on receipt of all relevant documentation. To date all the relevant documentation has not yet been received and a further request for information issued on 24 June 2005. It is expected a decision will issue shortly after the receipt of the requested documentation.

Child Care Services.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

372 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of capital funding that has been allocated to child care facilities in 2005 in County Westmeath; the number of child care spaces that this represents; the additional resources for staffing that has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23288/05]

I have approved 13 grants to date this year in County Westmeath, totalling almost €2.7 million, under the equal opportunities child care programme 2000-06. It is anticipated that this funding will lead to the creation of 143 new child care places and will support a further 231 existing places.

This funding includes €1,778,150 in capital grant assistance to four community-based not for profit groups, €825,900 in staffing grant assistance to five community-based not for profit projects, which will support the projects in question to the end of 2007 and €55,081 in capital grant assistance to two private sector child care projects.

This commitment supplements previous commitments of more than €5.5 million in capital funding and more than €2.5 million in staffing grant assistance previously allocated to County Westmeath. It is expected that more than 1,224 new child care places, including the places referred to previously, will be created thanks to EOCP investment in County Westmeath.

The Deputy may be aware that, following a detailed review of the existing staffing grants under the EOCP, I recently extended the terms of the grants to the end of December 2007, to groups which have received staffing grants for a period of three or more years and continue to deliver a child care service in accordance with their pre-agreed targets. To benefit from such funding, the groups must continue to pay particular attention to the support of disadvantaged families and the implementation of a fee structure tailored to the differing economic circumstances of the client group and which ensures that child care places subsidised by the EOCP are targeted towards those most in need.

The Westmeath county child care committee received an allocation of €199,250 to deliver its annual action plan in 2005, while it receives an additional allocation of €20,000 to provide support services for child minders. In addition, child care services in County Westmeath may also benefit from support given to the national voluntary child care organisations to enhance quality awareness.

Asylum Applications.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

373 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that all of the circumstances involved in an application for asylum of a young person (details supplied) have been taken into consideration prior to the issuing of a deportation order; if, in view of this person’s age, integration into Irish life and involvement in the Dublin Youth Theatre, he will re-examine this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23287/05]

I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 476 on 21 June last about this case. The circumstances of the case were fully considered, including representations made on behalf of the person by the Refugee Legal Service, in arriving at the decision to make a deportation order. I will reconsider the matter in light of the further representations made in this case and my decision will be communicated directly to the person concerned in due course.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

374 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in respect of the building purchased by the probation and welfare service at Main Street, Blanchardstown, in May 2002 and lying idle since then; the cost of acquiring and maintaining the building since its acquisition; the progress the probation and welfare service made in identifying an appropriate site in the vicinity of the town centre of Blanchardstown, as agreed with the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23326/05]

The old AIB premises at Main Street, Blanchardstown, was acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the probation and welfare service on 15 April 2002. The total cost of the purchase was €1.5 million, including VAT. The intention was to renovate and extend the premises, using one portion as a local office and the other as a probation centre. However, before proceeding with the refurbishment project, due to concerns which emerged in the matter, my Department decided to review the suitability of the location in question and examine alternative options in the Blanchardstown area. In that respect, discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Office of Public Works.

I am advised by the Office of Public Works that minimal works have been carried out to ensure the security of the building while it is unoccupied. As regards the future of the building, I am further advised that the Commissioners of Public Works are considering the suitability of the premises for use by other Government Departments.

Proposed Legislation.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

375 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to introduce legislation to recognise civil unions for the purpose of protecting rights in respect of tax, pension and next of kin in respect of same sex couples who have made long-term commitments to each other. [23391/05]

Consideration will be given to the question of legislation on civil unions when the following become available: the report of the Law Reform Commission on rights and duties of cohabitees; the report of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution of its examination of Articles 40.3, 41 and 42 relating to the family; and the outcome of current litigation regarding the recognition of a foreign same sex marriage.

Government Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

376 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which a company, to operate repatriation flights, was selected; if the successful company was that which offered the cheapest tender price; and if not, the grounds for deviating from the most competitive offer. [23394/05]

I assume the question refers to the framework tender competition conducted by my Department in January 2005, the purpose of which was to procure suitable service providers to carry out future repatriation charter flights in respect of the removal of persons who are illegally residing in the State. The competition was conducted in accordance with national and European Union procurement procedures and was widely advertised at the time, including in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The tender was not an invitation to supply specific flights at predetermined prices. Rather, it was a specification based competition, which sought to identify suitably qualified service providers based on certain competencies which my Department and the Garda national immigration bureau identified and considered essential for this type of operation. The tender was awarded on the basis of the tendering parties reaching or exceeding those specifications. In this regard, there was no deviation from the award criteria set out in the tender request.

The specification sought service providers with the ability to act as principal in any contract and add value to the process by bringing about risk reduction through the provision of adequate operational support, aircraft safety certification, guarantees secured against the assets of the company on replacement aircraft in case of technical or financial failure and appropriate insurance cover, including calamity insurance, etc. These are all requirements considered essential by the Department for the safe, effective and secure operation of such flights, taking account of the need to reduce the State's exposure to claims arising from identifiable risks where these can be eliminated or reduced through appropriate risk management measures and insurance cover. It is not, therefore, a question of the cheapest price but of achieving value for money by meeting these essential standards and having regard to the price offered.

The company appointed following a detailed examination of the tenders received is a large UK based service provider, Air Partner PLC, with considerable experience and expertise in this type of work. As flights are required, the company is contacted for quotes for suitable aircraft and support services for a specific operation on a particular date. The company normally provides a range of options and the cheapest is usually accepted having regard to the suitability of the aircraft offered and other criteria such as the cancellation-postponement terms attaching.

Citizenship Applications.

John Perry

Ceist:

377 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 24 February 2004, the progress made on the naturalisation process of the person; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23395/05]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently approved the application for a certificate of naturalisation of the person concerned. A letter informing her of my decision, as well as the final procedures which must be completed, is due to issue in the next few days.

Legal Aid Service.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

378 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers employed in legal aid, distinguishing between civil and criminal, from 1997 to date; and the annual cost and spend of criminal legal aid since 1997 to date. [23419/05]

The information that the Deputy has requested is as follows: Civil Legal Aid The sanctioned numbers of staff for the Legal Aid Board from 1997 to date are:

1997

212

1998

205

1999

282

2000

409*

2001

409*

2002

412*

2003

409*

2004

409*

*Including a total of 140 staff sanctioned for the Refugee Legal Service.

A total of 10.1 departmental, non-legal, whole-time equivalent staff are employed on criminal legal aid duties in the Department at present. A breakdown of the allocation of staff for criminal legal aid duties from 1997 to date is not readily available as the staff in question form part ofthe overall staffing complement of the Department.

The annual cost of criminal legal aid since 1997 is as follows:

Year

Cost (€m)

1997

11.60

1998

19.27

1999

22.45

2000

25.11

2001

25.19

2002

28.88

2003

37.35

2004

34.14

2005 (to 23 June)

19.99

Registration of Title.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

379 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry Office has received queries from the solicitor of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; if so, when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23423/05]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application under section 49, acquisition of title by virtue of long possession, under the Registration of Title Act 1964, which was lodged on 1 October, 2004. Dealing No. D2004CR009579Q refers. 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.

I am further informed that queries which issued to the lodging solicitors on 10 December 2004 have been dealt with and that a further query issued on 24 June, 2005. I understand that the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved. However, I assure the Deputy that, on receipt of a satisfactory reply to the query raised, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

380 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 693 of 12 April 2005, if the Land Registry Office has finalised the application on a folio for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23424/05]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer of part which was lodged in 2001. Dealing No. D2001CR004399D refers. I am further informed that this application was completed on 3 June 2005.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

381 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 27 May 2005, if the Land Registry Office has received the requisition from the solicitors of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/05]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer-charge which was lodged on 10 May 2005. Dealing No. D2005PS009825J refers. I am further informed that this application was completed on 21 June 2005.

Road Traffic Offences.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

382 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that have been issued to motorists in County Clare for uninsured and untaxed vehicles for each of the years 2001 to 2004 and for January to April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23430/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the numbers of cases where proceedings were commenced for offences relating to vehicles being untaxed and uninsured in the Garda division of Clare are as set out in the following table.

Year

Tax

Insurance

2001

163

260

2002

635

751

2003

511

711

2004

496

675

January to April 2005

89

118

Garda Stations.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

383 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the opening hours of each of the Garda stations in County Clare; if he intends to extend the opening hours of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23431/05]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

384 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in County Clare which are not currently occupied other than by the green man; if he will list such stations; his plans for the future of such stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23432/05]

I propose to take questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the official opening hours of each of the Garda stations in the Clare division as at 29 June 2005 is as set out in the following table:

Station

Hours

Ennis

24 hours

Crusheen

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Lissycasey

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Newmarket-on-Fergus

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Quin

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Shannon

24 hours

Sixmilebridge

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Ennistymon

24 hours

Corofin

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Ballyvaughan

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Lahinch

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Lisdoonvarna

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Miltown Malbay

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Inagh

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Killaloe

24 hours

Broadford

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Newport

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Scarriff

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Mountshannon

2 hours daily

Rearcross

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Tulla

2 hours daily

Kilrush

24 hours

Carrigaholt

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Doonbeg

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Kildysart

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Kilkee

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Kilmihil

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Labasheeda

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

I have been further informed that local Garda management does not propose to extend the opening hours of any of the Garda stations in the Clare division. It states that the extension of the current opening hours at any of these stations would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on visible outdoor policing duties.

Local Garda management also reports that there are currently no Garda stations in County Clare which are not occupied other than by the green man. Each Garda station has been allocated Garda personnel. Each sub-district station is equipped with a green man, which is linked directly to the local district headquarters for use by the public when the member assigned to such a station is on patrol or on rostered rest days.

In relation to Garda resources generally, I am pleased the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Clare division will be fully considered in the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One promise I have already made is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high visibility policing and will have a real impact.

Drug Seizures.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

385 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug seizures in each Garda division in County Clare for each of the past five years; the extent to which the problem is on the increase or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23433/05]

It has not been possible within the timeframe involved to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when information is to hand.

CAB Investigations.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

386 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Criminal Assets Bureau investigations which have taken place in each of the past five years in County Clare; the Garda divisions within which these investigations took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Criminal Assets Bureau investigations are not conducted by reference to particular counties or Garda divisions and that most investigations involve two or more different parts of the country. I am further informed that disclosure of results of any analysis which focused on particular counties or Garda divisions could interfere with the operation of ongoing investigations. This is because for some years the results for many counties or divisions would be zero or one and disclosure would have the effect of identifying individuals, when an investigation commenced and whether the Criminal Assets Bureau is conducting investigations. The Deputy will appreciate that this would be wholly undesirable.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

387 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to publish the new liquor codification legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23456/05]

The position is that a consultation process on my proposals for a Bill to streamline and modernise the liquor licensing laws by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004 and replacing them with updated provisions more suited to modern conditions has recently concluded. I will take account of the views of organisations and individuals who responded to my request for submissions in the context of the drafting of the Bill. The Bill will be published following Government approval in due course. In view of its size, it is not possible at this stage to indicate exactly when it will be ready for publication.

Garda Deployment.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

388 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí located in each local drug task force area each year from 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23463/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that local drug task forces were established in 1997 on the basis of certain criteria which considered among other issues, levels of social disadvantage and Garda crime statistics. These criteria ensures that these areas received a high priority in relation to the allocation of Garda resources.

Since the publication of the national drugs strategy in May 2001, resources in Garda stations covering local drug task force areas have been monitored. For the purpose of this process the year 2001 is used as the benchmark year. As can be seen from the table below there was an increase of 17 gardaí assigned to stations covering local drug task force areas for the period covering January 2001 to January 2002, which was the first year of the Government's national drug strategy. The most recent comparison covering May 2005 shows an additional 218 gardaí have been assigned to such stations, compared with January 2001.

Resources L.D.T.F. Areas.

L.D.T.F.

Station(s)

January ’01

January ’02

May ’05

Net change January ’01- January ’02

Net change January ’01-May ’05

Sgt

Gdaí

Sgt

Gdaí

Sgt

Gdaí

Ballymun

Ballymun

9

53

11

52

10

55

+1

+3

Ballyfermot

Ballyfermot

12

61

11

57

10

64

-5

+1

Blanchardstown

Blanchardstown

18

78

21

100

22

135

+25

+61

Bray

Bray

11

61

12

57

10

65

-3

+3

Canal Communities

Kilmainham

17

60

16

62

12

64

+1

-1

Clondalkin

Clondalkin

11

52

11

55

12

68

+3

+17

Clondalkin

Ronanstown

11

57

14

55

15

70

+1

+17

Cork

Cork City

94

486

96

492

93

501

+8

+14

Dublin 12

Crumlin

14

58

16

56

17

64

0

+9

Dublin 12

Sundrive Road

9

50

9

54

9

58

+4

+8

Dún Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire

15

83

19

83

10

87

+4

-1

Finglas/Cabra

Finglas

11

69

12

65

9

73

-3

+2

Finglas/Cabra

Cabra

14

68

12

67

11

52

-3

-19

North Inner City

Store Street

30

199

30

199

34

224

0

+29

North Inner City

Fitzgibbon Street

18

88

18

86

18

92

-2

+4

North East

Coolock

11

71

10

71

11

73

-1

+2

North East

Raheny

10

47

9

48

8

52

0

+3

North Inner City

Kevin Street

18

87

19

84

19

99

-2

+13

North Inner City

Pearse Street

25

182

26

175

29

216

-6

+38

North Inner City

Irishtown

9

46

9

42

8

48

-4

+1

Tallaght

Tallaght

20

132

18

133

20

146

-1

+14

Difference

387

2,088

399

2,093

387

2,306

+17

+218

Community Policing.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

389 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if community policing fora have been established in each local drug task force area; if not, when it will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/05]

Two community policing fora have already been established in the context of the national drugs strategy. These are operating on a pilot basis under the aegis of the north inner city and Finglas-Cabra local drugs task forces. My position on this matter is that the establishment of community policing fora in general needs to be delivered in the context of an appropriate policy framework for what will be relatively new partnership structures involving the Garda, local authorities and local communities to deal with a range of issues of mutual concern. Such a framework will ensure that community policing fora are developed in an appropriate, consistent and properly planned manner.

Work is well under way on the development of such a policy framework. The Garda Síochána Bill 2004 represents the most significant legislative reform of Garda structures since the foundation of the State. Included in its provisions are mechanisms for enhanced co-operation between the Garda and local authorities through the establishment, on a statutory basis, of joint policing committees. It is intended that such committees will provide a forum where the Garda Síochána, local authorities and other appropriate bodies can co-operate and work together to address local policing and other issues. It is also intended that these policing committees will facilitate the establishment of local policing fora to address specific issues in local areas, including drugs issues. The further development of community policing fora in each local drug task force area will be considered in this context.

On 12 May last I announced the establishment of an implementation advisory group, under the chairmanship of Senator Maurice Hayes, in a move to facilitate the timely implementation of the provisions of the Garda Síochána Bill. Its terms of reference include the development of guidelines to enable the establishment of joint policing committees and the group has been requested to report to me on progress not later than six months after the enactment of the Bill.

Irish Prison Service.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

390 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in carrying out an independent evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the prison strategy in relation to all aspects of drug services in prisons and research on the levels and routes of supply of drugs in prisons; when such an evaluation will be completed and its findings published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/05]

The Irish Prison Service continually monitors the effectiveness of its drug policies and already has a good knowledge of the levels and routes of supply of drugs in prison. Pending the implementation of the new drugs policy, which I intend to publish in the near future, it would be premature to undertake a wide-ranging review of all aspects of drug services in prisons. I have decided that the better course of action would be to undertake such a review when the new policy has been in place for a sufficient period of time, which will allow for meaningful evaluation of current practice and policy. It is intended that the review will be initiated in 2007.

Registration of Title.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

391 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in completing an application (details supplied); the timeframe for this application to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23473/05]

This application was completed on 27 June 2005.

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

392 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 which have been commenced to date; and when the remaining sections of the Act will be commenced. [22949/05]

The Youth Work Act provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, the vocational education committees and national and regional youth work organisations. Section 1 of the Act provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. Sections 2 to 7, inclusive, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced to date.

A sub-committee of the national youth work advisory committee, representative of the statutory and voluntary sectors and my Department, is engaged in ongoing work, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures necessary for the further implementation of the Act. It is considered essential to have agreement between all the interested parties on the necessary procedures and to have these in place so that further implementation of the Act can take place in a satisfactory and structured manner. My Department is in discussions with the various parties involved. When these are finalised, it is intended to continue the phased implementation of further sections of the Act, as is necessary and appropriate.

Teaching Qualifications.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

393 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22990/05]

The qualifications of the person concerned were assessed by the registration council to determine if they were suitable for the purposes of post-primary teaching in this country. They were deemed suitable for the purposes of teaching French but not for teaching German. Following receipt of additional information regarding her qualifications, the case is being reviewed. It is expected that the outcome of this review will be known following a meeting of the council's applications committee on Friday, 1 July. The person will be notified of the decision shortly afterwards.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

394 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to 2.5 hours resource teaching on a one to one basis; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 2005-06 will be this person’s last year at national school and that the professional assessment is that they need one-to-one resource teaching urgently for the final year at national school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22991/05]

As the Deputy is aware, a new scheme for allocating resource teachers to schools to cater for the needs of children with high incidence special needs and learning support needs, was announced last month. The reason for the new scheme is simple. Children with special needs, such as dyslexia or mild learning difficulties, are found in almost every school. It makes sense then that every school should have a number of resource teaching hours based on the number of pupils in the school.

The special educational needs, SEN, of the pupil in question fall within the high incidence disability categories and his needs can, therefore, be catered for from within the school's general allocation. This school's teaching allocation under the new general allocation model is 12.5 part time hours. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs who will receive this support. Each school will have enough resource teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs.

The school can use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one to one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. It is often best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to separate rooms because the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The type of response needed depends on the child.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

395 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil teacher ratio for schools (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [22992/05]

Data are not readily available on pupil-teacher ratios in each national school due to teacher-sharing arrangements among national schools. However, data on average class sizes, excluding traveller and special class pupils integrated in ordinary classes, are contained in the file for 2004-05 for most of the schools specified by the Deputy. In the case of three schools, which are special schools, average class size cannot be estimated.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

396 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if the appointment of an extra teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Louth will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22993/05]

The Department has sanctioned a temporary teaching post to the school in question for the 2005-06 school year following consultation with the local special educational needs organiser and the Department inspectorate. Verbal sanction has been given to the school authorities and a formal letter will issue in the coming days. The SENO will keep the situation under review.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

397 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science her long term plans to provide additional places in primary schools in Mullingar in view of the expanding population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22994/05]

The Department accepts that Mullingar is a developing town in the medium to long term and is taking a number of steps to ensure that its future needs are met in a timely fashion. First, progress on 13 large scale building projects is being considered under the school building programme from 2005 onwards. This involves a combination of extensions, refurbishments, and the provision of new school buildings.

Second, the extension of the Gaelscoil to 16 classrooms to provide an extra 240 places is being pursued together with the development of the new multi-denominational school to 16 classrooms which will provide an extra 480 pupil places.

Third, a senior Department inspector recently visited all primary schools in the area. His findings are being considered in the context of an in depth analysis of both primary and post-primary infrastructural provision in Mullingar, which is currently being carried out in the school planning section of my Department. The findings of this analysis will inform the extent and nature of any future provision to be made.

School Transport.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

398 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the safety guidelines which exist for operation of the school bus fleet; if she will consider an upper age limit for school buses; if seat belts are to be made compulsory on all school buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22995/05]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

423 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the action being taken by her Department to introduce compulsory seat belts to all school buses. [23072/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 423 together.

All vehicles operating under the school transport scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of Transport. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass that Department's annual roadworthiness test. In addition, Bus Éireann vehicles are subject to a programme of scheduled servicing under specified maintenance procedures to ensure that the highest safety standards are achieved. Contractors employed by Bus Éireann are contractually obligated to keep their nominated vehicle is a safe and roadworthy condition at all times.

The average age of the Bus Éireann large capacity school bus, which represents about 20% of the vehicles used for school transport, is 16 years and the average age of all vehicles used for school transport is 11.5 years. An older bus — which has passed the annual roadworthiness test — does not mean an unsafe bus. No bus which is unsafe or dangerous is allowed on to the road to carry children.

The loading of all school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations which are laid down by the Department of Transport. The licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats, in accordance with relevant legislation. The Minister of State with responsibility for school transport and I have decided to phase out the three for two seating arrangement on school buses over the next three years, starting next September.

Bus Éireann school bus drivers are required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination by a nominated doctor and may be subject to ongoing medical review. All such drivers must hold current driving licences appropriate to the size of vehicles they are required to drive. The company also provides training to bring drivers up to the requisite standard, if necessary.

In addition, Bus Éireann school bus drivers must pass a driving assessment conducted by specially trained and qualified Bus Éireann inspectors. Vehicle familiarisation with different types of school buses is carried out on an ongoing basis.

Bus Éireann school bus drivers have also attended a disability awareness training course specially designed to take account of the requirements of children with special needs who travel under the school transport scheme. This course is ongoing at present.

Contractors' school bus drivers are required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination by a nominated doctor, and may be subject to ongoing medical review by the chief medical officer of CIE. It is a condition of the contract agreement that no person shall be allowed to drive a school bus if, having been requested, they refuse to submit for medical examination or if they are certified unfit.

All contractors must hold current driving licences appropriate to the size of vehicles they are required to drive. Bus Éireann maintains a record of driving licences on file for all nominated contractors. Bus Éireann has facilitated contractors and their school bus drivers who drive services under the school transport scheme for children with special needs to attend the ongoing disability awareness training course organised for the company's own personnel. Contractors, as independent private bus operators, may at their own discretion provide additional training for their employees.

EU Directive 2003/20 requires seat belts to be used where they are fitted. This directive must be transposed into national law by 9 May 2006. Separately, proposals to extend the requirement for seat belts to be fitted in all new vehicles except for city buses used in stage stop routes have been developed at EU level. When the directive is adopted, all new school buses being registered from a future date, yet to be determined, will require to be fitted with seat belts. It is not expected that this directive will provide for any mandatory retrofitting of seat belts in existing buses.

The provision of seat belts on school buses, will have to be introduced on a phased basis having regard to the logistical difficulties involved in sourcing right-hand drive buses equipped with any appropriate seat belts. The issue of the type, or types, of seat belt to be fitted must be determined having regard to the differing sizes of the student passengers being carried.

The Department is working closely with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann on this issue and any decisions reached will be guided by expert advice.

School Accommodation.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

399 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the population forecast for the Killucan-Rathwire area of County Westmeath, she will expedite the proposed extension of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22996/05]

The Department does not have an application for an extension from the school to which the Deputy refers. However, a new planning model for educational infrastructure was recently introduced to ensure that in future school provision will be decided after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, trustees, parents, sponsors of prospective schools and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process.

The main feature of the new model, being introduced initially on a pilot basis in five specific areas, is the publication of a draft area development plan which will set out a blueprint for education infrastructure in a particular area into the future. The components of the draft area development plan are: details of existing primary and post-primary provision; examination of the demographics of the area; commentary on the data; and recommendations for the area into the future.

Following publication of each draft area development plan, the commission on school accommodation will conduct a public consultation process to which all interested parties can make submissions. All of these submissions will be published. The process in each case will culminate in the publication of a final area development plan against which all capital funding decisions will be made over the next decade.

The needs of the school to which the Deputy refers are being considered through the process outlined because it forms part of one of the pilot area development plans. The commission on school accommodation has completed the public consultation process for this particular plan and it hopes to be in a position to publish its final report shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

400 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the average waiting periods for parents and teachers of special needs children to have assessments carried out by a child psychologist; if parents who have assessments carried out privately, will be reimbursed if they experience unacceptable delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22997/05]

Children with acknowledged special needs are generally identified through the psychological services of the health service and of the voluntary bodies prior to the enrolment of such children in primary schools. Children who manifest very special needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the principal teacher, will normally be assessed by the psychologist within that school term.

NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.

As the end of the 2004-05 school year approaches, NEPS management is conducting a survey to ascertain how many children have been through the staged assessment process in school but who still need individual psychological assessments. As soon as the information has been collated, every effort will be made to ensure that urgent assessment needs will be met as soon as possible.

In the case of schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them, such schools have access to educational psychological assessments through the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA. Under this scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologists concerned. Details of this scheme, including the conditions that apply to it, are available on the Department's website.

As arrangements for assessments under the SCPA scheme are made between school principals and individual private practitioners, information on the average waiting time for such psychological assessments is not available in my Department.

Computerisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

401 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when the schools broadband initiative will be rolled out to all schools; the cost of installing this initiative; the annual running costs of the broadband connections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22998/05]

A major focus for the Department is the roll out of broadband Internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three-year, €18 million joint Government-IBEC-TIF fund. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a schools national broadband network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, e-mail, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A broadband support service is being provided by the NCTE to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network.

Following a competitive tender process, the Department has now finalised and signed contracts with the six companies selected for the provision of access connectivity and with the other company selected for the provision of routers. The schools national broadband network and the service desk have been established and are operational. The initial stages of the roll out of connectivity locally to schools has already commenced and the roll out is due to be completed by March 2006.

The estimated cost of the schools broadband access programme — incorporating the local connectivity at school level, the national schools broadband network and the service desk, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over the next three years — is some €30 million. Within that context, the estimated full-year running cost of the programme is some €7 million.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

402 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22999/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15-month period. Planning permission for the new school was applied for in May 2005. It is envisaged that the tenders will be sought in the latter half of 2005, following which the project will progress to construction.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

403 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23000/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15-month period. The Department's building unit is currently awaiting revised plans from the school and its design team on this project. When these plans are received, the project can be progressed further with a view to giving devolved authority to the school for proceeding with it to tender and construction.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

404 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23002/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15-month period. The Department's building unit is currently reviewing plans received from the school and its design team. When the review is completed, it is hoped that the project can be progressed further with a view to giving devolved authority to the school for proceeding with it to tender and construction.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

405 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23003/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15-month period. The Department's building unit is currently reviewing plans received from the school and its design team. When the review is completed it is hoped that the project can be progressed further with a view to giving devolved authority to the school for proceeding with it to tender and construction.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

406 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23004/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15-month period. The Department's building unit is currently reviewing plans received from the school and its design team. When the review is completed, it is hoped that the project can be progressed further with a view to giving devolved authority to the school for proceeding with it to tender and construction.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

407 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23005/05]

The advertisement seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified consultants to form the design team for the school in question was placed on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, on 4 May 2005. This is a two-stage selection process in which the board of management are the client and the closing date for receipt of expressions by the board was the 25 May 2005. When a full design team has been selected for the project, the board of management will formally notify the Department and request approval to proceed with the appointment of the design team to begin architectural planning. It is not possible at this point to indicate when the architectural planning process will be completed.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

408 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) in County Longford to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23006/05]

The building project for the school in question was included in the recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The building project is at early architectural planning stage 1, site suitability, briefing and site report. The stage submission is currently with the Department and will be assessed by the Department's staff in due course. When this analysis is complete, the school building section will be in contact with the school authorities. The design and planning of a building project is covered by stages 1 to 5, during which the project is developed from the assessment of site suitability, through the detailed design — including the obtaining of planning permission — to the point where detailed bills of quantities are prepared. The project at the school in question will be allowed to progress up to and including stage 5, bill of quantities. This is the final stage before the invitation of tenders.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

409 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) in County Westmeath to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23007/05]

The building project for the school in question is included in the recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The building project is at an early stage of architectural planning stage 1-2, developed sketches received. The stage submission is currently with the Department and will be assessed by the Department's staff in due course. When this analysis is complete the school building section will be in contact with the school authorities.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

410 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23008/05]

The building project for the school in question is included in the recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The building project is at an early stage of architectural planning stage 3, detail plans-costs received. The stage submission is currently with the Department and will be assessed by the Department's staff in due course. When this analysis is complete, the school building section will be in contact with the school authorities.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

411 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23009/05]

I have included the building project for the school in question in my recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The building project is at early architectural planning stage 2, outline sketch scheme. My Department's officials recently wrote to the school authorities requesting a revised stage two submission and a response is awaited. When the documentation is received the matter will receive further attention.

The design and planning of a building project is covered by stages 1 to 5, during which the project is developed from the assessment of site suitability, through the detailed design, including the obtaining of planning permission, to the point where detailed bills of quantities are prepared. The project at the school in question will be allowed to progress up to and including stage five, bill of quantities. This is the final stage before the invitation of tenders.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

412 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) in County Longford to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23010/05]

I have included the building project for the school in question in my recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The refurbishment project at the school is at an early stage of architectural planning. A condition report has been received and will be assessed by the Department's staff in due course. When this analysis is complete the school building section will be in contact with the school authorities.

The design and planning of a building project is covered by stages 1 to 5, during which the project is developed from the assessment of site suitability, through the detailed design, including the obtaining of planning permission, to the point where detailed bills of quantities are prepared. The project at the school in question will be allowed to progress up to and including stage 5, bill of quantities. This is the final stage before the invitation of tenders.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

413 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will authorise school (details supplied) in County Westmeath to progress to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/05]

I have included the building project for the school in question in my recently announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The building project is at an early stage of architectural planning, stage 3, detail plans-costs received. The stage submission is with the Department and will be assessed by the Department's staff in due course. When this analysis is complete the school building section will be in contact with the school authorities.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction as part of the 2006 schools building and modernisation programme will be taken later in the year.

Schools Refurbishment.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

414 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the funds which have been allocate to primary and secondary schools under the summer works scheme for 2005 and 2004; the types of work covered by this scheme; the average time of processing an application from when a school applies for the scheme to when it receives funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23012/05]

The allocation for the 2004 summer works scheme was €31 million. The allocation for 2005 is €70.5 million. This includes an extra allocation of €8.5 million which I recently announced to enable projects in lower priority categories to be carried out. The scheme covers necessary small scale works in schools, such as gas works, electrical works, mechanical works, projects to facilitate access for all toilet facilities, some roof works, window projects, other structural improvements. It also includes external environment projects such as security fences or playgrounds. It further includes curricular requirement projects such as science laboratories.

The processing of the 2005 scheme, which was streamlined following customer feedback, is used as an example of the average processing time for applications. Closing date for receipt of applications was 5 November 2004. A list of successful applicants was published on 7 March 2005. Schools were notified of their funding allocation immediately thereafter.

The funding will be drawn down by schools at set stages in the delivery of the project. These stages are identified in the governing circular letter together with my Department's requirements to enable payments be made.

Special Educational Needs.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

415 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who has had a report prepared on them by the clinical psychologist; and which has been submitted to her Department will be provided with the resource hours specified therein, in order to help them to fulfil their educational attainment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23064/05]

A new general allocation scheme has been announced under which schools will be provided with resource teaching hours, based on their enrolment figures, to cater for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs.

The local special educational needs organiser has determined that the special educational needs of the pupil in question fall within the high incidence disability categories and his needs can, therefore, be catered for from within the school's general allocation. The general allocation for the school in question is one full-time post and 2.5 part-time hours. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support. Each school will have enough resource teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs.

The school can then use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one to one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The type of response needed depends on the child.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

416 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford was not paid the arrears of pay due to vocational training opportunities scheme teachers with County Waterford VEC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23065/05]

The vocational training opportunities scheme is managed by the vocational education committees. Teachers who deliver the programme are employees of the relevant vocational education committees. Accordingly, questions relating to the pay of an individual teacher in the scheme should be addressed to the employing vocational education committee.

Vocational Education Committees.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

417 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the legislation which abolished the dual mandate prevents Members of the Oireachtas from being members of local government, the reason Senators are allowed to be members of vocational education committees. [23066/05]

The legislation which prohibits dual local authority and parliamentary membership is the Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003. This legislation is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Under the 2001 Act, a local authority, for these purposes, is defined as meaning a county council, city council or town council. The majority of members of vocational education committees are drawn from membership of local authorities. A Senator could not become a member of a vocational education committee through this avenue. However, other members include those elected by representatives of parents and staff and there would not appear to be a legal prohibition against Senators becoming members of a committee under these latter categories.

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

418 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider providing financial assistance to communities to meet the costs of insurance, supervision, heating, lighting and so on, of parochial halls and schools during out of school hours in parishes to provide young persons with a viable social alternative to the public house. [23067/05]

School facilities should be available to the community outside of school hours — whether for child care, adult education courses or as somewhere for local community groups to meet — provided this is feasible. My Department issued a circular to the trustees, boards of management and principals of primary and voluntary secondary schools in March encouraging them to make their facilities available to local community groups outside of school hours. Many schools have an excellent record of doing so and have become hives of local activity.

However, the State does not own the vast majority, more than 95%, of our schools. Most are owned by the religious. They are owned by their trustees and managed by their boards of management, whose right it is to decide on the use of school facilities outside of school time, subject to the terms of any existing lease on the property.

There is no doubt that are benefits for both the community and the school of enabling access to school facilities outside of school hours. While the advantages for the community are obvious, benefits for the school include increased willingness of local groups to provide placement for work experience or outlets for community service. Before permitting after-hours use, school authorities should be satisfied that adequate insurance is in place to cover the activities in question and that the proposed use does not interfere in any way with the delivery of education in the school.

Schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools, including heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. The costs incurred while the premises are being used outside of school hours should be recouped by the school from the groups hiring or otherwise availing of the facilities.

Regarding funding available, in particular, to child care providers who may, by local agreement, use school facilities, the Deputy should be aware of the funding announced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform last week that child care providers may access.

My Department's role would be in the area of support for youth clubs when providing young people with positive social outlets. Funding is provided to youth clubs under the local youth clubs grant scheme, which is administered by the vocational education committees. The purpose of these grants is to assist youth clubs in meeting the ongoing costs of their activities such as insurance, maintenance costs, etc., and to aid special youth work initiatives, particularly those aimed at disadvantaged young people.

Third Level Fees.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

419 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has plans to cap the excessive fees being charged by third level institutions for postgraduate courses in view of her Departments policy of lifelong learning. [23068/05]

Third level institutions are autonomous bodies and can determine the level of tuition fees to be charged for postgraduate courses. My Department does not have a role in determining the level of these fees. It should be remembered that students on maintenance grants are eligible to carry their grants through to postgraduate level.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

420 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures being put in place to reduce class sizes in primary schools to the recommended INTO rate of no more than 20 pupils per classroom. [23069/05]

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio and in average class size 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, which includes all the teachers including resource teachers, has fallen 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. In allocating teaching posts, regard has been had to the commitments of the Government to reduce class size, tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for pupils with special educational needs. The additional teaching posts created since 1997 have been deployed to address all of these priorities.

A review of the allocation system of teaching support for pupils with special educational needs was recently completed. Arising from that review a new model has been introduced to replace that which was notified to schools in June 2004. The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system and to ensure continuity of service for children who have previously been given an individual allocation until those children leave the primary school system. The new system will greatly benefit schools and the children in schools that need additional support.

I recently launched the new action plan — Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools — for educational inclusion. This plan will result in reduced class sizes in schools serving the most disadvantaged communities to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level. In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

421 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the resources and supports being put in place to reduce the burden of over-work placed on teaching principals in primary schools. [23070/05]

In recent years, many improvements have been made to enable principal teachers in primary schools to perform their administrative duties. Until the 1999-2000 school year, principals were released from teaching duties to become administrative principals where the school had a staffing of eight or more mainstream class teachers. From the commencement of the 2000-01 school year, administrative principals were appointed to ordinary schools with seven mainstream class teachers and in schools with a principal plus 11 or more teachers, including ex quota posts. Since the 2002-03 school year, administrative principals may be appointed to schools where there is a principal plus nine or more teachers, including ex quota posts.

Arising from the implementation of the PCW agreement, significant improvements were introduced to the management structure of primary schools through the allocation of additional posts of responsibility. It is a matter for the boards of management of schools to delegate functions to post of responsibility holders.

My Department is engaged in the development of a computerised on-line system for the submission of claims for the payment of certain categories of teachers. This system, when implemented, is expected to further assist principal teachers in the performance of their administrative duties. In response to concerns raised relating to the administrative burden placed on schools and the effect this places on administrative principals, I have already started a process of review of the administrative burden imposed on schools arising from departmental and legislative requirements. We can collectively seek opportunities to ensure that this burden is kept to the minimum, consistent with achieving the worthwhile and essential objectives of legislation in recent years.

The core purpose of the review I have set in motion is to focus sharply upon administrative processes and consequent administrative burdens which arise within the school as a result of regulations and/or departmental requirements and to consider what scope exists for alleviating these or having them performed in a more efficient and less demanding manner from the perspectives of the school.

In March, my Department wrote to the various representative bodies inviting them to consider where and in what way present processes can be improved upon. My Department will work closely with all the parties involved to find meaningful solutions in respect of this important issue.

School Completion Programme.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

422 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the action being taken to extend the school completion programme to all schools. [23071/05]

The new action plan for educational inclusion, Delivering Equality Of Opportunity In Schools, which I launched recently provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme which will bring together and build upon several existing interventions for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The new action plan will be introduced on a phased basis in the next school year and will involve an additional annual investment of €40 million on full implementation. Approximately 600 primary schools and 150 post-primary schools will be identified for participation in the school support programme arising from the identification process and these will be targeted for particular support over the next five years. The programme services will be extended to all urban-town primary schools and second level schools participating in it and not already benefiting from these services. Integration of school completion programme services into the school support programme framework will be effected over the five-year implementation timeframe.

Question No. 423 answered with QuestionNo. 398.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

424 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the school building projects which will be undertaken in South Tipperary in 2005. [23073/05]

I will arrange for a response to be forwarded to the Deputy at an early date.

School Staffing.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

425 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a board of management of a primary school can hire an additional teacher out of its own resources where her Department has refused the school an extra teacher. [23074/05]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed by my Department and the education partners. The recruitment and appointment of teaching staff to a primary school is the responsibility of each individual board of management. Any decision to recruit and employ additional teachers in excess of a school's entitlement as determined by the staffing schedule is a matter for the board of management.

Third Level Institutions.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

426 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when students of the Tipperary rural and business development institute will be able to attend classes at the proposed new campus at the Ballingarrane site in Clonmel. [23075/05]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

429 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the construction of a new Tipperary rural and business development institute campus at the Ballingarrane site in Clonmel will commence. [23078/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 429 together.

The report of the capital review and prioritisation working group under the Higher Education Authority, which was published last year, sets out a strategy to meet the future capital needs of the third level sector. In its submission to the review group, Tipperary rural and business development institute included a proposal to develop a permanent campus in the planned Clonmel technology park, Ballingarrane Estate. The report of the review group stated that the proposal, which involves the disposal of an existing property in Clonmel and the building of alternative facilities without incurring any Exchequer funding, has merit. My Department has recently given the Tipperary rural and business development institute approval to proceed with seeking expressions of interest from private sector property developers to determine exactly what could be provided at Ballingarrane in exchange for the institute's current property in Clonmel.

School Transport.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

427 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider paying parents to car-pool in heavily populated urban areas in which school buses are frequently overcrowded. [23076/05]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

428 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider paying parents to car-pool in sparsely populated rural areas in which school buses are operating with few students. [23077/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.

The loading of all school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, which are laid down by the Department of Transport. The licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats, in accordance with regulations set by the Department of Transport. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, and I have decided to phase out the three for two seating arrangement on school buses over the next three years, starting next September.

The safety on school buses is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann. If the Deputy has a specific case in mind where he is concerned about pupil numbers on a school bus and communicates the details to the local Bus Éireann office, the matter will be investigated. I have no plans to depart from the existing school transport arrangements, as suggested by the Deputy.

Question No. 429 answered with QuestionNo. 426.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

430 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures being put in place to have appropriate supervision on school buses. [23079/05]

I will await the outcome of the investigation being carried out into the circumstances of the accident referred to by the Deputy.

Site Acquisitions.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

431 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 16 June 2005, if the OPW’s attention has been drawn to the archaeological impact assessment report referred to; and its views on same. [23080/05]

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 169 answered on 16 June 2005, the Office of Public Works is continuing, in consultation with the local authority, to explore all possibilities regarding the acquisition of a site for a new national school building for the area in question. That office is fully aware of the archaeological report pertaining to the area and is making every effort, in consultation with the local authority, to identify and secure a suitable site.

Higher Education Grants.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

432 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason grant support for study overseas is confined to undergraduate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23081/05]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

464 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant assistance available to a self employed person who takes up a postgraduate course in England; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23446/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 464 together.

My Department's third level student maintenance grant schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration, pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds, in other EU member states with effect from the 1996 to 1997 academic year. The extension of the schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level and accordingly, there is no grant aid available under the schemes for students pursuing postgraduate studies outside of the island of Ireland.

Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing postgraduate courses outside of the island of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education sector. At present, there are no plans to expand the provisions in the grant schemes in relation to study abroad.

However, section 21 of the Finance Act 2000, as amended by section 29 of the Finance Act 2001, provides for the introduction of tax relief for postgraduate tuition fees paid in colleges outside of Ireland. This relief, which is available from the tax year 2000 to 2001 onwards, applies at the standard rate of tax. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.

Schools Building Projects.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

433 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if the OPW has concluded the soil sampling on the proposed site for the new school to replace a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the site selection process has been completed; if the new school building will be a permanent building; if an allocation will be made from the capital programme 2005; if she will pursue this matter with the greatest urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23101/05]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

462 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the completion by the OPW of its work regarding the site for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo, the position in regard to the site; if it has been selected; when it will be announced and if funding has been provided for his school. [23302/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 462 together.

My Department is acutely aware of the urgent need for an accommodation solution for this school particularly given the limitations on the existing arrangement and my Department is doing its utmost to achieve a satisfactory outcome at the earliest possible date.

To that end, the property management section of the Office of Public Works has been actively engaged in seeking a suitable site for a new school building. Soil sampling was undertaken to verify the suitability of a particular site. The result of the tests has recently been received and all options will now be assessed.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

434 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science when works will begin on a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [23102/05]

An application for a new school has been received from the management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy and has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners. The proposed project at the school referred to will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

435 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which she will deal with small, mainly rural primary schools, regarding the special needs of their children; her views on whether all pupils have a right to be treated fairly regardless of the area in which they live or the school to which they go; if two and three teacher schools especially will be dealt with in a realistic and commonsense manner, taking into account their specific needs rather than only their roll numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23103/05]

As the Deputy is aware, a new scheme for allocating resource teachers to schools to cater for the needs of children with high incidence special needs and learning support needs, was announced last month. The reason for the new scheme is simple. Children with special needs such as dyslexia or mild learning difficulties are found in almost every school. It makes sense that every school should have a number of resource teaching hours based on the number of pupils in the school.

This is a major improvement on the previous system, under which children with high incidence special needs required a psychological assessment before they were given resource teaching hours by the Department. This was a time-consuming process that often led to delays in children getting the support they needed. Resource teachers will now be in place in the school from the start of the school year, so that children who need their assistance can get it straight away.

Under the new arrangement disadvantaged schools, boys schools and mixed schools get extra resources, as research shows that pupils in these schools are more likely to have learning difficulties. To ensure that every school has enough resource teaching hours to meet the needs of its pupils, an extra 660 resource teaching posts are being put in place for next September. A total of 340 of these are permanent posts and 320 are temporary posts provided to ensure that children who had been given an individual allocation of resource teaching hours by my Department will keep these in situations where the general allocation to the school would not be sufficient to allow the school to provide these hours from within its general allocation.

The provision of these temporary posts will ensure that no child who has been allocated a specific number of hours with a resource teacher by my Department will lose these under these new arrangements. In fact the reality is that the majority of schools are gaining resource teaching hours under the new scheme.

Addressing the concerns of small and rural schools was, as the Deputy will be aware, the reason I initiated a review of the original general allocation model which had been announced last year, to come into effect in the 2005 to 2006 school year. Following this review, a special improved ratio for small schools has been introduced to ensure they are given resource teaching hours on a more favourable basis.

As of next September there will be more than 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to under 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs. The Government, and I as Minister for Education and Science are deeply committed to improving services for children with special needs. In addition to the massive increase in resource teachers in recent years, the introduction of this new general allocation scheme will ensure a faster and more flexible response for children with special educational needs.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

436 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposal to extend and restructure a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23104/05]

An application for an extension has been received from the management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy and has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners. The proposed project at the school referred to will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.

Ministerial Orders.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

437 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to ensure her Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23138/05]

All primary and secondary legislation brought forward by my Department is prepared initially by an internal legal services section. It is then sent to the office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting. In this way it is examined by both in-house and external lawyers who take account of relevant case law and the scope of ministerial powers as set down by statute.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

438 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 15 February 2005, the current status of an application for an autistic unit for a primary school (details supplied) in County Clare; if the Department have liaised with the National Educational Psychological Service regarding the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23214/05]

My Department recently sanctioned a special class for autism at the school in question. A letter confirming the sanction has issued to the school.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

439 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 1 December 2004, the status of a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23215/05]

An application for an extension has been received from the management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy and has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners.

The proposed project at the school referred to, will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

440 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 2004 of 18 February 2004, the current status of an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23216/05]

The school in question has accepted a grant for the provision of an extension under the 2005 small schools initiative which I announced earlier this year. The school authority is managing this project on a devolved basis and I understand the project is due to go on site in late 2005 or early 2006.

School Staffing.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

441 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 684 of 14 June 2005, if a full-time resource teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be in place for 1 September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23217/05]

My Department is examining the application for a resource teacher for Traveller children in the school in question and in this regard my officials have been in recent contact with the school authorities. Every effort will be made to convey an early decision to the school.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

442 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 30 November 2004, if her Department has received an application for special needs assistant support for a child (details supplied) in County Clare; if so, the current status of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23218/05]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005 is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports in primary schools and special schools. A total of 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents. My officials are currently liaising with the NCSE regarding SEN supports for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. Direct contact will be made with the school authorities in the coming days.

Schools Refurbishment.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

443 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide a new roof at a post primary school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23228/05]

The OPW will provide a new roof at the school in question shortly on behalf of my Department.

Departmental Properties.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

444 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science when a college (details supplied) in County Dublin was sold; the persons who purchased it; the amount it sold for; if it was sold by private treaty, tender or public auction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23263/05]

The sale of the college to which the Deputy refers in October 1989 and the subsequent sale in June 1990 were private sales and as such, my Department has no details of the sale arrangements. Records within my Department indicate that the college was sold in October 1989 to Davmac Developments Limited. The first interim report of February 1992 on the 1990 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General into this matter stated "the property was sold to a private developer in June 1990 for a sum reputedly in the range of £6.25 million, or €7.94 million, to £6.5 million, or €8.25 million".

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

445 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23264/05]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

446 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the file relating to a school (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the imminent expiry of planning permission for a building project; if she will sanction the school to allow for works to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23265/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.

The extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning. Given a significant decrease in enrolment at the school since the project was first approved, my officials are engaged with the school authorities on the precise accommodation requirements at this time and to cater for the long term projected enrolment. Before committing capital resources to this project, it is essential to consider factors such as current and projected pupil numbers at the school, demographic trends and the likely impact of housing developments in the area. When this matter is finalised, consideration will be given to furthering the project in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.

Site Acquisitions.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

447 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will purchase the property at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow which is currently for sale to use as a third level education centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23266/05]

My Department has no plans to acquire the property to which the Deputy refers.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

448 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants assigned to schools (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of these that will have their contracts renewed prior to the ending of the current school year; if she intends to put a more formal structure in place for SNAs given that many are investing their own funds in training and have built up valuable experience; and if she intends to introduce specific contracts. [23267/05]

There are currently 308 special needs assistants (SNAs), employed in 80 primary schools in County Kildare on my Department's payroll. It is not possible to say how many of these SNAs will have their contracts renewed for the new school year. The situation in relation to the retention of SNAs by schools can vary from school to school depending on the needs of the individual children and whether or not the children are due to leave school at the end of this school year. Responsibility for the recruitment and employment of SNAs rests with the relevant school authorities and it is a matter for the school authorities to inform SNAs employed by them of the situation for the 2005 to 2006 school year. My Department is currently drafting sample contracts in consultation with management and union representatives. These will be made available to the management bodies as soon as possible.

My Department has recently issued a letter to schools who have surplus SNA staff which contained guidelines for schools in selecting staff that should be let go. The letter confirmed that the selection criteria for determining whose contract should be terminated will be on a last in, first out, LIFO, basis, subject to the contractual position pertaining in schools. This means that unless the most junior SNA in the school has a written child-specific contract that entitles her or him to remain in the school, her or his contract should be terminated on the basis that she or he is the most junior SNA in the school in terms of length of service. If however the school has operated on the basis of employing all SNAs on child specific contracts and offered such contracts to the SNAs, it is the SNA who is attached to the child who has been identified as no longer needing the services of an SNA that should be released. A copy of this letter has also been published on my Department's website www.education.ie.

My Department had been engaged in discussions with the trade union representing special needs assistants, SNAs, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, on a number of issues relating to the employment of SNAs, including the matters raised by the Deputy.

These discussions have now concluded. One of the proposals that has been accepted by both parties is to agree to enter into negotiations at an early date with a view to devising a suitable system for redeployment having regard to the complexities involved. It would be the objective that this process be finalised for the end of the next school year.

Applications for SNA support are now dealt with by the National Council for Special Education which processes all applications for support from schools and communicates the decisions directly to the schools. At this stage, the council has dealt with all new applications from schools for SNAs that will be required from the beginning of September 2005.

The Deputy will be aware that this Government has put in place an unprecedented level of support for children with special needs. Since 1998, the number of SNAs has increased from less than 300 to more than 6,000 nationally. In addition to this, more effective systems, such as the establishment of the National Council for Special Education, have been put in place to ensure that children get support as early as possible.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

449 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy in her Department for progression to second level schools for children with autism; the provision her Department has made now that some are in their final year of primary education and require places in September of this year. [23268/05]

My Department already supports the education of individual students with autism in various second level schools throughout the country. Discussions are taking place with the management authorities of a small number of schools with a view to establishing second level provision for groups of children with autism who are now coming to a transition stage and are about to move from primary to second level. Organising such provision is a significant task of the National Council for Special Education.

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. With effect from 1 January 2005, the NCSE through local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, are processing resource applications for children with special educational needs. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and/or special needs assistant support for the pupil.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

450 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a second level school place rather than a place of care will be provided this September for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare and if so where. [23269/05]

I understand the pupil in question has been offered an educational placement in two special schools in County Kildare but that her parents would prefer if she went to a different special school, which has not accepted her enrolment application. Enrolment decisions are the responsibility of the board of management of each school. The Department has no role in processing applications for enrolment by schools. However, section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The local special educational needs organiser, SENO, can help parents to secure an appropriate placement for their child. Contact details of the relevant SENO are available on my Department's website. The National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, is a further statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01 8738700.

School Places.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

451 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level school places her Department will have in place in the following areas (details supplied) for September 2004 and September 2005 and the number of pupils expected to seek places. [23270/05]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

452 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which she intends to provide for pupils seeking places in 2005 in second level schools who were formally in the catchment area for schools in Naas, Clane, Celbridge and Maynooth and now find that the catchment area is restricted because of pressure of population growth (details supplied). [23271/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.

The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the Deputy will be aware that my Department has made a number of interventions in the areas concerned in recent years to ensure that there are adequate pupil places to meet demand. Specifically, the management authority of St. Patrick's post primary school, County Kildare VEC, is currently progressing plans to relocate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupils. An extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College which will increase capacity at that school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meanscoil Iognaid Ris and further accommodation needs at the school are currently in planning. In Kilcock an extension project at Scoil Dara was recently completed which has increased capacity to 875 pupils. In addition, the following extension projects have been authorised to progress to tender and construction in the coming months — Newbridge College, Maynooth post-primary and St. Farnan's, Prosperous.

All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the areas concerned. The school planning section of my Department will keep the position under review going forward to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

453 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the cases of children who have lost special learning support or other assistance as a result of the introduction of the new weighting scheme for special education needs; if she will indicate how this new approach is consistent with the professed commitment of the Government to the right of every person with a special learning need to an assessment; if she will make a statement on the need for and delivery of service based on that statement of need. [23272/05]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

454 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria which have been used in her most recent allocation of additional teaching resources for children with special needs; the number of schools that have benefited and the number of schools where she estimates there is a need for additional allocation in the future based on this criteria. [23273/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.

As the Deputy is aware, a new scheme for allocating resource teachers to schools to cater for the needs of children with high incidence special needs and learning support needs was announced last month. The reason for the new scheme is simple. Children with special needs such as dyslexia or mild learning difficulties are found in almost every school. It makes sense then that every school should have a number of resource teaching hours based on the number of pupils in the school.

This is a major improvement on the previous system under which children with high incidence special needs required a psychological assessment before they were given resource teaching hours by the Department. This was a time consuming process that often led to delays in children getting the support they needed. Resource teachers will now be in place in the school from the start of the school year so that children who need their assistance can get it straight away.

Under the new arrangement disadvantaged schools, boys schools and mixed schools get extra resources as research shows that pupils in these schools are more likely to have learning difficulties. Under the new model a new ratio has been introduced for small schools with a lower appointment ratio for the first full post for each type of small school.

As differing pupil-teacher ratios apply to boys' schools, mixed schools and girls' schools for the purposes of the general allocation system, a small school in the case of boys' schools is defined as a school with fewer than 135 pupils, in the case of a mixed schools as a school with fewer than 145 pupils and in the case of a girls' school as a school with fewer than 195 pupils. Small boys' schools will now qualify for their first post at 100 pupils. Small mixed schools will qualify for their first post at 105 pupils. Small girls' schools will qualify for their first post at 150 pupils.

All allocations up to the point for the first full post will be made on a pro rata basis. If a small boys school has just 50 pupils, for example, it will get 0.5 of a post. The allocations between the point of the first full post and the cut off enrolment point for small schools will stay at one post, that is, a small boys school with between 100 and 135 pupils will get one full post. These changes represent a substantial improvement for small schools on the original model.

To ensure that every school has enough resource teaching hours to meet the needs of its pupils, an extra 660 resource teaching posts are being put in place for next September. Some 340 of these are permanent posts and 320 are temporary posts being provided to ensure that children who had been given an individual allocation of resource teaching hours by my Department will keep these in situations where the general allocation to the school would not be sufficient to allow the school to provide these hours from within its general allocation.

The provision of these temporary posts will ensure that no child who has been allocated a specific number of hours with a resource teacher by my Department will lose these under these new arrangements. The reality is that the majority of schools are gaining resource teaching hours under the new scheme.

I stress that despite misleading claims to the contrary, the new scheme does not prevent schools from giving one-to-one time with a resource teacher to any child who needs such support. Rather, it ensures that each school has enough resources to ensure that each child gets a level of support appropriate to their individual needs.

The school can then use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the child.

While the new scheme will not prevent schools from giving one-to-one time with the resource teacher to children that need it, it is important to note that one-to-one teaching is not the best option for every child. It is also the case that pupils with lower incidence special needs, such as autism, will continue to be catered for on an individual application basis.

As of next September, there will be more than 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs.

It is anticipated that a review of the general allocation model will be undertaken after two years of operation. However, in regard to disadvantaged schools the position may be reviewed at an earlier stage in the context of the development of a new policy framework for educational inclusion.

The Government and I, as Minister for Education and Science, are deeply committed to improving services for children with special needs. In addition to the massive increase in resource teachers in recent years, the introduction of this new general allocation scheme will ensure a faster and more flexible response for children with special needs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

455 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has assessed the adequacy of places for children with emotional and behavioural problems who need special attention which would not be available in the ordinary classroom setting; and her plans to develop additional resources to cater for children with these special needs. [23274/05]

My Department has sanctioned the following provision for pupils with emotional and behavioural problems at primary school level: eight special classes for pupils with emotional behavioural problems; six special classes for pupils with severe emotional behavioural problems; two special classes for pupils with ADHD in mainstream primary schools. All such classes operate at a pupil teacher ratio, PTR, of 8:1 with the support of a minimum of one special needs assistant. Classes for children with more severe disorders operate at a PTR of 6:1.

In addition, there are 12 special schools for pupils with emotional disturbance. The special educational needs of the children in question can be addressed in special dedicated schools, in special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools, or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each case are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual pupil. Many pupils with the conditions in question are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of the resource teacher and-or special needs assistant services. Where the level of the disorder is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. It is my intention to continue to build on these developments so as to ensure that all children, including children with emotional and behavioural problems, receive the support they require.

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. The NCSE through local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is responsible for processing resource applications for children with special educational needs from 1 January 2005.

Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a primary or post primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil. I am confident the establishment of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.

School Accommodation.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

456 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has for primary education for New Ross town, County Wexford; the investigation which has been carried out and the findings of same; when the findings will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23275/05]

The school planning section of my Department is finalising its in depth analysis of both primary and post-primary education infrastructure in New Ross which included consultation with the trustees of the existing schools. In addition, a technical assessment has been carried out on all post-primary facilities with an equivalent assessment at primary level due to take place shortly.

The technical assessment aspect is the final strand required to enable a decision on educational infrastructure for the New Ross into the future. School planning section is endeavouring to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

457 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has for primary education in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if her attention has been drawn to the accommodation problems; if she intends carrying out a report on education in Enniscorthy; if so, when this report will be ready; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23276/05]

The school planning section of my Department has received a number of applications for additional accommodation from schools in Enniscorthy. In response to these applications, the school planning section has decided to undertake a review of provision in the area at both primary and post-primary level. This review will be undertaken later this year.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

458 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she can assist persons diagnosed by an education psychologist with learning difficulties whose applications were submitted to the Department over the past two years and whose applications were neither turned down nor granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23277/05]

Where a pupil has a high incidence disability, that is, those with mild or borderline mild general learning disability, dyslexia or a learning support need, these needs will now be catered for from within the general allocation system recently announced to schools. Any pupils within these categories, for whom applications were previously submitted to my Department now fall to be catered for from within this allocation.

The school can use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the child.

While the new scheme will not prevent schools from giving one-to-one time with the resource teacher to children that need it, it is important to note that one-to-one teaching is not the best option for every child. It is also the case that pupils with lower incidence special needs, such as autism, will continue to be catered for on an individual application basis.

School Accommodation.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

459 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide new and additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath and if she is in a position to ensure the provision of this much required accommodation in this area which has an expanding population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23278/05]

It is understood that the Deputy is referring to a primary school in Rathwire, County Westmeath. My Department does not have an application for capital funding from this school. However, the Deputy will be aware that recently a new planning model for educational infrastructure was introduced to ensure that, in future, school provision will be decided after a transparent consultation process.

In this regard, trustees, parents, sponsors of prospective schools and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. The main feature of the new model being introduced initially on a pilot basis in five specific areas is the publication of a draft area development plan which will set out a blueprint for education infrastructure in a particular area into the future.

The components of the draft area development plan are as follows: Details of existing primary and post-primary provision examination of the demographics of the area commentary on the data recommendations for the area into the future. Following publication of each draft area development plan, the Commission on School Accommodation will conduct a public consultation process to which all interested parties can make submissions. All of these submissions will be published. The process in each case will culminate in the publication of a final area development plan against which all capital funding decisions will be made over the next decade.

The needs of the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered through the process outlined above as it forms part of one of the pilot area development plans. The Commission on School Accommodation has completed the public consultation process for this particular plan and it hopes to be in a position to publish its final report shortly.

Inquiry into Child Abuse.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

460 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans her Department has to include other institutions under the schedule of the Redress Act 2002; when they will be so added or included as the deadline for inclusion is December 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23279/05]

Section 4 (1) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 enables the Minister for Education and Science to make an order providing for the insertion of additional institutions, in which children were placed and resident, in the schedule of the Act. To be considered for inclusion in the schedule, the institution concerned must have been regulated or inspected by a public body. On 9 November 2004, I signed an order which provided for the inclusion of 13 additional institutions in the schedule.

Further consultations have taken place between my Department and other Departments which may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of a number of additional institutions in order to ascertain the case for their inclusion under the Act. I propose to add other institutions to the list and a draft order is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas on this matter.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

461 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has reviewed the resource hours application of a person (details supplied); if her Department has received further correspondence from a school in relation to this child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23301/05]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently, and which has been operational since 1 January 2005 is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. Some 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents.

My officials have been advised by the NCSE that an application has been received for individual resource teaching support and special needs assistant report for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The local SENO has sanctioned five hours special needs assistant support for the pupil in question and the school authorities have been notified accordingly. The situation will be reviewed again in September 2005.

On resource teaching support, the SENO has determined that the special educational needs, SEN, of the pupil in question falls within the high incidence disability categories and her needs therefore can be catered for from within the school's general allocation. The general allocation for the school in question is 17.5 part time hours. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support. Each school will have enough resource teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs. The school can then use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school to ensure that all their needs are met.

Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the child.

Question No. 462 answered with QuestionNo. 433.

Schools Refurbishment.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

463 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital and current underspend in her Department from 1998 to date; if she has proposals to use the underspend to fund vital capital investment in the refurbishment of a school (details supplied) and the development of the long promised sports hall at a college (details supplied); and when these works will commence. [23331/05]

The details of the annual surrender figures for the years 1997 to 2004 are listed as follows.

The surrender figures are net figures which take account of under-overspends throughout the Department's Vote.

Year

Annual Budget

Underspend

Underspend as % of Budget

%

1998

3,187,000,000

31,030,000

1

1999

3,530,000,000

38,400,000

1

2000

4,140,000,000

100,900,000

2.40

2001

4,730,000,000

76,900,000

1.60

2002

5,280,000,000

84,600,000

1.60

2003

5,730,000,000

51,800,000

0.90

2004

6,450,000,000

95,200,000*

1.48

*Under the arrangements for the multi-annual capital programme, €50 million of the voted capital expenditure for 2004 was carried over by my Department to be spent in 2005.

Prior to 2004 funds unspent by the Department were surrendered to the Exchequer. From 2004 unspent capital moneys capped at 10% of that year's allocation were permitted to be carried forward to the following year. My Department carried forward €50 million capital moneys from 2004 to 2005 and these funds have now been spent.

The Deputy should note that the proportion of the budget in the Department of Education and Science that was underspent between 1997 and 2004 represented just 1.5% of the Department's cumulative budget of more than €35 billion during that time. Underspending and overspending can occur in parts of any Department's budget for several reasons. In relation to underspending in my Department's budget, looking at even just the past two years illustrates the inaccuracy of some of the remarks made in the media recently about underspending.

In 2003 and 2004, the majority of the underspending returned to the Department of Finance by my Department is accounted for by ESF receipts received late in the year. As the ESF receipts had not been received by late in the year, my Department prudently sought a Supplementary Estimate to cover the possibility that these might not be received before year end to avoid an overspend in the Department's accounts for the year. When the ESF receipts came through before year end in 2003 and 2004, they were then naturally passed on to the Department of Finance.

Some €45 million of the €95 million returned to the Department of Finance in 2004 and €37 million of the €51 million returned in 2003 was thus made up of ESF receipts received late in the year. As the Deputy will be aware, the point of the Supplementary Estimates process is to provide Oireachtas approval for whatever additional funding is required to avoid an excess, such as in a situation where expected ESF receipts might not arrive before year end.

Towards year end the Department, in almost all cases, has fully spent, or will spend, the approved allocations for the year but the combination of uncertainties over some demand-led areas combined with uncertainty over when ESF receipts will arrive require that for prudential reasons a Department must have Oireachtas authority for either eventuality, and thus have a certain level of underspending.

The fact that some expenditure is necessarily demand-led is another factor that should not be overlooked. The eventual cost of demand-led expenditure items such as pensions or the student support schemes, for example, is obviously impossible to estimate with absolute accuracy.

The application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers was assessed against the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. Under this review all projects were assigned a band rating and the progress of individual projects is being considered in the context of the school building programme 2005-09.

Question No. 464 answered with QuestionNo. 432.

School Transport.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

465 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the removal of the three for two rule, two buses will be provided on the Daingean-Tullamore route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23447/05]

I indicated that the three for two seating arrangement will be phased out over a three year period or sooner, if possible. It is too early to say what the seating arrangements will be on individual school bus routes for the next school year until all relevant information has been received and processed.

Special Educational Needs.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

466 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give an update in an application by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for a special needs teacher on a shared basis with two other schools in the area. [23462/05]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their teaching allocation under the new general allocation model for the 2005-06 school year. The letter also includes details of any clustering arrangements that may apply. The three schools in question have been arranged in different cluster arrangements under the new model.

One of the objectives of the general allocation model is to maximise the extent of full-time permanent posts available to support the needs of pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs and learning support teacher requirements. Clustering facilitates the assignment of experienced teachers as well as allowing for better training of resource teachers on the basis that permanent posts will retain teachers for longer periods. This ultimately benefits the pupils.

To this end, schools, particularly those with small enrolments, have been grouped in clusters where possible. In general, the permanent post allocation clustering arrangements cannot be altered unless in exceptional circumstances such as geographical location.

Part-time hours have been provided to schools in cases where it was not possible to form a cluster of general allocation hours. Schools allocated part-time permanent hours may be aware of a local school or schools with part-time permanent hours that when combined could form a full-time permanent post. It is open to any such schools wishing to form a cluster by combining these hours to contact my Department's special education section in writing with details of their proposal. It should be noted that these arrangements apply to staffing associated with the general allocation model only.

Where it is not possible for schools to form permanent posts under the general allocation model, such schools may, for the purposes of creating temporary full-time posts, form clusters to combine permanent part-time hours allocated under the general allocation model with hours allocated for individual children with low incidence disabilities, or transitional hours retained for children with high incidence disabilities. Again, any schools wishing to form such temporary full-time posts should contact my Department's special education section in writing with details of their proposal. This arrangement will apply for the 2005-06 school year only and is being facilitated on the understanding that, as pupils with an individual allocation of hours leave the school at the end of that school year, the full-time temporary posts will be adjusted to the appropriate reduced level of part-time hours.

The schools in question have submitted a proposal regarding a revision of the clustering arrangements notified to them. The proposal involves dissolving the cluster arrangements notified to them and creating a new permanent teaching post among the three schools. My officials are currently examining the proposal and will be in further contact with the school authorities as quickly as possible.

My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue at an early date. It is also intended that this circular will address issues that have been raised by schools with my Department since the system was notified to schools in mid-May.

Drug Prevention Education.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

467 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if drug prevention education is intended to be provided as part of the training curriculum for trainee students; if so, when this aspect of training will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23465/05]

Drug prevention education is currently one component of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, programme of pre-service education for all primary student teachers in each college of education. For post primary student teachers, the SPHE programme is offered as an elective on the higher diploma in education.

While initial teacher training provides graduates with the knowledge and skills required to deliver the curriculum, my Department provides a range of opportunities and supports to teachers to enable them to keep up to date. Drug prevention is well addressed within these.

The primary curriculum support programme, PCSP, delivered a two-year in-service programme in 2001-02 and 2002-03 to all primary school teachers on the implementation of the new social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum for primary schools which includes the area of substance use.

Throughout 2003-04 and 2004-05, the support programme continued to offer dedicated support to all schools. During this two-year period the programme also provided additional support through afternoon seminars, evening programmes for school policy committees consisting of parents' representatives and designated teachers and additional school visits. In addition workshops and information evenings were provided nationally through the network of education centres. The PCSP website, www.pcsp.ie, provides a range of documents to support the implementation of the SPHE curriculum in schools. The PCSP regional curriculum support service will continue to provide ongoing advice and support to schools in the coming school year.

The Walk Tall programme was established in 1996 to support schools nationally. Since 2001 this programme supports all 14 local drugs task force area schools — 325 primary schools — special schools — and runs in conjunction with the SPHE support programme. The Walk Tall programme has three full-time personnel supporting teachers to implement the programme in the context of SPHE curriculum. In addition, the programme provides evening courses for schools in the local drugs task force areas and this summer it will offer 18 courses as part of the national summer course training programme for primary school teachers. The Walk Tall materials are available to all schools nationally free of charge.

At post-primary level, substance use is one of the ten modules of the SPHE curriculum for junior cycle students. SPHE has been a requirement within the junior cycle programme since September 2003. The SPHE support service, established in 2000, as a partnership between the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Children and the health boards continues to support schools in the implementation of the SPHE programme with 13 full-time personnel, including one with a specific brief to provide additional support to schools in local drugs task force areas on substance use. On My Own Two Feet is a class-room materials resource for substance-use education in the context of the SPHE programme.

The SPHE support service provides an extensive range of in-service activities and supports to post-primary teachers. These include specific workshops on substance use and support for school-based substance use policy development. This programme of in-service will continue to be offered in the coming year. Further information on the SPHE curriculum, a school handbook for SPHE and the programme of inservice offered to all schools in the coming school year can be found on the SPHE website, www.sphe.ie.

All schools are required to develop a substance use policy in line with action 43 of the national drugs strategy. Monitoring of progress regarding the implementation of this action is planned by my Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

468 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional resource hours will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23472/05]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005 is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. Some 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that the local SENO has processed the application for resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The pupil in question has been sanctioned 3.5 individual resource teaching hours. The school authorities were notified accordingly on 22 June 2005.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

469 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide additional special needs assistance support to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23475/05]

As the Deputy is aware, special needs assistants, SNAs, are assigned to schools to meet the care needs of individual children who have been assessed by a psychologist as needing this type of support. Applications for SNA support are now dealt with by the National Council for Special Education which processes all applications for support from schools and communicate the decisions directly to the schools. At this stage, the council has dealt with all new applications from schools for SNAs that will be required from the beginning of September 2005.

However, in order to ensure that resources are used in the most effective manner, a review has been conducted in recent months to establish whether primary schools have the level of SNA support that they need for children in their care, whether they have resources which they no longer need or whether they need extra resources.

The review has found that some schools no longer have the care needs for which the SNA was originally sanctioned, that is, in some cases the child may have left the school while in other cases the care needs of the child have diminished as the child has progressed through the school. In this regard, the schools where surplus SNA support was identified have been advised that they may retain this surplus until the end of the current school year.

A review of SNAs support has recently been completed in the school referred to by Deputy. The review determined that the appropriate level of SNA support in the school in question is two full-time SNA posts. This information was communicated to the school authorities on 13 June 2005.

The three pupils referred to in the correspondence to the Deputy dated 2 June 2005 will each have access to full time SNA support within the classroom setting and also in the playground. My Department officials and the local SENO have discussed the matter with the school authorities since the letter issued to the Deputy.

I am anxious to ensure that special education support services are properly targeted at the children who require them and that the substantially increased resources being made available in the special educational area have the desired effect of ensuring that all children assessed as having special needs receive the support they require.

The Deputy will be aware that this Government has put in place an unprecedented level of support for children with special needs. Since 1998, the number of SNAs has increased from fewer than 300 to more than 6,300 nationally. In addition to this, more effective systems, such as the establishment of the National Council for Special Education, have been put in place to ensure that children get support as early as possible.

School Staffing

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

470 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23476/05]

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.

In the current school year the staffing of the school to which the Deputy referred comprises a principal and two mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 50 pupils at 30 September 2003. The staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and one mainstream class teaching post. This is based on an enrolment of 43 pupils at 30 September 2004.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02. The board of management of the school has submitted an appeal to the staffing appeal board. The appeal will be considered by the appeal board at a meeting scheduled to take place on 21 July 2005. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.

Schools Refurbishment.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

471 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on the application by a community college (details supplied) for funding under the capital funding for major works for second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23477/05]

The school planning section of my Department is awaiting the submission of a formal application from the school to which the Deputy refers for capital funding. However, the long term needs of the school are being examined in the context of an overall review of primary and post-primary infrastructural provision in the area where the school is located. The outcome of this examination will inform a decision on how best the needs of the school in question can be met in the future.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

472 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on the application for an extension and refurbishment to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23478/05]

The school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for an additional classroom. The school planning section of my Department has assessed the application in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and its progress is being considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

473 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building extension programme for a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23497/05]

The extension project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria. The project will be considered in the context of the school buildings and modernisation programme 2005-09.

Special Educational Needs.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

474 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if special educational needs supports have been approved for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if so, if resource or learning support will now be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [23498/05]

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. A total of 71 special educational needs organisers have been recruited throughout the country and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that an application was received in February 2005, for resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. However, the local special educational needs organiser has expressed the opinion that the pupil in question falls within the high incidence disability categories and her needs therefore can be catered for from within the school's general allocation.

The general allocation for the school in question is 20 part time hours. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support. Each school will have enough resource teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs.

The school can then use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others do better when taught in small groups. Often, it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the child.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

475 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) will proceed to construction before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23515/05]

The project referred to by the Deputy is listed among the 122 large scale projects on the current school building programme announced in January for moving to tender and construction over a 12 to 15 month period.

My Department's building unit is currently awaiting plans from the school and its design team in relation to this project. When these plans are received it is hoped that the project can be progressed further with a view to giving devolved authority to the school for proceeding with it to tender and construction.

Ministerial Orders.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

476 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23139/05]

The parliamentary question refers to the decision of the High Court on 6 March 2002 and the Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the parliamentary question, it would appear that the question is referring to the decision of Vincent Browne v The Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation can only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v The Attorney General, the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court, in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005, clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

Environmental Policy.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

477 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to alert the public to the dangers of radon; and the measures which people can take to protect themselves. [22969/05]

Through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, the Government has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon.

For example, during the years 1992 to 1999, the RPII carried out a nationwide survey of radon in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement by the RPII of radon for a 12 month period in a random selection of homes in each 10 km x 10 km grid square throughout the country. In all, more than 11,000 houses were measured. The RPII's website —www.rpii.ie— contains a comprehensive map of the high radon areas in Ireland identified as a result of the nationwide survey as well as the report of the survey. High radon areas are areas where the RPII estimate that more than 10% of the houses in each grid square have radon concentrations levels above the national reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. This reference level is the level for long term exposure to radon in a house above which the need for radon remediation works should be considered.

The RPII, through press releases, radio and television interviews and through its own published reports on radon, has been promoting public awareness of radon and highlighting the risks associated with exposure to radon. The RPII has long been encouraging householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

The RPII has undertaken several other initiatives to further heighten public awareness of the radon issue. In November 2004, the RPII hosted the third national radon forum in Dublin to raise awareness of radon as a health risk. That same month, the RPII published a booklet entitled "Understanding Radon- A Householder's Guide". That guide is directed at householders who have been informed that they have radon concentration levels above the national reference level in their homes. The aim of the guide is to assist such householders in interpreting their radon measurement results and in deciding how to deal with the problem. The RPII also recently distributed an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres, etc., advising people to have their homes checked for radon. The RPII has also begun a new radon awareness campaign which will involve a series of nationwide public information seminars on the dangers of radon and which will be targeted at selected high radon areas. As part of this campaign the RPII have organised road shows to further heighten awareness in relation to radon, particularly in areas with high radon levels.

Epidemiological studies have shown that naturally occurring radon gas concentrations add to the incidence of lung cancer. While there is evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to high levels of radon can be a contributory factor in increasing the risk of lung cancer and that the incidence is higher among smokers than non-smokers, it is not possible to ascribe any one cancer death solely to radon. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland estimates that approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancer deaths in Ireland, equivalent to 150 to 200 deaths, are linked to radon gas exposure and that the incidence is higher among smokers than non-smokers.

The RPII has consistently advised on the health risks of exposure to radon gas and has actively encouraged those householders residing in high radon areas to use radon measuring kits which can be obtained for approximately €40 to establish radon levels in their homes.

Planning Issues.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

478 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if An Bord Pleanála grants planning permission in a floodplain, the sanctions that apply and to whom. [23158/05]

Where a developer applies for planning permission for a development on an area liable to flood, the planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála in deciding on an appeal of a decision on a planning application, will have regard to whether the proposed development would be on a flood plain and may refuse permission, without attracting compensation, if necessary. Alternatively, the developer may be required to modify the proposed development and submit revised plans, or conditions attached requiring modification of the development, so as to minimise the risk of the development flooding. The question of sanctions would only arise where a developer proceeds with a development without planning permission or in breach of planning conditions. In that case, the developer would be liable to enforcement action by the planning authority.

Local Authority Housing.

Damien English

Ceist:

479 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position relating to the remedial works scheme for a housing estate (details supplied) to be undertaken by Meath County Council and Navan Town Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/05]

There are no proposals currently with my Department regarding this estate. Meath County Council intends to appoint consultants to draw up preliminary proposals for the refurbishment of the estate and my Department will be consulted in due course on any proposals that may be developed.

Local Authority Staff.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

480 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the CSO has discontinued the distinction in public sector employment numbers of officers from other grades in local authorities; and the breakdown of local authority employees from 1997 to date. [23399/05]

The Local Government Act 2001 removed the distinction between officers and non-officers for purposes of employment under a local authority. All local authority staff are now classified as employees.

A breakdown of local authority employees as officers and servants from 1997 to 2002 is available in the Department of Finance publication, Budgetary and Economic Statistics, which also includes employee numbers for 2003-2005. This publication is available on the Department of Finance website.

Ministerial Orders.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

481 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23140/05]

I am satisfied that all actions and procedures of my Department are in conformity with the legal decisions to which the Deputy refers.

Local Authority Funding.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

482 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of moneys allocated to each individual local authority under the local improvement scheme for each of the past three years 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23144/05]

The initial allocation to each county council under the local improvement scheme in each of the years 2003 to 2005 is set out in the following table.

Initial allocations under the Local Improvements Scheme from 2003 to 2005.

County Council

2003 initial allocation

2004 initial allocation

2005 initial allocation

Carlow

142,189

156,081

156,081

Cavan

970,708

1,065,546

1,065,546

Clare

514,069

564,294

564,294

Cork

515,048

565,368

849,308

Donegal

1,566,005

1,719,004

1,719,004

Dún Laoghaire

0

0

0

Fingal

0

25,000

15,000

Galway

755,388

829,189

829,189

Kerry

1,091,735

1,198,398

1,198,398

Kildare

102,416

112,422

88,504

Kilkenny

132,092

144,997

192,608

Laois

174,303

191,332

275,335

Leitrim

714,987

784,841

784,841

Limerick

262,892

288,577

288,577

Longford

264,958

290,844

309,208

Louth

118,984

130,609

130,609

Mayo

1,310,409

1,438,736

1,438,736

Meath

63,098

69,263

69,263

Monaghan

583,052

640,016

640,016

North Tipperary

174,922

192,012

192,012

Offaly

125,621

137,894

137,894

Roscommon

231,417

254,026

254,026

Sligo

440,210

483,219

483,219

South Dublin

0

0

0

South Tipperary

103,995

114,155

114,155

Waterford

150,668

165,388

165,388

Westmeath

112,835

123,859

123,859

Wexford

214,642

235,613

235,613

Wicklow

163,357

179,317

179,317

Total

11,000,000

12,100,000

12,500,000

Local Authority Staff.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

483 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to set out the details of the schemes and rates of travel expenses paid to local authority employees; if there are flat fixed payments to certain employees for travel and to what grades this applies; if there are different rates payable depending on a person’s grade to different employees; to explain the background to this situation; to outline the different schemes in different local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23145/05]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

484 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the involvement of his Department with travel subsistence expenses paid to local authority employees and to members of local authorities through dealings between the Department and the local authorities or their representatives through the social partnership process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23146/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

Details of rates of travel expenses paid to local authority employees were most recently set out for local authorities in January 2004 and have effect from 1 January 2003. The mileage rates involved are outlined in the table appended below. Scale A rates are the normal rates of travel. Scale B rates, which involve a fixed annual allowance and reduced mileage rates, are payable to all engineering officers. Managers, assistant managers, directors of services, rate inspectors,or checkers, and chief fire officers, may opt for scale B. Managers, assistant managers and directors of services may also opt for a fixed annual travel allowance on foot of paragraph 6.39 of report No. 20 of the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector.

In the case of some local authorities, arrangements are in place whereby staff required to undertake frequent journeys within the local authority area in the course of their duties are paid fixed travel allowances based on regular logs of mileage actually travelled.

Local Authority Motor Mileage Rates from 1 January 2003.

Scale A Rates per mile in a mileage year.

Official Mileage in a calendar year

Engine Capacity Up to 1,200cc

Engine Capacity 1,201cc to 1,500cc

Engine Capacity 1,501cc and over

cent

cent

cent

Up to 4,000

86.05

101.27

120.26

4,001 and over

43.50

50.29

56.40

Scale B.

Official Mileage in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1,200cc

Engine Capacity 1,201cc to 1,500cc

Engine Capacity 1,501cc and over

Annual Allowance

Annual Allowance

Annual Allowance

€1,105

€1,186

€1,227

Cent

cent

cent

Up to 4,000

50.55

60.79

74.23

4,001 and over

53.13

62.23

70.21

Subsistence rates payable to local authority employees are the same as those paid to civil servants. Current arrangements for the payment of travel expenses to local authority employees are based on a recommendation of the Labour Relations Commission in 2001. The rates are adjusted on the basis of increases in civil service rates from time to time.

Local elected members are paid an annual expenses allowance to cover reasonable expenses incurred by them in attending meetings associated with their council business. Increases in the rates for mileage and subsistence applicable to local authority members follow similar increases in the rates payable to local authority officials. From time to time reviews of the expenses system for the local elected member are carried out involving my Department, the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. The three representative associations, the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, the General Council of County Councils and the Local Authority Members' Association, are consulted in any such review. All of the above arrangements have evolved separately from the social partnership process.

Disabled Person's Grant Scheme.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

485 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount returned to his Department from local authorities in 2004 under the disabled person's grant scheme. [23147/05]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

486 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce reforms in the disabled person's grants system; and if those reforms will remove the requirement of local authorities to match the funding provided by the Department. [23148/05]

I propose to take Question Nos. 485 and 486 together.

A combined capital allocation of €73 million was made available to local authorities for the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes in 2004. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the disabled person's grant scheme from within this combined capital allocation. While two thirds of all expenditure on the scheme is recouped by my Department, authorities are required to fund the remaining one third from their own revenue resources with amounts provided for that purpose in their annual estimates. The sum of €41.9 million provided in my Department's Estimates for 2004 for recoupment to local authorities of two-thirds of their expenditure on individual grants was fully expended.

Information provided by local authorities indicate that combined expenditure by them on the schemes in 2004 was €55.4 million, consisting of €45.8 million on disabled persons grants and €9.6 million on essential repairs grants. Administration of both grant schemes, including the processing of individual applications, is a matter for the local authorities. The majority of authorities have reviewed their schemes over the past two years with a view to streamlining their operation. Introduction of systems of medical prioritisation as well as standardisation of costs and improved arrangements for the use of occupational therapists has enabled authorities to manage the schemes more efficiently and has allowed them to tackle the backlog of applications which had been allowed to build in a number of areas.

A combined capital allocation of €70 million is available in 2005 for payment of disabled persons and essential repairs grants. Individual allocations were notified to local authorities on 7 June 2005. I am very conscious of the importance of the disabled persons grants scheme in assisting the provision of appropriate accommodation of disabled persons in the community. It is essential that the available funding be directed to those persons in greatest need of such assistance. The requirement that local authorities make a contribution from their own resources to the financing of the scheme will be considered further within the overall context of the review of the operation of the disabled persons grant scheme which has been under way in my Department.

Local Authority Staff.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

487 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to increase the powers available to former town commissioners; if so, the criteria he intends using; the timeframe he is working to; and the power he envisages for towns currently seeking town council status. [23149/05]

The Local Government Act 2001 has been designed to provide a modern legislative framework for all local authorities. Under the Act all town councils, including former town commissioners, may take action to promote the community interest; exercise a representational role, with an office of mayor and structured linkage to the county council; provide local amenities and raise a local community contribution; make local bye laws and have statutory input to the local development plan process under the planning code. Under section 185 of the 2001 Act, which sets out the provisions for the establishment of new town councils, the powers of such town councils would correspond to those of former town commissioners.

Certain town councils, other than former town commissioners, are under the relevant statutory service codes responsible for certain mainline functions in the housing, roads and sanitary services areas. The Oireachtas in its comprehensive review and restatement of local government legislative powers in recent years did not extend responsibility for such mainline functions to additional town councils and legislation would be required to amend this position. I will keep the position generally under review in the ongoing local government modernisation programme with the aim of ensuring good accessible service delivery at town and county level.

Radon Gas Levels.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

488 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans his Department has to extend the monitoring of radon gas in domestic dwellings. [23151/05]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

493 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance in place for householders who discover they live in an area with high levels of dangerous radon gas. [23352/05]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

494 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the prevalence of radon gas here, he has plans to provide free radon detectors to householders in badly affected areas. [23354/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 493 and 494 together.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has allocated significant resources to assessing and highlighting the problems associated with high levels of radon in households throughout Ireland and to increasing public awareness of the risks. During the 1990s the institute undertook a major nationwide radon survey aimed at determining the extent of the radon problem in Ireland. In total, more than 11,000 houses were measured for radon levels. Of these, about 9% had radon concentration above the national reference level, the reference level for long-term exposure to radon in a house, above which the need for remedial action should be considered, is 20Bq/m3. It has been estimated on the basis of this survey that approximately 91,000 houses, or 7% of the national housing stock, would therefore have radon concentration above the reference level. It is a matter of concern to the RPII that just over 3,000 of these households with radon concentrations above this level have been identified.

My Department and the institute have consistently urged householders to measure their homes for radon levels, particularly if they live in an area that is considered to have high radon concentrations. The testing is inexpensive, costing approximately €45, straightforward and non-invasive. Direct subsidies for testing equipment are not envisaged.

If the household is found to have high radon levels remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called "Radon in Buildings — Corrective Option". The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has also issued guidance entitled "Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide". In addition, the website of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland —www.rpii.ie— has a list of companies that can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

To heighten public awareness of radon, the RPII has in recent times embarked on a series of nationwide public information seminars and road shows which are targeted in particular at selected high radon areas. These seminars have resulted in media coverage throughout the country and have been linked to an increase in inquiries from the public seeking information on how to get their homes tested for radon.

Although the provision of Exchequer grant assistance for remediation works is not envisaged, my Department, along with the assistance of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will continue to highlight the dangers of radon using all appropriate opportunities. Every effort will also be made to provide information to householders so that they can carry out monitoring and remedial work effectively and economically should it be necessary.

Planning Issues.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

489 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to put in place formal arrangements regarding notification of relevant local authorities by the Irish Aviation Authority of substantial changes, including the re-designation of the code assigned to the Airport and Aerodrome which have implications for land use planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/05]

My Department is not directly responsible for policies or arrangements adopted by the Irish Aviation Authority. However, under section 11(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a planning authority may take whatever measures it considers necessary to consult with, inter alia, transport infrastructure providers when it is reviewing its development plan, to ascertain any long-term plans for the provision of infrastructure and services in the area of the authority, and the provider must supply the necessary information to the authority. This provision allows for the long-term land-use planning of the authority to reflect proposed developments in public infrastructure and services.

Preliminary work has begun on drafting guidelines in respect of public safety zones at State airports in Dublin, Cork and Shannon; it is intended to publish these for public consultation later this year.

Environmental Policy.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

490 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to measure and combat the pollution of the Irish Sea by phthalate toxins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23347/05]

Statutory responsibility for the monitoring and management of water quality lies primarily with local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency and, regarding marine waters, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Marine Institute.

Phthalates comprise a group of substances which are widely used in the plastics industry and which are of concern due to their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. The Environmental Protection Agency funded a survey in 2003 by Cork Institute of Technology on the occurrence of endocrine-disrupting substances in the Irish aquatic environment. The analysis of the results was recently concluded and the results do not reveal any intersex, that is, the simultaneous presence of male and female tissue, in any of the waterbodies surveyed. The report of this survey will be available within a few weeks.

A comprehensive screening programme began in March 2005 with the aim of establishing the relevance of more than 200 dangerous substances, including phthalates, in the context of Irish waters. The programme, which is led by Carlow County Council on behalf of all local authorities, is co-ordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency and funded by my Department. The output from the programme will be a major factor in determining whether further measures will need to be taken to protect our waters from pollution from phthalates. Regard will also be had to the results of reviews being carried out in relevant international fora.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

491 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 471 of 31 May 2005, if he will approve funding for the 16 sewerage schemes in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23348/05]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

526 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 470 of 31 May 2005, if he will approve the preliminary report submitted by Roscommon County Council for the 16 schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23455/05]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 491 and 526 together.

The Roscommon towns and villages sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction in 2006. Further consideration will be given to Roscommon County Council's design review report for the scheme, which was received earlier this month, on receipt of additional information requested from the authority last week.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

492 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 868 of 14 June 2005, if he will report on progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23349/05]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

525 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 868 of 14 June 2005, when he plans to be in a position to issue compensation to the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23453/05]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 492 and 525 together.

My Department is ready to arrange for the retrospective payments involved and the first of these are expected to issue in the next few weeks. In some cases payments will require an up-to-date tax clearance certificate to be submitted to my Department.

Questions Nos. 493 and 494 answered with Question No. 488.

Recycling Policy.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

495 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to increase the number of recycling centres around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23355/05]

My Department operates a capital grants scheme to assist local authorities to provide vital recycling infrastructure from neighbourhood bottle banks to materials recovery facilities. Since the launch of the scheme in 2002, €50 million has been allocated for over 90 projects. In conjunction with measures such as further roll out of segregated collection and pay-by-use charging systems, the scheme is making a tangible difference to our recycling rates which have increased steadily over the period.

My Department is assessing applications for a new round of funding and I expect to be in a position to announce a further tranche of grants in the near future. I am committed to maximising recycling opportunities to allow as many as possible to contribute to achieving our recycling targets and reduce reliance on the disposal of waste to landfill.

Waste Disposal.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

496 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the penalties for offenders in view of the dramatic increase in illegal dumping. [23356/05]

The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 provided for a significant increase in the penalties applicable to those convicted of contravention of waste management legislation. Summary conviction now involves payment of a fine of up to €3,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both. Where a conviction is secured on indictment, the fine can range up to €15 million and the prison term can be up to ten years. Both a fine and imprisonment may be applied. I am satisfied that the prescribed penalties are significant and appropriate to the jurisdictions in which prosecutions may be taken.

Recently, I issued a policy direction to local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency under section 60 of the Waste Management Act 1996 which is intended to bring a greater focus and uniformity to enforcement of our waste management laws. Included in the direction is the stipulation that regulatory authorities must seek the maximum potential sanctions available in law when pursuing illegal holders of waste. I have also directed that the Garda should be involved in more serious cases and that the prosecution of offences should take place at the highest available judicial level. In addition, I have stipulated that local authorities should, where practicable, pursue civil remedies against illegal operators under powers available to them including the recovery of the cost of measures taken to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused by waste.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

497 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated costs of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23357/05]

An extension of the Mullingar regional water supply from Taughmon to Killucan was completed some years ago under my Department's water services investment programme at a cost of €2.2 million. Detailed information on the number of households connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from Westmeath County Council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

498 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23358/05]

An upgrade of the Kinnegad waste water treatment plant and an extension of the sewerage network were ranked 11th and 26th, respectively, in the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Westmeath County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2003 to undertake fresh assessments of the need for capital works in their areas and prioritise proposals on the basis of the assessments. The assessments were taken into account in the framing of the water services investment programme 2004-06 published in May 2004.

Due to the rating afforded by the county council to the proposals referred to by the Deputy, it has not been possible to include them in the current programme. Detailed information on potential household connections to the Kinnegad scheme may appropriately be sought from Westmeath County Council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

499 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households that will be connected to the scheme. [23359/05]

The Coosan surface water drainage scheme was completed at a cost of €600,000 some years ago under the serviced-land initiative measure of my Department's water services investment programme. Detailed information on the number of households connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from Westmeath County Council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

500 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23360/05]

The Coole sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €2.9 million. Westmeath County Council's preliminary report and water services pricing policy report for the scheme are under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible. The county council will be in a position to proceed with the preparation of contract documents when the reports are approved.

Detailed information on the number of households to be connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from Westmeath County Council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

501 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23361/05]

My Department conveyed approval to Westmeath County Council in April 2005 to proceed as quickly as possible with the provision of stand-alone waste water facilities for Castletown Geoghegan. The decision followed an examination by my Department of the tender report for the Castletown Geoghegan component of a wider pilot programme undertaken by the national rural water monitoring committee. My Department concluded from the examination that the solutions offered in the tender proposal for Castletown Geoghegan were not sufficiently innovative or economical. Without prejudice to the wider pilot programme, it was determined that a stand-alone scheme for Castletown Geoghegan would offer the best way forward.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

502 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23362/05]

The Mullingar sewerage scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 at an estimated cost of €66.4 million. My Department is awaiting submission of contract documents for the scheme by Westmeath County Council. Detailed information on the number of households to be connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from the county council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

503 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23363/05]

The Athlone main drainage scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 at an estimated cost of €10.1 million. My Department is awaiting submission of a preliminary report for the scheme by Westmeath County Council. Detailed information on the number of households to be connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from the county council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

504 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households that will be connected to the scheme. [23364/05]

The Milltownpass sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 under the rural towns and villages initiative at an estimated cost of €4.285 million. My Department is awaiting submission by Westmeath County Council of tender documents for the scheme for approval together with a revised water services pricing policy report. Information on the number of households to be connected to the scheme may appropriately be sought from the county council.

Water Quality.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

505 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures and guidelines followed to ensure that the EU drinking water initiative is implemented here. [23365/05]

EU legislation on standards for drinking water was most recently updated by Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of drinking water. The directive was given statutory effect in Irish legislation by the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2000 which came into force on 1 January 2004.

Local Authority Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

506 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and percentage of the target number of local authority dwellings completed in each year in relation to the housing need assessment for 2002; and the number and percentage of the target number of voluntary and co-op dwellings completed in each year. [23369/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

507 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of starts estimated for each year in relation to the housing need assessment for 2002. [23370/05]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 506 and 507 together.

The first multi-annual housing programme for the period 2000-03 provided for the commencement or acquisition of 25,000 units during the period. Detailed information on the number of local authority house starts and completions and output by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector by local authority for the years 2000 to 2003 is available in the annual housing statistics bulletins published by my Department. Copies of the bulletins are available in the Oireachtas Library. The 2004 figures are available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

New multi-annual action plans have been prepared by local authorities for the provision of social and affordable housing over the period 2004-08. These have been approved by my Department and are designed to assist local authorities to identify priority needs over the coming years and provide a coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services including the delivery of housing by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. Financial envelopes have been secured for the next five years to underpin the multi-annual approach in the action plans.

It is anticipated that total social housing provision, including new local authority housing, vacancies arising in existing houses and output under other social housing measures, will meet the needs of in excess of 13,000 households in 2005. This compares with almost 8,500 households in 1998. In addition, it is anticipated that a number of households currently in private rented accommodation will transfer to the new rental accommodation scheme which is currently being introduced. These households will continue to be accommodated in the main within the private rented sector.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

508 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable dwellings constructed and allocated under the 1999 scheme for each local authority, for each year since the scheme began. [23371/05]

Details of the number of affordable houses completed are published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins up to September quarter 2004, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Information will shortly be available to end 2004 in the 2004 annual housing statistics bulletin. Data relevant to the Deputy's question is also available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

509 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable dwellings constructed and allocated under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for each local authority, for each year since the scheme began. [23372/05]

Details of the number of houses completed under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-04 are published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins. Information is already available to September quarter 2004 from the Oireachtas Library. Information will shortly be available to end 2004 in the 2004 annual housing statistics bulletin. Data relevant to the Deputy's question is also available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

510 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social dwellings constructed and allocated under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for each local authority for each year since the scheme began. [23373/05]

Separate figures on the number of social houses provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, have been compiled by my Department only since 2003. Detailed information on the output for 2003 on an individual local authority basis is available in the 2003 annual housing statistics bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Information is already available to September quarter 2004 from the Oireachtas library. Information will shortly be available to end 2004 in the 2004 annual housing statistics bulletin. Data relevant to the Deputy's question is also available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

511 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable dwellings, for each local authority for each year, constructed under the Sustaining Progress agreement. [23374/05]

Part V affordable completions comprise the total output to end 2004 under Sustaining Progress. Details in regard to these completions are published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins up to September quarter 2004, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. Information will shortly be available up to end 2004 in the 2004 annual housing statistics bulletin. Data relevant to the question is also available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Local Authority Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

512 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total expenditure on emergency housing for each health board area, for each year of the past five years. [23376/05]

I assume the question refers to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons.

Under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, my Department recoups local authorities 90% of the expenditure in regard to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons. The Government is committed to tackling homelessness in all its forms and to achieve this, funding has been increased substantially — from €12.5 million in 1999 to an allocation of €51 million for 2005. My Department does not record information on this expenditure by former health board area; the following table sets out the expenditure by my Department from 2000-2004 for each local authority area. Each local authority funds the remaining 10% of the cost.

Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988.

Expenditure by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government: 2000-2004 90% of Total Cost.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

COUNTY COUNCIL

CARLOW

26,764.81

24,615.14

40,439.81

34,282.10

34,791.30

CAVAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

773.10

171.00

CLARE

1,599.87

0.00

0.00

82,051.24

83,689.85

CORK (NORTH)

20,562.67

7,645.09

35,765.52

4,500.00

0.00

CORK (SOUTH)

12,506.41

54,877.66

83,986.60

126,756.42

129,157.70

CORK (WEST)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DONEGAL

36,126.21

61,990.39

97,638.59

93,318.99

167,252.66

DÚN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN

1,104,918.91

473,318.10

718,871.84

1,141,915.23

632,659.51

FINGAL

909,939.76

546,173.78

225,975.85

762,736.82

469,932.50

SOUTH DUBLIN

897,938.45

557,425.56

762,770.88

878,107.81

510,114.68

GALWAY

40,602.41

85,078.80

128,789.23

101,075.46

105,579.51

KERRY

1,737.00

30,074.00

8,981.86

24,411.70

234,906.26

KILDARE

145,492.91

153,301.26

321,016.89

433,840.90

318,649.68

KILKENNY

149,274.73

210,958.86

187,737.75

298,302.51

261,512.19

LAOIS

17,519.21

31,449.60

24,868.49

22,240.97

52,741.17

LEITRIM

417.06

2,762.95

8,665.74

4,453.20

10,157.00

LIMERICK

41,024.67

127,261.09

231,458.88

301,249.48

318,002.02

LONGFORD

0.00

0.00

12,562.38

8,595.04

207,738.90

LOUTH

0.00

0.00

0.00

3,353.40

396.00

MAYO

0.00

20,178.93

39,146.10

93,101.94

77,077.12

MEATH

307,562.26

676,994.81

546,634.23

385,945.39

315,065.21

MONAGHAN

3,125.46

6,759.45

68,488.39

1,044.00

10,593.00

OFFALY

2,219.25

10,660.85

20,847.81

32,450.44

56,128.50

ROSCOMMON

0.00

0.00

6,285.57

2,306.70

1,201.50

SLIGO

2,114.11

4,256.80

10,340.91

6,890.40

7,456.50

TIPPERARY N.R.

8,747.42

0.00

4,709.73

23,023.36

77,781.51

TIPPERARY S.R.

2,099.26

1,076.48

749.70

1,502.10

310.50

WATERFORD

3,165.46

1,655.74

0.00

0.00

0.00

WESTMEATH

49,186.86

26,632.06

118,883.30

75,627.94

51,421.34

WEXFORD

13,009.89

78,845.59

3,723.13

42,390.00

10,365.30

WICKLOW

4,968.28

44,709.51

47,915.43

112,896.00

91,008.00

TOTAL COUNTY COUNCILS

3,802,623.33

3,238,702.50

3,757,254.61

5,099,142.64

4,235,860.41

CITY COUNCILS

CORK

1,215,569.43

1,950,580.19

2,559,859.36

2,973,386.03

3,007,080.49

DUBLIN

8,802,185.38

24,063,230.44

32,272,856.04

34,599,363.08

31,993,651.42

GALWAY

846,562.84

648,150.22

1,200,943.47

1,457,797.00

1,436,732.02

LIMERICK

244,440.60

286,077.13

694,995.21

1,708,220.15

1,743,578.08

WATERFORD

348,374.54

488,281.96

575,677.93

718,159.26

843,961.53

TOTAL CITY COUNCILS

11,457,132.79

27,436,319.94

37,304,332.01

41,456,925.52

39,025,003.54

BOROUGH COUNCILS

CLONMEL

18,598.49

35,845.78

84,181.99

62,393.18

102,120.54

DROGHEDA

44,968.92

256,136.22

285,478.84

280,917.30

206,909.65

KILKENNY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

WEXFORD

50,311.34

80,577.45

5,380.13

383,717.07

263,182.86

SLIGO

130,584.18

216,579.40

407,332.55

442,655.64

343,753.81

TOTAL BOROUGHS

244,462.93

589,138.85

782,373.51

1,169,683.19

915,966.86

TOWN COUNCILS

ATHLONE

5,302.43

42,904.23

72,041.64

112,594.48

103,987.29

ATHY

0.00

0.00

3,470.89

7,790.90

0.00

BALLINA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BALLINASLOE

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BIRR

0.00

0.00

0.00

4,937.40

3,666.60

BRAY

37,922.99

205,357.60

245,135.25

225,532.18

356,383.20

BUNCRANA

1,765.57

16,872.36

9,699.78

25,426.98

9,459.90

BUNDORAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CARLOW

891.36

0.00

450.00

0.00

0.00

CARRICKMACROSS

18.51

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CARRICK-ON-SUIR

0.00

0.00

99.00

0.00

680.40

CASHEL

57.14

326.48

24.30

1,192.50

0.00

CASTLEBAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CASTLEBLANEY

0.00

0.00

111.60

247.50

658.80

CAVAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CEANANNUS MOR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CLONAKILTY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

CLONES

67.88

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

COBH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DUNDALK

194,561.33

263,416.11

326,938.33

364,772.06

502,962.04

DUNGARVAN

32,953.89

67,808.66

30,963.38

10,161.29

11,384.10

DÚN LAOGHAIRE

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

ENNIS

0.00

0.00

141,120.00

210,240.00

210,816.00

ENNISCORTHY

1,136.42

5,763.74

2,901.00

0.00

0.00

FERMOY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

KILLARNEY

314.26

1,015.71

21,270.01

107,247.83

47,355.05

KILRUSH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

KINSALE

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

LETTERKENNY

18,785.04

34,387.52

63,183.28

24,026.85

27,675.36

LISTOWEL

0.00

1,559.84

3,368.87

4,156.20

2,295.90

LONGFORD

19,695.54

31,243.18

61,032.95

170,543.88

49,680.00

MACROOM

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

MALLOW

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

MIDLETON

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

MONAGHAN

0.00

1,836.25

622.98

19,107.00

21,231.00

NAAS

5,538.67

2,582.80

4,551.30

7,509.25

1,615.50

NAVAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

NENAGH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

NEW ROSS

0.00

1,164.03

2,374.25

0.00

0.00

SKIBBEREEN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

TEMPLEMORE

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

THURLES

0.00

0.00

1,219.05

0.00

0.00

TIPPERARY

485.67

2,600.21

933.28

1,914.30

729.00

TRALEE

8,801.82

72,218.28

149,410.14

225,582.12

180,670.05

TRIM

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

TULLAMORE

6,828.02

16,258.58

3,520.48

4,863.83

11,401.20

WESTPORT

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

WICKLOW

319.97

0.00

925.64

57.60

0.00

YOUGHAL

65.82

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

SIMON COMMUNITY NI

22,527.61

0.00

0.00

0.00

TOTAL TOWN COUNCILS

335,512.33

791,947.16

1,145,367.40

1,528,048.15

1,543,177.89

GRAND TOTAL

15,839,731.38

32,056,108.45

42,989,327.53

49,253,799.50

45,720,008.70

Local Authority Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

513 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of staff employed in housing related functions for each housing authority, for each of the past five years; and the total salaries paid to staff employed in housing related functions. [23377/05]

Each county and city manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. My Department does not have information regarding total staff numbers or salaries in respect of housing related functions for each housing authority.

Litter Pollution.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

514 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider amending the law to permit local authorities to remove graffiti from private property in clear view from public roads within seven days of serving a notice on the occupier of their intention, instead of requiring the often cumbersome process of identifying all of the owners for a notice. [23382/05]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

515 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the law obliging occupiers of property to maintain their property free from graffiti and dereliction is proving equal to the task of removing such problems; and if he has assessed the legal framework in other jurisdictions which have achieved best practise in this respect. [23383/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

I am satisfied that local authorities have adequate powers under sections 19 and 20 of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003 to tackle the problem of defacement, by writing or other marks, of property that is in, or visible from, a public place. Section 20 of the 1997 Act provides for the service of notices on occupiers rather than owners, and there are no plans to amend this provision.

Litter pollution legislation and management is kept under review by my Department by reference, where appropriate, to best practice in other countries.

First-Time House Buyers.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

516 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated number of first-time buyers annually from 1997 to date. [23413/05]

My Department does not have definitive figures on the number of first-time buyers in the housing market. However, using data on the numbers of loans drawn down for new and second hand houses, together with data on buyer status based on a voluntary statistical survey of mortgagees, the following estimates arise:

Year

Estimated number of First-Time Buyers

1997

25,000

1998

27,000

1999

35,000

2000

32,000

2001

31,000

2002

33,000

2003

32,000

2004

34,000

My Department is currently developing a new house price statistics system, which will incorporate the production of a mix-adjusted house price index, as well as characteristics such as type of buyer, including first-time buyer, region, age of dwelling, house type and number of rooms. It is hoped to launch this system later this year.

As the data outlined is based on profiling those taking out mortgages for house purchase purposes, it will not cover all purchases of new or second-hand houses. It is estimated that in 2004, approximately 35% of new houses were not mortgage financed.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

517 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons purchasing under the affordable housing scheme since 1999 to date; the amount of rent subsidy awarded under the affordable housing scheme form 1999 to date; the number of applicants obtaining the subsidy to date; the income thresholds for qualifying for the subsidy to date; and the income limit to qualify for an affordable housing purchase to date. [23414/05]

Details of the number of houses completed under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-04 are published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins. Information is already available up to September quarter 2004, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. Information will shortly be available up to end-2004 in the 2004 annual housing statistics bulletin. Data relevant to the question is also available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

A rent subsidy does not operate for all affordable housing but only for cases in which shared ownership arrangements are involved. This subsidy is payable to qualifying households based on income bands and applies to rent payments for that portion of the equity not yet purchased.

The qualifying income limits and the amounts of the rent subsidy were increased four years ago for all transactions completed on or after 15 June 2000. They are now set as follows:

Household Income per annum

Rent Subsidy payable per annum

€13,000 and under

€2,550

€13,001 to €15,500

€2,300

€15,501 to €18,000

€2,050

€18,001 to €20,500

€1,800

€20,501 to €23,000

€1,550

€23,001 to €25,500

€1,300

Over €25,500

Nil

In July 2004, I announced significant improvements to the loan and income eligibility limits for shared ownership and affordable housing schemes. The revised income limit was increased to €36,800 for a single income household and €92,000 for a two-income household, while the maximum loan that may be advanced for a local authority house purchase is €165,000. In addition, the period for which local authorities may advance loans has been extended from 25 years to 30 years.

The information sought in the matter of applicants in receipt of rent subsidy is set out in the following table.

Year

Rent subsidy

No. of applicants

1999

N/A

N/A

2000

N/A

N/A

2001

46,516.16

90

2002

221,279

332

2003

280,897

286

2004

1,110,463

437

2005 (year to date)

426,983

156

Local Authority Rates.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

518 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount received in commercial rates since 1997 to date both nationally and in each Dublin local authority. [23415/05]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Income from commercial rates 1997-2004.

Year

National

Dublin City Council

South Dublin County Council

Fingal County Council

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

1997

458.16

122.94

31.12

21.54

30.24

1998

493.10

128.22

33.77

25.35

33.17

1999

538.99

140.52

38.84

28.48

35.76

2000

587.41

147.48

41.86

38.79

37.92

2001

663.84

163.38

52.00

47.53

41.83

2002

751.24

179.23

63.56

56.63

50.91

2003

839.37

194.40

70.70

62.60

59.20

2004*

907.60

209.37

75.42

70.03

60.74

*The figures for 2004 are the amounts of rates levied.

Development Levies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

519 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount received in development levies, distinguishing the amount paid on housing and other industry levies. [23416/05]

Information in regard to development contributions collected by planning authorities are published in my Department's annual planning statistics, which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The total amount of development contributions on all developments commercial, industrial and residential collected by planning authorities in 2003 was €215 million. The 2004 planning statistics are currently being compiled; an initial estimate of the amount collected in development contributions in that year is €350 million. The amount collected is not distinguishable as between housing and industrial development contributions.

Local Authority Housing.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

520 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families on the social housing waiting list since 1997 to date. [23417/05]

The statutory assessment of housing need is undertaken on a triennial basis by local authorities. The most recent assessment was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005 and it is anticipated that the results of this assessment will be available for publication in September of this year. The previous two assessments took place in 2002 and 1999 and indicated that in March 2002 a total of 48,413 households were in need of social housing compared with 39,176 in 1999. Detailed information on housing needs was published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins for the September quarters in 1999 and 2002 and copies are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Motor Taxation

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

521 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of motor tax raised in 2004 and 2005 distinguishing the amount collected from private cars, PSVs, commercial vehicles and so on. [23418/05]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Radon Gas Levels.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

522 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of homes in County Clare in which high incidents of radon are present; his plans to introduce grant aid to home owners for the provision of radon barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23427/05]

Over the years, the Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon and public health.

To date, the institute has carried out a survey of 1,487 homes in County Clare. Of these, 224 were found to have radon levels above the national reference level of 200 Bq/m3. The reference level for long-term exposure to radon in a house, above which the need for remedial action should be considered, is 200 Bq/m3. As part of this survey, 275 workplaces were also surveyed, and out of these there were 12 workplaces above the national reference level for workplaces, 400 Bq/m3. Some 135 schools were surveyed, and of these 23 were found to have levels above 23 Bq/m3 and 11 had radon levels above 400 Bq/m3.

Although a provision of Exchequer grant assistance to home owners for the provision of radon barriers or remediation is not envisaged, my Department along with the institute will continue to provide information and increase awareness of the risks associated with radon in order to enable and assist householders undertake any necessary remediation works in an effective and economical manner.

Upgraded building regulations, introduced in June 1997 require that all new houses, which commenced construction on or after 1 July 1998, incorporated radon protection measures. In October 2004, my Department published an updated edition of technical guidance document C (TGD-C) on part C of the building regulations, site preparation and resistance to moisture, incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005.

For many years now, the institute, through press releases and radio and TV interviews, and through its own published reports on radon, has promoted public awareness of radon and highlighting the risks associated with exposure to radon. The institute has long been encouraging householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

The institute has undertaken several other initiatives to further heighten public awareness of the radon issue. In November 2004, it hosted the third national radon forum in Dublin to raise awareness of radon as a health risk. That same month, it published a booklet entitled, Understanding Radon — A Householder's Guide. That guide is directed at householders who have been informed that they have radon concentration levels above the national reference level in their homes. The aim of the guide is to assist such householders in interpreting their radon measurement results and in deciding how to deal with the problem. The institute has also printed an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres, etc., advising people to have their homes checked for radon. The institute has also begun a new radon awareness campaign, which will involve a series of nationwide public information seminars on the dangers of radon, and which will be targeted at selected high radon areas. As part of this campaign the institute has organised road shows to further heighten awareness in regard to radon, particularly in areas with high radon levels.

Local Authority Housing.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

523 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing completions in County Clare for each of the years 2000 to 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23428/05]

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Local Authority House Completions.

Local Authority

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Clare County Council

22

75

68

68

51

Ennis Town Council

3

3

28

35

21

Kilrush Town Council

3

27

8

0

0

Departmental Correspondence.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

524 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from an association (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will meet this association to hear its concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23443/05]

The association in question is represented on the working group was set up to review the management of dog breeding establishments and has, accordingly, a forum in which to make its views known to me. Pending the completion of the report of the working group, I have no proposals to meet with the association.

Question No. 525 answered with QuestionNo. 492.
Question No. 526 answered with QuestionNo. 491.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

527 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 874 of 14 June 2005, when he intends to submit the documentation to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23471/05]

I expect to be in a position to submit a final version of Ireland's nitrates action programme to the European Commission in July.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

528 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) will be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and the number of households which will be connected to the scheme. [23479/05]

The Annagh-Baylin water scheme was completed some years ago under my Department's water services investment programme at a cost of €4.8 million. Detailed information relating to the number of households connected to this scheme may appropriately be sought from Westmeath County Council.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

529 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the improvements to the sewerage and water scheme in Carrickmacross; when the facilities will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23494/05]

The Carrickmacross sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction this year. Further consideration will be given to Monaghan County Council's contract documents for the waste water collection system on receipt of additional information requested by my Department from the council earlier this month. The council's preliminary report for the upgrading of the waste water treatment works is under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Carrickmacross water supply scheme is included in the water services investment programme under the rural towns and villages initiative. My Department recently approved the council's brief for the appointment of a client's representative to prepare tender documents for the scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

530 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the sewerage collection scheme for Monaghan town; if it has gone for tender; when the money will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/05]

The Monaghan town sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 as a scheme to commence construction this year at an estimated cost of €26.76 million.

I recently approved Monaghan County Council's preliminary planning report for phase 1 of the scheme which involves new surface water sewers, pumping stations and rehabilitation of foul sewers in the town centre. The council may, accordingly, proceed with the preparation of contract documents for this phase of the works. I also recently conveyed approval to the council to proceed with advance works to service new housing development on the Old Armagh-Castleblayney Road. My Department is awaiting a preliminary report from the council in relation to phase 2 of the scheme which is intended to service areas outside the immediate town centre.

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