Written Answers.

Environmental Policy.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

10 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the provision of greater access to environmental information and on the importance of public participation in the planning process; the work that has occurred to date in respect of the ratification of the Aarhus agreement and the transposition of the two EU Directives associated with the agreement; and when the ratification of the agreement will be complete. [16480/06]

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

Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level. To date, the European Union has adopted two directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC). Ratification of the Convention will take place after these Directives have been transposed into Irish Law.

Work is continuing in my Department with regard to the transposition of these two Directives and will be completed as soon as possible. The Strategic Infrastructure Bill which is currently before the Seanad also provides additional rights to Environmental NGO's in accordance with the Aarhus Convention and this is part of the overall package of measures being taken to implement the Convention and EU Directive in Ireland.

In addition, I have invited the Information Commissioner to accept the role as Appeal Commissioner under the Access to Environmental Information regime and I am happy to report that the Commissioner has agreed to take on this role. When the above work on transposition is completed, the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention will be submitted to the Dáil in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.

In the meantime, the 1998 Regulations on Access to Information on the Environment, allied to the Freedom of Information code, continue to provide for wide access to environmental information, while our planning system provides for comprehensive public consultation and participation.

Waste Management.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

11 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made to date in considering measures to regulate or reform the waste collection system nationally with respect to the findings of the Competition Authority in 2005 that the system was not working well for the consumer; the principal measures he is considering; if he intends to include a national waiver scheme in his plan; and when he intends to present his detailed proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [16462/06]

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

I have now finalised my detailed consideration of options for regulating the waste management sector. I intend shortly to bring proposals to Government and it will then be possible to provide fuller details.

I am fully aware of the difficulties which the Competition Authority has identified in the waste collection market. In examining the sector, I have looked at the Authority's concerns, along with a wide range of complex socio-economic and environmental issues which affect both the consumer and the waste industry.

The waste sector is changing rapidly, particularly due to the introduction of much higher environmental standards and the implementation of the polluter pays principle. In order to improve our environmental management, my Department has been providing substantial amounts of funding to enable local authorities to provide waste recycling and recovery infrastructure which will assist households to reduce the amount of waste which they send to landfill. The increased access to recycling facilities, coupled with the introduction of pay-by-use charging, has assisted households to reduce their levels of waste disposal and increase their control over their waste management charges. As a measure of its success, by 2004 we were recycling over 33% of our municipal waste compared to only 9% in 1998.

Recent years have also seen rapid growth and consolidation in the private waste management industry. This has raised a number of issues. The dual role of local authorities as both competitor and regulator may distort competition while, as noted by the Competition Authority, there may also be a tendency for individual waste collectors to acquire dominant positions in particular areas. In such cases, the market could not be regarded as working well for consumers. It follows that the current regulatory framework needs to be reappraised.

In relation to lower income households, my Department has asked local authorities to engage with private sector waste collectors to ensure that households are offered a range of periodic payment options so that they do not have to make a lump sum payment. It is also open to waste collectors to provide waivers to individuals and households where they deem it appropriate. It is not proposed to introduce a national waiver scheme. The question of whether there may be public service obligations relating to the waste sector and, if so, how these could be met, has been included in my consideration of possible measures to regulate the sector.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on remarks that a nominee of his to the advisory committee of the Environmental Protection Agency forwarded a letter from the managing director of an illegal dump addressed to him to the Environmental Protection Agency’s deputy director-general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16616/06]

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

The correspondence in question is a letter from the managing director of a company which purchased a site in Co. Wicklow which had previously been used to illegally deposit waste. The site in question is the subject of an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the company concerned for a waste licence. The EPA recently issued a draft negative decision. The letter sought to provide me with an update in regard to this matter. As it was submitted for this stated purpose and did not seek any intervention by me or my Department, a standard acknowledgement was issued by my Department. No further reply was made, nor did my Department correspond or communicate with EPA on the matter.

It was subsequently reported in a newspaper that this correspondence had been sent to me by a person whom I had nominated as a member of the EPA Advisory Committee. This was incorrect and the error has been acknowledged by the newspaper concerned. In fact, the nominee forwarded a copy of the correspondence, without reference to me, to the Deputy Director General of the EPA. In accordance with normal practice the Agency placed a copy of the correspondence on the public file dealing with the licence application which is available for inspection by any person.

The Agency's Advisory Committee has the responsibility of making general recommendations to the Agency and to the Minister in relation to functions of the Agency. The Committee is entirely a consultative body and is not involved in any individual EPA decisions.

Nuclear Safety.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

13 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national emergency plan for an accident at the nuclear plant at Sellafield was last tested; his views on whether it should be reviewed in view of the recent dramatic presentation of such an accident and its consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/06]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the recent RTÉ drama, Fallout, represents an accurate picture of the likely effect of a major explosion at the Sellafield plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 38 together.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), which is the national authority with responsibility for advising the Government on all matters relating to nuclear safety and the hazards associated with ionising radiation, has advised that the scenario depicted in the RTE drama, Fallout, is not realistic and greatly exaggerates the amount of radioactivity that could reach Ireland.

The RPII was particularly concerned that the drama appeared to suggest that evacuation of Dublin would be the appropriate response to an accident at Sellafield. Under the Government's National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents, it is not considered that an accident at a nuclear installation abroad would give rise to the need for evacuation of people in Ireland. International best practice indicates that evacuation is only ever recommended to prevent people suffering immediate health effects. In Ireland, due to our distance from any nuclear facilities and the type of accident that could possibly occur, radiation levels arising from an accident at such facilities would never be sufficiently high to give rise to these effects.

As I have indicated, the Irish Government has in place a National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents designed to respond to a major emergency at a nuclear installation in the UK or elsewhere that could result in radioactive contamination reaching Ireland. The Plan conforms to best international standards and practice as established by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is continuously reviewed and updated in the light of technological, scientific and medical advancements. Furthermore, a major exercise of the Plan takes place every few years in order to test its effectiveness and to enhance emergency preparedness. The most recent exercise in 2005, called "INEX 3", was carried out under the guidance of the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency. This exercise was mainly concerned with testing decision making in relation to agricultural countermeasures and food restrictions following a simulated nuclear accident in the UK. A report on this exercise will be published in due course.

In addition to these major tests, aspects of the Plan are tested on a more frequent basis. For example, communications with the European Commission notification centre are tested daily.

An information booklet entitled National Planning for Nuclear Emergencies, setting out the principal features of the Plan, was produced and circulated by my Department in 2002 to over 400 public information centres throughout Ireland, i.e. libraries and Citizens' Information Centres. The most up to date version of the Booklet is dated December 2005 and is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, and on that of the RPII at www.rpii.ie. An information leaflet, summarising the main elements of the Booklet, was also distributed to every household in the country in 2002. This information leaflet has also been recently updated and is available on my Department’s website; it is currently being printed and will also be available shortly through Libraries and Citizens’ Information Centres.

Given the continuous review, updating and regular testing of the Plan and the international assistance that would be available under the international Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, I am satisfied that the Plan is robust and that the country is ready to respond effectively to any such accident or emergency.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

14 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports he has received from the Private Residential Tenancies Board on registration of landlords since the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [16553/06]

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

My Department maintains close ongoing contact with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) regarding progress on the implementation generally of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. An update on the number of registration applications processed by the PRTB is provided to my Department generally on a monthly basis.

EU Directives.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

15 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funds will be provided by his Department in order to conduct research into the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the various measures that could possibly be taken to improve water quality in order that sectors such as farmers, industry and the forestry sector will be in a position to meet the various requirements under the Water Framework Directive and the Phosphorus Regulations, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. [16466/06]

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

A comprehensive programme of activities is currently underway by my Department, the EPA, local authorities and other relevant bodies for full implementation of the Water Framework Directive. To date, all implementation deadlines set by the Directive have been achieved on time by Ireland. Further implementation requires the establishment and operation of a comprehensive monitoring programme by January 2007 and the adoption of river basin management plans by June-2009. A draft of the plans must be available for public consultation by June 2008. The plans must set out the environmental objectives to be achieved during the 6-year plan period together with the programme of measures which will be required to deliver on these objectives. Cost effectiveness is an intrinsic part of the planning process for river basin management. Cost analysis will be used in the development of the programmes in order to make judgments on the most effective and efficient measures to be adopted.

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive is being significantly supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities, together with a wide range of research and other projects funded under the National Development Plan. INTERREG funding is also being applied in relation to cross-border projects. My Department has committed 100% funding amounting to some €50 million to date to these activities.

The achievement of actual improvements in water quality will be significantly supported by the ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme and by implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme, which will be key elements within the overall programme of measures under the Water Framework Directive. Some €2 billion has been invested since 2000 on the provision of new and upgraded waste water services under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. Significant funding is also being provided by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food under the Farm Waste Management Scheme to support investment by farmers for compliance with the Nitrates Action Programme. Implementation of the Phosphorus Regulations will be incorporated and brought forward within the overall measures for implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

Planning Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will be supporting the energy efficiency initiative taken by Fingal County Council by recommending that additional funding be allocated by the Department of Finance, in particular for the recent Castlelands local area plan in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

65 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of rising oil prices he will recommend that all local area plans call for construction energy efficiency standards in line with those adopted by Fingal County Council for Cappagh, Ballymun, Balbriggan north west, Balbriggan south east and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for Kilternan. [16647/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 65 together.

Minimum thermal performance and insulation standards for new buildings are prescribed by Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the national Building Regulations. These standards have been progressively increased since they were first introduced in 1991. The standards were last increased for new dwellings with effect from 1 January 2003 and for new non-domestic buildings with effect from 1 July 2006. The next review of standards for dwellings will take place by 2008.

I welcome any initiatives taken locally which enhance sustainable design in proposed developments and which are not in contravention of these standards. Where my Department receives proposals from local authorities, including Fingal County Council, for the construction of social and affordable housing schemes involving the provision of additional energy efficiency measures, such proposals will be considered on their merits from the point of view of efficacy and value for money/cost benefit.

I recently published for public consultation draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on development plans. The guidelines deal with the relationship between development plans and local area plans, on which more detailed guidance will be issued. The question of including advice on standards for the design of development and structures will be considered in that context.

EU Directives.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

17 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 80% less electricity than conventional light bulbs, are subject to a 50 cent EMF charge under the WEEE Directive while conventional, less energy-efficient bulbs are not subject to such a charge; if he has satisfied himself that with a situation whereby consumers are charged extra for choosing an environmentally friendly product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/06]

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

The WEEE Directive allows producers to show the cost of recovering and recycling "historic" waste i.e. waste arising from electric and electronic products put on the market before 13 August 2005. These costs are referred to as Environmental Management Costs — or EMCs. They are not imposed by, or remitted to, the Government, but are paid by producers to the two collective compliance schemes operating in Ireland, WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform who are operating a Producer Responsibility Initiative.

The EMCs currently applied show the costs of recycling based on data submitted by producers to the WEEE Register Society Limited, the industry-based national WEEE registration body, which has an independent Committee of Management. The WEEE Register assessed and approved the EMCs. The EMCs are currently under review and it will be for the WEEE Register to validate any revisions. My Department has no function in this regard.

Conventional filament light bulbs are specifically excluded from the scope of the WEEE Directive and its provisions do not apply to them. Compact fluorescent bulbs, however, are within the scope of the Directive and are therefore subject to the display of EMCs. Although my Department supports the use of energy efficient light bulbs, it must be borne in mind that, for waste management purposes, these bulbs are classified as hazardous and there is an associated cost with their treatment and recycling. The EMC amount of 50 cent on a compact fluorescent bulb reflects the cost of the environmentally sound management of these items as validated by the WEEE Register; however, this in common with the other EMCs is the subject of the current review referred to above.

The WEEE scheme has now been operating for almost nine months and the real environmental benefits of this new system for consumers and the environment are very apparent. WEEE is now being collected from over 180 collection points nationwide. All indications are that significant quantities of this waste type are being returned for recycling. In the period from 13 August 2005 to end of February this year 14,587 tonnes were collected nationally. This is the equivalent to an annual collection rate of 6.7kg per person and is particularly impressive against our national target under the WEEE Directive to reach 4kg per person by 2008. This figure also compares very favourably with the 5,510 tonnes of this waste type that was recovered in the whole of 2004 and indicates widespread public support for the implementation of the Directive.

Recycling Policy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

18 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that almost three quarters of recyclable material is recycled abroad; and if he has satisfied himself with the recycling certification system of exported recyclable material, particularly material ultimately exported outside the EU. [16643/06]

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

The export of waste is regulated by local authorities, in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of waste within, into and out of, the European Community. Shipments of waste for recovery which are in compliance with the EU Waste Shipment Regulation are permissible to non-EU destinations subject to any restrictions are imposed by that Regulation. Efforts to verify destinations are being made as part of international projects under the aegis of IMPEL — the European Enforcers Network — and also as part of ongoing enforcement actions by the Irish competent authorities. The revised waste shipment Regulation — which will come into operation during the latter half of 2007 — will give stronger powers to competent authorities of export to stop shipments in order to prevent unauthorised recovery.

While there has been recent progress in the provision of more infrastructure within Ireland to process materials recovered for recycling, for example in the development of new facilities to process waste electrical and electronic equipment, it should be noted that clean segregated materials are a sought after resource which are freely traded under EU and international law. This is supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Decision of C(92)39 Final on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations which notes that the recovery of valuable materials and energy from wastes is an integral part of the international economic system and that well established markets exist for, and can contribute to, the collection and processing of such materials within OECD member countries.

While international trade in waste is consistent with Government policy insofar as it supports improved performance in recycling, the Government also recognises the value of a more developed recycling infrastructure in Ireland. To this effect, a Market Development Group was established by Government in 2004 with a view to identifying market opportunities for materials recovered for recycling. A Market Development Programme will be developed by the Group in 2006.

Building Regulations.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

19 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent media reports that the implementation of the Energy Performance in Building Directive will be delayed due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/06]

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

I am aware of the report referred to in the Question which could have conveyed the impression that the introduction of energy performance certificates for new dwellings with effect from 1 January 2007 might be delayed by a shortage of building energy assessors. I have no reason to believe that this will be the case.

It is estimated that up to 2,000 building professionals will have to be trained as building energy assessors, on a phased basis, for the BER certification of both new and existing buildings by 2009. I understand that Sustainable Energy Ireland has entered into discussions with relevant educational, professional and training interests, with a view to establishing and delivering the necessary training. The first phase of this training is planned to take place in the second half of this year.

In late 2005, I made amending Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) Building Regulations which provide the legal basis for the introduction of a building energy performance methodology for new dwellings, whereby performance will be measured according to the annual volume of CO2 emissions generated by heating dwellings. This will apply to new dwellings commencing on or after 1 July 2006; with a transitional exemption of new dwellings for which planning permission is applied for on or before 30 June 2006 provided substantial work has been completed by 30 June 2008. This will provide a platform for the introduction of a building energy rating (BER) system, based on this performance, with effect from 1 January 2007.

I will shortly publish the 2006 edition of Technical Guidance Document L on how to comply with the amended Part L. This will be followed by the publication by SEI of software to help designers and builders to produce building energy ratings based on the new methodology.

Departmental Reports.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

20 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Quigley Report has been implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16632/06]

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

In relation to the main response by the Government to the Quigley Report, I refer to the reply by the Taoiseach to Questions Nos. 1 to 4 of 6 December 2005. In addition the Department of Finance has issued, in September 2005, revised and consolidated procurement guidelines for the engagement of consultants.

In so far as recommendations specifically affecting my Department are concerned, procurement guidelines and practices in the Department have been reviewed and a set of consolidated guidelines has been circulated to all staff. Revised procedures have been put in place to strengthen monitoring and control of procurement and a briefing session has been held for staff engaged in procurement both in Dublin and regional offices. Reference material on procurement has been published on to the Departments intranet and is readily available to all staff. Additional resources have also been allocated to the Departments Internal Audit Unit and to its Organisation Unit which coordinates advice and monitoring in relation to the Department's procurement activities.

I am confident that these arrangements will enable my Department to achieve the improvement and consolidation of its procurement arrangements recommended by the Quigley Report.

EU Directives.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

21 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of European Directives for which he is responsible and which have been transposed into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16620/06]

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

My Department maintains an intensive programme in relation to the transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation some 200 items of which, including more than 140 Directives, have by now been transposed in this country.

Planning Issues.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

22 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he consults regularly with the Irish Planners Institute in relation to planning issues generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16596/06]

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

The Irish Planning Institute are one of the key stakeholders in the planning system. They are often consulted by my Department on issues of the day and their views are considered carefully. For example, the IPI have made a comprehensive submission on my Department's Draft Development Management Guidelines, which will be fully considered before the Guidelines are finalised. Last week I addressed the IPI annual conference and launched the draft guidelines on development plans for consultation.

Water Quality.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

23 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the trend highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations, which shows that there was a marked decline in the 2001-2003 period in the number and percentage of river stations falling into the Q5 category on the biological water quality scale the Q-index; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is part of a continuing decline; and if he intends to provide direction and resources to local authorities to identify and rectify the causes of this decline as such action has been identified in the report as a matter of urgency. [16464/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

45 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to provide resources and direction for local authorities to carry out the numerous recommendations set out in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16465/06]

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

109 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the analysis contained in the recent EPA report on water quality that agriculture is a more significant contributor to river and lake pollution than sources such as local authorities; and if he has satisfied herself with the method of analysis and measurement used to identify causes of pollution. [12362/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 45 and 109 together.

The Government is committed to tackling water pollution from all sources. The Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations 1998 provide for specified improvements in water quality conditions in rivers and lakes based on phosphorus concentrations or related water quality classifications. The Regulations require that local authorities and the EPA take all such steps as may be appropriate in the discharge of their functions to secure compliance with the specified water quality standards.

The Phosphorus Regulations National Implementation Report 2005 was published by the EPA on 22 March 2006. This is the third such report. It identifies a general improvement in levels of compliance with phosphorous water quality standards. These levels have increased by 3.4% since the mid-1990s to the current 63.4% compliance rate nationally. However, the report identifies a continuing decline in the number and percentage of river stations of the highest biological water quality and this aspect is of particular concern. The loss of such waters is a threat to biodiversity, especially to such sensitive species as the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which is protected under Irish and EU law. This aspect emphasises the need for strengthened measures to protect quality.

A comprehensive range of measures is being pursued by my Department, the EPA, local authorities and other agencies to protect and improve water quality in the context of implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Nitrates Directive and related EU legislation. Agriculture remains the most significant source of nutrient pollution of waters, representing some 73% of all phosphorus and 82% of all nitrates inputs to waters; there remains the need to tackle agricultural source pollution on a broad systematic basis. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005 which give legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme came into effect generally on 1 February 2006. The Regulations apply to all farms. Progress will be monitored on an ongoing basis by reference to water quality and to agricultural practices.

With regard to local authority services some €2bn has been invested under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme on the provision of new and upgraded wastewater infrastructure since 2000. This has made a significant contribution to the protection and improvement of Ireland's water quality and has resulted in:

•provision of secondary wastewater treatment capacity for a population equivalent of 3 million, seven times more than under the previous National Development Plan,

•an increase from 25% to 90% in Ireland's compliance with the treatment standards required under the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive,

•a reduction of 45,000 tonnes per annum (123,000 kilograms per day) in the volume of polluting discharges to river, lake and sea waters.

Where new municipal wastewater infrastructure is required to resolve identified pollution problems, proposals by local authorities are given a high priority under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

I am providing some €875m to local authorities in 2006 through general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. This represents an increase of 7% over the level provided in 2005 and I am satisfied that this funding, together with the income available to local authorities from other sources, will enable them to provide a satisfactory level of services. It is, of course, a matter for each local authority to prioritise its expenditure within the resources available to it and to operate its services as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Overall I am confident that we are tackling the issue of water quality on a broad front and that we will see significant improvements in water quality over the coming years.

Election Management System.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

24 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the enumerators employed to conduct the Census will be used to bring the electoral register up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16617/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

72 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to enabling An Post to undertake the updating of the voters register, having particular regard to the need to ensure that a body with the nationwide network of An Post should be given the job which would in fact be complimentary to services already undertaken through the post office and delivery service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 72 together.

In law, preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.

Last week, I announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting registration authorities improve the Register. The measures include the use of census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register, as part of an intensive registration campaign to be conducted this summer. Related to this, I am prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register. An early start will be made to the local authority Register campaign for 2007/8 and there will also be an intensive information campaign.

My Department will issue updated and consolidated Guidance to ensure that all local authorities work to the same template. The Guidance will tell local authorities to make maximum use of databases available to them to crosscheck the Register.

New IT based arrangements to delete deceased persons from the Register have also been put in place and better ‘on-line' facilities to help people check the Register, including an additional on-line facility through my Department's website, will be introduced.

Finally, in relation to voter fraud, I am looking for the controls at all polling stations at election time to be strengthened with updated guidelines in this area before the next Election. I believe this package of measures is the most practical, realistic and sensible way forward. While there are no specific proposals related to the postal service, I will continue to keep issues related to the Register under close review.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

25 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether that an independent inquiry should be conducted into the issues which have arisen at the Ringsend sewage treatment plant, following the assertion that it will take at least another 18 months to solve the odour problems at the plant. [16471/06]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

91 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the continuing failure of Dublin City Council and the contractors responsible for the Ringsend sewage treatment plant to solve the long running odour problems associated with the treatment plant; and his views on whether or not the experience at Ringsend will affect future decisions regarding the use of private public partnerships in the provision of public facilities and services, particularly for sewage treatment and drinking water treatment. [16470/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 91 together.

During 2005 Dublin City Council engaged independent consultants to undertake an extensive technical examination of the processes at the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant and to identify all possible sources of odours. Following this examination a programme of works is to be carried out by the contractor operating the plant on behalf of the City Council. I understand that the first phase of the works, which will eliminate the potential for odour releases from the Thermal Hydrolysis Plant, is currently in progress and is due for completion in June 2006. Other works, including covering of settlement tanks and inlet and outlet channels, that will eliminate the remaining potential odour sources are also underway and will be fully complete by Summer 2007.

The Ringsend plant was procured by Dublin City Council under a Design-Build-Operate contract and as a Public Private Partnership. Notwithstanding present difficulties, my Department is satisfied that this method of procurement offers worthwhile advantages over traditional approaches in terms of, inter alia, technical innovation, accelerated delivery of infrastructure and greater cost certainty.

I am of course concerned about the adverse consequences of the odour issues at the Ringsend plant for local residents and I am assured by the City Council that every effort is being made to implement the remedial works that will resolve the problem with the minimum of delay. Any assistance my Department can give the Council in that regard will be provided.

The priority at this stage is to put in place effective remedies to the odour issues arising at the Ringsend Treatment Plant. I do not see a need for any additional inquiries or examinations to those already undertaken by the City Council.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

26 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enter into discussions to direct and encourage in every possible way local authorities to set targets for the reduction of their CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16607/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

32 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with local authorities to encourage the use of low emission and environmentally friendly vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 32 together.

Local authorities have an important role in contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, through their functions in relation to planning, transport, housing and waste disposal. National targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions in these sectors are set out in the National Climate Change Strategy. While it is not proposed to direct local authorities to set targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on a functional area basis, it is open to each local authority to set their own targets for emission reductions.

In relation to the use of low emission and environmentally friendly vehicles, I do not have any plans to meet with local authorities specifically in relation to this matter. My Department already issues broad advice and information to local authorities on the inclusion of environmental criteria in their tendering processes, which are subject to obligations under the EU public procurement directives.

The Department of Finance, which has responsibility for national public procurement policy, has issued comprehensive information on all aspects of public procurement including guidance for public bodies on how environmental considerations may be taken into account and promoted in public procurement. Furthermore, the EU Handbook on Environmental Public Procurement, published in October 2004, sets out how environmental considerations, including the procurement of cleaner, more fuel-efficient transport services, can be integrated into public procurement decisions.

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

27 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the €6 million in extra funding for sports, cultural and community facilities announced recently by him will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/06]

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

I recently launched the new €6 million Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme. This scheme, which will fund targeted capital developments, carried out through local authorities, is designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level.

The new scheme will be in addition to existing grants and supports allocated to local authorities to support community development and tackle social exclusion. Projects by local authorities, or from the community in partnership with a local authority, are eligible under this scheme and new initiatives are particularly welcome.

Local authorities have been invited to submit proposals to my Department by 19 May 2006. All projects will be appraised against assessment criteria which are set out in guidelines issued to local authorities. It is envisaged that allocations will be made to successful projects by the middle of this year.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

28 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the targets, in respect of social housing which he is proposing should be included in the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16556/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

92 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on demands to have the NESC report recommendations for a net increase of 73,000 units of social housing included in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16554/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 92 together.

The preparation of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) is being coordinated by the Department of Finance and a high level steering group, chaired by that Department and comprising senior officials of other relevant Departments, has been established to oversee drafting. The housing material of the NDP is being drafted by my Department and while the final content and focus of the overall Plan will be a matter for decision by Government, priorities for investment in housing will take account of a number of factors including the key policy challenges highlighted by the NESC report, the results of the 2005 Housing Needs Assessment and the policy framework set out in the document Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities which was launched in December 2005.

Building Regulations.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new building guidelines for larger developments which will include CHP and district heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16609/06]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

101 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable building guidelines which will require a significant percentage of energy needs to be supplied by renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16604/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 101 together.

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002) requires that the economic, environmental and technical feasibility of alternative energy systems — including CHP, district heating and renewable energy systems — should be assessed during the design of large buildings over 1,000 m2. This requirement is being transposed by Section 5 of the Building Control Bill 2005, which is now before the House. Sustainable Energy Ireland is at present developing software to help designers carry out relevant assessments.

Biodiversity Plans.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

30 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Government Departments which have dedicated biodiversity units; the number and names of local authorities that have appointed heritage officers and dedicated biodiversity units as set down in the National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2007; the number of Government agencies and Departments which have drawn up sectoral biodiversity action plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/06]

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

A Biodiversity Unit has been established within my Department and a biodiversity plan for my Department will be developed in the coming year. Each Government Department is responsible for their own implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, including the recommendations regarding dedicated biodiversity units and sectoral action plans.

The table indicates the local authorities that have appointed Heritage Officers and where appropriate, separate Biodiversity Officers, according to the latest information available to my Department.

Local Authorities	Heritage/Biodiversity Officer
Cavan County Council	Ann Marie Ward
Cork City Council	Niamh Twomey
Cork County Council	Sharon Casey
Clare County Council	Congella McGuire, Elaine Keegan (Biodiversity Officer)
Dublin City Council	Donncha Ó Dúlaing, Siobhán Egan (Biodiversity Officer)
Donegal County Council	Joe Gallagher
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council	Tim Carey
Fingal County Council	Gerry Clabby Hans Visser (Biodiversity Officer)
Galway City Council	Jim Higgins
Galway County Council	Marie Mannion
Kerry County Council	Úna Cosgrave
Kildare County Council	Bridget Loughlin
Kilkenny County Council	Dearbhala Ledwidge
Laois County Council	Catherine Casey
Limerick County Council	Tom O’Neill
Longford County Council	Lise McDaniel
Louth County Council	Brendan McSherry
Mayo County Council	Déirdre Cunningham
Meath County Council	Loretto Guinan
Monaghan County Council	Shirley Clerkin
North Tipperary County Council	Siobhán Geraghty
Offaly County Council	Amanda Pedlow
Roscommon County Council	Nollaig Mckeon
Sligo County Council	Siobhán Ryan
Waterford County Council	Dominic Berridge
Wicklow County Council	Déirdre Burns
Westmeath County Council	Bernie Guest

Recycling Policy.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

31 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main findings identified to date as the barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material by the Market Development Group set up by the Department of the Environment in 2004. [16642/06]

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

One of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable recycling performance is the lack of stable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials and products manufactured from recycled products. The need for the establishment of a Market Development Group, which would oversee the development of a Market Development Programme, was outlined in the Delivering Change policy statement and the Agreed Programme for Government.

The Market Development Group, established in July 2004, has an independent Chairperson and comprises representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Irish Business and Employers Federation, the Irish Waste Management Association, the Small Firms Association, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, the City & County Managers' Association, the Clean Technology Centre, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Enterprise Ireland provides a secretariat to the Group.

The Programme which the Group is developing will identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. The Group has been asked to identify barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material and to develop strategies to address these.

The work of the Group is currently focusing on three priority waste streams: paper, plastic and compost. To facilitate this, the Group has been subdivided into a steering sub-group and three materials sub-groups, each meeting independently and reporting back to the plenary sessions. Among the key issues to be addressed are promoting stable demand for recovered materials, supporting the achievement of economies of scale in the production of products made from recycled materials and the need for more recycling infrastructure in Ireland to reduce reliance on overseas markets. Following on from the work of this Group, my Department hopes to develop and publish a Market Development Programme later this year.

Question No. 32 answered with QuestionNo. 26.

Control of Dogs.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

33 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to control the number of stray domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16623/06]

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

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions. Local authorities may also make bye-laws in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas.

The number of stray dogs being re-homed each year has increased from 4,681 in 1998 to 7,939 in 2004. Figures for 2005 are being compiled at present but it is estimated that in excess of 8,700 stray dogs were re-homed in 2005.

Certain provisions of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 may be extended, by regulations, to other species of domesticated animals, including cats. In the absence of reliable data regarding the number of stray cats, and of appropriate solutions, it is not proposed to place an additional responsibility on local authorities that might dilute their control efforts in relation to dangerous and stray dogs which are generally viewed as presenting greater problems than stray cats. However, where a local authority considers it appropriate it may assist a body which is endeavouring to reduce, in a humane manner, the problems caused by stray cats.

Local Authority Staff.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

34 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons employed in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16633/06]

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

Based on information supplied by local authorities, the total number of persons employed by the authorities at 31 March 2006 was 34,192 (whole time equivalents), including 1,371 seasonal/temporary staff the majority of whom are engaged for periods not exceeding 12 months.

Nuclear Plants.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

35 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the operators of the nuclear plant at Sellafield have changed their accounting and reporting procedures to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted from the peaceful uses following the European Commission’s formal warning to the British Nuclear Group Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16610/06]

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

On 15 February 2006, the EU Commission issued a warning to the operators of Sellafield, British Nuclear Group Sellafield Limited, (BNG SL) under Article 83(1) (a) of the Euratom Treaty. The decision to issue the warning was the result of a series of inspections carried out by Commission inspectors at the Sellafield plant. The Commission also requested the Group to implement the appropriate remedies within the periods specified in the warning and to ensure that it had quality systems in place for accounting for nuclear material.

My Department is not aware to date of what, if any, actions may have been taken by the operators of Sellafield in response to the warning issued by the Commission. The issues raised are a matter of EU Commission competence under the Euratom Treaty. In this regard, I met the EU Commissioner for Energy with responsibility for nuclear energy and protection (Andris Piebalgs), on the 31 January last, specifically to impress upon the Commission the strength of Irish Government concerns in relation to the continued operation of the Sellafield Nuclear Plant. I set out to Commissioner Piebalgs the Irish Government's expectation that the Commission will exercise its competence robustly in respect of the continued operations at Sellafield, a situation which we believe has not been the case heretofore.

I will continue to monitor the EU Commission's action in relation to its obligations under EU law regarding Sellafield and I can assure the House that the Commission is under no misapprehension regarding the priority and concern accorded to this issue by the Irish Government.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will actively oppose new nuclear plants which may be proposed for the west coast of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16611/06]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

67 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an assurance from the Northern Secretary, Mr. Hain, that under the UK energy review there will be no siting of a new nuclear power plant on the island of Ireland. [16522/06]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

73 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had an opportunity to discuss with his EU counterparts, the UK energy review and the possibility of additional nuclear power plants being considered as part of that review; and whilst the sourcing of and nature of energy supplies is a matter for each State within the EU, his views on whether pressure from his fellow EU Ministers might influence the direction of the British decision. [16521/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 67 and 73 together.

Following the recent announcement regarding a review of the United Kingdom's progress under the medium and long-term Energy White Paper (2003) goals, a consultation document Our Energy Challenge: Securing clean, affordable energy for the long term, was launched on 23 January 2006 by the UK Minister of State for Energy. While the UK Energy White Paper in 2003 concluded that replacement nuclear build was an unattractive alternative, the current consultation document states that the forthcoming review will examine whether recent increases in energy prices have changed that assessment. It will also examine other issues in relation to nuclear including the important issue of waste.

My Department, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, has engaged in this consultation process. Its submission, which covers a number of issues of concern to Ireland, reiterates the point made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs at a recent meeting in London with the Northern Secretary that the Irish Government would be strongly opposed to the building of any new nuclear plants on the island of Ireland. Indeed, the Northern Secretary has also publicly acknowledged there was no support north or south for the siting of a nuclear reactor on the island of Ireland. In relation to the siting of possible nuclear reactors on the west coast of the United Kingdom, the UK Government is keenly aware of Irish Government views in relation to the risks posed to Ireland by existing nuclear facilities on the west coast including Sellafield and Wylfa.

Ireland remains firmly opposed to the nuclear industry on the grounds of the many risks it poses to human health, the environment and the economy, as well as risks associated with waste and transport. Environmental consequences have arisen for Ireland from historic and ongoing discharges to the sea from Sellafield and the potential risk for a serious accident or incident at nuclear plants including Sellafield. Any proposals by the UK to develop new nuclear capacity must be addressed in this context.

I have not discussed the UK Energy Review and associated issues with my fellow EU Ministers. However, Ireland co-operates in the EU on a regular basis with like minded countries on the nuclear issue. I did meet with EU Commissioners Andris Piebalgs (Energy) and Franco Frattini (Security) in Brussels in January. While these meetings primarily concentrated on issues relating to Sellafield, I did take the opportunity to convey Ireland's views on nuclear energy generally in a forthright manner.

Environmental Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

37 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the intended timeframe for the implementation of the 10 key actions recommended in the recent report, Invasive Species in Ireland; when he intends to act on key action 1, which the authors of the report have highlighted as being of great urgency, that is to prepare risk assessments and contingency plans for species that are likely to invade Ireland in advance of their arrival. [16458/06]

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

My Department and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland are cooperating in the implementation of the key actions recommended in the recent report Invasive Species in Ireland. Tendering has been completed for the award of a three-year contract to take forward the recommendations of the Report on an all-Ireland basis, and the award of the contract will be announced shortly. Work is expected to commence later this month.

The preparation of risk assessments and contingency plans to address the threat of new invasions will be addressed as part of this work.

Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Planning Issues.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

39 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove the present planning restrictions in relation to the installation of solar panels for renewable energy in domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16597/06]

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

78 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove existing planning restrictions to enable the installation of renewable energy systems for domestic users without planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16595/06]

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

104 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove the present planning restrictions in relation to the installation of wind turbines for renewable energy in domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16598/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 78 and 104 together.

Many domestic renewable energy developments, including the placing of solar panels to the rear of houses, would be exempted development. Section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, provides that development consisting of the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any structure is exempted development if the works affect only the interior of the structure or do not materially affect the external appearance of the structure so as to render the appearance inconsistent with the character of the structure or of neighbouring structures. I have also asked my Department to review the exempted development regulations to ensure that they support the use of renewable energy for domestic and small business users.

House Prices.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will outlaw the practice of gazumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16592/06]

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

I refer to the reply by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Question No. 1128 of 25 January 2006.

Any legislative action to address the issue of gazumping would involve changes to the Law of Contract. The report of the Auctioneering and Estate Agency Review Group to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in July 2005 recommended, in order to protect buyers, that the new National Property Service Regulatory Authority address the need to promote consumer understanding of this issue as a priority. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is taking steps, with the approval of the Government, to establish the new regulatory authority.

Noise Pollution.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

41 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the arrangements for dealing with neighbourhood noise are sufficient. [16644/06]

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

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.

Provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 relating to anti-social behaviour, in the context of tenant and landlord obligations, may also be relevant, depending on the circumstances.

Finally, 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 in relation to 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.

I am satisfied that adequate statutory provisions are in place to address neighbourhood noise nuisance. The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 transpose EU Directive 2002/49/EC, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined in the EU Directive as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity. The Directive excludes, inter alia, noise from domestic activities and noise created by neighbours.

Environmental Policy.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

42 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the rise in the number of plastic bags being used here over the past two years; and if he will consider increasing the levy. [16640/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

105 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which retailers have been prosecuted for failing to charge for the plastic bag levy in each of the years since the levy’s introduction in 2002. [16641/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 105 together.

The 15 cent levy on plastic bags, as provided for in the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations 2001 — which took effect on 4 March 2002 — applies to all plastic bags supplied to customers at the point of sale to them for the conveyance of goods or products. Prior to the introduction of this levy, an estimated 1.2 billion plastic bags were given away free by retailers. The levy has led to a dramatic reduction in use of plastic bags with a consequent positive environmental benefit. Plastic shopping bags accounted for 5% of litter arisings prior to the introduction of the levy, but for just 0.22% of litter arisings in 2004.

Any recent marginal increase in the use of plastic bags would be a reflection of economic growth, increased retail activity and increase in population. The increase in income arising from the levy may also be attributable to increased enforcement by local authorities and audit activity by the Revenue Commissioners.

I am concerned that the Plastic Bag Levy Regulations should be rigorously enforced. It is important to ensure that the efforts and commitment of the vast majority of retailers are not undermined by the non-compliance of a few. My Department will accordingly write to local authorities asking them to carry out inspections of retail outlets with a view to improving current practices in relation to the implementation of the Plastic Bag Levy Regulations. An enforcement network of local authority officers has been established to monitor and co-ordinate the enforcement drive.

Prosecution of retailers who fail to comply with the Plastic Bag Levy Regulations is a matter for local authorities. The relevant enforcement officers have extensive powers to enter any retail premises, to conduct any searches or investigations considered necessary, and to inspect or remove any records, books and documents for the purposes of any proceedings in relation to the levy.

All complaints received in my Department concerning non-compliance are forwarded to the relevant local authority and the Revenue Commissioners. The operation of the levy is also subject to the normal Revenue Commissioners auditing arrangements.

It is evident that the plastic bag levy continues to have a positive effect on our environment. I am anxious that it should continue to do so and in this context will keep all aspects of the levy including the level of the tax under review.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

43 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure that the installation of the types of energy efficient technologies covered in schemes such as the new greener homes scheme for householders and the existing house of tomorrow scheme for developers will become standard practice when social and affordable homes are been planned and built. [16478/06]

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

Proposals from local authorities in relation to the construction of social and affordable housing that may involve the provision of additional energy efficiency measures, will be examined by my Department on their merits from the point of view of efficacy and value for money/cost benefit considerations. Social housing design guidelines outline a range of issues to be taken into account generally in terms of the sustainability of dwelling design. There are a number of social housing developments which have advanced the process further by using innovative energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technologies.

A new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years was launched last December. The framework proposes an integrated approach to housing in Ireland and firmly places housing policy in the context of building sustainable communities. The framework particularly highlights the commitment of the Government to continuing improvements in the quality of housing and neighbourhoods. A further policy statement will be published this year which will set out more detailed approaches to this issue.

Planning Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

44 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will be bringing amendments to Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to allow local authorities to take estates controlled by management companies in charge to alleviate this additional financial burden on young persons buying homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/06]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

88 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which local authority services are to be financed over the next few years; the steps he intends to take to ensure that local authorities have sufficient funds to take in charge and maintain all housing developments in their areas, in order that there is no longer a need for management companies to operate in housing estates; if he intends to ban management companies in housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16479/06]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

93 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households in the country paying management company charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16593/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 88 and 93 together.

There are a number of provisions in the Planning and Development Act 2000 relating to the finishing of estates and the taking in charge of estates. Section 34(4)(g) allows a planning authority to attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of the development. Planning authorities have been advised by my Department in the past, and again in Circular Letter PD 1/06 of January 2006, that their policy in this area should include the provision of an acceptable level of security by the developer, which will not be released until the estate is completed to the specified standards.

Under section 180 of the Planning Act, planning authorities are obliged to begin the procedures to take in charge the public services of housing estates once these are completed in accordance with the terms of the planning permission, where they are requested to do so by the developer or a majority of the residents of the housing development. In the case of housing estates which are not completed in accordance with the terms of the permission and where the planning authority has not taken enforcement action within the appropriate period, planning authorities are also obliged to begin the procedures to take the public services in charge where they are requested to do so by a majority of the residents. In the case of developments which are not completed satisfactorily completed, planning authorities apply the security provided by the developer to that satisfactory completion. It is not proposed to amend section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Local authorities may apply their own resources to the taking in charge of estates. Since the introduction of the Local Government Fund in the Local Government Act 1998 local authorities now have a ring-fenced, buoyant source of central government funding. The amount available from the Fund rose from some €797m in 1999 to €1.3bn in 2005: this now represents about 30% of their current funding needs. General purpose grants from the Fund this year amount to €874.7m, an increase of 7% over the amount provided last year and have more than doubled since the Fund was introduced in 1999. This increased funding together with income raised locally through commercial rates and charges for goods and services has enabled local authorities to widen and improve the services they provide to business and communities. I am satisfied that these elements will enable local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable level.

Management companies traditionally operated for apartment developments, as it is necessary to have arrangements in place for the upkeep and maintenance of the buildings and shared private areas of such developments. A Law Reform Commission Working Group is currently examining a range of legal issues in relation to the management of multi-unit structures and the Government will consider the recommendations in its final report, including the need for any new legislation in this area.

In late 2005 I requested that a survey be carried out of planning authorities regarding their policy on attaching planning conditions relating to management companies in housing developments. The responses to that survey indicate that the majority of planning authorities do not attach conditions to planning permissions requiring management companies to be set up in the case of housing estates. A number do in very specific circumstances, for example, where there is a shared waste water treatment plant between a number of houses.

On 26 January 2006 my Department issued Circular Letter PD 1/06, referred to above, reminding planning authorities of their responsibilities in relation to the taking in charge of estates and asking that each authority adopt a policy in this regard. This circular clearly stated that the existence of a management company to maintain elements of common buildings, carry out landscaping, etc. must not impact upon the decision by the authority to take in charge roads and related infrastructure where a request to do so is made. This circular also requested a report from each authority on the issues of estates to be taken in charge. The vast majority of returns have now been received and these indicate that virtually all planning authorities either have a policy in place for taking estates in charge or are in the course of developing one. The returns also indicate that about 550 estates will be taken in charge in 2006, affecting almost 26,000 houses.

I am considering whether any further advice should issue to planning authorities regarding planning conditions and management companies. My Department does not collect figures on the numbers of households paying management charges.

Question No. 45 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

Water Quality.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

46 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the pressures on environment sections of many local authorities to focus on waste issues is to the detriment of their work on water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16468/06]

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

I am aware that environmental sections of local authorities are required to discharge a wide range of functions and responsibilities. However, a wide range of measures have been put in place in order to assist local authorities in the execution of their functions in relation to water quality. For example, the local authorities acting jointly are designated as competent authorities for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003. Their task in this regard is being significantly supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities but funded by my Department, together with a wide range of research and other projects funded under the National Development Plan. INTERREG funding is also being applied in relation to cross-border projects. My Department has committed funds in excess of €50 million to date to these activities.

A further €2 billion has been invested since 2000 under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, on the provision of new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure.

I am also providing some €875m to local authorities in 2006 through general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. This represents an increase of 7% over the level provided in 2005 and I am satisfied that this funding, together with the income available to local authorities from other sources, will enable them to provide a satisfactory level of services. It is, of course, a matter for each local authority to prioritise its expenditure within the resources available to it and to operate its services as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Local authority staffing increased by over 25% in the period 1997 to 2003. I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the sector under regular review, having regard to the need to deliver quality front-line services and achieve value for money within the parameter of Government policy on public service employment generally.

A high priority also attaches to waste issues. 120 new staff have been recruited specifically for waste related work. The work programme for these staff is entirely waste related and is undertaken both under the authorities own plans and as part of the agreed Action Plans of the Enforcement Network of the EPA. Funding in the order of €7.5 million per year in Enforcement Grants is being provided in respect of these staff from the Environment Fund, which in turn is funded from the Landfill Levy and the Plastic Bags Levy. Far from taking resources from the water quality area, these waste actions are undertaken by staff dedicated to such work, recruited for that purpose and funded from waste levies.

Election Management System.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total expenditure incurred to date in respect of electronic voting including promotion, storage, research or any other associated costs; if he has in mind any proposals or plans to fully reimburse the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16561/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to negotiate a sale of the electronic voting technology with a view to reimbursing the taxpayer in respect of the costs incurred to date and future storage costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16806/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 241 together.

The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is some €51.3 million. In addition, 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.

A programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the electronic voting and counting system is underway in my Department to address issues raised by the Commission on Electronic Voting and demonstrate that the system operates reliably, securely and accurately. The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the progress made with this work and the ongoing work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, the associated decisions arising in this regard, and the dates at which future polls may be held.

Building Regulations.

David Stanton

Ceist:

48 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the preparing of his Department’s sectoral plan; the number of submissions his Department received following the public consultation of the review of part M of the Building Regulations 2000; if his Department has begun processing the submissions; when he expects to publish amendments for part M and the related technical guidance document M; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16601/06]

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

As required under the Disability Act 2005, my Department's sectoral plan will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas no later than 28 July 2006. The finalised plan will build on the outline sectoral plan, published in September 2004, and subsequent consultations with people with disabilities, representative organisations and other Government Departments with linked sectoral plans. The plan will set out national objectives and guidelines for access to local authority public buildings, services, facilities, amenities, and information, as well as to heritage sites and other facilities managed by my Department.

Each local authority will be required to draw up an implementation plan within nine months of the statutory approval of the sectoral plan by the Houses of the Oireachtas, on the basis of a detailed accessibility audit. The implementation plans, drawn up in consultation with organisations representing people with disabilities, will set out a programme of actions to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the 2005 Act, in order to promote and pro-actively encourage equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the economic, social and cultural life of the community.

I have provided €18 million in 2006 to help local authorities and other bodies under the aegis of my Department to implement the National Disability Strategy, as part of a multi-annual funding programme, began in 2005, which will continue until 2009.

The outline sectoral plan also included a commitment to review and update standards set out in Part M of the Building Regulations. In line with this commitment, I published a Public Consultation notice in the national newspapers last December seeking comments on the existing Part M (Access for People with Disabilities) of the Building Regulations and the related Technical Guidance Document (TGD M). The closing date for receipt of submissions was 31 March 2006. A total of 40 detailed submissions was received. My Department is now examining each submission and will be consulting the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), by Autumn 2006 on amendments to Part M and TGD M.

Local Authority Playgrounds.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

49 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority playgrounds here on a local authority basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16613/06]

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

Information regarding the number of local authority playgrounds is not available in my Department. However, Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2004 published by the Local Government Management Services Board reported on performance across 42 indicators covering the broad range of local authority activities. Two of the indicators relate to playgrounds and these enable comparisons to be made across local authorities on their performance in this area. Specifically, the indicators show the number of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population

• provided directly by the local authority, and

• facilitated by the local authority.

Copies of this publication are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Sustainable Development Strategy.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

50 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review the National Sustainable Development Policy published almost ten years ago; if so, if that review process will include setting clear goals and targets for all Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16651/06]

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

The Government adopted Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland in 1997. In preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, the Government reviewed progress on this strategy and published Making Ireland's Development Sustainable: Review, Assessment and Future Action.

In June 2001, the European Council agreed a European Union Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS). The EU SDS is being reviewed at present, and this review is likely to be considered at, and adopted by, the European Council in June. The review is likely to emphasise the importance of measures, including indicators and targets, to evaluate progress on sustainable development strategies as well as calling on member states to review their domestic sustainable development strategies within a specified period. I envisage that Ireland's strategy will be reviewed within this context and timescale.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

51 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of social housing sold by local authorities under the Tenant Purchase Scheme in 2005. [16558/06]

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

Housing statistics are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Under the Tenant Purchase Scheme, local authorities completed 1738 sales in 2005.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

52 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received representations from local authorities seeking additional funds to enable them to carry out necessary repairs to local authority housing which they are prevented from carrying out at present due to a lack of resources. [16559/06]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if additional funds will be made available to local authorities to enable them to carry out necessary repairs to local authority housing as they are prevented from carrying out these repairs at present due to a lack of funding. [16549/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 71 together.

The management, maintenance and improvements to their rented dwellings is the responsibility of each local authority and the funding of such works is provided by local authorities from their own resources as part of their ongoing maintenance programmes.

My Department does, however, provide capital funding for substantial major refurbishment work to local authority dwellings under the Remedial Works Scheme. My Department has been encouraging local authorities to avail of this scheme to remediate dwellings in need of refurbishment. Funding is also provided to local authorities for the refurbishment of houses that have remained vacant for periods longer than six months and require significant refurbishment prior to reletting. Local authorities are required to meet from their own resources the first €10,000 of the cost of such refurbishment in respect of each dwelling under this initiative. In addition, my Department provides funding, subject to conditions, to local authorities for the installation of central heating in rented houses without such a facility.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

53 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the derogation under the nitrates action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

60 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the nitrates action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

76 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the implementation of the Nitrates Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16625/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Food in regard to alleviating the impact of the nitrates directive on the wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16809/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 60, 76 and 243 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 948, 949, 951, 952, 973 and 980 of 25 April 2006 and No. 181 of 27 April 2006. Consideration of the issues arising from recent scientific advice on the implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme is being advanced by my Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc with a view to developing a formal submission to the European Commission this month.

Ireland has sought a derogation from 170 kg to 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare from the Commission for the benefit in particular to 10,000 dairy farmers. The derogation proposal will need to be considered at future meetings of the Nitrates Committee before approval can be obtained. While the objective had been to secure agreement of a derogation by mid-2006, at present these discussions are in abeyance pending finalisation of the issues arising from recent scientific advice.

In developing proposals for the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in Ireland, high priority continues to be given to the attainment of least-cost solutions for the farming sector. Implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice of the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005 will bring about beneficial effects for the environment generally and water quality in particular.

Building Regulations.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

54 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable building guidelines in relation to annual heating requirements for domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16603/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

98 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable sustainable building guidelines in relation to minimum low energy performance standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16600/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 98 together.

Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the national Building Regulations prescribe minimum thermal performance and insulation standards for new buildings which are designed to, inter alia, minimize heating requirements. These standards have been progressively increased since they were first introduced in 1991.

Amended Part L Regulations made by me in December 2005 and applicable from 1 July 2006 introduce a requirement to limit annual CO2 emissions from dwellings. This is directly related to estimated annual energy use of space heating, water heating and lighting. It is planned that a similar requirement for other buildings will be introduced in 2008. The thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings are also due to be again reviewed by 2008.

Sustainable low energy performance standards for buildings are being promoted by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) through, for example, the successful "House of Tomorrow" research, development and demonstration programme. It is intended that appropriate design guidelines will follow from this programme.

Planning Issues.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

55 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of decisions by An Bord Pleanála in cases in which the Bord overrules its own inspectors’ planning report for each year since 2000; and if he will require greater transparency from the Bord to explain all the reasons supporting the Bord’s decision. [16606/06]

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

Since the establishment of An Bord Pleanála in 1977, planning legislation has clearly assigned final responsibility for decisions on planning appeals to the Board and not to inspectors making reports and recommendations to the Board.

The details sought in the Question are set out in the table.

Formal Board Decisions -v- Inspectors' Recommendations
Year	Number of formal decisions with Inspectors’ Reports	Inspectors’ Recommendation not accepted generally	Column 3 as % of Column 2
			%
2000	3,754	406	11
2001	3,905	352	9
2002	4,457	483	11
2003	3,121	317	10
2004	3,459	411	12
2005	3,814	479	13

The figures in column 3 refer only to cases where the Board reversed the recommendation of the Inspector. They do not include the cases where the Board amended the Inspector's recommendation by attaching, deleting or amending conditions or reasons for decisions.

In considering an appeal, the Board must consider all submissions on the file, together with their own inspector's report and recommendation, and reach their own conclusion on the matter in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. If they do not follow the recommendations of the inspector, the Board must be satisfied that the facts of the case support their decision. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Board must also give the reasons for their decisions and must specify the various reasons for not accepting the Inspector's recommendations.

I am satisfied that the Board operates these provisions with appropriate transparency, for example, through the publication of Inspectors' reports and Boards decisions on its website and the publication of well documented annual reports.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

56 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether land is being hoarded in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16588/06]

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

In 2003, consultants engaged by my Department carried out a study that, among other things, considered factors affecting the supply of land to the housing market, including the possible hoarding of building land. The study considered previous analyses of the housing and land markets, and sought possible evidence of hoarding, based on case studies of three areas, including Fingal and Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown. The consultants concluded that there was no evidence at the time that hoarding of land was a widespread problem or that there were excessive levels of land banking.

There were over 18,000 housing completions in Dublin in 2005, and almost 28,000 completions in the Greater Dublin area incorporating Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. These figures suggest that the supply of new housing in the Greater Dublin Area has reached satisfactory levels and is functioning appropriately.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

57 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Galway whereby a new scheme of affordable houses were sold at €152,000 each due to the fact that applicants for the houses had been previously advised that the houses would cost €140,000 each; the steps he intends to take to ensure that this situation is not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16472/06]

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

Galway County Council were contacted in this matter and advise that the houses in question are priced at €152,000, which is the construction cost of the units less a subsidy from my Department. The price of each house is based on costs at final account stage. Galway County Council have confirmed that at no time were the applicants in Tynagh advised of any price other than the sale price which in this case was €152,000 net of subsidy.

Litter Pollution.

Damien English

Ceist:

58 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons fined for littering since 1 January 2006; the average fine imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16634/06]

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

Statistics on local authority enforcement action on litter, including the number of on-the spot fines issued by them, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months; these figures are available in the Oireachtas Library. Based on information received from local authorities to date, over 25,000 on-the-spot fines were issued in the twelve months ending 31 December 2005. The on-the-spot litter fine was set at €125 from 1 January 2002.

Waste Disposal.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

59 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16621/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 540 of 3 May 2006.

Question No. 60 answered with QuestionNo. 53.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

61 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to encourage the use of zero emission cars and vans by introducing exemption from road tax and recommending exemptions from parking charges and proposed congestion charges for such vehicles. [16645/06]

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

I assume that the Question refers to electrically propelled vehicles. Under motor tax law electrically propelled vehicles already enjoy concessionary rates of motor tax, which are lower than the minimum rate levied in respect of other propelled vehicles. I do not propose to extend the exempt tax class, which, other than State-owned vehicles, primarily relates to emergency and disabled drivers vehicles.

Responsibility for parking and congestion charges is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport.

Exotic Animals.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

62 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s estimate of the number of exotic animals, once kept as pets, that are now living in the wild; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16624/06]

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

It is an offence under section 52 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended to turn loose or allow any species of exotic animal to escape into the wild unless a licence has been granted for that purpose. My Department very rarely receives applications for such licences.

The release of any exotic animal into the wild is highly inadvisable as it may pose a threat to native species, and is also likely to cause suffering to the animal released. Any owner of an exotic pet animal who no longer wishes to keep their pet should arrange either for its transfer to another responsible owner, or for its humane destruction.

Departmental Press Facilities.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

63 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is appropriate to use his Department’s press facility and website to issue a party political statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/06]

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

It is appropriate that statements issued through my Department's Press Office and on its website should relate fully to the business of the Department and that party political statements should be issued through other suitable channels. This is without prejudice to the need for any Minister in office, as occasion may demand, to provide a political defence of the policies and positions of his/her Department.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

64 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the Government effort to date in relation to the provision of affordable, social and voluntary housing is acceptable; the steps he is taking to increase the output of housing in all these sectors, particularly in the case of affordable housing which has seen particularly slow progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16454/06]

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

The impact of this Government's commitment to strong social and affordable housing programmes can be seen in the results of the 2005 Housing Needs Assessment which showed a decrease of almost 10% when compared to the 2002 results. Indeed the strength of existing programmes can be gauged from the fact that work was in progress on over 10,000 social housing units at the end of last year. Since 1997, we have—

•invested €6.5 billion of Exchequer capital resources in social and affordable housing schemes, supported by five-year action plans at local authority level to deliver these programmes;

•provided for the housing needs of almost 100,000 households through various programmes, including through new affordable housing measures;

•established the Affordable Homes Partnership (under the chairmanship of Mr. Des Geraghty) to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin area, where the problems are most acute;

•delivered significant increases in funding levels for the voluntary and co-operative housing programme and initiated institutional and organisational changes to facilitate the development of the sector.

The new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities launched by the Government last December outline further increases in the programme of investment in social and affordable housing measures for the period 2006-2008.

Exchequer capital resources provided to my Department for these measures for this period stand at almost €4 billion, over 20% higher than the past three years, and this sum rises to over €6.5 billion when non-voted and current spending provisions are included. This money will be invested in response to identified need, with in the region of 23,000 new units of social housing to be commenced and 15,000 units of affordable housing to be delivered over the same period. In addition, further households will be assisted through the new Rental Accommodation Scheme. In total, we expect some 50,000 households to benefit from various social and affordable housing measures over the coming three years.

The local authority housing programme is part of the wider social and affordable housing programmes for which the main strategy for delivery is the local authority 5-year Action Plans for social and affordable housing. The Action Plans, now at their midway stage are currently being reviewed. The outcome of the reviews will ensure that local authorities continue to have a framework for the integrated and cohesive planning and delivery over the coming years of specific social and affordable housing measures based on their relevant housing strategy.

Question No. 65 answered with QuestionNo. 16.

Proposed Legislation.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

66 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to introduce legislation requiring a cooling-off period for senior local authority staff intending to join private sector companies as is the practice in Britain and America; and if so, when he intends to introduce such legislation. [16646/06]

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

The Code of Conduct for local authority employees published in June 2004 under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 includes disclosure requirements concerning employment outside the local government sector and addresses situations concerning a conflict of personal and public interest. However, the question of local government officials accepting outside appointments or consultancies within a specified period following resignation or retirement is not subject to the Code at present. This matter is under active review and will be addressed in the context of an appropriate amendment to the Code that I intend to publish shortly.

Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 36.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

68 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review the practice that is happening in some affordable housing schemes whereby the houses are allocated on a first come, first served basis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such a system is likely to be disadvantageous to persons with families who are not in a position to camp out overnight in order to queue for a suitable dwelling which suits their family needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16456/06]

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

It is a key Government objective to maximise access to affordable housing. In situations where the demand exceeds the supply for particular developments, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to draw up a scheme of allocation priorities based on broad criteria set out in legislation. The making of a scheme or amendment to any such scheme is a reserved function of the Council.

Nuclear Safety.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

69 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects a final decision in relation to the UNCLOS case in view of the preliminary judgement in January 2006, and the legal team Ireland has working on the case at present. [16524/06]

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

The Government's international legal proceedings against the United Kingdom under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in relation to the Sellafield Mox Plant were suspended in 2003 pending resolution of jurisdictional issues in the dispute raised by the European Commission.

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 last, considers that the ECJ has jurisdiction 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 on the 30 May next. The final outcome should clarify international and EU law in relation to 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.

Ireland's legal team for the proceedings taken under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is led by the Attorney General and is as follows; Mr. David J. O'Hagan (Agent for Ireland), Ms. Christina Loughlin (Deputy Agent), Mr. Eoghan Fitzsimons SC, Mr. Paul Sreenan SC, Professor Philippe Sands QC and Professor Vaughan Lowe. Further information can be obtained on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at http://www.pca-cpa.org. A similar team with the addition of Niamh Hyland, BL, acted for Ireland in the litigation before the European Court of Justice.

Local Authority Housing.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

70 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of move on accommodation units in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16626/06]

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

My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their expenditure on the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons, including those in move-on accommodation. In 2005, recoupment was made in respect of 779 move-on units, which represented an increase of almost 33% over the previous year when recoupment was made in respect of 586 units.

Funding available from my Department for recoupment to local authorities of costs incurred in the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons in 2006 is €50 million. This brings to €280 million the total funding made available from my Department for this purpose since the implementation of the Government's Integrated Strategy on Homelessness in 2000.

Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 24.

Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 36.

House Prices.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

74 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Irish Home Builder’s Association statement that development levies add up to 6 per cent to the cost of houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16615/06]

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

Development contributions attached as a condition of planning permissions provide a mechanism by which developers can contribute to the cost of providing public infrastructure and facilities that benefit development in the area. They are paid by the person carrying out the development in advance of construction starting.

House prices are not determined solely by the cost of building, but by the interaction of supply and demand in the market. The revised system of levying development contributions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 has not affected the level of supply, as is demonstrated by the fact that housing output reached a new record level of almost 81,000 in 2005. This very large increase in housing output has helped to restrain house price increases in the face of continuing very strong demand pressures and increased mortgage lending.

The Government will continue to prioritise effective action to maintain current high levels of supply in the housing market and in particular, will accelerate measures to assist those who cannot access affordable housing without assistance. A key component of this strategy is ensuring a supply of serviced land for housing which the development contribution system helps to fund. If developers were not required to contribute part of the cost of servicing the land that they use to build houses, servicing new land would become more difficult or an even greater burden would fall on taxpayers.

Local Authority Housing.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

75 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to conduct the housing needs assessment on an annual basis in order to give a more accurate picture of housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16585/06]

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

An objective and comprehensive assessment of a person or family's need is an essential first step in putting in place a modern system of housing supports.

Under the Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities, there is a commitment to develop new means of assessing housing need. As part of the new arrangements I anticipate that future assessments of housing need will be carried out on a more regular basis.

Further details on the new arrangements will be announced later in the year.

Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 53.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

77 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when he intends to update the minimum standards for rented accommodation to bring them in line with modern living standards and to ensure that dwellings are suitable for family life; if he intends using the guidelines prepared for the proposed residential accommodation scheme as a blueprint to do same; if he further intends to resource or otherwise encourage local authorities to adopt a more proactive approach to inspections by conducting spot-checks on rental supplement accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16482/06]

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

I intend to review the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 as soon as the demands involved in bedding down the new tenancy legislative regime permit. I expect that work on the review of the Regulations will commence later this year. In the meantime action is being taken on a number of fronts, as indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 12, 61, 63, 103, 104 and 114 on 8 March 2006, to improve enforcement of the existing regulations, including the allocation of performance-related funding to local authorities.

In relation to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), one of its objectives is to help bring about improvements in the quality and standards of private rented accommodation. Accommodation coming into RAS must comply with the statutory requirements as determined by the local authority before the authority will enter into contracts with landlords. Landlords must also be tax compliant and have registered the tenancy with the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Guidance has issued to authorities setting out the minimum requirements for accommodation under the scheme. This generally reflects existing regulatory requirements.

Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 39.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

79 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the growing concerns that the Private Residential Tenancies Board does not have the staff and resources required to properly carry out its work in line with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [16551/06]

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

Substantial resources are being provided to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to meet the high level of demands on its services. There is currently a total of 35 staff working in the PRTB, which also receives ongoing support from my Department. The PRTB has also engaged a panel of 175 mediators and adjudicators to assist with its dispute resolution functions. An increased provision of €3.707 million is available to fund the PRTB's administration and services in 2006, compared with an outturn of €1.737 million in 2005.

Local Authority Housing.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

80 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has estimated the likely demand for local authority housing over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16589/06]

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

The most recent assessment of the need for social housing which was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005 indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists compared with 48,413 households in March 2002 a decrease of almost 10%. More comprehensive data on the assessment at an individual local authority level will be published shortly in the Annual Bulletin of Housing Statistics and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

The Government's commitment to addressing the housing waiting lists is reflected in the 5% increase in the provision for social and affordable housing for 2006. The 5% increase in the 2006 provision for housing corresponds to an investment programme of €1.3 billion in 2006. This is a significant financial commitment and maintains the momentum of a sustained period of investment in housing in recent years.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework. This will allow for some 23,000 new social homes to be commenced between 2006 and 2008; and some 15,000 affordable homes to be delivered. In total, some 50,000 households will benefit over the coming three years from an Exchequer capital investment package of close to €4 billion. Allied to this, a package of reforms is proposed to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility.

Building Regulations.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

81 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to amend the Building Control Bill 2005 to allow for the setting up of an independent architects council following the recommendation of the Competition Authority that such a body is needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16474/06]

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

I do not propose to amend the Building Control Bill 2005 to provide for the setting up of an independent Architects Council, as recently recommended by the Competition Authority.

The 2005 Bill assigns a limited role to the registration body the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). First, the basic registration eligibility criteria are specified in the Bill and will not be determined by the registration body. Second, key decisions on admission of individual applicants to the register of Architects will not be made by the registration body, but by an Admission Board or Technical Assessment Board.

There will also be the safeguard of the right of appeal against refusal of registration to an Appeals Board and, ultimately to the High Court. Finally, the Bill provides that a majority of the members of the various Boards will be laypersons (non-Architects) under the Chairmanship of a retired judge or a lawyer.

However, I will take into account proposals for other detailed amendments of the Bill recommended by the Competition Authority during the forthcoming Committee Stage.

Housing Grants.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

82 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will include the provision of radon remediation measures for homes as a qualifying type of work under essential repairs grants scheme and the housing aid for the elderly scheme. [16525/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 248 of 1 December 2005 and Nos. 117 and 151 of 14 February 2006.

As previously indicated, the Government considers that improving public information on radon, so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring or remedial requirements economically, is the most effective approach in Irish circumstances to ensuring radon safety in homes. It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action and such a scheme could require very significant public expenditure and administrative resources.

It is not, therefore, proposed to include radon remediation measures as qualifying works under the essential repairs grants or Housing Aid for the Elderly schemes.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

83 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to build more affordable housing in view of increasing house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16586/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 4 on today's order paper.

Property Management.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

84 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to regulate property management agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16590/06]

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

My Department has no role in this matter. I understand however that legislation is being drawn up by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to establish the new National Property Services Regulatory Authority and provide for its regulatory regime, including the regulation of managing agents.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

85 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of social and affordable housing provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2002 in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16555/06]

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

Details in relation to the number of social and affordable houses provided in 2005 under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2004 are available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

86 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to produce revised proposals for reducing greenhouse gases; if these proposals will include all the key measures highlighted in the national climate change strategy, including the conversion of Moneypoint power station. [16463/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 7 of 8 March 2006.

A review of the National Climate Change Strategy is being finalised in light of recently updated projections of greenhouse gas emissions for the 2008-2012 period, as well as recent Government decisions regarding participation by Irish installations in the EU emissions trading scheme and use of the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms in meeting Ireland's target for the purposes of the Protocol. I will publish this review shortly.

The Government has decided not to proceed with the conversion of Moneypoint to natural gas for reasons of fuel diversity and security of supply. It is not proposed to revisit this decision in the context of a revised strategy.

End-of-Life Vehicles.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

87 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the end-of life vehicles draft regulations would push up the cost of cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16622/06]

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

Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) incorporates measures aimed at

•meeting new recovery and recycling targets for ELVs;

•ensuring that all end-of-life vehicles are deposited, dismantled, treated and recovered by industry at no cost to the final holder / owner of that vehicle and in a manner that does not cause environmental pollution;

•producers meeting the costs of free take-back of end-of-life vehicles with no market value;

•introducing systems whereby certificates of destruction are notified to the vehicle registration authorities on the deposit of end-of-life vehicles by their registered owners at authorised treatment facilities (ATFs) for appropriate treatment and recovery; and

•minimising the use of specified hazardous substances in vehicles.

Enabling legislative provisions were included in the Protection of the Environment Act 2003 — which inserts a new part in the Waste Management Act 1996 — to facilitate the development of regulations concerning implementation of the Directive. I recently published draft Waste Management (End-of-Life) Vehicle Regulations 2006 which will fully transpose and provide the framework for the implementation of the ELV Directive. The Regulations were published in draft form to allow for a period of public consultation which concluded on 24 March. The Regulations will be finalised shortly.

Under the draft Regulations, responsibility for putting in place a national network of authorised treatment facilities providing take-back of end-of-life vehicles of any particular brand will rest with the producer of that brand. As is the case in a number of European Union Member States, issues in relation to cost of take-back of end-of-life vehicles will be the subject of contractual arrangements between each producer and the ATFs that form part of that producer's national network. There is evidence in other Member States that the cost to industry of meeting its obligations in respect of ELVs has been low in proportion to industry turnover. Ultimately, market forces determine whether increases in any input costs to industry, whether they are ELV-related costs or costs of raw materials, transport etc., are absorbed or passed on.

Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 44.

Housing Grants.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

89 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to restore the first-time buyer’s grant in view of reports that many developers are passing on the cost of local authority development levies directly to house buyers thus inflating the cost of new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16481/06]

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

The new house grant scheme was terminated in 2003 to concentrate housing programmes on areas of greatest impact and social need. It is not proposed to reintroduce the grant. However, through overall increases in supply, and increasing output under various affordable housing initiatives, the Government are seeking to improve access to home ownership for first time buyers. These targeted measures, in particular, assist low income purchasers. This is a better means of improving the affordability of house purchase and using available resources effectively, than a general first-time buyer grant which would over time become absorbed into the house price. Other general measures are in place through the tax system to assist first-time buyers, such as stamp duty concessions and mortgage interest relief.

Development contributions attached as a condition of planning permissions provide a mechanism by which developers can contribute to the cost of providing public infrastructure and facilities that benefit development in the area. They are paid by the person carrying out the development in advance of construction starting.

House prices are not determined solely by the cost of building, but by the interaction of supply and demand in the market. The revised system of levying development contributions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 has not affected the level of supply, as is demonstrated by the fact that housing output reached a new record level of almost 81,000 in 2005. This very large increase in housing output has helped to restrain house price increases in the face of continuing very strong demand pressures and increased mortgage lending.

The Government will continue to prioritise effective action to maintain current high levels of supply in the housing market and in particular, will accelerate measures to assist those who cannot access affordable housing without assistance. A key component of this strategy is ensuring a supply of serviced land for housing which the development contribution system helps to fund. If developers were not required to contribute part of the cost of servicing the land that they use to build houses, servicing new land would become more difficult or an even greater burden would fall on taxpayers.

Nuclear Safety.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

90 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view the failure to raise the concerns of the Members of Dáil Éireann at the planned privatisation of British nuclear fuels with the British Prime Minister as expressed during a debate on 5 April 2006, the plan of action the Government intends to implement to encourage the British Government to change their minds on this dangerous proposal; and his plans to mount a diplomatic campaign on this issue. [16519/06]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

97 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the efforts which have been made by him and the Government to dissuade the British Government from privatising the Sellafield nuclear power plant. [16557/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 97 together.

On 30 March 2006 the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) published their new strategy document. This outlines how the NDA proposes to tackle the decommissioning and clean up of the 20 nuclear sites, including Sellafield, over which they have control. The decision by the UK Government to approve the sale of British Nuclear Group Sellafield Ltd. was made in the context of this Strategy.

The activities of privatised companies involved in the nuclear industry require close scrutiny and coordination, to ensure that safety is not compromised in pursuit of profit. I raised specific concerns about the use of private contractors in the industry when I met the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the NDA on 18 November last in Dublin. I also made clear in that meeting and in an earlier meeting with the UK Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry, Mr. Alan Johnson MP, in October 2005 that the issue of safety at Sellafield must be paramount and the reduction of hazards and risks on the site must be the priority.

Regardless of the privatisation of any element of the British Nuclear apparatus, the Irish Government will continue to hold the UK Government accountable and responsible for the operation of the Sellafield Nuclear Plant. The current position whereby both the ownership of the site and control of the operations undertaken at Sellafield are the responsibility of the UK Government through the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will continue. The UK authorities have confirmed to my Office that the privatisation of the British Nuclear Group will not alter this position.

The issues raised for Ireland by the continued operation of the Sellafield Nuclear Plant remain a priority for the Government and our policy remains to use every diplomatic and legal initiative to secure the safe closure and decommissioning of the Plant. I have on behalf of the Government robustly pursued our policies in relation to Sellafield with all levels of the UK and EU administrations and I will continue to do so.

Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 25.

Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 28.

Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 44.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

94 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the targets set for social and affordable housing provision in the 2004 NESC Report Housing in Ireland, Performance and Policy, the targets set for the provision of local authority housing and voluntary housing in the National Development Plan, and the target for the provision of social and affordable units under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 must be met if Ireland is to make acceptable progress in housing persons on housing lists throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16453/06]

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

The Government have put in place a number of new arrangements to facilitate the delivery of strong programmes of social and affordable housing. A total of €6.5 billion has been invested in housing capital programmes from Exchequer resources since 1997. Under the current National Development Plan, spending at end 2005 was 3% ahead of forecast. Largely due to construction inflation, the output is in some respects behind NDP forecasts, but we have put in place measures to ensure that the additional resources now available for housing achieve best value for money, optimum output and deliver programmes in a way that build sustainable communities.

In consultation with my Department, local authorities have developed five-year action plans for their social and affordable housing programmes covering the period to 2008. These incorporate the relevant targets for units delivered through Part V arrangements. The preparation of these plans has improved the identification of priority needs and will help to ensure a more coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services.

A mid term review of plans, which will allow for adjustments to be made in light of actual performance is under way at present.

During 2005, the Government brought forward new initiatives to specifically address issues raised in the NESC report. In June, we launched the Affordable Homes Partnership to co-ordinate and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area. In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over coming years.

The framework sets out an important programme of investment and reform to address the key policy challenges highlighted by the NESC report on housing, and takes account of the results of the 2005 Housing Needs Assessment and the work of the Housing Forum in relation to the effectiveness of social and affordable housing provision.

As a result of extra capital provision in Budget 2006, substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework. This will allow for some 23,000 new social homes to be commenced between 2006 and 2008; and some 15,000 affordable homes to be delivered. In total, some 50,000 households will benefit over the coming three years from an Exchequer capital investment package of close to €4 billion. Implementation of these expected targets will represent a significant response to the recommendations of the NESC Housing Report.

Departmental Agencies.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

95 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review the Environmental Protection Agency advisory committee in order to avail of the capacity and knowledge that exists within the Irish environmental NGO sector which would appear to be under-represented on the present committee. [16460/06]

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

I appointed an Advisory Committee to the Environmental Protection Agency in February 2006.

I am satisfied that the Advisory Committee as constituted leaves it well placed to carry out its functions under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. Its membership is broad and balanced both in the seven members appointed from the nominees of the different sectors and professions included in the five nominating panels and in four other members appointed directly by me. Accordingly, I have no proposal to review the composition of the Advisory Committee.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

96 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to give the Private Residential Tenancies Board the authority to collect deposits from tenants in order to protect tenants from scams similar to that seen in Dublin in recent weeks and from other unscrupulous practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16477/06]

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

The Commission on the Private Rental Residential Sector, on whose report the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 is based, did not recommend that the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) should collect and hold tenancy deposits, presumably because of certain practical difficulties associated with the performance of such a function and the requirement for a high degree of co-operation by landlords. It is a statutory function of the Private Residential Tenancies Board to review the operation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and any related enactments and make recommendations to the Minister for amendments, as appropriate. I will consider any such recommendations as well as any suggestions from other sources that may be received, following an adequate period of experience of the operation of the legislation.

Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 54.

National Spatial Strategy.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

99 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the most up to date information on the status of the National Spatial Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16630/06]

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

At national level substantial progress is being made in implementing the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), which is having an increasing influence on policies and programmes across a range of Government Departments and agencies.

At regional level, a key policy bridge between national development priorities and local planning has been put in place with the adoption of Regional Planning Guidelines to provide a strategic framework for local planning.

At county and city level, strategic land use and planning frameworks for a number of Gateways are in place, with work well advanced on others.

The potential impact of the Strategy in terms of achieving more balanced regional development has been underscored by the Government's decision in July 2005 that the regional dimension of the next National Development Plan, now in preparation, will be broadly based on the NSS. The priorities of the NSS and regional planning guidelines have also been recognised in the Government's 10-year investment plan for transport, Transport 21.

To support the development of the NSS Gateways, my Department in conjunction with Forfás, commissioned a major report, which has now been completed, on their potential for accelerated development in housing, commercial and employment terms and the key infrastructure priorities that will be necessary to facilitate such development. Similar work is also being undertaken in relation to the hubs identified in the NSS. Work on a feasibility study to further develop the concept of an Atlantic Gateways corridor, with enhanced linkages and networking between Cork, Galway, Limerick/Shannon and Waterford is also nearing completion.

Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans, which I have just published for public consultation, emphasise the importance within such plans of creating a clear strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the relevant area consistent with the longer-term aims set out in the National Spatial Strategy and regional planning guidelines. Comments on the Draft Guidelines will be accepted from all interested individuals and organisations up to 21 July 2006. All submissions received will be taken into consideration in finalising the Guidelines in the Autumn.

My Department, in cooperation with other relevant Departments, is also pursuing measures to enhance cooperation on spatial planning and infrastructural investment across the island of Ireland, as endorsed by the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. As announced following a meeting of the Conference on 2 May, my Department, working in conjunction with the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland, is to prepare a framework for collaborative action between the NSS and the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland to assist in creating conditions that will facilitate enhanced competitiveness on the island.

Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 29.

Job Creation.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

102 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to reports indicating that expectations for new job creation in the construction sector have fallen sharply since the beginning of 2006 in contrast with other sectors; his views on whether this indicates a downturn in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11284/06]

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

The latest Quarterly National Household Survey data published by the Central Statistics Office shows the level of employment in construction grew moderately by 1.5% in the final quarter of 2005. Employment in the sector is now at a record level of 251,800. It is unrealistic to assume the dramatic increases in construction employment evident in recent times can be continued. My Department will publish shortly the latest edition of the Quarterly Construction Indicators report prepared by independent economic consultants commissioned by my Department. This report confirms the trend in the sector as being towards further growth in 2006. In the final analysis it is the level of demand from the private and public sector combined for the output of the construction sector which is the determinant of the level of activity and associated employment levels in the industry. Given the present sound state of the economy and the projected demographic outlook, significant fall-off in the level of that demand does not appear imminent.

Water Quality.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

103 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to ensure that local authorities have sufficient funds and staff to effectively carry out their functions in relation to water quality; and the measures he intends to put in place to help local authorities to attract and retain enough qualified staff to carry out all their environmental functions. [16467/06]

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

A wide range of measures is in place in order to assist local authorities in the execution of their functions in relation to water quality. For example, the local authorities acting jointly are designated as competent authorities for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003. Their task in this regard is being significantly supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities but funded by my Department, together with a wide range of research and other projects funded under the National Development Plan. INTERREG funding is also being applied in relation to cross-border projects. My Department has committed funds in excess of €50 million to date to these activities.

A further €2 billion has been invested since 2000 under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, on the provision of new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure. In addition, I am providing some €875m to local authorities in 2006 through general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. This represents an increase of 7% over the level provided in 2005 and I am satisfied that this funding, together with the income available to local authorities from other sources, will enable them to provide a satisfactory level of services. It is, of course, a matter for each local authority to prioritise its expenditure within the resources available to it and to operate its services as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Local authority staffing increased by over 25% in the period 1997 to 2003. I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the sector under regular review, having regard to the need to deliver quality front line services and achieve value for money within the parameter of Government policy on public service employment generally.

Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 39.

Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 42.

Social and Affordable Housing.

John Gormley

Ceist:

106 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if housing construction schemes which received funding from his Department but also qualified for funding from energy efficiency from Sustainable Energy Ireland have had money deducted from their initial Department funding. [16648/06]

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

The setting of budget costs by my Department for the construction of social housing schemes would involve adjustments of funding levels to eliminate duplication of funding sources should there be cases where funding is provided by Sustainable Energy Ireland for energy efficiency measures.

Waste Management.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

107 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent rapid increases in inflation, he intends to introduce a national waiver scheme for municipal waste collection for persons on lower incomes. [16461/06]

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

Waste collection is properly a local service with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. Consequently, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has at no time exercised a function in determining waste management charges, or any associated waiver arrangements. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this local nature of waste management services. Under Section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003 the determination of waste management charges is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. I do not consider it appropriate to propose a departure from these existing statutory provisions by introducing a national waiver scheme.

However, in order to assist households with lower incomes, I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors with a view to agreeing on a scheduling of payments (i.e. a pay-as-you-go system) rather than a periodic lump sum payment. The question of whether there may be public service obligations relating to the waste sector and, if so, how these could be met, has been included in my consideration of possible measures to regulate the sector, which is addressed in Question No. 11 on today's Order Paper.

Official Engagements.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

108 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the meetings he has had with the City and County Managers Association in the past year; the topics discussed and decisions made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16599/06]

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

I met with representatives of the City and County Managers' Association on 12 July 2005 in conjunction with the Management Advisory Committee of my Department. The discussions were broad-ranging covering a number of housing, planning, waste management, local government, financing, performance and service delivery issues. Arrangements are being made for another such meeting with the Association in the near future.

Question 109 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

Housing Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if estimates have been done to determine the number of first-time home buyers likely to be in the market for a home on an annual basis; if research has been done into the way in which such persons are likely to be in a position to house themselves in view of the fact that the shared ownership maximum loan is €185,000 and that the average house price is more than double this; the number of houses of an affordable nature made available through the various schemes and incentives offered by his Department in the past 12 months and based on this, the number likely to be so accommodated in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16560/06]

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

It is not possible to estimate reliably the level of demand from particular categories of potential house buyers because this depends on a wide range of demographic, economic, financial and social factors. However, indicative statistical data, based on mortgage lending provided to the Department, suggests that in 2005 45% of mortgages for new houses, and 30% for second hand houses were taken out by first-time buyers. While we do not have data on sales of second hand houses, these figures would suggest a sizeable number of first-time buyers have been able to buy both new and second hand houses — largely due to this Government's proactive approach to housing matters.

Since 1997 this Government has improved the planning regime; and has invested substantially in serviced land to the extent that more than 5 year's supply of residential land is available nationally. The stamp duty reductions for first time buyers announced in Budget 2005 have assisted affordability for first-time buyers. This has helped some first-time buyers to afford a starter home who might not otherwise have been able to do so, and has opened up the second hand market to first time buyers, who had previously been deterred by the impact of stamp duty.

Indicative data point to the majority of first time buyers as having paid 13% less than the average price for a house, which for a new house was around €240,000 in the September 2005 quarter — the latest for which Department data have been published. The equivalent price was €306,000 in Dublin.

The shared ownership limit reflects the value of the householder's stake in the property. Over 50% of the shared ownership transactions completed in 2005 were priced at less than €185,000. In the case of transactions completed in 2005 under the Affordable Housing (1999) scheme, almost all were acquired below €185,000. A further 3,000 have been approved for sale at the end of 2005.

My Department has invested €6.5 billion of Exchequer capital in social and affordable housing schemes, many of which directly benefit first time buyers. As a result of our efforts, some 100,000 households — that equates to about one quarter million people — have benefited from various social and affordable housing programmes. Some 2,900 households have been provided with homes under the various affordable housing schemes last year. It is anticipated that the needs of over 4,000 households will be accommodated in the 12 months to December 2006.

The Government will ensure that effective policies and measures continue to be applied and reviewed as necessary, with the overall aim of meeting the broad spectrum of housing need in the context of balanced and sustainable growth of the housing market.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

111 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review the decision whereby companies producing environmentally-friendly cement, or green cement, are to be excluded from the emissions trading scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16459/06]

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

Directive 2003/87/EC sets out the categories of activities which are to be included in the EU emissions trading scheme. I am satisfied that the Directive has been properly transposed and is being implemented correctly in Ireland. Accordingly, I do not propose to extend the scope of the scheme to include additional activities.

Architectural Heritage.

David Stanton

Ceist:

112 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 14 February 2006, if following the receipt of the steering group report regarding the Irish Heritage Trust, his Department has produced detailed proposals for the Government regarding the structure, governance, terms of reference and membership of the trust; if not, when he expects to publish same; if so, when he expects to make public these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16602/06]

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

Since the reply to Question No. 128 of 14 February 2006, the Steering Group has given further consideration to their report and submitted some amendments. I am now finalising consideration of this report, and I will shortly advise Government on how proposals for the Trust are to be taken forward. I will announce the details publicly thereafter.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

113 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to ensure that social integration of housing is achieved and that the ghettoisation effect that was prevalent in earlier decades is not repeated in an environment where developers are allowed to buy their way out of their social housing obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16475/06]

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

A new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years was launched last December. The framework proposes an integrated approach to housing in Ireland and firmly places housing policy in the context of building sustainable communities.

The delivery of high quality housing for those who cannot afford to meet their own housing needs is a clear objective of the framework. It is not acceptable that social housing should be compared unfavourably with private housing development. Therefore, we are committed to delivering high quality social housing in mixed community settings. To make a reality of better social housing, the Government will ensure that new housing is designed and planned on quality principles, includes an appropriate housing mix and provides necessary social infrastructure. We will also continue to invest in regeneration and remedial works schemes to improve existing local authority housing and audit of the social housing stock will be undertaken in 2008 to ensure that standards and levels of satisfaction are rising.

In addition, Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2004 requires planning authorities, in developing their housing strategies, to ensure that policies and objectives are in place that will counteract undue social segregation in housing developments. In their negotiations with developers under Part V, local authorities are obliged to ensure that each agreement delivers the best possible result in terms of overall housing supply and social integration for their area.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

114 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projected estimated cost to the Exchequer per annum for carbon credits if the cost was to rise to €50 per tonne of CO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16469/06]

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

As part of an overall response to meeting Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol, the Government has stated its intention to purchase carbon allowances over the Protocol commitment period 2008-2012. The ultimate cost to the Exchequer will depend on the final purchasing requirement and the price of carbon when the allowances are actually purchased. The Government has stated its intention to purchase up to a maximum of 3.607m allowances per annum over the 2008-2012 period, but its objective is to reduce this purchasing requirement through the achievement of emissions reductions in the economy.

Since trading commenced in carbon allowances, the price has been volatile, rising at one stage to around €30 but falling again to below €14 by the end of last week. Purchases on behalf of the Government will be made by the National Treasury Management Agency which will apply its expertise in evaluating market trends and forecasts.

In the context of updating national projections of greenhouse gases in the 2008-2012 period, independent consultants ICF Consulting with Byrne Ó Cléirigh have assessed the average price of carbon during the period to be €15 per allowance. At the assessed price of €15, the maximum purchasing requirement would cost €54.1m per annum over the five year period. The equivalent figure, at a hypothetical price of €50, is €180.35m. In each case, these figures would be reduced to the extent that further emission reductions can be achieved.

Hospital Staff.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

115 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the necessary staff will be provided to operate a dialysis machine at Kerry General Hospital. [16674/06]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Jim Glennon

Ceist:

116 Mr. Glennon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of companies which responded to the most recent request for expressions of interest in the long stay patients payment refund scheme; the number which were shortlisted; the number of tenders which were received by the closing date; the criteria which was used to assess and nominate the successful company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16675/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the repayment scheme including the recruitment of an outside company to manage the scheme within the parameters agreed by Government. A procurement team has been established by the HSE which is currently undertaking the procurement process to select an outside company. The timescale determined by the HSE for the selection process including the appointment of the successful company is mid-May 2006. Specific inquiries relating to the scheme 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.

Jim Glennon

Ceist:

117 Mr. Glennon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the tender competition for the long stay patents refund scheme was terminated in 2005; the number of companies which replied to the expression of interest notice; the number of companies which were shortlisted and invited to tender; the number of companies which submitted tenders by the closing date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16676/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme including the recruitment of an outside company to manage the scheme within the parameters agreed by Government. A procurement team was established by the HSE to undertake the procurement process.

Specific inquiries relating to the scheme 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

118 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied to the southern Health Service Executive on 13 September 2005 for an occupational therapist to visit and assess their needs in view of their intention to apply to Cork County Council for a disabled persons grant to install a shower has not been visited by the occupational therapist despite the application having been lodged over seven months ago; and the reason for this serious ongoing delay where a person cannot use the existing washing facilities owing to severe arthritis. [16677/06]

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, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

119 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if further funding will be provided to the ambulance services to try and improve transport provision for people living in rural isolated areas in order that they get to hospital appointments and so on. [16755/06]

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 Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

120 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a hospital bed for their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16770/06]

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.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

121 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16777/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference.

I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Nursing Home Subventions.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

122 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to previous parliamentary questions and the partial response from the Health Service Executive of 10 March 2006 if the Health Service Executive have reached a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if a substantial increase in the subvention being paid will be approved as the family member cannot afford to pay what is presently being requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16794/06]

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, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

123 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether she should take up the offer made by the Galway Clinic 11 February 2003 to provide a BreastCheck service until the unit was built in Galway; if BreastCheck cannot be fast-tracked before 2007 if she will allow the Galway Clinic to provide a breast screening service in the meantime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16797/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, commenced in 2000 with the programme covering the former Eastern, North Eastern and Midland Health Board regions. In 2003 the extension of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the national expansion of the programme to the rest of the country was announced. Screening commenced in Wexford in March 2004, in Carlow in April 2005 and in Kilkenny in March this year.

I informed the Deputy last week of my meeting with representatives of BreastCheck and of my wish to have the programme rolled out to the remaining regions of the country as quickly as possible. €2.3 million was made available to BreastCheck this year to provide among other things for the early recruitment and training of staff. The interview process for the posts of Clinical Directors is now completed and BreastCheck has also commenced the recruitment process for other essential staff. The notice for the procurement of the construction company for the new clinical units in Cork and Galway has been published in the EU Journal and the Design Team is now in the process of short listing applicants. Following the selection of the contractor, construction of the units can commence. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of the national roll out will be met. On full roll out, all women in the target age group in every county will have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.

Any proposal received by BreastCheck to support the roll out of its screening programme is carefully examined to assess the extent to which it complies with existing standards. As I informed the Deputy last week, BreastCheck has advised my Department that it has engaged in extensive discussions with the Galway clinic. BreastCheck has conducted an evaluation of this proposal and has concluded that the clinic in question would not be in a position to provide a population based screening programme in line with BreastCheck's requirements.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

124 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 5 April 2006 namely that the drugs in question were given on a prescription basis by a consultant dermatologist in place of cortisone or steroid prescription medication; her further views on whether natural prescriptions when prescribed by a consultant are a better idea; if, in view of this she will consider including same on the drugs repayment scheme and the medical card scheme. [16798/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

As previously stated, the common list of reimbursable medicines for the General Medical Services and Drug Payment Schemes is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified. For an item to be included on the list, it must comply with published criteria, including authorisation status as appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. A copy of the criteria will be forwarded to the Deputy for his information As the products referred to by the Deputy are available without prescription they cannot be considered for inclusion on the common list of reimbursable drugs and medicines. People with a medical card who are experiencing financial difficulty in obtaining the products concerned should contact the local office of the Health Service Executive.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

125 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the positive and sensible strategies in the Cuban primary care doctor services when developing general practitioner services. [16821/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I have not had any contact with the Cuban Authorities in relation to seeking advice on health matters, but I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind.

Damien English

Ceist:

126 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of adults and the number of children currently waiting for physiotherapy services in the community of County Meath; the average waiting time for adults and children to be assessed; if she will remove the employment ceiling in order to allocate extra staff necessary to more equitably meet the needs of the increased referral rates to physiotherapy services in Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16827/06]

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.

In relation to the employment ceiling, approved employment levels for the health service have been adjusted since 2002 in line with Government policy on public sector employment and also to take account of specific policy measures aimed at increasing service levels. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of its management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities.

I have repeatedly stressed the need for compliance with approved employment levels consistent with safeguarding and indeed enhancing the delivery of front line services and achieving an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical employment levels. The Deputy will wish to note that my Department's Health Service Personnel Census shows that there were 1,258 physiotherapists employed at end December, 2005. This compares with a figure of 896 physiotherapists at end 2001, and represents an increase of 362 or more than 40% over that period. (All figures expressed as wholetime equivalents.)

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

127 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of the membership of her Department’s audit committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17017/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I would like to inform the Deputy that the Audit Committee consists of five members, two of whom are external to the Department. The current members are:

External:	Mr. Ronan Tierney (Chairman)
	Mr. Brian Cawley
Internal:	Mr. John Collins (CEO, Adoption Board)
	Mr. Kevin Conlon (Principal Officer)
	Vacancy (to be filled shortly)

Flood Relief.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the discussions between his Department and Kildare County Council to be finalised with a view to the implementation of flood relief measures at Mill Lane, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16799/06]

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

In light of the flooding problems in Leixlip and development pressures in the surrounding area the Office of Public Works has agreed to undertake a Local Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study for the Rye River, encompassing the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock. This will ultimately form part of a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management for the entire Liffey Catchment, which it is planned to undertake at a later stage. This will necessitate the formation of a Steering Committee to oversee the project and will include personnel from both the Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council. Works will begin as soon as possible.

Kildare County Council are continuing with studies currently underway by ESBI in Leixlip and environs. The content of these studies is a matter for the Local Authority as they were not undertaken at the behest of OPW. However, the Commissioners of Public Works will be willing to consider, with Kildare County Council, whether elements of work recommended by the studies could be regarded with reasonable certainty, as likely to be compatible with the recommendations of the Rye CFRAM study. OPW is willing to consider providing funding to Kildare County Council to carry out such works if they can be shown to be economically and environmentally sustainable.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

129 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance if in cases in which persons without dependents die and there is no will in place, there is legislation, current or pending, whereby the estate or moneys of such persons can be donated to local charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16697/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Where a person dies intestate and with no known next-of-kin, the estate of that person passes to the State. Under Section 73 of the Succession Act, 1965, the Minister for Finance has power to waive the States interest in such an estate. A charity could benefit from such a waiver if it could show that it had performed services for the deceased or that the deceased had expressed a wish that the charity should benefit from his estate.

The proceeds of estates which fall to the State under the Succession Act, 1965, are paid into the Intestate Estates Fund Deposit Account. Under Section 36 of the State Property Act, 1954 as amended by Section 28 of the Dormant Accounts Act, 2001 the Minister for Finance may transfer monies from the Intestate Estates Fund Deposit Account into the Dormant Accounts Fund whose proceeds are used for charitable purposes. Any charity, voluntary or community organisation may apply for funding to the Dormant Accounts Fund. In 2006 the Dormant Accounts Fund is due to disburse some €60m to such organisations. Further information about the scheme and its administration may be found on the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

130 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The membership of the Department of Finance's Audit Committee is:

•Mr. Michael Flynn (Chairperson), National Director of Internal Audit, Health Services Executive.

•Mr. Peter Crilly, Director of Operational Risk, Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Limited.

•Ms Anne Vaughan, Principal Officer, Department of Social and Family Affairs.

•Mr. Aidan Dunning, Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance.

•Ms Judith Brady, Principal Officer, Department of Finance.

Departmental Expenditure.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

131 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if the €3.9 billion underspend in the Border Midland Western region will be invested thus recognising the fact that this region has never been allowed to reach its full potential; his plans for this region in the coming 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16762/06]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

132 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance his views on the gross underspend in the Border Midland Western region as outlined in the mid-term review of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16763/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

Table 1 sets out the indicative expenditure profiles and the estimated expenditure incurred under each operational programme in the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Region for the period ending December 2005.

Table 1 — Total Profiled and Estimated Expenditure in BMW Region
January 2000 to end December 2005
Operational Programme	Original Profile	Estimated Expenditure	Expenditure versus Profile
	€m	€m	%
Economic and Social Infrastructure	5,863	5,435	92
Employment & Human Resources Development	3,653	3,449	94
Productive Sector	2,663	786	29
Border, Midlands & Western Regional	3,519	2,273	64
PEACE II & Technical Assistance	146	109	74
Total Expenditure	15,844	12,052	76

Profiles and Expenditure data includes all NDP sources of funding; Exchequer, EU and Private. Gross expenditure is running some €3.8 billion behind the original profiles for the period. The Exchequer profile and estimated Exchequer expenditure incurred under each operational programme in the BMW Region is set out in Table 2.

Table 2 — Profiled and Estimated Exchequer Expenditure in BMW Region
January 2000 to end December 2005
Operational Programme	Original Profile	Estimated Expenditure	Expenditure versus Profile
	€m	€m	%
Economic and Social Infrastructure	4,054	4,570	113
Employment and Human Resources Development	3,654	3,495	96
Productive Sector	1,741	600	34
Border, Midlands & Western Regional Programme	2,566	1,920	75
PEACE II & Technical Assistance	146	109	74
Total Exchequer Expenditure	12,161	10,694	88

The Deputy will note from the data presented in Table 2 that the Exchequer contribution to the BMW Region under the key Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) has exceeded its target. Performance of the Employment and Human Resource Operational Programme (EHROP) is on course to meet its end 2006 target. Both programmes are likely to achieve the NDP targets for Exchequer expenditure when account is taken of EU co-funded activity in 2007 and 2008.

The performances of the Productive Sector and the BMW Regional Operational Programmes remain disappointing due to the factors I outlined in my reply to Question No. 299 on 21 March 2006. The Deputy should be aware that this level of performance is broadly similar for the Productive Sector and the Regional Operational Programme in the Southern and Eastern Region. It is unlikely that the expenditure targets for these programmes will be achieved for either Region by the end of 2006.

With respect to the Structural Funds, I have asked that priority should be given to expenditure on EU co-funded measures. This will ensure that Ireland's full entitlements to Structural Funds will be drawn down for both regions.

The Deputy may wish to note that the ambitious targets set for private sector investment under the NDP in the BMW Region is estimated to represent approximately €1.3 billion of the overall shortfall in expenditure against the original profiled targets.

Tax Code.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

133 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the crippling cost of VAT on home heating oil; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is €70 VAT on 300 litres of home heating oil; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this is a huge burden on the elderly; his plans to either reduce or remove the VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16764/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Fuel prices, including home heating oils, are driven by a number of factors, such as the price of oil and gas on the internal markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in fuel prices over recent periods reflect additional factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, supply disruptions and strong economic growth in countries such as China. Mineral Oil taxes are, of course, a factor influencing fuel prices.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT on 300 litres of home heating oil amounts to approximately €24. In relation to the scope for reducing or removing VAT on supplies of heating oil to old age pensioners, the position is the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In addition, the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. The VAT treatment of heating oil is based on the fact that on 1 January 1991 it was taxed at the reduced rate which in Ireland is 13.5%. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow for either the reduction or removal of VAT on supplies of home heating oil to old age pensioners.

In Budget 2006 I halved the excise rates for Kerosene and LPG used for home heating and also announced in advance that these excise rates will be reduced to zero in next year's Budget.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

134 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be provided to bring the mussel boats at Cromane, County Kerry up to an acceptable standard necessary to operate in the safety of smooth shallow waters such as Castle Maine Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16718/06]

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

The type of support to which the Deputy refers would come under the category of funding for the Renewal of Fishing Vessels. Current EU policy precludes the payment of grant aid towards renewal of all categories of fishing vessels. Accordingly, the payment of this type of grant aid to mussel boats is not permitted.

However, a grant aid scheme to support the purchase of safety equipment for fishing vessels is currently being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. This grant scheme covers 40% of the cost of equipment, includes lifesaving, fire fighting, navigational and occupational safety equipment. Details of this grant scheme is available from BIM and can be downloaded together with application forms from the BIM website at www.bim.ie.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

135 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to extend the greener homes domestic grant scheme to domestic windmills; and the reason for their exclusion to date from the scheme. [16722/06]

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

On 27 March I launched the "Greener Homes" grant aid package for the domestic sector which includes funding for wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves, solar and heat pump technologies. Grant aid of €1,100 to €6,500 will be provided depending on the individual technology used. The focus of the domestic grants scheme is on renewable energy for heating purposes with the specific objective of developing a sustainable market for renewable heat technologies.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a study on the metering options for Small Scale Renewable electricity and Combined Heat & Power Generation (CHP) in Ireland. The study identified a number of areas which require further analysis including the ability of such processes to secure adequate payment for their exports; connection standards and processes for smaller generators, and the implications of the single electricity market for small-scale electricity generation. SEI is commissioning work to address these issues in 2006 and this will inform further policy decisions in relation to domestic wind turbines.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

136 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16779/06]

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

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference.

I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

137 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17018/06]

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

The Department has had in place an Audit Committee since July 1999. The Committee is chaired by an external member and there are two other external members on the committee (see list of current members below). In addition there are three internal staff members including the Chief Engineer and two Assistant Principal Officers. There is currently one vacancy to be filled. The Committee is set up under a written charter dated and signed by the Secretary General and the then chair of the Committee in February 2003 (see copy below). The Committee has met 37 times to date and has recently presented to the Secretary General, a formal report for 2005.

Membership of the DCMNR Audit Committee

Dr. Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Chairperson of the Audit Committee Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies & Irish Life Senior Lecturer in Accounting at DCU

Ms. Siobhán Fay Hibernian General Insurance

Mr. Bill Morrissey Assistant Principal Officer Broadcasting Policy Division, DCMNR

Mr. John King Assistant Principal Officer Corporate Governance Unit, DCMNR

Fiona Kilcullen Head of Internal Audit Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Dr. Gerard Farrell Chief Engineer, DCMNR

Vacancy

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Audit Committee Charter and Terms of Reference

This document sets out the Charter and Terms of Reference of the Audit committee of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Role of the Audit Committee

1.The Audit Committee is part of the on-going systematic review of the business control and corporate governance procedures within the Department. It considers the adequacy of the control framework within the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and such organisations under its aegis. The role of the Audit Committee is to oversee and advise on matters relating to (a) the operations and development of the internal audit function; (b) the annual audit plan ensuring that it complies with the stated role of internal audit in relation to public funding (National and EU), (c) the business control and risk management environment, and (d) the relationship with external audit and other relevant consultancies.

2.The Audit Committee is not responsible for any executive function and is not vested with any executive powers.

Membership

3.The Audit Committee shall consist of a Chair and not less than four ordinary members who shall be appointed by the Secretary General by virtue of their experience in fields of expertise relevant to the function of the Committee.

4.Appointments to the Committee shall normally be, unless otherwise decided by the Secretary General, for a period of three years but should not exceed a period of five years.

Duties of the Audit Committee

5.The duties of the Audit Committee shall be:

•To consider the draft annual Internal Audit Plan.

•To monitor implementation of the Plan.

•To protect the independence of the Internal Audit Function, within the Department.

•To review the significant findings and the recommendations of the Internal Audit Unit and to monitor the action taken by management to resolve any issues that have been identified.

•To monitor the performance of the Internal Audit Unit, within the Department.

•To approve a charter for Internal audit which clearly defines its mission, authority, roles, responsibilities and other reporting relationships.

•To request special reports from Internal Audit as considered appropriate.

•To advise and make recommendations to the Secretary General and the Management Committee on any matters pertaining to the internal audit function within the Department that the Committee considers necessary or appropriate including its overall effectiveness, organisation, resources, training, use of technology, etc.

•To communicate with the Secretary General and Management Committee in relation to any significant shortfalls in the business control and/or risk management environments that come to the attention of and are of concern to the Audit Committee.

•To consider the findings and comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General published in their annual report on the Appropriation account and other C&AG Reports.

•To consider and where appropriate advise on, the procedures and policies used in the preparation of the annual Appropriation Account.

•To consider any reports from the European Court of Auditors or the European Commission in relation to co-financed expenditures within this Department.

•To review any Value for Money Reports that are undertaken by Internal Audit or any other Division within the Department.

Meetings

6.Not less than four meetings of the Audit Committee shall take place in each calendar year.

7.A quorum of five with no less than two external members will be required for each meeting.

8.If a vote is required on any issue a simple majority of all the members present, including the Chair will carry the motion, with the Chair having a casting vote in the event of a tie.

9.The Head of Internal Audit and such other officials from the Department as the Committee may require shall attend Committee meetings.

10.Minutes of the meetings shall be approved by the Chair and circulated as early as possible after the meeting to members of the Audit Committee and to the Secretary General.

Reporting

11.Within three months of the end of each calendar year, the Audit Committee shall formally report in writing to the Secretary General outlining its activities during the year together with such advice and recommendations, as it may deem appropriate.

Authority/Independence

12.The Audit Committee shall exercise an advisory role in relation to its duties and functions within the Department.

13.The Committee may, following agreement with the Department, obtain outside legal or other independent professional advice and secure the attendance at Committee meetings of outsiders with relevant experience and expertise, if it considers this necessary.

14.The Audit Committee shall be independent in the performance of its duties and the Committee and its members shall not be subject to the direction of any person in the performance of their duties.

15.The members of the Audit Committee shall be fully briefed and kept up to date on any significant matters relating to their role and duties.

16.The Audit Committee shall have the right of access to the Secretary General.

Amendment of Charter

17.The Charter may be amended or updated in joint consultation between the Secretary General and the Audit Committee.

Foreign Conflicts.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

138 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government are taking to help stop the systematic killings in Sudan, Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The ongoing violence in the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be a matter of grave concern. Recent reports of an apparent offensive by the Government of Sudan and allied forces in the area around the town of Gereida in South Darfur are particularly alarming.

It is clear that only an agreed political solution will lead to a lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis in the region. Ireland, together with our partners in the EU, fully supports the African Union's (AU) efforts to finalise speedily an agreement at the peace talks in Abuja. The AU mediation team submitted a comprehensive draft peace agreement on 25 April. This proposal covers power- and wealth-sharing as well as security arrangements. The original deadline for signature of the agreement expired on 30 April. At the request of the parties, an extension was agreed until 2 May and a further extension has since been agreed until the evening of 4 May. The Government of Sudan has announced that it is ready to sign the agreement and that it will immediately begin to abide by its terms. In the meantime, it is incumbent on all the parties to the talks to continue to negotiate in good faith and also to honour all existing commitments and cease any violations of the current cease-fire agreement.

The engagement of the international community in the talks is a positive sign of support for the people of Darfur. The EU Special Representative on Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, has been active in Abuja. International pressure needs to be maintained in support of the current AU mediation efforts and against those impeding the achievement of a Darfur peace agreement. I therefore welcome the travel ban and financial sanctions imposed on 25 April by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1672 (2006) against four individuals who have contributed to the deterioration of the situation in Darfur.

Until a UN peacekeeping mission is sent to Darfur, the AU Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) will play a key role in verifying the implementation of the security elements of any peace agreement. AMIS has already played a valuable role in creating a favourable environment for the political process and in helping to stabilise the security situation. Three members of the Permanent Defence Forces are currently serving with AMIS in support roles. On 10 March 2006 the AU's Peace and Security Commission (PSC) reiterated its support for transition from AMIS to a UN peace-keeping operation in Darfur. The aim of such a UN mission would be to support implementation of a Darfur peace agreement and consolidate the achievements of AMIS. The AU PSC also agreed to extend AMIS's mandate until September, which will permit the UN to carry out thorough planning for the transition in co-operation with the AU and the EU. It is important that the Government of Sudan should facilitate an early assessment mission by the UN in this regard.

Ireland and the EU fully support the AU's role in Darfur. In 2004-5, Ireland contributed €1.5 million to humanitarian, human rights and policing aspects of the AMIS mission, with over €160 million in support from the EU through the African Peace Facility. The EU will shortly provide a further €50 million to support AMIS.

In 2005 Ireland provided almost €3 million in emergency funding for humanitarian needs in Darfur alone and over €2 million has been provided so far this year for the same purpose. The Government is deeply concerned at the ongoing difficulties UN organisations and NGOs are experiencing in securing access to vulnerable populations throughout Sudan and notes statements by UN Special Representative Jan Pronk to the effect that rebel militia attacks on humanitarian workers in Darfur may force the suspension of assistance. At Ireland's initiative, EU Ambassadors in Khartoum have been requested to raise the need for improved humanitarian access directly with the Sudanese authorities.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

139 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to further recent attacks by Turkish police and military on Kurdish civilians in which seven civilians were killed and hundreds more injured and arrested including children; if this will impact on Turkish prospects for EU membership; and the steps he has taken or will take to raise this issue at an international level. [16834/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am aware of, and share the Deputy's concern at, the disturbing reports of violence in Southeast Turkey, particularly in recent weeks. The security situation in the Southeast, which had gradually improved since 1999, has become increasingly difficult in recent months since the resumption of violence by the PKK, an organisation which appears on the EU list of terrorist organisations.

This has led to frequent clashes between the security forces and armed groups and has resulted, tragically, in a substantial number of casualties, including fatalities. Over recent weeks, very regrettably, there have also been a number of civilian deaths. Following the recent violence, on 5 April the Turkish Parliament discussed the matter. While announcing that new anti-terrorism measures will be introduced, the Turkish Government stated its determination to respect human rights and freedoms while pursuing its fight against terrorism.

The Government's concerns about the human rights situation in Turkey, including the situation of some 15 million people of Kurdish ethnic origin, are raised on a regular basis in our contacts with the Turkish Government and its representatives, and in cooperation with our partners in the EU.

In recent years, Turkey has made significant progress in the adoption of wide-ranging political and legal reforms. Important human rights reforms have been introduced and legislation has been enacted aimed at strengthening the enforcement of fundamental rights. These reforms include enhancing the cultural rights of all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. In this context, I welcome developments currently underway to provide broadcasting in the Kurdish language.

The EU opened accession negotiations with Turkey on 3 October 2005 and in its 2005 Enlargement Strategy Paper, the European Commission emphasised that the EU will remain firm in demanding that aspiring members fulfil all the requirements of membership before they join. Throughout the accession process Turkey will be expected to sustain the process of reform which it has already begun, including support for economic development in Southeast Turkey, and to work towards further improvements. In its 2005 progress report on Turkey, the Commission noted that progress on reform had been slow and uneven.

Together with the Commission and our EU partners, and through our Embassy in Ankara, we will continue to monitor the situation and to stress the importance of adherence to the standards enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

140 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/06]

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

The members of the Department of Foreign Affairs' Audit Committee are: John G. O'Connor (Chairperson), John S. Pittock, John A. Jackson and Valerie Little.

This independent exclusively external Audit Committee was established in November 2003. It has responsibility for both Votes of the Department. The Committee supports the Accounting Officer by reviewing and monitoring the risk management, internal control and governance processes which have been established in the Department.

Members of the Audit Committee are wholly independent and are appointed by and report to the Secretary General of the Department. The Committee, which reports annually, oversees the audit work of the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department. It holds regular meetings. It has access to all audit reports and other records and documents of the Department, and hears presentations by Department officials.

Sports Capital Programme.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

141 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when there will be details of the applicants who will be granted funds under 2006 sports capital programme. [16688/06]

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 levels.

Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on November 27th and 28th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20th 2006. A total of 1,338 applications for projects costing €670 million and seeking funding of €312 million were received. All of these applications, ranging in project cost from €500 to €25 million are currently being evaluated against the programme's detailed assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

142 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17020/06]

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

The current membership of my Department's Audit Committee comprises: Mr. Sean Dorgan, Chief Executive, IDA Ireland (Chair); Ms Marie Cross, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Brian McDonnell, Former CEO, Irish Aviation Authority; Mr. Joe Timbs, Principal Officer, Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. The Internal Auditor of my Department acts as Secretary to the Committee.

The Audit Committee, which was established in 2004, works closely with the Secretary General of my Department, and my Department's Internal Audit Unit, agreeing audit programmes year on year. They generally meet on a number of occasions each year, to review these audit programmes, examine reports completed, and to appraise progress made on integrating risk management into the Department's business processes.

Work Permits.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

143 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to include accountants in the list of approved professions for work visas; if so, the time scale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16672/06]

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

I do not intend to extend the working visa/work authorisation scheme at this stage.

In my opening address on the Second Stage of the Employment Permits Bill 2005 on 12th October 2005 I announced that the current procedures for granting working visas / work authorisations will be phased out and replaced by a new Green Card system. As I indicated on that occasion, Green Cards will be awarded for occupations where there are skills shortages, which will be for a restricted list of occupations in the annual salary range from €30,000 to €60,000 and for a more extensive list of occupations in the annual salary range above €60,000. Green Cards will be issued for two years initially, with the possibility of permanent or long-term residence after that. It is intended to introduce these arrangements and the occupations to which they will apply later this year.

Employment Rights.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

144 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits which were made by his Department’s inspectors in County Kerry between 1 January 2005 and to the most recent date available. [16673/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

Since 1 January, 2005 the Labour Inspectorate has carried out 218 inspections/visits in County Kerry.

Agrifood Sector.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

145 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of formal interaction between his Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to the development of the agrifood sector; the number of meetings which have taken place between officials from each Department in relation to this issue over the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16731/06]

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

My Department enjoys an excellent relationship with the Department of Agriculture and Food especially with regard to the agrifood sector. Contacts between officials of my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food are numerous both in terms of occasions and channels.

Officials from both departments attend such meetings as the Monitoring Committee of the Productive Sector Operational Programme under the National Development Plan, the National Functional Foods Forum, and various Enterprise Ireland committees including the Investment Committee and the Productivity Improvement Fund Committee.

Constant and productive dialogue is maintained between the departments which is also reflected between the agencies of each department. Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia work closely together on developing the agri-food sector and have formalised coordination in this regard through a Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the two agencies.

My Department will continue to work with the Department of Agriculture and Food to ensure that Ireland's agrifood sector is able to successfully compete in international markets.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

146 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the aspects of the Enterprise Strategy Group Report, which relate to the agrifood sector which are being developed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/06]

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

Rather than providing policy prescriptions for separate sub sectors of the enterprise economy, the Enterprise Strategy Group's report presented a strategic approach to strengthening the competitiveness of the enterprise sector. In this context the Group proposed a range of recommendations to change broad enterprise policy and the way important supports are delivered to enterprise by the development agencies that report to my Department.

No specific recommendations of the Enterprise Strategy Group's report, Ahead of the Curve — Ireland's Place In The Global Economy, were addressed specifically to the agrifood sector. However, the changes taking place arising from the Government's ESG Action Plan and Enterprise Ireland's new strategy to transform Irish industry will improve the capacity of all firms to grow and compete in global markets.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

147 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated each year from 2002 to date by a company (details supplied) for the agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16742/06]

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

Science Foundation Ireland, the State Agency with responsibility for funding oriented basic research's, total commitment in Biotechnology to date is €200 million. Of this commitment, the investment in the Agrifood sector is €22.7M (or 11.35%). This can be broken down by year as follows:

Year	Award
	€
2002	3,503,707
2003	17,036,829
2004	1,082,770
2005	1,070,682
2006	None to date
Total	22,693,988

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

148 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16782/06]

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

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference.

I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Employment Agencies.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

149 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons registered with recruitment agencies each year since 1995. [16830/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The figures requested by the Deputy are not available in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

A Report published recently by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions entitled Temporary agency work in an Enlarged European Union estimated the number of employees in Ireland employed on temporary agency work in 2004, at 25,000 persons.

I should however, point out that, many agency workers may be on the books of a number of different employment agencies at the same time.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

150 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17021/06]

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

The Audit Committee of my Department has five members. It is chaired by Mr. Dermot Quigley former Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners and includes the Head of Internal Audit from a Government Agency and three senior Departmental officials.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

151 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The Audit Committee in my Department was established in 2000.

The role of the Audit Committee is, as part of the ongoing systematic review of the business control and corporate governance procedures within the Department, to oversee and advise on matters relating to the operations and development of the internal audit function, the business control and risk management environment and the relationship with external audit.

There are six members of the Audit Committee, three of whom, including the Chairperson, are from outside of the Department. The current membership is as follows: CHAIRPERSON, Mr. MICHAEL FLYNN, Head of Internal Audit, Health Service Executive; MEMBERS, Mr. PATRICK BANAHAN, General Manager — Internal Audit, Voluntary Health Insurance Board; Mr. EOIN O'BROIN, Director of Regions, Department of Social and Family Affairs; Ms MARIE O'NEILL, Principal Officer, Department of Social and Family Affairs; Ms FIONA O'SHEA, Principal Higher, Office of the Revenue Commissioners; Mr. EDDIE RICE, Principal Officer, Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Marine Accidents.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

152 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the actions which have taken place to help locate the bodies of two fishermen lost at sea (details supplied) in a recent boating tragedy; the plans which are in place to raise the fishing trawler as the bodies may still be on board; if he will engage the services of the Naval Diving Unit to assist in the recovery of the bodies and return them to their grieving families. [16696/06]

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

First of all I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families of Glen Cott and Jan Sankowski who were tragically lost in this incident.

On 31st March, the Coast Guard was alerted and immediately tasked resources to the scene of the incident involving the fishing vessel Maggie B. One crew member was rescued from the water, clinging to the upturned life raft. Based on information received and with the assistance of their search computer, the Coast Guard carried out a thorough search of the area, both at sea and on the shore line for 21 days using helicopters, lifeboats, Naval Service Vessels, Air Corps Casa Aircraft, local fishing vessels, coast guard shore units and members of the public. The ending available also suggested that the missing persons were not on the sunken vessel.

The owner of the vessel Maggie B engaged several divers to dive on the vessel and search for the missing men. This was done and it confirmed the Coast Guard's conclusions that the two bodies are not on or around the vessel. Therefore raising the Maggie B now will not help in locating the missing bodies.

I understand that the Marine Casualty Investigation Board is carrying out an investigation into the sinking of the Maggie B. You will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any aspect of this case while it is still under investigation.

Marine Safety.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

153 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will exempt vessels engaged solely in fishing near the coast from the IMO 1993 Torremolinos Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16717/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

It is mandatory for all EU countries under the EC Council Directive 97/70/EC of 11 December 1997 as amended, to implement the Torremolinos Protocol. The Directive lays down harmonised standards for seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. Regulations were put in place in 1998 to transpose the Directive into Irish law.

These Regulations apply to new fishing vessels over 24 metres built on or after 1 January 1999 and to existing vessels from 1 July 1999. Vessels complying with the Regulations are issued with a Certificate of Compliance valid for four years subject to annual and biannual intermediate surveys. The Regulations introduce a survey and certification regime for both new and existing vessels. There are no proposals to exempt fishing vessels over 24 metres from the provisions of the Torremolinos Protocol or the EU Directive when operating near to the coast.

The safety of the crews of fishing vessels is of paramount importance and therefore enhancement of fishing vessel safety standards is a key objective of my Department. The Maritime Safety Directorate of the Department has been working in partnership with the industry over many years to ensure compliance with safety provisions.

My Department is currently consulting stakeholders on proposed new rules for fishing vessels between 15 and 24 metres.

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

154 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent review, The Quality Bus Network, by Dublin Bus, particularly the contention contained within the report that only one of the nine bus corridors in Dublin is currently meeting its target in terms of passenger numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16689/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I assume the Deputy is referring to a report entitled Dublin Bus Network Review, prepared by MVA consultants for Dublin Bus. On the issue of QBC performance, this report is based on data and findings from the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) Quality Bus Corridor Monitoring Report (2004), which is available on the DTO website (www.dto.ie).

There are no targets set for passenger numbers on QBCs and the Dublin Bus Network Review does not suggest that there are. However, there are other performance indicators such as journey time. The target average running speed for buses on QBCs is 20 kph. When this figure is adjusted to include dwell time at bus stops the equivalent average speed is 17.6 kph.

Two of the nine corridors achieve average speeds greater than 17.6 kph. In respect of the other corridors, the DTO, QBN Project Office and the local authorities recognise the vital importance of continuing the programme of tackling the remaining instances of bus congestion, to improve the absolute value of bus speeds, and to improve passenger trends. I am informed by the DTO that they are in discussion with the Quality Bus Network Project Office and the local authorities to address the issue and that projects are in train for the enhancement of existing QBCs. I am committed to the improvement and development of the Quality Bus Network in the Greater Dublin Area and continue to make funds available for this purpose through the Traffic Management Grants scheme.

Air Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

155 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-consider his policy on the anti-privatisation of Aer Lingus; and if the proposal of a State holding company to allow Aer Lingus to be retained in the national interest will be investigated. [16724/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The decision to dispose of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus was made following detailed and comprehensive consideration of the issue by myself and my colleagues in Government. The Government agreed in its decision that the strategic development of the State Airports and Aer Lingus was essential to underpin Ireland's competitiveness, industry and tourism. Furthermore its consideration was based on an acknowledgement that the Company had an immediate need for access to equity capital to enable it to compete effectively and to fund growth and that this investment should not come from the Government.

Before making its decision on the future of Aer Lingus, the Government considered the ICTU proposal for a State Holding Company.

Public Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

156 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport when his Department first received a request from Bus Éireann for authorisation to operate an hourly service on the Rosslare, Gorey, Dublin Road; when a decision will be made in relation to this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

A notification was received by my Department from Bus Éireann on 18 June 2004 for services between Dublin, Gorey, Arklow and Rosslare Harbour with a proposal to provide an hourly bus service between Dublin and Rosslare Harbour as well as a high frequency 30-minute service between Arklow and Dublin.

Bus Licensing Section of my Department informed Bus Éireann in writing on the 24 June 2004 that the notification was deferred due to two prior applications for passenger road licences from other operators for services on this route and that these applications fall to be considered first.

As one of these prior applications has now been finalised, Bus Éireann were contacted in writing on 7 April 2006 giving permission for the initiation of some of the proposed services on the route where the Department is satisfied that there are no competing licensed bus services. Bus Éireann was also informed that the initiation of some of the remaining proposed services in competition with the bus service that has been licensed, would require an application by them under Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958. Such an application is awaited.

The balance of the proposed Bus Éireann services may affect the consideration of the second application for licensed bus services by a private operator and a decision on Bus Éireann's proposal will be made when the consideration of that second application is finalised.

Regional Airports.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

157 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if a CAT11 navigational status to the Border Midland Western region will be awarded in order that the Border Midland Western region can reverse its enormous deficiency in direct air access; if, in view of the fact that Ireland West Airport, Knock presents the most viable and realistic opportunity in achieving this the necessary investment of €29 million required for 2005-2007 to meet infrastructure needs will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/06]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

158 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport his views on the central role that Ireland West Airport, Knock plays and can play in the development of the Border Midland Western region; the financial investments his Department has planned for this airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

My Department assists Ireland West Airport, Knock, through a range of financial support mechanisms. Since 2000, the airport has received in the region of €6.5 million in operational and capital support directly from the Exchequer. This ongoing support has greatly assisted the airport to maintain viable operations and to grow its business, particularly on UK routes operated by low-cost air operators, and I understand the airport is constantly seeking to expand its range of services.

My Department will continue to assist Ireland West Airport, Knock, in line with the relevant EU Guidelines on financing of airports and Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines.

A total of 100 million Euro will be available for investment in development and safety related infrastructure in all regional airports under the Transport 21 framework. As well as the continuation of grant assistance for essential safety and security capital expenditure under the NDP, Ireland West Airport, Knock will also be eligible for capital expenditure grants where demand for additional air services can be demonstrated and where an economic case can be made to justify increased investment. A new grant scheme is currently being devised and I expect to be in a position to announce details shortly. In anticipation of the finalisation of the new scheme, my Department is considering a number of projects for the Airport, which are intended to enable the developing Airport to comply with international standards to meet future passenger demand.

In addition to the proposed new capital grants programme, a new scheme of operational grant assistance, is currently being developed in line with EU Guidelines and will be launched later this year.

My Department also supports regional air access through the Essential Air Service Programme, by providing financial compensation to air carriers on PSO routes, such as Knock-Dublin, where carriers would not be prepared to operate on a commercial basis.

The Irish Aviation Authority has informed me that Cat 11 navigational status refers to the category of approach (landing) of an aircraft in certain visibility conditions and depends upon the infrastructure at the airport in question.

An upgrade in category status is a technical and complex matter and is the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority. Any airport wishing to upgrade would have to apply to the Authority who would consider the matter. While I have no role in the awarding of CAT II status, the funding implications could be significant and would have to be addressed by the company in the first instance before deciding to proceed with such a proposal. If the company were to seek Exchequer support under the new grant schemes this would have to be rigorously assessed.

Carriage of Weapons.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

159 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the scope of the review he has initiated into the carriage of munitions and dangerous goods, on foot of the incident in February 2006 in which a US plane claimed to have no cargo when in fact there was an attack helicopter on board, to include the carriage of prisoners and detainees. [16835/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

160 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the scope of the review he has initiated into the carriage of munitions and dangerous goods to include questions relating to the countries of origin and destination of such goods in view of the incident in February 2006 in which this State appears to have facilitated the sale of an attack helicopter to Israel and thereby further implicated itself in gross human rights abuses. [16836/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Parliamentary Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

The review I have initiated will deal with all aspects of the procedures relating to the carriage of munitions and weapons. I understand that the US authorities have confirmed to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the US has not used Irish airports for the transit of prisoners to or from the detention centre at Guantánamo or elsewhere. I also understand that the US side has confirmed that they would not transit Irish airspace or use Irish airports for this purpose without seeking the authorisation of the Irish authorities.

In view of assurances referred to above the review will not deal with transit of prisoners.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

161 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17023/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No. 446 of 8th November 2005. The Audit Committee at the Department of Transport is comprised of the following members:

(1) John Lawlor	External Member
(2) Liam MacLaughlin	External Member
(3) Andy Cullen	Department of Transport
(4) Pat Mangan	Department of Transport

The Chairperson is John Lawlor.

Offshore Islands.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

162 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas faighte aige do ché ar oileán Inis Bó Finne, Dún na nGall, an bhfuil sé á mheas faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16775/06]

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

Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse le déanaí ó Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall ar chúnamh le haghaidh Cé Inis Bó Finne a fhorbairt. Tá an cás seo á mheas faoi láthair i gcomhthéacs an airgid a bheidh ar fáil le caitheamh ar fhorbairt oileánda i 2006/2007 agus na n-éileamh éagsúil ar an airgead sin.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

163 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16785/06]

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

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference. I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

164 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17024/06]

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

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has a formally constituted Audit Committee in place comprising three external representatives, including the Chairperson, and one internal representative. The members of the Committee are as follows: Mr. Liam Ryan, Independent Chairperson, Managing Director of Professional Accounting Firm. Mr. Cyril Sullivan, Deputy Chairperson, Director of Finance at the IPA; Mr. Niall Kelly, Head of Internal Audit, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and, Mr. Colm Treanor, Finance Officer, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Audit Committee of my Department operates in accordance with the terms of the Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee provides independent and objective advice and acts as a support and resource to the Department and make recommendations on the internal audit function, financial matters, systems of internal controls and governance procedures.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

165 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff who were re-assigned within her Department as a result of the introduction of the single farm payment; the alternative duties to which such staff have been assigned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16700/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

To date the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) has led to the redeployment of 225 staff to a number of Government Departments and Offices including Revenue, Social & Family Affairs, Land Registry, Environment and Justice to operate the Garda PULSE system in Castlebar. Large numbers of staff have also been assigned to new duties within my Department including 300 staff to operate the SPS in Portlaoise.

Departmental Complaints Procedures.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

166 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of customer complaints received by her Department in each of the past three years; the breakdown of the main categories from which these complaints were derived; the response made to such complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16701/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The table shows a breakdown by category of the formal complaints made to my Department in the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. In accordance with the Department's Customer Complaints Procedure, complaints are acknowledged within five days of receipt. Each complaint is then fully and impartially investigated by an officer of my Department not involved in the matter under complaint and a substantive response issues within twenty working days. Details of the Customer Complaint Procedure are available on the Department Website and by leaflet at Department offices.

Category	2003	2004	2005
Delay in Payments	5	8	2
Delay in Response to Query	4	4	1
Delay in Processing Applications	2	Nil	Nil
Lack of Courtesy	2	1	2
Other	4	5	5
Totals	17	18	10

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

167 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will outline the formal complaints procedure which is available to the public in relation to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16702/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Formal complaints to my Department are logged on receipt and acknowledged within five working days. The complaint is then fully and impartially investigated by an officer who was not involved in the matter giving rise to the complaint and a substantive response is issued within twenty working days. The standard of service provided by my Department is outlined in the Departments Customer Charter 2005-2007 and Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007. Details of the Customer Complaints Procedure are available on my Departments Website and by leaflet at Department offices. It should be noted that this Complaints Procedure does not cover appeals concerning entitlement to any of the payments related to the schemes listed in the schedule to the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 as amended — these are dealt with by the Agriculture Appeals Office. Further, it does not affect a customers right to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

168 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that all district veterinary officers working within her Department are carrying out their duties in a uniform and standardised manner; the template which is available to such officers to ensure that such uniformity is applied on the ground; the audits in place within her Department to check that uniform procedures are being applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16703/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department's local offices are staffed by veterinary, technical and administrative staff and carry out a wide range of functions, including the administration of various schemes and services.

Many of these functions involve the administration of both EU and national statutory schemes and are administered by reference to standard instructions, including Departmental Circulars or Standard Operating Procedures. My Department is anxious that all functions are administered in a consistent manner across the network of offices at all times in the interests of equity to all our clients. Where any deficiencies are identified new instructions are issued and we regularly review our operating instructions to ensure that consistency of approach.

Like every other area of my Department, the local offices are subject to regular internal audits (all of which are reviewed by the Department's Audit Committee, the membership of which is primarily drawn from outside the Department) as well as external audits by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the European Commission (both the auditors of the Agricultural Guarantee & Guidance Fund and the Food & Veterinary Office).

Agrifood Sector.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of formal interaction between her Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to the development of the agrifood sector; the number of meetings which have taken place between officials from each Department in relation to this issue over the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16730/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

There are regular and varied contacts between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the development of the agri-food sector.

Officials from both departments participate, for example, in the Monitoring Committee of the Productive Sector Operational Programme under the National Development Plan, the National Functional Foods Forum, and various Enterprise Ireland committees including the Investment Committee and the Productivity Improvement Fund Committee.

At agency level, Bord Bia works closely with Enterprise Ireland on a range of activities to develop the agri-food sector and co-ordination in this regard has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the two agencies.

My Department will continue to work with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that Ireland's agri-food sector is developed to its full potential.

Animal Diseases.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

170 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animals entering here which were quarantined during 2005 and to date in 2006; the number of quarantine inspectors employed by her Department; the number of quarantine inspections carried out in both years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16743/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

During 2005, 414 animals were quarantined. To date in 2006, 38 animals have been quarantined.

Quarantine of animals is dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's District Veterinary Offices. These officers also have responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health and welfare, disease control etc.

A total of 35 quarantine inspections were carried out in 2005 and 7 were carried out to date in 2006. In many cases a number of animals would be quarantined as part of the same consignment.

National Development Plan.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

171 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of Exchequer funding allocated under the research stimulus fund of the National Development Plan from 2000 to date to research in the agri-food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16744/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Research Stimulus Fund Programme provides support on a competitive basis for "public good" research carried out by research institutions including the universities and Teagasc and is aimed at filling R&D gaps in research activity in production agriculture, environment, rural economy and policy related measures. The research results are made freely available. In the period 2001 to 2005 a total of €8.630 million in Exchequer funding was allocated to the projects selected in this period.

The Programme was broadened last year to incorporate biofuels research. Projects supported under this Programme will complement the research work being done by Teagasc and others in the biofuels area. Under the 2005 Programme 12 research projects were awarded grant assistance totalling €4.5 million. The research projects cover a broad range of areas including agri-environment, non-food crops and agri-food economics and will involve inter-institutional collaboration.

A call for research proposals for funding under the Research Stimulus Fund in 2006 was advertised earlier this year. The research theme areas includes land use for bio-energy purposes as well as agri-environment, animal and plant bioscience and agri economy and policy. An allocation of €4 million is available for this round in 2006.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

172 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason entitlements in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been consolidated to persons has not been consolidated to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16745/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The persons named submitted a Single Payment Scheme application on 11 May 2005 under herd number G2321032. They had established 153.72 entitlements under this herd number and having processed the application a payment in the amount €48,964.95 in respect of 134.59 entitlements issued on 16 December 2005. This payment represented the 134.59 eligible hectares declared on their 2005 Single Payment Scheme application.

An application to consolidate the 153.72 entitlements down to 134.59 entitlements under herd number G 2321032 was processed and a supplementary payment in the amount of €6,959.74 in respect of the 134.59 consolidated entitlements issued on 19 January 2006.

An application to transfer entitlements from herd number X 1170800 to herd number G 2321032 was received on 9 February 2006. These entitlements have now been transferred to herd number G 2321032 and the payment in respect of these entitlements will issue in the coming days.

The persons named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment 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- 2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

This case has been processed to completion and the persons named have now been granted an allocation. The National Reserve allocation has been applied to the consolidated entitlements. A formal letter setting out the details of this allocation will issue shortly.

If the persons named are dissatisfied with my Department's decision they will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

173 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason entitlements earned in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been transferred to a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16746/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The inheritance application submitted in this case has been successfully processed. The person involved is in the process of obtaining a Herd Number, and once this has been accomplished his Single Payment will issue.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

174 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason entitlements under the single farm payment have not been made available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16747/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted a Private Contract Clause application to transfer 5.57 of his 19.84 entitlements by way of a lease agreement under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. The application was successful, and the entitlements were transferred to the lessee. The applicant has been fully paid on his remaining 14.27 entitlements under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

175 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an application for single farm payment entitlements from the National Reserve by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16748/06]

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 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 scheme year.

The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for allocation of entitlements under National Reserve.

Following this decision the person named submitted an appeal to my Department enclosing additional documentary evidence in support of his application. My Department will now re-examine the National Reserve application in light of the new evidence provided and if the original decision is unchanged following this re-examination the case will then be forwarded to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee who will carry out a full review of the case. The person named will be notified of the outcome.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

176 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the result of an application for extra entitlements from the national reserve by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16749/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment 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- 2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

This case has been processed to completion and the person named has now been granted an allocation. A formal letter setting out the details of this allocation will issue shortly.

If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision he will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Milk Quota.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

177 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of milk quota sales which have had a clawback in each of the past five years; the numbers associated with an ERS participant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16765/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

178 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of milk quota leases which have had a clawback in each of the past five years; the numbers associated with an ERS participant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16766/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The term "clawback" was widely used in the 1990s to describe the forfeiture to the national reserve of a portion of a transferor's milk quota where the associated dairying lands were subject to transfer in certain circumstances.

The measure has not applied in the past 5 years. The European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000 changed the regulatory framework of the milk quota system compared to the situation which applied in the 1990s.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

179 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views regarding the possibility of milk quota racketeering associated with the ERS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16767/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Participants in the Early Retirement Scheme may be granted approval to establish new leases for land and quota, other than with family members, in limited circumstances only. In particular, as set down in the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000 such approvals may only be granted where the existing lessee has reasonable cause not to renew the lease.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

180 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the pool of milk quota available for temporary leasing in each of the past five years; the corresponding figure for private land and quota leases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16768/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The table outlines the quantity of milk quota offered into Temporary Leasing Schemes in each of the past five years, and the quantity of milk quota involved in land and quota leases in each of those years.

Quota year	Quantity offered into Temporary Leasing Scheme — all stages	Quantity of Quota leased with land
	(Million Litres)	(Million Litres)
2005/2006	94	91
2004/2005	30	194
2003/2004	159	250
2002/2003	201	236
2001/2002	185	300

Generally most land and quota leases run for more than one year, therefore the figures shown for a particular year combine the amount of quota subject to lease for the first time in the particular year, quota involved in leases commenced in an earlier year which continue in the particular year and the quota involved in leases renewed in the particular year.

Prior to 2003/04 a different method was used for compiling statistics for land and quota leasing, so figures for 2001/02 and 2002/03 may not be directly comparable with subsequent years.

The definitive figures for the 2005/6 Temporary Leasing Scheme have not yet been completed and the figure shown is an estimate only. A substantial part of the quota offered in 2005/6 was not allocated.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

181 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not receive the full amount of single payment scheme for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16769/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In general, the Single Payment Scheme in 2005 was applicable to farmers who actively farmed in all or any of the three reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, who were paid Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid payments in one or more of those years and who submitted a valid 2005 Single Payment Scheme application.

Based on the farming activity during the reference years, the person named established 16.02 entitlements with a net value of €174.23 per entitlement amounting to €2,791.16 in total.

An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received on 27 April 2005 from the person named. Payment amounting to €2,707.43, which represents the full payment, with the required reduction of 3% for Modulation, issued to the person named on 1 December 2005. That 3% deduction will be refunded in the near future to the person named, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations, as the total payment was for less than €5,000. In addition, payments amounting to €1,915.32 issued in 2005 in respect of applications made under the 2004 Livestock Premium Schemes.

In comparison, the 2004 Livestock Premia payments to the person named amounted to €2,856.75 and the applicant also received additional payments of €1,354.01 during 2004 relating to applications made in respect of the 2003 Livestock Premia Schemes.

Rural Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has studied the submission from the ICSA in relation to farm building grants, bureaucracy in farming, national rural development strategy, future of the sheep industry, market oriented farm production and World Trade Organisation talks; her proposals to address the concerns of the organisation; the extent to which she expects to alleviate the impact of these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16771/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department received the submission in question in the past week and it is currently being examined. A detailed reply will issue to ICSA in due course.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

183 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a publichearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16786/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Agriculture and Food.

My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J (2) of its amended terms of reference.

I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Grant Payments.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

184 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if full farm entitlements will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if all payments due will be expedited. [16792/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

An application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2005. Full payment issued in respect of his standard entitlements on 1 December 2005.

In addition, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A and Category B.

Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. 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 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

This case has been processed to completion and the person named has now been granted an allocation. A formal letter setting out the details of this allocation will issue shortly.

If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision he will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices oron the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

185 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a transfer of entitlements by inheritance will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16813/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application under the inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme. The applicant has been notified that he has been successful, and payment will issue shortly.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

186 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide a list of the membership of her Department’s audit committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17025/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture and Food consists of eight members, all but one of whom are external to the Department itself. The composition of the audit committee is as follows: Mr. John Donnelly, Chairman of the Committee. Mr. Donnelly is a Chartered Accountant and is Deputy Chairman of Hypo Real Estate Bank International. He was formerly Chairman of Deloitte & Touche. Professor Niamh Brennan. Professor Brennan is a Chartered Accountant and Michael MacCormac Professor of Management in the School of Business in University College Dublin. Mr. Michael Downes. Mr. Downes is the Group Internal Auditor of Córas Iompair Éireann. Ms M Claire O'Connor. Ms O'Connor is Chief Financial Officer of West LB Ireland and a member of the West LB CBB Audit Committee. She is a former Director of the National Disability Authority and ICC Bank plc and is an Authority member of Sustainable Energy Ireland. Mr. Eamon O'Connor. Mr. O'Connor is the Director of Internal Audit in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Ms Helen Nolan. Ms Nolan is a Chartered Accountant and is the Group Chief Internal Auditor with Bank of Ireland. Dr. John Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a Principal Officer in the Department of Finance, Public Expenditure Division. He has responsibility for the Agriculture and Food Vote. Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll. Mr. O'Driscoll is an Assistant Secretary General in the Department of Agriculture and Food. He has responsibility for financial systems, risk management and audit, and also for economics and planning.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

187 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a complaint (details supplied) will be investigated; and if local residents will be assisted in this matter. [16716/06]

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

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Registration of Title.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

188 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for registration under a dealing number by persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16733/06]

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

I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.

Citizenship Applications.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

189 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage of an application for naturalisation (details supplied). [16735/06]

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

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 25 November 2004.

The average processing time for such applications is 24 months at the present time. It is likely, therefore, that the application of the person concerned will be finalised in or around November 2006. I will advise both the Deputy and the person concerned as soon as I have made a decision in the matter.

Deportation Orders.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

190 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners released from prison in each of the past five years who were to be considered for deportation thereafter; and the number of such prisoners who have been deported. [16736/06]

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

There is no provision in Irish law for the automatic deportation of a non-national who has committed a criminal offence. It has long been the practice of Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to give consideration to deportation in particular cases where a non-national has been convicted of a serious offence. Until recent times such cases were relatively isolated and the volume was small. However due to the significant increase in non-nationals in recent years, I have introduced a more systematic approach whereby the case of every non EU national imprisoned is brought up for consideration. There is an ongoing information exchange involving my Department, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the Irish Prison Service. My Department and the GNIB are made aware of the release dates of convicted non-national prisoners falling due for release in the following twelve month period. Details of the offences involved are also included, as are the nationalities of the prisoners in question.

Any person to be deported must first be served with a written notice of intention to deport, as provided for under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) which advises each individual of the options open to them at that point in time, namely (a) to consent to deportation, (b) to agree to return voluntarily to their country of origin or (c) to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out reasons why they should not be deported. Where option (c) is availed of, any written representations submitted by or on behalf of the person in question is considered before a final decision is taken as to whether that person should be the subject of a Deportation Order. Each case is considered on its individual merits having regard to the gravity of the offence committed as well as other factors.

Statistics on this matter are not readily available in the form sought by the Deputy. I can say for the year 2005 to April 2006 that 7 non-EU National persons convicted of offences, and who served a prison sentence for same, have been issued with Deportation Orders. However it is not always possible to have the deportation procedures arranged so that a person who has finished his prison term is deported immediately. Of the 7 referred to above, 4 have been deported at this time. A further 4 persons have applied to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.

As the Deputy is aware the provisions relating to the removal of non-nationals from the State are currently being considered in the preparation of the forthcoming Immigration and Residence Bill.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

191 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of inmates in prisons here of non-Irish nationality; and the number of such prisoners to be considered for deportation after release. [16737/06]

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

There are currently 226 non-Irish national prisoners serving sentences for a range of offences coming from 44 different countries. This figure includes 109 non-EU nationals.

There is no provision in Irish law for the automatic deportation of a non-national who has committed a criminal offence. It has long been the practice of Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to give consideration to deportation in particular cases where a non-national has been convicted of a serious offence. Until recent times such cases were relatively isolated and the volume was small. However due to the significant increase in non-nationals in recent years, I have introduced a more systematic approach whereby the case of every non EU national imprisoned is brought up for consideration. There is an ongoing information exchange involving my Department, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the Irish Prison Service. My Department and the GNIB are made aware of the release dates of convicted non-national prisoners falling due for release in the following twelve month period. Details of the offences involved are also included, as are the nationalities of the prisoners in question.

Any person to be deported must first be served with a written notice of intention to deport, as provided for under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) which advises each individual of the options open to them at that point in time, namely (a) to consent to deportation, (b) to agree to return voluntarily to their country of origin or (c) to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out reasons why they should not be deported. Where option (c) is availed of, any written representations submitted by or on behalf of the person in question is considered before a final decision is taken as to whether that person should be the subject of a Deportation Order. Each case is considered on its individual merits having regard to the gravity of the offence committed as well as other factors.

Statistics on this matter are not readily available in the form sought by the Deputy. I can say for the year 2005 to April 2006 that 7 non-EU National persons convicted of offences, and who served a prison sentence for same, have been issued with Deportation Orders. However it is not always possible to have the deportation procedures arranged so that a person who has finished his prison term is deported immediately. Of the 7 referred to above, 4 have been deported at this time. A further 4 persons have applied to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.

Legislative Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

192 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in updating the Coroner’s Act 1962; his views on whether the report of the Working Group on the Review of the Coroner’s Service published six years ago provides the basis for reform; and when legislative action will be taken. [16738/06]

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

As indicated in the Legislative Programme announced by the Chief Whip on 24 April 2006, the Coroners Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to publication later in the year. My proposals for a Bill to comprehensively reform the legislation relating to coroners and the organisation of the coroner service are available on my Department's website having been approved by the Government for drafting.

The new legislation will radically overhaul and reform the coroner service. It will provide for a modernisation of the death investigation, post-mortem and inquest procedures so as to ensure a better service to society in general, and to the relatives of the deceased in particular, than is currently possible under the 1962 Coroners Act.

There are two critical elements involved in the reform of the service: development of optimum structures and administration for a modern coroner service and widening the scope of the inquest. The Bill provides for the establishment of a Coroner Service to be located in Navan, Co. Meath. On the establishment of the Service, full responsibility for coroners, including financial responsibility, will rest with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the involvement of local authorities will cease. The Bill gives effect to recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on the Review of the Coroner Service and it takes into account relevant jurisprudence of our courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

Deportation Orders.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

193 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people against whom unexecuted deportation orders have been made; and the steps he is taking in this regard in dealing with this situation. [16739/06]

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

The enforcement of Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. My Department's records show that, at present, there are in excess of 7,300 persons evading Deportation Orders or Dublin II Regulation Transfer Orders. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) believe that most of these persons have already left the State but, if found here, they are liable to arrest and detention for the purposes of removal.

In a number of cases, deportation orders have not been effected arising from challenges in the Courts by way of Judicial Review. There are, at present, 425 ‘live' judicial review cases ongoing and the enforcement of Orders in these cases is generally suspended pending the outcome of proceedings.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

194 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J (2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J (1) (a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16787/06]

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

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference. I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Asylum Applications.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

195 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of Ireland’s long emigration history and the positive treatment of its migrants by the US and other States, he will grant, on humanitarian grounds, leave to stay to the group of approximately 200 so-called aged-out minors, under-aged asylum-seekers who arrived in this State unaccompanied by adults and who have since turned 18 but remain on direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16817/06]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

198 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to grant leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds to approximately 200 aged out non-nationals who have been here for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16824/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 198 together.

I would refer the Deputies to my Replies to Dáil Question No. 91 of Wednesday 23 November 2005 and No. 456 of Tuesday 7 February 2006 in this matter. My position is as outlined in those Replies.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

196 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an independent inquiry will be held into the death of a person (details supplied); and if the family will be supported on this matter. [16818/06]

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

A Detective Superintendent from outside the relevant Garda Division was appointed immediately after the incident to carry out a detailed investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the person in question's arrest, detention and removal to hospital. The Garda authorities submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter and furnished a copy to me also. The Director issued instructions that no prosecution should ensue.

An inquest into this tragic death is ongoing at present. An inquest is an independent inquiry to ascertain the cause of death and the Coroner has statutory duties and powers, including the power to call witnesses. The Coroner cannot consider questions of civil or criminal liability. When the inquest has been completed and a verdict returned I will consider the matter further. I have already offered financial assistance to the person's family to facilitate their legal representation at the inquest.

Garda Strength.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

197 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí in the Clontarf, Raheny, Santry and Coolock Garda stations; and the percentage of their eight hour shift which is spent in the local community on the beat working with citizens. [16819/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2006 was 12,439. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,737 (or 16.2%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Community Gardaí in Clontarf, Raheny, Santry and Coolock Garda stations, as at 31 March, 2006, was as set out hereunder.

Station	Community Gardaí
Clontarf	6
Raheny	5
Santry	4
Coolock	9
Total	24

Garda management states that current Policing Plans in the Dublin 3, Dublin 5 and Dublin 9 areas are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for the residents. All community policing in the geographical areas identified involves the delivery of a full policing service in the heart of the community and in conjunction with local initiatives. Each member performs a full 8-hour tour of duty unless where necessarily deployed on other mandatory duties such as court attendance. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the areas in question.

I should also say that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of newly attested gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and a further 275 newly attested gardaí will come on stream every 90 days from here on in. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the areas referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.

Question No. 198 answered with QuestionNo. 195.

Garda Training.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

199 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the backlog in in-service firearms training; his views on whether the present arrangements are entirely inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that An Garda Síochána is actively progressing additional facilities for the provision of firearms training.

I have been further informed that while there was some backlog during the first quarter of 2006, it is expected that additional capacity will become available in the second half of the year and this will address the backlog.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

200 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the indoor firing range in Garda headquarters has been out of action; if so, the length of time it has been so; when it will again be operational; and the arrangements which have been put in place to provide alternative facilities for training purposes. [16832/06]

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

The Garda Authorities have informed me that they discontinued use of the indoor firing range in Garda Headquarters on the 17th December, 2005. Alternative arrangements have been put in place to facilitate Garda training. For security reasons the details of these alternative arrangements cannot be released.

A report from a company with specialist expertise in this area to identify the work required to allow the facility to be re-opened is being prepared. Once the Commissioner has considered the report, I expect a proposal to be submitted to my Department.

Garda Reserve.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

201 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide Deputies with a copy of all documentation produced by the officials in his Department, who visited areas in Britain in which specials are used, in reporting on that visit. [16833/06]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, I attended the National Conference of the Special Constabulary of England and Wales which was held on the weekend 31 March to 2 April. I was invited to attend the Conference by Mr. Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of the Cheshire Constabulary, who also holds national responsibility for the promotion and development of the Special Constabulary in England and Wales.

I was very glad to have the opportunity to hear at first hand the many positive experiences of special constabularies in England and Wales and to learn of their excellent relationships with the regular police forces there, and I have been very open in explaining what I observed.

Prior to my visit to Chester, officials of my Department and senior members of Garda management had visited the Home Office, the London Metropolitan Police and the Greater Manchester Police to research how the special constabulary operates in England and Wales, as part of the preparatory work for the formulation of proposals for the establishment of a Garda Reserve. These visits helped greatly in this work, and a wide range of information was acquired through material supplied by Chief Constable Fahy, meetings with officials, police and special constables, and attendance at the Conference.

While it would not be appropriate to publish all documentation associated with the visits, and given too that the range of information acquired could not be comprehensively captured in any individual document, I would be happy to respond as best I can to any specific questions the Deputy may have of our understanding of the Special Constabularies in Britain and their relevance to the proposals for a Garda Reserve.

Proposed Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

202 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the groups and bodies that he consulted before publishing the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005; and the extent of their involvement in the drafting process. [16837/06]

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

The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill gives effect to recommendations contained in the 2005 Report of the Law Reform Commission on Public Inquiries Including Tribunals of Inquiries. That final Report was preceded by the Commission's Consultation Paper of 2003. The Bill also gives statutory backing to several statements made by the Minister for Finance regarding fees payable to legal representatives of persons who are party to proceedings before tribunals of inquiry.

The Deputy will appreciate that consultations and representations continue as a feature in relation to a Bill following its publication.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

203 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/06]

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

The membership of my Department's Audit Committee is as follows: Mr. Jimmy Farrelly (chairperson), Ms Sylda Langford, Mr. Jim McHugh, Mr. Robert Woods and Mr. Frank Goodman.

Student Accommodation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

204 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to amend appendix 1 to section 50 of the Finance Act 1999 to include additional institutions and colleges (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16698/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Appendix 1 of the Guidelines on Residential Developments for 3rd Level Students issued under Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999 comprises a list of certifying educational institutions. Full time third level students attending a certifying educational institution, as defined in the guidelines, are eligible to occupy Section 50 accommodation certified by that institution.

In the circumstances whereby the primary objective of this scheme has been achieved, I am satisfied that the range of certifying educational institutions as detailed in Appendix 1 to the guidelines does not need to be broadened as advocated by the Deputy.

Departmental Agencies.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

205 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a student representative from Dublin Institute of Technology will be added to the board of the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16706/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

211 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider appointing representatives from the DIT Students’ Union to the Grangegorman Development Agency. [16712/06]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

223 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has allegedly formed the Grangegorman Development Agency without even consulting the largest stakeholder, that is, the Dublin Institute of Technology students’ union; and if she will ensure that this student body will have representation on the agency in question. [16812/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

225 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Dublin Institute of Technology students union will be included on the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if she will consult with them on this matter. [16820/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 211, 223 and 225 together.

I recently announced the appointment of Mr. John Fitzgerald, City Manager, Dublin City Council as Chairman of the Grangegorman Development Agency and I am now actively considering the other appointments to the Agency. In addition, I have recently written to the Minister for Health and Children, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Dublin City Council requesting their nominations for consideration under Section 17 of the Act.

The Deputies will be interested to know that Section 22 of the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 provides for the establishment, by the Agency, of a consultative group that is representative of all stakeholders interested in the development of the Grangegorman Site. I am pleased to advise the Deputies that the student body of the Dublin Institute of Technology is specified as a stakeholder under this section of the Act.

Schools Building Projects.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

206 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, she will consider allowing developers to provide funding for new schools as part of their contribution to the Part V provision; if there are any examples in the greater Dublin area of funding having been provided by this route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16707/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

207 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the procedure involved in terms of planning for additional housing demand and the necessity to provide additional schools to meet that demand within the greater Dublin area; the role of her Department in terms of consulting with local authorities in Dublin in relation to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16708/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

208 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of sites in the ownership of her Department in the greater Dublin area and their location, which have still to be developed as primary or secondary schools in the school building programme; the total number of new schools which plan to be developed over the next five years within the greater Dublin area; and their location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16709/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 to 208, inclusive, together.

Allowing developers to provide funding for new schools as part of their contribution under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I can inform the Deputy, however, the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as they currently stand, do not place any onus on developers to provide school sites other than at market rates. I am keeping an open mind as to whether legislative change might be of assistance or prove the best way forward here. In this regard, my Department has commenced exploratory discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I would remind the Deputy, however, that any changes in this area would require careful consideration on a number of fronts not least the constitutional right to property but also the implications for social housing requirements.

With regard to planning future provision, the general process of assessing and planning for the need for additional provision at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing and other developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places.

My Department is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans for comment. As a matter of course meetings are arranged with local authorities to establish the location, scale and pace of any major proposed developments and their possible implications for school provision.

Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department are strengthening contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision. For example, a specific forum, the Dublin School Planning Committee, chaired by officials of my Department, interacts with the Dublin local authorities. This forum comprises representatives of the local authorities in Dublin together with representatives of the Patron bodies of primary schools and works proactively in monitoring demographic changes and their likely impact.

Over and above this, as the Deputy will be aware, a new area based approach to school planning is being pursued by my Department. This involves a public consultation process and published area development plans which form a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a 10 year timeframe.

Specifically with regard to rapidly developing areas in Dublin, my Department is maximising the use of existing school facilities by providing extensions where site capacity allows along with the provision of new schools on Greenfield sites. This year alone, I authorised six primary school extensions, one post primary extension and six new primary schools to enter architectural planning in Dublin. This level of development is planned to continue with site negotiations at advanced stages for other school projects. There are 2 sites in the Dublin area in the ownership of my Department that have yet to be developed. One of these is at Kingswood Heights, Tallaght for a post primary school and the other site is in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin for a primary school. My Department is pursuing an ongoing programme of site acquisitions for school building purposes in many locations throughout the country including the Dublin area.

Capitation Grants.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

209 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is seriously committed to reducing the disparity in funding provided by her Department between voluntary secondary schools and community and comprehensive schools; the main mechanism to be used to ensure this reduction; if there is evidence of progress in this regard; if governance is an issue in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16710/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

216 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to second level schools (details supplied) in particular with the capitation grants and the huge shortfalls, the high cost of school insurance, more provision and services for special needs education, the disparity between private and state secondary schools and the widening gaps that are being created by this disparity; and if these issues will be made a priority. [16726/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 216 together.

The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding. There are however significant differences in the approaches to insurance cover and the funding of services such as for secretarial and caretaking services. In my view it is important to consider these issues in the wider context of the equalisation of funding arrangements across the second level system.

There have been significant improvements in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools in recent years. In addition to the increases in the standard per capita grant that now stands at €298 per pupil from January last, voluntary secondary schools have benefited additionally by the introduction of grants under the School Services Support initiative. The standard support services grant that was increased to €107 from January 2006, has been enhanced by a further €10 per pupil since January 2006 in the case of voluntary secondary schools bringing the overall grant in the case of such schools to €159 per pupil. This increased grant of €52 per pupil is paid in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 (€44.44 per pupil) per annum that have also been approved for voluntary secondary schools.

There has also been enormous progress in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special education needs. At second level, approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers who were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,102 whole time equivalent special needs assistants in our second level schools.

These significant increases in the funding of secondary schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

Departmental Programmes.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

210 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the proposed expenditure review of Youthreach and senior Traveller training centres is not being undertaken by her Department inspectorate which conducts whole school evaluation and subject inspections at second level. [16711/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

214 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the proposed expenditure review of Youthreach and senior Traveller training centres not being undertaken by her Department inspectorate which conducts wholeschool evaluation and subject inspections at second level. [16715/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 214 together.

The expenditure review of Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres referred to by the Deputies which is being conducted by my Department will cover all aspects of the Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres. This review will take a holistic view of the centres and will endeavour to identify where improvements can be made.

An evaluation of the educational provision in Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres is currently being undertaken by my Department's Inspectorate. This evaluation has been undertaken in 6 centres to date and will be undertaken in up to 30 centres in the period September to December. The evaluation by the inspectorate will be incorporated into the review of expenditure of these centres and a member of the inspectorate is on the Steering Committee which has been set up to oversee the review.

Question No. 211 answered with QuestionNo. 205.

School Transport.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

212 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a report from the transport liaison officer for County Cork in relation to the change in a special school bus route (details supplied); and the position regarding same. [16713/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

My Department has received confirmation from the Transport Liaison Officer for County Cork that negotiations between parents and Bus Éireann have resolved the situation to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

Youth Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

213 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position concerning an application by Limerick Youth Service for funding for a special project for youth in Rathkeale, County Limerick. [16714/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

A request for funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme has been received in my Department on behalf of the Rathkeale Outreach Youth Project.

My Department is at present giving consideration to this request and to other applications made for youth work funding in 2006, having regard to the overall level of financial resources available for the youth work sector.

A decision in this matter will be given as soon as possible.

Question No. 214 answered with QuestionNo. 210.

Disadvantaged Status.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

215 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has given consideration to the children who will lose out completely due to the conclusion of giving children an even break in June 2007; the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16725/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

222 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the impact which the loss of a rural co-ordinator to a school in County Mayo will have on the educational development of a person (details supplied) with special needs. [16795/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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

I can confirm that the child in question is in receipt of full-time special needs assistant support and 5 hours resource teaching hours per week in the school referred to. The allocation of these supports are based on the individual assessed needs of the pupil and are not linked in any way to the giving children an even break scheme.

My Department is currently considering the arrangements to be made regarding the clustering of the 320 rural schools under the School Support Programme and other rural schools retaining their entitlements under previous programmes for 2006/2007. Schools will be notified of the proposed arrangements in due course.

I am sure the Deputies would agree that it is important to make sure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities get all the extra support possible and will welcome the extra resources that DEIS will provide. I can assure the Deputies that there is no reason for schools that haven't been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. No school has been told that they will lose any resources as a result of DEIS.

DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Over the years, no less than 8 separate schemes for disadvantaged primary schools have been put in place. Some schools were benefiting from just one or two of these and others were benefiting from more. The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

While the whole rationale behind the new programme is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports, schools that are benefiting from existing schemes will keep the extra resources — financial and human — that they are getting under these initiatives for the 2006/07 school year. After that they will continue to get support in line with the level of socio-economic disadvantage among their pupils.

A review process has been put in place for primary and second-level schools that did not qualify for participation in the new School Support Programme (SSP) and that regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. The review process will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday 31st March, 2006. The school in question has applied to be included in the review process which it is intended will be completed by the end of the current school year.

Question No. 216 answered with QuestionNo. 209.

Schools Building Projects.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

217 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position concerning the provision of additional classrooms and school facilities for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; the progress made since 1 January 2002; her views on whether the position is satisfactory; and her Department’s timeframe for meeting the full needs of the pupils attending the school as satisfactory. [16740/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

It is not clear which school the Deputy is referring to as there are several primary schools in the area in question. If the Deputy provides specific details to the School Planning Section of my Department, it will be happy to provide him with an update on the project concerned.

Disadvantaged Status.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allowed to retain their rural co-ordinator post 2007; and if this school will be reviewed under DEIS to ensure that they are allocated adequate resources. [16741/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am sure the Deputy would agree that it is important to make sure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities get all the extra support possible and will welcome the extra resources that DEIS will provide. I can assure the Deputy that there is no reason for schools that haven't been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. No school has been told that they will lose any resources as a result of DEIS.

DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Over the years, no less than eight separate schemes for disadvantaged primary schools have been put in place. Some schools were benefiting from just one or two of these and others were benefiting from more. The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

While the whole rationale behind the new programme is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports, schools that are benefiting from existing schemes will keep the extra resources, financial and human, that they are getting under these initiatives for the 2006/07 school year. After that they will continue to get support in line with the level of socio-economic disadvantage among their pupils.

A review process has been put in place for primary and second-level schools that did not qualify for participation in the new School Support Programme (SSP) and that regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. The review process will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday 31 March, 2006. A Review application has been received by my Department from the school to which the Deputy refers. It is intended that the review process will be completed by the end of the current school year.

My Department is currently considering the arrangements to be made regarding the clustering of the 320 rural schools under the School Support Programme and other rural schools retaining their entitlements under previous programmes for 2006/2007. Schools will be notified of the proposed arrangements in due course.

Site Acquisitions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

219 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has issued direct instructions in regard to the acquisition of a site for a new primary school at Kill, County Kildare having particular regard to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 25 April 2006 and the continued safety threat to the children attending the presently located school; if she has received an indication as to the likelihood of early finalisation of the alternative site; if a solution has emerged following her Department’s discussions with Kildare County Council or the Office of Public Works. [16773/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy is aware, the Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works was requested to source a site for the new primary school at Kill, Co. Kildare. A suitable site for the new primary school at Kill, Co. Kildare has now been identified and an agreement on price, subject to contract, has been reached. The Office of Public Works is now awaiting receipt of the relevant Contract documents. It is my intention to progress the building of the school as soon as the site has been acquired.

School Closures.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

220 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of her meeting with the Christian Brothers in relation to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [16774/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following my meeting with the Christian Brothers Trustees yesterday, they have taken a decision to postpone the closure of the school to which the Deputy refers for another year. I welcome this development because it provides certainty for pupils, parents and teachers for the coming school year. Crucially it also allows my Department time to ensure that the pupils who would have expected a placement in the school in the coming years to have alternative placements. My Department can now work with the Trustees and those in other schools to achieve this.

Ionaid Oideachais.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

221 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an eol di an obair thábhachtach atá ar siúl ag ionaid oideachais Gaeltachta maidir le teagasc na Gaeilge sna scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna, an tábhacht atá le gach tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh, an bhfuil sé ar intinn aici iad a dhéanamh buan agus lánaimseartha; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16776/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Déanann an Teachta tagairt do chuid dos na hIonaid Oideachais sa líonra Ionad Oideachais atá suite go straitéiseach ar fud na tíre. Tá 21 Ionad Oideachais ag feidhmiú go lán aimseartha agus 9 gcinn ag feidhmiú ar bhonn páirt-aimseartha. Tá an líonra seo rí-thabhachtach maidir le polasaí mo Roinne i dtaobh fhorbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach a chur ar fáil d'oidí i gcomhthéacs cláracha náisiúnta sa churaclam agus chun freastal ar riachtanais ghairmiúla eile oidí a aimsítear sna cheantracha maguaird.

Cuidíonn an líonra Ionad Oideachais seo le forbairt ghairmiúil oidí tré cláracha inseirbhíse nua a chur ar fáil dóibh san agus don chomhluadar oideachais atá níos leithne. Chomh maith le san, cabhraíonn na hIonaid Oideachais leis na rannpháirtithe uile sa chomthionól oideachais áitiúil an lámh in uachtar a fháil ar dúshláin a thagann leis an athru. Cuireadh go mor freisin leis an gcomhoibriú san oideachas de bhárr na freagrachtaí nua a tugadh dos na hionaid Oideachais faoi théarmaí Acht Oideachais, 1998.

Tá mé sásta gur leor é, an liónra Ionad Oideachais atá ann faoi láthair, chun freastal ar riachtanais ghairmiúla oidí ag an tráth seo agus dár ndoígh beidh an scéal faoi athbhreithniú i gcomhtheacs riachtanais nua a thagann ar an saol.

Question No. 222 was answered with QuestionNo. 215.

Question No. 223 was answered with QuestionNo. 205.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

224 D'fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an nglacann sí leis anois go bhfuil na páirtithe leasmhara reachtúla go léir ar aon fhocal maidir le forbairt Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Ghaeilge Bhaile Mhuirne, a ceadaíodh ar dtús i 1999, cathain atá sé i gceist aici na páirtithe seo a thabhairt le chéile chun an cheist a phlé agus chun teacht ar aontú (sonraí tugtha), agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16816/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Tá fhios agam go bhfuil an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta sásta tacaíocht a thabhairt don Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge i mBaile Bhuirne.

Tá ceist an Ionaid á plé faoi láthair leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus déanfar cinneadh faoi chomh luath agus is féidir. Sa chomhthéacs sin tá sé ar intinn freisin dul i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe leasmhara.

Question No. 225 was answered with QuestionNo. 205.

Departmental Programmes.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

226 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 746 of 21 March 2006, if progress has been made regarding the walk tall support being extended to other areas of disadvantage outside of local drugs task force areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16838/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I understand that the Steering Committee of the Substance Misuse Prevention Programme has submitted to my Department a proposal with a number of options for extending the SMPP (Walk Tall Programme) to other areas of disadvantage which are outside the local drugs task forces.

The proposals are currently under examination by officials and this examination involves consultation with the Walk Tall Support Programme personnel to explore, amongst other issues, the feasibility of extending the Programme to areas of disadvantage which are outside the local drugs task forces.

Once this examination has been completed, I have been assured that a range of options in relation to any proposed extension of the Walk Tall Programme will be provided for my consideration in the context of demands for the service and available resources.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

227 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a list of the membership of her Department’s audit committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17027/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The membership of the audit committee in my Department is: Mr. Tom O'Higgins (External) (Chairperson); Mr. Dave Wilson (External); Ms Bernadette Lacey (External) Director General, Department of Social and Family Affairs; Mr. Paul Ryan, Principal Officer, Department of Education and Science; and, Mr. Pádraig MacSitric, Assistant Chief Inspector, Department of Education & Science.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

228 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J(2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J(1)(a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16789/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I assume the Deputy's question relates to my official position as Minister for Defence. My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference. I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

229 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Chairman of my Department's Audit Committee is Mr. Brian McDonnell, former Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. The second external member is Mr. John Blyth, retired Professional Accountant. The other members are the Department's two Assistant Secretaries and Head of Corporate Services; and the Defence Forces' Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) and Director of Administration.

Building Regulations.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

230 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions which have taken place between his Department and the house builder representative bodies regarding energy saving mechanisms for new house builds. [16693/06]

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

Views from the house building industry on proposals to improve the energy performance of new dwellings are generally secured by means of an open and transparent public consultation process.

In 2001, the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) submitted comments on draft proposals to amend Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations so as to prescribe stricter thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings. The Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), which includes a nominee of the CIF, was also consulted on the draft Part L proposals. The amending Part L Regulations came into operation on 1 January 2003.

In 2005, the IHBA submitted comments to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) on the draft Action Plan to implement the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002] in Ireland. I expect to approve the definitive Action Plan within the coming weeks.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

231 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that despite the recent revelations on RTE’s Primetime programme concerning the quality of water in group water schemes in County Mayo, the situation has not improved and that families in the area are still at risk from contaminated water; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that one group water scheme (details supplied) is in breach of EU Directive 2000/60/EC on the provision of clean drinking water; and if he will use the powers vested in him to ensure that an emergency supply of clean water is provided to the area concerned and the local primary school in particular; if professional personnel will be provided to monitor the quality of drinking water in the area until Mayo County Council is in a position to provide a treatment plant and palatable water; if he, who has provided substantial funding has satisfied himself with the response of Mayo County Council to the water quality situation in the county generally and in this area in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16704/06]

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

Funding for the development of the group water scheme sector is provided by my Department through annual block grant allocations to the local authorities under the Rural Water Programme. The overall provision for the Programme in 2006 is a record €133m.

I understand that issues relating to group scheme compliance with mandatory drinking water standards in County Mayo are largely confined to schemes that rely on substandard private surface and ground water sources. The strategy in the Action Plan drawn up by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee for bringing such schemes into compliance is to connect them to public water supply networks or, where this is not feasible, to provide on-site water treatment and disinfection facilities. Responsibility for the planning, approval and funding of such solutions is the responsibility of the local authorities under the devolved Rural Water Programme.

Earlier this year, in response to Mayo County Council's extensive group water scheme upgrading proposals, I approved an allocation of €17m for the county's group schemes under the 2006 Rural Water Programme. Some €10.75m from this allocation will be expended on the provision of treatment and disinfection facilities for up to 42 group water schemes, including the Fahy scheme, which, between them, serve over 7,000 households. A further €5m will be invested in connecting 20 more group schemes to public water supply networks. In addition, I will be providing significant funding to the Council to support the administrative and technical resources assigned to the planning and implementation of the Rural Water Programme. I allocated €390,000 to the Council under this heading in 2005.

I am satisfied that sufficient funding is being provided under the Rural Water Programme for Mayo County Council to expeditiously eliminate substandard group water scheme supplies and that the Council, in partnership with the group water scheme sector, is advancing the associated works as quickly as possible. As in previous years, in the event of Mayo County Council exceeding its current progress targets, I will consider making an increased allocation to them from any savings elsewhere.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

232 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [16705/06]

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

Following the receipt of documentation requested from Cork County Council, which is responsible for the detailed administration of the voluntary housing scheme in its area, further clarification has been sought and is awaited. When this is to hand the application will be further considered by my Department and the Council will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Radon Gas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the location showing highest levels of radon gas in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16723/06]

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

To date, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has carried out 776,838 radon measurements in homes in County Kildare. Of these, 4,144 were found to be above the National Reference Level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3), with the highest level being 1,114 Bq/m3 in a house in Naas.

As part of a nationwide survey of schools carried out at the request of the Department of Education and Science and which commenced in 1998, the RPII measured radon levels in 126 schools in the County. Of these, 24 schools had radon levels above the Reference Level of 200 Bq/m3 in at least one room, including 2 schools in Kilcock which had radon levels in excess of 1000 Bq/m3 in at least one room. The Department of Education and Science has provided funding for remedial measures in all of the schools with radon levels above the Reference Level.

RPII has also carried out radon measurement in 12 workplaces in Kildare. None of these workplaces was found to have radon levels above the Reference Level of 400 Bq/m3 for workplaces. I should mention that as the RPII are not the only organisation carrying out a radon measurement service, the actual number of workplaces that have been measured may be greater.

The Government has over the years, largely through the RPII, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. For many years now, the RPII has been encouraging householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary. Government efforts and resources, together with the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

234 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason proceeds of a sale of bog contained in a special area of conservation has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the status of the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/06]

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

Contracts submitted by the solicitor for the person named in relation to the sale of turbary rights only to my Department are currently being examined in the Chief State Solicitor's Office, in preparation for completion of the transaction. I understand that an offer to purchase the turbary rights only on a second parcel of land offered for sale will issue from my Department within the next two weeks.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

235 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received from the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments notification of a decision of the Tribunal under paragraph J(2) of its terms of reference, being a decision to proceed with a public hearing on a matter additional to the matters listed in paragraph J(1)(a) to (g) of those terms of reference; if so, the number of such notifications and the nature of the additional matter or matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16790/06]

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

I assume that the Question relates to my official position as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department has not received any notification of a decision by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters pursuant to paragraph J(2) of its amended terms of reference. I have no official role in relation to any such notifications that may have been issued to individuals on a personal basis. Such individuals are required by the Tribunal not to disclose that fact or the names of other persons written to.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he expects Ireland to comply with the Kyoto principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/06]

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

I expect Ireland to comply fully with its greenhouse gas limitation target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol. This will be achieved through: a variety of measures to reduce emissions throughout the economy, including those set out in the National Climate Change Strategy and measures adopted subsequently by Government; emissions reductions, or purchase of carbon allowances in lieu of reductions, by installations participating in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme; and use of the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms by the Government to purchase credits for carbon reductions elsewhere in the world.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families currently on local authority housing lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16802/06]

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

The most recent assessment of need for social housing, which was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005, indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists compared with 48,413 households in March 2002, a decrease of almost 10%. More comprehensive data on the assessment at an individual local authority level will be published shortly in the Annual Bulletin of Housing Statistics and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework. This will allow for some 23,000 new social homes to be commenced between 2006 and 2008; and some 15,000 affordable homes to be delivered. In total, some 50,000 households will benefit over the coming three years from an Exchequer capital investment package of close to €4 billion. Allied to this, a package of reforms is proposed to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility.

Local authorities have been urged to accelerate progress on the implementation of their housing programmes in order to commence construction and secure completion on as many social housing schemes as possible in 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the various local authorities will be instructed to increase shared ownership loans to a more realistic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he expects first time house buyers to purchase a home on foot of the maximum shared ownership loan which stands at €185,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.

The loan limit for the Shared Ownership Scheme was reviewed and increased with effect from 1 January 2006. The maximum loan that may be advanced by a local authority in respect of the share of the dwelling being purchased (minimum 40%) is €185,000. However, the cost of the dwelling may exceed this amount subject to the borrower's income being sufficient to meet the financial commitments involved under the scheme. Local authorities may also apply a house purchase price upper limit to reflect local market conditions, to ensure priority of funding for lower income groups and to avoid any significant impact on house prices in their area.

Local authorities assess each application for shared ownership on its merits, having regard, in particular, to the applicant's ability to make the necessary mortgage and rent payments. They ensure, in determining the level of finance approved or house price, that monthly outgoings do not exceed 35% of net household income. While there are no plans at present to alter the terms of the scheme, I am committed to keeping it under review.

Air Pollution.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has observed an increase in air pollutants as recorded at the various monitoring stations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16805/06]

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

Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data.

The EPA's Ambient Air Quality in Ireland Report 2004, published in January 2006 (available in the Oireachtas Library), contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2004 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants.

The EPA has not drawn my attention to any particular issue in regard to air quality on the basis of the most recent data available.

Question No. 241 answered with QuestionNo. 47.

Water Supply.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy and storage capacity of the domestic water supply; if adequate provision has been made for future requirements in view of economic and population expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16807/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 219 of 8 March 2006.

Question No. 243 answered with QuestionNo. 53.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action which has been taken to alleviate methane gas emissions from the main sewer at Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16829/06]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 216 of 8 March 2006.

Departmental Committees.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

245 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of the membership of his Department’s audit committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17029/06]

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

This Department's Audit Committee was established in 2004 and comprises the following five members: Jerry Killeen (former Financial Controller and Company Secretary, Dublin Port Company), Chairman; Eric Embleton (former Assistant Secretary, CMOD, Department of Finance); Donal O'Donoghue (former County Manager, Galway County Council); Noel O'Connell (Director of Audit, Local Government Audit Service); and, Michael Canny (Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government).

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Thursday, 4 May 2006

Environmental Policy.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Waste Management.

Jack Wall

Jimmy Deenihan

Nuclear Safety.

Emmet Stagg

Paul Connaughton

Private Rented Accommodation.

Seán Crowe

EU Directives.

Jan O'Sullivan

Planning Issues.

Trevor Sargent

John Gormley

EU Directives.

Kathleen Lynch

Recycling Policy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Building Regulations.

Bernard Allen

Departmental Reports.

Shane McEntee

EU Directives.

Olwyn Enright

Planning Issues.

Gerard Murphy

Water Quality.

Mary Upton

Michael D. Higgins

Marian Harkin

Election Management System.

Tom Hayes

John Deasy

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ruairí Quinn

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Social and Affordable Housing.

Martin Ferris

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Building Regulations.

Gay Mitchell

Dinny McGinley

Biodiversity Plans.

Eamon Gilmore

Recycling Policy.

Dan Boyle

Control of Dogs.

Dan Neville

Local Authority Staff.

Shane McEntee

Nuclear Plants.

Gay Mitchell

Paul Connaughton

Willie Penrose

Jack Wall

Environmental Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Planning Issues.

Simon Coveney

Gerard Murphy

Simon Coveney

House Prices.

Billy Timmins

Noise Pollution.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Environmental Policy.

Ciarán Cuffe

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 May 2006