Written Answers.

Electricity Generation.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

70 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that current available generating capacity is adequate to meet requirements; if he proposes changes to ensure continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/06]

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

Security of electricity supply is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation under Article 28 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005.

In the performance of its monitoring and corrective functions the Commission is advised by ESB National Grid-EirGrid as the transmission system operator. The transmission system operator's report on generation adequacy 2006-2012 has indicated that the margin between capacity and demand is tighter than normal this winter.

In the medium term the generation adequacy position should be manageable from 2006 to 2008 provided new generation plant comes on stream as scheduled, plant availability performance improves and there are no unexpected closures of existing plant. The conclusion of the TSO is that in 2009 and beyond the addition of new generation capacity would be prudent. The importance of improving plant availability is emphasised in the report.

Ceist:

137 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects further progress in the development of integrated telecommunication networks on an all-island basis having particular regard to the welcome announcement of the abolition of roaming charges by a company (details supplied); the way in which he sees such developments progressing in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/06]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

161 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, due to the fact that EU pressure is being put on unscrupulous mobile phone operators to reduce or even remove their roaming costs, the pressure being put on Irish operators by the Government, following a company’s (details supplied) recent announcement. [6701/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

169 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to ensure that the quality of mobile phone services here are brought up to that available in other jurisdictions, notwithstanding recent progress by a company (details supplied) in regard to roaming charges; if he expects other service providers to follow this pattern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6641/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 89, 102, 124, 132, 137, 161 and 169 together.

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding pricing for mobile services and quality, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.

All our EU partners are also subject to the same EU regulatory framework. Under this framework telecommunications markets are regulated on a national basis by independent regulators who have an accountability to this House. Ofcom is responsible for the regulation of telecommunications operators in Northern Ireland and ComReg regulates the sector here.

Any changes to the existing EU regulatory framework would be subject to negotiations at EU level. The EU regulatory framework is currently being reviewed at EU level. I have already raised and will continue to raise the issue of roaming with my EU counterparts and Commissioner Reding. I am not satisfied the high levels of roaming charges — for voice and text — are justified and I would like to see a much greater focus by the Commission on this issue.

I welcome the EU initiative announced by Commissioner Reding whereby the Commission hopes to have a regulation in place by 2007, which will provide that international roaming charges should be no higher than national roaming charges. In addition to this, I point out that there is close co-operation between both regulators and Governments.

I have prioritised roaming charges as an issue that is of concern to people on the island. My Northern counterpart, Minister Angela Smith and I have had a number of meetings with the regulators who are working with the operators North and South and looking at ways to address the issue of inadvertent roaming. These discussions have focused on improving network coverage and exploring tariff options. I realise this is an issue that involves business decisions which is a matter for the operators but I consider that it is totally unacceptable for any person to be incorrectly charged for roaming.

For my part, I have already taken the opportunity in meetings with the operators to raise this issue and will continue to do so. I will also continue to pursue the issue with the Northern Ireland Minister Angela Smith. I welcome the recent announcement by O2 that it will tackle the roaming issue both for bill pay and pay-as-you go users. O2's decision brings desirable competitive pressure on other mobile phone companies to also step up to the mark. However, I would like the broader issues addressed in relation to roaming as I consider the roaming charges generally are far too high.

My officials have written to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and highlighted the issue of individuals being charged international rates for inadvertent cross-Border roaming when they were actually making national calls. The recent announcement by O2 highlights that the solution to this matter rests with the operators.

Fisheries Protection.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

72 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if measures will be brought forward to establish a buy-out scheme for drift-netting to protect Irish salmon stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6707/06]

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

The question of how best to manage the future fishing for wild Atlantic salmon is being reviewed in the context of setting the total allowable catch, TAC, for 2006. I am awaiting the advice of the National Salmon Commission in this regard and while it is disappointing that it did not arrive at a consensus at its meeting last week, I hope it can reconvene in time to submit appropriate advice on a timely basis.

The Government has to date consistently ruled out buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and has instead, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective.

The Deputy will be aware of the Oireachtas joint committee's acknowledgement that any compensatory schemes should largely be funded by those stakeholders who would be the main economic beneficiaries of more salmon being free to return to the rivers. I also draw the Deputy's attention to the committee's comment that "public moneys spent must have, as a primary aim, ensuring the survival of the salmon species and that this precept must be regarded as more important than any economic gain to any sector that may accrue".

It is clear to me that future policy must be designed to ensure the survival of the species, while balancing the interests of various stakeholders in relation to the quantum of catch that appears to be possible within the independent scientific advice and taking account of the detail of that advice in relation to location and types of fishing.

I sound a note of caution about any possible compensatory scheme designed to address the financial impact of compliance with the scientific advice. There may be no legal requirement to introduce any compensation scheme in the event of a curtailment of fishing effort and in that context expectations of high levels of monetary compensation are unrealistic. Similarly and in consideration of equity in the matter, some meaningful contribution would be expected from the economic beneficiaries of a reduction in commercial fishing whether that is delivered in cash or in kind.

Energy Policy.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

73 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position on an all-island energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6602/06]

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

Government policy on the creation of an all-island energy market is set out in the all-island energy market development framework which I jointly published with my Northern counterpart in November 2004.

The framework document provides the policy context for the actions needed to create an all-island energy market. The process is overseen by a joint steering group comprising my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and the two regulators.

The key priority within the framework is to have an all-island wholesale electricity market in place by 1 July 2007. The two regulators have already agreed the high-level principles governing the operation of this market and are now working on the detailed rules. This process involves close consultation with stakeholders.

A critical immediate priority for both Governments is to ensure that an appropriate legislative framework is in place to underpin the single electricity market. Delivery of the new single market by July 2007 presents a very challenging timeframe in which the necessary parallel legislation must be enacted. My officials are working intensively with their Northern colleagues and the two regulatory authorities to ensure that this target is met.

While the short-term priority is the creation of the single electricity market, the framework document also sets out a range of objectives requiring action in the short to medium term. The delivery of an all-island market in natural gas is one such objective and the two Departments are currently progressing the various actions to achieve this in conjunction with the two regulators.

Work is also under way to develop a long-term strategy for renewable energy on an all-island basis. A joint North-South public consultation on an all-island vision for renewable energy by 2020 and beyond has been undertaken. The aim is to develop an agreed joint policy paper this year on long-term sustainability of energy supplies, with a particular focus on renewable electricity generation.

Enhancement of gas and electricity infrastructure is a key enabler for the all-island energy market. Bord Gáis Éireann will complete the construction of the South-North gas pipeline from Gormanston to Belfast this year. The two electricity transmission system operators are also progressing the second North-South electricity interconnector project which is scheduled to be operational by 2012.

Co-operation on energy research and development and the coordination of energy emergency planning arrangements are also being advanced.

Mobile Telephony.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

74 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if measures will be brought forward to incorporate the regulation of premium rate telephone services under the direction of the communications regulator, ComReg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/06]

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

The Office of the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecoms Services, RegTel, which authorises and supervises the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications services within the Irish market is independent and does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. I, therefore, have no plans to amend RegTel's statutory basis nor have I received any request to do so. In addition, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg has no role in relation to content. The area of consumer protection within which RegTel operates falls mainly under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Postal Services.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

75 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if all outstanding matters of concern at An Post have been resolved to the satisfaction of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6607/06]

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

The recent developments at An Post, where the parties have accepted the Labour Court recommendations of 22 November last leading to a resolution to the industrial relations difficulties at An Post, are most welcome. I understand that both parties have recently signed off on the implementation plan which has given the green light to the implementation of the recovery strategy in line with the Labour Court's recommendation.

On foot of this recommendation, the company has paid the outstanding increases due last year under Sustaining Progress to all employees and pensioners and has agreed to pay all future increases as they fall due.

The company has also accepted the court's recommendation that all retrospective payments, relating to the 5% Sustaining Progress increase paid by An Post from 1 January last year, be made to its employees and pensioners as soon as the company is returned to reasonable and sustainable profit and when commercial circumstances permit.

I now look forward to the parties working together to implement the change programme that is so essential to the company's future financial viability and to providing the quality of service which customers are entitled to expect.

Energy Reserves.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

76 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the procedures for reporting new oil and gas discoveries here; if his Department has received confirmation of new gas discoveries in the Lough Allen basin in the North West; and the potential reserves that might be involved and the returns which would accrue to the State as a result of such a find. [6741/06]

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

A new discovery resulting from petroleum exploration is reported to the petroleum affairs division, PAD, of my Department. The PAD holds regular meetings with the operators of all exploration authorisations to monitor the progress of the work programmes attached to each authorisation.

What the Deputy refers to in his question as new gas discoveries in the Lough Allen Basin is an article in a business magazine reporting an estimate of the resource potential which was carried out for the operator. This is a stage in the exploration process and may form the basis or justification for further exploration. Unfortunately, this estimate does not constitute a discovery.

My Department has not yet had sight of the reserves estimate and the work supporting it and I am not, therefore, in a position to comment on the estimate. The main benefits to the State of such a discovery would be an indigenous energy reserve and consequent security of supply for our future energy needs. This would mean a reduced dependence on gas imports at a time when our main supplier to date, the UK, is becoming a net importer as its reserves become depleted.

EU Directives.

John Gormley

Ceist:

77 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends taking to ensure compliance with the proposed new European energy efficiency directive which will set a targeted 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/06]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

105 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals and targets for energy conservation and energy efficiency for the periods 2010 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6737/06]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

153 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the European Commission directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services that was adopted in December 2005 a national action plan has been drawn up; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6706/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 105 and 153 together.

The proposed directive on energy efficiency and energy services sets national indicative targets for energy saving and requires member states to produce energy efficiency action plans from 2007. The target is to save an annual quantity of energy equal to 1% of the quantity of energy supplied and-or sold to end customers, amounting to a 9% improvement in energy efficiency over the nine year period of application. We will meet this target through the accelerated development and promotion of targeted energy efficiency measures building on the programmes already successfully run by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The Commission's Green Paper on energy efficiency sets a target of 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020. The consultation phase of the Green Paper will conclude next month. Ireland fully supports the thrust of the Green Paper and I would not disagree with its conclusion that 20% energy efficiency target is both necessary and achievable for the EU.

In the context of the EU initiatives and our own national energy policy challenges, energy efficiency is a key strategic priority for me and the Government. I have mandated my Department and SEI to accelerate work in this area. In particular, work is under way to develop a comprehensive national energy efficiency campaign for 2006 and forward years which I will launch in the autumn.

Television Advertising.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

78 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to introduce legislation on the prohibition of television advertising of unhealthy foods to children to other media; if there has been progress at EU level in changing the Television Without Frontiers Directive in order that advertising restrictions could apply to the satellite broadcasters which insert advertising aimed at the market here but who are located outside the State. [6745/06]

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

82 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the development of TG4 as a stand alone and independent broadcasting service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/06]

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

The external advisers appointed to assist in the preparation of a detailed implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 as an independent entity have submitted their final report to my Department. That report considers the most appropriate methodology and structure for giving effect to the separation of the assets and trade of TG4 from RTE and establishing TG4 as an independent entity. The report also considers issues relating to the transfer of staff, legal issues, taxation issues and funding issues. The consultants report has been considered by my Department which is in the process of finalising its recommendations to me.

Energy Reserves.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

83 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the signing of an agreement between companies (details supplied) to explore the Dunquin project in the Porcupine Basin and the other reported major discovery in the County Sligo region, he will bring forward measures to change the licensing and regulatory regime for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/06]

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

The Dunquin prospect is situated in the Porcupine Basin off the south west coast. The acreage in which this prospect lies is currently held by Providence Resources plc and Sosina Exploration Limited under frontier exploration licence 3/04. Although this prospect looks promising, there is still a substantial amount of work required to establish the extent of the hydrocarbons in place and whether such hydrocarbons can be commercially exploited.

Similarly, in relation to the two onshore petroleum exploration licences in the north west, more work will be required before commerciality can be established. The history of this resource may be summarised. Gas was first discovered in the 1960s by Marathon which found it uneconomic to develop and subsequent exploration-appraisal efforts were made in the 1980s by Aran Energy and the early 2000s by Evergreen Resources Inc with similar unsuccessful results. Evergreen has a strong track record in developing similar gas basins. It drilled two wells of a planned three, then relinquished its licence. Neither of these events constitute a discovery let alone a commercial find.

In these circumstances, I see no basis to change the present terms governing petroleum exploration and development in Ireland and its offshore. However, these terms are kept under constant review by my Department in light of the international market in which Ireland seeks to attract exploration companies.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the reported bid by Bord na Móna to purchase EON’s Edenderry power plant the company is being transformed from a peat harvesting and production company to a broader based energy operation with renewable energy and waste management interests; if so, the implications for Bord na Móna’s long-term commercial status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6715/06]

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

The current core businesses of Bord na Móna plc — peat stock supply and horticultural products — are finite businesses due mainly to economic and environmental factors. Bord na Móna will continue to operate its existing peat supply, solid fuels and horticultural businesses to optimise value to the group while implementing new strategic directives.

I agree with the company's board and management that Bord na Móna should move to strategically diversify to underpin sustainable long-term viability for the company and ongoing shareholder value. The company has identified a number of strategic opportunities in emerging and expanding sectors around which to develop, expand and diversify the group's business.

Bord na Móna has, therefore, developed detailed future strategy proposals which I recently approved in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Finance. This future strategy aims to transform Bord na Móna to a group in the energy, environmental and waste management sectors.

The identified strategic opportunities focus on: development of a waste management business; the potential for co-fuelling with biomass to extend the life of the peat-fired generating stations beyond the lifetime of the existing public service obligation contracts; growth of the alternative and renewable energy business through joint ventures in wind farming and potential supply of biomass in place of peat-stock to the peat-fired generating stations; possible ownership of peat-fired power stations; and research and development.

The proposed new strategic direction reflects the maturity of Bord na Móna's current businesses and its requirement to generate new commercial activities. Bord na Móna has historically had a mandate to operate commercially and the approved strategy is fully consistent with that mandate.

The taking forward of individual projects under the strategy will be subject to board approval and the requisite shareholder approvals from myself and the Minister for Finance. I have not as yet received any formal proposals on individual projects including any which have been the subject of recent media speculation.

Broadcasting Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

85 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options on the future development of the television industry with particular reference to free to air coverage of specific sporting events, such as the Ryder Cup; his plans for the future of terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/06]

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

In March 2003 the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 specified the events designated as events of major importance to society for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest. Section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 requires me to carry out a review of designated events not later than three years after the passing of the 2003 Act, that is to say, not later than April 2006. I announced my intention to commence this review in December 2005. The purpose of the review is to consider if the list of events designated in 2003 should be amended.

As part of the review, I initiated a public consultation process. My Department wrote to the sporting organisations that organise the events already designated, along with the European Tour and Ryder Cup, informing them of the review and seeking their views. My Department has also sought the views of broadcasters.

I have received submissions from event organisers, broadcasters and members of the public via written submission, e-mail and on an Internet forum. The submissions received have been made available on my Department's website. A report on the review is being prepared in my Department and I intend to complete the review shortly.

If, following the review, I decide to amend the list of designated events, then, in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999, I will publish my intention to do so and seek the views of interested parties. This would involve a further formal consultation with event organisers and broadcasters. EU approval would also be required before I could lay an order before both Houses of the Oireachtas to give effect to the designation.

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are set down in my Department's statement of strategy 2005-07. This strategy was drawn up following consultation with key players in the industry and is available on my Department's website www.dcmnr.ie. Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence, together with private broadcasters.

Departmental Schemes.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

86 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the lost at sea compensation scheme; the amount of compensation awarded to date under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/06]

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

Subject to specified criteria, a scheme to allow the capacity of a fishing vessel lost at sea before the coming into operation of the sea-fishing boat register to be accepted as replacement capacity, was launched in June 2001. The closing date for applications under the scheme was 31 December 2001.

It is incorrect to describe the scheme as a compensation scheme. It was not intended to and did not compensate qualifying applicants for the loss of life or of fishing vessels. Its purpose was to enable qualifying applicants, who were otherwise unable to do so for financial or related reasons, to provide replacement capacity for the purposes of introducing a replacement vessel to continue a family tradition of sea-fishing. The scheme did not provide financial support for the acquisition of a fishing vessel itself.

All applications received under the scheme were assessed and decisions made were communicated to the applicants. Some 68 applications were received and six were successful. The amount of capacity made available was based on the capacity of the lost vessel which was the subject of the application. There was no specified limit on the amount of capacity available for allocation under the scheme but the introduction of the scheme took into account the requirement that Ireland was required to keep within EU limits on the size of national fishing fleets. The total amount of replacement capacity made available to the six successful applicants was 283.7 gross tonnes and 1071.01 kilowatts.

Energy Policy.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

87 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is proposing to bring forward measures to develop cross-Border renewable energy supplies after recent comments by the Northern Secretary, Mr. Peter Hain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6726/06]

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

The Northern Secretary recently underlined the imperative for Northern Ireland to develop a sustainable energy strategy which protects the environment, invests in renewables and delivers for consumers. We share those objectives North and South. We are progressing the sustainable agenda together in the context of the all-island energy market as well as driving ahead with our respective renewable energy funding schemes.

Both Governments are firmly committed to the creation of an all-island energy market to meet the challenge of ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy supplies obtained through competitive energy markets. The all-island energy market development framework of 2004 gives concrete expression to that commitment. We have agreed a range of development priorities for the short to medium term.

The immediate priority is the establishment of the single electricity market by 2007 as a critical element of a successful all-island market. There are a number of medium term priorities which are also being progressed. These include maximising the benefits of sustainable energy in line with our respective and EU sustainable energy policies and targets. Work is well under way to create an all-island vision for renewable energy by 2020 and beyond. Targets post 2010 for the contribution of renewable energy to electricity production will be agreed in the framework of the all-island vision.

I will shortly launch the renewable energy grant scheme of €65 million which was announced in the budget and which will support domestic and industry take-up of biomass, geothermal and other renewables. The Northern Secretary has confirmed that he will be announcing a similar renewables package for Northern Ireland shortly.

Post Office Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

88 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the number of post offices which have been closed in the past year here; the implications of this for local communities and especially for senior citizens and people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to the following table which outlines the post offices closed or converted in the past year. The matter of post office closures is in the first instance an operational matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.

Post Office closures — 1 Jan 2005 to 31 December 2005
Sub-Office	County
Aghabog	MONAGHAN
Ardlogher	CAVAN
Brandon	KERRY
Brickens	MAYO
Broadford	KILDARE
Cadamstown	OFFALY
Clooneyquinn	ROSCOMMON
Coolbawn	KILKENNY
Cregganbaun	MAYO
Four Mile House	ROSCOMMON
Inch	WEXFORD
Killiney	DUBLIN
Loughan	MEATH
New Inn	CAVAN
Rahara	ROSCOMMON
Rathfeigh	MEATH
Strand	LIMERICK
Tagheen	MAYO

Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Energy Policy.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

90 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent of grant aid available for energy production from biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6639/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

98 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the Departments of Agriculture and Food, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Transport and Finance with a view to the development of an attractive energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6628/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 98 together.

The renewable energy grants package includes funding support for domestic renewable heat technologies, including wood pellet boilers, as well as medium and large scale biomass boilers for the services, business and industrial sectors building on last year's pilot scheme. The detailed measures to roll out the programmes are being finalised and I intend to launch the schemes in the near future.

The majority of biomass energy in Ireland is derived from wood products converted into heat. The biomass sector has attracted the largest level of support under Sustainable Energy Ireland's renewable energy research and development programme. A number of headline projects have been supported under the measure which are stimulating interest in solar and wood heating systems around the country.

To date Ireland has also achieved just over 20 MW of installed generating capacity from renewable biomass technologies operational on the electricity network. This is a promising start and the objective is to steadily increase the contribution from renewable energy sources, including biomass, to total electricity production. I am putting in place a new support programme that will move from competitive tendering under the alternative energy requirement, AER, programme to a fixed price based system to be known as the renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT. The support programme will underpin the growth of the renewable energy contribution to electricity generators.

My Department is working closely with all relevant Departments, State agencies, the energy sector and industry generally in the development of strategies to underpin renewable and alternative energy policy objectives. The work of the group on bioenergy strategy and the renewable energy development group have been two important mechanisms for developing cohesive policy options taking account of the various sectoral perspectives.

Corrib Gas Pipeline.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

91 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which outstanding matters affecting the development of the Corrib gas project have been addressed to date; if particular recommendations have been made or accepted; if changes have been proposed or made with a view to early resolution and utilisation of the resource; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/06]

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

As the Deputy is aware, I commissioned an international consulting company, Advantica, on 25 August 2005, to carry out a thorough and independent safety review of the onshore, upstream section of the Corrib gas pipeline. Advantica are world leaders in the area of advanced hazard and risk assessment technologies for gas pipelines. The consultants were asked to conclude whether or not the proposed installations will comply with recognised international "best practice" and will deliver a facility that is "fit for purpose".

In parallel with this safety review, I established a public consultation process to ensure that the concerns of the community would be fully addressed in this review. As part of this process, a two-day public hearing was held in Geesala on 12 and 13 October, chaired by Mr. John Gallagher SC, during which the community was given the opportunity to express its concerns directly to the consultants.

The safety review explicitly took into account the concerns expressed to the consultants at the public hearing and addressed each of these thoroughly. The final results of the safety review were recently forwarded to my Department by Advantica. My Department's technical advisory group has considered them and made recommendations to me. I am considering the implications of these findings for the project as a whole. I hope to make the necessary decisions shortly, taking these reports and recommendations fully into account.

As the Deputy is also aware there is an ongoing mediation process put in place through which it is hoped to resolve any difficulties the parties might have in relation to the Corrib on-shore pipeline. I hope this process will conclude successfully in the near future.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

92 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason delivery of broadband services have been so slow; if he has given instructions or directives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6645/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to take action to improve Ireland’s performance in regard to the provision of broadband facilities having particular regard to the need to keep pace with developments in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

106 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken or instructions he has given through ComReg or directly through service providers with a view to achieving a higher and accelerated performance in regard to provision of broadband services with the objective of bringing Ireland back into serious contention as a leader in the European context in the area of modern telecommunications such as broadband and mobile telephony; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/06]

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

116 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects broadband availability here to catch up with the leading European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/06]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

146 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the availability of broadband is adequate to meet industrial and domestic needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 96, 106, 116 and 146 together.

The development and roll-out of telecommunications technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself in a liberalised market. In comparison with other European countries, broadband service providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. However, the situation is improving rapidly. In late 2004, the Government set a target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006. I have, however, challenged the industry to strive for 500,000 subscribers by that stage. The Government's broadband target is to be within the top half of EU countries by the end of 2007.

The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors including access by the private sector service providers to suitable infrastructure, as well as competition between broadband service providers and demand conditions for broadband in the economy. Since 2004, broadband subscriber numbers have more than doubled and the current take-up for broadband is in the region of 10,000 per month. Latest ComReg figures for broadband subscribers are 250,000.

In addition to setting challenging targets to the telecommunications industry, the Government has taken a number of policy and investment initiatives to improve broadband availability. In March 2004, a number of policy directions were issued to ComReg relating to competition, broadband, wholesale and retail line rental, interconnection-leased lines, and national and cross-Border roaming.

The direction on broadband required ComReg to use regulatory and enforcement tools, to support initiatives to develop broadband and to remove regulatory barriers, if any exist, to such initiatives. One significant barrier to the delivery of broadband services is the slow pace of local loop unbundling, LLU. Responsibility for LLU is a matter for ComReg. I have no powers to issue instructions to service providers in this matter.

The Government is addressing the lack of investment by the sector by building high-speed open access fibre-based metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities using European and Government funding. Phase one of this programme has so far delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. This programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. These networks will be completed during 2006 and 2007. They allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department also offers funding for smaller towns and rural communities through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme. A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband during 2006.

Broadcasting Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

93 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received communications from representative groups requesting the provision of subtitling in respect of television services; if he intends to respond to such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6632/06]

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

My Department has from time to time received communications from representative groups and interested parties on the matter of subtitling on television services. Section 19(11) of the Broadcasting Act 2001 provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland shall make rules requiring each broadcaster to take specified steps to promote the understanding and enjoyment by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing of programmes transmitted by that broadcaster.

Section 53 of the Disability Act expands this provision and provides that the rules shall require each broadcaster to take specified steps to provide access to audio-visual material to people with sensory impairments by means of specified services. The Disability Act lists a number of services, such as sign language, teletext, subtitling and audio description and requires that broadcasters have regard to whether the material is being provided daily or at other regular intervals, at popular viewing times and for news and news related matters as well as for other matters.

The access rules drawn up by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland were developed following a comprehensive public consultation process and came into effect on 2005. As the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is an independent statutory body, I had no role in the making of these rules.

Mobile Telephony.

Damien English

Ceist:

94 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason mobile telephone services in terms of quality and cost cannot compare favourably with services in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6635/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason mobile telephone charges here should be higher than in the rest of Europe and have poorer quality of service; his proposals to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6640/06]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

114 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which comparisons have been made in respect of electronic transmission costs here as compared with those throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6642/06]

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

145 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects deregulation in the telecoms industry to manifest itself in terms of increased competition and benefit to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6605/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to improve the quality and coverage of mobile telephony here and availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/06]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

165 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued directives or intends to so do with the objective of improving the quality and coverage of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6608/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 101, 114, 145, 159 and 165 together.

I have no function in regulating pricing for services or quality of service in the telecommunications market. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulating of pricing and quality for mobile phone services is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations which transpose the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.

The provision of telecommunications services 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.

As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have responsibility for overall telecoms policy. My main goal in this policy is to create conditions for sustainable growth and competition that will benefit the economic and social development of Ireland and facilitate competitive services.

Improving the market conditions to enhance competition is the best way to drive down mobile phone charges. The more competitive telecoms services that are on offer, the better in the long run for consumers, the sector and the economy.

In addition, ComReg has, as one of its key objectives, under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, the promotion of competition in the exercise of its functions. Competition in the fixed and mobile markets will drive down prices for consumers.

I have no information to say that Irish mobile charges are generally the highest in Europe. However, ComReg's quarterly key data for the Irish communications market for quarter three 2005 indicate that the average revenue per user, ARPU, for Ireland is €47 per month, second only to Switzerland at €48 per month. The EU ARPU is €30 per month.

Consultancy Reports.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

95 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the Deloitte & Touche report on the future of the ESB will be published; the reason there has been such a delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6708/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

158 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to publish the Deloitte & Touche report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 158 together.

I recently received the Deloitte & Touche report on the electricity sector. I am currently considering the report in the context of the energy policy consultation paper which is being drawn up by my Department. I intend to publish the report in that context in the coming months.

Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Electricity Sector.

Last year I appointed Deloitte & Touche to carry out a comprehensive independent review of the electricity sector. The review included a detailed examination of the ESB's vertically integrated utility structure and its dominance in the sector, particularly in the area of power generation. The consultants were also requested to make specific recommendations as to the most appropriate institutional arrangements and company structures, including ownership models, for the ESB and, to the extent appropriate, for the electricity sector in general. As part of their terms of reference the consultants also undertook a comprehensive consultation process with industry stakeholders, including the ESB to underpin the review.

I recently received the Deloitte review. I am currently considering the report in the context of the energy policy consultation paper being drawn up by my Department. I intend to publish the report in the context of the energy policy paper.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Broadcasting Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

99 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of surplus funds currently available to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland; the manner in which it is anticipated to spend such funds in the context of the development of the broadcasting service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/06]

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

I assume the Deputy is referring to the broadcasting funding scheme operated by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI. The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland prepare a scheme or schemes for the funding of grants to support certain television and radio programmes. The EU Commission notified Ireland in November 2005 of its decision that it considers the scheme to be compatible with the relevant provisions of the EU treaty. I subsequently wrote to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland approving the scheme entitled Sound & Vision. I understand that the first round of applications under this scheme has taken place.

The amount payable annually under section 4(2) of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 is equal to 5% of net receipts of broadcasting licence fees. The amount available under the scheme now stands at in excess of €25 million.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when there will be a decision on the amending of the list of designated sporting events under the Broadcasting Amendment Act 2003, especially in relation to the upcoming 2006 Ryder Cup; when he expects the review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/06]

David Stanton

Ceist:

127 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the Ryder Cup promoters-organisers, television interests or other sporting authorities or agencies with a view to meeting the expressed wishes of various interests in respect of broadcasting rights for the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 127 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 21 February 2006.

Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Ministerial Appointments.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

103 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of positions on boards, agencies or bodies under his aegis to which he has made appointments in recent times; the number of such appointments outstanding; his plans to fill same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6598/06]

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

The information requested by the Deputy on appointments made to the boards of State-sponsored bodies since September 2004 is set out in the following table. The number of vacancies currently existing is set out in the second table. It is my intention to fill these vacancies at the earliest opportune time.

Appointments to the Boards of State-sponsored Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources made since September 2004
An Post
Board Member (Elected Employees)	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Mr. Jerry Condon	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Patrick Compton	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Patrick Davoren	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Thomas Devlin	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Terry Keller	01.11.2004	31.10.2008

Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Sean Murphy	01.01.05	31.12.07
Mr. Lorcan Ó Cinneide*	01.01.05	31.12.07
Mr. Mario J. Minehane*	01.01.05	31.12.07
Ms Mary McMahon	01.01.05	31.12.06
Ms Karin Dubsky	01.01.05	31.12.06
Mr. Damian McDonald	01.01.05	31.12.06

Bord na Móna
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Fergus McArdle (Chairman)	28.09.04	27.09.09
Ms Anne Heraty	28.09.04	27.09.09
Mr. Gabriel Cribbin	09.09.05	08.09.08

Bord Iascaigh Mhara
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Rose McHugh	29.09.04	23.04.07

Broadcasting Complaints Commission
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Michael McGrath (Chairperson)	18.10.05	17.10.10
Sean O’Sullivan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Eucharia Meehan	18.10.05	17.10.10
David Tighe	18.10.05	17.10.10
Miriam O’Callaghan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Susan Nolan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Phil Brady	18.10.05	17.10.10

Central Fisheries Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
David Mackey (Chairman)	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Ms Mary Bohan	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Éamon de Buitléir	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Myles Kelly	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Naul McCole	24.06.05	24.06.2010
John Henry McLaughlin	24.06.05	24.06.2010

Commission for Energy Regulation (CER)
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Tom Reeves (Chairman)	14.10.04	09.09.09
Mr. Michael Tutty	14.10.04	12.10.09
Ms Regina Finn	01.02.05	31.01.09

Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Mike Byrne	01.12.2004	30.11.08

The Digital Hub
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Joe Murphy	29.09.04	29.09.07

Drogheda Harbour Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Paddy Traynor (Chairperson)	20.12.04	19.12.09
Ms Maria O’Brien Campbell	23.05.05	22.05.10
Mr. Cormac Bohan	29.09.04	28.09.09
Cllr. Paul Bell	04.08.04	03.08.09

Dublin Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Kevin Humphries	10.09.04	09.09.09
Cllr. Christy Burke	10.09.04	09.09.06
Cllr. Paddy Bourke	10.09.04	09.09.09

Dundalk Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Kevin Meenan	05.04.05	04.04.10

Electronic Communications Appeals Panel*
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Hugh Mohan SC	21.09.04	Contract expired
Margaret Heneghan BL	21.09.04	Contract expired
Catherine Woods BA	21.09.04	Contract expired
Mary Sadlier	23.05.05	23.05.06
Sean Barrett	23.05.05	23.05.06
Paul Burns SC	23.05.05	23.05.06
Finbarr Fox SC	23.05.05	23.05.06
Patrick Butler SC	24.05.05	24.05.06
Liam Cahill	20.06.05	20.06.06
Brian O’Moore SC	14.07.05	14.07.06
Eileen Barrington JC	15.06.05	15.06.06

*Pool from which 3 persons will be appointed by Minister to an appeal panel. Two Panels currently exist, each with its own chairperson.

Eirgrid
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Martina Moloney	15.09.04	15.09.09
Mr. Maurice Holly (staff representative)	21.09.04 (re-appointed)	21.09.09
Ms Emer Daly	20.03.05 (2nd term)	19.03.08
Mr. David Mackey	20.03.05 (2nd term)	19.03.08
Mr. Dermot Byrne CEO (ex officio)	04.07.05	03.07.12
Ms Bernie Gray	08.09.05	07.09.10

ESB
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Brendan Byrne	01.09.04	31.08.09
Mr. Tadhg O’Donoghue	07.09.05 (2nd term)	06.09.10
Ms Georgina Kenny	18.05.05 (2nd term)	17.05.10

Galway Harbour Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Joe Tierney	13.08.04	12.08.09
Cllr. Sean Kyne	05.04.05	04.04.10

Marine Institute
Board Member	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Ms. Terry Fleming	29.09.04	28.09.09
Mr. Kevin Bonner (Chairperson)	24.06.05	23.06.08
Ms Dairine McFadden	19.12.05	18.12.10

National Salmon Commission
Board Member	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Mr. Joey Murrin (Chairperson)	30.09.05	31.05.08
Jim Curran	30.09.05	31.05.08
Brian Curran	30.09.05	31.05.08
John H. O’Brien	30.09.05	31.05.08
Peter Hunt	30.09.05	31.05.08
Vincent Roche	30.09.05	31.05.08
Michael Keatinge	30.09.05	31.05.08
Derick Anderson	30.09.05	31.05.08
Noel Carr	30.09.05	31.05.08
Lal Faherty	30.09.05	31.05.08
Martin McEnroe	30.09.05	31.05.08
Luke Boyle	30.09.05	31.05.08
Jerome Dowling	30.09.05	31.05.08
John Doherty	30.09.05	31.05.08
Michael Conners	30.09.05	31.05.08
Seamus De Burca	30.09.05	31.05.08
Carmel Lynn	30.09.05	31.05.08
Frank Flanagan	30.09.05	31.05.08
Peter Dunn	30.09.05	31.05.08
Richie Flynn	30.09.05	31.05.08

New Ross Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Larry O’Brien	26.11.04	25.11.09

Port of Cork Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Michael Hegarty	04.08.04	03.08.09

Port of Waterford Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Lola O’Sullivan	29.08.04	28.08.09
Mr. Derek Madigan	16.03.05	15.03.10

Radió Telefís Éireann Authority
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Fintan Drury	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Maria Killian	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Patricia King	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Ian Malcolm	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Úna Ní Chonaire	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Stephen O’Byrnes	29.06.05 (2nd term)	20.06.2008
Patrick Marron	29.06.05 (2nd term)	20.06.2008
Emer Finnan	14.09.05	20.06.2008
Joe O’Brien	14.09.05	20.06.2008

Southern Regional Fisheries Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Pat Bowe	14.12.04	31.12.05

Regional Harbour Authorities
Arklow Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Sylvester Bourke	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Pat Doran	28.09.04
Cllr. Peter Dempsey	28.09.04
Cllr. Donal O’Sullivan	28.09.04
Mr. James Tyrell	28.09.04
Mr. Lorcan O’Toole	28.09.04
Mr. Austin Gaffney	28.09.04
Ms. Ann Lee	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Mordaunt	28.09.04
Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald	28.09.04
Cllr. Pat Sweeney	28.09.04

Annagassan Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Tommy Reilly	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Finnan McCoy	28.09.04
Cllr. Pearse McGeough	28.09.04
Cllr. Jim Lennon	28.09.04
Mr. Terry Butterly	28.09.04
Ms Rosemarie Coyle	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Reilly	28.09.04
Mr. Tommy McGrory	28.09.04
Mr. Gerard Sheridan	28.09.04

Baltimore & Skibbereen Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Tadgh O’Donovan	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Joe Carroll	28.09.04
Cllr. Brendan Leahy	28.09.04
Cllr. Brendan McCarthy	28.09.04
Mr. Michael Harte	28.09.04
Mr. Vincent O’Driscoll	28.09.04
Mr. Danny O’Driscoll	28.09.04
Mr. Dermot Sheehy	28.09.04
Mr. Kieron Cotter	28.09.04

Bantry Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. John O’Riordan	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Michael Hennebry	28.09.04
Cllr. Eugene Cronin	28.09.04
Cllr. Patrick Kelly	28.09.04
Mr. John O’Shea	28.09.04
Mr. Donal Casey	28.09.04
Mr. Aiden McCarthy	28.09.04
Mrs. Kathleen Tessyman	28.09.04
Ms Letty Baker	28.09.04
Mr. Mario Minehane	28.09.04
Mr. Tim Minihane	28.09.04

Dingle Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr . Tom Fitzgerald	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Eoin Ó Catháin	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Flannery	28.09.04
Mr. Denis O’Connor	28.09.04
Mr. Tom Kennedy	28.09.04
Cllr. Seamus Fitzgerald	28.09.04
Cllr. Breandán Mac Gearailt	28.09.04
Dr. Fionnbar O’Shea	28.09.04
Mr. Timothy O’Sullivan	28.09.04

Kinsale Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Billy Lynch	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Charles Hendeson	28.09.04
Mr. Kevin Murphy	28.09.04
Cllr. Alan Coleman	28.09.04
Mr. Eamon O’Neill	28.09.04
Mr. Frank Kiernan	28.09.04
Mr. John Twomey	28.09.04
Mr. Courtney Good	28.09.04
Mr. Michael T. Frawley	28.09.04

River Moy Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. John Keane	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Dessie Padden	28.09.04
Mr. Jimmy Sheridan	28.09.04
Cllr. Annie May Reape	28.09.04
Mr. John Farrell	28.09.04
Mr. Edward Melvin	28.09.04
Mr. Tommy Ginley	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Jackson	28.09.04
Mr. Judd Ruane	28.09.04
Cllr. Jimmy Moloney	28.09.04
Mr. Michael McDonagh	28.09.04

Sligo Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Albert Higgins	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Patsy Barry	28.09.04
Ms Veronica Cawley	28.09.04
Mr. Jonathan McGoldrick	28.09.04
Mr. Gerry McCanny	28.09.04
Mr. Stephen Rundle	28.09.04
Mr. Seamus Monaghan	28.09.04
Mr. Jim McMorrow	28.09.04
Mr. Gene O’Carroll	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Gannon	28.09.04
Mr. Pádraic Branley	28.09.04

Tralee & Fenit Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Roland Blennerhassett	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Con Casey	28.09.04
Mr. Dermot Crowley	28.09.04
Mr. James Browne	28.09.04
Ms Norma Foley	28.09.04
Mr Michael Moriarity	28.09.04
Mr. John Wall	28.09.04
Ms Toireasa Ní Fhearaíosa	28.09.04
Mr. Christopher Lynch	28.09.04
Mr. Vincent Locke	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Sullivan	28.09.04

Table 2
Vacancies currently outstanding on Boards of State-sponsored Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
	Vacancies
Communications
An Post	2 vacancies
Broadcasting Complaints Commission	1 vacancy
Digital Hub	3 vacancies
Electronic Communications Appeals Panel	4 vacancies
RTE	1 vacancy
Natural Resources
Bord Gáis	2 vacancies
ESB	2 vacancies
Marine
BIM	1 vacancy
Loughs Agency	1 vacancy
Regional Fisheries Boards (RFBs)*
Eastern RFB	3 vacancies
Northern RFB	1 vacancy
North-Western RFB	1 vacancy
Southern RFB	3 vacancies
South-Western RFB	7 vacancies
Western RFB	1 vacancy

*Terms of office of all members of Regional Fisheries Boards terminated as of 31st December 2005. However this period of time was extended and will continue until midnight on the day on which the results of the next election for elected members of the Boards is declared or at such a time as the Board becomes a Regional Advisory Board under the proposed restructuring plans for the sector, whichever is earlier.

Broadcasting Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

104 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the development of digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 144 on 25 January 2006.

Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 77.

Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

107 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the schemes, groups or organisations deemed to have been most successful in the provision of broadband services; the extent to which delivery is taking place through such proposals; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6643/06]

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

122 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of areas currently having broadband access through the MANs or similar schemes; his future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6601/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 122 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, 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.

A principal reason for the slow roll-out of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

This programme has been extended to more than 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, more than 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme.

A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school with broadband by the beginning of 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and my Department's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities. The construction-installation phase is now under way, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

In 2004 there were more than 80 Internet service providers, today there are more than 156 companies, with at least 45 different broadband offerings. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly, and the lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity, and the development of Wi-Max offers considerable potential in the future.

Post Office Network.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

108 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals for An Post to establish a new banking operation in conjunction with a Belgian-Dutch financial services group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6734/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

113 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of bodies or agencies with whom discussions have taken place in regard to possible integration of services with An Post; if an evaluation has been done of the most likely compatible joint service providers with the prospect of ensuring the continuous viability of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/06]

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

111 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects An Post to be in a position to meet the challenge of full liberalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6637/06]

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

Liberalisation of the postal sector, as set out in two European Union postal directives, has already commenced in Ireland with some sectors such as outbound international mail already fully subject to competition. An Post, like all other postal operators, will face more intense competition on full opening of the market, which the European directives propose to happen, subject to political approval, on 1 January 2009. It is imperative, therefore, that An Post is on a secure financial footing to successfully meet the challenges of competition.

The key imperative for An Post is to be in a position to offer products and services which meet customer needs in a competitive environment. The recently agreed restructuring plan will play an important part in the process of placing An Post on a more secure financial footing. It is imperative that all sides now work together to ensure that the plan is fully implemented.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

112 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued instructions in regard to the future development of the postal services with particular reference to opening or closing post offices or extending or reducing the scale of services available through An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6646/06]

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

This Government, as clearly set out in the programme for Government, and the board of An Post, are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. The future development of the post office network and the delivery of services through that network is the responsibility, in the first instance, of the board and management of the company. In regard to the closure of post offices specifically, this is an operational matter for the company and one in which I have no function.

It is the Government's objective to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current size.

I have asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long-term viability of the post office network. In this light, An Post is currently working on a new initiative which would see the development of An Post financial services, APFS. Its aim is to supply a wide range of retail financial services through the branch network. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business and contribute to the viability of the network.

Question No. 113 answered with QuestionNo. 108.

Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Corrib Gas Pipeline.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

117 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends making a decision with regard to the provision of consent for the laying of the Corrib onshore gas pipeline. [6740/06]

Damien English

Ceist:

147 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the Corrib gas field; when he expects all the difficulties surrounding the project to be resolved to the satisfaction of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6634/06]

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 147, 164, 330, 331, 332, 333 and 356 together.

I commissioned an international consulting company, Advantica, on 25 August 2005 to carry out a thorough and independent safety review of the onshore upstream section of the Corrib gas pipeline. Advantica are world leaders in the area of advanced hazard and risk assessment technologies for gas pipelines.

In parallel with this safety review, I established a public consultation process to ensure that the concerns of the community would be fully addressed in this review. As part of this process, a two day public hearing was held in Geesala on 12 and 13 October, chaired by Mr. John Gallagher SC, during which the community was given the opportunity to express its concerns directly to the consultants. The consultants also made a separate site inspection of the pipeline route.

The results of this review have now been forwarded to my Department and I am considering it and an additional report from my Department's technical advisory group in this regard. I hope to make a decision regarding the outstanding consents for the pipeline in the near future.

Deputies will also be aware that following consultation with relevant parties Mr. Peter Cassells was engaged as a mediator in relation to the issues in dispute. The mediation process, including any role for the Mediators' Institute, is a matter for Mr. Cassells and I do not wish to comment on the process at this stage.

The reference in one question to recent large gas finds arises from an article in a business magazine reporting an estimate of the resource potential which was carried out for one operator and from reportage of a farm-in agreement in an offshore licence. Both references are to the potential resources in the areas and do not constitute discoveries, much less commercial finds.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

118 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the infringement proceedings which have been initiated or raised by the EU in relation to the obligation of Ireland under the Common Fisheries Policy over the past five years; and his views on same. [6656/06]

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

There are four current cases in which the European Commission has initiated court action or infringement proceedings against Ireland in relation to alleged overfishing or inadequate implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP. Of these cases, the European Court of Justice, ECJ, has issued a recent judgment against Ireland in respect of one case, while the Commission has issued a reasoned opinion in one case and letters of formal notice in the other two, all three of which may proceed to the ECJ.

These cases are under Article 226 of the European Treaty but, where there is an adverse judgment, there is a possibility of further action by the Commission under Article 228 of the treaty. An adverse judgment under Article 228 may involve very substantial lump sum and periodic penalties being imposed by the ECJ, as occurred in a recent case involving another member state. It is, therefore, imperative that Ireland is able to maintain a vigorous and robust legal and operational framework in relation to control and enforcement under the CFP.

In respect of the case where a judgment has been delivered under Article 226, the Commission has written to Ireland under Article 228 of the treaty to enforce the earlier judgment. Ireland responded to this letter last week outlining details of the measures that either have been taken or will be taken in response to the judgment. These measures, which involve additional staff and new technology, will deliver systematic improvements.

In respect of previous cases initiated by the Commission against Ireland in recent years, there has been one judgment issued by the ECJ under Article 226 which was delivered in 2004. In this case, the Commission also wrote to Ireland under Article 228 and I understand that the Commission, after consideration of Ireland's reply, decided against pursuing further proceedings under Article 228.

To address issues identified by the Commission in these infringement proceedings, the Department has invested heavily in fisheries control resources and information technology in recent years. It is also strengthening its legal framework with regard to enforcement of fisheries law through the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill which is currently before the House, as the current legal situation following recent Supreme Court judgments has left Ireland particularly vulnerable in respect of its obligations under the CFP.

Broadcasting Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

119 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when consultants Deloitte & Touche and solicitors (details supplied) will report on an implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of today.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

120 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to extend availability of radio and television transmissions outside this jurisdiction on a free to air basis or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6652/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

150 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has taken place in regard to the provision of RTE television coverage abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 150 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 115 of 16 November 2005.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

121 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he was able to raise concerns at the recent European Council meeting regarding the lack of effective quota information in relation to foreign sea fishing boats being available to naval services in the policing of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he received a commitment to a change in Common Fisheries Policy regulations in this regard. [6749/06]

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

Under the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, each member state has delegated responsibility to manage its quotas as it sees fit. The system of allocating the quotas differs widely from member state to member state. Ireland allocates the fishing quotas for defined periods of time while other member states divide the national quota between fishing representative organisations or to individual fishing vessels. This mixture of systems does not lend itself to a situation whereby the entitlements of every fishing vessel may be known throughout the Community.

However, there are a number of systems already in place that facilitate control of fishing vessels of other member states. Certain information is available to the Irish control authorities on the fishing entitlements of other member states' vessels. For instance, member states inform each other of the fishing entitlements of individual vessels by way of circulated lists of fishing vessels with entitlement to participate in the individual fisheries. These lists are circulated to the Naval Service and land-based inspectorate of the Department. Where a member state has put in place a prohibition on any fishery, for example, when the quota is exhausted, this is notified by the Commission to all member states so that the control authorities in the member states are aware that a fishing stop is in place for that species.

The reformed CFP contains a specific chapter dealing with control and sets a variety of requirements that all member states must implement to ensure that fisheries resources are adequately protected. In addition, the Fisheries Council agreed in 2005 to establish a Community fisheries control agency to improve cooperation and co-ordination between the control authorities of member states. The agency is to be based in Vigo, Spain and is expected to become operational before the end of 2006. This will lead to a greater deal of information being available to member states' control authorities in respect of each other's fishing entitlements.

There should be greater information exchange on quotas and catches and I consider that this matter should be progressed as part of an overall effort of strengthened control at European level. In that regard, I wish to inform the Deputy that the subject was raised at our meeting with Commissioner Borg yesterday.

Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 107.

Energy Policy.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

123 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he proposes to emulate the energy targets recently set in Sweden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/06]

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

By international standards, Sweden and its economy has a small dependence on oil and has recently announced its intention to eliminate this dependency completely by 2020. In this context, it is important to compare like with like. For instance, in Sweden the fuel mix for electricity production is about 45% nuclear and 47% hydro which is in stark contrast to our situation where we have very limited natural resources and have decided against developing nuclear power.

In so far as oil dependence is concerned, Sweden has an indigenous car manufacturing base and consequently has the opportunity to influence the development of alternative fuel vehicles. I will publish an energy policy consultation paper in the coming months which will set out medium and long-term perspectives for national energy policy, including targets for increasing renewable energy and for increasing energy efficiency.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

125 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the overall target for renewable energy supply for 2020 and 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/06]

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

The current target for the increased use of renewable energy technologies in the electricity market is to more than double the current contribution from approximately 5% of total consumption to 13% by 2010.

Targets beyond 2010 will be determined in the context of the development of an all-island electricity market. A joint North-South public consultation process on an all-island vision for renewable energy by 2020 and beyond has been undertaken. Work is ongoing to develop the process taking into account views of industry stakeholders. The aim is to develop a long term strategy for renewable energy on the island as a whole.

Fuel Storage Facilities.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

126 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent to which he envisages storage facilities in respect of gas and oil to be improved with a view to having a reasonable and improved stand-by supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6650/06]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

131 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for the development of natural gas storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6732/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 131 together.

As a member of the IEA, Ireland is required to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports of crude oil equivalent in the previous year. The EU imposes a similar requirement based on consumption. At 1 December 2005 Ireland's oil stock reserves were estimated at 102 days net imports — IEA methodology.

Since its establishment in 1995, the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, has acted as the agent of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and its function is to arrange for the holding of national strategic oil stocks at a level determined annually by the Minister. Such stocks may be held either at home and-or abroad directly by the agency and-or on its behalf by third parties. Ireland meets its EU and IEA obligations through a combination of: stocks owned and held by NORA, either in Ireland or abroad; stock tickets held by NORA under commercial contracts, in Ireland or abroad, which include an option to purchase the oil in the event of an emergency; and operational stocks held in Ireland by industry-large consumers but not including stocks within the distribution networks which are deemed to be consumed.

As part of Ireland's emergency oil reserves planning, a number of bilateral oil stockholding agreements have also been concluded with other European Union member states — Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Such agreements allow for the storing of Irish oil stocks within these jurisdictions under guarantee by the host country that it would not oppose the transfer of the oil in question to Ireland in the event of an emergency.

All oil stocks, including those held by NORA, are held in commercial tankage either in Ireland or abroad. I am satisfied that Ireland's emergency stock levels are sufficient to ensure that we would be in a position to participate effectively in any internationally co-ordinated response in the event of an international oil supply disruption, or manage any short-term disruption specifically impacting on the Irish market.

Turning to natural gas, in the context of the all-island energy market development framework, the scope for a common approach on storage and liquefied natural gas is being progressed jointly in conjunction with both regulatory authorities.

Under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has the function of licensing natural gas storage facilities. In carrying out its functions, the commission must have regard to the need to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the natural gas system to enable reasonable expectations of demand to be met; and to secure the continuity, security and quality of supplies of natural gas.

CER is in discussion with Marathon Oil Ireland Limited in relation to the development of natural gas storage facilities at south west Kinsale. CER has recently completed a public consultation on the proposed regulatory regime for the storage facility. A further consultation on a natural gas storage licence will commence shortly. It is planned that the storage facility will be operational by the middle of 2006.

Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 100.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

128 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason over the past three years the Irish fisheries statistical returns and reports were not sent by his Department to the EU Commission as required under the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

166 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he failed to provide the quota on fishing efforts in Ireland over a three year period since 2002 as highlighted in the most recent report of the EU on serious infringements of the Common Fisheries Policy and thereby exposed Ireland to major EU fines. [6657/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 166 together.

The Court of Justice of the European Communities in case C-38/05 entered a judgment in December 2005 against Ireland which related to the provision of catch and fishing effort reports for the years 1999 and 2000. However, in so far as these reports are concerned, the Department had prior to that judgment submitted these to the Commission, first, on 29 April 2005 — effort reports under Article 19i of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2847/93 of 12 October 1993 and, second, on 27 May 2005 — catch reports under Articles 15(4) and 18(1) of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2847/93 of 12 October 1993.

The general situation is that due to staffing shortages and the need to develop new technology to respond to a greatly increased and more complex reporting requirement to the Commission, particularly in relation to fishing effort, it had not proved possible for some time to submit all of the various reports required under the Common Fisheries Policy within the various deadlines. The Department recognised that there was a need to secure improved delivery of the necessary reports and it kept the Commission periodically apprised of its plans to secure such improvement.

I am pleased to report that such improvement has now been secured. This has resulted from, first, advances in staffing terms from a complement of some 27 administrative and specialist control staff in 1999 to a planned 101 by early next year and, second, there has also been considerable investment on the installation of new technology in the form of the integrated fisheries information system, IFIS, which embraces all the key information requirements on catches and fleets. Through a combination of these two developments in particular, which have involved extensive work over a period of years, Ireland is now in a position to discharge its reporting obligations to a very large extent in a timely manner. Catch reports for 2005 were submitted on schedule throughout last year and insofar as the effort reports for 2005 are concerned, all 12 of these were submitted to the Commission last week as well as the January 2006 effort report.

It is appropriate to emphasise that the CFP reporting requirement is highly complex and extensive and it will continue to pose a strong organisational challenge in the future. The Department, therefore, intends to continue to develop the reporting functions of the new IFIS system so as to facilitate compliance with all reporting obligations in relation to the Common Fisheries Policy.

Telecommunications Services.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

129 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investment, infrastructural or otherwise, which is planned to improve broadband service provision in Kildare; the place Kildare will take in the context of an overall national strategy concerning same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/06]

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

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

It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband, so my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These metropolitan area networks, MANs, will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

Some 27 MANs have been completed under phase one and 24 are currently being operated by E-Net, the management services entity. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in a further 93 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the sector. Kildare is developing nine projects in respect of the following towns: Kildare, Newbridge, Rathangan, Sallins, Maynooth, Clane, Monasterevan, Kilcock and Prosperous. The route designs are currently being finalised prior to issuing the detailed design invitation to tender. Construction on these projects is expected to commence in 2006.

For rural communities and the hinterlands of larger towns, my Department offers funding under the county and group broadband scheme to enable these communities to become self-sufficient in broadband, in association with the service providers. To date 12 schemes have been approved across Kildare County representing total capital investment of €396,750, making broadband available to 68 communities and 17,790 people. Full details of the scheme, including application procedures, are on the website www.gbs.gov.ie.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie lists all service providers offering broadband services in all towns in Kildare and gives contact details for each company together with prices for the various service levels on offer.

Kildare Briefing

9 MANs projects

1. Kildare

2. Newbridge

3. Rathangan

4. Sallins

5. Maynooth

6. Clane

7. Monasterevan

8. Kilcock

9. Prosperous

12 GBS projects

1. Timahoe

2. Cloncurry

3. Balraheen

4. Cadamstown

5. Johnstown

6. Kilteel

7. Rathmore

8. Straffan

9. Castledermot

10. Kilkea

11. Kilbride

12. Clane

There are a large number of operators in the Kildare area. Names are not available by county. However, the providers in each town in Kildare are listed at www.broadband.gov.ie. For example, in Kildare town, the website lists: DSL — BT; UTV Internet; Digiweb DSL; Leap Broadband DSL; Netsource; Perlico Communications; Pure Telecom DSL; Strencom; COM1 DSL; Imagine Broadband; and Access Telecom. Satellite — Digiweb Satellite; Mediasat; Applied Solutions; Orbitlink; Pure Telecom Satellite; e3 Broadband; ehotspot; Avonline; eircom; BROADBAND4IRELAND; and Fastnet Broadband.

Electricity Generation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

130 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide details on the proposed development of a new 400 megawatt power station and a natural gas pipeline in the north west region; when this project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6733/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

148 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the process by which the location for new power plants is decided and the relevant role of his Department and the Commission for Energy Regulation is in that process in view of recent reports that the Government are due to appoint consultants to examine the feasibility of the building of a new gas fired power plant in the north west. [6742/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 148 together.

My Department has recently published a request for tenders for a gas to the north west study, in the context of the Government's objective for regional policy in the national development plan and having regard to the national spatial strategy.

The scope of work of this study is first to determine the feasibility of bringing gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal town via Sligo, considering three specified alternative routes, second to examine and assess options for and issues surrounding the development of gas-fired power generation along the pipeline routes and finally to present options for the provision of gas pipeline infrastructure and gas-fired power generation, with recommendations as to how best the options may be pursued.

The alternative pipeline routes under consideration to bring gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal town are: via Ballina and Sligo, via Castlebar, Claremorris, Knock and Sligo, or via Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballaghaderreen and Sligo.

The tender document specifies that account will be taken of the regulatory framework for the development of new generation capacity, including the Commission for Energy Regulation's role in ensuring security of electricity supply and the development of competition in the power generation sector. The recommendations of the study will therefore be consistent with the regulatory framework.

Locations at the appropriate nodes in the high-voltage electricity grid will be assessed for their capacity to accommodate power generation and their potential to contribute to the economic viability of the proposed natural gas pipeline routes.

A range of gas-fired generation plant sizes and types will be considered for each location. These locations are in or close to Bellacorick, Ballina, Sligo Town, Donegal, Castlebar, Claremorris and Ballaghadarreen.

The cost benefit analysis will include consideration of the Government's regional development policy. In considering the benefits of the recommended options, the study will take into account the role of enhanced energy infrastructure in facilitating regional development and the national spatial strategy objectives.

In addition to considering the widest possible range of options for the provision of energy infrastructure in the north west region, this study will also deliver on the Government's commitment to consider extending the natural gas network to Sligo town. I expect that the gas to the north west study will be completed this year and will inform future policy decisions across the range of issues to be considered in relation to north west energy infrastructure.

Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 126.

Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Telecommunications Services.

The multi-annual financial package for renewable energy announced in budget 2006 includes a grant aid package for the domestic sector, which will provide for individual grants to install renewable energy technologies including wood pellet boilers, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps. All the technologies are being given equal priority as one comprehensive scheme. The scheme is aimed primarily at the renewable heat sector, rather than electricity generation projects such as turbines.

My Department, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is developing the necessary detailed measures to roll out the new programme, which will be announced shortly. Under the SEI House of Tomorrow research, development and demonstration programme, financial support is already directed at encouraging developers of housing, both new-build and refurbishment, to incorporate design and technology features, which deliver significantly superior energy and CO2 performance. A total of €5 million was expended on research and development, international collaboration and public good research to December 2005 with outstanding commitments of €10.5 million. To date, 55 housing demonstration projects and 2,650 have benefited from this programme. The technologies installed include: condensing oil and gas boilers, 1,984 homes; solar water heating, 687 homes; heat recovery ventilation, 633 homes; ground source heat pumps, 392 homes; and wood pellet boilers, 344 homes.

SEI also runs a low income housing programme to assist with the establishment of a national plan of action to address the issue of fuel poverty in low-income households in Ireland. This provides the context for co-ordinated action to ensure such households have access to adequate cost effective heating and hot water, and energy efficient lighting and appliances. A total of €3.6 million has been expended on over 8,000 homes since the programme commenced. There are eight operational community based organisations that actively completed homes in 2005. An additional four groups were approved in December 2005 and they are currently recruiting staff and undergoing training. It was announced in the budget that an additional €2 million is to be made available under the low income housing programme to tackle fuel poverty.

Telecommunications Sector.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

136 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if urgent measures for reform of the regulatory system of the telecommunications sector will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6728/06]

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

I will shortly bring forward proposals in the form of a Bill to enhance the regulatory powers of ComReg in relation to the telecommunications sector. In addition to these proposals, the EU Commission is undertaking a review of the telecoms regulatory framework and I will be contributing to that review in due course.

Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Digital Hub.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

138 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the development of the digital hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6644/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 25 January 2006.

Telecommunications Services.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

139 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the studies which have been carried out with a view to meeting the telecommunications requirements of the residents of the Black Valley, County Kerry, and other residents similarly affected here; if a determination has been made in respect of the most suitable technology in such circumstances; if suitable available funding has been identified with particular reference to public service obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6648/06]

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

This is an operational issue for the service provider concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the regulations, which transpose the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. I have no function in the matter.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

140 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the Commission for Communications Regulations most recent trends report recorded that home Internet penetration was static at 37% and that the EUROSTAT broadband survey has claimed Ireland has a broadband penetration of only 1.7%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6698/06]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

341 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources what is creating the difficulty in the roll out of broadband here in view of the EUROSTAT broadband survey, which found Ireland’s broadband penetration to be a mere 1.7 %. [6791/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 341 together.

The development and roll-out of broadband technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself in a liberalised market.

In comparison to other European states, broadband providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. The lack of competition between providers and the reduction in investment in the aftermath of the dotcom crash weakened the initial roll-out by providers here. However, the situation is improving rapidly and the current level of take-up is consistent with the stage of development of the market.

The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors including access by the providers to suitable infrastructure, competition between providers and demand conditions in the economy. Since 2004, broadband subscriber numbers have more than doubled and the current take-up is in the region of 10,000 per month. ComReg figures to end December 2005 are estimated at 250,000.

Another barrier to the delivery of broadband services is the slow pace of local loop unbundling, LLU. Responsibility for LLU is a matter for ComReg. I have no powers to issue instructions to service providers in this matter.

The Deputy will be aware of the broadband demand report which recently issued on my Departments website. This consultation document is an opportunity to assess the demand side, of the broadband market in Ireland. It reviews the level of demand in the market; key demand factors for consumers, and lists possible examples of demand measures including measures to increase PC ownership that could be introduced by Government and industry if they are necessary.

I encourage all interested parties to read the report and invite them to make submissions before the closing date of 1 March 2006.

Energy Resources.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

141 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of a single regulator for the all-Ireland energy market which becomes effective in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6738/06]

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

The all-island energy market development framework is the roadmap for the development of the all-island energy market across a range of strategic areas in the short and medium term.

In the context of the framework, the development of a single regulatory body is identified within the detailed development programme as a longer-term strategic goal. An examination of the benefits and requirements for the creation of an all-island regulatory body is scheduled for 2009-2010.

Broadcasting Services.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

142 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the regulator or other interests in regard to the development of radio and television services here in the future with due regard for both the public and private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/06]

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

In drawing up my statement of strategy for the development of the broadcasting sector from 2005 to 2007, I consulted the key stakeholders in the industry. The statement of strategy is available on my Department's website.

In the day-to-day work of my Department there is ongoing engagement between my officials and the statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department in relation to a wide range of broadcasting issues.

Telecommunications Services.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

143 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the recent achievement of 100% availability of broadband in Northern Ireland the measures he is bringing forward to achieve the same level of availability in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6723/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 25 January 2006.

Energy Resources.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

144 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status and potential capacity of east-west electricity interconnectors with particular reference to the availability of the means whereby energy that is surplus to needs can be disposed of economically and that incoming requirements can be equally facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6638/06]

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

Security of energy supply is a key imperative for Ireland and the European Union. The relatively small size of the Irish electricity market underlines the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity market into the wider European market. In this context, the east-west electricity interconnector project is a priority for the Government.

The Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, is finalising proposals on the financial, technical, commercial and procurement aspects of the development. A decision on how best to commission the east-west electricity interconnection project is the next step informed by the advice of CER. Decisions are needed now to ensure that the target date of 2011 for operation of the interconnector is met.

East-west electricity interconnection would also, in theory at least, allow for the export of wind-powered electricity which could be surplus to national requirements due to the variable nature of the wind resource. However, the overall amount of wind-powered capacity which could be safely connected to the national grid after the commissioning of an east-west electricity interconnector would depend on a variety of factors including the amount of wind-powered capacity connected in the UK, the nature and point of the interconnection and protocols for operating the interconnection and accessing or allocating the available capacity.

Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 117.

Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 130.

Fishing Industry Development.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

149 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the procedures for the allocation of funding under the fisheries harbour development fund; when it was decided to approve the €3.2 million grant allocation to works in Greencastle Harbour on 14 February 2006, the €300,000 allocated for works in Buncrana Harbour on 6 February 2006 and the €884,500 that was allocated to Burtonport Harbour on 24 January 2006; the cost benefit analysis conducted in relation to each of these approvals; the other funding which has been agreed for the 2006 programme; and when this funding was committed. [6743/06]

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

The National Development Plan 2000-2006 provides for an investment of €84.35 million over the period of the plan for the development and construction of fishery harbour and related facilities at key strategic fishery harbours and the construction and improvement of berthage at smaller harbours and landing places. Major fishery harbour projects proposed for funding are submitted in the Department's multi-annual capital programme and are approved for funding on that basis. Feasibility studies and-or cost benefit analyses are carried out in all cases before sanction is granted to proceed with these major projects. Funding of €22.5 million is available for the fishery harbours development programme in 2006, of which approximately €2 million is being assigned to the programme for funding of small fishery harbours.

The Greencastle development is estimated to cost in the region of €33 million. This project is being managed by the Department's engineering division on behalf of Donegal County Council. A cost benefit analysis was carried out in 2005. Expenditure of €3.2 million this year, of which the Department's contribution is €2.4 million, has been approved to commence stage one of a four stage development.

Under the small fishery harbours programme, the Department receives proposals from local authorities in relation to harbours under their ownership on an ongoing basis. Local authorities tend to prioritise their proposals and Donegal County Council identified Burtonport and Buncrana as requiring urgent works. The Department allocated €225,000 for works at Buncrana to construct a breakwater at the harbour to improve access to the harbour by the fishing industry and the RNLI lifeboat. Some €585,000 is allocated to Burtonport to continue phase two of the dredging at the harbour. The remainder of the allocation for the small harbours programme is under consideration at present.

A list of projects approved under the fishery harbours development programme for 2006 follows.

Fishery Harbour Programme 2006
Location	Project	Total Cost	DCMNR Contribution
		€	€
Castletownbere FHC, Cork	Dinish Wharf extension & offices	12,000,000	12,000,000
Castletownbere FHC, Cork	Effluent treatment	700,000	700,000
Castletownbere FHC, Cork	Mainland Quay	100,000	100,000
Clogherhead, Co. Louth	Port Oriel development	5,503,268	4,127,451
Greencastle, Donegal	Harbour development	3,200,000	2,400,000
Cromane, Kerry	Development	266,667	200,000
Dunmore East FHC, Waterford	Development	600,000	600,000
Dunmore East FHC, Waterford	Repair to East Pier	300,000	300,000
Knightstown, Kerry	Co-funded with DCRGA	800,000	400,000
Buncrana, Donegal	Construction of breakwater	300,000	225,000
Burtonport, Donegal	Harbour dredging Phase 2	780,000	585,000
Total		24,549,935	21,637,451

Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

151 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to ensure an adequate provision of broadband to private and commercial users in the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal. [6746/06]

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

The provision of telecommunications services, 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.

Market forces, and the availability of suitable infrastructure and backhaul, will determine whether a company offers broadband in any area. A principal reason for the slow roll-out of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas.

My Department is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, in association with the local authorities, using Government and European Regional Development Fund funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. MANs have already been completed in Gaoth Dobhair and Letterkenny, and are being operated by ENet, the management services entity. MANs for Buncrana and Carndonagh are at the detailed design stage and construction of these networks is due to commence during the summer months. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

The Government, last autumn, directed Departments to examine what could be done to alleviate the employment situation in the county, with particular focus on infrastructure development. Officials from my Department have since met with representatives from Donegal County Council as well as local interest groups and are currently examining a number of options.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including digital subscriber lines, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Question No. 158 answered with QuestionNo. 95.

Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 160 answered with QuestionNo. 135.

Question No. 161 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Energy Resources.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

162 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he is considering in relation to the development of wave and tidal power; the timeframe for the launch of the new national energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/06]

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

I will publish an ocean energy strategy shortly, which will outline a development path for ocean energy technology in Ireland. The development of ocean energy possibilities is currently being progressed by Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and the Marine Institute. Demonstration projects and studies funded to date include: research and development support for three separate wave energy device developers, including support for wave tank testing of model devices; assessment of the tidal energy resource; assessment of the wave energy resource; development of a quarter scale test site in Galway Bay; assessment of economic benefits from development of ocean energy; and participation in IEA ocean energy implementing agreement.

I will publish an energy policy consultation paper by mid year which will set out medium and long-term perspectives for national energy policy and which will take account of the considerable and complex challenges for future Irish energy policy.

Postal Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

163 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to issue guidelines in regard to the use of postcodes with particular reference to excluding the use of socioeconomic or personal information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6651/06]

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

Following from the recommendations of the working group report on postcodes, I asked the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to appoint project managers to support the postcode project by providing technical and economic advice including assessing the costs and benefits of the introduction of a postcode.

The terms of reference for the project managers stipulate that the code be structured spatially and consequently the code will not be based on any socio-economic or personal information.

Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 117.

Question No. 165 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 166 answered with QuestionNo. 128.

Post Office Network.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

167 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the optimum number of post offices to be retained, upgraded or downgraded by An Post; his further views on the way such proposals are likely to affect the delivery of services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/06]

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

I have no statutory function in this matter. It is an operational issue for the board and management of An Post.

Postal Services.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

168 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he envisages the development of the postal services in the future in view of the existence of competition, public service obligations and the availability of network and delivery services currently available or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6649/06]

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

An Post operates within a regulatory framework as enshrined in EU and Irish law and therefore, the universal service obligation, which includes nationwide postal delivery requirements, is a statutory requirement for An Post, as the designated universal service provider. This is set out in Statutory Instrument 616 of 2002 European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations. Furthermore, these regulations also provide for the liberalisation of the postal market.

A study is currently being undertaken by the European Union on the impact on the universal service of the full accomplishment of a liberalised postal market. Based on the outcome of this study, the Commission will present a report to the European Parliament and Council by 31 December 2006 accompanied by a proposal confirming, if appropriate, the date of 2009 for the full liberalisation of the postal market or to determine alternative steps in light of the study's conclusions.

Issues that will be important for Ireland in the context of this new directive will include the protection of the universal service in a liberalised market, ensuring that Irish citizens continue to receive a broad suite of postal services and the continued viability of An Post in the face of open competition. Competition has already arrived to certain parts of the sector and can be expected to intensify in the coming years and at present there are 29 firms operating in Ireland with a postal service authorisation from ComReg.

The postal sector in Ireland needs competition, especially in light of the many internationally traded sectors operating in the country but it also needs An Post to be competitive. I believe that liberalisation and the expected increase in competition will ultimately be good for both An Post and consumers and that the company can continue to be a significant and strong player in the market post-liberalisation.

Question No. 169 answered with QuestionNo. 71.

Energy Resources.

David Stanton

Ceist:

170 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has examined the implications of intention by some oil companies to cease business here; if this is likely to have implications for oil and gas exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/06]

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

The oil industry can be classified in terms of upstream exploration and production, and downstream distribution, including importation, and retail.

In terms of downstream activities, the oil industry in Ireland is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. There is free entry to the market subject to normal planning requirements, health and safety regulations, and customs and excise regulations. In this context decisions regarding entry and exit to the Irish market are made by companies based on their own commercial strategies. I have no function in the area. Companies have entered and exited the market over the years and such activities have not impacted adversely to the supply of oil into the Irish market.

Downstream activities in Ireland are undertaken by a combination of Irish affiliates of oil majors, Esso, Statoil, Texaco and ConocoPhillips, six medium sized Irish companies and some smaller Irish companies and independent retailers. With, to date, no indigenous oil, production companies located in Ireland source their oil requirements under commercial contracts with oil producers and refiners located overseas, primarily in the UK and Norway.

The decision by one oil company to sell its petroleum retail interests in Ireland is not expected to have any implications for that, or any other, company's interest in exploration offshore Ireland.

Broadcasting Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

171 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has discussed the various options available in regard to the future development of both the public and private broadcasting services with particular reference to the structures he has in mind and their likely impact on the industry in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6633/06]

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

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are set down in my Department's statement of strategy, 2005-2007. This strategy was drawn up following consultation with key players in the industry. My objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting in the Irish market; and to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form, on a universal and free-to-air basis.

Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a public service broadcasting presence, together with private broadcasters.

Fishing Industry Development.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

172 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his strategy for maintaining and developing fishery harbours here; the reason there has been such long delays in the appointment of harbour masters in certain harbours, including Howth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6729/06]

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

The National Development Plan 2000-2006 provides for an investment of €84.35 million over the period of the plan for the development and construction of fishery harbour and related facilities at key strategic fishery harbours and the construction and improvement of berthage at smaller harbours and landing places, with a key role in maintaining jobs in fishing, aquaculture and ancillary activities. Under the fishery harbours development programme a total of €120 million approximately was spent up to the end of 2005.

The criteria for selection of fishery harbour projects are: the development of infrastructure and facilities at priority fishery harbours, to cater for larger vessels and developments in landing and work practices, in particular in the context of EU requirements; the development of local harbours, and the upgrading of local harbour infrastructure with a key role in creating and maintaining jobs in fishing, aquaculture and ancillary activities; the protection and preservation of existing infrastructure at selected local harbours especially in remote coastal areas where fishing or aquaculture has an important socioeconomic role; and the establishment of an adequate and reliable ice supply network around the coast.

There is substantial scope for increasing fishing activity operating out of Irish fishery harbours through exploiting our geographical competitive advantage. As energy costs increase the global fishing industry will have to change patterns of travelling long distances to fish off Ireland. There is an opportunity to capitalise on location and to attract a much greater proportion of EU landings and downstream activity through Irish fishing ports.

This points to the need for integrated seafood industry support centres with good harbour infrastructure, competitive purchasing structures and logistics services at the fishery harbour centres. Purchasing and marketing strategies also have to be developed to attract the additional landings from vessels operating off the Irish coast. The focus will be on value added from supply and support services to those vessels and processing the catches of those vessels.

A key policy objective is therefore to develop the infrastructure, operational efficiency and range of supply and support services at the five fishery harbour centres and other key fishery harbours with a view to maximising the levels of economic activity and returns from these facilities.

In addition, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the three harbour master posts at Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth fishery harbour centres were filled last autumn. Harbour masters were already in place at Killybegs and Rossaveel fishery harbour centres. The assistant harbour master is currently filling the position in Killybegs in an acting capacity.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

173 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the procedures which exist that would allow him to raise at head of Government level the need for further reform of the European common fisheries policy to ensure greater control across national boundaries of quota management and other enforcement regulations; and his views regarding the lack of such a co-ordinated control system at the upcoming European Council meeting. [6513/06]

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

Under the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, each member state has delegated responsibility to manage its quotas as it sees fit. The system of allocating the quotas differs widely from member state to member state. Ireland allocates the fishing quotas for defined periods of time while other member states divide the national quota between fishing representative organisations or to individual fishing vessels. This mixture of systems does not lend itself easily to a situation whereby the entitlements of every fishing vessel may be known throughout the Community.

However, there are a number of systems already in place that facilitate control of fishing vessels of other member states. Certain information is available to the Irish control authorities on the fishing entitlements of other member states' vessels. For instance, member states inform each other of the fishing entitlements of individual vessels by way of circulated lists of fishing vessels with entitlement to participate in the individual fisheries. These lists are circulated to the Naval Service and land-based inspectorate of the Department. Where a member state has put in place a prohibition on any fishery, for example when the quota is exhausted, this is notified by the Commission to all member states so that the control authorities in the member states are aware that a fishing stop is in place for that species.

As a general rule, I agree with the Deputy that it would be desirable to secure improved co-ordination and exchange of quota information between member states in order to combat over-fishing. While there is some scope available under current circumstances to exchange information on catches, it tends to be rather limited. In that regard, I want to clarify to the House a point made in a reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 25 January 2006 when reference was made to Ireland's control services advising the flag member state of the logged catches of vessels boarded. Currently, this is not established practise in all cases. This matter should be progressed as part of an overall effort of strengthened control at European level and I wish to inform the Deputy that the subject was raised at our meeting with Commissioner Borg yesterday.

The objective of securing a more co-ordinated control system was a key feature of the CFP reform process in 2002. The reformed CFP contains a specific chapter dealing with control and sets a variety of requirements that all member states must implement to ensure that fisheries resources are adequately protected. In addition, the Fisheries Council agreed in 2005 to establish a Community fisheries control agency to improve co-operation and co-ordination between the control authorities of member states. The agency is to be based in Vigo, Spain and is expected to become operational before the end of 2006. This agency may indeed provide a very useful mechanism to progress this issue of better information exchange on quotas and catches and I wish to inform the Deputy that at yesterday's meeting, the Commission indicated that it intended that this and related control issues should be discussed at an early date under the auspices of the agency.

Unemployment Levels.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

174 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the live register in counties Roscommon and Leitrim in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6595/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The live register figures for the counties of Leitrim and Roscommon for the period 2001 to date as requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables.

The live register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit and other claimants registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each local social welfare office. The most recent information available is for January 2006.

It should be noted that: (a) the live register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit. Statistics on unemployment are measured at regional level by the quarterly national household survey; (b) the exact area covered by each local office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght local office there may be registered, persons from the Blessington area.

Live Register: Co. Leitrim 2001 to 2006
Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Average
2001	1,272	1,227	1,212	1,186	1,145	1,184	1,203	1,208	1,047	1,041	1,082	1,108	1,160
2002	1,144	1,112	1,128	1,099	1,212	1,306	1,384	1,363	1,278	1,218	1,212	1,247	1,225
2003	1,241	1,211	1,193	1,177	1,132	1,233	1,290	1,319	1,205	1,159	1,154	1,231	1,212
2004	1,205	1,196	1,197	1,152	1,115	1,169	1,244	1,244	1,095	1,009	976	1,028	1,136
2005	1,062	1,037	1,017	1,021	1,000	1,074	1,150	1,163	1,032	1,016	1,040	1,109	1,060
2006	1,132

Live Register: Co. Roscommon 2001 to 2006
Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Average
2001	1,527	1,485	1,460	1,440	1,372	1,466	1,528	1,535	1,408	1,367	1,385	1,502	1,456
2002	1,569	1,545	1,534	1,482	1,477	1,564	1,627	1,657	1,472	1,438	1,435	1,513	1,526
2003	1,519	1,477	1,422	1,420	1,372	1,493	1,569	1,611	1,379	1,349	1,316	1,389	1,443
2004	1,403	1,366	1,322	1,314	1,285	1,332	1,453	1,486	1,274	1,232	1,191	1,266	1,327
2005	1,327	1,301	1,284	1,197	1,148	1,264	1,328	1,354	1,158	1,138	1,151	1,190	1,237
2006	1,223

Live Register: State total 2001 to 2006
Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Average
2001	142,071	139,515	135,885	136,561	133,691	140,865	147,101	149,439	140,550	141,835	147,121	152,406	142,253
2002	159,960	162,337	162,252	156,237	154,944	164,277	172,098	173,563	161,432	157,706	158,636	166,142	162,465
2003	170,701	171,394	168,059	170,940	166,105	177,852	185,447	185,953	170,822	166,552	164,541	170,604	172,414
2004	174,529	173,127	168,880	164,660	161,972	168,952	177,501	175,816	160,466	155,476	151,966	158,816	166,013
2005	160,543	158,649	157,675	151,619	150,826	159,300	168,509	169,393	153,335	149,644	150,073	155,833	157,117
2006	160,139

Source: Live Register, Central Statistics Office.

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

175 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6341/06]

The Taoiseach

Existing procurement policies provide for procurement of the goods and services required by the Department in a manner which seeks to optimise the value for money of the purchases concerned and which is in accordance with public procurement guidelines as set out by the Department of Finance.

There is a requirement to produce an annual corporate procurement plan as part of the national public procurement policy framework, which was issued by the Department of Finance in May 2005. In response to that requirement, my Department has commenced the process of developing a corporate procurement plan which will be completed this year. It is expected that the analysis and evaluation of current processes which this will entail will provide an opportunity to identify and subsequently introduce any improved procurement practices which would assist the Department in maximising value for money in its procurement of goods and services.

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

176 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the progress made within his Department on reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6356/06]

The Taoiseach

Recent Department of Finance guidelines on public procurement and capital appraisal require formalised contract review of projects more than €30 million. My Department does not have any contracts which fall within the ambit of this requirement.

Immigration Issues.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

177 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of non-Irish citizens resident here; and if he will compare this with the findings of each of the past three census returns. [6385/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The 2002 census was the first in which a question was asked on nationality. According to the results of that census, some 224,300 persons, representing 5.8% of the usually resident population, indicated a nationality other than Irish.

Based on migration trends between April 2002 and April 2005 it is estimated that non-Irish nationals numbered about 330,000 in April 2005, that is, 8% of the total population of 4.13 million.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

178 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if assistance will be given to the family of the late Mr. Pat Finucane in their efforts for truth and justice; and if the British Government will be challenged on this issue. [6392/06]

The Taoiseach

The family of Mr. Pat Finucane have our full and continuing support in their tireless efforts over many years to achieve the full truth in this disturbing case. The Government continues to support a full independent public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Patrick Finucane. We have made clear that we want to see the standard agreed at Weston Park and set by Judge Cory adhered to. We continue to share the concern of the Finucane family that the new Inquiries Act, under which the British Government intends to have the Finucane case investigated, will not meet these standards. We have raised these concerns with the British Government.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

179 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will urgently push for inclusive negotiations in getting the Executive up and running in the North of Ireland. [6472/06]

The Taoiseach

The Government remains fully committed to the peace process and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I met the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, in Farmleigh on 26 January. The close and concerted co-operation between the two Governments remains vital as we seek to bring finality to outstanding issues and achieve the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In our joint statement following this meeting, we emphasised the importance of making progress in 2006 and we indicated that the forthcoming talks with the Northern Ireland political parties would have the aim of setting out the arrangements and timetable for the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. We made clear that the early restoration of the devolved institutions is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

Unemployment Levels.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

180 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who were termed as long-term unemployed in counties Roscommon and Leitrim in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6594/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The exact information as requested by the Deputy is not available. Statistics on employment and unemployment are compiled from the quarterly national household survey. Sub-regional statistics of the kind requested by the Deputy are not available from the survey.

The live register, age by duration series, gives a bi-annual breakdown of the number of people claiming unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit and other claimants registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and is classified by duration on the register. Figures are available for each county and each local office. The most recent information available is for October 2005.

It should be noted that the live register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit. Statistics on unemployment are measured at regional level by the quarterly national household survey.

Furthermore, the exact area covered by each local office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office. For instance, there may be persons from the Blessington area registered in the Tallaght local office.

The live register, age by duration figures for counties Leitrim and Roscommon for the period 2001 to 2005, inclusive, as requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables.

Live Register — Age by duration data for October each year 2001 to 2005
County Leitrim Total
	On Register
Year	Under 1 year	1 year or more	Total Register
2001	795	240	1,035
2002	984	248	1,232
2003	877	265	1,142
2004	629	383	1,012
2005	763	256	1,019
State Total
2001	96,100	45,403	141,503
2002	114,692	42,973	157,665
2003	117,803	46,772	164,575
2004	109,367	44,677	154,044
2005	106,302	43,540	149,842

Source: Live Register Age by Duration, Central Statistics Office.

Live Register — Age by duration data for October each year 2001 to 2005
Country Roscommon Total
	On Register
Year	Under 1 year	1 year or more	Total Register
2001	922	450	1,372
2002	1,000	434	1,434
2003	961	378	1,339
2004	794	405	1,199
2005	854	311	1,165
State Total
2001	96,100	45,403	141,503
2002	114,692	42,973	157,665
2003	117,803	46,772	164,575
2004	109,367	44,677	154,044
2005	106,302	43,540	149,842

Source: Live Register Age by Duration, Central Statistics Office.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

181 Mr. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6665/06]

The Taoiseach

There are no proposals to decentralise any part of my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis.

Social Partnership.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

182 Mr. Lowry asked the Taoiseach his views on the absence of an organisation (details supplied) from partnership talks; his plans to ensure that the group return to the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/06]

The Taoiseach

The process of negotiations on a successor agreement to Sustaining Progress was formally launched with a plenary meeting of all of the social partners in Dublin Castle on Thursday, 2 February. This was followed by a round of bilateral meetings with each of the four pillars, trade union, business-employer, farming and community and voluntary, at which the pillars set out in greater detail their key issues and priorities for a new agreement.

The bilateral meeting with the farming pillar took place on the morning of Wednesday, 8 February. On the afternoon of that date, the named organisations informed my Department that they were suspending their participation in the negotiations as they had become aware that an advertisement was to be placed in the Irish Farmers’ Journal regarding the implementation of the regulations introduced to implement the nitrates directive. The Government has noted this suspension.

The Government invites the social partners to participate in talks. It is for each organisation to decide if it will participate.

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

183 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding will be allocated to the various county child care committees to enable those involved in the provision of child care facilities to plan for September 2006 onwards; if grants towards the building of such crèches are awarded retrospectively; and the maximum amount payable involved. [6422/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The National Child Care Investment Programme 2006-2010 is being implemented by the newly established office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children, under the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan. The new programme aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services which are grounded in an understanding of local needs.

To achieve this, arrangements are being put in place with the city and county child care committees to facilitate the initial development stage of applications for grant assistance for child care facilities at local level. It is envisaged that both private and community or not-for-profit sector child care providers will apply for large-scale capital funding under the new programme through their local child care committees and that the committees will provide any necessary assistance to applicants in developing their application to the pre-appraisal stage.

To assist in correlating the distribution of funding with local child care needs at county level, a strategic mapping exercise is being undertaken to inform the approach of each child care committee in working to achieve the objectives of the programme. While this is being completed, the initial stages of the application process will continue to be dealt with at central level in the coming months. In addition to ensuring a more strategic approach to matching child care needs with child care services, the new approach is expected to bring increased efficiency to the application process and shorten the timeframe in which new child care places are provided. At the appropriate stage in the process, applications will be forwarded by the child care committees to Pobal, which administers the programme on behalf of the office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and, in due course, will be decided on within the office, under the Department of Health and Children.

Private sector child care providers may apply for grant assistance of up to €100,000 towards the capital cost of developing a child care service facility in a catchment area where there is a demonstrated child care need. An applicant may apply for more than one grant under this scheme provided the subsequent child care facilities are in different catchment areas and subject to an overall ceiling of €500,000 per applicant. In each case, an applicant must provide at least 25% of the total funding for the project and all grant payments are subject to the relevant criteria having been met. Community or not-for-profit child care providers may apply for grant assistance up to €1 million per project based on a demonstrated child care need in the area. The level of funding granted will be determined by the number of places which the group proposes to provide and the sustainability of the project, and will be subject to the relevant criteria having been met.

Health Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

184 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances (details supplied); the avenues which are available for those involved to pursue regarding transport assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6445/06]

John Perry

Ceist:

210 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances (details supplied); the avenues which are available for those involved to pursue regarding transport assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6446/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 210 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 has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy .

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

185 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for an extra two hours per week home help to be provided to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6309/06]

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

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 reply directly to the Deputy .

Food Labelling.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

186 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the food sold in country markets under the aegis of Country Markets Limited is healthy and wholesome and whether the labelling requirements such as those imposed on large commercial enterprises are not appropriate for the type of direct selling conducted by country markets; her further views on whether country markets have a track record of first-class produce with the highest standards of hygiene and quality control and that they also work within the guidelines published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and welcome visits from environmental health officers; and her further views on whether in all these circumstances the labelling system operated by country markets gives sufficient information to customers to comply with Irish and EU law. [6310/06]

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

Country Markets Limited and its associated operations fall within the definitions of a food business operator and a food business under food safety legislation. Food businesses bear the primary responsibility for food safety and are obliged to ensure that food they place on the market is safe and complies with relevant legislation, which includes labelling regulations. The general labelling of foodstuffs in Ireland is controlled by the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 to 2005.

Current labelling requirements are based on the principle that the labelling, presentation and advertising of food should not mislead consumers. Labelling rules are designed to inform consumers so that they can make informed choices. Consumers have the right to be adequately informed about the properties of the food they buy, for example, ingredients, presence of allergens, date of minimum durability and so forth, wherever that food is purchased. Current regulations apply to the labelling of all pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate or final consumer. Food sold at Country Markets Limited businesses is not exempt from these labelling requirements.

However, the Deputy should note that the full extent of labelling requirements does not apply in all circumstances. Foodstuffs sold loose without pre-packaging need only indicate the name of the food either on the label, or displayed on a notice near the food. Foodstuffs that are pre-packaged on the premises, for example, a stall from which they are sold, need only indicate the name of the food on the label. If the foodstuff is packed on the premises, for example, a stall, at the request of the consumer, for example, sandwiches made up at the customer's request, only the name of the food needs to be indicated on the label or on a notice near the food.

I have no reason to believe that food sold by Country Markets Limited is not of a high standard. However, as food business operators, Country Markets Limited, like all food business operators, must ensure that the food it produces is safe. Various sectors of the food industry have developed guides to good hygiene practice as a means of complying with the hygiene legislation and Country Markets Limited has worked closely with the National Standards Authority of Ireland and regulatory authorities to develop the Country Markets Limited guide to good hygiene practice. This guide is relevant to food producers working on a domestic scale in premises used primarily as a dwelling house and who prepare or produce food for sale or supply to the public.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the official agencies, which work under a service contract arrangement with the authority, will continue to ensure that the legal requirements are being complied with in all food businesses to maintain and protect the interest of the consumer. The authority is willing to provide advice or further assistance to Country Markets Limited on labelling of foodstuffs should this be required.

Health Service Allowances.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

187 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has not been granted the domiciliary care allowance by the Health Service Executive. [6311/06]

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

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 on this issue sent directly to the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

188 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 304 of 31 January 2006, if retired nurses should receive payment of deducted pensions during the period 1 May 2005 to 20 October 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6312/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Pensions (Abatement) Act 1965 provides the legislative basis for the suspension or reduction of an allowance or pension where, after retirement, a scheme pensioner is employed in an agency or organisation in which the superannuation scheme paying the pension applies. Remuneration plus pension for the specified period should not exceed the up-rated remuneration for the post from which the pensioner retired.

My Department issued circular 21/2005 in October 2005. The new arrangements mean that, in effect, pensioners working in agencies or organisations covered by the scheme from which their pensions are paid can earn up to 50% of the up-rated remuneration of the former post before abatement applies. The date of application is under review.

Hospital Services.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

189 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive or former health boards had direct involvement in the management of hospitals that were penalised for failing to reach targets under the case mix system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6313/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Case mix analyses the mix of patients hospitals treat by collecting data on the diagnoses and procedures relating to individual patients and the cost of treating them and categorising them into diagnoses related groups. Case mix is used as part of the budgetary process in order that funding is based on measured costs and activity and to fund hospitals for the patients actually treated. In calculating these costs, account is taken of each hospital's unique issues and unique patients.

The case mix programme does not set hospital targets. Case mix hospitals are divided into four peer groups of similar hospitals. This is to allow fair clinical and cost comparison of like with like and take full account of each hospital's different mix of cases. Benchmarks such as cost per case, are generated by direct reference to both the national data and each hospital's peer group of hospitals, that is, the hospital's data sets the benchmarks used. A percentage of each hospital's budget is adjusted based on its peer group case mix performance. The consequence of this is that some hospitals may lose funding while others may gain.

As case mix quantifies the mix of cases each hospital treats, it is a hospital rather than a health board programme. However, the programme is managed with the active participation of all stakeholders, including individual hospitals and their respective hospital networks, the national hospitals office and the Health Service Executive. All stakeholders are actively encouraged to participate in the process. They are also encouraged to establish structures to advise on the operation and implementation of the programme.

As case mix allows for the collection, categorisation and interpretation of hospital patient data related to the types of cases treated to assist hospitals to define their products, measure their productivity and assess quality, a central tenet of the programme is that all data collected from individual hospitals is shared among all participating hospitals, the national hospitals office and the Health Service Executive. This ensures that the value-added benefit that accrues from such a comprehensive database of hospital data can be fully utilised.

There are 37 hospitals within the national case mix programme, comprising both voluntary and former health board, now HSE hospitals. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the funding of all 37 hospitals. Former health board hospitals come under the direct management of the HSE while voluntary hospitals have their own management structures. It is a matter for each hospital to review its case mix outturns in consultation with the HSE, as funder, and to take whatever action deemed appropriate.

I remain committed to rewarding good performance and, as case mix is the most internationally accepted performance related acute hospital activity programme, it is agreed between my Department and the Health Service Executive that case mix will be used as a central pillar in acute hospital funding policy.

Medicinal Products.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

190 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 201 of 31 January 2006, if she will confirm that the recommendations referred to in this question are Government policy; and if the Health Service Executive has been instructed to implement same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6314/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

The report to which the Deputy's question refers was prepared by the benzodiazepine committee at the behest of the then Minister for Health and Children and published in 2002. The committee was comprised of representatives from the Department, former health boards and relevant professional bodies and was chaired by the then assistant chief executive officer of the East Coast Area Health Board, now the HSE eastern area.

The report, which was undertaken under action 41 of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, contains 24 recommendations which are addressed to the Department, the Health Service Executive, the General Medical Services (Payments) Board, general practitioners and other professional bodies and fall to be considered for action by the body to which the action is addressed.

One of the key recommendations of this report was the dissemination of good practice guidelines to clinicians on the prescribing of benzodiazepines. These guidelines have been circulated widely to the Health Service Executive areas and to general practitioners throughout the country. In addition, arrangements have been put in place by Health Service Executive drug treatment clinics and general practitioners to reduce sources of multi-prescribing to known drug users. The Department is also considering what legislative changes are appropriate in light of the UN convention.

Health Services.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

191 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of capital spending by month and the current spend in each health board area of the Health Service Executive for 2005. [6315/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The latest figures available to me for spending by the Health Service Executive in 2005 were included in the executive's December 2005 returns to the Department of Finance, which were submitted to me on 17 January 2006. These figures fall to be revised when the executive consolidates figures for inclusion in the 2005 annual appropriation account for Vote 40.

The monthly spending from the capital subheads within the Health Service Executive's vote, Vote 40, for 2005 per the December 2005 return of voted capital expenditure is outlined in the following table.

Month	Amount paid
	€m
January	5.148
February	25.438
March	46.076
April	29.288
May	48.517
June	35.391
July	29.826
August	42.293
September	23.253
October	7.310
November	69.900
December	144.165
Total	506.605

The non-capital spending by each HSE regional area and HSE corporate for each month in 2005 per the December 2005 return of non-capital voted expenditure is set out in the following table.

Month	HSE Corporate	Eastern	Midland	Mid Western	North Eastern	North Western	South Eastern	Southern	Western
	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m
January	0.128	181.307	30.047	52.237	52.303	57.506	60.825	103.636	68.872
February	1.322	160.213	40.995	52.667	51.252	54.810	68.262	80.923	83.522
March	2.332	188.825	44.419	61.149	58.017	56.700	68.116	105.265	81.459
April	1.913	164.754	54.751	54.915	63.813	60.748	79.030	82.098	77.064
May	1.490	158.134	36.100	52.500	56.563	42.493	73.508	98.370	73.765
June	2.112	192.308	59.740	44.547	57.466	55.082	67.646	93.416	79.579
July	2.312	167.373	44.321	57.534	47.263	52.377	69.952	97.241	73.310
August	1.668	195.629	41.003	56.327	56.127	44.441	69.502	114.198	74.667
September	0.796	198.647	52.265	42.984	61.567	24.444	77.133	77.890	105.614
October	2.250	149.857	43.506	70.716	52.180	54.036	65.991	89.605	79.345
November	0.687	165.918	43.145	56.814	56.629	72.509	74.741	103.570	70.757
December	(8.760)	221.457	39.760	92.380	69.173	39.204	103.585	114.695	112.023

195 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if in view of the excellent radiotherapy facilities available at St. Luke’s Hospital, she will support the development of radiotherapy services in other regions first; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6319/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

My objective in the development of a national network for radiation oncology services is to increase capacity as early as possible and to ensure that all cancer patients will receive care to the best international standards. St. Luke's Hospital board and its executive management team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decisions regarding the development of radiation oncology. In addition, all consultant radiation oncologists at St. Luke's have fully endorsed the decision to provide new centres on the campuses of St. James's and Beaumont hospitals.

The Government has decided that the capital investment involved will be funded mostly through public-private partnership on a design, build, finance, manage and partially operate basis. I am confident that this will have the advantage of offering greater synergies, innovation, transfer of risk and assurance that all centres will be compatible to deliver modern multi-modality integrated cancer care. I do not consider that the achievement of this objective should be delayed. The practical reality is that radiation oncology staff and services at St. Luke's Hospital will relocate to the St. James's Hospital facility on a managed and phased basis. It is important that the necessary planning encompasses continuity of care, human resources, professional development and change management. With regard to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's, my objective will be to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health service. I will discuss this issue in due course with the Health Service Executive and the hospital board.

Departmental Expenditure.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

196 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the organisations to which her Department or the Health Service Executive provided funding during 2005; the amount given to each organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6320/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The amount of non-capital funding paid to each organisation by my Department in 2005 is set out in the following table.

Organisation	Amount paid in 2005
	€ million
Board for Employment of the Blind	0.696
BreastCheck	10.606
Crisis Pregnancy Agency	7.399
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	17.160
Food Safety Promotion Board	6.370
Health Research Board	27.147
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland	1.469
Interim Health Information and Quality Authority	0.335
Irish Health Services Accreditation Board	2.342
Irish Medicines Board	3.886
Mental Health Commission	5.980
The National Cancer Registry Board	1.870
National Council on Ageing and Older People	1.347
National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery	4.220
National Social Work Qualifications Board	0.511
The National Treatment Purchase Fund	64.000
Office of Tobacco Control	1.838
Ombudsman for Children	1.018
Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board	7.088
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	2.236
Special Residential Services Board	2.101
The Women’s Health Council	0.609

The capital grants paid to organisations funded by my Department in 2005 are set out in the accompanying table.

Organisation	Amount paid in 2005
	€ million
BreastCheck	1.236
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	0.128
Health Research Board	2.066
The National Treatment Purchase Fund	1.759
Office of Tobacco Control	0.450
Ombudsman for Children	1.217
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	0.850

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

197 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6342/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The national public procurement policy framework which was published recently by the Department of Finance includes the requirement that public bodies should develop an annual corporate procurement plan. My Department is now working on this and will be developing and compiling its corporate procurement plan over the coming months.

Consultancy Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

198 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made within her Department on reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6357/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The directions issued by the Minister for Finance have been noted and circulated to all relevant agencies for appropriate action. At present, the Department of Finance is in consultation with the industry on the matter and further directions are awaited.

General practitioners who hold general medical services scheme contracts for service with the Health Service Executive undertake to provide general practitioner services for their assigned patients for a total of 40 hours to cover surgery and domiciliary visits on five or more days per week as agreed with the executive. They are also obliged to put in place arrangements that enable contact to be made with them or a deputy or locum for emergencies outside these times. Their contract also includes a requirement to treat eligible persons temporarily resident in their area or visitors to Ireland covered under EU regulations.

To fulfil their out-of-hours commitment as specified in the general medical services scheme contract, general practitioners may choose to participate in co-operative arrangements where cover is provided for attendance on the patients of the participating general practitioners.

Mental Health Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

208 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the direction she has issued to the Health Service Executive officials in the north west region concerning St. Columba’s Hospital Sligo and the provision of a psychiatric unit on the campus of Sligo General Hospital, which has been planned for a number of years with tender document issued; her views on whether the development of psychiatric services there has been ignored for too long; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6442/06]

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

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 reply directly to the Deputy.

John Perry

Ceist:

209 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to further develop psychiatric services where it is accepted that one in four of the population will suffer a psychiatric or psychological condition at some stage in their lives, which reflects the enormous level of suffering for too many families, in view of the recent announcement regarding mental health institutions here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6443/06]

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

The report of the expert group on mental health policy, A Vision for Change, was launched on 24 January 2006. The report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It proposes a person-centred treatment approach which addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan reflecting best practice and evolved and agreed with service users and their carers. Special emphasis is given to the need to involve service users and their families and carers at every level of service provision.

This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. It will require substantial funding but there is considerable equity in buildings and lands within the current mental health system which could be realised to fund this plan. Therefore, the report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and to invest the resources released by these closures in the mental health service. The closure of large mental hospitals and the move to modern units attached to general hospitals, together with the expansion of community services, has been Government policy since the publication of Planning for the Future in 1984.

The Health Service Executive, which has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the expert report, has stated that the national mental health directorate within the executive will immediately establish an implementation group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and co-ordinated manner.

Question No. 210 answered with QuestionNo. 184.

General Register Office.

John Perry

Ceist:

211 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the avenues which are available to a person to obtain his birth certificate (details supplied). [6453/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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 enquiries of the Registrar General and the position is as follows.

Under current civil registration legislation, any life event, including a birth, that occurred in England cannot be registered in Ireland, irrespective of whether the event was registered in England or not. Births occurring in England fall to be registered there and any birth that was not registered at the time of the event may be registered by the appropriate British authority. To have his birth registered and to obtain a birth certificate, I am advised that the person should contact the General Register Office in the United Kingdom where he will be advised of the procedures involved. The contact details for that office are Births and Deaths Section, Room D209, General Register Office, Trafalgar Road, Southport, PR8 2HH; telephone +44 0 151 471 4805, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Health Service Staff.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

212 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of Parkinson’s nurse specialists here and their location. [6460/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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 the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

213 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are provisions in place to increase the number of Parkinson’s nurse specialists here. [6461/06]

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

An agreement is in place between the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, IPHA, and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland, APMI, which sets out the supply terms and prices of medicines supplied to the health services. The agreement covers all reimbursable prescription medicines in the general medical services and community drug schemes as well as all medicines supplied to hospitals and the Health Service Executive. A price freeze is in place for products supplied under the terms of the agreement.

The original manufacturers of the product referred to by the Deputy divested ownership of the product to another company. The new owner subsequently increased the price of the product without prior consultation with my Department and in breach of the pricing agreement. Following negotiations with the company concerned, agreement has been reached on a revised price which will come into effect in March. In the meantime, people with a medical card who are experiencing financial difficulty in obtaining this medicine should contact the local office of the Health Service Executive.

Services for People with Disabilities.

The Deputy's question relates to human resource management issues within the Health Service Executive. As this is a matter for the executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested its parliamentary affairs division to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

224 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the payment of the nursing home refunds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6508/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long-stay charges for publicly funded residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive and the estates of all those who were wrongly charged and have died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date. The repayments will include both the actual charge paid and an amount to take account of inflation, using the consumer price index, since the time the person involved was charged.

Draft heads of a Bill for a repayment scheme were submitted to the Government in December and were approved. The draft heads have been submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and it is my intention to have the Bill published in the current parliamentary session and to have repayments commencing shortly after the Bill is approved and signed into law.

In the preparation of the legislation there were many complex issues which required clarification. My Department had consultations with a wide range of Departments and agencies to ensure that the provisions of the scheme adequately addressed these issues. These provisions included exempting repayments to those who are alive from income tax, to allow for repayments to take account of inflation by use of the consumer price index and to allow repayments to living persons and their spouses to be disregarded in means assessment for health and social welfare benefits. Consultation with the probate office of the High Court has also resulted in a streamlined process where a grant of probate is required for an application on behalf of a deceased person. The provisions of the Bill will also provide appropriate safeguards for those who are not in a position to manage their own affairs.

There has also been extensive consultation with the oversight committee appointed to provide an independent input into the design and monitoring of the scheme. The committee is fully briefed on all aspects of the scheme and has provided valuable input into the legislative process to date.

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 as a result of initial payments made following my announcement in December 2004. The scheme will include an independent transparent and thorough appeals process.

Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

John Deasy

Ceist:

225 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has received the results of the tests requested by them from the University of Edinburgh for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when these will be released to the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6512/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The issue of test results is a clinical matter and is personal to the individuals concerned as well as or instead of their physicians. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has advised that it will contact the person directly regarding their test results.

Decentralisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

226 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the location of the health information and quality authority, HIQA, headquarters; if it is to be fully or partially decentralised to County Cork; the progress to date in 2006 on this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6516/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

On 8 July 2004, the Minister for Finance announced the locations for the decentralised health sector and information and communications technology, ICT, jobs. As part of this decentralisation programme, the headquarters of the health information and quality authority, HIQA, will be located in Cork city involving the decentralisation of 50 jobs.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229, 280 and 286 together.

In the Estimates for 2006, significant additional funding totalling €100 million has been included for the improvement of health services for people with disabilities. As part of this provision, funding of €10 million has been made available to address core under-funding and core staffing issues in services provided by the non-statutory sector. The Health Service Executive has been asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis having regard to the needs of people with disabilities. I expect that the executive's consideration of these needs will take into account any urgent case for funding of necessary services which may be made by the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

230 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the waiting list for a centre (details supplied) in Dublin. [6527/06]

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

I wish to see significant improvement this year in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis. The current service deficits in this area are widely acknowledged and have been identified, most notably in the Pollock report, and by the Health Service Executive working group which is examining this issue. My Department is advised that the working group is due to report shortly and will make specific recommendations regarding a range of service improvements required for persons with cystic fibrosis, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in cystic fibrosis units throughout the country. As part of the implementation process I have asked the HSE to address in particular the identified deficits at the national adult referral centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.

General Medical Services Scheme.

A related outcome of the audit identified by the FSAI was the need to strengthen controls in the areas of recall, traceability and labelling. Subsequently, the authority devised and delivered training sessions to more than 500 field staff in the official agencies. This training was designed to allow enforcement officers to gain an improved understanding of the type of audit carried out, the issues which arose in the context of the audit and to enable them to carry out similar labelling, traceability and recall audits on an ongoing basis.

Consumers must be confident that Irish food business operators not only produce safe food but food which is properly labelled and traceable. The FSAI has informed me that it will continue to ensure that consumers' interests are protected by ensuring adequate enforcement of regulations in this area. In addition, my officials have asked the FSAI to consider how such reports may be made available routinely.

Health Services.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

240 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the chiropody service which is available to senior citizen medical card holders in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; her proposals for expanding chiropody provision for these patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6574/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Nursing Home Charges.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 89 of 9 February 2006, if she will reply in detail to the question raised with particular reference to the individual circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6587/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long-stay charges for publicly funded residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive and the estates of all those who were wrongly charged and have died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date. The repayments will include both the actual charge paid and an amount to take account of inflation, using the consumer price index, since the time the person involved was charged.

Draft heads of a Bill for a repayment scheme were submitted to the Government in December and were approved. The draft heads have been submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and it is my intention to have the Bill published in the current parliamentary session and to have repayments commencing shortly after the Bill is approved and signed into law.

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 as a result of initial payments made following my announcement in December 2004. The scheme will include a transparent and thorough appeals process.

As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme, inquiries relating to individual cases are referred to the parliamentary affairs division of the executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

242 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a new community hospital for Dingle, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6658/06]

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

The Dingle community hospital project is at pre-tender stage and is included in the HSE capital plan for 2006 as part of the rolling capital programme 2006 to 2010. The capital plan has been approved by the HSE board and was recently submitted to the Tánaiste for consideration. The Department is in discussion with the HSE on the plan.

Hospital Accommodation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

243 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of an extension to Kenmare Community Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6659/06]

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

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.

Medical Cards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Acute Hospital Summary Activity Data, 2005
	Number
A&E Attendances	1,247,192
In-Patient Admissions	569,851
Day Cases	505,588

A sum of €55 million was allocated to home care packages in the 2006 budget. This is a full year cost, €30 million of which is for 2006, during which an additional 2,000 packages will be provided by the Health Service Executive across the country. The priority will be older people living in the community or who are inpatients in an acute hospital who may otherwise require admission to residential care. The home care packages will also be available to those older people who have been admitted to long-term care and who now wish to return to the community.

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

251 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the changes made to the nursing home subvention scheme; the breakdown of changes for people who have applied for subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6758/06]

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

The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations 1993 are administered by the Health Service Executive. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, that is, €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50, for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum.

The changes that were announced on budget day were incorporated into the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2005. These regulations amended the thresholds contained in the 1993 regulations by increasing the value of assets to be disregarded for the purposes of subvention assessment from £6,000 or €7,618 to €11,000, increasing the asset threshold above which subvention may be refused from £20,000 or €25,394 to €36,000 and increasing the threshold of principal residence value above which subvention may be refused from £75,000 or €95,230 to €500,000 or more, where the residence is located in the Dublin area, or €300,000 or more, where the residence is located outside the Dublin area, provided that the applicant's income is greater than €9,000 — this was previously £5,000 or €6,349. These regulations were signed by the Tánaiste on 14 December 2005 and came into law effective from that date.

The HSE continues to retain the discretion to impute an income of 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of an applicant for subvention, unless the residence is occupied by a spouse or son or daughter aged less than 21 years or in full-time education or in receipt of the disabled person's maintenance allowance, blind person's pension, disability benefit, invalidity pension or old age non-contributory pension, and generally does so unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, the residence value above which it may automatically refuse to pay a subvention has been increased substantially, as outlined, to take account of increased property values.

The Department has discussed the regulations with the HSE, both during their preparation and since their coming into law, and it falls to the HSE to implement the regulations in the various HSE regions.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

252 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria for assessing an application for enhanced nursing home subvention in each area of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6759/06]

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

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.

The National Service Plan 2006 of the Health Service Executive provides a commitment to develop proposals to support patients who have to travel long distances to access specialist services, with particular focus in 2006 on those travelling for radiotherapy treatment. I approved this plan in December and it was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas last month. I made available an additional €9 million to the executive for developments in cancer services in 2006, inter alia, to facilitate better access to radiation oncology services, including dedicated transport arrangements.

Hospital Staff.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

260 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of orthopaedic surgeons who are present at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6867/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

A consultant provided service is dependent on consultants assuming a new role. The contract will set out the terms and conditions associated with employment as a consultant dedicated exclusively to the public health service. It will recognise consultants as senior employees with lead responsibility, within established best practice, for decisions on patient care and treatment.

Organisational structures within the HSE are a matter for the chief executive officer and the board of the executive itself. I am advised by the HSE that it does not operate two distinct lines of managers in two different locations. The executive has three defined interdependent functional areas — health services, support services and reform and innovation. At its centre are three health service delivery units: primary, community and continuing care, PCCC; the National Hospitals Office, NHO; and population health.

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Trolleys in accident and emergency departments are not counted as inpatient beds or day beds. However, a trolley in a day ward which is used in the course of a day procedure is counted as a day place. My Department carried out a bed census in 2003 which identified 313 trolleys in acute hospitals which were being used in day wards to treat patients as day cases.

Hospital Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

284 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if commitments will be made to use additional resources to deal with the well publicised difficulties occurring at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, in respect of the accident and emergency department; her views on whether effective action is clearly needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7030/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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 Centres.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

285 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to previous parliamentary questions relating to Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, when works will commence; and the new services which will be provided at the redeveloped centre. [7031/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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. 286 answered with QuestionNo. 229.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

287 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the orthodontic appeal hearing will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was identified as being in need of treatment nine years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7069/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

288 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) is undertaking work on a regular basis on behalf of the Health Service Executive; and her views on whether it is appropriate that the Health Service Executive should engage this person. [7083/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I am aware that the person referred to by the Deputy facilitated the agreement brokered between the Health Service Executive, HSE, and the IMPACT trade union in December 2004 with regard to the reassignment of senior managers from the health boards to positions under the new unitary structures of the HSE, and that he is still involved on an occasional basis in dealing with residual issues under that agreement.

Section 24 of the Health Act 2004 empowers the HSE to engage such advisers as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions. Accordingly, it is entirely a matter for the executive to decide whom to engage to undertake work on its behalf.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

289 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children how far advanced her plans are for the roll-out of a cervical screening programme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that we have in Ireland one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in western Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7129/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer in Ireland are in the mid-range of rates observed across Europe. Data supplied by the national cancer registry for the period 1994 to 2002 show that the average annual incidence of cervical cancer in this country was 170 and the average annual number of deaths from the disease was 80.

I am fully committed to the national roll-out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. My Department has requested the Health Service Executive to prepare a detailed implementation plan for a national programme. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call and recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call and recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

Significant preparatory work is well under way involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. My Department made available an additional €9 million to the executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll-out.

I consider that the programme should be best rolled out in the primary care setting, subject to affordable and acceptable arrangements being agreed. A review of the contractual arrangements for the provision by general practitioners of publicly funded primary care services is being conducted at present, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. I have requested that the general practitioner elements of a national cervical screening programme be tabled at these discussions. Any remuneration arrangements agreed must be capable of delivering a high uptake among women. Payments must be primarily based on reaching acceptable targets.

Emergency Care Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

290 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms of reference of the review of the Dublin fire brigade services which is under way; when she expects to receive the report; and her priorities for the development of policy in this area. [7130/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Full details of the pay scales sanctioned by my Department for child care worker, or house parent, grades in respect of the years 1985 to 2000 are given in the attached table. Details of the pay scales sanctioned by my Department for grades of managers of children's residential centres are shown for the years 1997 to 2000. This grade had not been included in my Department's consolidated pay scales prior to this time. However, the Deputy will wish to be aware that an earlier agreement in 1987 had provided for the application to resident managers of the salary rates for clerical grades v and vi.

House Parent, Assistant

01/01/1985	01/07/1985	01/09/1985	01/05/1986	01/01/1987	01/05/1987	01/01/0988	01/01/1989	01/07/1989	01/01/1990	01/04/1990
8,089	8,341	8,517	8,773	8,948	9,127	9,372	9,622	9,853	10,113	10,286
8,325	8,575	8,756	9,019	9,199	9,383	9,633	9,888	10,125	10,390	10,568
8,552	8,809	8,993	9,263	9,448	9,637	9,892	10,152	10,396	10,667	10,850
8,779	9,042	9,231	9,508	9,698	9,892	10,152	10,418	10,668	10,944	11,132
9,002	9,272	9,468	9,752	9,947	10,146	10,412	10,683	10,939	11,220	11,412
9,230	9,507	9,705	9,996	10,196	10,400	10,617	10,952	11,215	11,502	11,703
*9455	*9,739	*9943	*10,241	*10,446	10,655	10,931	11,212	11,481	11,773	11,970
9,680	9,970	10,179	10,484	10,694	10,908	11,189	11,475	11,750	12,048	12,250
9,909	10,206	10,421	10,734	10,949	11,168	11,454	11,746	12,028	12,331	12,542
01/10/1990	01/01/1991	01/05/1991	01/01/1992	01/03/1992	01/09/1992	01/12/1992	01/01/1993	01/12/2003	01/06/1994	01/06/1995
10,466	10,885	11,320	11,581	11,908	12,235	12,333	12,672	12,795	13,051	13,312
10,754	11,184	11,631	11,892	12,228	12,563	12,671	13,010	13,146	13,409	13,677
11,039	11,481	11,940	12,201	12,546	12,890	13,008	13,347	13,496	13,766	14,041
11,327	11,780	12,251	12,512	12,866	13,219	13,347	13,686	13,848	14,125	14,408
11,613	12,078	12,561	12,822	13,184	13,547	13,685	14,024	14,198	14,482	14,772
11,903	12,379	12,874	13,135	13,507	13,878	14,026	*14,365	*14,552	*14,843	15,140
12,185	12,672	13,179	13,440	13,820	14,200	14,357	14,696	14,895	15,193	*15,497
12,469	12,968	13,487	13,748	14,137	14,526	14,693	15,032	15,244	15,549	15,860
12,762	13,272	13,803	14,064	14,462	14,860	15,037	15,376	15,601	15,913	16,231
01/06/1996	01/10/1996	01/01/1997	01/04/1997	01/07/1997	01/04/1998	01/07/1998	01/07/1999	01/07/1999	01/04/2000	01/10/2000
13,647	13,852	13,991	14,761	15,022	15,130	15,470	15,702	16,016	16,176	17,066
14,021	14,231	14,373	15,324	15,585	15,707	16,060	16,301	16,627	16,793	17,717
14,395	14,611	14,757	15,815	16,076	16,210	16,575	16,824	17,160	17,332	18,285
14,769	14,991	15,141	16,310	16,571	16,718	17,094	17,350	17,697	17,874	18,857
15,144	15,371	15,525	16,810	17,071	17,230	17,618	17,882	18,240	18,422	19,435
15,521	15,754	15,912	17,317	17,578	17,750	18,149	18,421	18,789	18,977	20,021
*15,887	*16,125	*16,286	*17,815	*18,076	*18,260	*18,671	*18,951	*19,330	*19,523	*20,597
16,258	16,502	16,667	18,325	18,586	18,783	19,206	19,494	19,884	20,083	21,188
16,639	16,889	17,058	18,849	19,110	19,320	19,755	20,051	20,452	20,657	21,793
		LSI:	19,226	19,487	19,707	20,150	20,452	20,861	21,070	22,229

House Parent

01/01/1985	01/07/1985	01/09/1985	01/05/1986	01/01/1987	01/05/1987	01/01/1988	01/01/1989	01/07/1989	01/01/1990	01/04/1990
8,656	8,916	9,103	9,376	9,564	9,564	10,013	10,276	10,523	10,796	10,981
8,935	9,203	9,397	9,679	9,873	9,873	10,334	10,603	10,857	11,137	11,327
9,214	9,490	9,689	9,980	10,180	10,180	10,654	10,930	11,192	11,478	11,675
9,495	9,780	9,984	10,284	10,490	10,490	10,977	11,259	11,529	11,822	12,025
9,773	10,066	10,278	10,586	10,798	10,798	11,297	11,586	11,864	12,164	12,373
10,053	10,355	10,572	10,889	11,107	11,107	11,613	11,913	12,199	12,506	12,720
10,334	10,644	10,867	11,193	11,417	11,417	11,741	12,242	12,536	12,849	13,069
10,613	10,931	11,162	11,497	11,727	11,727	12,264	12,572	12,874	13,194	13,420
10,892	11,219	11,455	11,799	12,035	12,035	12,584	12,898	13,208	13,535	13,767
01/10/1990	01/01/1991	01/05/1991	01/01/1992	01/03/1992	01/09/1992	01/12/1992	01/01/1993	01/12/2003	01/06/1994	01/06/1995
11,173	11,620	12,085	12,346	12,694	13,043	13,165	13,504	13,659	13,932	14,211
11,527	11,988	12,468	12,729	13,088	13,448	13,583	13,922	14,092	14,374	14,661
11,880	12,355	12,849	13,110	13,481	13,852	13,999	14,338	14,524	14,814	15,110
12,235	12,724	13,233	13,494	13,876	14,257	14,416	14,755	14,957	15,256	15,561
12,589	13,093	13,617	13,878	14,271	14,663	16,834	15,173	15,390	15,698	16,012
12,943	13,461	13,999	14,260	14,664	15,068	15,251	15,590	15,823	16,139	16,462
13,299	13,831	14,384	14,645	15,060	15,475	15,670	16,009	16,258	16,583	16,915
13,655	14,201	14,769	15,030	15,456	15,882	16,090	16,429	16,693	17,027	17,368
14,008	14,568	15,151	15,412	15,849	16,286	16,506	16,845	17,125	17,468	17,817
01/06/1996	01/10/1996	01/01/1997	01/04/1997	01/07/1997	01/04/1998	01/07/1998	01/07/1999	01/07/1999	01/04/2000	01/10/2000
14,568	14,787	14,935	15,756	16,017	16,150	16,513	16,761	17,096	17,267	18,217
15,030	15,255	15,408	16,426	16,687	16,837	17,216	17,474	17,823	18,002	18,992
15,490	15,722	15,879	17,017	17,278	17,442	17,834	18,102	18,464	18,649	19,675
15,953	16,192	16,354	17,616	17,877	18,056	18,462	18,739	19,114	19,305	20,367
16,415	16,661	16,828	18,221	18,482	18,677	19,097	19,383	19,771	19,968	21,066
16,876	17,129	17,300	18,829	19,090	19,300	19,734	20,030	20,431	20,635	21,770
17,340	17,600	17,776	19,445	19,706	19,931	20,379	20,685	21,099	21,310	22,482
17,804	18,071	18,252	20,067	20,328	20,569	21,032	21,347	21,774	21,992	23,202
18,265	18,539	18,724	20,690	20,951	21,207	21,684	22,009	22,449	22,674	23,921
		LSI:	21,104	21,365	21,632	22,119	22,451	22,900	23,129	24,401

*Qualification Bar

Manager Childrens Residential Centre

	01/01/1997	01/07/1997	01/04/1998	01/07/1998	01/07/1999	01/04/2000	01/10/2000
	23,230	23,491	23,811	24,346	25,206	25,458	26,858
	23,735	23,996	24,328	24,876	25,754	26,012	27,443
Cat — 1	24,341	24,602	24,950	25,511	26,411	26,675	28,142
	24,846	25,107	25,467	26,040	26,959	27,229	28,727
	25,351	25,612	25,985	26,569	27,507	27,782	29,310
	25,856	26,117	26,502	27,099	28,055	28,336	29,894
	01/01/1997	01/07/1997	01/04/1998	01/07/1998	01/07/1999	01/04/2000	01/10/2000
	24,240	24,501	24,846	25,405	26,302	26,565	28,065
	24,846	25,107	25,467	26,040	26,959	27,229	28,727
Cat — 2	25,351	25,612	25,985	26,569	27,507	27,782	29,310
	25,957	26,218	26,602	27,205	28,165	28,447	30,012
	26,563	26,824	27,227	27,840	28,822	29,110	30,711
	27,169	27,430	27,848	28,475	29,480	29,775	31,413
	01/01/1997	01/07/1997	01/04/1998	01/07/1998	01/07/1999	01/04/2000	01/10/2000
	25,351	25,612	25,985	26,569	27,507	27,782	29,310
	25,957	26,218	26,606	27,205	28,165	28,447	30,012
Cat — 3	26,563	26,824	27,227	27,840	28,822	29,110	30,711
	26,159	26,420	27,813	27,416	29,480	29,775	31,413
	27,775	28,036	28,469	29,110	30,138	30,439	32,113
	28,381	28,642	29,091	29,745	30,795	31,103	32,814

Hospital Accommodation.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

294 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to alleviate overcrowding at Cork University Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that on the week commencing 6 February 2006 there were 35 patients on trolleys waiting for beds in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7140/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

295 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a weekly cost of disability payment to address the reality that people with disabilities have higher fuel, transport and general cost of living expenses. [7146/06]

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

Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, an interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of Health and Children, was established to examine the feasibility of introducing a cost of disability payment — PPF3.10.11. The National Disability Authority, on behalf of the working group, and in line with its own remit, commissioned research into the feasibility of a cost of disability payment in Ireland. The purpose of this research was to advise regarding: the additional costs incurred by people with disabilities, owing specifically to the direct or indirect costs of the disability; and the appropriate mechanisms, or instruments by which to address identified additional costs. The resultant report, Disability and the Cost of Living, was published by the NDA early in 2004.

The working group in March of 2005 produced a position paper, which gave an overview of the work they have undertaken to date. It outlined the group's current thinking and gave an indication of the next steps the working group intends taking. The working group recommended that urgent steps be taken to improve the quality of data relating to disability in Ireland, for example, adjustment of existing data gathering exercises undertaken by the Central Statistics Office or other relevant bodies to include questions on the numbers per household with disabilities, the nature of the disability, severity of impairment etc.

The working group considers that it is vital that comprehensive data are available on which to base consideration of the feasibility of a cost of disability payment. Given its advisory and research remit, the working group considers that the National Disability Authority has an important role to play in addressing these data gaps with other relevant bodies.

The working group acknowledges that a number of Departments and agencies have previously carried out reviews of the various supports and payments for people with disabilities. However, these reviews have tended to focus solely on the operation of individual schemes, without taking a broader overview of how these measures fit into the overall system of disability supports. The working group is examining the scope for rationalising and streamlining the various disability supports measures, with a particular focus on mitigating the additional costs of disability for a greater number of people with disabilities, particularly in the case of those who wish to move from a position of total welfare dependence to one of greater economic independence.

Care of the Elderly.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

296 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce an automatic right to an assessment of need for older people as was recommended in the recent national economic and social forum report on care for older people. [7147/06]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, the NESF report on care for older people was launched on 29 January 2006. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and I have received copies, as have officials in the Department, and we will consider the report in the context of overall policy development around services for older people.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, established a working group to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, including improvements in community care and home care packages. The report of the working group on the future financing of long-term care has been presented to Government and is being considered by Cabinet.

Tax Code.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

297 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance his views on removing the VAT on non-resident artists who perform in border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6591/06]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

312 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance his views on removing the VAT on non-resident artists who perform in border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

301 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the progress made within his Department in reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the action taken in respect of contracts within my Department arising from particular aspects of my address to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on 20 October 2005 on value for money and the peer review process for ICT projects over €5 million announced by the Government on 11 October 2005.

I also assume that the particular aspects of my address to which the Deputy refers are formalised contract review of projects over €30 million, and retendering of extension of service contracts where the extension would be more than 50% of the original contract or would exceed €250,000, whichever is the lower. My Department does not have capital projects over €30 million or ICT projects costing €5 million or more. As regards extension of service contracts, arrangements are being put in place in my Department to ensure compliance with the terms of the circular letter of 25 January 2006.

Tax Code.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

302 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not being allowed income tax relief in respect of tuition fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6371/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the college for which tuition fees the taxpayer is claiming relief has not been approved by the Minister for Education and Science for the purposes of the relief.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

303 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the progress made on the reform process announced by him on 20 October 2005, focused on achieving value for money in public expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

304 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he has instructed all Departments to produce performance tables for the extent of project outcomes versus budgets on contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

I wrote to my ministerial colleagues on 20 October 2005 enclosing a copy of my address of the same date to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and requesting them to ensure that their Departments take all necessary steps to implement measures set out in my address.

My Department issued a circular letter to all Departments on 25 January outlining in detail the requirements to give effect to the measures in my address of 20 October 2005, as well as decisions made by Government on ICT and consultancy procurement. The circular letter included a requirement for project performance tables with particular reference to project outcomes versus budgets. These will in future be incorporated in the annual reports of Departments and agencies and in the public capital programme published by my Department.

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

305 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person with one arm does not qualify for VAT exemption on a motor vehicle, while a person with one leg does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6411/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme that provides relief from VAT and VRT on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with certain disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car up to a certain limit.

The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. A person must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions: a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs; b) be 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; c) be without both hands or without both arms; d) be without one or both legs; e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg; f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

A special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.

The group's report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, its relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, which included the qualifying disability criteria, given the scale and scope of the scheme further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June 2004 that the Minister for Finance would consider the recommendations contained in the report of the interdepartmental review group in the context of the annual budgetary process, having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme. The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities, including the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the disabled drivers scheme in that regard, will be progressed in consultation with the other Departments who have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can obviously only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue.

Financial Services Regulation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

306 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to meet the concerns of the Waterford League of Credit Unions in regard to the IFSRA proposed restrictions of the investment options available to credit unions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6438/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

My Department has been informed by the Registrar of Credit Unions that he is continuing his review of the appropriate investment framework for credit unions, in consultation with the representative bodies for credit unions. Once submitted to my Department, the registrar's recommendations on a revised investment framework for credit unions will be examined by the Credit Union Advisory Committee, the advisory body on credit union matters under the Credit Union Act 1997.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

307 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of site purchases where contracts for sale in seven of the proposed decentralised locations have been received; and the estimated cost of site purchases where sites and properties are under negotiation under the proposed decentralisation programme. [6449/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that prices have been agreed for the purchase of sites in the locations listed by the Deputy. The price agreed, excluding VAT, in Knock and Dungarvan, where the contracts have been signed by both sides, is €390,000 and €2,100,000 respectively.

In the remaining five locations, however, because the contracts have yet to be formally executed by both sides, it would be inappropriate to reveal the individual prices at this stage. Similarly, in cases where negotiations are ongoing, it is not normal practice to reveal what the Commissioners are prepared to pay.

Tax Code.

John Deasy

Ceist:

308 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay by the Revenue Commissioners in issuing a refund of tax overpaid for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and when payment will issue. [6464/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the refund has been approved in this case and will issue shortly. A further repayment has also been approved in respect of an additional claim for medical expenses and will issue shortly. The Revenue Commissioners regret the delay in issuing these refunds which was due to increased end of year volumes.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

309 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if a building has been acquired for the decentralisation of Revenue Commissioners’ jobs to Listowel, County Kerry; when the process of moving the staff to Listowel will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6542/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has identified a suitable property solution for the accommodation of 50 Revenue staff due to decentralise to Listowel. The indicative timeframe for the provision of the building is the last quarter of 2006. The movement of staff to Listowel will be commenced by the Revenue Commissioners as soon as the building is available.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

310 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of locations which have been fully or over-subscribed in the decentralisation programme; the timetable for relocation in each case; if a property has been earmarked for the decentralised office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

To date, there are 22 locations where the total number of applicants on the central applications facility exceeds the number of posts on offer. I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the position is not static as applicants may opt to change preferences at any stage during the transition phase. He will be aware also that there may not be a precise grade match in each case between advertised posts and CAF applicants. These issues are being worked through as the programme is rolled out.

Property has been acquired by the Office of Public Works, or a State-owned site has been selected, in ten of these locations to date with a building purchased in one further location. A site or lease is under negotiation in a further six locations. The remaining five locations are at site assessment stage.

The July 2005 report of the decentralisation implementation group provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates will be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on successful acquisition of suitable sites, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs, the level and quality of market interest in respect of each site and successful negotiation of contracts. I understand that the OPW are currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Departmental Staff.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

311 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that statements made by his Department over the period 1988 to 1997 regarding a person (details supplied) were accurate and comprehensive; if not, his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

It is not my Department's normal practice to make statements on current or former members of staff of the Department. However, my Department was engaged in extended personal correspondence over the period 1988 to 1997 with the person referred to and, on occasion, by her legal advisers. There have also been a number of parliamentary questions in recent years concerning this person and 20 requests for information under the provisions of the freedom of information legislation by the person. In accordance with the exclusion provisions prescribed in the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003, certain material which must be withheld was not released in response to these requests.

Other than as outlined above, I have no reason to believe that any statement made by my Department in any of these circumstances was not accurate or was not comprehensive.

Question No. 312 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

313 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the offices or units within his Department and associated units that are due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisations; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6667/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The details of the number of posts decentralising under the programme of decentralisation announced by the Government in December 2003 are published on the central application facility at www.publicjobs.ie. For my Department and bodies under its aegis, the locations, number of posts decentralising, the number of staff within the decentralising business units who have chosen to decentralise with their own organisations and the number of staff who have been assigned to date are set out in the following table.

The Deputy should note that the figures included in the table are subject to change as further assignments under the decentralisation programme are made. The table does not include applicants who have accepted offers to transfer but have not yet been assigned, for example, in the case of the Revenue Commissioners, 50 people have accepted offers of transfer to Kilrush, 48 people have accepted offers of transfer to Newcastle West and 51 people have accepted offers of transfer to Listowel. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there were 81 internal applicants for Kildare and 86 internal applicants for Athy, including the 65 and 27, respectively, in the business units decentralising to those locations. No formal offers have yet been made for these locations.

Name of Organisation	Location	Number of Posts decentralising	Number of staff within the decentralising Business Units who have chosen to decentralise	Number of staff who have been assigned to decentralising business units (includes figures from previous column)
Department of Finance	Tullamore	131	10	82
	Kildare	33	3	13
Office of Public Works	Trim	349	95*	137
	Claremorris	150	10*	10
	Kanturk	100	7*	7
Ordnance Survey Ireland	Dungarvan	210	15	25
Public Appointments Service	Youghal	100	2	2
Valuation Office	Youghal	100	3	1
Revenue Commissioners	Kilrush	50	0	0
	NewcastleWest	50	0	0
	Listowel	50	1	1
	Kildare	379	65	0
	Athy	250	27	0

The decentralisation implementation group met on 22 occasions during 2005 and to date in 2006. The dates of its meetings are set out in the following table.

2005

February 3, 17

March 24

April 12, 21 28

May 4, 10, 20

June 2

July 7, 28

October 7, 13, 19, 28

November 10, 29

December 6

2006

The report to which the Deputy refers is not yet published. However, I understand that the draft report makes several recommendations covering a wide range of issues. My officials will examine the detailed recommendations of the report upon publication. The development and roll-out of broadband technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself in a liberalised market.

In comparison to other European states, broadband providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. The lack of competition between providers and the reduction in investment in the aftermath of the dot-com crash weakened the initial roll-out by providers here. However, the situation is improving rapidly and the current level of take up is consistent with the stage of development of the market.

The latest quarterly data report from ComReg on broadband delivery rates indicate that broadband subscriptions have grown by 19% to 208,000 as of September 2005. The proportion of broadband subscriptions delivered over access platforms other than DSL has increased in the past 12 months. The estimated end December 2005 figure for broadband subscribers is 250,000 according to the regulator.

The regional broadband programme launched by the Government in November 2003 is tackling supply side issues and was a direct response to the lack of investment by the private sector. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high speed, open access metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities nationwide on a phased basis and in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities on time and under budget. This programme has been extended to more than 90 towns nationwide. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer worldclass broadband services at competitive costs. My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding. A joint industry and Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband during 2006.

The Deputy will be aware that the broadband demand report, which recently issued on my Department's website, is a consultation report. I encourage all interested parties to read the demand report and to make submissions before the closing date of 1 March 2006.

Fisheries Protection.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

324 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends following the advice of the standing scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission to end mixed stock fishing for salmon from the end of 2006 due to the continued crisis in wild salmon stocks. [6739/06]

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

While there remains a surplus of salmon returning to Irish rivers, the Government has accepted the scientific advice that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide. The question of how best to manage future fishing for wild Atlantic salmon is being reviewed at present in the context of setting the total allowable catch for 2006.

The National Salmon Commission, in accordance with its terms of reference, was asked to advise on how best the alignment of exploitation of salmon with scientific advice could be implemented by 2007, bearing in mind the requirement to ensure the future biological viability of salmon resources in all catchments and the needs of all stakeholders, including those who derive their living from wild salmon. I am awaiting the advice of the National Salmon Commission in this regard and, while it is disappointing that it did not arrive at a consensus at its meeting last week, I am hopeful that it can reconvene in time to submit appropriate advice on a timely basis.

I have received the advice of the Standing Scientific Committee of the commission and the advice tendered by the fisheries managers. It is my intention to publish these and any recommendations that emanate from the National Salmon Commission in the coming weeks and to make a decision. I will publish my proposed amendments to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme in March so as to afford all interested parties an opportunity to consider them prior to their introduction in April 2006.

It is clear to me that future policy must be designed to ensure the survival of the species, while balancing the interests of various stakeholders with regard to the quantum of catch that appears to be possible according to independent scientific advice on location and types of fishing.

Natural Gas Grid.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

325 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends making a decision on the provision of consent for the laying of the Corrib onshore gas pipeline. [7138/06]

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

My predecessor gave consent to construct a pipeline on 15 April 2002, subject to a number of conditions, including, the requirement to subject all pipeline and umbilical installation operations to separate approval before being rolled out on a phased basis. With regard to the onshore pipeline, the preparatory works phase has been approved under this process and further consents for, inter alia, the installation phase of the onshore pipeline remain outstanding.

As the Deputy is aware, on 25 August 2005, I commissioned an international consulting company, Advantica, to carry out a thorough and independent safety review of the onshore upstream section of the Corrib gas pipeline. Advantica is a world leader in the area of advanced hazard and risk assessment technologies for gas pipelines. In parallel with this safety review, I established a public consultation process to ensure that the concerns of the community would be fully addressed in the review. As part of this process, a two-day public hearing was held in Geesala on 12 and 13 October and chaired by Mr. John Gallagher SC, during which the community was given the opportunity to express its concerns directly to the consultants. The consultants also made a separate site inspection of the pipeline route.

The results of this review have now been forwarded to my Department and I am at present considering it, along with an additional report from my Department's technical advisory group in this regard. I hope to make a decision regarding the outstanding consent for the onshore pipeline in the near future.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

326 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6344/06]

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

My Department has participated in a programme with the national public procurement policy unit of the Department of Finance to build an in-house procurement planning capacity. As a result of that collaboration, the Department is developing a corporate procurement plan for 2006, which will profile current procurement spend and examine procurement practices with a view to securing goods and services which meet needs and provide best value for money. Starting in 2006, a corporate procurement plan will be prepared each year and will operate in support of the departmental strategy.

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

327 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made within his Department with regard to reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6359/06]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, in late October 2005 the Minister for Finance announced initiatives to ensure enhanced efficiency and accountability in large scale public expenditure projects. The Government also decided in October 2005 to establish a peer review process for major ICT projects. Detailed guidelines on the implementation of the measures outlined by the Government and the Minister for Finance were recently received in my Department.

My Department is examining the new guidelines, which outline the need to review projects valued in excess of €30 million. My Department has no existing contracts or projects meeting that criterion. The Department is committed to engagement in the peer review process of the Department of Finance as the need arises.

Question No. 328 answered with QuestionNo. 135.

Fishing Industry.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

329 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of salmon/trout tags returned by commercial fishermen; the percentage returned by anglers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6459/06]

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

The management of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme is an operational matter for the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards.

I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that the database used to manage the issue of tags used under the scheme is not configured to record the number of tags returned to the fisheries boards. The database is optimally configured to give information on the salmon and sea trout catches rather than details of returned tags.

Each year some unused tags are returned by commercial fishermen to fisheries officers and these may be reallocated, if required. The logbooks returned by fishermen record the catch and, therefore, the number of tags used. The CFB publishes full details of the harvest compared to the total allowable catch in its annual publication, Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Fisheries Statistics Report.

Each year unused tags, which are unique to that season, are returned by anglers with their logbooks — these are never reallocated. The Central Fisheries Board advises that 51% of licensed anglers returned tags in 2004, the latest year for which figures are available.

Questions Nos. 330 to 333, inclusive, answered with Question No. 117.

Environmental Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

334 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on Ireland’s poor performance in terms of renewable energy in the Environment Performance Index 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/06]

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

The Environment Performance Index 2006, prepared by the Center for International Earth Science Information and Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy notes that the contribution of renewable energy to Ireland's energy mix in Ireland in the period 1994 to 2003 in Ireland is of the order of 1.9%.

This is consistent with national statistics and reflects our heavy reliance on peat as an indigenous energy resource and imported gas and oil. The data do not, however, demonstrate the actual growth rate of 54% in the output from renewable energy technology in the period 1990 to 2003 which kept pace with overall growth in the total primary energy requirement.

This meant that renewable growth outpaced the growth in primary energy consumption. The renewable energy share of gross electricity consumption was 5%, increasing from 4% the year before, and is on target to meet the target set in the renewables directive of 13% by 2010.

Inland Fisheries.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

335 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the salmon weir fishery in Galway; his further plans to privatise the fishing on the salmon weir fishery in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6545/06]

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

The Galway fishery is owned by the Central Fisheries Board and is operated and managed by the Western Regional Fisheries Board. There are no plans to change this arrangement.

The Government has decided that a fundamental restructuring of the inland fisheries sector is required. As part of this process the Government decided to re-engage the consultants who undertook the review of the sector to identify in more detail the structures, resources, funding and policy approaches needed to restructure the sector. The key principle informing this process is that of empowering local users and beneficiaries to take effective ownership of the resource. This process will involve full, transparent, comprehensive and patient consultations with all of the stakeholders, during which the principles and structures to deliver the new model will be fleshed out. It will be an open and inclusive process aimed at achieving a consensus.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

336 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6668/06]

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

The sea fisheries and certain other marine-related functions of the Department are due to decentralise to Clonakilty. The remaining areas of the Department currently in Dublin are due to relocate to Cavan.

Certain agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department are also due to decentralise. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is due to move to Clonakilty, the Central Fisheries Board is relocating to Carrick-on-Shannon, and Sustainable Energy Ireland is decentralising to Dundalk.

The table provides the latest available data on the number of posts decentralising with the relevant organisations, the number of existing staff who have committed to decentralise with their parent organisation, and the number of existing staff who have opted to decentralise with their parent organisation who have already been assigned to decentralising posts.

Organisation	No. of posts decentralising	No. of existing staff decentralising with organisation	No. of existing staff already assigned to decentralising posts
Sea fisheries and marine-related areas of Department	91	9	9
Remaining areas of Department	366	311	31
Bord Iascaigh Mhara	93	0	N/A2
Central Fisheries Board	62	21	N/A2
Sustainable Energy Ireland	39	241	N/A2

1These figures relate to expressions of interest in decentralising registered under the Central Applications Facility.

2The issue of transferring staff into decentralising posts is an operational matter for the agencies concerned.

Broadband Network.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

337 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the work carried out on the construction of a modern directional HFC rebroadcast television advanced services network in Castlebar, County Mayo under EIOP2 in respect of structural funds for broadband telecommunications infrastructure projects; if he has satisfied himself that all aspects of the contract allocated and agreed were carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract; the number of houses passed by the network; the services provided as a result; the precise route of the network provided that is, street, townland and so on of the fibre and coax trunk network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6681/06]

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

Following an invitation to tender in July 1999, 12 projects were selected for funding under the broadband measure of the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme 1994-99, one of which was the design and construction by Chorus Communications of a hybrid fibre coaxial network in Castlebar, County Mayo.

Construction of the infrastructure was completed, with more than 1,200 homes passed. The technical evaluation of the project was completed by North West Labs Limited, which furnished a completion report for each phase and a final report on the project.

The total grant paid to Chorus in respect of the Castlebar project was €615,627. Financial audits were carried out by Ernst and Young. The provision of services is an operational matter for the owners of the network.

Question No. 338 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

339 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that high profile sports events are broadcast on free-to-air television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6752/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

340 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to plans to broadcast the 2007 European Rugby Cup on pay-per-view television; if he intends to ensure that such an event is maintained on free-to-air television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6753/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 85 of 21 February 2006.

Question No. 341 answered with QuestionNo. 140.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

342 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that procedures for public consultation and the right to appeal are sufficiently protected in the granting of planning permission for off-shore wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6799/06]

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

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

As previously advised to the House, the enforcement of the European and national regulations prohibiting the taking of undersized and v-notched lobsters forms part of the inshore fisheries conservation work routinely carried out by the Department's sea fisheries protection officers. The Department is in the process of recruiting additional sea fishery officers and this will no doubt result in even more attention being paid to the regulation of this valued and valuable fishery.

Inspections and checks are made at the landing places used by lobster fishermen, of lorries that collect catches of lobsters for export and at the storage facilities of those exporters engaged in the lobster trade. The conservation work is generally well supported by the fishermen concerned as the v-notching of lobsters and the routine enforcement of minimum landing sizes for lobsters is seen to have a positive impact on the recovery of the stock. All undersized lobsters detected are immediately confiscated and returned alive to the sea to grow on to a legally commercial size. There were no prosecutions brought forward during 2005 for alleged instances of landing undersized lobsters.

The regulation of lobster fisheries has also been well supported by a poster and information campaign conducted by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, in which fishermen are advised as to the legal provisions pertaining to lobster fishing. The lobster committee, established under the management framework for shell fisheries, is drafting a plan for the management of lobster fisheries in Ireland and I expect this plan, as it will include contributions from all the stakeholders, will prove to be a firm foundation for the sustainable exploitation of the lobster fisheries around Ireland.

John Perry

Ceist:

346 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Irish Naval Service finds gear that is dumped illegally, what can it do to retrieve same; if the Naval Service has the equipment to retrieve said gear; if EU fines will be imposed on member states which fail to retrieve gear; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6955/06]

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

The ban on the use of deep water gill-nets requires the removal of such nets from the areas covered by the ban by 1 February 2006. The Naval Service is responsible for policing the ban within the Irish exclusive fisheries zone, EFZ, and monitors fishing activity in this zone to ensure the banned gear is not deployed. New EU rules came into force on 1 January 2006 which require that gill-nets must be marked with the identification of the vessel to which it belongs, which will facilitate the work of the Naval Service in this regard.

Where this type of gear has been abandoned, Naval Service vessels are not equipped to remove them. In any case, this would not be the best use of Naval Service resources given the heavy control and enforcement demands upon it. The recovery of abandoned gill nets may be undertaken by member states hiring commercial boats, as was done by BIM — the Irish Sea Fisheries Board — and the UK authorities in 2005. I will press for co-ordinated action at EU level to build upon this work. It will be a matter for the European Commission to decide whether to pursue action against member states which fail to control the activities of their fishermen in relation to the gill-net ban.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

347 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had direct communications with wind generated or other alternative forms of electricity production with a view to determination of the extent of which he intends to support such production in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7055/06]

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

My Department is in regular contact with individual developers and representative associations of developers of renewable energy powered projects. The current target to increase the amount of renewable energy powered electricity production plant to 1,450 MW by 2010 was preceded by a public consultation programme open to all interested parties. Targets beyond 2010 will be determined in the context of the development of an all-island electricity market. This programme also conducted a joint North-South public consultation process to inform future decisions.

Electricity Generation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

348 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to AER VII; if he has had discussions with the industry in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7056/06]

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

I am committed to the development and promotion of a biofuels market in the transport fuel sector and the development of alternative fuels which can contribute to emissions reductions and overall security of supply. My Department has set a target of 2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008, which will be achieved through a new programme of excise relief to be rolled out from this year to 2010, along with the provision of funding towards the capital cost of developing biofuels processing facilities.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

353 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with potential service providers in regard to the possibility of providing modern telecommunication services at the Black Valley, County Kerry and other similar locations here which are currently dependent on outdated battery supported communications systems; the extent to which improvements can be brought about through groups or MAN schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7061/06]

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

The provision of broadband services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by ComReg. It has been clear for some time that the telecommunications sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. For this reason, my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed, open access broadband networks in association with the local and regional authorities in the major towns and cities. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. These were built on time and under budget and the programme has been extended to more than 90 towns in various locations nationwide, with a population of 1,500 and above, which do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the sector. County Kerry is developing projects in respect of the following towns: Castleisland, Dingle, Kenmare, Killarney, Listowel and Tralee. The route designs are being finalised prior to the appointment of the design and project managers. Construction on the projects is expected to commence in 2006.

My Department is administering the second call for the county and group broadband scheme, GBS. This scheme is designed to promote investment in broadband access infrastructure in rural communities with populations of 1,500 or less by contributing grant aid of up to 55% of the infrastructure costs. The following GBS community projects in County Kerry have been approved to date: Ballyferriter, Boherbue, Brandon, Caherciveen, Kinard, Ventry, north Kerry, Sliabh Luachra and Tarbert. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists all service providers offering broadband services in all towns in County Kerry and gives contact details for each company, together with prices for the various service levels on offer.

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Although the Seven Heads gas field was declared commercial in 2002, it was originally discovered in 1984. This field lies west of the Kinsale Head gas field in the north Celtic Sea basin, about 45 km from the Cork coast. This field went into production in December 2003. Since then the Seven Heads field has experienced serious production difficulties and is producing at a fraction of the level originally planned. There have been no oil finds in the past four years.

With regard to non-petroleum minerals, new exploration is continuously undertaken as part of my requirements to holders of prospecting licences, of which there are currently 262. Details of these licences can be found in the six monthly report to the Oireachtas which I am obliged to lay before the House under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. The last such report was in respect of the six month period ended 30 June 2005. The report for the six month period ended 31 December 2005 is being prepared and will be laid before the House in the coming weeks.

While no new economic deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in recent years, there have been some encouraging results. Exploration adjacent to existing base metal mines at Navan, County Meath, owned by Tara Mines Limited, and Galmoy, County Kilkenny, owned by Arcon Mines Limited, has discovered additional resources which have the potential to extend the life of the mines in question. I recently granted new State mining licences to Arcon for extraction of part of these additional resources.

Departmental Bodies.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

358 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Marine Institute tenders for research projects that it puts out to tender; if so, the projects it tendered for and those they were successful with in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if the Marine Institute has representatives on the independent committee processing the tenders. [7071/06]

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

All tender competitions conducted by the Marine Institute observe Government procurement guidelines. The Marine Institute was successful in tendering for the following research projects:

2002

1.Biological Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms off the West Coast of Ireland (in partnership with NUIG and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, USA

2.Isolation and purification of azaspiracids from naturally contaminated materials and evaluation of their toxicological effects (in partnership with UCC, the Centre for Coastal Environmental Research USA, Chiba University Japan, Tama Lab Japan and Tohoku University Japan)

2003

No projects

2004

1.Nucleic Acid Tests for Toxigenic Phytoplankton Species in Irish Waters (in partnership with NUIG)

2.SMART Water Quality Monitoring System (in partnership with DCU, Tyndall National Institute, Microelectronics Application Centre, SW Regional Fisheries Board and Marine Informatics)

3.Strategic Team in Ocean Energy and Related Technologies (in partnership with UCC)

2005

1.Site Investigations and Disease Management of the Pancreas Disease Virus in Irish Farmed Salmon (in partnership with Queens University Belfast, Vet Aqua, Muir Gheal Teo and Eany Fish Products Ltd)

2.Extension of the Marine Institute's Marine Data Repository to include Biological Data and development tools (in partnership with UCC and Oregon State University)

Out of a total of 87 projects, the Marine Institute tendered for 13 projects and was successful in seven of these and unsuccessful in six of them. The Marine Institute does not have, nor has it has anyone from or representing it on the committees evaluating tenders for which it is competing.

Research Vessels.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

359 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Question No. 337 of 4 October 2005, the cost of each vessel to the Exchequer of the €5,015,471; if there is any of the latter amount recoverable from the European Union or other sources; if, with the shore support of €1,714,094, this includes the cost of input by MarineInstitute staff; and the sources of that funding. [7072/06]

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

The running costs, including shore technical support costs and overheads such as insurance etc., for both vessels, as set out in the reply to the Deputy of 4 October 2005, were met from the Exchequer grant-in-aid to the Marine Institute. However, of the costs of €5,015,471 — 2004 operating costs — the following amounts were offset from EU sources:

	Celtic Explorer	Celtic Voyager
Data Collection Regulation	840,000	150,000
MATSIS	0	10,000

Furthermore, the following income was recovered from sources other than the Marine Institute Exchequer Vote:

	Celtic Explorer	Celtic Voyager
NUI Galway	250,000	31,000
Commercial Contracts	130,000	42,000
Other Irish Universities		1,025
Southampton Oceanographic Centre		8,000
Dublin City Council		4,000
Radiological Protection Institute		8,000
Total Income from Sources other than MI Exchequer Vote	1,220,000	254,025

The shore support of €1,714,094 does not include the cost of input by Marine Institute staff. The costs of shore support are met through a combination of Exchequer funding and the funding detailed above.

Marine Institute.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

360 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a value for money audit on the two Marine Institute vessels and supporting facilities has been undertaken by his Department or the Comptroller and Auditor General; if so, is a report available; if not, when it will be available. [7073/06]

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

No recent evaluation of the two research vessels has been carried out either by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources or by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The question of carrying out such evaluations is kept under review.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

361 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received indications of DSL failure rate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7074/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 73 on 10 March 2005.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

362 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the actions he can take to counter the problem regarding increased use of mobile telephone systems for child pornography; if his attention has been drawn to the potential damage to society to such abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/06]

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

Legislation to combat illegal pornographic material is already in place.

It is an offence under the section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by phone any message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of any means including by use of a telephone. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is responsible for policy on the protection of children from the transmission of pornographic images by phones and other media. Anyone who has information on these matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

363 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if at national or international level he has taken steps to combat spam on the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7077/06]

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

Due to concerns raised by member states on the sending of unsolicited e-mails for direct marketing purposes via the Internet, mobile phones and other electronic communications media, the EU introduced Directive 2002/58/EC, Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications. This directive was transposed into national law in November 2003 via the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations 2003, SI No. 535 of 2003. The regulations place restrictions on the sending of unsolicited e-mails for direct marketing purposes via the Internet, mobile phones and other electronic communications media.

Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. A person found guilty of a breach of the regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 per message.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

372 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of positions on boards, agencies or bodies under his aegis to which he has made appointments in recent times; the number of such appointments outstanding; his plans to fill same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7099/06]

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

The information requested by the Deputy regarding appointments made to the boards of State-sponsored bodies since September 2004 is set out in the following tables.

Appointments to the boards of State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources made since September 2004
An Post
Board Member (Elected Employees)	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Mr. Jerry Condon	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Patrick Compton	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Patrick Davoren	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Thomas Devlin	01.11.2004	31.10.2008
Mr. Terry Keller	01.11.2004	31.10.2008

Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Sean Murphy	01.01.05	31.12.07
Mr. Lorcan Ó Cinneide*	01.01.05	31.12.07
Mr. Mario J. Minehane*	01.01.05	31.12.07
Ms Mary McMahon	01.01.05	31.12.06
Ms Karin Dubsky	01.01.05	31.12.06
Mr. Damian McDonald	01.01.05	31.12.06

Bord na Móna
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Fergus McArdle (Chairman)	28.09.04	27.09.09
Ms Anne Heraty	28.09.04	27.09.09
Mr. Gabriel Cribbin	09.09.05	08.09.08

Bord Iascaigh Mhara
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Rose McHugh	29.09.04	23.04.07

Broadcasting Complaints Commission
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Michael McGrath (Chairperson)	18.10.05	17.10.10
Seán O’Sullivan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Eucharia Meehan	18.10.05	17.10.10
David Tighe	18.10.05	17.10.10
Miriam O’Callaghan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Susan Nolan	18.10.05	17.10.10
Phil Brady	18.10.05	17.10.10

Central Fisheries Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
David Mackey (Chairman)	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Ms Mary Bohan	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Éamon de Buitléir	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Myles Kelly	24.06.05	24.06.2010
Naul McCole	24.06.05	24.06.2010
John Henry McLaughlin	24.06.05	24.06.2010

Commission for Energy Regulation (CER)
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Tom Reeves (Chairman)	14.10.04	09.09.09
Mr. Michael Tutty	14.10.04	12.10.09
Ms Regina Finn	01.02.05	31.01.09

Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Mike Byrne	01.12.2004	30.11.08

The Digital Hub
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Joe Murphy	29.09.04	29.09.07

Drogheda Harbour Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Paddy Traynor (Chairperson)	20.12.04	19.12.09
Ms Maria O’Brien Campbell	23.05.05	22.05.10
Mr. Cormac Bohan	29.09.04	28.09.09
Cllr. Paul Bell	04.08.04	03.08.09

Dublin Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Kevin Humphries	10.09.04	09.09.09
Cllr. Christy Burke	10.09.04	09.09.06
Cllr. Paddy Bourke	10.09.04	09.09.09

Dundalk Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Kevin Meenan	05.04.05	04.04.10

Electronic Communications Appeals Panel*
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Hugh Mohan SC	21.09.04	Contract expired
Margaret Heneghan BL	21.09.04	Contract expired
Catherine Woods BA	21.09.04	Contract expired
Mary Sadlier	23.05.05	23.05.06
Sean Barrett	23.05.05	23.05.06
Paul Burns SC	23.05.05	23.05.06
Finbarr Fox SC	23.05.05	23.05.06
Patrick Butler SC	24.05.05	24.05.06
Liam Cahill	20.06.05	20.06.06
Brian O’Moore SC	14.07.05	14.07.06
Eileen Barrington JC	15.06.05	15.06.06

*Pool from which 3 persons will be appointed by Minister to an appeal panel. Two Panels currently exist, each with its own chairperson.

Eirgrid
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Martina Moloney	15.09.04	15.09.09
Mr. Maurice Holly (staff representative)	21.09.04 (re-appointed)	21.09.09
Ms Emer Daly	20.03.05 (2nd term)	19.03.08
Mr. David Mackey	20.03.05 (2nd term)	19.03.08
Mr. Dermot Byrne CEO (ex officio)	04.07.05	03.07.12
Ms Bernie Gray	08.09.05	07.09.10

ESB
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Brendan Byrne	01.09.04	31.08.09
Mr. Tadhg O’Donoghue	07.09.05 (2nd term)	06.09.10
Ms Georgina Kenny	18.05.05 (2nd term)	17.05.10

Galway Harbour Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Joe Tierney	13.08.04	12.08.09
Cllr. Sean Kyne	05.04.05	04.04.10

Marine Institute
Board Member	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Ms Terry Fleming	29.09.04	28.09.09
Mr. Kevin Bonner (Chairperson)	24.06.05	23.06.08
Ms Dairine McFadden	19.12.05	18.12.10

National Salmon Commission
Board Member	Appointment Date	Expiry Date
Mr. Joey Murrin (Chairperson)	30.09.05	31.05.08
Jim Curran	30.09.05	31.05.08
Brian Curran	30.09.05	31.05.08
John H. O’Brien	30.09.05	31.05.08
Peter Hunt	30.09.05	31.05.08
Vincent Roche	30.09.05	31.05.08
Michael Keatinge	30.09.05	31.05.08
Derick Anderson	30.09.05	31.05.08
Noel Carr	30.09.05	31.05.08
Lal Faherty	30.09.05	31.05.08
Martin McEnroe	30.09.05	31.05.08
Luke Boyle	30.09.05	31.05.08
Jerome Dowling	30.09.05	31.05.08
John Doherty	30.09.05	31.05.08
Michael Conners	30.09.05	31.05.08
Séamus de Búrca	30.09.05	31.05.08
Carmel Lynn	30.09.05	31.05.08
Frank Flanagan	30.09.05	31.05.08
Peter Dunn	30.09.05	31.05.08
Richie Flynn	30.09.05	31.05.08

New Ross Port Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Larry O’Brien	26.11.04	25.11.09

Port of Cork Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Michael Hegarty	04.08.04	03.08.09

Port of Waterford Company
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Ms Lola O’Sullivan	29.08.04	28.08.09
Mr. Derek Madigan	16.03.05	15.03.10

Radió Telefís Éireann Authority
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Fintan Drury	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Maria Killian	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Patricia King	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Ian Malcolm	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Úna Ní Chonaire	21.06.05	20.06.2008
Stephen O’Byrnes	29.06.05 (2nd term)	20.06.2008
Patrick Marron	29.06.05 (2nd term)	20.06.2008
Emer Finnan	14.09.05	20.06.2008
Joe O’Brien	14.09.05	20.06.2008

Southern Regional Fisheries Board
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Pat Bowe	14.12.04	31.12.05

Regional Harbour Authorities
Arklow Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Sylvester Bourke	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Pat Doran	28.09.04
Cllr. Peter Dempsey	28.09.04
Cllr. Donal O’Sullivan	28.09.04
Mr. James Tyrell	28.09.04
Mr. Lorcan O’Toole	28.09.04
Mr. Austin Gaffney	28.09.04
Ms Ann Lee	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Mordaunt	28.09.04
Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald	28.09.04
Cllr. Pat Sweeney	28.09.04

Annagassan Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Tommy Reilly	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Finnan McCoy	28.09.04
Cllr. Pearse McGeough	28.09.04
Cllr. Jim Lennon	28.09.04
Mr. Terry Butterly	28.09.04
Ms Rosemarie Coyle	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Reilly	28.09.04
Mr. Tommy McGrory	28.09.04
Mr. Gerard Sheridan	28.09.04

Baltimore & Skibbereen Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Cllr. Tadgh O’Donovan	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Cllr. Joe Carroll	28.09.04
Cllr. Brendan Leahy	28.09.04
Cllr. Brendan McCarthy	28.09.04
Mr. Michael Harte	28.09.04
Mr. Vincent O’Driscoll	28.09.04
Mr. Danny O’Driscoll	28.09.04
Mr. Dermot Sheehy	28.09.04
Mr. Kieron Cotter	28.09.04

Bantry Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. John O’Riordan	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Michael Hennebry	28.09.04
Cllr. Eugene Cronin	28.09.04
Cllr. Patrick Kelly	28.09.04
Mr. John O’Shea	28.09.04
Mr. Donal Casey	28.09.04
Mr. Aiden McCarthy	28.09.04
Mrs. Kathleen Tessyman	28.09.04
Ms Letty Baker	28.09.04
Mr. Mario Minehane	28.09.04
Mr. Tim Minihane	28.09.04

Dingle Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Tom Fitzgerald	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Eoin Ó Catháin	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Flannery	28.09.04
Mr. Denis O’Connor	28.09.04
Mr. Tom Kennedy	28.09.04
Cllr. Seamus Fitzgerald	28.09.04
Cllr. Breandán MacGearailt	28.09.04
Dr. Fionnbar O’Shea	28.09.04
Mr. Timothy O’Sullivan	28.09.04

Kinsale Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Billy Lynch	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Charles Hendeson	28.09.04
Mr. Kevin Murphy	28.09.04
Cllr. Alan Coleman	28.09.04
Mr. Eamon O’Neill	28.09.04
Mr. Frank Kiernan	28.09.04
Mr. John Twomey	28.09.04
Mr. Courtney Good	28.09.04
Mr. Michael T. Frawley	28.09.04

River Moy Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. John Keane	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Dessie Padden	28.09.04
Mr. Jimmy Sheridan	28.09.04
Cllr. Annie May Reape	28.09.04
Mr. John Farrell	28.09.04
Mr. Edward Melvin	28.09.04
Mr. Tommy Ginley	28.09.04
Mr. Paddy Jackson	28.09.04
Mr. Judd Ruane	28.09.04
Cllr. Jimmy Moloney	28.09.04
Mr. Michael McDonagh	28.09.04

Sligo Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Albert Higgins	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Patsy Barry	28.09.04
Ms Veronica Cawley	28.09.04
Mr. Johnathan McGoldrick	28.09.04
Mr. Gerry McCanny	28.09.04
Mr. Stephen Rundle	28.09.04
Mr. Seamus Monaghan	28.09.04
Mr. Jim McMorrow	28.09.04
Mr. Gene O’Carroll	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Gannon	28.09.04
Mr. Pádraic Branley	28.09.04

Tralee & Fenit Harbour
Board Member	Date of Appointment	Expiry Date
Mr. Roland Blennerhassett	28.09.04	At date of next local elections
Mr. Con Casey	28.09.04
Mr. Dermot Crowley	28.09.04
Mr. James Browne	28.09.04
Ms Norma Foley	28.09.04
Mr. Michael Moriarity	28.09.04
Mr. John Wall	28.09.04
Ms Toireasa Ní Fhearaíosa	28.09.04
Mr. Christopher Lynch	28.09.04
Mr. Vincent Locke	28.09.04
Mr. Liam Sullivan	28.09.04

Table 2
Vacancies currently outstanding on Boards of State-sponsored Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
	Vacancies
Communications
An Post	2 vacancies
Broadcasting Complaints Commission	1 vacancy
Digital Hub	3 vacancies
Electronic Communications Appeals Panel	4 vacancies
RTE	1 vacancy
Natural Resources
Bord Gáis	2 vacancies
ESB	2 vacancies
Marine
BIM	1 vacancy
Loughs Agency	1 vacancy
Regional Fisheries Boards (RFBs)*
Eastern RFB	3 vacancies
Northern RFB	1 vacancy
North-Western RFB	1 vacancy
Southern RFB	3 vacancies
South-Western RFB	7 vacancies
Western RFB	1 vacancy

*Terms of office of all members of Regional Fisheries Boards terminated as of 31st December 2005. However this period of time was extended and will continue until midnight on the day on which the results of the next election for elected members of the Boards is declared or at such a time as the Board becomes a Regional Advisory Board under the proposed restructuring plans for the sector, whichever is earlier.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied at the extent to which local loop unbundling has been completed; his views on whether delays are restricting the provision of broadband and other state-of-the-art telecommunication services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7100/06]

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

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.

Local loop unbundling is regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services.

Electricity Generation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

374 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status and potential capacity of east/west electricity interconnectors with particular reference to the availability of the means whereby energy that is surplus to needs can be disposed of economically and that incoming requirements can be equally facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7102/06]

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

379 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the studies which have been carried out with a view to meeting the telecommunications requirements of the residents of the Black Valley, County Kerry, and other residents similarly affected here; if a determination has been made in respect of the most suitable technology in such circumstances; if suitable available funding has been identified with particular reference to public service obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7119/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 139 of today.

Question No. 380 answered with QuestionNo. 135.

Question No. 381 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Broadcasting Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

382 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received communications from representative groups requesting the provision of subtitling in respect of television services; if he intends to respond to such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7122/06]

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

Michael Ring

Ceist:

387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that the undocumented Irish will be his top priority when he meets President George Bush. [6875/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

388 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether a bilateral deal with the US involving the two Governments agreeing a similar number of work visas for each country can be achieved; and, if so, his further views on whether a waiver for the undocumented Irish in the US to avail of such visas can be achieved. [6877/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

389 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an assurance will be given that all elected representatives who visit America on 17 March 2006 will make clear that solving the issue of the undocumented Irish is of the highest priority. [6878/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 to 389, inclusive, together.

The Government attaches the highest priority to the issue of the undocumented Irish. We raise our concerns in all of our contacts with US political leaders and emphasise the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way. We welcome President Bush's engagement on this issue and the Taoiseach and I look forward to discussing the matter with him when next we meet him.

It is clear that legislating for immigration reform and the situation of undocumented people presents US legislators with a formidable challenge. The debate currently under way in the US Congress highlights the sensitive and divisive nature of this issue. Some members of the US Congress, for example, are strongly opposed to any proposals which would allow undocumented people the opportunity to regularise their status.

As the Deputy is aware, the US Senate has before it a number of proposals. Indications are that the Senate Judiciary Committee will discuss the immigration issue again in early March. The proposals before them include the Bill sponsored by Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain, as well as the Kyl-Cornyn Bill and a compromise text proposed by Senator Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

While the Government's primary focus at present has to be on the current legislative proposals before Congress, and in particular on trying to ensure that the core elements of the Kennedy-McCain Bill are contained in any final compromise text that emerges, we keep under ongoing review the possibility of other approaches that might improve the situation of our undocumented. Overall, and against a background of huge domestic sensitivity in the US on the immigration issue, the situation requires the most rigorous ongoing monitoring and assessment. The Deputy can be assured that the Government's views will be conveyed at the highest levels in the United States over the St. Patrick's Day period.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

390 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, prior to sending a personal message to the Colombian Foreign Minister reiterating the desirability of facilitation of the early departure from Colombia of persons referred to by him in Question No. 3 of 19 May 2004, his attention had been drawn to the fact that the persons were participating in the exchange of know-how in terrorism and explosives for massive amounts of cash, apparently to be spent on distorting democratic processes here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6338/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

In the case referred to by the Deputy, the initial decision of the court on 26 April 2004 was to acquit the individuals concerned on the charge of training terrorists. It also permitted that they be released from prison under "conditional freedom". Due to serious concerns for the safety of the three men, my predecessor sent a message on 30 April 2004 to the Columbian Foreign Minister stressing our concern for their safety and suggesting that the facilitation of the early departure of the three men from Columbia was the best way to assure their security. The decision to send the message to the Columbian Foreign Minister was taken exclusively on consular grounds, in light of the concerns for the safety of the men.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of the Prosecutor General lodged an appeal against the initial court decision and the decision was overturned on 16 December 2004.

Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

391 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6345/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department has established a procurement management unit. One of its tasks is to prepare a corporate procurement plan, as recommended by the Department of Finance in its national public procurement policy framework document of May 2005. In accordance with the timeframe prescribed by the Department of Finance, the first corporate procurement plan for my Department will be adopted later this year. The plan will cover both Vote 28, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Vote 29, International Co-Operation, and will be prepared with the assistance and guidance of the Department of Finance.

Consultancy Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

392 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made within his Department in relation to reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Department of Foreign Affairs is fully engaged in implementing the value for money measures announced by the Minister for Finance in his speech of 20 October 2005. One of those measures involves a requirement for Departments to review existing contract specifications for projects which exceed a value of €30 million. My Department is not involved in any projects above that threshold.

The Deputy may wish to note that the major capital project being undertaken by my Department in 2006 relates to the introduction of biometric features in passports. The passport biometric project is out to tender. At the contract stage, my Department will apply fully the range of performance criteria for such projects announced by the Minister for Finance. The project has also been the subject of a peer review process which will provide a further level of detailed examination and verification for such projects.

Irish Citizens Deportation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

393 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to the US Government regarding the deportation of Irish citizens for minor road traffic offences such as driving without insurance; if he would do so if such a case were brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6439/06]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the development co-operation directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick. This is scheduled to take place during the first quarter of 2007 and will involve the relocation to Limerick of 124 posts.

Already, a total of 26 posts in the directorate, including that of director general, are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. In addition, there are 15 officers serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, who have also expressed an interest in decentralising to Limerick. These officers will be assigned to the directorate on a phased basis. This total of 41 represents some 33% of the posts being transferred to Limerick. The process of recruiting further staff for Limerick via the central applications facility is also being accelerated. The aim is that, by the second half of 2006, most posts in the directorate will be filled by staff who will decentralise to Limerick.

Information regarding assignments is provided in the following tabular statement, as requested by the Deputy.

Assignments to Development Co-operation Division for decentralisation
Number of staff from within the Department who have opted to decentralise with the Directorate and are currently in situ in DCD:	9
Assignments made to DCD from the Central Applications Facility (CAF):	11
Assignments made to DCD from confined competition promotion panels for decentralisation:	4
Recruited for decentralisation:	2
Total Assigned to DCD to date:	26
Officers currently serving elsewhere in the Department who will transfer to DCD to decentralise:	15
Total number of officers currently serving in the Department who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick:	41

In respect of the first investigation, the Department of Foreign Affairs has not been contacted by Senator Marty who, in his most recent information memorandum to the committee on legal affairs and human rights, accurately records the Government's "total condemnation" of the practice of extraordinary rendition.

In respect of the second investigation, as I informed the House on 14 December 2005, and more recently on 31 January 2006, the Government has co-operated fully with the secretary general's request, which he sent on 21 November 2005. Preparation of the Government's response has required input from a number of different Departments and Government bodies. This response, in which the Government emphatically answers in the negative the secretary general's questions on whether "unacknowledged deprivation of liberty" might have taken place in Ireland, is complete and was transmitted to the secretary general yesterday, before the deadline he had set.

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

403 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6346/06]

My Department, with the exception of the National Archives, will be transferring to Killarney under the Government's decentralisation programme. The number of first preference applications received under the central applications facility for approximately 130 posts exceeds the numbers required in the case of most of the grades.

The following table shows the number of internal and external assignments that have been made to posts in the Department that are decentralising to Killarney. Those who have been assigned already are officers who had Killarney as their first preference location on the central applications facility.

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
Number of posts in the Department that will decentralise to Killarney	130
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the Department	13
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the Department and who have been assigned to their posts	12
Number of external staff, who have chosen to relocate to Killarney, that have been taken in and assigned to their posts	4(9 further officers will be assigned in the next month)

Three of my Department's agencies have also been selected to decentralise; the Sports Council to Killarney, Fáilte Ireland to Mallow and the Arts Council to Kilkenny. These agencies were not identified as early movers. The following tables show details of staff who have been assigned in order to relocate to the designated locations.

Irish Sports Council
Number of posts in the agency that will decentralise to Killarney	25
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the agency	0
Number of external staff, who have chosen to relocate to Killarney, who have been taken in and assigned to their posts	7

Arts Council
Number of posts in the agency that will decentralise to Kilkenny	43.5
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the agency	0
Number of external staff, who have chosen to relocate to Kilkenny, that have been taken in and assigned to their posts	6

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
Number of posts in the Department that will decentralise to Killarney	130
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the Department	13
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the Department and who have been assigned to their posts	12

Fáilte Ireland
Number of posts in the agency that will decentralise to Mallow	178
Number of internal staff who have chosen to decentralise with the agency	0
Number of external staff, who have chosen to relocate to Mallow, who have been taken in and assigned to their posts	0

Sports Capital Programme.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

407 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grants which are sponsored by his Department that would be appropriate to a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/06]

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

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November 2005. Application forms and guidelines, terms and conditions for the programme were available either directly from the sports capital unit of my Department or on-line on my Department's website, www.dast.gov.ie.

The deadline for receipt in my Department of application forms and all necessary supporting documentation was 5 p.m. on Friday, 20 January 2006. My Department has not received an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. All applications are assessed in accordance with the criteria detailed in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. It is open to the club in question to make an application under future rounds of the sports capital programme and if it does so, such an application will be considered by my Department.

EU Charters.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

408 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Government withheld information from the European Committee on Social Rights on the State’s record in providing social and economic rights to its citizens in breach of its commitment to provide reports on its implementation of the revised European Social Charter since March 2004 to the committee. [6553/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The Council of Europe has standard reporting procedures regarding the revised social charter which apply to all contracting parties — that is, those member states that have signed and ratified the charter. Ireland signed and ratified the revised social charter on 4 November 2000. The revised social charter has 31 articles.

The reporting is done in a "two-cycle" process: (a) the nine "core" articles are Articles 1, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 19 and 20 — these are the most important articles from the Council of Europe's perspective and were the subject of our first report on the implementation of the revised social charter, submitted to Strasbourg in May 2004 in respect of the period ending 31 December 2002; (b) the remaining 22 articles are the "non-core" articles of the revised social charter. These articles are the subject of our second report, due in 2004, on the implementation of the revised social charter. We have already submitted reports on three of these articles to Strasbourg. The remainder of the articles will be reported upon as the material is received from Departments and agencies and edited by my Department.

In preparing reports, my Department consults both internally and with most other Departments in relation to updating material on any relevant legislative and/or administrative changes that have taken place which impact on our implementation of the revised social charter. Given the range of issues to be covered and the number of Departments to be consulted, gathering and clarifying up-to-date responses on a wide range of topics can be quite demanding, having regard to the steady growth in other reporting obligations on all Departments.

In light of the substantially increased reporting requirements under the revised social charter — involving 31 articles as opposed to 19 in the original social charter from 1961 — my Department undertook to review criticisms of Ireland made by the European Committee of Social Rights, which examines in detail, individual member states' reports on the implementation of the revised social charter, and how implementation might be made more effective in the future.

As part of this process, my officials had a meeting in Dublin on 4 October 2005 with a delegation from the Council of Europe, including its Secretariat and members of the European Committee of Social Rights. At that meeting, the delays in submitting our second and third reports on the implementation of the revised social charter were discussed. It was acknowledged by the Council of Europe delegation that some of the articles in our second report had already been submitted to Strasbourg. However, as we had in parallel done some work on our third report — which updates Ireland's reporting on the nine "core" articles for the period ending 31 December 2004 — my Department agreed to prioritise the completion of the third report before reverting to the completion of the second report.

The reason for this approach is that the third report is effectively an update of the first report on the nine "core" articles, and it was anticipated that this report could be completed quickly. In this regard, my Department now expects to submit the third report within the next few weeks. My Department will then complete the outstanding articles of the second report and this process should be completed over the coming months. Accordingly, no information will be withheld from the Council of Europe and it is the intention to eliminate backlogs in reporting developments as soon as possible.

I consider that the revised social charter is being properly implemented by Ireland, having regard to our national legislation and administrative practices. Any queries raised by the European Committee of Social Rights are, and will continue to be, addressed as part of the reporting procedures laid down by the Council of Europe.

Consumer Entitlements.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

409 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who received a holiday voucher as a gift for Christmas, and which will not be honoured as the travel company who issued it went into receivership days after its being issued. [6931/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

I understand from inquiries made that the company named is part of a larger travel company which went into creditor's voluntary liquidation on 15 December 2005.

The liquidation of a company involves the cessation of the company's activities, the realisation of its assets and the payment of the company's creditors to the extent possible. The travel voucher would appear to fall into the ranking of unsecured creditors in the winding up process. The owner of the travel voucher should make the liquidator aware of the company's liability under the voucher.

Company Closures.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

410 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for consumers here in the event of more oil or other fuel companies exiting the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7064/06]

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

Consumers benefit from competition in the market and the Government is committed to fostering competition in all sectors of the economy. Should any oil or fuel company decide to exit the market, I expect that there would be a high level of interest in the business being sold and many suitable prospective bidders. However, any such acquisition would be subject to regulatory clearance by the Competition Authority under the merger provisions of the Competition Act 2002.

Ceist:

415 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on providing a lump sum, for example a redundancy lump sum, for people who have to cease work due to ill health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

As a general rule, a redundancy situation exists where an employer requires fewer employees to do work of a particular kind; a company goes into liquidation or receivership; it is decided to rationalise or reorganise a company; or where a company closes down. Other examples could include partial closing down of a company; a decrease in an employer's requirements for workers with particular skills or qualifications; or an employer requiring fewer employees due to an economic recession. Ill health alone is not a valid reason for redundancy.

Redundancy is related to the job, not the person concerned. If the employee's job is gone, then he is redundant unless he can be accommodated elsewhere in the place of employment.

Under the existing statutory redundancy legislation, an employee who is absent from work on grounds of ill health can be made redundant provided a genuine redundancy situation exists in the employment and the employer is willing to make him or her redundant, since it is the employer who decides, in the first instance, who should be made redundant. The redundancy would need to occur within four years of the date of termination of employment in order to fall within the insurability provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003.

Employment Appeals Tribunal Awards.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The disqualification of a person from serving as a company director is a serious matter which can only be determined by a High Court judge on application by the Director of Corporate Enforcement or, in certain instances, other specified parties.

It is a matter for the Director of Corporate Enforcement to determine which cases he pursues. The Deputy may wish to make a formal complaint to the Director of Corporate Enforcement supplying the details of the unfulfilled liabilities in regard to the specific case he has raised.

It is recognised that there is an issue with regard to creditor proceedings against a company which has been struck off. The Company Law Review Group, CLRG, established pursuant to Part 7 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, is engaged in developing proposals for the reform and consolidation of the Companies Acts. In its first report the Company Law Review Group considered how the effects of strike-off might be mitigated for creditors and came up with a number of recommendations towards this end. The Department is currently drawing up the general scheme of the company law reform and consolidation Bill which will give effect to the CLRG recommendations and it is expected to bring the general scheme to Government for approval to draft the Bill proper later this year.

Work Permits.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

419 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Clare could apply for a work permit for a South African as they have exhausted all other means of filling the position by a person within the enlarged EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6504/06]

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

The work permit section of my Department has informed me that it has no record of any valid application in this instance. It should be pointed out, however, that incomplete and incorrectly completed applications, or applications for ineligible sectors or ineligible types of positions, are returned to the employer concerned.

I should add that, in the aftermath of EU enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, it is in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are required for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals first, that my Department will consider work permit applications.

Health and Safety Inspections.

John Gormley

Ceist:

420 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority is responsible for inspections of circuses; and if so, the number of inspections of circuses operating here that were carried out in 2005. [6555/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

421 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the body which is responsible for investigating health and safety issues in circuses when a member of the public or a circus worker is injured by a circus animal; if there was an investigation into an incident in June 2005 when a person (details supplied) was seriously injured; and if so, the findings of same. [6556/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

422 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there was an investigation into incidents in June and July 2005 where a monkey in a circus bit persons (details supplied); and if so, the findings of same. [6557/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 421 and 422 together.

The incident in June 2005, to which the Deputy refers, was investigated by the Health and Safety Authority and on the evidence available, legal proceedings were not initiated. The circus owner and the owner of the animal confirmed in writing to the authority that they have engaged the services of a professional safety adviser to review and update their safety procedures.

On the incident in July 2005, to which the Deputy also refers, there is no record of the matter being brought to the authority's attention.

The Health and Safety Authority did not carry out any other inspections of circuses in 2005.

The operation of circuses as places of entertainment does not come within the statutory remit of the Health and Safety Authority, which is concerned with the occupational safety, health and welfare of employees. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and relevant regulations apply to circuses as places of work and only, as such, are circuses subject to inspection under the provisions of that Act.

Where any risk is identified as a hazard at the workplace, employers are required under the 2005 Act to include a provision in their safety statement to deal with the problem. This applies to all workplaces including circuses.

Under the Government decentralisation programme, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is required to relocate 250 posts to new offices in Carlow. The Department's Companies Registration Office, work permits unit, redundancy and insolvency payments section and employment rights enforcement bureau are relocating to Carlow. It is envisaged that information technology and service staff will be required in Carlow to support the business units listed above. I will give a breakdown of the number of people in each of the Department's internal units who have expressed an interest in relocating to the new offices in Carlow. These details are based on first preference and priority applications submitted to the central applications facility by 7 September 2004. Applications have been received from 17 people in the companies registration office, one person in the work permits unit, four people in the redundancy and insolvency payments section and eight people in the employment rights enforcement bureau. Some 11 internal staff in departmental offices in Dublin and 11 staff in Kilkenny, all of whom are not based in decentralising units, have also applied to relocate to Carlow. In addition, 12 staff have been recruited from various Public Appointments Service open panels on the condition that they will decentralise to Carlow with the Department.

I will outline the position in respect of the agencies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Some 19 staff of Enterprise Ireland have chosen to decentralise with the agency, but nobody has been assigned a new post with the agency to date. Nine staff of FÁS have chosen to decentralise with the body and 53 people have been assigned a new post with that body to date. Eleven staff of the National Standards Authority of Ireland have chosen to decentralise with the authority and 11 people have been assigned a new post with that authority to date. Nine staff of the Health and Safety Authority have chosen to decentralise with the authority and 26 people have been assigned a new post with that authority to date.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

426 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of a group (details supplied) in regard to recent Central Statistics Office figures and the effect that recent budgetary decisions are having on their job opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6330/06]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

435 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his Department has decided to impose an assessment on rent supplement for young single mothers participating in the Moving On programme for young mothers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6536/06]

David Stanton

Ceist:

439 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason young mothers participating in community education initiatives, in particular a community education initiative in Carlow (details supplied), which are aimed at improving the educational qualifications of young mothers and supporting them in progressing from welfare dependency to sustainable employment, are having the training allowance they receive assessed as means for the purpose of secondary benefits; the reason this move will encourage this vulnerable group, many of whom only have a primary level education and who are three times more at risk of poverty than the rest of the population to participate in the initiative; if this change in assessment is in contradiction of Statutory Instrument Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 1995 Section 7 (ii)(III). [6693/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426, 435 and 439 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor the Department of Social and Family Affairs has any function in decisions on individual claims. Rent supplements are paid subject to a means test. Rent supplements are ordinarily calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €13 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. However, people who take up certain opportunities, such as a place in the Moving On programme, are treated more favourably and may retain up to €75 per week of any additional income they receive. The recent budget improved their position. From January 2006, a weekly disregard of up to €60 per week is allowed and half of any additional income between €60 and €90 is also disregarded. Prior to the budget, there was no disregard of income above €60 per week. This type of additional income disregard was first introduced in budget 2000 and has been increased over the years to its current level.

Lone parents who participate in the Moving On programme are not penalised for doing so. For example, a lone parent with one child living in Carlow with rent of €150 per week, whose sole income is a one-parent family payment of €185.10 per week, would ordinarily receive rent supplement of €134.50 per week, resulting in a net after-rent income of €169.60 week. If she takes up a place in the Moving On programme her total income before rent supplement and before paying rent would rise to €280.10 per week. In these circumstances, she would be entitled to €114.50 in rent supplement and her income after paying rent would be €244.60 per week. She would be €75 better off for having participating in the Moving On programme. I understand that up to September 2005, the rules of the scheme were not being applied correctly in some instances. However, participants in the Moving On programme have their income assessed correctly in the same manner as any other participant on a FÁS training course.

Supplementary welfare allowance, including rent supplement, is not payable to students. The purpose of the regulations to which the Deputy refers is to ensure that people participating in initiatives such as the Moving On programme are not prevented from receiving rent supplement on these grounds. However, the standard means test still applies. Deputies will appreciate that it would be anomalous if no means test was applied in such cases. The means test described above is used to determine the rate of supplementary welfare allowance payable and is not in conflict with the regulations to which the Deputy refers. The Central Statistics Office statistics referred to are those arising from the EU survey on income and living conditions. This is an annual survey that provides information on poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. The survey commenced in Ireland in June 2003. The latest survey results, announced in December 2005, and reporting on 2004, are encouraging as they show that the greatly increased resources being devoted to social welfare and other social services are having a positive impact on poverty and social exclusion.

Results for the first two years of the EU survey, 2003 and 2004, show there has been a slight decrease in the percentage of persons at risk of poverty, based on the proportion of the population below an income threshold of 60% of median income, from 19.7% in 2003 to 19.4% in 2004. These figures represent a halting of the upward trend of previous years in the numbers in the broad category of being at risk of poverty. This is a particularly encouraging outcome from the survey. The results show a significant reduction in the consistent poverty rate from 8.8% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2004. The consistent poverty measure is used in this country to identify those experiencing basic deprivation. It is calculated by identifying people at risk of poverty — people with incomes below the 60% threshold — who are deprived of basic goods and services regarded as essential for living in Ireland today. An examination of the breakdown of the above figures shows that lone parent families experience the highest rates of being at risk of poverty and encountering consistent poverty — 48.3% and 31.1% respectively. While these figures represent a slight reduction on the survey results for 2003, they are still significantly higher than the average.

The national action plan against poverty and social exclusion represents the Government's main response to the problems of poverty and exclusion which are experienced by the most vulnerable groups, including lone parent families. It is generally accepted that for all people in working age households, the main route out of poverty is through employment. However, employment participation among lone parents in this country is among the lowest in the OECD. This is despite a number of developments, including huge employment growth in recent years, increased female participation in the workforce and the income disregards afforded to lone parents who take up employment under the Department's one-parent family payment. One of the key tasks in the ending child poverty initiative under Sustaining Progress is to address the obstacles to employment for lone parents. As part of this work, a group was established in the Department to review the income support arrangements for lone parents. The Cabinet has approved the group's report, which will be published in the near future. It will be followed by a consultation process involving groups representing lone parent interests. It is my intention that the outcome of this review, together with initiatives already in place in the Department, will contribute to the development of proposals designed to better support and encourage lone parents and those seeking work in achieving a better standard of living, employment and education opportunities, a better future for themselves and their children and a more appropriate social policy in the future.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

427 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who have been on sickness benefit for a period of years, who unsuccessfully seek to return to work, can be severely penalised by losing all entitlement to sickness benefit when they return to make a claim whereas if they had never sought to go back to work, they could have continued to receive sickness benefit indefinitely; if he will review this provision as it was never intended by the Houses of the Oireachtas that people who make a genuine attempt to become active again after a long period of illness should be penalised in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6307/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. From June 2006, an allowance of €120 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from two to 11 years, or €190 in respect of qualified children aged from 12 to 22 years. Applications may be made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year. In January 2006, I provided for an improvement in the standard means test for the allowance by increasing the income limits. A person may qualify for the payment if they are in receipt of a social welfare or health board payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course and have household income at or below certain specified levels. While community employment is one of the qualifying schemes for the purposes of the scheme, a person who has income from one-parent family payment and community employment will not qualify on means grounds. However, a person in such circumstances who is on rent supplement is still significantly better off for having taken up a community employment place. The back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance and rent supplement schemes are administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor the Department of Social and Family Affairs has any function in decisions on individual claims. The Dublin and mid-Leinster area of the HSE has advised me that the person concerned last received a back to school clothing and footwear allowance payment in July 2003. The HSE has further advised that no application has been received since then. The HSE also advised that no claim has been received for a rent supplement.

Question No. 435 answered with QuestionNo. 426.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

436 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6672/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Under the Government's decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, the HQ sections of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the social welfare appeals office are scheduled to relocate to six locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda. The Combat Poverty Agency and Comhairle, which operate under the aegis of the Department, are scheduled to relocate to Monaghan and Drogheda, respectively, under the programme. The information listed below is based on applications from departmental staff recorded on the Central Applications Facility for each of the locations. The facility will remain open for new applications until the full decentralisation programme is complete.

Locations (HQ Areas)	No. of Posts	Applications from DSFA Staff
Sligo	91	42
Carrick-on-Shannon	225	197
Drogheda — HQ	215	201
Drogheda — IS Division	225	113
Donegal	230	40
Buncrana	120	17
Carrickmacross	85	35
Agencies
Drogheda — Comhairle	85	1
Monaghan — Combat Poverty Agency	25	4

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Ceist:

437 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount awarded in class D PRSI contributions each year from 2000 to 2005; the benefits and entitlements available to people contributing to class D; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6690/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

PRSI class D contributors provide social insurance coverage for permanent and pensionable employees in the public services, excluding those recruited after 6 April 1995, registered doctors and dentists employed in the Civil Service, gardaí or commissioned Army officers and members of the Army nursing service. Public servants recruited on or after 6 April 1995 are liable to pay PRSI contributions at the ordinary class A rate. As a consequence the number of contributors at PRSI class D is falling. The table shows the numbers of contributors in each of the contribution years from 2000 to 2004 and the combined total of social insurance and heath contributions paid in respect of those employments. It is estimated that health contributions accounts for approximately 37% of these totals. Accordingly, this portion would not serve as income to the social insurance fund. In 2000 there were 116,817 contributors paying at this contribution class, whereas by 2004 this had fallen to 98,902, a decrease of almost 16%. The amount paid shows that over the same period the amount of contributions paid has risen by 16%, which reflects the general increases in earnings over the period. Figures in respect of 2005 are not yet available.

The system of PRSI contributions, which includes payment of the health levy where appropriate, operates using a range of tiered contribution rates which vary for employer and employees corresponding to weekly non-cumulative thresholds and a weekly non-cumulative PRSI allowance, subject to an annual cumulative ceiling on employee contributions. The tiered PRSI contributions and allowances link the percentage of PRSI payable to the level of reckonable earnings in a given contribution week to ensure that the system is largely progressive up to the value of the annual ceiling. The contributions payable by an employee determine the range of benefits and pensions towards which contributors can build up entitlement. Employments liable for class D contributions are at a lower modified insurance rate of 3.25%, whereas the PRSI class A contributions, which is generally payable in the private sector is 14.75%, excluding the health contribution. The reduced rate of contribution reflects the fact that employments covered at the modified rate are in respect of permanent and pensionable positions. Employees are covered by their employer for occupational pensions and sick pay during illness, and social insurance protection for these payments is generally not required. Subject to having the required number of PRSI contributions, employees who pay class D contributions are entitled to widow's and widower's contributory pension; orphan's contributory allowance; occupational injuries benefits; bereavement grant and carer's benefit.

CLASS D, contributors and PRSI paid 2000-2004
Year	Number of Contributors	Contributions Paid†
		€
2000	116,817	211,192,850
2001*	111,829	173.923,800
2002	108,872	239,313,950
2003	105,329	247,086,777
2004	98,092	243,739,333

† Includes social insurance and health contributions.

* Short year as PRSI/Tax Year aligned with calendar year.

Health Contribution.

David Stanton

Ceist:

438 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount collected under the two per cent health contribution each year from 2000 to 2005; if he can provide figures for the number of people who were eligible for a refund under the refund scheme each year from 2000 to 2005; the number of people who applied for a refund of the health contribution under the refund scheme for each year respectively; the number who were successful in their application; the amount refunded each year respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6691/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The health contribution levy was introduced by the Health Contributions Act 1979 and came into effect on 6 April of that year. The contributions are levied on income at a percentage rate set in pursuance of this and subsequent Health Contributions Acts and the income collected is paid to the Minister for Health and Children. Subject to an earnings threshold, currently €22,800 per annum, and certain exceptions, the levy is applicable to all persons over the age of 16 with reckonable income. The current rate of contribution is 2% of gross income. The health contributions are collected through the PAYE system as part of a person's employment contribution and are paid to the Revenue Commissioners by employers. The contributions are transmitted to the Department which, in turn, remits them to the Department of Health and Children. The Department's PRSI refunds section is responsible for the refund of any health contributions paid in error by those excepted from liability for the contribution by virtue of being the holders of medical cards; being in receipt of certain social welfare pensions or being below the income threshold. This refund work is performed by the Department on behalf of the Department of Health and Children. The figures for the amount collected for the years 2000-05 are set out in table 1, while the figures for the numbers who received a refund of their health contribution and the amount of these refunds for the years 2000-05 are in table 2. The Department does not have information on the number of people who may be eligible for refunds, or for the total numbers who claimed refunds.

Table 1
The amount of Health Contributions collected in the years 2000-2005
Year	Amount Collected	Notes
	€m
2000	620.2	Final figure (Apr 2000-Apr 2001)
2001	764	Final Figure (Apr 2001-Dec 2001)
2002	701.4	Final Figure
2003	793.7	Final Figure
2004	822	Provisional Figure
2005	979	Provisional Figure

Table 2
The number of successful applications and total amounts of Health Contributions refunded in the years 2000-2005
Year	Number of successful applications	Total amounts refunded
		€
2000	3,003	1,180,249.93
2001	2,287	1,058,465.42
2002	3,084	1,149,557.90
2003	3,318	1,011,407.80
2004	5,172	1,526,868.80
2005	3,873	1,364,133.63

Question No. 439 answered with QuestionNo. 426.

Pension Provisions.

John Moloney

Ceist:

440 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the issue on the branch managers’ association retirement gratuity. [6956/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

My Department currently has 66 social welfare branch offices at various locations throughout the country. Each branch office is operated and managed by a branch manager who is required to act as an agent for the Department in the area served by the office. Subject to having completed seven years satisfactory service a branch manager who retires on age, that is, at 60 or over, on health grounds, following the abolition of the office or who dies in service may be paid a retirement gratuity. The branch managers' association is seeking changes in the rules governing the payment of retirement gratuities to its members. The changes being sought are under consideration in the context of discussions with the association and my Department will be in touch with the association again shortly.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

441 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will address the apparent anomaly whereby a person in receipt of a carer’s allowance who is caring for a spouse in receipt of a blind person’s pension cannot avail of the ten hours per week in paid employment as all but the first €7.60 of the carer’s income from employment will be deducted from the blind person’s pension; if other social assistance payments are affected in this way; if, notwithstanding improved arrangements due in September 2006, his views on introducing an income disregard similar to that operating for the carer’s allowance in order that carer’s in these circumstances are not discouraged the respite and dignity of paid employment. [7027/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain older people or people with a disability with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit. Provision was made in the budget to increase the income disregard on the carer's allowance means test to €580 per week for a couple from April 2006. This will ensure that a couple with no dependent children can have income of up to €32,625 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The same couple will be able to earn up to €52,200 and receive the minimum rate of carer's allowance as well as free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.

In the recent budget, provision was also made to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200 from June 2006, and to increase in the number of hours a carer can work from ten hours to 15 hours per week from April 2006. In the case of the means test for the blind pension, the couple's combined total means, including earnings from employment, are initially established and half of the total means are assessed in respect of entitlement to a blind pension. Where the means so calculated are less than €7.60 per week, a blind pension is payable at the maximum rate and a reduced rate pension is payable where means are in excess of €7.60 per week and below €171.70. Therefore, in the particular case at issue, half, as distinct from all, of the income of the carer would be assessed for the purposes of determining the entitlement of the other spouse to a blind pension, in the event that the carer takes up employment.

There are currently two social welfare payments made to people with disabilities, namely, disability allowance and blind pension. Both are payable where an individual's employment capacity is substantially restricted as a result of their disability but blind pension is directed towards people with one specific disability. In the case of the means test for disability allowance, €88.88 per week, increasing to €100 per week from September, of a spouse's earnings is disregarded and the payment is reduced on a tapered basis where earnings are in excess of this figure. Accordingly, in the event of the carer in this particular case taking up employment, it may be more advantageous for the blind pensioner to claim disability allowance from my Department.

In this context, it should be noted that the working group on the review of illness and disability payment schemes examined the current duplicated welfare provision arrangements for persons with disabilities. The group, in its examination of the two schemes in the treatment of couples, noted, inter alia, that where a spouse has earnings from employment, couples are generally treated more favourably under the disability allowance means test. The group, in its report published in 2004, recommended that there should be one single means-tested scheme for persons with disabilities, regardless of the nature of their disabilities. In this context, the blind pension scheme should be merged into an adapted disability allowance scheme, subject to appropriate arrangements being put in place to preserve the existing entitlements of persons in receipt of blind pension.

By any standards, the enhancements introduced over the last two budgets for carers have been exceptional while unprecedented levels of increases have been made to personal weekly rates of payment for all social welfare recipients. Further modernization and improvements will be a matter for consideration in the context of the budget for 2007 and in the light of available resources. In this context, the future development of the blind pension and disability allowance schemes will have regard to the recommendations of the working group on the review of illness and disability payment schemes.

Family Support Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

442 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of rent allowance or supplement in an area (details supplied); the gender percentage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7032/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

443 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of rent allowance or supplement in an area (details supplied); the gender percentage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

444 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who are receiving rent allowance or supplement in an area (details supplied); the gender percentage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7034/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

445 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on rent allowance in an area (details supplied); the gender percentage of the recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 442 to 445, inclusive, together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims. The information requested the Deputy is shown in the following tabular statement.

Number of rent supplements awarded in County Wexford by Sex — 17/2/06
PQ Reference No.	Male	Female	Total
	Awarded	Awarded	Awarded
		%		%		%
7032	331	40	490	60	821	100
7033	110	42	154	58	264	100
7034	162	36	283	64	445	100
7035	146	39	229	61	375	100

Rent supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. As of 17 February 2006 the number of people nationwide in receipt of rent supplement was 60,217. Expenditure and recipients of rent supplement from 2000 to 2005 is as follows:

Year	Expenditure	Recipients
	€ 000
2000	150,590	42,683
2001	179,438	45,028
2002	252,340	54,213
2003	331,470	59,976
2004	353,760	57,874
2005(1)	368,705	60,176

(1) Expenditure in 2005 is provisional.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

446 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that only 19 people have been disqualified from driving for attaining the maximum number of penalty points; his further views on whether this is a reasonable reflection of the level of driving offences being committed on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6331/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

447 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there appears to be a situation arising whereby drivers who have attained the maximum number of penalty points are not being disqualified from driving; the measures which will be put in place to ensure this situation will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6332/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

450 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the number of people with 12 penalty points who have physically submitted their licence for endorsement by the licensing authority; and if such persons were off the road for the required six month period. [6325/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

451 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the facilities which are in place for the physical application of penalty points on current driving licences; the degree of cooperation between the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and An Garda Síochána PULSE system concerning same. [6326/06]

John Perry

Ceist:

456 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the way in which penalty points and endorsements are noted on current driving licences; the procedures which takes place with An Garda Síochána PULSE system and the national driving file concerning same; the number of people in Counties Sligo and Leitrim who have penalty points; the number of points and the offences relating to same; the number who are disqualified from driving due to having 12 penalty points; if there are motorists who have 12 penalty points but are not disqualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6383/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446, 447, 450, 451 and 456 together.

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 354 on 7 February 2006.

In accordance with the provisions of section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, penalty points are endorsed on the entry in the licence record relating to the person and not on the driving licence. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, on receipt of notifications from the Garda Síochána or the Courts Service that a fixed charge has been paid, or a person has been convicted of a penalty point offence, endorses the licence record in the national driver file with the appropriate number of penalty points and issues a notification to the person concerned. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised that at 17 February 2006, 21 licence holders had accumulated 12 points, 16 of whom were disqualified at that date and five of whom have been notified that they will be disqualified with effect from 28 days after the date of the notice that they had accumulated 12 points. In addition, there are 28 drivers whose disqualification period of six months has expired and who are no longer disqualified.

Any driver who accumulates 12 points is disqualified for a period of six months under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 and is directed, under section 5 of that Act to surrender his or her licence to the licensing authority that granted the licence. There is no information available on the drivers who have surrendered their licences to licensing authorities. The matter of cooperation between the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, which holds and administers the national driving file and the Garda Síochána PULSE system is a matter for that Department and the Garda Síochána.

The following tables show the number of people with Sligo and Leitrim driver numbers who have penalty points on 31 January 2006 and the offences to which they relate.

County	Number of Drivers	Total
	1 P.P.		3 P.P.	4 P.P.	5 P.P.	6 P.P.	7 P.P.	8 P.P.	9 P.P.	10 P.P.	11 P.P.	12 P.P. *
Sligo		2,519		348	3	59		8		4			2,941
Leitrim		1,201		169	1	31		9		2			1,413

	Offence Types
County	Speeding	Dangerous Driving reduced to Careless Driving	Careless Driving	No Insurance	No Safety Belt — Driver	No Safety Belt Front Seat — Child	No Child Restraint Front Seat — Child	No Safety Belt Rear Seat — Child	No Child Restraint Rear Seat — Child	Total
Sligo	3,285			3	147	4		6		3,445
Leitrim	1,483		1		175	8		5		1,672

EU Regulations.

David Stanton

Ceist:

448 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to the Merchant Shipping Passenger Boat Manning Regulations 2005 his plans to bring forward further specified standards or syllabi; the progress in introducing a boatman’s licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/06]

David Stanton

Ceist:

449 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to the Merchant Shipping Passenger Boat Manning Regulations 2005 if he has satisfied himself that the regulations and proposed certification take into account the needs of commercial/work boat operators; his plans to add to the list of appointed organisations under the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 and 449 together.

The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations 2005 were signed into law last October and will come into effect on 1 April 2006. The regulations require all skippers of passenger boats to hold a valid certificate for the appropriate class of vessel and a commercial endorsement verifying that the skipper has attained the standard specified in marine notice 27 of 2005 in respect of personal survival techniques, first aid and medical fitness. I have no proposals to add to the standards in the marine notice at this time. I have appointed the Irish Sailing Association as an appointed body for the purpose of issuing certificates and commercial endorsements under the regulations. In addition to the appointment of the ISA, agreement has now been reached with BIM and the National Maritime College of Ireland to appoint both organisations under the regulations subject to approval by the Further Education and Training Awards Council.

This is a key initiative in my Department's ongoing safety programme and builds on the regulations that were introduced in 2002 setting down standards for the construction of, and safety equipment to be carried on passenger boats. The regulations have been introduced following a consultation process with interested parties. They also address one of the recommendations in the report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the loss of the Pisces at Fethard-on-Sea in July 2002 when five people lost their lives.

I am confident that the introduction of these new regulations, as they stand, will enhance safety and will offer assurance to the public that when they pay to be carried on a passenger boat that those in charge of the vessel are appropriately trained and certified.

Question Nos. 450 and 451 answered with Question No. 446.

EU Directives.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

452 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if supertrucks are barred from entering this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I can advise the Deputy that the process of reviewing contracts has commenced and my Department will comply fully with the recent amendments to the guidelines for public procurement and for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure proposals in respect all existing contracts, including Information Technology contracts.

Question No. 456 answered with QuestionNo. 446.

Road Traffic Offences.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

457 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his estimate of the number of vehicles on roads here which are registered for motor tax and other purposes outside of Ireland; if the penalty point system applies to drivers who are temporarily resident here; if he is satisfied that the type of motor insurance required in their home countries gives the legal cover required on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Department of Transport has no figures on how many vehicles registered outside the State operate on our roads. Under the EU motor insurance directives that have been adopted by all member states, it is mandatory for drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in the EU, when driving in a public place, to be insured for third party liability. Furthermore, an insurance policy extends to covering the motorist against third party liability when he or she drives in another EU member state.

Outside of the EU, Ireland, along with over 40 other countries, is a member of the green card system. This system facilitates the movement of vehicles across international borders by the use of an internationally acceptable document proving the existence of insurance, the green card or international insurance card. This ensures that victims of foreign registered vehicles are not disadvantaged.

I would also like to point out that all victims of uninsured driving, whether the driver of the uninsured vehicle is Irish or a non-national, are entitled to compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, MIBI, which is funded through our motor insurance premia. MIBI is part of a European organisation, Council of Bureaux, which facilitates common insurance arrangements to permit international vehicle movement across Europe. In particular MIBI acts as insurer of foreign vehicles in Ireland to facilitate Irish citizens who have been involved in an accident with a foreign motorist. Any victims of vehicles identified as not registered in this State and not insured will be compensated by the MIBI who will then seek recompense from the home bureau of that vehicle.

If a penalty points offence is committed, penalty points will be recorded on the national driver file in the name of the person concerned, irrespective of nationality or residence.

Road Safety.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

458 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he envisages that in accordance with the guidelines he has issued in respect of the application of a special speed limit of 30 km/h, local authorities can properly designate 30 km/h speed limits in new areas, to take effect as soon as the area is opened to the public or taken in charge or declared a public road, or if the guidelines are intended to prevent such decisions to designate in advance of construction. [6558/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The making of special speed limit by-laws to apply a special speed limit of 30 km/h must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines that I issued in April 2005 and the procedural steps for consultation, notice, etc., set out in the Road Traffic Act 2004. The speed limit structures under the 2004 Act only apply to public roads so the timing of the making of special speed limit by-laws and the commencement date for the application of a 30 km/h special speed limit in any particular area are matters for determination by the individual city council or county council.

The matter referred to by the Deputy falls within the day-to-day responsibilities of the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA. However, I understand from the DAA that the surface water run-off from the SR Technics hangar and associated apron pavement and car parks discharges into the Wad stream. On-site attenuation works were constructed as part of these developments whereby the run-off is restricted during storm events and the excess surface water is stored in an adjacent flood plain. Planning permission has been received for a further scheme and design work has commenced with a view to early implementation of the works

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

462 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency that have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6673/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 128, answered on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 in which I set out the position in full. Letters of offer are currently being issued and staff will be assigned to decentralisation posts as soon as possible.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Curran

Ceist:

463 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the new 31 penalty points announced and the one that will incur penalty points on failure to comply with prohibitory traffic signs this new offence includes failure of heavy goods vehicles to comply with three-tonne restriction signs. [6786/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The proposed penalty point offence of failure to comply with prohibitory traffic signs to which the Deputy refers relates to the offences specified in Article 23 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, S.I. No. 182 of 1997. Article 23 offences relate to non-compliance with the traffic signs which indicate that traffic must not proceed in the directions indicated by the arrows on the signs, that is traffic must not maintain the same direction, must not turn right or must not turn left.

Provisions for imposition of a weight restriction on vehicles entering a road are set out in Article 17 of these 1997 regulations. The restriction does not apply where it is necessary for a vehicle to enter a road solely for the purpose of gaining access or egress from premises accessible only from that road. The offence of contravening Article 17 is not scheduled in the Road Traffic Act 2002 to be a penalty point offence but it is one of the offences to which I propose to extend the fixed charge system in April.

Port Development.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

464 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in relation to the consultancy report of a company (details supplied) on unitised sea freight; the rationale for this study; the cost of this study; when same will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6860/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

467 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been made to sell a portion of Aer Lingus in order to top up the existing pension fund; and if so, if it is necessary to refer this decision to the EU Commission for approval under the State aid guidelines. [6949/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

On 18 May 2005 the Government agreed to the State disposing of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus and retaining a stake of at least 25% to protect strategic interests provided that the Minister for Finance and I are satisfied that this level of disposal is warranted on foot of the analysis prepared by the Departments' advisers for the transaction. Following a competitive tender process UBS and AIB Capital Markets were appointed to provide financial advice and assistance to both myself and the Minister for Finance in relation to an Aer Lingus sale or investment transaction. William Fry and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer were appointed as legal advisers for the assignment.

The first phase of the advisers' work was to recommend the most appropriate transaction mechanism and advise on the size and timing of a transaction. Pensions are among a range of issues that were considered by the advisers during the first phase of their work. The advisers have submitted their report and this is currently being considered by me and the Minister for Finance. No decision has been taken in the terms implied in the Deputy's question.

Air Services.

Róisín Shortall

Arrangements are in train to publish the study on the Department of Transport's website shortly. At that stage, an opportunity will be afforded for the making of comments in regard to the findings of the study. Interested parties who wish to make comments may do so by contacting the Department. In the meantime, I am arranging to have a printed copy forwarded to the Deputy for his information.

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

471 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6350/06]

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

The position is as stated in my reply to Question No. 928 of 25 January 2006.

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

472 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made within his Department in respect of reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/06]

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

I assume that the Deputy is referring to a review by all Government Departments, as directed by the Minister for Finance, of existing contract specifications for projects above €30 million with a view to incorporating strict performance criteria. My Department does not have any projects above €30 million at this time.

There is also provision for peer review of ICT project contracts where the development and roll-out costs exceed €5 million. My Department does not have any ICT projects above €5 million at this time.

Community Development.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

473 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funds agreed under the youth facilities service fund have not been fully released to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6405/06]

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

As I stated in my answer to question no. 236 of 15 February, the centre in question has received substantial funding of €3,221,647 from the young people's facilities and services fund to cover construction and fit out costs. I understand that a small saving was made in the main construction costs. However, this funding is being used on the ongoing further capital development of the centre.

Additionally, funding for the employment of a centre manager, a youth worker, an administrator and a porter-cleaner was sanctioned from the fund, as well as a contribution towards the running costs of the youth element of the facility. The amount allocated to the provision of the above services for the youth element of this centre to date is €543,550. Furthermore, the centre continues to receive an annual allocation under the young people's facilities and services fund to cover the above staffing and running costs. Having regard to the above, I am convinced that the young people's facilities and services fund is generous in its support to this centre for the provision of youth services and programmes.

John Perry

Ceist:

474 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the funding will be issued for a company (details supplied) in County Sligo; the reason for the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6451/06]

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

My Department received a request for payment from Sligo Leader Partnership Company Limited, in respect of the company in question on 23 January 2006. All the requisite documentation in support of the claim was not provided and Sligo Leader has been requested to forward the outstanding papers to progress the claim. As soon as the necessary documentation is received, the CLÁR funds will issue.

John Perry

Ceist:

475 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding which is available from his Department for the refurbishment of a hall (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6452/06]

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

The programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations is funded by my Department and supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups. The programme consists of three schemes: one makes funds available for small scale refurbishment of premises. This is complemented by a second scheme to provide for the purchase of essential equipment including IT equipment. The third scheme provides for education, training and research grants. Grants of up to 90% of the cost are available under this programme.

The programme is advertised annually in the national and provincial newspapers. This year's programme will be advertised in the coming months. I have arranged for a copy of the application form and guidelines to be sent to the group in question as soon as they become available should they wish to make an application under this year's scheme.

Funding for a project such as this may be available under the enhancement of the natural-built cultural social environmental measure of the Leader programme. Further information on funding possibilities are available from the local Leader company.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

476 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be provided to an organisation (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if his Department will review this refusal decision in this case in view of the benefit to the community of this organisation. [6483/06]

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

An application was received by my Department from the organisation in question under the 2005 programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations.

Each application received under the programme was assessed by Pobal on behalf of my Department by reference to the criteria set out in the published guidelines, and scored accordingly. The application from the organisation in question failed to achieve a sufficiently high score to enable it to be considered for funding on this occasion. A request for a review of the original assessment of the application has been received by my Department and I expect a decision on the matter in the coming weeks.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

477 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if approval will be given to an organisation (details supplied) in County Galway for two additional people under the community services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/06]

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

My Department funds South East Galway Community and Environmental Services Limited in Portumna, County Galway, and I assume that this is the group to which the Deputy is referring.

Responsibility for the community services programme — formerly the social economy programme — transferred to my Department on 1 January 2006. I hope to be in a position in the near future to make a further announcement regarding the operation of the programme under this Department.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

478 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6674/06]

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

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's Dublin based operations are transferring in full. The headquarters will be relocated to Knock Airport while some 13 posts will transfer to Na Forbacha in Galway.

Knock Airport
Number of posts	Staff decentralising with Department
164	28

Na Forbacha
Number of posts	Staff decentralising with Department
13	7

The seven staff mentioned have been relocated to Na Forbacha.

The move to Knock Airport is scheduled for completion by the end of 2007. It is also planned to relocate up to 70 posts in advance of the main move subject, inter alia, to the availability of suitable temporary accommodation in the general area. The Office of Public Works is currently seeking to source suitable accommodation and I hope that this advance move can take place from mid 2006 and be completed by end-2006.

As the first table shows, 28 members of staff have indicated a willingness to transfer to Knock Airport. Additional staff are transferring into my Department from other Dublin Departments for decentralisation. In addition a large number of applicants who are currently decentralised wish to transfer to my Department. With all of those staff, and with the adoption of appropriate HR and risk management responses, I believe that I will have sufficient applicants to fill all posts, both for the advance move and for the next phase of my Department's decentralisation programme, that is, the relocation to the new permanent headquarters building.

Foras na Gaeilge has recently submitted a draft implementation plan both to myself and to Mr. David Hanson, MP, Minister with responsibility for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Pending consideration and finalisation of the plan, it would not be appropriate to provide any details at this stage.

Pobal — formerly ADM — will be transferring some 40 posts to Clifden, County Galway. The first phase of this programme, the transfer of the management of the rural social scheme, RSS, involving 10 posts, has been completed, while a second phase involving a similar number will be completed in April.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

479 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding from dormant accounts will be released to the community and voluntary sector in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

480 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the type of work eligible for consideration for grant aid from the dormant accounts fund; the amount allocated for dispersal in 2006 to community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.

The Deputy will be aware that disbursements from the dormant accounts fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons; those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, those who are educationally disadvantaged; and persons with a disability. The Government has approved the allocation of €60 million from the dormant accounts fund in 2006, of which €24 million will be allocated towards projects tackling economic and social disadvantage; €18 million towards projects tackling educational disadvantage and €18 million towards projects assisting persons with a disability.

After consulting with the appropriate Ministers and having obtained the approval of Government, I announced details on 4 January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million in 2006 for the purpose of supporting programmes and types of projects tackling social and economic disadvantage. Details of the announcement are available on the website of my Department at www.pobail.ie and are attached at appendix 1 for the Deputy’s information.

The roll-out of the measures announced on 4 January has now commenced. In this regard, an invitation to the 45 RAPID area implementation teams, AITs, issued at the end of January requesting them to submit their priority projects for consideration. This measure provides for the ring-fencing of €11.5 million for priority projects identified by the RAPID AITs. In respect of the other measures proposed, it is anticipated that they will be rolled-out on a phased basis over the coming months as the particular operational arrangements are finalised.

With regard to the other two categories — educational disadvantage and persons with a disability — the consultation process required under the legislation is not yet completed. It is anticipated that further announcements will be made shortly in relation to proposals under these headings when work in both the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children is completed, subject to specific measures being submitted and approved by Government.

Appendix 1

Press Release04 January 2006

€24 MILLION DORMANT ACCOUNTS FUNDING

TO BE TARGETED AT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE

Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs today announced that the Government has approved the categories under which €24 million from Dormant Accounts will be spent in 2006 on programmes and projects tackling social and economic disadvantage.

The Dormant Accounts legislation targets three broad categories of persons for support from the Dormant Accounts Fund: those affected by economic and social disadvantage; those affected by educational disadvantage; and persons with a disability.

Today's announcement relates solely to the social and economic category. The programmes and types of projects in this category will aim to ensure that particular priority is given to the areas designated by Government as most disadvantaged i.e. RAPID, CLÁR and Drugs Task Force areas (see Editor's note).

The funding announced today will focus on: RAPID programme — up to 50% of the overall funding will be ring-fenced to provide additional supports for priority projects in RAPID areas; support for priority themes — funding for specific measures supporting youth, older people and other priority themes (including suicide prevention; alcohol misuse; supports for immigrant families; supports for offenders/ex-offenders); support for jointly funded flagship projects — funding for innovative measures addressing matters of major public concern, which also involve substantial funding from private, philanthropic or community sources.

I am very pleased that a significant level of spending will go directly towards projects in areas designated by Government as suffering particular disadvantage. I also believe that the money aimed at jointly funded flagship projects will lever significant additional funding from private and other sources." Noel Ahern T.D., Minister of State, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs strongly welcomed the Government decision. He indicated his intention to bring proposals to Government soon in relation to additional Dormant Accounts funding under the Educational Disadvantage Category and the Disability Category.

Editor's Note: RAPID (revitalising areas by planning, investment and development) is a focused initiative designed to prioritize and target government expenditure, over a number of departments, on the most concentrated centres of disadvantage in the country. Strand 1 targets 25 urban centres while strand II targets 20 provincial towns.

CLÁR (ceantair laga ard-riachtanais) is a similar type initiative targeting rural areas and the islands. It funds and provides co-funding for measures designed to support physical, community and social infrastructure.

Drug Task Forces, DTFs, operate in the areas experiencing the worse levels of drug misuse, particularly heroin. The role of the DTFs is to prepare local action plans, which include a range of measures to tackle drug misuse in the areas of treatment, rehabilitation, education, prevention and curbing local supply.

Programmes and Types of Projects Recommended by
Social & Economic Disadvantage Committee
Programme Heading	Programme Description	Target Group / Area	Application Process	Additionality Demonstrated
1. Additionality under RAPID Programme.	Funding ring-fenced for the purpose of supporting priority projects within RAPID areas.	Strand 1 and Strand 2 RAPID areas.	RAPID AITs invited to apply	Yes. The ring-fencing of funding for RAPID areas will ensure that funding for priority projects is front-loaded in 2006
€11.5 million
2. Specific Priority Measures:
€7.5 million
Youth Disadvantage Initiatives
—Supports for youth groups.	Once-off small scale equipment grants for youth groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups.	Young people.	Public invitation to youth groups	Yes. Existing Local Youth Club Grant scheme does not include any element of capital funding for equipment
—Supports to provide enhanced access to recreational & personal development opportunities for disadvantaged young people.	Grants to fund participation in recreational pursuits and personal development activities which are not normally available to disadvantaged children and disadvantaged young people.	Disadvantaged children and disadvantaged young people.	Invitation to Partnership companies	Yes. No specific funding stream to provide such services
—Supports for sports which have traditional appeal to youth in disadvantaged areas (e.g. boxing; wrestling; martial arts; weightlifting etc.).	Grants to fund purchase of essential equipment / hire of halls etc. not funded under Sports Capital Programme.	Young people in disadvantaged areas.	Invitation to specified sports	Yes. Funding under Sports Capital Programme not provided for personal equipment
—IT initiatives for disadvantaged young people.	Projects supporting disadvantaged young people to adapt to information technology with a particular focus on early school leavers.	Disadvantaged young people.	Targeted public invitation to groups active in this area	Yes. No specific funding stream for this measure.
Older People Initiatives
Enhanced interventions and supports to assist older people living in their own homes and in the community.	Supports for community based care services for older people such as improved access to services including transport and mobility.	Local Community and voluntary groups supporting older people.	Public invitation to groups active in this area	Yes. No specific funding stream for local community and voluntary groups supporting older people

Programme Heading	Programme Description	Target Group / Area	Application Process	Additionality Demonstrated
Social Disadvantage Measures:
—Supports for offenders / ex-offenders.	Projects providing addiction counselling for prisoners / ex-prisoners.	Prisoners / ex-prisoners.	Targeted public invitation to groups active in this area	Yes. No specific funding stream for such services.
	Projects providing employment supports for prisoners / ex-prisoners.	Prisoners / ex-prisoners.	Targeted public invitation to groups active in this area	Yes. No specific funding stream for such services.
—Supports for vulnerable immigrants.	Supports for immigrant families who have been granted refugee status or granted leave to remain in the State.	Immigrant families.	Public invitation to Partnership companies.	Yes. No specific funding stream for such services.
—Suicide prevention.	Measures tackling suicide prevention with a particular focus on·supports to strengthen community based suicide prevention;·young men under 35.	At risk individuals.	Public invitation to community and voluntary groups active in this area.	Yes. No specific funding stream to provide funding for community groups.
—Projects tackling alcohol misuse.	Supports for community based responses addressing problems associated with alcohol misuse.	At risk individuals.	Public invitation to community and voluntary groups active in this area.	Yes. No specific funding stream to provide funding for such services.
3. Flagship Projects Jointly Funded:
€5 million
Innovative initiatives addressing issues of social and economic disadvantage.	Innovative initiatives addressing matters of major public concern and/or headline policy interventions for which funding from private/philanthropic or community sources can be levered.	Socially and economically disadvantaged.	Public invitation to groups who have substantial guaranteed funding from private, philanthropic or community sources for innovative projects	Yes. Objective is to encourage innovative projects which can lever significant funding from private, philanthropic or community sources.

My Department has responsibility for a range of community-based schemes, including the young people's facilities and services fund.

Through this fund allocations are made to assist in the development of youth facilities — including sport and recreational facilities — and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The objective of the fund is to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. The target group for the fund are ten-21 year olds who are marginalised through a combination of risk factors relating to family background, environmental circumstances, educational disadvantage, involvement in crime and drugs etc. The main focus of the fund to date has been in local drugs task force areas.

Applications for funding are not made directly to my Department but through a local development group which comprises representatives from the relevant local authority and VEC as well as a community representative who is also a member of the local drugs task force. This development group determine the suitability of the project against the priorities identified for their area, and the finances available, in the context of the overall aims and objectives of the national drugs strategy 2001-08. Contact details for the relevant local development group are attached for the Deputy's information.

Contact details for local development group: Mr. Bobby Neill, Dublin City Council, Block 1, Upper Ground Floor, Civic Office, Dublin 8; Ms Caroline Jones, City of Dublin Youth Services Board, Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.

Security of the Elderly.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

484 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will review the decision to disallow funding for alarm systems installed for elderly by community groups until Department approval has been given (details supplied). [7085/06]

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

The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members.

The scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance under this scheme and is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. My Department, in exceptional cases, has adopted a flexible approach in regard to this issue in cases where the provision of equipment is of an urgent nature. However, the prior approval of applications required under the scheme allows my Department to assess the amount of funding sought under the scheme in a given year and ensure that the funding available is targeted at those most in need.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

485 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount that has been allocated under the scheme of community support for older people during the period of the scheme broken down on a yearly basis; the way in which the funds are allocated to community groups; and the processes involved in applying for a grant under the scheme. [7087/06]

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

The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Responsibility for the scheme transferred to my Department in June 2002.

Details of funding under the scheme since 2002 are as follows:

Year	Amount
	(€million)
2002	2.67
2003	2.91
2004	2.24
2005	2.36

A figure of €3 million has been allocated for the 2006 scheme. The scheme is administered by community and voluntary organisations throughout the country on an annual basis with support provided by my Department and is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance within its provisions. The funds are allocated to participating groups in respect of the number of eligible individuals for which they apply within the published grant limits. In 2005 maximum individual grants were provided under the scheme as follows: €300 in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms; €150 in respect of door locks, window locks and door chains; €150 in respect of security lighting; and €50 in respect of smoke alarms.

The processes involved in applying for a grant under the 2005 scheme are set out in the scheme guidelines which are published on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

486 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the new increased grant application forms will be available to farmers which was promised in Summer 2005 due to be available on 1 January 2006; her views on whether it is difficult for all farmers to plan without clear knowledge and even more difficult for small farmers who have no access to any grant at all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6303/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The revised farm waste management scheme will be introduced by my Department as soon as the required EU state aid approval is received. Subject to EU approval it is proposed, inter alia, to extend the scheme to all small farmers by the removal of the requirement that farmers must have a certain level of on-farm income in order to be able to participate.

Farmers should prepare for the introduction of the revised scheme by arranging for the necessary planning permissions etc., as soon as possible. Prior written approval under the revised scheme will be necessary, however, before work commences. Application forms and the scheme document will be available in the local offices of my Department as soon as it is launched.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

487 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the compensation allowed for pure bred tuberculosis cattle will be changed to take account of what they are really worth; when the income allowance will be adjusted to compensate for real loss of income; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that current payments are forcing farmers out of business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6304/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The on-farm market valuation scheme, which involves live valuation of reactor animals on the holding before their removal for slaughter, was introduced in 2002 under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and following discussions between my Department and representatives from the farm organisations. Under these arrangements, farmers receive compensation for cattle removed as reactors based on the price which might reasonably have been obtained for the animals in an open market if they were not affected by TB or brucellosis or were not being removed as part of a depopulation under the disease eradication programme.

However, one of the features of the system agreed was the inclusion of a ceiling of €2,540 on payments in respect of any single animal, except in the case of one pedigree stock bull per farm where a ceiling of €3,175 applies. While it is accepted that some pedigree stock are valued above these rates, it is open to farmers with such stock to secure insurance cover for these cattle and farmers are strongly advised to do so.

I should also point out that, in addition to valuation payments, herdowners who experience a disease breakdown may qualify for compensation under the income supplement, hardship or depopulation grant schemes, subject to the conditions and the circumstances applying in each case. Payments under these schemes amounted to €4.6 million in 2005.

I am satisfied that the overall compensation arrangements, which are kept under ongoing review by my Department, are working well. I have no plans at present to review them.

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

488 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6351/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The requirement to produce an annual procurement plan arises from the national procurement policy framework, which was issued by the Department of Finance in May 2005. In line with this framework, my Department has undertaken steps to produce a corporate procurement plan in 2006.

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

489 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made within her Department in regard to reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6366/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

492 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be allocated a single payment entitlement from the 2005 national reserve. [6430/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payments scheme national reserve under category B.

Category B 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. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

The position is that over 23,000 applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received when account is taken of farmers who applied under more than one category. Processing of these applications is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.

My Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed when formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued.

Animal Welfare.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

493 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the role his Department will take in view of the continued incidence of cruelty to horses in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6506/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with the Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the Garda in such cases.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 was sponsored by my Department to address the problem of wandering horses, mainly in urban areas. The Act assigns to local authorities the primary role for dealing with wandering horses and provides for the designation, by local authority by-laws, of control areas in which horses cannot be kept without a licence. My Department is empowered by the Act to make grants available to local authorities towards expenses they incur in implementing the Act, and such grants are paid on an ongoing basis.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

494 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6537/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of both the private contract clause and inheritance measures of the single payment scheme. Following processing of his applications the person named was notified that both applications were successful, and that the entitlements have been transferred to him. Payment amounting to €19,386.07 in respect of the single payment scheme has issued to the person named.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

495 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their single payment; the further reason the payment has not been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6538/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. Following processing of his application, the entitlements inherited from his father were transferred to him. Payment amounting to €11,401.05 in respect of the single payment scheme has issued to the person named.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

496 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the grants available from her Department for pet farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6540/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

No grants are available from my Department for pet farming.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has in recent years made ex gratia payments to a number of organisations which are wholly involved in the delivery of direct care and welfare services to animals. In this regard, some €1.2 million was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006 and a provision of €1.1 million for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

497 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not receive entitlements or the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6552/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The single payment scheme is applicable to farmers who actively farmed during one or more of the three reference years 2000 to 2002, inclusive, and who received livestock premia and/or arable aid payments in one or more of those years. As the person named did not benefit under any of the premia and arable aid schemes, entitlements were not established under the single payment scheme.

The person named submitted an application on 8 April 2004 for consideration of his circumstances under the force majeure or exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment scheme. Having assessed the application, the single payment entitlements unit informed the person named that his application could not be accepted as the circumstances outlined did not fulfil the force majeure criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

498 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a disadvantaged area payment for 2002 (details supplied) will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6564/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The 2002 area aid application was made in the name of a person other than the person named and payment under the 2002 disadvantaged areas scheme issued in full on 23 September 2002. As the person who made the 2001 area aid application is since deceased, an outstanding supplementary payment under the 2001 disadvantaged areas scheme will be processed on receipt of copy grant of probate.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

499 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will ensure that this person is awarded all moneys due to them; if she will provide details of moneys to be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6569/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Under EU legislation, in order to draw down his or her full single payment, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement. This requirement was set out clearly in the documentation supplied to farmers. While the person named had established 39.38 entitlements during the reference period, the application received from him on 16 May 2005 declared a total of 28.40 eligible hectares. The payment, which issued to the person named on 1 December 2005, therefore, represented the full sum due, based on the application lodged. If the person named declares sufficient land on his 2006 single payment application, he will be in a position to claim full entitlements.

Payment under the disadvantaged area scheme issued in full —€2,524.19 — to the person named on 5 October 2005. I have arranged for an official of my Department to make direct contact with the person named regarding the disease restriction placed on his herd. Should it be confirmed that additional payments are due under the 2004 livestock premia schemes, arrangements will be made to issue these immediately.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

500 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the modulation and national reserve cuts in each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6572/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The position is that Ireland's financial ceiling under the single payment scheme for 2005 was €1,260 million of which 3%, €37.8 million, had been provisionally set aside to fund the national reserve. EU regulations require that where the sum of individual entitlements exceeds the financial ceiling, a percentage linear reduction must be applied in order to observe the ceiling. In Ireland's case, the cost of funding successful applicants under force majeure and new entrants during the reference period has meant that the sum of individual entitlements has exceeded our national ceiling, requiring a 1.18% linear reduction of all entitlements. This linear reduction will be accommodated within the 3% already deducted for the national reserve. No further reductions will be applied annually to fund the national reserve. However, there will be a claw-back from sales of entitlements in certain circumstances which go towards replenishing the national reserve.

In so far as modulation is concerned, the EU regulations provide that all amounts paid to farmers under the single payment scheme in 2005 must be subject to a 3% reduction. This will rise to 4% in 2006 and 5% annually thereafter. The regulations also provide, however, for a refund of modulated amounts each year in respect of the first €5,000 or less of each farmers' single payment. This will effectively mean that up to 50% of Irish farmers will not be subject to modulation.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

501 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the office or unit within her Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within her Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6675/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

All of the Dublin-based units within my Department are due to decentralise to Portlaoise, apart from the Dublin local office in Tallaght. The local office in Cork is due to move to Fermoy and the laboratories in Cork and Limerick are due to move to Macroom. Statistics were released from the central applications facility, CAF, in September 2004 indicated that the following numbers of staff from my Department, other Civil Service Departments and the public service were interested in decentralising to Portlaoise, Fermoy and Macroom:

Location	DAF	Civil Service	Public Service	Total
Portlaoise	72	116	17	205
Fermoy	43	41	5	89
Macroom	45	41	5	91

The Department's decentralisation implementation plan allows for 50 staff to move to Portlaoise in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007, with the balance moving in 2008. To the end of January 2006, some 145 people have opted for decentralisation to Portlaoise. Some 90 posts have moved to Portlaoise across a range of areas such as single payment, training and development, accommodation, management services, personnel and information systems. This number includes some CAF applicants that have joined from other Departments. Further moves are planned in 2006 and these are currently being finalised and staff put in place. These staff are being sourced from within my Department and the CAF. Assignments and transfers are made on a phased basis. This allows for appropriate training and skills transfer to take place. It also takes into consideration the business needs of the Department and the need to minimise the risks involved.

Social Partnership.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

502 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the absence of an organisation (details supplied) from partnership talks; her plans to ensure that the group return to the talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6756/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

503 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the absence of an organisation from partnership talks; her plans to ensure that the group return to the talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6757/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 503 together.

I very much regret the decision of the two farmers' organisations mentioned to suspend their involvement in the partnership talks. They retain the option of rejoining the discussions, and I would urge them to do so, but this is a matter on which they must decide.

The Government believes that the farming pillar has a significant and useful part to play in the partnership process. In addition, it is very desirable that the importance of the agrifood sector is reflected in national agreements, as it has been over the last 19 years. My Department will, therefore, remain fully involved in the talks with the remaining farmer organisation and will stand ready to engage with others should they choose to rejoin the process.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

504 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an inheritance application for a person, details supplied, in County Mayo will be reviewed; the reason the application was rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6781/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the new entrant and inheritance measures of the single payment scheme. Following processing of his application, the applicant was notified that he satisfied the criteria for both the new entrant and inheritance measures of the scheme but that the value of the entitlements established under the new entrant measure was greater. Payment reflecting the increased value of the entitlements granted to the person named will, therefore, issue shortly.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

M. J. Nolan

Ceist:

505 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of her share option in respect of a company, details supplied, in the context of the proposed sale of property by that company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6855/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As Minister, I hold a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but special conditions are attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. One of the activities for which my prior written consent is required is the sale, transfer or disposal of more than 20% of specified assets, including lands and properties of Irish Sugar Limited in Carlow and in Mallow used in the production of sugar. I am not aware of any proposal to sell any of the properties mentioned.

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the new entrant and inheritance measures of the single payment scheme. Following an examination of these applications, my Department advised him that as the lands were purchased in 2004, his circumstances were more appropriate to the national reserve measure of the scheme.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payments scheme national reserve under category D. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that schemeyear.

As previously indicated, in line with the EU regulations governing the livestock premia schemes, the person named was restricted to payment in respect of 45.88 livestock units under the 2002 livestock schemes, on the basis of his area aid application declaring 24.15 forage hectares.

However, if the person named considers that there is information of which my Department was not aware, and which would have had a bearing on the calculation of his stocking density, he should submit an appeal in writing outlining clearly the basis of his appeal. His appeal will be assessed by the single payments appeals committee and he will be informed in writing of the outcome of the appeal in due course.

Road Traffic Offences.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

520 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the adequacy of enforcement and oversight in respect of cars which are legally entitled to be travelling on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/06]

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

The Department of Transport has no figures on how many vehicles registered outside the State operate on our roads. Under the EU motor insurance directives that have been adopted by all member states, it is mandatory for drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in the EU, when driving in a public place, to be insured for third party liability. Furthermore, an insurance policy extends to covering the motorist against third party liability when he or she drives in another EU member state.

Outside of the EU, Ireland is a member of the green card system, along with over 40 other countries. This system facilitates the movement of vehicles across international borders by the use of an internationally acceptable document proving the existence of insurance, the green card or international insurance card. This ensures that victims of foreign registered vehicles are not disadvantaged.

I would also like to point out that all victims of uninsured driving, whether the driver of the uninsured vehicle is Irish or a non-national, are entitled to compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, MIBI, which is funded through our motor insurance premia. MIBI is part of a European organisation, Council of Bureaux, which facilitates common insurance arrangements to permit international vehicle movement across Europe. In particular, MIBI act as insurer of foreign vehicles in Ireland to facilitate Irish citizens who have been involved in an accident with a foreign motorist. Any victims of vehicles identified as not registered in this State and not insured will be compensated by the MIBI who will then seek recompense from the home bureau of that vehicle.

If a penalty points offence is committed, penalty points will be recorded on the national driver file in the name of the person concerned, irrespective of nationality or residence.

Stardust Tragedy.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

521 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a meeting will be arranged with the victims of the Stardust fire tragedy in Artane; and if he will actively support the efforts of the victims and their families. [6471/06]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

587 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will appoint an investigating officer under the Commission of Investigations Act 2004 to review the material relating to the Stardust tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7144/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 587 together.

My Department and I are sympathetic to the victims of the Stardust tragedy. My Department has forwarded a copy of the recent "Prime Time" programme to the forensic science laboratory for evaluation and we will be in touch with the Stardust Victims Committee again as soon as a response is received. As the Deputies will be aware, a previous submission from the committee was evaluated by the forensic science laboratory and the Garda Síochána in 2004 but was found not to warrant a revisiting of the original inquiry. I can also inform the Deputies that I will, of course, be happy to meet the committee in the event that there is some new advice or information I can provide them with arising out of these developments.

Internet Crime.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

522 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the actions he can take to counter the problem regarding increased use of the Internet for child pornography and gambling; if his attention has been drawn to the potential damage to society to such abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

523 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to combating the predatory use of the Internet by those with doubtful intentions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7076/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

The Internet is an international and worldwide phenomenon with no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Measures to combat illegal materials and activities on the Internet are, therefore, hampered by a multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and differing societal norms. Furthermore, new developments in communications technologies allowing for Internet access by new means are a regular occurrence. These are largely positive developments but also bring particular challenges for those charged with protecting against the downsides of the Internet.

By its very nature, the Internet lends itself to being used for a wide range of criminal activities. This can include illegal pornography, illegal gambling, racist or hate materials, financial fraud, intimidation or any other criminal activity carried out via the internet. Combatting such illegal, harmful and predatory use of the Internet requires a response at national, EU and international levels. In terms of enforcement, in Ireland, as well as in most jurisdictions, what is illegal off-line is considered illegal on-line.

A combination of responses, and the co-operation of all the stakeholders, at both national and international level — legislators, law enforcement, schools, child protection practitioners, parents and guardians, is essential. My Department is fully committed to playing its part in a pro-active way.

Specifically on child pornography, Ireland has, in the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, one of the most robust pieces of legislation anywhere. The Garda Síochána are committed to the investigation of all cases of child pornography and the importance of investigating the child protection issues involved in such cases. The paedophile investigation unit, which is located within the domestic violence and sexual assault unit of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is in existence since November 2002. This unit is tasked with the investigation and co-ordination of cases relating to the possession, production and distribution of child pornography, and any alleged sexual abuse pertaining to same.

On the structural side, the Government established a working group in 1997 to examine and report on the whole question of the illegal and harmful use of the Internet with particular reference to child pornography. Its report, Illegal and Harmful Use of the Internet, was published in July 1998 and its main recommendation was for a system of self-regulation by Internet service providers. The components of such a system were to include the following. An Internet Advisory Board, IAB, to promote awareness of Internet downside issues, co-ordinate efforts to combat child pornography on the Internet and monitor the progress of self regulation by the Internet service provider industry; a public hotline for reporting child pornography; an industry code of practice and ethics setting out the duties and responsibilities of each Internet service provider.

The Internet Advisory Board was established in February 2000. As well as overseeing a self-regulatory regime for the Irish Internet service providers, its brief also extends to general downside issues of the Internet including general safety for children. The hotline, www.hotline.ie, funded by the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland with support from the EU Safer Internet Action Plan, was launched in November 1999 and has been operating since that time. Special protocols operate between the gardaí and the hotline which maximise co-operation on law enforcement issues so that offences in the area of child pornography can be detected and prosecuted. The hotline works closely with, and is a founding member of the international INHOPE Association, www.inhope.org, a network of European hotlines which is expanding to all parts of the world. The INHOPE Association develops procedures and shares information on the best practices for the tracing and tracking of illegal child pornography.

The self-regulatory approach to Internet regulation has been adopted world-wide. The Internet Advisory Board helps and supports the Irish Internet service provider industry to deliver an effective self-regulation environment, in accordance with a code of practice and ethics for the industry, agreed with the board in February 2002. The Irish code of practice and ethics is recognised throughout Europe as a model of its type.

The European Union has taken a strong line on combating child pornography and other illegal and harmful uses of the internet. Since 1999, under the Safer Internet Action Plan, the EU has provided financial and other supports for measures in the member states to combat illegal and harmful uses of the internet, with particular emphasis on protecting children. A new EU action plan — Safer Internet Plus — covering the period 2005 to 2008, and with a budget of €45 million, was agreed under the Irish presidency in June 2004 and is now in operation. My Department is represented on the management committee for the programme.

The EU Council adopted a framework decision on combatting the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography on 22 December 2003. While the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 is a particularly robust legislative measure, my Department is preparing additional legislative provisions to ensure compliance with this framework decision. In September 2001, the Council of Europe Ministers' deputies approved the first international convention on cybercrime. Ireland signed up to the convention in June 2002. The main objective of the convention is to foster international co-operation in protecting society against cybercrime. The convention deals specifically with the distribution of child pornography on the Internet, infringements of copyright, computer related fraud and violations of network security.

The Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-86, cover gaming and lotteries other than the National Lottery, which is covered by the National Lotteries Act 1986. The Betting Act 1931 governs all matters relating to betting. These Acts would govern activities whether on-line or off-line. In general, all forms of gaming are illegal in this jurisdiction except where specifically permitted. As cited above, under the code of practice and ethics agreed by the Irish Internet service provider industry in 2002, material or services that are illegal under Irish law will not be carried on Irish servers, and if such is found they will be removed immediately under agreed protocols. Unlike child pornography, however, where there is almost universal agreement, on-line gaming-gambling is not illegal in many jurisdictions, and these services can be accessed via the internet from this jurisdiction.

In May 1999, an interdepartmental review group was tasked to examine the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-1986. In their report, published in June 2000, the group concluded that "separate standards for off-line and on-line environments will only create serious problems for society in the longer term. However, liability issues in the Internet gambling area are likely to be as complex as in other areas of Internet activity. For example, in an Internet environment, special consideration would have to be given to both the liability and protection of the player. With Internet operations, the provider may not be within the jurisdiction and may be providing a service which may be legal where the service is being hosted, but illegal where the service is being accessed. This is not an unusual phenomenon in Internet services. The logistical — not to speak of legal — difficulties of dealing with this situation and of enforcing the law at player level are enormous. Attempts to fix liability at Internet service provider level are also fraught with difficulties."

The range of illegal uses of the Internet and the enforcement difficulties associated with such use were also examined in the first report of the working group on the illegal and harmful use of the Internet, cited above. While that report did not examine the specific problems associated with gambling on the Internet, many of the conclusions reached in the report are valid for the gambling area.

Law Society.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

524 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to abolish the role of the Law Society as a self-regulatory body. [6322/06]

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

No.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

529 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a safety and security plan will be put in place for an area (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will work with the local authority on this matter. [6377/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the difficulties being experienced in the area in question and has met the local residents' association and the local authority in order to provide a policing response to the issues referred to.

I understand that a number of matters are also being addressed by the local authority and local Garda management believes that this will help address some of the issues. Community policing is a central feature and core value in policing policy by Garda management, and I am informed that two community policing gardaí are assigned to this area. I am assured that the area in question continues to receive ongoing attention by district and divisional resources with a view to ensuring that a concentrated visible presence is maintained in the area.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

530 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ascertain from the Land Registry Office if there is a dealing pending on a folio for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if so, the position of same; and when same will be complete. [6387/06]

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

Ceist:

534 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding fines enforced by the Garda Síochána that have been issued in counties Sligo and Leitrim since the introduction of the change from miles to kilometres in April 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/06]

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

537 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the options available to the spouse of an Irish citizen (details supplied) regarding obtaining permission to live and work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6481/06]

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

Section 7(1) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, states that: "A person is an Irish citizen from birth if at the time of his or her birth either parent was an Irish citizen or would if alive have been an Irish citizen". However, the entitlement to Irish citizenship of a child born outside the island of Ireland is dependent on the way the parent of the child obtained Irish citizenship.

In the case of a parent born in Ireland, the child is automatically entitled to Irish citizenship from birth. Where the parent was born outside of Ireland but his or her parent, that is, the child's grandparent, was born in Ireland, the child is entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in the foreign births register maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs. If a parent is naturalised or has made a declaration of post-nuptial citizenship prior to the child's birth, that child is entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in the foreign births register. Parents who obtained Irish citizenship after the birth of the child in question must apply for naturalisation on behalf of the child or, if of full age, the child must apply himself or herself.

Marriage of a non-EEA national to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right to enter or reside in the State solely on that basis. Non-EEA national spouses of Irish citizens who marry abroad and are visa-required nationals must apply for a visa to enter the State. Non-EEA spouses who are not visa-required nationals must be in a position to satisfy the immigration officer at point of entry to the State as to their reasons for coming to Ireland. The latter would apply in the case outlined by the Deputy as a national of New Zealand is not visa-required. Following the granting of residency, the non-EEA national concerned will be able to reside in the State and work without the requirement of a work permit.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

538 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the options available to the spouse of an Irish citizen, both of whom reside outside the State, should they wish to relocate here and should both wish to take up employment within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6482/06]

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

An Irish national has the right to enter the State and take up employment at any time. Marriage of a non-EEA national to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right to enter or reside in the State solely on that basis. Non-EEA national spouses of Irish citizens who marry abroad and are visa-required nationals must apply for a visa to enter the State. Non-EEA spouses who are not visa-required nationals must be in a position to satisfy the immigration officer at point of entry to the State as to their reasons for coming to Ireland.

Following the granting of residency, the non-EEA national concerned will be able to reside in the State and work without the requirement of a work permit.

Departmental Investigations.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

539 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on such actions as have been taken by his Department or by the Garda Síochána in regard to a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [6500/06]

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

I am unable to answer the Deputy's question due to insufficient details supplied. Officials from my office have sought clarification from the Deputy but, to date, no further details have been supplied. If the Deputy supplies further details, I will be happy to investigate the matter.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

540 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if closed circuit television cameras will be provided in Thomondgate and Kileely in Limerick city; if the monitoring centre in Moyross will be used as a hub to facilitate this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6511/06]

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

Closed circuit television, CCTV, systems for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing are installed in areas to which the general public routinely have access such as town centres and fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community based CCTV systems. I am informed by the Garda authorities that all applications for Garda CCTV systems must be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and must receive their full support. Applications are then considered by the CCTV advisory committee which makes a recommendation, through the Garda Commissioner, to me.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that no applications for the provision of Garda CCTV cameras in the Thomondgate or Kileely areas of Limerick city have been received by the CCTV advisory committee from local Garda management to date. I am further informed that because the CCTV monitoring station located in Moyross community enterprise centre is not under the control of the Garda Síochána, it is unaware of any plans to use the centre to monitor cameras in the Thomondgate or Kileely areas.

I launched the community based CCTV scheme last year in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities for the provision of CCTV systems. The purpose of the scheme is to support local communities which wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The closing date for receipt of applications was 20 September 2005.

The community based CCTV scheme offered two stages or options designed to meet the requirements of communities in both of these situations. Stage one offered pre-development supports and possible funding for organisations or groups not yet ready to develop their proposals fully or utilise funds. The stage two process offered a direct application process, to access funds, to those organisations which could demonstrate an ability to develop and deliver a CCTV programme immediately. Identification of camera locations, areas to be covered and monitoring centres are a matter for the community group making the application for funding.

More than €1 million in grant aid has already been allocated to 37 communities under the scheme and many of these could see their CCTV systems in operation before the end of the year. I plan to make a further call for proposals under the scheme in the coming months and it is open to any community group in Limerick, including those in the Thomondgate and Kileely areas, to submit an application for funding under this scheme.

Prison Building Programme.

Question No. 544 answered with QuestionNo. 533.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

545 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the orders made in 1963 under section 7 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act 1914 to give a group (details supplied) the status of probation officers; the names of the presidia of the group whose members were given the status of probation officers by virtue of the orders in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/06]

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

Following an examination of available information in my Department for 1963, the records show that recognition as a society for the purposes of section 7 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act 1914 was granted to each of the following in that year, as set out in the following table.

Date of the Order	Name of the Society
24 May 1963	Praesidium Mater Salvatoris, Legion of Mary, Dublin
24 May 1963	Praesidium Virgo Potens, Legion of Mary, Dublin
27 May 1963	The Salvation Army (Women’s Social Work), Dublin

It should be noted that at the time in question, 1963, the services of professional probation officers were only employed in Dublin. The total number employed was five professional probation officers, of whom one was on loan to the Adoption Board. In addition, no formal qualifications were required for entry to the probation service. In-service training was provided.

Departmental records available for the period in question indicate that from 1942 onwards, the services of the Legion of Mary were availed of on an informal basis for probation work. Following the establishment of the interdepartmental committee on the prevention of crime and treatment of offenders in late 1962, however, it was recommended that the value of the work done by the Legion of Mary would be greatly enhanced if the members were authorised to act as probation officers in their own right. This official status was provided for under section 7 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act 1914.

Garda Transport.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

546 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of personnel and vehicles available to the Garda driving and training school; and if he will provide details of the pre-2003 vehicles which have not passed the national car test. [6596/06]

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

550 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of cocaine users; the number of prosecutions taken and convictions acquired in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

551 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the extent and availability of cocaine and the resources available to the Garda Síochána to detect and confiscate the drug; the extent of cocaine confiscated in the past three years; the estimated value of same; the estimated value of cocaine imported illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 to 551, inclusive, together.

The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 addresses the problem of drug misuse across a number of pillars — supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research — and implementation of the strategy across a range of Departments and agencies is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Government is aware of the increased prevalence of cocaine usage in recent times. Efforts to tackle it are broadly based to include measures aimed at both supply and demand reduction, including awareness initiatives. The national strategy specifies a number of supply reduction targets for the Garda Síochána in terms of all drug seizures and the force has achieved considerable successes in regard to these targets to date.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that their strategies for dealing with drug offences are designed to undermine the activities of organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs, including cocaine. These strategies include gathering intelligence on individuals and organisations involved in the distribution of drugs, including the support structures underpinning this activity; conducting targeted operations on criminal networks based on intelligence gathered; and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies both within and outside the jurisdiction to address the national as well as international aspects of drug trafficking and distribution. The Garda authorities further inform me that these strategies continue to result in operational successes, including successes against cocaine trafficking. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs, including cocaine, at local, national and international levels is constantly monitored by the Garda.

Regarding resources, the Garda national drug unit works closely with divisional and district drug units in detecting and preventing the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Where necessary, these resources can be supplemented by Garda personnel operating at local level. The needs of drug units are and will be kept under ongoing review, including in the context of distributing the additional resources being made available arising from the Government's decision to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000.

Numerous data sources are used to determine the extent of drug usage within society. These include drug treatment and law enforcement data, as well as official survey data at national level. For several years, all these data sources have recorded consistent increases in the incidence of cocaine usage, albeit from an initial low base.

The joint prevalence survey undertaken in partnership between the national advisory committee on drugs and the drugs and alcohol information and research unit in Northern Ireland is generally regarded as providing the most reliable baseline data on drug prevalence in Ireland. This study, which surveyed 8,442 people aged 15 to 64 in Ireland and Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003, reported that 3.1% of the population had used cocaine at some time, 1.1% had used it in the previous 12 months and 0.3% had used it in the previous month. I understand that compared with similar comprehensive population surveys undertaken in other European countries, these figures suggest that Ireland is roughly average in terms of use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since 2000, there has been a noticeable increase in both the number of seizures and the quantity of cocaine seized. Relevant data are detailed in a table that follows and reflect not only an increase in demand and availability but also an increase in the ability of the Garda Síochána to counter the activities of criminal groups involved in the trafficking and distribution of cocaine.

Statistics in regard to the number of prosecutions taken and convictions acquired, by drug type, are not readily available and compilation of the data requested by the Deputy would require a disproportionate expenditure of time by the Garda. However, the Garda authorities have been able to readily provide data in regard to proceedings commenced for breaches of misuse of drugs legislation, in respect of cocaine, for the period 2000 to 2004, inclusive. These data are also set out in a table that follows.

The penalties for possession of controlled drugs are set out in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984. Penalties vary depending on whether the offence is a first, second or third offence. The maximum penalty that applies to possession of controlled drugs, other than cannabis, is seven years imprisonment or a fine or both.

The Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures which will enhance the powers of the Garda in the investigation and prosecution of offences, including drug offences. It includes provisions relating to search warrant powers for the Garda. Moreover, in November last year, I obtained Government approval to draft a range of amendments to the Bill, which I intend to bring forward during its passage through the Oireachtas. Proposed amendments include the creation of new criminal offences in regard to participation in organised crime and the strengthening of existing provisions for the ten-year mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking.

Cocaine Seizures 2000-2004
Year	Quantity	Number of Cases	Value
	kg		€
2000	18	206	1,260,000
2001	5.3	300	371,000
2002	31.7	429	2,219,000
2003	107.4	566	7,518,000
2004	167.3	753	11,711,000

Proceedings commenced for breaches of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-84 in respect of cocaine for 2000 to 2004
Year	Number of cases
2000	180
2001	297
2002	478
2003	607
2004	764

Citizenship Applications.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

552 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for Irish citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/06]

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

Year	Applications for naturalisation received	Certificates of naturalisation issued	Declarations of post-nuptial citizenship received	Certificates of post-nuptial citizenship issued
2001	1431	1012	1502	1419
2002	3574	1332	1728	1550
2003	3580	1664	2491	2272
2004	4074	1335	2825	2449
2005	4523	1451	4080	2622

The major reduction in the number of asylum applications has given me an opportunity to refocus resources in areas of service provision for non-nationals. For example, since November 2004, the number of staff working exclusively on citizenship matters has doubled to 41. Furthermore, other sections within the broad immigration area, such as those dealing with visas and residency applications, have been expanded to cope with the additional workload in thoseareas.

Garda Equipment.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

556 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the serious disquiet in the Garda Síochána at the quality of the material used in the current uniform and ancillary equipment; if he is satisfied that the requirements of the current clothing contract for the Garda Síochána have been met; the action he proposes to take to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6859/06]

The Garda Síochána is supplied with an electronic copy of the national driver file by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the purpose of processing payments in respect of penalty point offences recorded on the fixed charge processing system, FCPS. Details of payments received by the Garda Síochána in respect of fixed charge penalty point offences are forwarded to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the purpose of applying penalty points to the driver licence record.

The driver licence authorities of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government are notified by District and Circuit Court offices of the imposition of disqualifications and licence endorsements. Copies of the court order are sent to them giving the details of the offence and the penalty imposed.

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

560 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the enforcement threshold in excess of the speed limit expressed in percentages or kilometres or miles per hour that gardaí allow in the enforcement of speed limits; if the threshold is applied in the same way in all Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6890/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of speed limits is conducted uniformly across all Garda divisions, with a view to ensuring compliance by all road users across the entire road network in theState, without reference to any thresholds whatsoever.

Asylum Support Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

561 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an issue raised previously (details supplied); if there have been any changes in policy; the position in relation to single people coming to Kiltimagh, County Mayo. [6893/06]

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

The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and currently has a portfolio of 67 centres across the State for this purpose.

In March 2005 there was a total of 8,080 asylum seekers being accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish born children, IBC, measures announced on 17 December 2004. Almost all of these residents have now left the RIA accommodation and as of 3 February 2006 there were 4,858 asylum seekers resident in accommodation centres. This drastic reduction, in a relatively short space of time, in the numbers requiring accommodation has led to a temporary over-supply of accommodation.

In addition, the numbers and profile of persons seeking asylum have changed dramatically. There is now a larger number of single persons seeking asylum in the State as opposed to families and RIA accommodation must both reflect and plan for this reality.

In order to address the reduction in numbers and the change in profile, the RIA embarked on a programme of downsizing its accommodation portfolio. This is intended to bring supply and demand into balance and will include the reclassification of some of the accommodation centres in order to optimise usage and obtain value for money. This downsizing has seen a number of centre closures during 2005 — 15 centres with a combined capacity of 833 beds. To date in 2006, two centres have been closed with a combined capacity of 200 beds and further closures-reclassifications are planned.

In the case of this centre, the RIA considered it to be suitable for possible reclassification from family to single person accommodation. The centre consists of two buildings — the Railway Hotel and an annex located on the opposite side of the road — and it was intended to place males in one building and females in the other. As part of the reclassification of this centre, the RIA intended to relocate its families to other centres where they could benefit from special facilities for children and young people, including pre-school facilities. The decision to reclassify the centre was made in early January 2006 and following this a number of support groups contacted the RIA on the matter.

At all times the RIA is concerned to minimise disruption to residents and the local community while maintaining its commitment to efficient and effective use of the overall accommodation portfolio. Following further consideration, the RIA has recently agreed that the families currently residing at the centre will be allowed to remain there at least until the end of the current school year. However, arrangements are also being made to allow for the accommodation of some males at the centre. The RIA will shortly make up to ten placements in the annex at this location and will monitor the arrangements on an ongoing basis. Discussions have taken place with various groups such as Irish Rural Development, Le Chéile Support Group, Intercultural Ireland, Castlebar and St. Aidan's national school and we understand that there is now a greater acceptance of the proposed new arrangements.

The RIA has in its accommodation portfolio 17 male-only centres and no significant issues have arisen at these locations. In addition, the RIA has embarked on the reclassification of a portion of some of its larger family centres in order to accommodate single persons alongside families in counties Sligo, Meath and Monaghan. Such reclassifications are always carefully undertaken in consultation with relevant parties, especially the operators of the centre concerned.

Given the population base of the town of Kiltimagh and its environs and based on past experience, the RIA does not consider that the reclassification of this centre should pose problems. Unless the RIA can make proper use of the accommodation centre, in line with its requirements, it will not be a viable economic proposition to continue the contract with the possible resultant loss of jobs and an indirect negative impact on the local economy, for example, in terms of suppliers of goods and services.

Garda Equipment.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

562 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the hand-held device supplied by a company (details supplied); the number of these devices which were purchased; and the number which are currently being used; if an evaluation has been done on the effectiveness of the system. [6897/06]

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

Station	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Mountjoy	75	77	82	85	91	90
Bridewell	167	155	157	163	166	162
Cabra	83	76	76	65	63	69
Fitzgibbon St.	113	112	116	119	119	119

I have been further informed that the personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region as at 31 December 2000 and as at 31 December 2005 was 3,512, all ranks, and 3,742, all ranks, respectively. This represents an increase of 230, or 7%, in the number of gardaí allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region during that period.

Garda management states that the reduction in Garda personnel serving in Cabra Garda station, as shown in the table above, can be attributed to the fact that the district K headquarters in Dublin metropolitan region west has moved from Cabra Garda station to Blanchardstown Garda station during that period.

I am also informed that the personnel strength of Blanchardstown Garda station as at 31 December 2000 and as at 31 December 2005 was 106, all ranks, and 167, all ranks, respectively. This represents an increase of 61, or 58 %, in the number of gardaí allocated to Blanchardstown Garda station during that period.

In the above regard, a number of Garda national units have been established during the years referred to by the Deputy, for example, the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigations, GBFI, the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and other specialist units. These units provide specialised policing services on a nationwide basis and augment the policing services provided at divisional level. The personnel strength of the national units is over and above the strength of the various operational Garda divisions.

Garda management states that the number of gardaí assigned to community policing duties, all ranks, at Mountjoy, Bridewell, Cabra and Fitzgibbon Street Garda stations as at 31 December 2000-05, inclusively, was as set out in the following table.

Station	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Mountjoy	9	10	12	12	14	13
Bridewell	16	16	16	15	14	14
Cabra	4	3	2	2	2	5
Fitzgibbon St.	15	18	17	17	17	16

Unfortunately at this time I do not have a breakdown of these above figures by rank.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently, the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the four offence group totals for 1997 and the ten headline group totals for 2000-2005 inclusive. I am pleased to note that the tables show a decrease of 10% in the headline crime rate for 2005 in the Ballina Garda district when compared with 2004.

Any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995 with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population.

Headline Offences Recorded and Detected for Garda District of Ballina for Years 2000 to 2005
District: Lucan	2005*	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
	Rec	Det	Rec	Det	Rec	Det	Rec	Det	Rec	Det	Rec	Det
Homicide	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Assault	20	18	32	23	26	22	32	25	18	16	14	14
Sexual Offences	14	9	9	2	9	4	15	10	5	4	5	5
Arson	4	0	7	0	3	1	1	0	4	3	1	0
Drugs	0	0	4	4	3	3	8	8	6	6	2	2
Thefts	161	61	185	63	182	60	234	71	165	77	129	33
Burglary	65	11	50	18	97	25	58	18	41	17	81	32
Robbery	3	0	3	2	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	0
Fraud	28	19	37	24	27	6	21	11	23	11	44	36
Other	3	2	4	3	8	7	8	4	1	1	0	0
Total	298	120	331	139	357	128	379	148	263	135	276	122

*Figures provided for 2005 are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Indictable Offences Recorded by Group for Year 1997
	Ballina
Group	Rec	Det
Offences Against the Person	9	7
Offences Against Property	123	47
Larcenies etc	116	38
Other Offences	1	1
Total	249	93

Year	Amount
	€
1997	355,526.66
1998	818,981.06
1999	826,599.49
2000	1,085,626.06
2001	1,102,132.65
2002	1,135,000.00
2003	1,077,000.00
2004	921,750.00
2005	950,750.00
Total	8,273,365.92

* Comprised €265,000 allocated to Victim Support and €685,750 distributed by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime.

I established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime in March 2005 to develop a framework of victim services and to disburse funding for victim support measures. In 2005, the commission allocated €685,750 to 28 voluntary groups providing front-line services for victims of crime.

A total of €1.085 million has been provided for distribution by the commission in 2006. In addition, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal allocated the following amounts since 1997:

Year	Amount
1997	£3.432m (€4.36m)
1998	£3.483m(€4.42m)
1999	£3.153m(€4.00m)
2000	£ 3.153m(€4.003m)
2001	£3.226m (€4.069m)

Year	Amount
2002	€3.4m
2003	€3.321m
2004	€2,337
2005	€2,384m
2006	€4.541m

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

576 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions there have been for allowing under age drinking on a licensed premises in the past three years; the number of these premises which were then temporarily closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/06]

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

I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Garda Deployment.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

577 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of divisional drug units, the personnel and the resources made available for them; his plans to expand upon the existing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7021/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of each Garda divisional drug unit as of February, 2006 was as set out in the following table.

Division	Insp.	Sgt.	Gardaí	Total
DMR South Central	-	3	15	18
DMR South	-	3	20	23
DMR North	-	3	19	22
DMR North Central	1	2	15	18
DMR West	-	4	23	27
DMR East	-	3	14	17
Carlow/ Kildare	-	1	8	9
Longford/ Westmeath	-	-	4	4
Laois/ Offaly	-	1	4	5
Louth/ Meath	-	1	5	6
Cork City	1	1	11	13
Cork North	-	2	2	4
Cork West	-	1	4	5
Kerry Division	-	1	5	6
Limerick	-	1	8	9
Galway West	—	1	6	7
Clare	—	1	1	2
Mayo	—	—	2	2
Roscommon/ Galway East	—	—	2	2
Sligo/ Leitrim	—	1	6	7
Cavan/ Monaghan	—	2	8	10
Donegal	—	1	2	3
Waterford/ Kilkenny	—	1	7	8
Wexford/ Wicklow	—	—	12	12
Tipperary	—	1	2	3

I have been further informed that the personnel strength of the Garda national drug unit as of February 2006 was 52, namely, one chief superintendent, two superintendents, four inspectors, ten sergeants and 35 gardaí.

Garda management states that any proposed extension of existing units, or the establishment of new units, is a matter for divisional officers having due regard to the nature and extent of the drug issue locally and the availability of resources in conjunction with the Garda Síochána's commitments to the national drugs strategy.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006. Garda management states that during the allocation of the newly attested personnel, the needs of the Garda divisional drug units will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda units throughout the country.

Prison Education Service.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

578 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the prison adult literacy survey, including identifying which recommendations have been implemented and in which prisons; the timeframe for the implementation of outstanding recommendations; the recommendations that the Government has decided not to implement; and the reason for that decision. [7022/06]

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

The Irish Prison Service publication entitled, The Prison Adult Literacy Survey — Results and Implications, was published in September 2003. The major results of the survey showed that a significant number of prisoners had virtually no literacy skills — 52% of them were at level one or pre-level one literacy levels. In other words, more than twice as many prisoners are at the lowest level as compared with the general population.

The director general of the Irish Prison Service has informed me that the survey's findings are fully accepted and that the survey is providing the main focus for ongoing efforts by the prisons and prison education units to tackle the considerable adult literacy problem among prisoners as identified in the research. The prison service's efforts in the area of literacy tuition are also given focus and supported by the 2003 publication entitled, Guidelines for Quality Literacy Work in Prisons, which was produced by the prison education service, and which sets out a ten-point framework for redressing the poor literacy levels of prisoners.

It is envisaged that the implementation of the good practice guidelines will enable prison education units to reach and help an ever larger number of prisoners with literacy problems. None of the survey's recommendations relating to the prisons has been rejected for implementation by the Government, me or the Irish Prison Service.

To illustrate the progress made to date, actions taken following several of the survey's specific recommendations include the following. On the first recommendation, the existing policy of prioritising prisoners with basic education needs should continue and, renewed efforts have been made in this direction in recent years. This priority in terms of disadvantage impacts in practice on such decisions as, for example, the appointment of teachers to prisons by vocational education committees, the devising of programmes in prison education units, the recruitment and follow-up procedures among prison educators and the in-service support for teachers in prison.

Recommendation two proposed providing statistics on those with literacy problems in prison. It has emerged that this poses certain difficulties in practice, partly due to the absence of a precise definition of "literacy difficulty" and also an understandable tendency among people in prison, just as on the outside, to hide their problem. Notwithstanding these practical problems, efforts to obtain estimates as to the extent to which literacy needs are being met can be made in the formulation of literacy plans for each prison.

In line with recommendation three, the Irish Prison Service is implementing the new assessment framework devised by the National Adult Literacy Agency, Mapping the Learning Journey. To raise awareness of other staff within the prison system of literacy issues, recommendation four, an input designed to increase literacy awareness, and provided by the prison education service, is included in the initial prison officer training course.

The guidelines for quality literacy work in prisons are being actively promoted, in accordance with the fifth and eighth recommendations. This includes piloting two templates for the "negotiated learning plan", one for long-term, one for short-term prisoners to be used with literacy students. Recommendation nine stipulated that more efforts should be made to link the education and training needs of prisoners. The literacy action plan prepared by the prison education unit of each prison can become one vehicle for integrating the efforts of the education and training sectors in prisons.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 to 582, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Enniscorthy, Wexford, New Ross and Gorey Garda stations as at 17 February 2006 was as set out in the following table:

Station	Strength
Enniscorthy	32
Wexford	71
New Ross	33
Gorey	39

It is the responsibility of the divisional officer for the Wexford-Wicklow division to allocate personnel within the division. The allocation of such resources throughout the division is determined by several factors, including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.

There are no plans to alter the district boundaries as they relate to the Wexford-Wicklow division.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006. Garda management states that during the allocation of the newly attested personnel, the needs of the Wexford-Wicklow division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Registration of Title.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

583 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to Office Notice 15/04 from the Land Registry dealing with cancellation of land certificates or changes of ownership; when and by what means, be it statutory order, directive of the Land Registry, its servants or agents, Ministers of the Government, his servants or agents, Rule 57 of the Land Registry rules was changed or altered, whereby it gave authority to the registrar, the deputy registrar or their respective servants or agents, to change such rule in order to enable them to make Office Notice 15/04; if he has satisfied himself that the directives and directions set out in the said office notice comply with the Land Registry rules; and if it is underpinned on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7044/06]

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

In my previous responses on this issue on 27 April 2005 and 16 June 2005, I set out in some detail the background to the change in Land Registry practice referred to. The Deputy should note that Office Notice 15/04 is simply the means by which the changes in practice referred to were communicated to Land Registry staff. I understand that Rule 57 was considered in respect of the drafting of this office notice and that no change of practice or procedure in relation to the provisions of the rule arose or were required.

Garda Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

The increase in the fee for the Small Claims Court was introduced in conjunction with a substantial increase in the jurisdiction of the court from €1,269.74 to €2,000. The fee is still a modest one and generally falls far short of meeting the court's costs.

Special Educational Needs.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

589 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the waiting lists for special needs schools, both primary and secondary level, in Dublin. [6524/06]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

591 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science when children on the waiting lists for special schools can be expected to progress up those waiting lists. [6526/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 591 together.

I wish to advise that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to waiting lists for special schools is not available in my Department, nor would the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, have such information readily to hand. The progression of pupils on such waiting lists would depend on the individual schools concerned. Factors to be taken into account would be the numbers of pupils on the list and when and how many pupils may be leaving the school in any given year. Applications to establish additional provision in any of these schools, where appropriate, can be forwarded by the schools authorities to the local special educational needs organisers for consideration.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

590 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the waiting lists for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [6525/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Saplings autism-specific facility, based in Rathfarnham, south Dublin, that has been established to cater for children on the autistic spectrum. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the waiting list at the facility is not available in my Department.

This facility is one of 12 autism-specific facilities that are operating on a pilot basis. Some of these facilities provide an applied behavioural analysis, ABA, model of response which is one of a range of models of approach to the education of children with autism.

My Department also provides the following dedicated facilities for the education of children with autism on a national basis: 159 special classes for children with autism attached to special schools and mainstream schools have been created; 15 preschool classes for children with autism have been established; five special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome have been established.

Furthermore, my Department sanctions home tuition grants for children with autism where such children are awaiting an appropriate school placement. As the Deputy is probably aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs, including children with autism. Parents also liaise directly with schools in the context of enrolling their children. The question of maintaining waiting lists is a matter for individual school managements and my Department would not hold such information.

I am confident that the steps that I have outlined, and those in hand, especially the establishment of the NCSE, will ensure that appropriate educational provision can be put in place for all children with special educational needs, including children with autism in a timely manner.

Question No. 591 answered with QuestionNo. 589.

School Curriculum.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

592 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the results of the evaluation of Irish carried out in 30 whole school examinations during 2004-05; if the results of this evaluation will be published; if the evaluation indicates increased proficiency in the language and the subject; the problems highlighted by the evaluation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6301/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Irish has been evaluated in 30 of the 65 whole school evaluations, WSEs, carried out during 2004 and 2005. Irish is one of the three core subjects, English, Mathematics or Irish, always inspected within a WSE. The inspector generally meets most or all of the teachers of Irish on the morning of the inspection. The quality of teaching and learning is then evaluated in a range of classes normally four to five, but this can extend to seven to eight, in a large school and may range over two days. Oral feedback is given to each teacher at the end of a class. A further meeting is then held with the teachers of Irish at the end of the school day, at which the findings and recommendations are outlined and the principal teacher is also briefed.

In the case of a WSE, in addition to the feedback given to the teachers of Irish and the principal teacher as part of a subject inspection, the main findings and recommendations, including those relating to the quality of teaching and learning in Irish, where relevant, are presented to the entire teaching staff, the board of management and the chief executive officer of the vocational education committee, if relevant, at a post-evaluation meeting. Therefore, the results of the evaluations to which the Deputy refers have been communicated directly to the individual schools concerned with the expectation that areas identified for further development are addressed within the school development planningprocess.

The reports on the evaluations of Irish in the 30 schools to which the Deputy refers cannot be published because the evaluations were completed before 6 February 2006 and are not covered by the new regulations on publication. All subject inspections in Irish conducted on or after 6 February 2006 will be published, as will WSE reports including those where Irish is evaluated.

In addition, from 6 February onwards, both whole school evaluation and subject inspection reports will be issued to the school for factual verification and also to enable the school to respond to the findings and recommendations therein. This will afford a school the opportunity to state the follow-up actions that it has undertaken, or intends to undertake, to implement the findings and recommendations.

It is planned to publish a composite report on the teaching and learning of Irish at junior certificate level in 75 schools towards the end of 2006. This composite report will address the issues to which the Deputy has referred such as curriculum implementation, the quality of teaching and learning, and the proficiency of students in Irish.

Educational Disadvantage.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

593 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo is to be designated as disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6302/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A key element of DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, is the putting in place of a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage in our primary and second level schools for the purposes of qualifying for resources, both human and financial, according to the degree of disadvantaged experienced. This standardised system will replace all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage.

The identification process which involved a new survey by the Educational Research Centre of all mainstream primary schools and the updating by it of existing data sources on the levels of disadvantage in second level schools is being finalised and selected schools will be invited to participate in the new integrated school support programme shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

597 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will sanction the building of new school premises for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford on the site purchased in April 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6404/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school planning section of my Department is in receipt of an application for a new building from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria and it is being considered for funding under the small schools scheme 2006, details of which I intend to publish shortly.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

598 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will get permission from her Department to progress its school building project to tender stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6407/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The project for St. Peter's was included in the announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning in 2005. The project is at stage 4-5, detail design-bill of quantities. A letter approving the stage 4-5 submission was issued by my Department on 5 October 2005.

The design and planning of a building project is covered by stages one to five, 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 St. Peter's has been allowed to progress up to and including stage 5, bill of quantities. This is the final stage before the invitation of tenders.

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building to which she refers was included in my recent announcement of 62 large-scale building projects countrywide, which have been approved to progress under the school building and modernisation programme. This building will provide permanent accommodation for Newbridge Educate Together national school. The projects in question will be progressed by way of the appointment of a design team under my Department's capital programme for 2006.

The building section of my Department will be providing information for the schools concerned shortly on how their projects will be advanced on foot of this announcement.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

605 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if, under the announced reduced pupil-teacher ratios, a school (details supplied) in County Laois will obtain a further teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6428/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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 which is issued annually to all primary schools. The general rule is that the schedule provides at least one classroom teacher for every 29 pupils in the school. Schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that, with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on. However, the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007-08 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. Officials of my Department are drawing up the revised staffing schedule necessary to achieve this. Schools will be asked to use the extra class teachers provided as a result of the revised schedule to provide for smaller classes in the junior grades.

The mainstream staffing of the school, referred to by the Deputy, for the current school year is a principal and three mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 113 pupils at 30 September 2004. The school also has one permanent learning support-resource post, a shared temporary learning support-resource post, and a shared temporary resource post for Traveller children.

According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2005 was 115 pupils. The staffing for the 2006-07 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the revised staffing schedule, which my Department will be issuing to schools in the near future.

John Perry

Ceist:

606 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil numbers for all classes in all the national schools in counties Sligo and Leitrim for the years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the number of teachers in each school for the same years; the number of new teachers appointed in each school for the same years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6444/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.

Schools Refurbishment.

John Perry

Ceist:

607 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the national schools in counties Sligo and Leitrim that have been refurbished since 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the funding that has been actually received by each school involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6450/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The core function of the planning and building section of my Department is to assess, identify and respond appropriately to educational infrastructural deficits on a national level. The school building programme is structured around a number of component elements or sub-programmes. These include large-scale building projects, various devolved minor works initiatives, site acquisitions, remediation programmes, provision of temporary accommodation and the small schools initiative. Data within my Department are recorded and stored by reference to these component parts, rather than the specific category to which the Deputy refers. As a result, it is not possible to disaggregate the actual spend in any one year on refurbishment works.

The total level of funding disbursed to primary schools in counties Sligo and Leitrim for capital works for the years in question are as follows:

Year	Sligo	Leitrim
€	€	€
2001	1,407,135	368,223
2002	1,832,138	952,108
2003	2,465,697	614,960
2004	1,747,942	428,111
2005	3,914,912	990,167.

If the Deputy requires particular information on a particular building project, my Department's planning and building section will gladly provide the relevant information.

School Transport.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

608 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a situation (details supplied) will be ended. [6469/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

My Department sanctioned a transport service for the child referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. I understand that the child in question is availing of the service.

A further application has recently been received in the school transport section in respect of the same child for transport to a different school. This new application is being processed and the family will be advised of the position as soon as all the relevant information has been received and assessed.

Computerisation Programme.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

609 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there are major delays at a school (details supplied) in County Cork in providing broadband Internet access through a company (details supplied) as the service provider; and if the NCTE will act on this matter. [6470/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

From inquiries made by my officials of the NCTE's support service desk, I understand that the problem with the broadband service to the school referred to by the Deputy has now been resolved and that this position has been confirmed with the school by the NCTE service desk.

As regards the roll-out of broadband nationally, some 4,000 schools are getting broadband connectivity under the project being undertaken in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three-year, €18 million joint Government /IBEC-TIF, Telecommunications and Internet Federation, fund to fund local connectivity at school level.

The broadband connectivity is being provided via a schools national broadband network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, email, security controls and content filtering. A broadband support service desk is being managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education to assist schools with advice and information on the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. Six companies have been awarded contracts for the provision of access connectivity with a further company contracted to provide a broadband router at school level, where appropriate.

School Accommodation.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

610 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to an issue which was highlighted in relation to the difference in the level of grant aid approved for two schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [6475/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In May 2003, the school building section of my Department offered a devolved grant of €50,000 to the school referred to by the Deputy for the provision of temporary accommodation. It is my understanding that the school incurred additional costs for the upgrade of the school's sewerage system. Officials in my Department recently requested additional information from the school regarding this extra cost and on receipt of this, the issue of further funding will be considered.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

611 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide additional classrooms and other facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow in view of the growing population in the Arklow area; if toilet facilities will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6478/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school planning section of my Department has received an application for funding under the additional accommodation scheme 2006 from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. All applications under this scheme are being assessed. The list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

An application for an extension to the school has also been received from the management authorities of the school. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale school building projects. Its progress will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.

Special Educational Needs.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

612 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will agree to continue to fund an association (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6485/06]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

614 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if funding will be sanctioned for the ABA unit as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6520/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 614 together.

My officials and the National Council for Special Education met representatives of the school referred to by the Deputies on Wednesday, 1 February to discuss a range of issues. Following this meeting, a comprehensive letter issued on 8 February to the school representatives outlining my Department and the NCSE's position on the various matters discussed at the meeting on 1 February.

My Department's letter covered a number of matters such as the need for a board of management, the process for applying for sanction for further classes for children with ASD, training and qualifications of staff and other issues.

It is now a matter for the school to proceed in accordance with the process that has been outlined to it in the letter of 8 February. This process involves making application for additional classes for children with ASD through the local special educational needs organiser.

It will be a matter for the NCSE to process the application and, in doing so, to seek whatever additional information it requires from the school in order to enable it to make an informed decision. The NCSE can seek advice, if required, from my Department concerning the application. Factors such as the needs of the individual children, levels of existing provision in the area and geographical location of the proposed attendees are matters that the NCSE will need to consider in processing the application.

My Department received a response from the school to its letter on 17 February and I understand that further correspondence is also being submitted by the school. A response will issue to the school as soon as all correspondence has been received and considered.

I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education for children with autism and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, will ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

613 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science when facilities for autistic children will be provided at a location (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6510/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am sure the Deputy will be pleased to hear that a school in the location referred to is included in a recent announcement to appoint an architectural design team to provide accommodation to cater for children with specific special educational needs. I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs.

My Department provides the following dedicated facilities for the education of children with autism nationally, including the area referred to by the Deputy. Some 159 special classes for children with autism attached to special schools and mainstream schools have been created, of which six classes have been established in the Clare region. Some 15 pre-school classes for children with autism have been established. Five special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome have been established.

Furthermore, my Department sanctions home tuition grants for children with autism where such children are awaiting an appropriate school placement. In addition to the provisions outlined above, my Department is funding 12 autism specific facilities that are operating on a pilot basis. Some of these facilities provide an applied behavioural analysis, ABA, model of response, which is one of a range of models of approach to the education of children with autism.

As the Deputy is probably aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs, including children with autism.

In the circumstances, I am confident that the steps I have outlined and those in hand, especially the establishment of the NCSE, will ensure that appropriate educational provision can be put in place in a timely manner for all children with special educational needs, including children with autism.

Question No. 614 answered with QuestionNo. 612.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

615 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 763 of 14 June 2005, the progress to date on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6562/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

Abuse Allegations.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

616 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a letter dated 26 June 1999 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the steps which were taken in 1999 to investigate the issues raised in this letter; the reason there was no reply to the letter. [6582/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

I am aware of the letter dated 26 June 1999 referred to by the Deputy. My Department has no record of a reply issuing to this letter and I regret that I am not in a position to say why this is the case. I can confirm however that the letter forms part of a substantial correspondence from the person concerned outlining a range of concerns and allegations regarding Finglas child and adolescent centre and related matters.

One allegation of physical abuse related to an alleged assault of a boy by a staff member at the centre, then known as Finglas children's centre, in 1985. Staff in the Department interviewed the then director of the centre in late 1992 in this regard. The director assured my Department that this incident had been investigated at the time and it had been found that the incident was a necessary case of physical restraint of a disruptive young person, which was misinterpreted by a staff member.

Following further allegations of abuse at Finglas children's centre and Trinity House school, a Garda investigation was carried out in 1994. On foot of that investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed in 1994 that there was no evidence to support allegations of abuse.

On receipt of further correspondence in 1996, the matter was referred from my Department to the Garda for investigation. In addition to this investigation, the Garda in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, my Department and management of Finglas children's centre conducted a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse at the centre. Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the centre. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Garda and made available all relevant records in this regard.

Relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in industrial and reformatory schools was forwarded to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a discovery order from the commission in June 2003.

Departmental Correspondence.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

617 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the structures and personnel that will be in place for any investigation she establishes to give effect to the commitment she gave in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1216 of 25 January 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6583/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

As I advised the Deputy in the reply referred to by her, I am satisfied that my Department endeavours at all times to ensure that responses issued to representations are accurate and comprehensive. Again, if the Deputy has in mind a particular issue and provides me with further details, I will have the matter investigated.

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

618 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the entitlements to third level education in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6588/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department funds three means tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one grant scheme in respect of post leaving certificate courses. These are the higher education grants scheme; the Vocational Education Committees' scholarship scheme; the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees; and maintenance grants scheme for students attending post leaving certificate or PLCcourses.

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy. Officials of my Department have contacted South Dublin County Council and County Dublin VEC, the awarding authorities which cover the area in which the candidate referred to resides, and they have no record of receiving an application from the candidate in question. The candidate should, therefore, apply to their relevant awarding body in the first instance.

If an individual applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he or she may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

619 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the office or unit within her Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within her Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6677/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The tables provided show the number of posts filled as at 31 January 2006 in those sections of my Department scheduled to decentralise to Athlone and Mullingar. The tables also show the number of people currently assigned to each of these sections who have indicated that they are willing to relocate with the post to which they are assigned. The numbers shown take account of work sharing patterns.

January 2006.
Athlone
Section	No of posts currently filled in the section	No of assignees currently in place for decentralisation
Further Education Section	19.6	5.0
Qualifications, Curriculum & Assessment Policy	3.5	Nil
Post Primary Administration	10.1	Nil
Teacher Education Section	18.8	2.0
Social Inclusion	7.5	1.0
NEPS admin HQ	11.5	3.0
Residential Institutions Redress Unit	4.0	Nil
Service Staff	6.0	1.0

The total number of posts shown as follows is 277.09. A small number of atypical posts is excluded as their inclusion would identify individual members of staff. The combination of these posts, along with the filling of any vacancies will bring the total number of posts decentralising to Mullingar to about 300.


Mullingar
Section	No of posts currently filled in the section	No of assignees currently in place for decentralisation
Accommodation & Services	15.43	2.0
Central Policy Unit	8.3	1.0
Change Management Unit	9.9	1.0
External Staff Relations	9.3	1.0
Finance Unit	16.9	2.0
ICT Policy	5.0	Nil
Internal Audit	5.6	Nil
International	22.93	5.0
IT	28.9	3.0
Legal Services	9.0	5.0
MAC Support	3.0	Nil
Minister’s Offices	19.5	1.0
Regional Office Directorate	7.8	3.0
Press/Communications/FOI	18.7	3.0
Personnel	11.5	4.5
Statistics	8.8	Nil
NDP/Structural Funds	11.5	1.0
Secretary General’s Office	8.0	1.0
Youth Affairs	9.03	Nil
Inspectorate	22.0	Nil
Management Advisory Committee	7.0*	n/a
Service Staff	20	1

*A decision on whether all members of the Management Advisory Group will be based in the one location has yet to be finalised.

School Staffing.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

620 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the outcome of an appeal in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding teacher-pupil balance and the approval of a temporary extra classroom teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6687/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeals board on 19 October 2005. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeals board on 24 October 2005. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the independent appeals board.

According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2005 was 118 pupils. The staffing for the 2006-2007 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the revised staffing schedule, which my Department will be issuing to schools in the near future.

Early School Leavers.

John Curran

Ceist:

621 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of drop out rates in post primary schools in Clondalkin for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. [6784/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in my announced list of school projects to be progressed through architectural planning. The project is at stage 3, developed sketch scheme. A letter to the board of management seeking an updated cost plan as part of the stage 3 submission was issued by my Department on 16 February 2006. Pending receipt in my Department of this documentation from the school authorities, no further progression can be made on this project.

Computerisation Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

632 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the promise to place Irish schools at the top of international tables in terms of the use of information technologies in curriculum delivery; the number of students using substandard, obsolete computers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7013/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Government promised to drive forward the schools IT programme in the agreed programme for Government of June 2002. This commitment is being adhered to by the Government, as evidenced by the roll out of broadband connectivity my Department is currently pursuing to all recognised schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry following the establishment of a three-year €18 million joint Government-IBEC-TIF, Telecommunications and Internet Federation, fund to fund local connectivity at school level. The project builds on my Department's recent investment of over €20 million in the development of school networks, providing further evidence of the Government's commitment in this regard.

In parallel with these developments a range of teacher training courses has been developed by the National Centre for Technology in Education and made available to teachers via the regional education centres. In addition, a regionally based ICT advisory service, involving the deployment of an ICT adviser in each of the 21 full-time education centres, has been developed to provide advice and support to school authorities and teachers in relation to pedagogical and technical issues.

The National Centre for Technology in Education issued questionnaires for its census of school ICT infrastructure early last summer. The census follows similar exercises undertaken in 1998, 2000 and 2002 and addresses a range of areas, including the extent of ICT equipment, networking and Internet access, ICT planning and priorities, professional development and technical support. A report on the 2005 census is being finalised and I hope to be able to publish the results shortly.

Literacy Levels.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

633 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the promise in the programme for Government that every school will receive support for the purchase of appropriate and age related literacy tests to assist teachers in their work; the form this support has taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7014/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is working with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, on the development of a national system of standardised testing for primary school children, whereby all pupils would take standardised tests in literacy and numeracy at the end of first class or at the beginning of second class and at the end of fourth class or at the beginning of fifth class.

Important groundwork is being put in place to support this development and my Department is currently exploring potential implementation models. I have secured funding in the 2006 Estimates to make rapid progress in this area in the coming school year. The funding of literacy testing documentation for schools will be examined in that context.

School Absenteeism.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

634 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the rates of student absenteeism and early school leaving here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7015/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department's second report on school retention published in October 2005 is based on a detailed analysis of the records held in the post-primary pupils database for the cohort of entrants to the first year of the junior cycle in each of the years 1995 and 1996.

It must be noted that the figures refer to retention in State aided second level schools only. They do not take account of important educational pathways outside this system, such as Youthreach and apprenticeship training or of students in private non-aided colleges at second level. The report shows the national retention rate to completion of the junior certificate examination is 94.6% and the national adjusted retention rate to completion of the leaving certificate examination is 81.3%.

With regard to those who leave school without completing the leaving certificate, the available statistical evidence indicates the increasing range of further education and training opportunities available for these students is having a positive impact. Central Statistics Office data show the educational profile of 20 to 24 year olds in Ireland has improved steadily over the last five years as increasing opportunities have been made available in the further education and training sector. By 2005, 86.1% of 20 to 24 year olds had attained upper second level education or equivalent, up from 82.4% in 2000. This indicates there has been an increase in the proportion of young people with at least the leaving certificate or equivalent. Indeed, the level of educational attainment of Irish young people is ahead of the EU average on that measure.

This Government has pursued a dual strategy of both encouraging more young people to finish school and ensuring much greater second chance and further education opportunities for those who left school early. This type of strategy ensures that young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, be that by sitting the leaving certificate or by pursuing qualifications through other pathways such as Youthreach or FÁS apprenticeships that may be more appropriate to their individual interests. Thus, it is important that the Deputy appreciate that looking at just the level of retention in the formal school system is not a fair assessment of the educational attainment of our young people.

The Deputy may be aware that up until 2004, Ireland had no national data on the levels of student attendance in our schools. This matter was addressed by the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which requires all schools to submit a report to the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, on levels of school attendance. In 2004, the NEWB initiated the collection and analysis of the first set of school attendance data for Ireland relating to the school year 2003-04. Schools were asked to submit the total number of student days lost through absence, the number of students absent for 20 days or more and the number of students expelled.

The returns showed that the problem of absenteeism is greater in areas of social and economic disadvantage and that 10% of all primary school students miss more than 20 days from school each year or 11% of the school year, 19% of all post-primary school students under 16 years of age miss more than 20 days from school each year or 12% of the school year, the average number of days missed by primary pupils is ten days in the school year. In the most disadvantaged urban areas the figure is 17 days per pupil. The average number of days missed by post-primary students is 14 days in the school year. In the most disadvantaged areas, the figure is 21 days per student.

A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. The total provision for educational inclusion programmes in 2006 is over €640 million across all levels of education compared to almost €600 million in 2005. This includes additional funding for the implementation of measures under the DEIS action plan at pre-school, primary and second level, additional funding of €7 million for further education programmes and a €20 million increase in provision for third level student support schemes.

The wide variety of measures in place for tackling educational disadvantage and social exclusion range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil-teacher ratios, increased capitation grants, measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. My Department's strategies on the curriculum have included widening the educational experience available to students, which aim to achieve a greater level of inclusiveness in curricular provision and meet the needs of the diversity of pupils in our second level schools by expanding funding for programmes such as the leaving certificate vocational programme, LCVP, vocational preparation training, VPT, and the leaving certificate applied, LCA.

The school completion programme was implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people at risk of early school leaving. In line with current thinking, it favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people aged four to 18 years, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes.

The home school community liaison, HSCL, scheme is concerned with maximising active involvement of children in the learning process, in particular those who might be at risk of failure; promoting active co-operation between home, school and relevant community agencies in promoting the educational interests of the children, raising awareness in parents of their own capacities to enhance their children's educational progress and to assist them in developing relevant skills, enhancing the children's uptake from education, their retention in the educational system, their continuation to post-compulsory education and to third level and their attitudes to lifelong learning and disseminating the positive outcomes of the scheme throughout the school system generally.

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board is an important plank in the campaign to keep students at school and will provide a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The new action plan for educational inclusion, Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools or DEIS, will be introduced on a phased basis starting during the current school year and aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people, from pre-school to completion of upper second level education — three to 18 years of age — from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed.

A key element of the new action plan is the putting in place of a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage in our primary and second level schools, which will result in improved targeting of resources at those most in need and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. The SSP will bring together and build upon a number of existing interventions for schools and school clusters-communities with a concentrated level of educational disadvantage.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

635 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools with buildings that are below the modern building standards mentioned in the programme for Government; the Government’s definition of modern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7016/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information as requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

This Government has invested in the largest school building programme in the history of the State. Between 1998 and the end of 2004, almost €2 billion was invested in school buildings and in the region of 7,500 large and small projects were completed in schools, including 130 brand new schools and 510 large scale refurbishments-extensions. Indeed, funding for school building and renovation projects has increased fivefold since 1997. In 2006, €491 million will be spent on school building projects compared to just €92 million in 1997. This in its own right is an increase of over 9% in real terms on the 2005 allocation.

As the Deputy will be aware, at the end of last year I outlined my spending plans for primary and post-primary schools for 2006. With €491 million to be spent on schools buildings there will be over 1,300 projects active in schools all over the country. This significant investment will allow me to continue to progress our major programme of school building and modernisation, including improving equipment needed for new technologies and ICT. I have already started to outline individual schools around the country that will benefit under the various parts of the programme throughout the year with the announcement of 62 schools that have been given the go ahead to start architectural planning. A total of 740 schools will receive funding under the summer works scheme to carry out essential small scale projects and 15 schools have been approved to move their major building projects to tender and construction stage.

I will be announcing details of the other aspects of the programme as we move through the year. Principal features of the 2006 building and modernisation programme include €277 million targeted at primary schools and €204 million in the post-primary sector, almost 200 major school building projects at construction during 2006, 105 primary school projects and 62 post-primary projects advancing in architectural design and the further use of fast-track design solutions for primary schools. It is expected that up to 12 primary schools will be built using a standardised design model or a design and build process. The first school built under this model opened in Balgaddy, Lucan in September 2005, having taken just ten months to build.

Another principal feature is that up to 200 primary schools will receive approval for devolved funding under the small school and permanent accommodation initiatives during the coming year. This is in addition to the 153 schools that will have projects at construction during 2006 under these initiatives. Small school and permanent accommodation initiatives, which were piloted over the last two years, will become a permanent feature of the building programme, enabling schools to get works done faster by allowing them to run the projects themselves.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to continuing the work that it has started and consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made to ensure the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time.

Early School Leavers.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

636 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in implementing the commitment in the programme for Government to provide a second chance guarantee for people who left school without qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7017/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The Government is strongly committed to improving participation and achievement at every level of education. We have put the resources and supports in place to ensure there is a wide range of course options available in the further education sector for young people who left school without qualifications. Programmes within the further education sector funded by my Department are operated and managed primarily by the Vocational Education Committees. National certification is provided by the Further Education and Training Awards Council.

Within the framework of the priorities identified in the 2000 While Paper on Adult Education, the principal objectives of the measures and programmes funded by the Department of Education and Science in the further and adult education area are to meet the needs of young early school leavers, provide vocational education and training opportunities for labour market entrants and re-entrants and alternative pathways to higher education and provide second chance education for adults.

These objectives, for those people who have left school without qualifications, are pursued through full-time programmes such as Youthreach, senior Traveller training centres and the vocational training opportunities scheme, and part-time programmes such as the back to education initiative, adult literacy courses and the community education scheme. On completion of such programmes, a student may progress to post-leaving certificate courses or other provisions.

The Government has shown a sustained determination to expand and improve further adult education over recent years. We believe strongly in the value of this sector and will continue to prioritise it for resources and supports in the years ahead.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

637 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allow the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7023/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department's officials wrote to the school authorities in October 2005 giving approval to proceed to stage three — detailed plans and costs — of architectural planning. Pending receipt in my Department of the stage three submission from the school authorities no further progression can be made on this project.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

638 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allow the building project for two amalgamating post-primary schools (details supplied) in County Kildare to proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7024/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Officials in my Department are actively looking at proposals regarding an alternative site for the school. However, due to commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on specific site purchase issues.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

644 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of the 108 FCA officers who did not apply for appointments in the new Reserve Defence Force who have been interviewed by the commanding officer to determine if they wish to serve in same; and the outcome. [6299/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The procedure for Reserve Defence Force, RDF, officers applying for appointments is outlined in administrative instruction R5/R6, RDF Officers, NCO's and Privates Assignment Procedures.

The military authorities have informed me that all RDF officers were made aware of the assignment procedure and that each officer was responsible for deciding which appointment, if any, he or she would apply for. I am also advised that the administrative instruction did not provide for the interviewing of officers who did not apply for any appointment and, consequently, there was no formal mechanism established to collate the information that the Deputy has requested.

Officers are entitled to seek an interview with their commanding officer on any issue and I would anticipate that any officers who do not wish to serve in a new appointment would seek such interviews and make their views known. The military authorities have adopted a facilitative approach to the assignment process and I am confident that every effort would be made to facilitate any such officer within the reorganised reserve.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

645 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers of the Reserve Defence Force who have been gazetted into their new appointments; and the date on which the process will be completed. [6300/06]

The Government decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his budget statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of all of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare.

The following table details the number of staff in my Department who have chosen to decentralise with my Department to Newbridge.

Department of Defence Staff Grade	No. of Departmental Staff who have chosen to decentralise
Secretary General	1
Assistant Secretary	2
Principal Officers	5
Assistant Principal Officers	8
Higher Executive Officers	14
Executive Officers	10
Staff Officers	4
Clerical Officers	15
Properties Officer	1
Total No. of Staff	60

In addition to the staff referred to in the table above, four civil servants have been assigned to their new posts with my Department via the central applications facility, CAF, thus far and we are currently in the process of transferring staff from other Departments into my Department.

Defence Forces Discharge.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

650 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 7 February 2006, if a person (details supplied) in County Clare was before a medical board on 5 July 2005; if the issue is a question of fitness; if the desired standard of medical classification could be achieved through physical training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6864/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Personnel enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force, after 1 January 1994 are not eligible for consideration for extension of service on completion of their initial five year term of enlistment unless they have a minimum medical classification. In the case in question the individual's medical classification was assessed as being below the required standard for extension of service. The medical classification comprises the constitution and the military fitness of the individual. In this case the grading was below the required medical standard for both constitution and military fitness.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

651 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason no action was taken on empty houses (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if the local authority will clean up the area. [6378/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

658 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a case (details supplied) will be investigated; the reason for the delay on these matters; and if action will be taken from the named local council. [6381/06]

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

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 651 and 658 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 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.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

652 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of co-ordination between his Department regarding the registration of penalty points and the Garda PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6334/06]

These issues were the subject of proceedings by the European Commission against Ireland before the European Court of Justice, ECJ. The Advocate General's opinion issued in the case on 18 January 2006 considers that the ECJ has competence in relation to the dispute between Ireland and the UK. While this opinion favours the case made by the Commission, it will be a matter for the Court to issue the final judgment which is expected later in the year. The final outcome should clarify international and community law on the protection of the marine environment and other issues raised by the continued operation of the Sellafield reprocessing plant. The Government, in consultation with the Attorney General, will decide future legal strategy based on the final judgment of the ECJ case. It would be premature at this point to speculate on the legal options open to the Government arising from this process.

I met with Alan Johnson MP, UK Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry in October to voice the continuing concerns of the Irish Government about the operation of the Sellafield plant and the leak in April 2005 at the THORP plant. I pointed out that the report by the operator on the leak at THORP indicated a continuing poor safety culture and practice at the Sellafield plant which regrettably was entirely consistent with the longstanding poor operational safety record at Sellafield. It was now necessary for the UK Government to take the hard decisions necessary to close the Sellafield plant.

I also met with Commissioners Andris Piebalgs and Franco Frattini on 31 January last and made it clear that the Irish Government expects the Commission to exercise its competence robustly in respect of the continued operations at Sellafield, a situation which has in Ireland's view, clearly not been the case to date.

Last week's formal warning on Sellafield is perhaps an indication of the Commission's intention to engage more proactively in this area. The Government's policy on Sellafield remains clear and unambiguous. Following my recent meetings with EU Commissioners Piebalgs and Frattini and Secretary of State Alan Johnson MP, both the Commission and the UK Government are in no doubt as to the strength of Irish feeling regarding the continued operation of the Sellafield plant. The Irish Government will continue to pursue all legal, political and diplomatic options to secure the safe and orderly closure of the Sellafield facility.

Public Procurement Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

656 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has a corporate procurement plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1500 of 25 January 2006.

Departmental Contracts.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

657 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made within his Department in relation to reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6370/06]

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

My Department's statement of strategy for 2005-07 incorporates an objective of promoting procurement management reform by developing policies, processes and practices in support of a more strategic approach to contract procurement within the Department and those bodies under its aegis. In accordance with this objective, my Department implements existing and emerging guidelines from the Department of Finance on contracts planned by it directly and by local authorities and agencies within my Department's remit.

Question No. 658 answered with QuestionNo. 651.

Electronic Voting.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

659 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the location of each of the facilities where the unused electronic voting machines were stored during 2005; the proprietor of each of those facilities; the rental cost of each of those facilities for 2005; the cost incurred to date in 2006 on the storage of these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/06]

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

Information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage cost for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment is some €696,000. Details provided by returning officers in respect of ownership of premises, location and annual rental costs are set out in the following table.

As already stated in the reply to Questions Nos. 154, 181, 201, 642, 659 and 660 of 14 February 2006, I have requested my Department to examine the question of central storage of the voting equipment.

Information on Storage of Electronic Voting Equipment
Constituency	Owner of Storage Premises	Location of Storage Premises	Annual Rental Costs € (incl. VAT)
Carlow-Kilkenny	Matthew and Teresa Cleary	Mortarstown	23,595
Cavan-Monaghan	Martin Duffy	Monaghan Town	20,328
Clare	Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Tony Mulqueen.	Ennis	3,600
Cork City	Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harvey	Togher	30,492
Cork County	Michael O’Driscoll	Ballygarvan	19,360
Donegal	Niall McIvors, Secure Storage	Letterkenny	10,564
Dublin City	Brendan and Cara Walsh	Ballycoolin	42,350
Dublin County	John Fitzpatrick and Kevin McGarry	Finglas	33,880
Galway	Voting machines stored in courthouse	Galway City	Nil
Kerry	John Dillane	Tralee	21,175
Kildare	J & D O’Brien	Clane	19,360
Laois-Offaly	KG Warehousing Ltd.	Portlaoise	24,200
Limerick	Ashling Microsystems	Limerick City	51,188
Longford	Returning Officer has requested that this information not be released publicly for security reasons	Longford Town	12,100
Roscommon	Gerry Kelly	Roscommon Town	6,000
Louth	Dundalk Town Council	Dundalk	Nil
Mayo	Joseph Togher	Castlebar	25,410
Meath	Paul McDonnell	Navan	14,496
Sligo	Voting machines stored in courthouse	Sligo Town	Nil
Leitrim	Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre	Carrick-on-Shannon	3,000
Tipperary (N&S)	Nicholas Delehanty	Clonmel	24,200
Waterford	Johnstown Properties Ltd.	Waterford City	50,820
Westmeath	Peadar Conlon	Mullingar	15,972
Wexford	McGuinness Enterprises Ltd.	Drinagh	12,096
Wicklow	Telhurst Ltd.	Kilcoole	38,000

My Department has been mandated by Government to have a suitable site investigation carried out to inform consideration of future development options. The on site aspect of that investigation concluded last autumn and most of the factual data has now been collated. My Department expects the interpretative reports from the consultants in the coming weeks, following which strategic directions in relation to the future of the site will be considered.

National Parks.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

664 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ascertain from the National Parks and Wildlife Service if a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been stopped from cutting turf on a certain plot will also be stopped from cutting turf on a second parcel of land or if the restriction will only apply for the first parcel of land. [6550/06]

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

I am aware that the person named has been advised that he may not cut turf on some of his land. I regret that my Department does not have access to the LPIS database and therefore cannot comment definitively on the land parcel number mentioned.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

665 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ascertain from the National Parks and Wildlife Service if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to compensation on the cessation of turf cutting on their bog; and if so, the way in which they can apply for same. [6551/06]

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

My Department wrote to the person named on 16 February 2006 giving details of the compensation scheme, including the criteria for eligibility and enclosing an application form.

Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

666 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 11 October 2005, the discussions held with IFFPG and the conclusions and recommendations on the scheme; the steps he will take to address the problem of plastic being imported from the UK and Northern Ireland without the payment of such a levy; the percentage of farm plastic collected in 2005; the tonnage it is envisaged the IFFPG will collect in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6561/06]

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

Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers, namely manufacturers and importers, of farm plastics such as silage bale wrap and sheeting are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish farm film producers group, IFFPG, is the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste.

Under the IFFPG scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics that, in turn, is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste. The IFFPG is a not for profit organisation and it is a matter for the company, under the terms of this producer responsibility initiative and in accordance with the polluter pays principle, to set a rate of levy which will cover its operational costs. The detailed information sought on the company's operations is a matter for the company and is not available in my Department.

The scheme has operated successfully to date. It is estimated that approximately 8,500 tonnes, amounting to 55% of farm plastics placed on the market in 2004, were collected for recycling. An estimated 55,000 farmers availed of the collection service in 2004. The IFFPG estimates that more than 12,500 tonnes of farm plastics were collected in 2005.

While responsibility for the collection and recovery of farm plastics rests with the compliance scheme, my Department monitors the scheme on an ongoing basis. I am aware of the specific issues raised and I am anxious to preserve and continue the success of the farm plastic scheme. Discussions are taking place involving my Department and IFFPG to explore options for improvement to the scheme and resolution of outstanding issues.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

667 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government proposes to abolish the existing two dimensional red zones that are also known as red safety areas in view of the proposed designation of the two dimensional public safety zones at the State airports in accordance with the recommendations contained in the ERM report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/06]

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

My Department is preparing draft guidelines for planning authorities on public safety zones at State airports and in this context is considering the ERM recommendations, including recommendations on "red zones". When the draft guidelines are completed they will be issued for public consultation.

Local Authorities.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

668 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is willing to put in place in order to empower local municipal authorities with more representative powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6593/06]

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

The Local Government Act 2001 is 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, through for example, membership of strategic policy committees; provide local amenities and raise a local community contribution; make local by-laws and have statutory input to the local development plan process under the planning code.

Certain town councils, other than former town commissioners, are under the relevant statutory service codes responsible for certain mainline functions in housing and roads. 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.

Social Housing.

David Stanton

Ceist:

669 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the targets he has set in regard to the number of households that will be provided under the rental accommodation scheme each year for the next ten years or for the period of time that he has set such targets; the estimated cost of the scheme to be met each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/06]

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

Based on Department of Social and Family Affairs data 60,176 households were in receipt of rent supplement at the end of December 2005. More than half of these, approximately 33,000 cases, have been on the scheme for 18 months and represent the primary target group for accommodation by housing authorities under the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, or by other forms of social housing.

The Government has set the end of 2008 as the target to complete the implementation of RAS in all local authority areas. The actual numbers of households transferring by that date will depend on a range of circumstances including the eligibility conditions for RAS, the quality of rented accommodation in which recipients of rent supplement currently reside, the supply of alternative accommodation in the private rented and social housing markets and the individual circumstances of tenants. The provisional targets for transfers to RAS are 5,000 by the end of 2006, with a further 5,000 for each of the following years.

A sum of €19 million has been transferred from the Department of Social and Family Affairs Vote to my Department's Vote from January 2006 to cover the costs of RAS. Additional funding will be provided in the same manner over the next two years at which point there will be a review of the funding arrangements for the scheme. In overall terms, the Department of Social and Family Affairs estimates that when the transfer of long-term recipients of rent supplement is complete the annual provision is likely to be in excess of €120 million.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

670 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the office or unit within his Department and associated unit that is due to be decentralised; the number of posts and staff in tabular form from each unit within his Department and associated agency who have chosen to decentralise with their parent organisation; and the number of people willing to move who have been assigned their new posts. [6679/06]

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

All Dublin based operations of my Department will be decentralised, with the exception of Met Éireann, ENFO, the Private Rented Tenancies Board and a small co-ordination section which it is proposed to retain in Dublin to assist with the Department's Dáil and other business. The programme involves the relocation of my Department's operations to four locations in the south east, Wexford, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. I recently announced that my Department has reached agreement with OPW on the site for its headquarters in Wexford, which will be acquired from Wexford Borough Council.

At this stage, a total of 70 staff, who are committed to transfer to the south east, are serving in the Department. This includes new entrants and persons recruited under the central applications facility. Another 90 persons from other Departments have indicated their willingness to transfer. Two agencies under the aegis of my Department are also included in the decentralisation programme. The Local Government Computer Services Board, LGCSB, is due to move to Drogheda while the National Building Agency, NBA, will relocate to Wexford. Three staff in the NBA and 23 staff in the LGCSB have applied for decentralisation with their agencies.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John Curran

Ceist:

671 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding which was allocated to South Dublin County Council in the allocations for 2006 under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [6785/06]

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

The special housing aid for the elderly scheme is administered by a task force under the aegis of my Department and operated at local level by the Health Service Executive. An initial allocation of €2.2 million for the scheme was recently notified to the Dublin mid-Leinster region, which includes South Dublin County Council and it is a matter for the HSE directorate of services for older people, which has responsibility for the administration of the scheme, to apportion funding to a particular area.

Noise Pollution.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

672 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing legislation to strengthen the law on noise pollution with particular regard to excessive noise which sometimes emanates from private buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6789/06]

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

A number of legislative measures are in place to address the issue of noise nuisance from private buildings. Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise. These powers are generally exercised in preventing and limiting noise from commercial and industrial premises within their functional areas.

Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a local authority or any person may seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance is available from my Department and on the Department's website, www.environ.ie.

In the case of noise nuisance being caused by individuals in private rented accommodation, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 imposes minimum statutory obligations on landlords and tenants of private residential tenancies. Tenant obligations under the Act include an obligation not to engage, or allow visitors to engage, in anti-social behaviour which is defined as including persistent noise that interferes with the peaceful occupation of other dwellings in the neighbourhood. The Act also imposes an obligation on landlords to enforce the tenant obligations.

There is provision in the Act for third parties who are adversely affected by a failure on the part of a landlord to enforce tenant obligations to refer a complaint to the Private Residential Tenancies Board in accordance with the procedures in the Act. If an alternative legal remedy, such as the remedy provided for under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, is available and is pursued by a person, that person may not also refer the matter to the board.

Noise nuisance and other problems caused by local authority tenants are also covered under legislation. The tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between the local authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions on the type of behaviour that is acceptable, and that which is not. The local authority is empowered under section 62 of the Housing Act 1966, to initiate proceedings to secure an eviction where a tenant has breached the conditions of the tenancy agreement.

Noise nuisance arising from intruder alarms is addressed on a number of fronts. A European standard for external intruder alarms has now replaced all national standards and incorporates considerably stricter controls, regarding minimum and maximum duration for the sounding of alarms. The new limits are 90 seconds minimum and 15 minutes maximum duration from the sounding of external alarms in buildings; the alarms must cease automatically after the maximum duration. This standard has been applied by the NSAI for intruder alarms installed by certified installers since 1 March 2004.

The Private Securities Services Act 2004 provided for the establishment of the Private Security Authority to licence, control and supervise installers of security equipment, including alarm systems, and which has powers to maintain and improve standards in the provision of security services. The licensing of companies providing intruder alarm installation services commenced from 1 November 2005 and it will be an offence for companies in the intruder alarm sector to operate without such a licence from 1 August 2006.

Disabled Person’s Grant Scheme.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

673 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he proposes to respond to the contents of a letter of 18 November 2005 from a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in which the daughter of an elderly couple was denied an opportunity to apply for a disabled person’s grant in respect of her parents by the local authority; and his views on the rationale for this decision. [6879/06]

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

A reply will issue shortly to the person concerned regarding this matter.

Legislative Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

674 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to enact sections 55 to 62, Part 8, Local Government Act 2001 during the present Dáil session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6880/06]

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

The procedures governing boundary alterations are set out in Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 and in the Local Government (Boundary Alteration) Regulations 1996. Under these provisions, it is open to a local authority to initiate a proposal for the alteration of its boundaries. This involves preparation of a formal boundary alteration proposal by the authority concerned including financial, organisational and other implications and invitation of public submissions and consultation with the other local authorities affected by the proposal, prior to submitting a formal application to the Minister.

Part 8 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that a local authority proposing to alter its boundary would follow similar procedures but would make the application directly to an independent local government commission which would then report to the Minister on the matter. I am considering the steps necessary to commence the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

675 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide figures on the impact of sugar beet growing on Ireland’s net CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6886/06]

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

Total emissions of CO2 from sugar production installations in Ireland in 2003, the latest year for which figures are available, were 146,834 tonnes.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

676 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the area of forestry needed to be planted in order to counteract the total emissions from car use here in one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6887/06]

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

Articles 3.3 and 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol provide for parties to offset carbon sequestered by forests against their greenhouse gas emissions. Article 3.3 allows Kyoto Protocol parties to count net carbon sequestration from afforestation and deforestation since 1990, arising over the period covered by the protocol, 2008 to 2012.

In order to calculate sequestration levels from forests, the area of and species composition of afforestation must be estimated for each year. COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research and Development, has developed a model to predict carbon sequestration based on net forest area and a number of other factors such as growth increment, wood density, carbon content and biomass expansion factor, based on Irish research and the good practice guidance of the intergovernmental panel on climate change.

The COFORD model estimates that average annual sequestration over the period from 2008 to 2012 will be 2.074 million tonnes of CO2, based on an estimated 244,000 hectares of new forest planted over the period 1990 to date, and 14,000 hectares being planted per annum between now and 2012. Carbon sequestration in new forest is slow to begin with, but once the crop is fully established it rapidly increases year on year, to reach a peak over the period from ten to 30 years, depending on species and growth rate. On average, over that period, annual uptake, under Irish conditions, will be 10 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year.

Under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Government may, by order, on foot of a proposal from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, designate a site or sites as a strategic development zone, SDZ, to facilitate development considered, in the Government's opinion, to be of economic or social importance to the State. The proposed strategic development zone at Balgaddy Clonburris, South Dublin is under examination in my Department in consultation with South Dublin County Council and a proposal will be submitted to the Government in the matter when that examination has been completed.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Tuesday, 21 Feb 2006

Electricity Generation.

Pádraic McCormack

Mobile Telephony.

Seán Crowe

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Arthur Morgan

Willie Penrose

Ciarán Cuffe

Gay Mitchell

Arthur Morgan

John Deasy

Fisheries Protection.

Seán Ryan

Energy Policy.

Bernard Allen

Mobile Telephony.

Liz McManus

Postal Services.

Simon Coveney

Energy Reserves.

Dan Boyle

EU Directives.

John Gormley

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Róisín Shortall

Television Advertising.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Postal Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Consultancy Services.

Billy Timmins

Broadcasting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Energy Reserves.

Joe Costello

Alternative Energy Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Broadcasting Services.

Richard Bruton

Departmental Schemes.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Energy Policy.

Joe Sherlock

Post Office Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Energy Policy.

Tom Hayes

Michael Ring

Corrib Gas Pipeline.

Michael Noonan

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Kehoe

Bernard J. Durkan

Olwyn Enright

Michael Noonan

Gay Mitchell

Broadcasting Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Mobile Telephony.

Damien English

John Deasy

Paul McGrath

Gerard Murphy

Bernard J. Durkan

Dinny McGinley

Consultancy Reports.

Eamon Gilmore

Denis Naughten

Electricity Sector.

Liam Twomey

Denis Naughten

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2006