Written Answers.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

36 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to introduce a bovine vaccination programme for tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23610/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

There is no TB-vaccine licensed anywhere in the world for use in a food producing animal and therefore there is no possibility of introducing a bovine vaccination programme for TB. Indeed, the position is that vaccine trials in the past demonstrated that vaccination did not prevent disease.

Apart from the foregoing, cattle vaccinated against TB could not be traded because they would be unable to comply with Council Directive 64/432/EEC on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine. This Directive provides that, prior to export, bovine animals for breeding and production must come from an officially tuberculosis-free herd and, in the case of animals more than six weeks old, must have reacted negatively to an intradermal tuberculin test carried out during the 30 days prior to leaving the herd of origin. Given the difficulties that would arise in distinguishing between real infection and vaccine immunity, vaccinated animals could not be certified as complying with the requirements of the trade Directive and the export of live cattle to other Member States would not be permitted.

I should point out that my Department, in conjunction with a badger vaccine research group based at University College Dublin, is currently seeking to develop a vaccine for badgers, which is not a food producing animal. It is accepted that the availability of such a vaccine is a prerequisite if eradication of tuberculosis from the cattle population is to be achieved. The objective of the project is to secure an orally delivered preparation of BCG vaccine for use in badgers that will result in lower TB levels in that species. With this in mind, a large scale field trial of BCG in badgers is planned to test the efficacy of the vaccine, as testing carried out to date under experimental conditions have shown encouraging results. However, any vaccine will not be available for wider use in the immediate future and the existing strategy will remain in place for some time.

In spite of the wildlife problem, there has been some progress in the eradication of the disease in the past 8 years: for example, the number of reactors in 2005 was just under 26,000 compared with 45,000 in 1998 and 1999. Nevertheless, the disease is still present in the country and a significant number of animals continue to be removed annually as reactors. The objective remains the eventual eradication of the disease but this objective is contingent on a successful wildlife vaccination programme, which is still some way into the future.

In conclusion, the consensus is that the existing test and slaughter policy is currently the only effective mechanism for dealing with the disease.

Animal Welfare.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

37 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers here; the funding provided by her Department to the ISPCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23608/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations, 2000. In addition there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens and to the slaughter of animals.

Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owners or keepers of the animals concerned. Welfare cases which come to notice are dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's District Veterinary Offices. These officers deal with the implementation of animal welfare legislation as well as having responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control etc. Funding is available to deal with emergency care, feeding, transport etc. of welfare compromised farm animals. I am satisfied that the resources available within my Department are sufficient to deal with such cases and to provide a high standard of animal welfare.

In 2004 the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) developed an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) for dealing with animal welfare cases involving my Department, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, their local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will thereafter be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner.

In addition to the foregoing, my Department makes ex gratia payments annually to organisations, including the ISPCA, involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their on-going work. To date we have provided a total of €5.97 million to such bodies, some €1.2m of which was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006. A provision of €1.1m for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006 and applications will be invited later this year for payments in respect of 2007. Between headquarters and affiliated branches approximately €543,000 has been paid to date to the ISPCA.

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the Garda in such cases.

Animal Remedies Regulations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

38 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the animal remedies regulations; the discussions to date with the EU on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23626/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As the Deputy is aware, the EU Directive 2004/28, which was transposed into law through the 2005 Animal Remedies Regulations, provided that veterinary medicines for food producing animals may only be supplied on the basis of a veterinary prescription, unless exempted from this requirement under criteria to be drawn up at EU level before 1 January 2007. However, I decided to avail of another provision in the Directive which permitted Member States to retain existing national prescription arrangements pending a decision at EU level on the exemption criteria. In effect, this enabled all existing 'off-prescription' medicines to remain off-prescription until the end of this year and farmers are continuing to get such medicines over the counter at pharmacies and licensed merchants.

The European Commission began a public consultation phase on draft exemption criteria last February. Our analysis of the draft criteria suggested that they would place severe restrictions on the range of medicines which could remain 'off prescription'. In view of this, my Department made a submission to the Commission in March last setting out the disadvantages associated with their draft criteria and arguing in favour of a more flexible regime under which greater discretion would be given to Member States in determining, on a scientific basis, the appropriate route of supply for veterinary medicinal products based on the risk/benefit profile of individual products.

Although the draft criteria were considered by experts from Member States at the end of March, the Commission has not yet adopted the draft criteria as formal Commission proposals. When they are eventually formally adopted by the Commission, they will be subject to further consideration and vote at the regulatory committee in Brussels. We will continue to press its position and seek to have criteria adopted which give the maximum discretion to Member States in determining whether individual veterinary medicines should become prescription only.

During the negotiations on the regulations last Autumn, I gave a commitment that I would review the national distribution arrangements in consultation with stakeholders in the light of the outcome of the exemption criteria aspect and, in particular, to consider whether persons other than vets should be permitted to prescribe veterinary medicines. In light of this, it is evident that, if the criteria are not altered significantly, my Department will revisit the prescribing aspects of the 2005 Regulations.

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

39 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure the survival of the agri-food sector with particular reference to the implications of the WTO and the need to recognise this country’s role as a food producer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24567/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan was produced by my Department to map out the actions needed to ensure the ability of the agri-food sector to compete in a changing national and international food market.

This Plan sets out the vision for the future of the sector in the light of a more liberalised trade regime arising from the WTO negotiations, changes in food market trends, consumer tastes and demands, and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing. The Plan is based on three key drivers:

Competitiveness: As an export-oriented sector, the agri-food must be highly competitive on EU and international markets if it is to survive.

Innovation: The modern food industry is a highly sophisticated knowledge based sector and it is essential that the knowledge-base and technical skills of the Irish industry are developed to place it in a world leading position.

Consumer Focus: Meeting consumer demands on product, presentation and price is critical to continuing success.

The Plan contains over 160 specific actions designed to ensure that the Irish agri-food sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of its knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing. The main actions proposed are as follows:

Strengthening Competitiveness at Farm Level

At EU level, Ireland will continue to negotiate an appropriate support framework that will secure a competitive milk production sector within the EU and export competitiveness on world markets.

A substantial change in the milk quota system will commence in 2007. This will be designed to release greater quantities of milk quota at a faster rate than heretofore to committed dairy farmers. This is a very important development for our commercial dairy farmers and should improve scale, efficiency and general viability of diary farms.

The genetic improvement of both beef and dairy herds will be pursued to improve milk and meat yields.

Beef processing plants will be encouraged to refine quality related pricing systems to encourage production of high quality carcases which meet consumer preferences. They should also engage in partnership and supply chain management arrangements with individual beef producers to actively match specific consumer requirements with product delivered.

The Government will continue its strong political and diplomatic effort to maximise the access of Irish meat and meat products to international markets and to seek to remove any inappropriate technical barriers that block entry to such markets.

The prospects for the sheepmeat sector will be improved through the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Sheep Industry Strategy Group.

Strategic funding will be provided for capital investment projects in the horticulture sector that contributes to this sector's overall competitiveness.

Investment aid and further support measures are being introduced for the organic sector.

Teagasc will implement a comprehensive advisory programme with specialist enterprise advisors to promote the adoption of proven and innovative farm production.

Strengthening Competitiveness in the Food Sector

A high-level group of CEOs of the food agencies, chaired at ministerial level, will be established to implement a fully consolidated approach towards the development of the food sector, as a whole.

Bord Bia will strengthen its strategic market intelligence capability and will develop its promotion and market development services with clear targets and objectives to meet current and future challenges.

Bord Bia has set a target of doubling the value of food and drink exports to the Far East over three years.

A Centre of Excellence will be established to service the market development needs of small businesses.

A Food Industry Committee will be established to identify and address issues impeding the development of the sector.

Innovation & Research

The food industry currently only spends about 0.3 % of sales on R & D. To survive and develop, the level of both public and private investment in the industry will have to change as will the level of applied research on product development.

Research funding for Teagasc and the food industry is made available through the competitive research funding programmes, the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM), the Research Stimulus Fund (RSF) and the Forestry Measure (COFORD). Funding of food industry applied research is also available through Enterprise Ireland.

Further support will be provided for R & D and market development projects in the context of the national Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2103 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

My Department is actively working with Teagasc, Bord Bia and third level institutions to improve industry research collaboration so as to foster early dissemination of food research by industry and adoption of new technologies and processes by farmers. This is an aspect of R & D which must be strengthened to underpin a competitive and profitable Irish agri-food sector.

My Department's veterinary and agricultural research laboratories will operate as science based centres and will be integrated into the national research infrastructure

The results of food R & D will be rapidly disseminated through RELAY.

My Department will play an active role in the development of a cohesive national policy approach to biofuels to ensure that maximum use is made of renewable energy materials from agriculture and forestry. Currently, the Department is finalising two new schemes in the area of renewable energy. The first is a new scheme of supports for the purchase of specialist wood biomass harvesting equipment. The second is a scheme to grant-aid the planting of willow, as a further source of bio-energy.

The Department also uses the Research Stimulus Programme to encourage research projects on biofuels and other non-food use of crops. Teagasc is also committing additional resources to this area.

Consumer Focus

My Department, in conjunction with other Departments/Agencies, will provide consumers with 'country of origin' information on beef and as soon as possible thereafter follow this up with similar information on other meat products.

Our traceability systems provide consumers with an unrivalled level of assurance on safety and are among the best in the world. This advantage needs to be highlighted for consumers and also to gain competitive advantage for our exports.

The School Milk Scheme is being updated and re-launched

The operation of the Consumer Panel is being reviewed and strengthened to ensure that an up-to-date consumer viewpoint is available on all Department activities.

Bord Bia is working to extend the Quality Assurance schemes to the main agricultural products.

The implementation of the Action Plan will increase the competitive and innovative ability of the sector and enable it to prosper in a more liberalised trading environment.

Animal Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

40 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action her Department is taking arising from the discovery of equine infectious anaemia here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24615/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department has confirmed the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in horses from two separate establishments in Co. Meath. My Department's immediate priority has been to identify the extent of the disease and to trace the direct and indirect contacts from the infected premises. The two premises in question are now both under restriction for trade purposes.

My Department has been tracing those horses which, since 1 March 2006, have passed through the premises on which the infected horses were located. Results of blood tests from other horses on the infected premises have, to date, been negative for EIA. The Department had also advised any other Member States to which horses were exported from the infected premises since the suspected date of infection and the date of confirmation and all blood test results from any such horses have, to date, been negative, though they are not yet complete.

As a further precaution, and in the interests of horse owners, trainers, stud managers and the bloodstock industry, my Department has advised that all horses that may have moved during the breeding season be tested for any evidence of the disease. Approximately 900 test results on horses in 20 different premises carried out by owners/trainers/stud managers throughout the bloodstock industry have all been negative for EIA.

Based on our enquiries and the knowledge acquired to date, including all of the negative test results of which we have been made aware, we have no reason to believe that the disease is any more widespread than those cases of which we are currently aware.

Our enquiries are continuing with regard to the source of the disease. However, our initial investigations suggest that the source of the disease may have been from imported equine serum that was inadvertently or accidentally contaminated with the EIA virus prior to importation.

Until our investigations in this regard have been completed it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on this aspect.

Milk Quota.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

41 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the reform of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23629/06]

Following the outbreak of avian influenza in late 2003 in south-eastern Asia, caused by a highly pathogenic strain of the virus, the European Commission adopted a series of protection measures in relation to the disease. These measures included, in particular, the placing of additional movement controls on birds accompanying their owners into the EU from third countries and the prohibition of import into the EU of captive birds from third countries. These restrictions are currently in force and, under a new proposal, will remain in place until at least the end of 2006.

The EU-wide provisions of the Commission Decision concerning the movement of birds accompanying their owners, stipulate that the import of exotic birds into the EU from third countries (accompanying their owners) can only take place in the context of a permanent change of residence and is then limited to importations of individual consignments of five or fewer birds. Stringent conditions must be complied with, including pre or post-importation quarantine, vaccination and laboratory testing of birds for avian influenza at entry into the EU.

Advance notification of all such importations must be given to my Department and, since 1 January 2006, there have been only 3 such consignments notified.

Intra-community trade in exotic birds, however, is permitted under EU rules, which do not specify a quarantine requirement. Such imports must comply with the requirements of a General Authorisation issued under the European Communities (Diseases of Animals Acts, 1966 and 1979 Orders) (General Authorisations for Imports) Regulations 1985, which provide that the birds must:

come from a holding which has been registered for export by the competent authority of the country of origin in accordance with Article 4 of Council Directive 92/65/EEC;

come from a holding in which Avian Influenza has not been diagnosed in the 30 days preceding the dispatch;

come from a holding and an area not subject to restrictions under Council Directive 92/66/EEC introducing Community measures for the control of Newcastle Disease;

be accompanied by a declaration to this effect completed and signed by the owner of the hobby birds on the day of movement;

in the case of psittacidae, be accompanied by a certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the country of export.

In addition to these requirements, advance notice is required to be given not less than 24 hours prior to the intended date of importation and for animal disease control measures, an official notification of the consignment (TRACES) is dispatched from the District Veterinary Office of the country of origin to the District Veterinary Office of the country of destination.

While my Department does undertake some inspections at points of import, it is precluded, by EU rules, from inspecting all import consignments. However. a spot-check regime is in place based on risk assessment for disease purposes.

In the context of avian influenza, my Department has introduced a robust range of precautionary measures and fully implements all EU controls, including those relating to the importation of exotic birds. It should be noted that imports of pet birds from within the EU represent a relatively low risk to Ireland's health status, compared with wild birds whose entry into this country cannot be controlled or certified by competent authorities.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

45 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the future utilisation of lands previously used to grow sugar beet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23613/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Following the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme last year, farmers now have the freedom to choose whatever farming enterprise is most appropriate to their circumstances. Under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime, the Single Payment Scheme is being extended to cover sugar beet compensation.

The sugar reform agreement also provides for the introduction of aid for diversification measures in the event that sugar beet production completely ceases. This aid, worth almost €44m, would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme. Under the draft Commission implementing regulation, which has still to be published, Ireland will be required to provide a restructuring plan to the Commission by the end of this year.

Farmers are showing increasing interest in the potential of energy crop cultivation for biofuel purposes, as was evident from last week's 'Agriculture and Food 06' event organized by Teagasc. Support to farmers for growing such crops is provided under the Energy Crops Scheme. The current aid level of €45 per hectare available under the Scheme has not proven to be sufficiently attractive in itself to stimulate the growing of such crops. I raised this matter at the Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting last February and I am pleased to say that the EU Commission has undertaken to review the operation of the scheme this year.

The production and utilisation of agricultural products for energy purposes can only be sustained in the longer term if biofuels generate a more favourable return than traditional market outlets. I am confident that the extension in the last Budget of excise relief of €205m which, when fully operational, will support the use and production of 163 million litres of biofuels annually, will help drive additional demand for the production of energy crops. I am working directly in this matter with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who has overall responsibility for energy policy.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

46 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Teagasc Report on the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24596/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As part of the work related to the establishment of efficient and effective GM coexistence measures I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the Agri-Food industry from the use of GMOs in crop and livestock production. Teagasc have completed their study which was based on two scenarios:

(i) The economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soyabean and maize livestock feed ingredients; and

(ii) The economic implications of GM-free crop cultivation in Ireland for certain crops.

In the first scenario the study showed that substantial additional costs would be placed on the livestock sector, particularly on specialist dairy and beef farmers, if they were to use only certified GM free soya and maize in feedingstuffs. In the second scenario the study examined five hypothetical GM crops which could be grown here — herbicide tolerant sugar beet, Septoria resistant winter wheat, Fusarium resistant winter wheat, Rhyncosporium resistant spring barley and blight resistant potatoes. This study showed that increased profits could be generated for growers of these crops compared to their conventional equivalent. However, the study showed that there could be a significant cost in relation to Identity Preservation for conventional growers in a coexistence arrangement.

I will arrange to have a copy of the Teagasc Report sent to the Deputy within the next couple of days.

Animal Health Policy.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

47 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which the development of animal health policy is being pursued in the context of north south cooperation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24586/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations north and south on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national levels on disease control and surveillance issues and have worked together to combat illegal movements of animals and animal products. During the Foot and Mouth emergency of 2001 the co-operation and consultation at official, Ministerial and political levels was vital. Likewise, both administrations are currently co-operating and sharing information on measures relating to avian influenza.

The establishment of the North South Ministerial Council (NCMC) offered an opportunity to build on existing co-operation arrangements and provided a framework for the development of an all-island animal health policy.

The main objectives of the Council are to foster co-operation and to devise a common, unified animal health strategy for the island as a whole. This involves the convergence of animal health policies and the development of joint strategies for dealing with animal diseases. The ultimate objectives are to establish a common import regime and equivalent internal arrangements with a view to achieving free movement of animals and animal products within the island.

The programme of work mandated by the NSMC strategy, has been taken forward by nine working groups at official level. The remit of these groups includes TB and Brucellosis, TSEs (BSE and Scrapie), veterinary medicines, other Zoonoses and animal diseases, disease surveillance, animal welfare, import and export of live animals and animal products, animal identification, traceability and cross-border aspects of fraud.

These working groups meet regularly and their work has focused on three main themes:

Common or equivalent controls at points of entry to the island;

Convergence of internal animal health policies; and

Development of joint strategies for the control of animal disease.

The main achievements to date are the development of a co-ordinated and complementary approach towards import policies and portal controls at points of entry to the island, the convergence of policies in regard to animal identification and Scrapie and the strengthening of co-ordination and co-operation between both administrations on a variety of issues such as TB, Brucellosis, FMD, BSE, Avian Influenza, cross-border fraud etc. These groups continue to report progress on exchange of information and in implementation of initiatives aimed at policy convergence and the development of a common unified strategy for the island as a whole.

The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council includes representation from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, (DARD). DARD was also represented at recent meetings of the Avian Influenza Advisory Group and will also be represented at future meetings of the Group.

Since the decision at EU level to lift the BSE ban on exports from the United Kingdom from 3 May 2006, arrangements are in place and working well between the two administrations facilitating the trade of cattle from Northern Ireland for slaughter, breeding and production.

The achievement of an all-island animal health strategy involves complex dialogue and negotiation over a range of areas between the Irish, Northern Irish and British authorities. Ultimately, the agreement of the European Union will be required.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

48 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she intends to take to address the problems experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows, as a result of proposals which do not allow them to split their lands for grant aid purposes between REPS funding and funding allocated under the SAC and SPA designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23637/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Commission has confirmed to my Department that the action plan in question has been received from the Brazilian Authorities and is being assessed by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Communities (FVO). This assessment also includes a second action plan that was required from the Brazilian Authorities in response to the findings of a subsequent mission to Brazil carried out from 23 November to 1 December 2005 concerning the evaluation of the control of residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products, including controls on veterinary medical products.

The FVO will report on its assessments to the European Commission and, where action is considered necessary to ensure the safety of food and the protection of consumers and animals in the EU, appropriate proposals would be formulated and submitted to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) on which my Department is represented.

In the current WTO discussions in the Council, I have pressed very strongly the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations. I have taken every opportunity to remind the Commission of the importance of equivalence in standards, particularly in relation to all exporting countries, including Brazil.

I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from Third Countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU Member States. In this context I have been in direct contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr Markos Kyprianou concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union.

The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. He has pointed to the adoption of safeguard measures in relation to imports, for example, in the matter of dealing with the risk to the EU of the spread of high pathogenic avian influenza, in the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and in the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as demonstrating the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS agreement).

I recently brought to the attention of the Commissioner the findings of an Irish delegation of farmers and journalists who visited the meat producing regions in Brazil and my Department is also seeking assurances from the Commission that the FVO will undertake further missions to Brazil to evaluate the implementation of the action plans submitted by the Brazilian authorities. In the meantime additional health certification requirements have been introduced for imported beef from Brazil under Commission Decision 2006/259/EC requiring guarantees concerning animal contacts, vaccination programmes and surveillance. These provisions took effect from 31 March 2006 and are checked by EU approved Border Inspection Posts through which all 3rd country imports must first be submitted.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

52 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking to develop an alternative energy sector based on agricultural land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23635/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

66 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to develop the biofuel sector; the discussions she has had with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23641/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

71 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will accede to the IFA request for a substantial increase in payments for energy crops with €125 per hectare being recommended for oilseed rape, elephant grass and so on to ensure a viable return on such crops. [24631/06]

John Perry

Ceist:

97 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures which she intends to take to promote alternative renewable energy from agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23634/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 66, 71 and 97 together.

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has overall responsibility for energy policy and is leading a cross-Departmental, cross-agency approach in developing and implementing renewable energy policy. As Minister for Agriculture and Food, I have a special interest in the development of the renewable energy sector — and of biofuels in particular, given that agriculture is the source of most of the raw materials used to manufacture biofuels. My Department has accordingly been working closely with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the matter.

Biofuels is one element in the development of renewable energy. Agriculture and forestry has the potential to be the source of many feedstocks for biofuels. For example, oilseed rape, wheat and sugar beet can be used for the manufacture of liquid transport biofuels, while forestry by products and other farming and food by-products such as meat and bone meal and tallow, can be used for energy/heat generation. Tallow can also be used for biodiesel production. Other energy crops such as short rotation coppice and miscanthus can be used for heat and electricity generation.

Apart from the need to lessen dependence on fossil fuels for environmental and cost reasons, the development of biofuels, through the growing of energy crops, presents a new opportunity for rural communities and economies. The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which was agreed in 2003 gives farmers the freedom to exploit new farming opportunities, including agricultural production for non-food uses.

Support to farmers for the growing of energy crops may only be granted in accordance with EU regulations. Currently, such support is provided by way of the Energy Crops Scheme which was introduced under the reform of the CAP and which is administered by my Department. Under this scheme, energy crops may qualify for aid of €45 per hectare provided they are intended primarily for use in the production of biofuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass. In addition to this scheme, set aside land can be used for a variety of non-food uses including the growing of crops for energy purpose and will therefore qualify to activate set-aside entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme. The EU has agreed that sugar beet will be eligible for aid under the scheme and may also be grown as an energy crop on set aside land. The aid of €45 per hectare available under the Energy Crops Scheme has proven not to be sufficiently attractive in itself to stimulate the growing of such crops. For this reason at the February Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting I called for a review of the premium and I am pleased to say that the EU Commission has undertaken to review the operation of the scheme.

The production and utilisation of agricultural products for energy purposes can only be sustained in the longer term if biofuels generate a more favourable return than traditional market outlets. I am confident that the extension in the last Budget of excise relief of €205m which, when fully operational, will support the use and production of 163 million litres of biofuels annually, will help drive additional demand for the production of energy crops.

On the wider agricultural and energy policy agenda, biomass is of increasing importance and significance. Biomass energy in Ireland is mainly derived from wood products, which are converted into heat. I believe that the exploitation of the wood resource especially pulpwood, sawmill residues and harvestable forest residues offers enormous potential and could contribute significantly to our energy and heat requirements. Ireland has an excellent growing climate and an ongoing supply of raw material for wood fuel.

Wood residues are already being used to produce heat for sawmills across the country and the wood energy market is poised for growth with a number of commercial start-ups and a supply chain emerging. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources recently launched two schemes to help drive demand for wood biomass. The €27m "Greener Homes" grant programme for the domestic sector to support investment in renewable energy heat technologies such as wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves, among other items, has proven to be extremely popular with over 2,500 applications for grant aid submitted so far. A further €22m in grant aid is being provided to support investment in commercial renewable heat technologies and will provide up to 30% grant aid to allow companies and small businesses install wood chip and wood pellet boilers in large buildings and commercial premises.

My Department is also actively promoting the use of wood biomass through grants to promote and develop sustainable forestry, including alternative timber uses and we are close to finalising a scheme of supports for the purchase of specialist wood biomass harvesting equipment. We are directly promoting the use of wood biomass by the installation of a wood heating system at the Department's offices at Johnstown Castle.

Short rotation coppice and miscanthus have considerable potential for heat/electricity generation. In Ireland, however, the production of short rotation coppice is relatively undeveloped. Thus costs of production, especially the substantial initial establishment costs, will be high due to lack of economies of scale. My Department is currently pursuing a proposal to reactivate establishment grants for short rotation coppice. I have received a number of proposals for the introduction of establishment grants for miscanthus and these are also being considered.

Meanwhile my Department in conjunction with Teagasc and COFORD has examined the potential of energy crops, wood biomass and farming and food by-products. Last year, we began providing direct funding, on a competitive basis, to support priority research projects in relation to biofuels. This funding is channelled through the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. Five of the projects selected under the 2005 and 2006 calls for proposals directly relate to biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of some €1.5m.

Apart from purpose grown energy crops and wood biomass, there are several by-products of the farming and food processing industries that can be recovered and used in various ways as biofuels. These are mainly animal by-products such as meat and bone meal, tallow, animal manures and food by-products. There are significant opportunities for the use of animal by-products as biofuels some of which are being considered actively. Commercial realities are driving these proposals. The disposal of by-products imposes a cost on industry and it makes economic sense to offset this cost by realising the potential of the by-products as an energy source.

The importance of biofuels and bioenergy is recognised in the AGRI Vision 2015 ACTION Plan and I will continue to work closely with my colleague the Minister for Communications Marine and Natural Resources to ensure that agriculture contributes to the development of biofuels as part of a coherent energy policy.

Food Industry.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

53 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the food forum in the north east which took place on 12 June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24590/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

This forum entitled "Market Focus for Small Food Enterprises" was the second in a series of regional food fora organised by my Department and An Bord Bia to promote regional and local food production. This was geared towards small food producers and would-be food producers in Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath. The event comprised an address by Minister of State with responsibility for food, Brendan Smith, a panel of speakers who shared their experiences and insights, opportunities for food producers to network with development agencies and a showcase of products from the region.

Presentations were made by John Mc Kenna, author of the Bridgestone Guides, and by Muiris Kennedy, Bord Bia's Marketing and Services Director, on the market opportunities that exist for speciality food products. Another feature of the event was the launch of the North East Food & Drink Directory — a comprehensive food directory which Bord Bia had compiled and which gives details of food producers in the region as well as development agencies at local and national level.

The forum was attended by some 70 food producers from the four counties. Bord Bia is currently evaluating the impact through questionnaires issued to attendees and the early indications are that it was very favourably received and useful.

Milk Quota.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

54 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take to ensure, that the views of a recent Europe-wide study published by the European Association of Agricultural Economists, that in the absence of milk quotas Irish milk output would soar by 40 per cent; her views on the outcome of this study; her further views of the likely difference in milk output if milk quotas were withdrawn; her further views on the opinion that even if such a study’s outcome is unlikely, in view of the fact that milk quotas are not likely to be abolished in the near future, the projected outcome reflects badly on the progress of diversification in agriculture here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24616/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of the study to which the Deputy refers.

The Milk Quota System was introduced in 1984 to control the over-supply of milk in the EU, and the Mid Term Reform of the CAP has ensured its continuation until 2014/15. However, this reform is due to be reviewed in 2008. The fact is that the Milk Quota System exists and will continue to exist at least for some years yet.

My role, as Minister for Agriculture and Food, is to ensure that the areas within my scope of influence operate in a manner that enables our agriculture generally, and in this case the dairy sector, to remain competitive and thereby continue to develop and support farmers' incomes. It is clear, in the light of the Prospectus Report on the dairy sector and the Mid Term Review CAP reform decisions, that increased scale at producer level is needed to achieve competitiveness in the dairy sector and to maintain producer incomes.

In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007. I made this decision because the current restructuring model will not meet the future needs of the industry and a more effective response is required in order to meet future competitive pressures. This is crucial given the growing competition faced by the sector both internally in the EU and on international markets. These competitive pressures will increase as we move towards the conclusion of a new WTO agreement. I want to ensure that the Irish dairy sector is well prepared for these challenges while also having the capacity to secure its share of global growth in demand for dairy products.

Farm Consolidation.

John Deasy

Ceist:

55 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to increase land mobility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23611/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

There has been some improvement in farm structures in recent years, however, low levels of land sales and land mobility can be obstacles for those who wish to enter farming or expand the size of their holdings. The volume of agricultural land being offered for sale is at historically low levels while land prices have risen dramatically.

The amount of agricultural land sold has declined by 71% between 1995 and 2004, while the average price of agricultural land has increased from €5,641 to €16,261 per hectare over the same period. Clearly, the lack of land available for sales combined with high sale prices can act as constraints on some farmers. In order to overcome this, many farmers who wish to expand production are opting to lease or rent farmland. Approximately one-fifth of farm land was leased in 2003, the latest year for which data is available.

In order to encourage land mobility, and to reduce the costs of land transfer, the Government has a number of incentives in place, these include:

An Early Retirement Scheme pension of up to €13,515 for a period of 10 years on farms transferred by gift, sale or lease.

An installation aid grant of €9,520 for young trained farmers.

Capital Gains Tax — Retirement Relief for farmers over 55 years.

A rental income tax exemption of up to €15,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 7 years or more.

A rental income tax exemption of up to €10,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 5 to 7 years.

A 90% Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax.

The provision of full Stamp Duty relief for young trained farmers.

Stamp Duty relief for land swapped for the purpose of farm consolidation between two farmers.

These incentives helps to improve land mobility through early farm transfer, encouraging leasing and land swaps. These, in turn, help improve the availability of land to farmers who wish to enter farming or increase their scale of production.

Cattle Breeding.

Jimmy Devins

Ceist:

56 Dr. Devins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on recent developments in cattle breeding here. [24480/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Up to the 1990s my Department operated a series of cattle breed improvement measures including milk recording, on farm weight recording, genetic evaluations, development of livestock improvement programmes, and the management of the Central Bull Performance Testing Station at Tully, Co. Kildare. In the 1990s there were a series of initiatives to reduce the Department's involvement in cattle breeding improvement and at the same time to provide a structure that would facilitate more rapid genetic gains in the Irish herd. A feasibility study funded under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry (OPARDF) in 1995 confirmed an industry led proactive approach to cattle breed improvement with some State leadership and involvement as the best way forward. This led to the establishment in 1997 of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), which is an organisation mainly controlled by the industry. ICBF's goal is to achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the national cattle herd for the benefit of Irish farmers, the dairy and beef industries and its members. My Department is mindful of the key role that ICBF needs to play if Irish agriculture is to prosper in the future and has since the inception of ICBF in 1997 provided a total of €10.7m (through grant aid (€5.4m) and NDP/OPARDF (€5.3m) to the organisation to assist it in pursuit of its very challenging goals.

In addition to taking over functions from the Department of Agriculture and Food, ICBF has made a great deal of progress in relation to the collection, storage and evaluation of the data that is so essential for cattle breeding. ICBF has developed database systems used for cattle breeding in a way that eliminates duplication and facilitates the efficient collection of a wider range of accurate information than was the case heretofore. The ICBF database is now operational for dairy, beef, milk recording, beef performance recording, genetic evaluations and herdbooks. The current database offers greatly increased functionality compared with that offered by previous systems. It also has significantly improved the accuracy and scope of both beef and dairy genetic evaluations. As beef and dairy breeding decisions are increasingly based on these more accurate genetic evaluations, the profitability of beef and dairy farming is being advanced. ICBF is delivering to the industry and to farmers improved information on which they can make decisions based on knowledge. This is of growing importance in the current era of "de-coupling".

My Department contributed funding to the successful Spring AI campaign this year which is aimed at improving the low uptake of AI in Ireland. The promotion was coordinated by ICBF in partnership with the AI organisations and Teagasc. An increase in the usage of AI is vital to ensure rapid genetic progress in the National cattle herd.

The development by ICBF of the EBI or Economic Breeding Index has helped farmers identify easily how much extra profit a farmer can expect to make through using a particular bull in his herd.

Recent developments in relation to making use of new technologies by the introduction of Electronic DIY milk recording and portable handheld computers for AI technicians are also very valuable improvements to the National Cattle breeding Infrastructure.

I am pleased to report that my Department has contributed funding under the NDP 2000-2006 to Milk Recording Service providers to assist them with the purchase of new equipment, which will enable them to offer farmers the option of Electronic DIY Milk Recording. This represents a major advance on the Milk Recording Service on offer to farmers heretofore. I expect that the result will be a more efficient service for both the individual farmer and the service provider, which should lead to an increase in the number of farmers participating in milk recording and as a consequence making more data available for genetic evaluation. This is very significant given the vital role that Milk Recording plays in the National Genetic improvement programme.

The Irish AI industry has traditionally been small and fragmented. Commercial pressures have led to increases in costs and a reduction in revenue. The recent establishment of the National Cattle Breeding Centre will deliver economies of scale and structures that will afford opportunities to expand existing breeding programmes for both dairy and beef breeds with the ultimate aim of delivering optimal genetics for Irish farmers to increase their profitability.

The approved Cattle Breed Societies have made excellent and vital contributions of time, data, funds and resources in a cooperative approach to ensuring cattle breeding is enhanced. They have also played a major role in educating farmers about the goals that are achievable through better cattle breeding.

I believe that we are making great progress on cattle breeding. Credit must go to all parties involved, the IFA, ICMSA, AI Companies, Milk recording Companies, ICBF, National Cattle Breeding Centre and the Breed Societies in what truly is a partnership process with a common aim of facilitating the greatest possible genetic gain in the national cattle herd. It is the firm intention of my Department, with the cooperation of all industry partners over the next ten to twenty years to make Ireland a leading world centre in cattle breeding.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

57 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the EU stipulation of rules governing the co-existence of genetically modified organism products and conventional products; when the outcome of the consultation on co-existence arrangements conducted by her Department in 2006 is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24588/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Following the decision by the EU Commission that the rules and regulations governing the coexistence of GM crops alongside non GM crops was to be a matter for national authorities, my Department established an interdepartmental/interagency Working Group in August 2003 to identify the issues and implications for Ireland of the cultivation of GM crops and to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure efficient and effective coexistence. With the benefit of EU Commission Guidelines, set out in Commission Recommendation 2003/556/EC, the Working Group completed its work in December 2005 and a public consultation process followed. I am now in the process of considering the observations received from that consultation process and I will take these into account along with the recommendations made in the Report. I hope to be in a position to bring forward some draft legislation on strategies and procedures to facilitate coexistence of GM and non GM crops by the end of the year.

Farmers’ Markets.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

58 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will now answer Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 18 May 2006 as to whether she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-establishing community run farmers’ markets. [24635/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 10 of 18th May last, under the Casual Trading Act 1995, local authorities have responsibility for market rights within their functional areas.

Bord Bia, under the aegis of my Department, works closely with the local authorities and State agencies to ensure that this route to market is exploited fully for the benefit of local food producers and entrepreneurs.

Forestry Industry.

Ollie Wilkinson

Ceist:

59 Mr. Wilkinson asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the contribution forestry makes to the environment here. [24475/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

62 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure the maximum possible uptake of the farm waste management grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23599/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The revised Farm Waste Management Scheme has been publicised widely.

In addition my Department has participated at a number of information meetings arranged by the farm bodies around the country. My Department has also arranged a number of seminars at various locations for private/Teagasc planners involved in the Scheme.

Scheme documents are available in each local Agricultural, Environment and Structures office of my Department and also on the Department's website.

I am satisfied that those farmers who might wish to participate in the Scheme are well aware of its existence and conditions. Since March 2006, when I launched the Scheme, nearly 4000 applications have already been received.

Animal Remedies Regulations.

John Perry

Ceist:

63 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of her application to the EU Commission for an exemption list under the animal remedies regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23605/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As the Deputy is aware, the EU Directive 2004/28, which was transposed into law through the 2005 Animal Remedies Regulations, provided that veterinary medicines for food producing animals may only be supplied on the basis of a veterinary prescription, unless exempted from this requirement under criteria to be drawn up at EU level before 1 January 2007. However, I decided to avail of another provision in the Directive which permitted Member States to retain existing national prescription arrangements pending a decision at EU level on the exemption criteria. In effect, this enabled all existing 'off-prescription' medicines to remain off-prescription until the end of this year and farmers are continuing to get such medicines over the counter at pharmacies and licensed merchants.

The European Commission began a public consultation phase on draft exemption criteria last February. Our analysis of the draft criteria suggested that they would place severe restrictions on the range of medicines which could remain 'off prescription'. In view of this, my Department made a submission to the Commission in March last setting out the disadvantages associated with their draft criteria and arguing in favour of a more flexible regime under which greater discretion would be given to Member States in determining, on a scientific basis, the appropriate route of supply for veterinary medicinal products based on the risk/benefit profile of individual products.

Although the draft criteria were considered by experts from Member States at the end of March, the Commission has not yet adopted the draft criteria as formal Commission proposals. When they are eventually formally adopted by the Commission, they will be subject to further consideration and vote at the regulatory committee in Brussels. We will continue to press its position and seek to have criteria adopted which give the maximum discretion to Member States in determining whether individual veterinary medicines should become prescription only.

During the negotiations on the regulations last Autumn, I gave a commitment that I would review the national distribution arrangements in consultation with stakeholders in the light of the outcome of the exemption criteria aspect and, in particular, to consider whether persons other than vets should be permitted to prescribe veterinary medicines. In light of this, it is evident that, if the draft criteria are not altered significantly, my Department will revisit the prescribing aspects of the 2005 Regulations.

Food Labelling.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

64 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its report into breaches of food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23649/06]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

70 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its report into breaches of food labelling laws of 90 food businesses completed in 2004; the action which her Department has taken following the reporting of breaches in the legislation under its control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23596/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

146 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws in view of their report to her Department of breaches in the law under her jurisdiction following an investigation of 90 food businesses completed in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23595/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 70 and 146 together.

The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out by the relevant official agencies. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, my Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.

My Department is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues. Any issues which arise in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including enforcement of labelling legislation, are discussed where necessary, in this context. Prior to the recent introduction of labelling regulations extending the beef regulations to the catering sector, my Department held a number of meetings with the FSAI to ensure that appropriate enforcement procedures would be put in place.

My Department received the elements of the FSAI report that referred specifically to plants that came within its remit. These related to 11 premises and were all minor breaches. The issues identified by the FSAI audit were addressed by my Department to the satisfaction of the FSAI.

Martin Brady

Ceist:

65 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the labelling of beef by the catering and restaurant sector. [24482/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

98 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will introduce country of origin labelling within the catering trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23650/06]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

119 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the success of the voluntary arrangement with the catering industry, for labelling of beef with country of origin; when she expects to be able to include poultry meat in this scheme; her further views on a voluntary code of labelling with country of origin for foods other than beef; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24607/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

144 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the voluntary code for country of origin labelling within the catering trade has been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23651/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 98, 119 and 144 together.

Regulations for the purpose of beef labelling in the restaurant and catering sectors have now been made by the Minister for Health and Children, making the provision of country of origin information on beef in these sectors mandatory. These Regulations, entitled Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 307 of 2006), will come into operation on 3 July 2006. They require that a food business operator providing prepared beef to consumers shall not (a) advertise beef for sale or supply, (b) present it for sale or supply, or (c) sell or supply it unless the country or countries of origin of the beef is indicated at the point of advertising, presenting, sale and supply in clear legible type on the advertisement, menu or other presentation used.

The introduction of these regulations followed a period of consultation with the Department of Health and Children, the FSAI and the representative bodies for hotels, restaurants and pubs on the details involved including their enforcement. These regulations will be enforced by the FSAI through checks to be carried out by Environmental Health Officers throughout the country.

While the enabling legislation passed by the Oireachtas in March of this year also facilitates the extension of country of origin labelling to all meats, due to different systems of traceability and some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. In addition, the EU Commission is opposed to Member States introducing legislation in this area that is in excess of common EU requirements. Serious challenges could arise in the implementation and enforcement of national legislation that is not underpinned by harmonised EU provisions due to such factors as the amount of processing and repackaging operations that poultry, in particular, may be subjected to before arrival in this country.

Consequently, the preferred way forward is that the EU Commission would progress the question of country of origin labelling of all meat. I wrote earlier this year to the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection requesting that consideration be given to extending the rules in regard to country of origin labelling at EU level in relation to poultry in particular because of concerns raised in the context of developments on Avian Influenza. I also raised the matter in the Agriculture Council some months ago and will continue to take every opportunity to press for progress on this matter.

I am glad to say that the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the EU Commission has recently commenced a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area, under a document entitled 'Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU'. I have arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat in particular to the Department of Health and Children who are co-ordinating the Irish contribution to this process.

With regard to the implementation of the voluntary code on beef labelling in the catering sector, I am unable to give specific information as a detailed survey was not carried out. This voluntary code will now be superseded by the new Regulations with effect from 3 July 2006.

Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Afforestation Programme.

Donie Cassidy

Ceist:

67 Mr. Cassidy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the prospects for forestry plantings in 2006. [24467/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Demand under the afforestation scheme has been less than anticipated this year. However, my Department has issued substantial numbers of approvals already and it is still possible that afforestation levels can be held at, or close to, 2005 levels. However last estimates at present are that planting levels will be around 8,000 hectares for the year.

I would like to remind farmers of the attractiveness of the current scheme. 100% of the costs of planting are covered and tax-free premiums of up to €500 per hectare are available for a full 20 years at present. In addition, farmers can plant up to 50% of their land, and draw down the relevant forestry premium, without affecting their Single Payment. The current package is without doubt the most attractive that has ever been made available and I would urge farmers, and indeed all land-owners, to strongly consider the opportunities that forestry offers.

Fruit and Vegetable Sector.

John Gormley

Ceist:

68 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties for potato growers; and the improvements by way of grant assistance and so on she will make for this sector. [24633/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department has provided substantial grants for both the ware potato and seed potato sectors in recent years. In 2005 grant aid amounting to €0.56m was paid to the industry of which €458,000 was paid to ware growers and €98,000 to the seed growers.

The funding available for the seed potato sector in 2006 is €1.5m. These funds are made available through the National Development Plan and are aimed at developing a modern seed potato industry. Applicants can apply for grant aid up to a maximum eligible investment of €400,000 for each phase of the scheme. To date 14 approvals for investment have been issued under phase 1 and a further 16 applications are being considered under phase 2 of the scheme.

Food Labelling.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

69 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to establish an All Ireland food label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23619/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I am supportive of initiatives to promote food on all-island basis where this is of mutual benefit and leads to closer economic co-operation. An Bord Bia, as part of its statutory role in promoting the development of Ireland's food and drink industry works in close co-operation with its counterpart in Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland (INI). Joint promotions and events have been successfully organised especially in the speciality food sector. Bord Bia is currently discussing a formal Inter Agency Agreement to provide for structured ongoing co-operation in food promotion at International Trade Fairs, retail promotions on the UK market, co-operation on developing the speciality sector on an all island basis and market research and intelligence.

The development of an all-island animal health policy is however a necessary prerequisite to the establishment of an all-island food label. The development of the animal health policy is being actively pursued in the context of North/South cooperation. In addition an all-island food label would require negotiation between the relevant authorities regarding its status and conditions for use and general acceptance from consumers and buy-in by producers and processors island-wide.

Question No. 70 answered with QuestionNo. 64.

Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Forestry Industry.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

72 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views regarding the situation where farm forest owners over the past six years received no increase in premium despite large overheads and cost of living increases. [24626/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I am aware that the premium paid to forest planters has not been increased since 2000. The premium levels are under review at present.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

John Curran

Ceist:

73 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the grant assistance available in the bio-energy and agri-environment areas under the research stimulus fund. [24473/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The areas of bio-energy and agri-environment are of particular interest due to the environmental advantages of biofuels, the increasing cost of fossil fuels, the opportunity farmers now have to explore alternative farm enterprises and the current requirements on farmers to farm in an environmentally friendly way. In view of this the call for proposals under the Research Stimulus Fund Programme in 2005 and the new round of research proposals being funded under the 2006 Research Stimulus Fund Programme includes both of these areas.

Under the 2005 Research Stimulus Fund Programme, 12 research projects were awarded grant assistance totalling €4.5 million. The research projects selected for funding cover a broad range of areas including agri-environment, non-food crops and agri-food economics and will involve inter-institutional collaboration. 3 of the projects selected for funding relate to research projects involving biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of some €0.9 million. 5 of the projects selected relate to the agri-environment area and were awarded total grant assistance of €2.6 million.

Funding, recently awarded for the new round of research proposals under the 2006 Research Stimulus Fund Programme, provides grant assistance totalling €18m to 35 research projects and will involve inter-institutional collaboration. The research projects selected include also the theme areas of animal and plant biosciences in addition to the non-food uses of agricultural land, agri-environment and agri-economy and policy. 2 of the projects selected for funding relate to research projects involving biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of some €0.6 million. 8 of the projects selected relate to the agri-environment area and were awarded total grant assistance of €6.2 million.

The research will support sustainable agricultural production in its broad sense, particularly development and use of knowledge in the biosciences in order to exploit new and emerging opportunities that support competitiveness and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The projects being funded both under the 2005 and 2006 programmes should produce benefits not only for producers but also for the wider community. They will also contribute to improved collaboration between various research institutions and to the establishment of critical mass in certain research areas.

World Trade Negotiations.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

74 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the content of her recent discussions with the EU Trade Commissioner in relation to the World Trade Organisation arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24614/06]

Jim Glennon

Ceist:

75 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her assessment of the state of the World Trade Organisation negotiations; and her efforts to protect the agriculture sector here. [24477/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

91 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the WTO talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23628/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

95 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to protect agriculture here in the forthcoming World Trade Organisation talks; if the EU Commissioner for Trade is visiting Ireland in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24613/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

100 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Bohl, reportedly intends to go beyond her mandate in signing off an agreement for the EU at the World Trade Organisation negotiations; and if she and the Government will request that no signing of an agreement takes place before the Council of Ministers has considered and decided on details and implications of draft proposals from the WTO talks in Geneva. [24629/06]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

141 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the Doha round negotiations of the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24592/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 75, 91, 95, 100 and 141 together.

The current negotiations on a new WTO Agreement, which cover a broad trade liberalisation agenda, have been under way since they were launched in Doha in November 2001. Significant progress towards concluding an agreement has been made in the Framework Agreement which was reached in August 2004 and at the Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December 2005. The Hong Kong Conference set clear deadlines for the completion of the negotiations on agriculture. End April 2006 was set as the deadline for the completion of the modalities, or detailed provisions, of the new agreement and a deadline of end July 2006 was set for the submission of schedules, or specific commitments, by all WTO member countries. Despite intensive negotiations, the end of April deadline has passed without the planned progress on modalities. A further WTO Ministerial meeting will be held later this week, commencing on 29 June in Geneva, with a view to making further progress towards a final agreement.

In overall terms, I am seeking a balanced WTO agreement both as between the different aspects of the negotiations and between the various elements of the agreement on agriculture. My overriding objective is to ensure the final agreement will not require a further reform of the Common Agriculture Policy. This represents the limit of the EU Commission's negotiating mandate as agreed, and endorsed on several occasions, by the Council of Ministers. The Commission negotiates in the WTO on behalf of the EU and is obliged to seek the agreement of the Council to amend the mandate or to commit the EU to an agreement which exceeds the mandate. The Council of General Affairs and External Relations Ministers will be meeting in special session in Geneva this week to monitor progress and to provide direction to the Commission in the ongoing negotiations. EU acceptance of the final agreement will have to be approved by the Council.

I have had bilateral meetings with the Commissioners for Trade and Agriculture and Rural Development earlier in the year and I outlined to them in the clearest terms that the Commission must remain within the terms of its negotiating mandate and protect the CAP from further reform. I have also expressed my position in the strongest possible terms in the Council of Agriculture Ministers at every opportunity in recent months, most recently at the 19 June meeting. My colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs also stated the Irish position at the meeting of the Council of General Affairs and External Relations Ministers on 12 June. I have been, and will continue, to work closely with Ministers in like-minded Member States to seek support for my position. While the Commission has indicated that the EU should move once there is significant movement in relation to various issues by the negotiating partners, I am not aware of any statement by the Commission that it will exceed its mandate.

A recent planned visit by Commissioner Mandelson was cancelled. I am not aware that arrangements are being made to reschedule this meeting in the near future.

I will be attending the WTO Ministerial meeting in Geneva later this week and I will continue to take an active role in seeking the best possible outcome for Irish and EU agriculture in the negotiations. My specific priorities are:

On domestic supports, to ensure that the EU's system of decoupled direct payments to farmers continue to qualify as non-trade-distorting payments under the so-called WTO Green Box and so remain exempt from reductions under the new round,

On Export Subsidies, to ensure that full parallel elimination of all forms of export subsidies is undertaken by all WTO member countries, as agreed in the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong, and that the most flexible phasing-out arrangements for EU export refunds are achieved,

On Market Access, to retain the maximum possible level of protection against increased imports into the EU, especially in sectors in which Ireland has particular interests, through minimising tariff cuts, establishing sensitive product status where necessary and through the continuation of an effective Safeguard Clause.

EU Directives.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

76 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23620/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. The Regulations came into effect on 1 February 2006, but the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government then announced a brief de facto deferral of the implementation of Part 3 of the Regulations dealing with nutrient management. This was to allow time for Teagasc to submit revised scientific advice, which was received early in March.

Detailed proposals for amendments to the Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 18 May. There have since been discussions and other contacts between officials of the two Departments, Teagasc representatives and the European Commission.

The proposals, which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has put forward, were developed in conjunction with my Department and with the input of Teagasc and address a range of important issues identified in the Teagasc submission and raised by the farming bodies. I am satisfied that the changes proposed to the Commission will be of major benefit to Irish farmers, in that they will provide them with greater flexibility in complying with fertiliser limits and simplify certain aspects of the Regulations.

Farm Waste Management.

Peter Power

Ceist:

77 Mr. P. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for aiding digesters and other new technology to deal with pig and poultry manure arising from the application of the Nitrates Directive. [24469/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I recently announced the introduction of a new Scheme, the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On-Farm Waste Processing Facilities, which will provide grant-aid for up to ten projects throughout the country which will demonstrate the advantages of new technologies, such as fluidized bed combustion or treatment plants comprising of anaerobic or aerobic digestion, for the processing of livestock manure or mushroom compost.

The maximum investment ceiling per project is €1 million and the grant-rate is 40% , thereby bringing the total State contribution to a maximum of €4 million.

The Scheme which forms part of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 will close for applications on 31 December 2006.

Animal Diseases.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

78 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to reduce inheritable wind disease in National Hunt stallions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23594/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Under the provisions of The European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competition) Regulations 2004, SI 399 of 2004, I am empowered to grant approval to a person, an international association or organisation for the purposes of maintaining a stud-book subject to compliance with the requirements of the relevant legislation in force. Weatherbys Ireland GSB Limited is the organisation approved to maintain the Thoroughbred studbook in which National Hunt stallions in Ireland are registered.

The legislation provides for keepers of approved stud-books to divide the main section of their stud-book into classes according to the animal's merits. Therefore, approved studbooks can choose to classify animals in their studbook according to their merits' (such as the inheritance of wind disease) in order to discourage the breeding of animals with a genetic defect.

I do not propose to interfere in the day to day business of approved stud book keeping organisations.

Sugar Beet Industry.

David Stanton

Ceist:

79 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food steps which she is taking to protect sugar beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23623/06]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

85 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedure she intends to employ when distributing the compensation envelope to those within the sugar industry who face substantial losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23612/06]

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

89 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures to be employed to distribute the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23615/06]

Paul Kehoe

Joan Burton

Ceist:

80 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the recent EFSA report on the incidence of salmonella in eggs in a number of European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24610/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The baseline study on the prevalence of Salmonella in flocks of laying hens, which is the subject of the recent EFSA preliminary report, was conducted in all EU countries during the year from October 2004 to September 2005. The study consisted of an extensive sampling and testing programme. In Ireland's case the testing of samples was conducted in my Department's Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.

The baseline study is the first element of a strategy to control salmonella in table eggs throughout the EU. A target for the reduction of Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium has recently been set. The target indicates the percentage reduction in positive flocks that each country must achieve. As from 2008 there will be a legal requirement for each laying flock in the EU to undertake its own programme of salmonella testing and there will also be a scheme of official testing. With effect from 1st January 2010 eggs from the following flocks may not be sold for consumption as table eggs: flocks not complying with the required testing regime and related controls specified in national control programmes, flocks of unknown health status, infected flocks and flocks suspected of being infected.

The EFSA report indicates a worrying level of salmonella in some Member States and it is important to public health that the EU should press on with the strategy that is in place to remedy this problem. I am glad to see that no case of S enteritidis or S typhimurium was found in Ireland in the course of the baseline study and only 4 cases of Salmonella with no public health significance were detected. This puts us in a small group of countries with an excellent status on Salmonella. This is due in no small part to the proactive and responsible attitude taken by the Irish egg industry over the years. The Bord Bia Egg Quality Assurance Scheme has also been a significant driver in promoting egg safety and most eggs sold at retail level come under this scheme. My Department will continue to work with the industry to ensure that this favourable situation continues.

Milk Quota.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

81 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the nature of the solid progress she and her Department have made in the continuing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to her decision in relation to the move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24594/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007.

My Department and I are progressing with the ongoing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to my decision. This has comprised of meetings with the relevant farm organisations and with representatives of the milk-processing sector and individual co-ops. The issue of future milk quota policy has also been discussed with the participating farm organisations at the partnership negotiations. Furthermore, there has been contact with colleagues in other countries with experience of operating more open market systems.

We are continuing with a comprehensive analysis of the issues raised and the options for dealing with them, with a view to designing an appropriate transfer mechanism. Further consultations will take place before finalising the new system, and the operational details will be announced in good time to allow for all parties concerned to make appropriate plans before the start of the 2007/2008 milk quota year.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

82 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she has taken or proposes to take to ensure that all meat and poultry sold here accurately reflect the country of origin and that traceability, health, hygiene, husbandry and processing procedures are in accordance with EU and Irish law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24568/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Regarding the labelling of beef, this is governed by comprehensive EU regulations which were introduced in 2000 and are underpinned by a full national animal identification and traceability system. These compulsory labelling regulations require all operators and organisations marketing beef within the Community to provide information on the label to enable the beef to be traced back to the animals from which it was derived and the information must include details on the slaughterhouse, de-boning hall and the country in which the animal was born and reared.

These requirements apply to all beef sold at retail level regardless of whether that beef was produced within the Community or in a Third Country. Where beef is imported into the Community from a Third Country and all the above details are not available, that beef must, at a minimum, be labelled as "Origin: non-EC" along with an indication of the Third Country in which slaughter took place.

Regulations for the purpose of beef labelling in the restaurant and catering sectors have now been made by the Minister for Health and Children, making the provision of country of origin information on beef in these sectors mandatory. These Regulations, entitled Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 307 of 2006), will come into operation on 3 July 2006. They require that a food business operator providing prepared beef to consumers shall not (a) advertise beef for sale or supply, (b) present it for sale or supply, or (c) sell or supply it unless the country or countries of origin of the beef is indicated at the point of advertising, presenting, sale and supply in clear legible type on the advertisement, menu or other presentation used.

Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class; price per kg; condition; registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

There are no specific EU regulations governing the labelling of pigmeat or sheepmeat beyond the general food labelling regulations which do not require ‘country of origin' information.

The general EU food labelling regulations covering all food sold in Ireland require that the information be given clearly, accurately and in a language understood by the consumer. Among these requirements is origin marking in cases where failure to provide such information would be likely to mislead the consumer to a material degree. This legislation comes under the remit of the Department of Health and Children.

Food labelling legislation is enforced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

On the food labelling issue in general, I must emphasise that my primary aim is to protect consumer interests and to ensure that the consumer is properly informed. Ireland is a major exporter of food and food products and indeed there are also considerable imports, so it is imperative that the same standards are applied to the labelling of foods in every sector and that there is a level playing field for the food industry at all levels. In this context, at a meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers earlier this year I raised again the issue of labelling of foodstuffs and I, along with a number of Member States, asked the Commission to further examine how best food labelling should be handled at EU level in order to best protect the interests of the consumer.

I am glad to inform the Deputy that the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the EU Commission has recently commenced a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area, under a document entitled ‘Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU'. I have arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat in particular to the Department of Health and Children who are co-ordinating the Irish contribution to this process.

Various bodies have responsibility for the other aspects raised in the question and I am satisfied that where they come within the remit of my Department the relevant EU and Irish law relating to traceability, health, hygiene, husbandry and processing is satisfactorily enforced.

World Trade Negotiations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

83 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the World Trade Organisation Consultancy Group last met; the agenda at its last two meetings; when it will meet again; the persons who are the members of the group; their qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24601/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The WTO Consultative Group was established to enable interested groups and organisations to review and discuss current developments in the ongoing negotiations and to offer material, advice and expertise to my Department in the process of policy formulation. The Group met last on 4 April 2006. The agenda for the last two meetings provided for a comprehensive update on the state of play in the negotiations, analysis and discussion of the implications for Ireland and the EU as well as examination and discussion of material submitted by members of the Group. A further meeting of the Group will be held in mid-July following the WTO Ministerial Meetings in Geneva from 28 June to 2 July.

The Group comprises officials of my Department and representatives of the following organisations; Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Teagasc, Bord Bia, Irish Dairy Board, IBEC, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Irish Grain and Feed Association, Macra Na Feirme and two independent agricultural economists.

Animal Welfare.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

84 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers here; the steps she is taking to ensure good animal welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23609/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations, 2000. In addition there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens and to the slaughter of animals.

Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owners or keepers of the animals concerned. Welfare cases which come to notice are dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's District Veterinary Offices. These officers deal with the implementation of animal welfare legislation as well as having responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control etc. Funding is available to deal with emergency care, feeding, transport etc. of welfare compromised farm animals. I am satisfied that the resources available within my Department are sufficient to deal with such cases and to provide a high standard of animal welfare.

In 2004 the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) developed an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) for dealing with animal welfare cases involving my Department, Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, their local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will thereafter be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner.

In addition to the foregoing, my Department makes ex gratia payments annually to organisations involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their ongoing work. To date we have provided a total of €5.97 million to such bodies, some €1.2m of which was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006. A provision of €1.1m for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006 and applications will be invited later this year for payments in respect of 2007.

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the Garda in such cases.

Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Food Health Promotion.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

86 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to more effectively promote fresh vegetables and potatoes as part of a healthy diet for young people particularly in view of the heavy advertising aimed at children by manufacturers of high sugar, salt and fat food products. [24632/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I am very aware of the need to promote sensible and healthy eating habits among our young people. Not alone do health, diet and nutrition impact on societal well-being, mental health and life expectancy, it pervades into every area of our economy, from lost work days to increased healthcare costs. The case for targeting the dietary habits of young people in their formative years is compelling. That is why I have introduced a range of measures in the area of research and in the area of promotion, all of which recognise the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach.

Under the FIRM programme my Department funds public good research by the food research institutions. The 2006 call for proposals included a Food and Health theme. The proposals submitted included multi-annual projects on reducing the salt content of certain foods. Following external evaluation I anticipate that up to €2 million will be approved in this area. Projects previously funded include research into developing gluten free bread and reduced fat cheese toppings.

The Scientific Study on Children's Diet, which was co-funded by my Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), was the first study to benchmark dietary intakes of a nationally representative sample of Irish children. The work was carried out by researchers in Trinity College, Dublin and University College, Cork who surveyed 600 children aged 5-12 years from primary schools throughout Ireland during 2003 and 2004. The researchers collected information on diet, physical activity and body measurements on each child in addition to lifestyle information for both the children and their parents.

In relation to diet, the study identified that intake of fruit and vegetables was low and on average well below international recommendations. Fat and salt intakes were higher than recommended while overweight and obesity in 5-12 year old schoolchildren was relatively high and increasing.

I considered it important that the data on diet and physical exercise collected in the study should be further analysed and cross-referenced with other available information to assist in evidence-based policy formulation and implementation, and to provide the public and the food industry with useful information in this area. This research, jointly funded by DAF and FSAI, commenced earlier this year and I am confident the results will assist the food industry to tailor product development and promotion to lifestyle patterns and trends based on the scientific data gathered. The research will also be of valuable assistance in formulating new products to meet emerging nutritional demands.

As part of a twin track approach, my Department has also focused on the promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables. The Food Dude Programme, which was launched last year, aims to increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables by primary school children at school and in the home. The Programme, jointly funded by the EU Commission, my Department and the trade, is managed by An Bord Bia, and will be run in 150 primary schools over 3 years. It was developed by the University of Wales, Bangor and studies show that it can deliver long-lasting results across the primary school age range in terms of improving dietary habits and creating a healthy eating culture. Evidence to date indicates that the programme has been hugely successful in its inaugural year.

In addition, a 3-year advertising, PR and promotion campaign aimed at increasing the consumption of mushrooms by young households and young people has recently concluded. This programme was again a collaborative approach involving the EU Commission, my Department and the mushroom industry, through Bord Bia. In 2005, the advertising campaign achieved population coverage of 1.2 million people and, in general, has led to increased spend on mushrooms in retail outlets.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

87 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether the disadvantaged areas scheme might be improved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24623/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The position is that under the current Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme over 100,000 farmers qualify for payments totalling some €233million annually.

The current payment levels are as follows: More Severely Handicapped (lowland) €88.88 per hectare up to 45 hectares. Less Severely Handicapped (lowland) €76.18 per hectare up to 45 hectares. Mountain type land €101.58 per hectare on first 10 hectares or part thereof and €88.88 per hectare on remaining hectares subject to an overall payment ceiling of 45 hectares.

For 2006, as a once-off measure, I have decided that modulated funds of approximately €18m will be spent in the disadvantaged areas and this will have the effect of increasing the payment levels per hectare in 2006 — from €88.88 to €95.02, from €76.18 to €81.44 and from €101.58 to €108.00.

The Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed on 20 June 2005 a new framework for rural development for the period 2007 to 2013 which provided for the maintenance of the existing arrangements for the Less Favoured Areas until 2010. Before then, the Commission will present a report and proposals to the Council concerning the future payment system and designation of these areas. My Department is currently engaged in drawing up Ireland's Rural Development Programme for the period 2007-2013. Funding levels for the Scheme under this Programme are the subject of discussion in the farming pillar of the current Partnership talks.

The cost of the old coupled Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance schemes in year 2000 was €155m in respect of which 92,000 farmers qualified for payment i.e. an average payment of €1,684 compared with the current average of €2,316 — an increase of 37.5%. The number of beneficiaries has also increased by 9.3%, from 92,000 in 2000 to 100,600 in 2005. On the changeover to the area based scheme an additional €76m (£60m) was added from the Exchequer.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

88 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the deliberate release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23643/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The ‘Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Modern Biotechnology' published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in October 2000 established the Irish Government's positive but precautionary position on biotechnology. This position was based on the potential that biotechnology offers in the fields of medicine, health, agriculture, etc., while at the same time recognising that caution must be exercised to ensure that food safety and the environment are protected.

EU Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms lays down a binding, Community-wide, framework for regulating the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, including for the purposes of field trials and cultivation. Taking into account the precautionary principle, it seeks to ensure that high levels of protection are afforded to the environment and human health and requires, inter alia, the carrying out of a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, as part of the notification process, and post release monitoring. Any environmental risk to plants in the vicinity of the cultivation of genetically modified crops is considered in the foregoing context.

While responsibility for decisions on proposals for field trials rests with the EPA, responsibility for the establishment of measures to ensure the effective and efficient coexistence of authorised GM crops alongside non GM crops rests with my Department.

Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

EU Directives.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

90 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of Ireland’s application for a derogation under the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23636/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Proposals for amendments to the Nitrates Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the European Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 18 May. There have since been discussions and other contacts between officials of the two Departments, Teagasc representatives and the European Commission.

The proposals were developed in conjunction with my Department and with the input of Teagasc and address a range of important issues identified in the Teagasc submission and raised by the farming bodies. I am satisfied that the changes proposed to the Commission will be of major benefit to Irish farmers, in that they will provide them with greater flexibility in complying with fertiliser limits and simplify certain aspects of the Regulations.

I am hopeful that discussions on the Regulation can be brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations can proceed on a derogation to allow certain farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kgs of organic nitrogen per hectare. The derogation proposal was given an initial presentation to the EU Nitrates Committee in December 2005, and further scientific data have been supplied to the Commission following bilateral discussions. The proposal will have to be discussed further at future meetings of the Nitrates Committee before approval can be obtained.

Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

Animal Health Policy.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

92 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends to take to develop an all Ireland animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23624/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

142 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking to introduce an all island animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23600/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 142 together.

There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations north and south on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national levels on disease control and surveillance issues and have worked together to combat illegal movements of animals and animal products. During the Foot and Mouth emergency of 2001 the co-operation and consultation at official, Ministerial and political levels was vital. Likewise, both administrations are currently co-operating and sharing information on measures relating to avian influenza.

The establishment of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) offered an opportunity to build on existing co-operation arrangements and provided a framework for the development of an all-island animal health policy.

The main objectives of the Council are to foster co-operation and to devise a common, unified animal health strategy for the island as a whole. This involves the convergence of animal health policies and the development of joint strategies for dealing with animal diseases. The ultimate objectives are to establish a common import regime and equivalent internal arrangements with a view to achieving free movement of animals and animal products within the island.

The programme of work mandated by the NSMC has been taken forward by nine working groups at official level. The remit of these groups includes TB and Brucellosis, TSEs (BSE and Scrapie), veterinary medicines, other Zoonoses and animal diseases, disease surveillance, animal welfare, import and export of live animals and animal products, animal identification, traceability and cross-border aspects of fraud.

These working groups meet regularly and their work has focused on three main themes:

Common or equivalent controls at points of entry to the island;

Convergence of internal animal health policies; and

Development of joint strategies for the control of animal disease.

The main achievements to date are the development of a co-ordinated and complementary approach towards import policies and portal controls at points of entry to the island, the convergence of policies in regard to animal identification and Scrapie and the strengthening of co-ordination and co-operation between both administrations on a variety of issues such as TB Brucellosis, FMD, BSE Avian Influenza, cross-border fraud, etc. These groups continue to report progress in exchange of information and in implementation of initiatives aimed at policy convergence and the development of a common unified strategy for the island as a whole.

The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council includes representation from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, (DARD). DARD was also represented at recent meetings of the Avian Influenza Advisory Group and will also be represented at future meetings of the Group.

Since the decision at EU level to lift the BSE ban on exports from the United Kingdom from 3 May 2006, arrangements are in place and working well between the two administrations facilitating the trade of cattle from Northern Ireland for slaughter, breeding and production.

The achievement of an all-island animal health strategy involves complex dialogue and negotiation over a range of areas between the Irish, Northern Irish and British authorities. Ultimately, the agreement of the European Union will be required.

Farmers’ Markets.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

93 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide this Deputy with a list of all the farmers’ markets operating here that her Department is aware of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24597/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

While there is no formal register of Farmers' markets in Ireland, An Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for farmers' markets. In co-operation with Invest Northern Ireland, the Board has published a comprehensive information guide on the operation of farmers' markets and the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie includes a list of over a 100 markets currently in operation throughout the island. If the Deputy is aware of any other market not on the list, An Bord Bia will be happy to post it on its website.

	County	Market	Location	Day
1	Antrim	Origin Farmers Market Ballymoney	Castlecroft, Main St	Last Saturday of month 11-2pm
2	Antrim	City Food And Garden Market Belfast	St George’s Street	Saturday 9-4pm
3	Antrim	Templepatrick Farmers Market	Colmans Garden Centre
4	Antrim	Lisburn Market		Saturday
5	Armagh	Portadown Market		Last Saturday of month
6	Carlow	Carlow Farmers Market	Potato Market Carlow	Saturday 9-2pm
7	Cavan	Cavan Farmers Market	McCarren’s, Farham Road, Cavan	Saturday 10am-4pm
8	Clare	Ballyvaughan Farmers Market	The Old Schoolhouse
9	Clare	Ennis Farmers Market	Car Park, Upr. Main Street	Friday 8-2pm
10	Clare	Killaloe Farmers Market	Between the Waters	Sunday 11-3pm
11	Clare	Kilrush Farmers Market	The Square	Thursday 9-2pm
12	Clare	Shannon Farmers Market	Town Centre, next to Skycourt Shopping Centre	Friday 12.30-7pm
13	Cork	Ballydehob Food Market	Community Hall	Friday 10.30-12pm
14	Cork	Bandon Market	Bandon	Friday 10.30-1pm
15	Cork	Bantry Market	Main Square	1st Friday of month
16	Cork	Blackwater Valley Farmers Market	Nano Nagle Centre, Mallow	Every 2nd Saturday 10.30-1pm
17	Cork	Castletownbere		1st Thursday of month
18	Cork	Clonakilty Farmers Market	McCurtain Hill	Thursdays & Sundays 10-2pm
19	Cork	Cobh Market	Sea Front	Friday 10-1pm
20	Cork	Cornmarket Street Market	Cornmarket Street	Saturday 9-3pm
21	Cork	Douglas Food Market	Douglas Community Park	Saturday 9.30-2pm
22	Cork	Dunmanway	The Old Mill, Castle St	Fridays 10-2pm
23	Cork	English Market Cork	Entrances on Princes St & Grand Parade	Daily
24	Cork	Fermoy Farmers Market	Opposite Cork Marts	Saturday 9-1pm
25	Cork	Inchigeelagh Market	Creedons Hotel	Last Saturday of month
26	Cork	Mahon Point Farmers Market	West Entrance, Mahon Point Shopping Centre	Thursday 10-2pm
27	Cork	Macroom Farmers Market	The Square	Tuesday 9-3pm
28	Cork	Midleton Farmers Market	Hospital Road	Saturday
29	Cork	Mitchelstown Farmers Market	Main Square	Saturday 9-1pm
30	Cork	Schull Farmers Market	Car Park Near Pier	Sunday 10-3pm
31	Cork	Skibbereen Farmers Market	Old Market Square	Saturday 10-2pm
32	Derry	Guildhall Country Fair		Last Saturday in month
33	Donegal	Ballybofey Farmers Market	GAA grounds	Friday 12-4pm
34	Donegal	Donegal Town Farmers Market	Diamond	3rd Saturday of Month
35	Down	Newry Dundalk Farmers Market	Newry Marketplace, John Mitchell Place	Friday 9am -2-pm
36	Dublin	Dalkey Market	Dalkey Town Hall	Friday 10-4pm
37	Dublin	Dundrum Farmers Market	Airfield House	Saturday 10-4pm
38	Dublin	Dun Laoghaire Harbour Market	Dun Laoghaire Harbour	Saturday 10-4pm
39	Dublin	Dun Laoghaire People’s Park Market	People’s Park	Sunday 11-4pm
40	Dublin	Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre	Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre	Thursdays 10-5pm
41	Dublin	Farmleigh Food Market	Farmleigh House	2006 dates TBC
42	Dublin	Fingal Food Fayre	Fingal Arts Centre	Last Sunday every month 12-5pm
43	Dublin	Howth Harbour Market	The Harbour, Howth	Sunday 10-3pm
44	Dublin	IFSC Farmers Market	Mayor Square, IFSC	Wednesday 11-3pm
45	Dublin	Leopardstown Farmers Market	Leopardstown Racecourse	Friday 11-7pm
46	Dublin	Malahide Market	GAA facility, Church Rd	Saturday 11-5pm
47	Dublin	Marley Park Food Market	Marlay Park Craft Courtyard	Saturday 10-4pm
48	Dublin	Monkstown Village Market	Monkstown Parish Church	Saturday 10-4pm
49	Dublin	Pearse Street Market	St Andrews Centre	Saturday 9.30-3pm
50	Dublin	Ranelagh Market	Multi Denominational School	Sunday 10-4pm
51	Dublin	Temple Bar Market	Meeting House Square	Saturday 9-5pm
52	Galway	Ballinasloe Farmers Market	Croffy’s Centre, Main Street	Fridays, 10-3pm
53	Galway	Galway Market	Beside St Nicholas Church	Saturday, 8.30-4pm & Sunday 2-6pm
54	Kerry	Cahirciveen Market	Community Centre	Thursday 10-2pm (Jun-Sept)
55	Kerry	Caherdaniel Market	Village Hall	Friday 10-12am (Jun-Sept & Christmas)
56	Kerry	Dingle Farm Produce & Craft Market	by the fishing harbour near bus stop	Friday 9.30-4pm
57	Kerry	Kenmare Farmers Market		Wed-Sun 10-6pm (7 days Jul-Aug)
58	Kerry	Listowel Food Fair	Seanchai Centre	Thursday 10-1pm
59	Kerry	Milltown Market	Old Church	Sat 10-2pm
60	Kerry	Milltown Market	Organic Centre	Tuesday-Friday, 2-5pm
61	Kerry	Sneem Market	Community Centre	Tuesday 11-2pm (Jun-Sept & Christmas)
62	Kerry	Tralee Farmers Market		Friday 9-5pm
63	Kildare	Athy Farmers Market	Emily Square	Sunday 10-2pm
64	Kildare	Larchill Market	Larchill Arcadian Gardens	3rd Sunday in month
65	Kildare	Naas Farmers Market	The Storehouse Restaurant	Saturday 10-3pm
66	Kildare	Newbridge Farmers Market	The Courtyard Shopping Centre	Friday 10-3pm
67	Kilkenny	Kilkenny Farmers Market	Gowran Park	1st & 3rd Sunday of month
68	Leitrim	Origin Farmers Market (Manorhamilton)	Beepark Resource Centre	Last Friday of each month
69	Limerick	Abbeyfeale Farmers Market	Parish Hall	Friday 9-1pm
70	Limerick	Kilmallock Farmers Market	The Kilmallock GAA Club	Friday 9-1pm
71	Limerick	Limerick Milk Market	Limerick Milk Market	Saturday 8-1.30pm
72	Longford	Longford Farmers Market	Temperance Hall	Saturday 9.30-1pm
73	Louth	Castlebellingham Farmers Market	Bellingham Castle Hotel	1st Sunday of month
74	Louth	Newry Dundalk Farmers Market	The County Museum, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk	Saturday 10am -2-pm
75	Louth	Dundalk Town Producers Market	The Square, Dundalk	Saturday 10am -2pm
76	Meath	Kells Farmers Market	FBD Insurance Grounds	Saturday 10-2pm
77	Monaghan	Monaghan Farmers / Country Market	Castleblayney Livestock Salesyard	Last Saturday of month , 9-1pm
78	Offaly	The Full Moon Market	The Chestnut Courtyard	Every 3rd Sunday
79	Offaly	Tullamore Country Fair	Millenium Square	Saturday 9-4pm
80	Roscommon	Origin Farmers Market (Boyle)	Grounds of King House	Saturday, 10-2pm
81	Sligo	Origin Farmers Market (Sligo)	Sligo IT Sports Field Car Park	Saturday
82	Tipperary	Cahir Farmers Market	Beside The Craft Granary	Saturday 9-1pm
83	Tipperary	Clonmel Farmers Market	St Peter & Paul’s Primary School, Kickham Street, beside Oakville Shopping Centre	Saturday 10-2pm
84	Tipperary	Carrick-on-Suir	Heritage Centre, Main St	Friday 10-2pm
85	Tipperary	Nenagh Farmers Market	Teach an Lean	1st Saturday of month 10-2pm
86	Tyrone	Origin Farmers Market, Strabane	The Score Centre, Dock Rd	Last Saturday of month
87	Tyrone	Tyrone Farmers Market	Tesco Carpark, Dungannon	1st Saturday of month 8.30-1pm
88	Waterford	Dunhill Farmers Market	Parish Hall	Last Sunday of month 11.30-2pm
89	Waterford	Dungarvan Farmers Market	Scanlon’s Yard (beside Friary St & Mary St)	Thursday 9.30-2pm
90	Waterford	Lismore Farmers Market	Blackwater Valley
91	Waterford	Stradbally Community Market		1st Saturday of month 10-12.30pm
92	Waterford	Waterford Farmers Market	Jenkins Lane	Saturday 10-4pm
93	Westmeath	Athlone Farmers Market	Market Square, Athlone	Saturday 10-3pm
94	Westmeath	Mullingar Farmers Market	Harbour Place Shopping Centre	1st & 3rd Sunday of Month
95	Wexford	New Ross Farmers Market	Conduit Lane	Saturday 9-2pm
96	Wexford	Wexford Farmers Market Dunbrody	Dunbrody Abbey Centre	Sunday 12-3.30pm
97	Wexford	Wexford Farmers Market Community Partnership	The Abbey Square Carpark	Saturday 9-2pm
98	Wexford	Wexford Farmers Market	Trimmers Lane West (beside La Dolce Vitae Restaurant)	Friday 9-2pm
99	Wicklow	Brooklodge Organic Market	Macreddin Village	1st & 3rd Sunday of month
100	Wicklow	Glendalough Farmers Market	Brockagh Resource Centre	2nd Sunday of month 11-6pm
101	Wicklow	Kilcoole		Saturdays — 10.30-11.30am
102	Wicklow	Powerscourt Waterfall Market	Farmyard, almost next to Powerscourt Waterfall	2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
103	Wicklow	Bray Farmers Market	Killarney Road near the Boghall Road	Saturday 10-3pm
104	Wicklow	Bray Seafront Market	Albert Avenue, just across from the aquarium	Friday & Sunday weekly

Installation Aid Scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

94 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of young farmers who have applied for an installation grant in each of the past five years; if she is satisfied that every encouragement possible under EU rules is being given to such farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24583/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The number of applicants in respect of the current Installation Aid Scheme for the past five years is set out in the table below.

Year	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	Total
Applications	754	934	833	826	795	4,142

Every encouragement is being given to young farmers to participate in the Scheme.

Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

European Council Meetings.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

96 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the next Council of European Agriculture Ministers will be meeting; what is on the agenda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24618/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The next meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 18th July under the Finnish Presidency. I do not expect that the agenda for the meeting will be available until 4th Julynext.

Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Subsidy Payments.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

99 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the EU Agriculture Commissioner’s stated aim to place a ceiling on the amount of subsidies single land owners can receive; when this ceiling is expected to be discussed at the European Council of Ministers; when it is discussed, if she will indicate her approval of such a ceiling; when it is expected to be implemented; the likely effect on Irish landowners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24617/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I am aware that reference was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in a recent speech to the possibility that a ceiling would be introduced on the amount of subsidies a single landowner could receive. No proposals have been made by the Commission to this effect and I have no further details of the Commissioner's intention to submit such a proposal to the Council of Ministers.

Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

Farm Incomes.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

101 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she has taken at EU level to protect the income of dairy farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24606/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Dairy farmers' incomes are made up of a combination of the market price paid for milk and direct income support. The price of milk paid to dairy farmers is a commercial matter between milk producers and milk purchasers and I have no direct role in this area.

Milk prices are influenced by a variety of factors including the structure of the dairy operation at producer and processor level, the prices paid in international markets for dairy products including currency fluctuations, the product type, the final destination of the product and the overall operation of the EU dairy market support mechanisms.

The Mid Term Reform of CAP provided that the intervention prices of milk products would reduce in the period 2004-2007 and these reductions would be compensated by the introduction of a direct premium payment. This compensation amounts to 3.6 cent per litre equivalent to €180 million in 2006.

I have consistently challenged the pace and level of the milk product price reduction towards the new MTR levels. In my view it is crucially and strategically important that the EU consolidates its international market share while challenging competition on its domestic market. I have consistently urged the Commission to maintain a competitive combination of aids and subsidies on both the internal EU market and on international export markets to achieve these objectives.

Departmental Investigations.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

102 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 18 May 2006; if the meeting took place with the persons concerned; if a date from the Environmental Protection Agency was provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24605/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The herd owner, his private veterinary practitioners, representatives from my Department and a number of other agencies attended the meeting which was held on 2 June 2006. At that meeting which was chaired by a representative of the Veterinary Faculty of UCD a number of action points were agreed in relation to further environmental, ecological and epidemiological work as well as animal health studies. Included as part of this programme will be a report by the EPA on work to date.

It was agreed that a further meeting would take place in early autumn to review progress.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

103 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she expects to receive and to publish the Inter-Department Agency Committee to Examine Meat and Bone Meal Disposal in Non-Agriculture or Energy Sectors Report; the persons who are the members of this committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24604/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Report of the Inter Departmental/Agency Committee on Disposal Options for Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) was submitted to Government on 9 December 2003. The Report is available on the Department's website at www.agriculture.gov.ie under 2003 Publications.

The Committee members were Tom Moran (Chairman), Kevin Cassidy, Noel Dinneny, Michael Gunn and David Lynch (Department of Agriculture and Food); Liam Whelan (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government); Robert Carey (Department of Finance); Gerry Wrynn (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment); Tom Kennington (Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources); Marie O'Connor and Leo Sweeney (Environmental Protection Agency); David Nolan (Food Safety Authority of Ireland); Derek Breen and Fred McDarby (Enterprise Ireland).

The Committee was established by the Government in April 2002 to consider the options for disposal of MBM in Ireland in the non-agriculture or energy sectors and to make appropriate recommendations on those best suited to Irish conditions. This followed the introduction of an EU ban on the use of MBM in feed for farmed animals as a precaution against the spread of BSE.

The Committee concluded that co-incineration of MBM in the manufacture of cement would be the most practical recovery outlet. Use of MBM as a substitute fuel for energy production provides a safe recovery outlet. In addition, the incineration of MBM would also provide a safe recovery outlet. Use of MBM in petfood production offered only limited potential. Other possible mechanisms needed to be kept under ongoing review.

The Committee's recommendations have impacted on policy in this area, and as a consequence the range of productive outlets for safe disposal of MBM within the country has been expanded.

Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Energy Crops Scheme.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

105 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the EU Commission will be reviewing the operation of the premium allowed under the energy crops scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24599/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

While Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 provides, inter alia, for the payment of Aid for Energy Crops, at a rate of €45.00 per hectare on arable land, in respect of products considered as biofuels, Article 92 of that Regulation provides for a review of the Energy Crops Scheme. The Commission is required to submit a report to the Council by 31 December 2006, on the implementation of the Scheme, accompanied, where appropriate, by proposals taking into account the implementation of the EU Biofuels initiative. As the aid of €45 per hectare available under the Energy Crops Scheme has proven not to be sufficiently attractive in itself to stimulate the growing of such crops, at the February Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting I called for a review of the rate of premium and I am pleased to say that the EU Commission has undertaken to review the operation of the scheme.

Nitrates Action Programme.

Damien English

Ceist:

106 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her role to date on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23618/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. Those Regulations were finalised in consultation with my Department and in conjunction with Teagasc, following an extensive consultation process involving all stakeholders.

The Regulations came into effect on 1 February 2006, but the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government then announced a brief de facto deferral of the implementation of Part 3 of the Regulations dealing with nutrient management. This was to allow time for Teagasc to submit revised scientific advice, which was received early in March.

Detailed proposals for amendments to the Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 18 May. There have since been discussions and other contacts between officials of the two Departments, Teagasc representatives and the European Commission.

The proposals, which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has outlined, were developed in conjunction with my Department and with the input of Teagasc and address a range of important issues identified in the Teagasc submission and raised by the farming bodies. I am satisfied that the changes proposed to the Commission will be of major benefit to Irish farmers, in that they will provide them with greater flexibility in complying with fertiliser limits and simplify certain aspects of the Regulations.

Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

107 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she will remedy the shortfall in the afforestation programme which over the past 20 years saw an average of 15,000 hectares of new forests per year while in the past three years the average has dropped to 10,000 hectares a year, a 50 per cent drop; and her views on the need to remedy this shortfall in view of the demand for timber and wood fuel which SEI is promoting. [24625/06]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

149 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23640/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

369 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to improve the area of forestry being planted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24582/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 149 and 369 together.

A comprehensive range of incentives and supports is available to encourage the planting of forests in Ireland. Under the current Forestry Grant and Premium Scheme, grants are available to cover 100% of planting costs, as well as a 20 year tax-free premium for farmers (15 years for non-farmers) of up to €500 per hectare, depending on the species planted. Substantial tax concessions are also in place for forest-owners. The Single Farm Payment Scheme enables farm-foresters to plant up to 50% of their eligible claimed areas with forestry, attracting immediate payment of forestry premiums, while still drawing down their full Single Farm Payment. Supports are also available for the growing forest in the form of grants for the shaping of broadleaves and pruning of conifers, and for the construction of forest roads.

In addition to these direct supports, funding is provided for research, advisory services and promotion. Free and independent advice on all forestry matters is available from Teagasc. This advice is provided with funding support from my Department.

Approximately 10% of Irish land is afforested compared to an EU average of 35%. Over 90% of all new planting is now undertaken by farmers, which is significantly changing the structure of forest-ownership in Ireland, with some 16,000 private plantations now established. As these forests mature, the timber output and other non-timber benefits of forestry will play an increasingly important role in securing the economic viability of the farm holding.

Forestry will continue to remain an important alternative through the changing times ahead as the CAP Reform measures begin to take hold. A new forestry programme, in consultation with the sector, for the period 2007-2013 is being drawn up at present. I am confident that a combination of innovative support schemes, and attractive grant and premia rates along with the opportunity to consolidate under the Single Farm Payment, will lead to higher levels of planting in the coming years.

Sustainable forestry is of major importance to securing the viability of rural Ireland and adding to the quality of life of all citizens. It represents a major option for effective land-use in Ireland.

Beef Imports.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

108 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of beef imported from each part of Brazil during each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24608/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department does not capture the level of detail of data requested by the Deputy. This information is contained on health certificates that accompany all imported consignments and are retained at Border Inspection Post (BIP) of entry into the EU.

In accordance with EU legislation consignments of animal products being imported from third countries must be notified in advance to the EU approved BIP where it is proposed to enter the EU. It must be accompanied by an approved model of veterinary health certificate and be presented at the BIP to undergo documentary, identity and physical checks in accordance with Community rules.

At the BIP, in co-operation with the Customs Services, detailed checks are carried out to check that the origin of the products conforms to the approved countries and establishment listed in EU legislation and that account is taken of any safeguard Decisions introduced by the Community to control imports where there are incidents of disease outbreaks affecting third countries or regions of third countries. A careful examination of the health certification is carried out to ensure that the EU's certification requirements have been met. Once a consignment has been deemed to meet all these conditions, and it has received the required checks, and the veterinary inspections fees are received, it is then released to the Customs Services for clearance for free circulation within the EU. Copies of the BIP clearance document (Common Veterinary Entry Document — CVED) and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. The BIP retains the health certificates and record of the examinations it has applied.

The Food and Veterinary Office of the EU carries out audits of the operation of BIP in all the member States and publishes its findings on the Commission's website.

Dairy Industry.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had at EU level to protect dairy supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23622/06]

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

143 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to maintain and improve the support for dairy farmers at Irish and European level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24584/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 143 together.

The Irish dairy industry continues to contribute very substantially to the national economy, with an annual output value of some €2.3 billion. In 2005 Irish dairy exports performed exceptionally well totalling €2 billion, despite downward adjustments to EU market supports brought about by the implementation of the Mid Term reform of the CAP.

A loss of competitiveness on world markets caused by greater competition and the fluctuating value of the US dollar have meant that 2006 is proving to be a more challenging year for the industry. The butter market, in particular, continues to experience serious difficulties. The Intervention limit of 50,000 tonnes of butter was reached at the end of May and a tendering regime for intervention purchases was opened. Under the tendering regime for intervention purchases, the EU Commission is pushing the internal market prices of butter downward to the new Mid Term Reform levels. On a more positive note, I very much welcome the Commission's decision to maintain the tendered export refund for butter and I hope this will facilitate the export of significant quantities of butter to international markets.

I remain concerned about the aggressive actions of the Commission in the past months to reduce internal aids and export subsidies to the new intervention price levels and I have regularly requested the Commissioner to redirect policy and support both the internal and international butter markets. The Commissioner is fully aware of my view that market stability is essential to allow the dairy industry time to adjust to the current market realities and adapt their business strategies accordingly.

At national level, I have already announced my intention to move to a more open market system of transferring milk quotas between producers with the ultimate aim of increasing the scale and long-term efficiency of dairy production in Ireland. Consultation is ongoing with the relevant stakeholders.

Meat Imports.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

110 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of meat other than beef, pork and chicken, imported for 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24609/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat other than beef, pork and chicken. The following tables, compiled from data supplied by that Office, set out the details in relation to imports of meat (not including meat products) requested by the Deputy. In relation to the tables the following should be noted:

1. In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country.

2. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, these returns may stand to be adjusted marginally as data is rechecked by the CSO.

3. Imports of products processed from meat are not included.

Imports of Meat into Ireland (Tonnes)
	2003	2004	2005	2006*
Mutton Fresh, Chilled or Frozen	1,461	2,310	2,020	175
Other Meat and Meat Offal, Fresh, Chilled or Frozen	51	216	286	6
Meat and Eddible Offal of Rabbits and Hares	6	144	437	21
Goat Meat, Fresh, Chilled or Frozen	0	26	39	0
Meat of Horses, Asses, Mules, Hinnies, Fresh Chilled or Frozen	0	14	22	0
Frogs Legs	1	2	4	0

*To Jan 2006.

EU legislation requires that all our meat products (for export) within the EU or to third countries must be produced in approved establishments supervised by official veterinarians. Under EU harmonized rules the import of meat into the European Union may only take place from third countries where similar rules apply, i.e. from establishments in those countries which are approved by the European Commission and which are subject to veterinary audits by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office. On import into the EU these products must be presented at an approved Border Inspection Posts where they are subject to the checks laid down in these harmonised rules to ensure compliance with EU standards in respect of animal and public health. They must be accompanied by veterinary health certification from the authorities in the country of export. Having passed these controls, the meat is regarded as being in free circulation within the EU.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

111 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the criteria for receipt of national reserve entitlements from an equity point of view, in view of the fact that a 22 year old agricultural college graduate, who not owning land can just about afford to rent 30 acres is refused entitlements, whereas a retired wealthy farmer can receive entitlements up to €50,000; and if she will reform the criteria to ensure young people are not prevented from making a career in farming as is happening at present. [24627/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The position is that the Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who farmed during the three-year reference period 2000-2002, who drew down livestock or Arable Aid premia in at least one of those years and who continued to farm in 2005. Special provisions were made for farmers (including young farmers) who entered farming for the first time in either 2001 or 2002. Their Single Payment was determined based on the average of the years 2001 and 2002 or on the basis of premia paid in 2002 as appropriate.

The EU regulations also provided for the setting up of a National Reserve. In Ireland, the Reserve was created by reducing each farmer's individual Single Payment by an amount of some 1.82%. The purpose of the National Reserve is to try to minimise the impact on farmers who, for a variety of reasons, may find themselves disadvantaged in the transition to the new decoupled support regime as a result of changes in their businesses during or since the reference period. In particular the intention is to provide enhanced or new entitlements for certain farmers who made investments in production capacity or purchased or leased land on a long-term basis or who converted from dairying to a sector for which a direct payment would have been payable during the reference period. Such farmers, at the time when they took these decisions, had a legitimate expectation that the coupled regime of direct payments would continue into the future.

In addition each Member State may decide to include certain non-mandatory categories in the reserve. In Ireland's case, following consultations with the Single Payment Advisory Committee comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department, new entrants to farming after 31 December 2002 (category D) were included as a non-mandatory category in the 2005 National Reserve. However, no provision was made in the 2005 National Reserve for new entrants who were farming rented or leased land. Such farmers had the option of leasing in the entitlements established for the farmer from whom the land was leased/rented.

Where the land in question was being leased for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 and the land was leased to a third party during the reference period, then an applicant may qualify under category A of the National Reserve. Similarly, where the lease commenced before 19 October 2003 the applicant may qualify under category B(1). Where the land being farmed has been inherited then any entitlements established for the farmer from whom the land was inherited can be transferred to the new entrant.

Ireland has the option of including a category for new entrants to farming in the 2006 National Reserve. I have not yet made decisions with regard to the categories to be included in the 2006 National Reserve and the question of whether new entrants to farming using leased land should be included will be considered in that context following consultation with the Single Payment Advisory Committee. The major factor to be considered in this regard is the availability of funds for the National Reserve in 2006 and subsequent years. It should be understood that the National Reserve is a scarce resource, created by reducing the entitlements of existing farmers, and will only be replenished by a claw-back on sales of entitlements and the relinquishing of any entitlements that remain unused.

Food Safety Standards.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

112 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that food imports into Ireland can be stood up as having the same high standards of traceability, hormone use limitations, country of origin labelling and so on particularly following forthcoming World Trade Organisation agreement. [24630/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As a member of the EU and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ireland is in a position to avail of opportunities for trade that are essential for the development of our open economy. Membership of these organizations also brings reciprocal trade obligations. All imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries that have been approved by the EU authorities for export to the EU.

In the current WTO discussions in the Council, I have pressed strongly the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations. I have taken every opportunity to remind the Commission of the importance of equivalence in standards, particularly in relation to all exporting countries. These are standards the European Community has worked hard to establish in order to guarantee the safety of food for consumers and ensure the welfare of producers, their resources and the environment. I am concerned that the Commission takes all the necessary steps in terms of existing monitoring, control and certification mechanisms to ensure as level a playing field as between the standard of EU produced livestock products as those imported into the EU.

I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from Third Countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU Member States.

In this context I have been in direct contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr Markos Kyprianou concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union.

The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. He has pointed to the adoption of safeguard measures in relation to imports, for example in the matter of dealing with the risk to the EU of the spread of high pathogenic avian influenza, in the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and in the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) demonstrate the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS agreement).

I have more recently brought the attention of the Commissioner to the findings of an Irish delegation of farmers and journalists who visited the meat producing regions in Brazil and my Department is seeking assurances from the Commission that the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) will undertake further missions to Brazil to evaluate the implementation of action plans submitted by the Brazilian authorities following FVO missions carried out last year. At a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health where the matter was again raised by Ireland, the Commission indicated to Ireland that a FVO mission is being planned to take place some time before the end of the summer.

In the meantime additional health certification requirements have been introduced for imported beef from Brazil under Commission Decision 2006/259/EC requiring guarantees concerning animal contacts, vaccination programmes and surveillance. These certification provisions took effect from 31 March 2006 and they are checked by the EU approved Border Inspection Posts through which all 3rd country imports must first be submitted.

Farm Waste Management.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

113 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications that have been made to her Department for the farm waste management scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24612/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced last March.

A total of 4,378 applications under that Scheme have been received in the Department up to the end of last week.

Animal Diseases.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

114 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the funding provided by her Department for the control of varroa in bees; the funding available to beekeepers to control the mite in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23616/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Funding for research into the control of Varroa in honey bees has been the main element of my Department's apiculture programme.

From 2002 to 2005, a total of €195,996 was provided to Teagasc towards the development of integrated biological control methods under Irish conditions. Expenditure of a further €150,000 has been approved for 2006 and 2007 for this research programme. The programme, which was drawn up in close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations, is aimed at devising an integrated management strategy involving the use of chemical and biotechnical methods and the deployment of Varroa resistant bees. The programme is 50% co-funded by the EU. No funding is provided to individual beekeepers.

My Department has also given financial support towards updating the Teagasc booklet entitled 'The Varroa Mite in honeybees'. This publication provides useful reference material for beekeepers on Varroa detection, monitoring, control and treatment.

Damien English

Ceist:

115 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which are being taken to protect this country from foot and mouth disease in view of the prevalence of foot and mouth disease in Brazil, and the inadequate tagging and traceability in that country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23598/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As a member of the EU and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ireland is in a position to avail of opportunities for trade that are essential for the development of our open economy. Membership of these organizations also brings reciprocal trade obligations. All imports into the EU must come from third countries or areas of third countries that have been approved by the EU authorities for export to the EU.

I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from Third Countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU Member States. In this context I have been in direct contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr Markos Kyprianou, concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union.

The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. He has pointed to the adoption of safeguard measures in relation to imports, for example in the matter of dealing with the risk to the EU of the spread of high pathogenic avian influenza, in the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and in the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) demonstrate the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS agreement).

A EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspection to evaluate animal health and public health control systems, traceability and certification procedures in place in Brazil was carried out in September of last year. In December the FVO completed a second mission that year to evaluate the control of residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products, including controls on veterinary medical products in that country. The FVO recently published its findings following a period of consultation with the Brazilian competent authorities. These reports, as well as all previous FVO reports on inspection of third countries' controls for export, may be accessed from the EU Commission's website.

The reports comment on the structure, organisation and tasks of the Brazilian Competent Authorities and have listed a number of recommendations to the authorities to address deficiencies, some of which are of long standing, recorded in the course of the FVO audits. The Commission has confirmed to my Department that the action plans in question have now been received and that they are being assessed by the FVO. The FVO will report on its assessments to the European Commission and, where action is considered necessary to ensure the safety of food and the protection of consumers and animals in the EU, that appropriate proposals would be formulated and submitted to the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health on which My Department is represented.

I have more recently brought to the attention of the Commission the findings of an Irish delegation of farmers and journalists who visited the meat producing regions in Brazil and my Department is seeking assurances from the Commission that the FVO will undertake further missions to Brazil to evaluate the implementation of its action plan. At a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health where the matter was again raised by Ireland, the Commission indicated to Ireland that a FVO mission is being planned to take place some time before the end of the summer.

In the meantime additional health certification requirements have been introduced for imported beef from Brazil under Commission Decision 2006/259/EC requiring additional guarantees concerning animal contacts, vaccination programmes and surveillance. These certification provisions took effect from 31 March 2006 and are checked by the EU approved Border Inspection Posts through which all 3rd country imports must first be submitted.

I should add that in the current WTO discussions in the Council, I have always pressed very strongly the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations. I have taken every opportunity to remind the Commission once again of the importance of equivalence in standards, particularly in relation to all exporting countries, including Brazil.

Energy Crops Scheme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

116 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the bond for 2005 growers of oilseed rape crop grown for bio-fuels will be repaid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24624/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Chapter 8 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1973/2004 provides for the payment of aid to applicants under the Scheme of Aid for Energy Crops, before the raw material is processed. The aid, which is payable in addition to the Single Payment entitlements due to the applicant, is granted in respect of areas where the production of the raw material is covered by a contract between the farmer and a processor.

Where payment in advance is made to farmers, however, an appropriate security must be lodged by the processor, as guarantee that the Scheme requirements regarding processing of the crops will be complied with, after payment of the aid. This system of advance payments, secured by bonds, is common to very many EU schemes and is vital in releasing payments to scheme participants at the earliest possible date.

My Department releases the relevant securities to processors immediately on receipt of confirmation that the necessary processing of the raw materials has been completed. The verification process in respect of 2005 production is currently under way, with returns awaited from the processors concerned.

Animal Diseases.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

117 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied regarding the measures currently in place to protect this country against an outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23606/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The decline of the avian influenza epidemic in wild birds, which has affected a total of 13 Member States since last February, has continued this month, with no cases in wild birds being notified throughout the European Union to the 21st June. In May there were 17 cases, compared with 200 cases in February, 362 cases in March and 162 cases in April, giving a total of 741 notifications since February.

The position throughout Europe is one of relative stability, though there were concerns in early June, following an outbreak in Hungary on a free range goose farm in the south of the country. To the 21st June, a total of 15 confirmed and suspicious cases have been notified. Very stringent measures have been taken by the Hungarian authorities, with more than 500,000 poultry killed and destroyed. This brings the total number of outbreaks to date in poultry flocks in the EU to five.

Romania has now reported 127 confirmed outbreaks in 19 counties since the disease re-appeared in mid-May. A total of almost 1 million poultry have been killed and destroyed in that country with the number of outbreaks dropping significantly in the last two weeks. Control measures and additional biosecurity measures remain in place and EU safeguard decisions have been taken with regard to imports of poultry and poultry products.

I have, since last September, put in place a comprehensive range of contingency measures aimed at minimising the risk of the virus being introduced to Ireland and ensuring that the Department is equipped, in the event of an outbreak, to ensure its very early identification and speedy eradication. A particular focus in terms of minimising the risk posed to our poultry flocks is to encourage very high levels of biosecurity on poultry farms and the Department has written to over 8,000 poultry farmers enclosing an Information Booklet for Registered Poultry Flockowners. The main objective is to avoid contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, their litter and feed. Further advice issued to all poultry flockowners advising them of the need to ensure that all water sourced from surface supplies used for poultry is treated to inactivate any viruses. This is a key message from my Department, which we have repeated given the potential for the virus to be spread by water to which wild birds may have had access.

In February, I appointed an Expert Advisory Group, comprised of veterinary, scientific, medical and ornithological experts to advise me in relation to animal health control measures. That Group has now met on three occasions and has consistently concluded that the control measures currently in place are appropriate, given the current level of risk posed by avian 'flu. The day-to-day disease management responsibility and planning with regard to avian 'flu rests within my Department.

Contingency planning is continuing and contact is being maintained with various State and non State agencies, whose assistance may be required in the event of a case/outbreak. My Department intends to meet as many of those agencies as possible next month to brief them on recent developments and to discuss further the particular roles they may be asked to play.

Due to the potential public health aspect associated with avian 'flu, my Department has engaged the services of an Occupational Health Specialist and I am also availing of the assistance of the School of Public Health in UCD who have just finalised occupational health protocols for those involved in disease control activities. The document, which is available to all of those agencies who may be involved in disease control activities in support of my Department and which has been posted on my Department's website, identifies the staff potentially exposed to the virus, indicates the circumstances where potential exposure to the virus is higher or lower and the appropriate risk reduction methods to be employed.

In the event of an outbreak in either wild birds or domestic poultry, the immediate measures to be put into place are provided for in EU legislation and have already been put into effect in those Member States affected by the disease. My Department has circulated all registered poultry flockowners setting out the measures to be implemented in the event of avian 'flu in wild birds or an outbreak in poultry and the implications of those measures for those located in the areas. This will be updated as further modifications to EU legislation take place in the light of the recent experiences of the various Member States with this disease.

I have recently relaxed controls to facilitate pigeon racing from a limited area in France. Pigeon racing is already allowed between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Specific conditions are attached to licences issued either to import birds to transit through the State or to export birds to France to be released to race back. Should the risk assessment on which these decisions were made change at any point, to suggest an increased threat, I will not hesitate to reverse these decisions.

I am satisfied, given the range of measures in place that our contingency arrangements are currently proportionate to the current risk. They are being kept under constant review and may be modified accordingly.

Finally, because of the obvious mutual concerns shared by authorities on both sides of the border, there has been and continues to be close ongoing contact between my Department and DARD in Belfast and DEFRA in Britain.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

118 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she expects to receive the final report of the World Trade Organisation Disputes Panel on the claims by the US, Canada, and others that the de facto moratorium on the approval of new genetically modified products within the EU constituted an economic barrier to trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24587/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The WTO panel has recently issued its Final Report to the parties to the dispute (the EU, Argentina, Canada and the US). According to WTO rules, the Final Panel Report remains confidential until it has been translated into all the official languages of the WTO and has been publicly circulated. The Report does not become binding until it has been endorsed by WTO Membership at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) — generally held within sixty days unless an appeal is lodged.

The EU will decide on the next steps at the WTO level on the basis of a careful analysis of the final report.

Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Fruit and Vegetable Sector.

John Carty

Ceist:

121 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the assistance available to the seed potato sector; and her plans for the sector. [24472/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In August 2005 I announced a new scheme of investment aid for the development of the seed potato sector under the National Development Plan. The scheme aims to speed up improvements in the marketing infrastructure and to improve efficiency and productivity of the seed potato sector. Grant assistance to seed potato producers towards the capital costs of equipment and facilities for the production, storage and marketing of seed potatoes is being provided.

The second phase of this scheme was announced recently under which €1.5m is available in 2006. To date 16 applications have been received and these are currently being processed by my Department.

Dairy Industry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

122 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she intends to take to further promote alternative markets abroad in view of the fact that Ireland is 300 per cent self-sufficient in dairying and beef; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24611/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As regards dairy products, I am very pleased to report that this sector has enjoyed a number of successful years on international and EU markets and exports of dairy products and ingredients accounted for €2 billion of total agri-food exports in 2005. Over 80% of Irish Dairy Production is exported to world markets across a broad range of products including butter, milk powders, cheese, infant formula, food ingredients and functional foods.

I have worked hard to assist in the development of new and existing markets for Irish dairy products through ensuring that all the market aid mechanisms available are deployed in an effective manner so as to enable the dairy sector consolidate and grow its share of international markets. I acknowledge and welcome the investment by Irish dairy processors in R&D which will continue the drive towards greater levels of innovation and diversity in product mix and will help maintain our competitiveness in the face of challenges ahead.

The dairy market outlook for 2006 foresees the international dairy market facing renewed pressure as increased output levels from New Zealand, Australia, the US and Argentina impact on the market. Despite this increased competition, world prices are expected to remain relatively stable and global demand for dairy products is also set to rise. I am satisfied that Ireland is well positioned to take full advantage of such international trading opportunities, however it must be remembered that energy prices and the value of the US dollar/Euro exchange rates continue to be important factors in determining the competitiveness of Irish and EU traders on the global markets.

The future development of the dairy sector is a priority for me and I will provide whatever assistance I can to encourage the sector to improve its position and to develop new markets in the increasingly competitive international markets in which it operates.

I am also committed to broadening access for Irish beef on all export markets. My Department works closely with An Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs to further this aim.

We produce about 520,000 tonnes of beef annually, over 90% of which is exported. More than half of those exports go to the UK with about 40% landing in the high value Continental EU markets. This excellent result has been achieved largely by effective marketing and promotion by the industry and Bord Bia and the delivery of a high quality, competitively priced product. The outlook for Irish beef exports is also positive with the decreasing production trend throughout Continental Europe. The EU is predicted to have a beef supply deficit of 350,000 tonnes in 2006 with this shortfall offering an opportunity for Irish beef producers to further consolidate their position in this market. While there has been a significant reduction in reliance on third country markets in recent years, these destinations will continue to be important alternative outlets for Irish beef and I will continue our efforts to ensure that as many as possible of these Third Countries are open to our exports.

My Department has responded to developments on the UAE market and the prospects for reopening that market are good. Approaches have also been made in recent months to a number of countries which have potential export opportunities including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Kuwait, Israel, Japan, China and South Africa. I am hopeful that there will be progress in a number of these markets in the future.

Poultry Industry.

Jimmy Devins

Ceist:

123 Dr. Devins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the poultry sector in view of difficulties resulting from the outbreak of avian influenza in other European countries. [24479/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In April the Council of Agriculture Ministers adopted Regulation 679/2006 which provides a legal basis for exceptional market support measures for the poultry sector where there are serious market disturbances directly attributed to a loss in consumer confidence arising from the avian influenza situation.

I submitted a proposal to the Commission requesting co-funding and approval for a range of measures to assist those in the industry who suffered financial losses arising from the recent disturbances in the poultry market. These proposed measures included schemes of payment to breeders who had to destroy hatching eggs and reduce their breeding stock capacity, to growers and processors who had to reduce throughputs and to operators who had to carry unusually high stock levels of poultry meat due to a virtual collapse in our export markets.

A Commission regulation was adopted at the Poultry Management Committee on 21 June last which includes several of the measures in my proposal. Some of the details of this regulation will need to be amended at a meeting of the same Committee which is due to consider the matter again on 5 July.

So far, the Commission has refused to approve any measures in relation to accumulated stocks of poultry meat. I along with a number of other Member States raised this issue at Council last week and I will continue to press for some assistance under this heading.

Dairy Industry.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

124 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to implement the Prospectus Report on Dairy Farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24622/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

A strategic study of the Irish Dairy Industry, now known as the Prospectus Report, was commissioned by my Department in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the dairy industry itself and published in 2003. The Report made very clear recommendations on the response required from the dairy industry to meet international competitive challenges as well as the change in emphasis from market support to direct income support. The focus has to be firmly on increased efficiency and competitiveness at all levels of the industry.

The commissioning and carrying out of this study was and could only be, an initial step. Response at individual company level to the issues raised by Prospectus is a matter for decision by the companies themselves. My Department met with Enterprise Ireland, the dairy processors and their representatives with a view to identifying the best way of achieving the objectives set out in the report. I will continue to encourage the Irish dairy industry to implement the recommendations and I will examine all opportunities which would increase the efficiency, competitiveness and market focus of the Irish dairy industry.

EU Directives.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

125 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to changes in her Department’s method of dealing with the implementation of EU agriculture related Directives, in view of the European Court of Justice’s judgment in March 2004 that Ireland was in breach of its EU law obligations in respect of the transposition of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24591/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department keeps under regular review the implementation of Directives for which it has primary responsibility. The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

126 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her Department’s plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23633/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I wish to inform the Deputy that Teagasc has an ongoing programme of research that investigates the potential risks and benefits associated with the growing of GM crops in Ireland including, inter alia, the economic implications. Preliminary research completed by them to date does indicate that the cultivation of certain crops with certain modifications may provide a financial incentive to the Irish farmer.

In order to establish greater clarity in the matter I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the Agri-Food industry from the use of GMOs in crop and livestock production. Teagasc have completed their study which was based on two scenarios:

(i) The economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soyabean and maize livestock feed ingredients;

and

(ii) The economic implications of GM-free crop cultivation in Ireland.

In the first scenario the study showed that substantial additional costs would be placed on the livestock sector, particularly on specialist dairy and beef farmers, if they were to use only certified GM free soya and maize in feeding stuffs. In the second scenario the study examined five hypothetical GM crops which could be grown here — herbicide tolerant sugar beet, Septoria resistant winter wheat, Fusarium resistant winter wheat, Rhyncosporium resistant spring barley and blight resistant potatoes. This study showed that increased profits could be generated for growers of these crops compared to their conventional equivalent. However, the study showed that there is a significant cost in relation to Identity Preservation for conventional growers in a coexistence arrangement.

Farm Incomes.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the next report of the Steering Group on Farm Household Incomes will be ready; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24603/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I have no plans to call together a further Steering Group on Farm Household Incomes. The recent introduction of the EU survey of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) conducted by the Central Statistics Office has assisted greatly in the collection of information on farm household income.

It should be noted that Chapter 2 of the Department's Annual Review and Outlook 2005/2006 contains comprehensive information on farm income and farm household income from different sources such as the Central Statistics Office, Teagasc's National Farm Survey, and EUROSTAT.

Beef Imports.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

128 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself in relation to Brazilian in beef imports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23630/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

As a member of the EU and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ireland is in a position to avail of opportunities for trade that are essential for the development of our open economy. Membership of these organizations also brings reciprocal trade obligations. All imports into the EU must come from third countries or areas of third countries that have been approved by the EU authorities for export to the EU. In the current WTO discussions in the Council, I have always pressed very strongly the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations. I have taken every opportunity to remind the Commission once again of the importance of equivalence in standards, particularly in relation to all exporting countries, including Brazil.

I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from Third Countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU Member States. In this context I have been in direct contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr Markos Kyprianou, concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union.

The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. He has pointed to the adoption of safeguard measures in relation to imports, for example in the matter of dealing with the risk to the EU of the spread of high pathogenic avian influenza, in the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and in the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as demonstrating the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS agreement).

A EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspection to evaluate animal health and public health control systems, traceability and certification procedures in place in Brazil was carried out in September of last year. In December the FVO completed a second mission that year to evaluate the control of residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products, including controls on veterinary medical products in that country. The FVO recently published its findings following a period of consultation with the Brazilian competent authorities. These reports, as well as all previous FVO reports on inspection of third countries' controls for export, may be accessed from the EU Commission's website.

These reports comment on the structure, organisation and tasks of the Brazilian Competent Authorities and have listed a number of recommendations to the authorities to address deficiencies, some of which are of long standing, recorded in the course of its audits. The Commission has confirmed to my Department that the action plans in question have now been received and that they are being assessed by the FVO. The FVO will report on its assessments to the European Commission and, where action is considered necessary to ensure the safety of food and the protection of consumers and animals in the EU, that appropriate proposals would be formulated and submitted to the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health on which My Department is represented.

I have more recently brought to the attention of the Department the findings of an Irish Delegation of farmers and journalists who visited the meat producing regions in Brazil and my Department is seeking assurances from the Commission that the FVO will undertake further missions to Brazil to evaluate the implementation of its action plan. At a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health where the matter was again raised by Ireland, the Commission indicated to Ireland that a FVO mission is being planned to take place some time before the end of the summer.

In the meantime additional health certification requirements have been introduced for imported beef from Brazil under Commission Decision 2006/259/EC requiring guarantees concerning animal contacts, vaccination programmes and surveillance. These certification provisions took effect from 31 March 2006 and they are checked by the EU approved Border Inspection Posts through which all 3rd country imports must first be submitted.

Farm Inspections.

Jim Glennon

Ceist:

129 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for inspections under the cross compliance requirements of the single farm payments scheme in 2006; and the way in which this compares with the level of inspections in 2005 and 2004. [24478/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The rate of on-farm inspections for cross-compliance in Ireland in 2005 was 1% of farmers for each Statutory Management Requirement (SMR) other than identification and registration of bovine animals where 5% of producers were inspected as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations. The inspection visits are integrated with ground (eligibility) inspections with a view to ensuring, as far as possible, that only one visit is made to each farm. In this context inspections under the Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance scheme are also integrated with the eligibility and cross-compliance inspections under the Single Payment Scheme. This resulted in a total of just over 10,000 inspections in 2005.

My Department initiated discussions with the European Commission earlier this year with a view to ensuring that only the minimum number of inspections would be carried out in 2006 and subsequent years. The result of those discussions was that for 2006, Ireland can select the population of farmers to be checked for cross-compliance from within the 5% population to be selected for on-farm ground (eligibility) inspections. When carrying out inspections in respect of the 1% of applicants under SMRs other than identification and registration of animals, my Department is obliged to check for compliance for all of the SMRs pertaining to the applicant. My Department must also ensure that at least 5% of producers are inspected under the SMRs governing identification and registration of bovine animals. As a result of these changes, the number of farmers to be inspected under Cross-Compliance will reduce by some 2,000 from just over 10,000 in 2005 to just over 8,000 in 2006. This compares with some 18,500 inspections carried out under the old coupled regime in 2004.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

130 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of meetings of the Food Agency Co-operation Council in 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23638/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Food Agency Co-operation Council was established in 2000 under the aegis of my Department to promote the fullest practical co-operation between the State Agencies involved in the food industry, in the interests of the optimum development of the industry. The Council met on 20 occasions between 2000 and 2003. During 2004 and 2005 priority was given instead to meetings of the food development agencies directly concerned with the food programme components of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Two such meetings took place in 2004, one in 2005 and one in 2006 to assess progress on the Plan in preparation for meetings of the NDP Monitoring Committees.

The Council has produced a number of publications, which were well received by the industry. In 2001 it was instrumental in the drawing up of a Human Resource Development programme for the food processing industry and produced "Market Trends — Implications for Suppliers and State Agency Initiatives". A "National Food Incident Management Plan" was launched in 2002 and a "Market Led New Product Development Guide" was drawn up by the Council and launched in April 2003 to provide guidance to food and drink companies on best practice in this area. The Guide has since been promulgated to County Enterprise Boards. The Council has played a significant role in increasing co-operation between the state agencies in the food area and a number of "Memorandums of Understanding" have been agreed between agencies.

In the light of a more market orientated CAP, the 2015 Agri-Vision Report and the Enterprise Strategy Report my Department has examined future co-operation arrangements between agencies for the most effective development of the agri-food industry. Arising from this, I have included in the Plan of Action to implement the 2015 Agri-Vision Report, the establishment of a high level group of CEOs of food agencies, which will subsume and develop the Council's role, and a Food Industry Committee. Both will be chaired at Ministerial level and will ensure a consolidated approach towards the development of the food sector as a whole and identify and address issues impeding the development of the sector.

Food Imports.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

131 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the breakdown of all the products surrendered by being put in the amnesty bins at airports here for surrender of animal product that has been inadvertently carried into Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24595/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The personal import into the EU for one's own consumption of meat, meat products or milk products by passengers coming from third countries has, since January 2003, been prohibited under Community law. Officers of my Department are deployed to carry out passenger interviews and bag searches on a random basis at ports and airports where travellers from third countries arrive. The interception of illegal imports from passengers whose journeys commenced within the EU is also being carried out.

The following table provides a breakdown of the animal products surrendered by passengers during 2005 and 2006 to date.

2005
Product	Amount Kgs
Meat/Meat Product	4,998
Milk/Milk Product	178.5
Total	5,156.5

2006 (To 31/5/2006)
Product	Amount Kgs
Meat/Meat Product	4,195.5
Milk/Milk Product	125
Total	4,310.5

Agrifood Sector.

John Curran

Ceist:

132 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her key priorities for the development of the agri-food sector. [24474/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My key priorities for the agri-food sector are to increase its competitiveness, strengthen its emphasis on innovation and research and improve its consumer focus. The actions to achieve these priorities are set out in the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan which I launched recently.

This Plan is based on a well-founded belief that the Irish agri-food sector, including our farmers, and our food and drink manufacturers, can compete with the best in the world when that objective is pursued with sufficient focus, determination and skill. The Plan sets our a new vision for the future of the sector in the light of new changes impacting on it such as the change to a decoupled payments regime, a more liberalised trade policy, changes in lifestyle, the clear emergence of technology and R&D as significant market drivers and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing.

This Plan sets out our positive vision for the future of the sector. It underlines the fact that delivering safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner, to well-informed consumers in high-value markets is the optimum road for the future of the Irish agri-food sector. There are over 160 actions that are being or will be taken to fulfil this vision and the process of implementing these actions is now underway.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

133 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23642/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The ‘Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Modern Biotechnology' published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in October 2000 established the Irish Government's positive but precautionary position on biotechnology. This position was based on the potential that biotechnology offers in the fields of medicine, health, agriculture, etc., while at the same time recognising that caution must be exercised to ensure that food safety and the environment are protected.

EU Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms lays down a binding, community-wide, framework for regulating the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, including for the purposes of field trials and cultivation. Taking into account the precautionary principle, it seeks to ensure that high levels of protection are afforded to the environment and human health and requires, inter alia, the carrying out of a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, as part of the notification process, and post release monitoring. Any environmental risk to plants in the vicinity of the cultivation of genetically modified crops is considered in the foregoing context.

While responsibility for decisions on proposals for field trials rests with the EPA, responsibility for the establishment of measures to ensure the effective and efficient coexistence of authorised GM crops alongside non GM crops rests with my Department.

Food Labelling.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

134 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of her Department’s submission to the EU consultative document on Labelling, Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation in the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24593/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Directorate General for Health & Consumer Protection asked Member States to submit any observations it has on food labelling as part of its overall examination of the current food labelling legislation. The document outlining Ireland's concerns was submitted to DG Sanco by the Department of Health & Children which has overall responsibility for general food labelling legislation.

Horticulture Industry.

John Carty

Ceist:

135 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the progress in expanding the horticulture sector here. [24471/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The farm-gate production value of the horticulture sector continues to expand and is now estimated at €300 million.

The key issue which has impacted on the development of the horticulture industry as a whole in recent years is the increased concentration at retail level with the consequent significant change in the supply chain. My Department, recognising the marketing advantages and challenges of consolidation and scale, has contributed to the development of the industry, particularly through its grant aid schemes under the National Development Plan. These schemes have been a catalyst for investment and growth and have assisted producers to upgrade or develop new production facilities and have also enabled commercial enterprises to improve marketing and processing facilities.

The scheme to assist capital investment on farms under the National Development Plan aims to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improvement in the quality of products and to facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improved working conditions on farms. Since 2001 nearly €13m in grant aid has been paid to horticultural producers throughout the country to support investments to the value of €38m. In 2006 a further €6.5m grant package will fund projects to the investment value of €18.5m in respect of 163 applications recently approved by my Department. All areas of horticulture are eligible for the scheme.

Demand in the consumer and food service sectors is buoyant, both for fresh and prepared chilled produce and convenient value-added products. The retail value of prepared horticultural produce was estimated to be €59.8m in 2004, representing a two-fold increase on 2001 and there are real investment opportunities and challenges for development of this sector.

Under my Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products a total of €10.5m has been awarded in the horticultural sector under the NDP to date. €7m was awarded in respect of 15 projects in the Fruit and Vegetable sector earlier this year.

In addition, horticulture producers benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation scheme. €5.6m was paid to 10 recognised Producer Organisations in 2005. The development of Producer Organisations under EU Regulations has made a very important contribution to the development of the sector as it enables producers to benefit from their combined strength in the production and marketing of their product.

Farm Consolidation.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

136 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to ensure a greater level of farm consolidation is encouraged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24621/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Developing scale and efficiency is an important component to having a commercial full-time farming sector. The Government has a number of incentives in place that encourage greater levels of land mobility and farm consolidation. These include:

An Early Retirement Scheme pension of up to €13,515 for a period of up to 10 years on farms transferred by gift, sale or lease.

An installation aid grant of €9,520 for young trained farmers.

Capital Gains Tax — Retirement Relief for farmers over 55 years.

A rental income tax exemption of up to €15,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 7 years or more.

A rental income tax exemption of up to €10,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 5 to 7 years.

A 90% Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax.

The provision of full Stamp Duty relief for young trained farmers.

A specific measure to deal with the issue of farm consolidation was introduced in Budget 2005 to deal with situations where farmers wish to swap land to reduce the fragmentation of their holdings. In these cases there is Stamp Duty relief available for land swapped for the purpose of farm consolidation.

Such incentives help to improve land mobility through early farm transfer, encouraging leasing and land swaps. These, in turn, help improve the availability of land to farmers who wish to enter farming, allow them to increase the size of their holdings and to improve efficiency through the reduction of farm fragmentation.

Animal Remedies Regulations.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

137 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to provide a countrywide and weekend veterinary service for the issue of prescriptions for animal remedies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23632/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Deputy will be aware that veterinary practices are primarily commercial entities and their locations are driven by commercial realities. However, in so far as State involvement is concerned, I can point to a number of recent measures which will alleviate difficulties which may arise in certain parts of the country. Under the new Veterinary Practice Act 2005, effective from 1 January 2006, there is a provision which for the first time enables the Veterinary Council to recognize qualifications from applicants in Third Countries generally. This, taken with the enlargement of the EU, will make for improved availability of practitioners to meet shortfalls that may arise on the supply side. Furthermore, the Animal Remedies Regulations 2005, which I signed into law on the 17 November 2005, contain a number of measures which facilitate veterinary practitioners and their farmer clients to avoid difficulties in this area. These include changes to the prescribing rules in terms of the ending of the requirement to clinically examine an animal prior to writing a prescription and the extended validity period of prescriptions. The Regulations also include a provision, which in a genuine emergency situation and subject to appropriate safeguards, allows a pharmacist to supply a prescription medicine in advance of receiving a written prescription. Finally, I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta provides funding to subsidise veterinary practices in remote areas in consultation with the local farming community.

Forestry Industry.

Donie Cassidy

Ceist:

138 Mr. Cassidy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy; and the number of jobs involved in the sector. [24468/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The forestry sector provides a high value input to the national economy, and makes a significant contribution to the economic well being of rural communities.

Recent economic data reveals that forestry's contribution to the economy is 0.3% of GDP. While it is difficult to provide economic values for the non-timber benefits of Irish forests, the 2004 Bacon Review estimated an annual value in the region of €88.4 million for the recreation, carbon-storage and biodiversity benefits.

Some 16,000 private plantations have been established, the vast majority of these by farmers. In 2005, a total of €57.8 million in forestry premiums was paid out to forest owners. In addition, it is estimated that forestry generates employment for a further 16,000 people, directly and indirectly.

Live Exports.

Peter Power

Ceist:

139 Mr. P. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on live cattle exports and cattle slaughterings in meat plants here to date in 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. [24470/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Live exports continue to be an important outlet for our cattle, providing an essential element of competition with the beef trade. Following a near 40% increase in such exports in 2005, the strong upward trend has continued in 2006. The live trade to the EU remains strong with 138,000 head exported to date in 2006 against 89,000 for the same period last year, an increase of about 55%. Within that, the calf trade is exceptionally good at 87,000 head, which is up 80% on last year probably mostly reflecting the difficulties in the poultry sector in the earlier part of the year. As forecast, live exports to third countries have declined significantly this year, this trade being now almost non-existent due largely to the removal of export refunds last December on live cattle exports other than for breeding. Consequently the live trade will, in the future, be centralised in the closer EU market, which due to its declining livestock production has a demand for such cattle.

Total cattle slaughterings for 2006 to date amounts to over 750,000 head. This represents an increase of over 91,000 on the same period in 2005, a rise of 14%. This figure signifies a return to the levels last seen in 2003. The kill for the year as a whole is, however, expected to level out at approximately 5% up on last year.

National Genotyping Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

140 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to review the National Genotyping Programme; her views on extending the provisions of the scheme, including the payment of compensation, to rams that were genotyped prior to 1 September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23597/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The enhancements introduced under the National Genotyping Programme in 2005 only applied to sheep genotyped between 1 September 2005 and 18 November 2005. The enhancements included the payment of a flat rate of compensation in respect of any ram which, when tested, was found to be in one of the categories which are susceptible or highly susceptible to scrapie, provided that such rams were slaughtered on or before 30 November 2005. I have consistently emphasised that compensation payments would be made only in respect of animals genotyped during the qualifying period and, consequently, the issue of making compensation payments in respect of rams genotyped prior to September 2005 does not arise.

On 15 March 2006, I announced further measures worth up to €1.5 million to encourage greater participation in the National Genotyping Programme (NGP). The initiative involves the payment by the Department of a contribution towards laboratory testing costs (€12 per test for male and female animals genotyped) and the payment of compensation for rams tested on or after 1 January 2006 and found to be susceptible or most susceptible to scrapie. Rams qualifying for compensation must be removed for slaughter on or before 1 September 2006 and the total amount of compensation payable to any one claimant in 2006 is capped at €1,200.

Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007. It must be borne in mind that over the last five years on average less than 4% of the total milk quota changed hands each year under the existing restructuring scheme.

My Department and I are progressing with the ongoing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to my decision. This has comprised meetings with the relevant farm organisations and with representatives of the milk-processing sector and individual co-ops. The issue of future milk quota policy has also been discussed with the participating farm organisations at the partnership negotiations. Furthermore, there has been contact with colleagues in other countries with experience of operating more open market systems.

We are now continuing with a comprehensive analysis of the issues raised and the options for dealing with them, with a view to designing an appropriate transfer mechanism. Further consultations will take place before finalising the new system, and the operational details will be announced in good time to allow for all parties concerned to make appropriate plans before the start of the 2007/2008 milk quota year.

Question No. 149 answered with QuestionNo. 107.

Sheepmeat Industry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

150 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a strategy implementation group will be appointed on foot of the recent Sheep Industry Development Strategy Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24598/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Deputy will be aware that I welcomed the recent publication of this report which sets out positive recommendations for the future development of the sheep sector. It is now very important that all the stakeholders work together to ensure that the required decisions and actions are taken to guarantee the future viability of the sector.

I am now in the process of setting up an agreed implementation structure in association with the main stakeholders involved and expect to be in a position to make an announcement on it in the near future.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

151 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food’s Report on the ERS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23639/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The report of the Joint Committee covered a range of issues and I responded to it in detail. As I explained in my response, a number of the Committee's recommendations are precluded by the EU Regulations under which the current Scheme and its predecessor are operated. I saw some merit in certain other aspects of the Committee's report, specifically those relating to income limits and the maximum age of transferees in the current Scheme. However, this Scheme will close to new applications in December and the practical effect of any such changes would now be very small.

The Committee paid particular attention to two issues. One was the implications of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out quota as well as land to transferees during the single payment reference period. I believe we have secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the fact that the Commission were unsympathetic at the outset. In family cases, where a farm reverted to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, a family member taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the current Scheme who farmed during the reference period can activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees; and at the end of the lease they can either sell the entitlements with or without land or lease the entitlements with land.

The other issue the Joint Committee focused on was the levels of payment under the two Schemes. The European Commission has repeatedly ruled out the idea of indexation in the current Scheme and has pointed out that the rate in the earlier Scheme was set at the maximum amount for co-funding that the Regulation allowed.

Tourism Statistics.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

152 Mr. Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of Irish residents who have gone on skiing holidays for the past ten years; and a breakdown of the figures per year. [24763/06]

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

The CSO does not compile any statistics on the number of Irish residents travelling abroad on skiing holidays. The tourism statistics published by the CSO provide a breakdown distinguishing holidays, business trips, visiting friends or relatives and other reasons for travel. The statistics do not give any further details on the types of foreign holiday taken by Irish residents.

Farm Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

153 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of full-time farmers in 1996; the number currently engaged in full-time farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24979/06]

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

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Farm Structure Survey provides estimates of farm numbers and the following table shows figures for June 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2003 (the latest year currently available).

Number of active farms from 1995 to 2003 (the latest data available)
Year	Farmwork is sole occupation of farm owner	Farmwork is not sole occupation of farm owner	Total
	No. of Farms (’000)
1995	101.2	51.8	153.0
1997	98.3	49.3	147.6
2000*	78.7	62.6	141.3
2003	77.9	57.2	135.1

*June 2000 Census of Agriculture figure.

Legal Proceedings.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

154 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach the number of extant legal proceedings to which the Attorney General is a party or a notice party in which the constitutional validity or consistency of an enactment has been challenged, indicating the enactments involved and the present stage of those proceedings; the number of those cases in which a Minister of the Government is not also a party, indicating the arrangements in place for consultation with an appropriate Minister on the defence of such proceedings; the number of cases in which the Director of Public Prosecutions or another public authority is also a party, indicating if there are arrangements for joint carriage of the defence of those cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23711/06]

The Taoiseach

Following is the information requested by the Deputy.

1. The Number of Extant Cases

There are in the order of 664 cases extant where challenges have been made to the constitutionality of acts of the Oireachtas or to Statutory Instruments. This figure includes 85 cases pending where the Road Traffic Act legislation, providing for the use of intoxiliser equipment, is being challenged as being repugnant to the Constitution. It also includes 317 cases involving constitutional challenges to the imposition of nursing home charges. There is also 1 case involving Article 35.4 of the Constitution.

In addition there are ten test cases extant arising from the operation of the Irish Born Child 2005 scheme in cases where applicants were refused leave to remain for various reasons. There are in excess of 80 other such cases in the background and where proceedings have already issued. Challenges are based on constitutional arguments as to right of the family and of the child.

There are approximately 70 to 80 cases challenging the Immigration Act, 1999 (Deportation) Regulations 2002 SI 103 of 2002. Several of these cases have been pleaded in terms that challenge the constitutionality of the regulations.

2. Enactments Involved and Current Stage of Proceedings

Court proceedings have issued and are at different stages of the litigation process to challenge several areas of statutory law including provisions of:

Pharmacy Act, 1962,

Public Health (Tobacco) Acts, 2002 and 2004,

Processed Animal Products Regulations, 2000, · Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, (Part III),

Mental Treatment Acts,

Health Acts, (Equalisation),

Health (Flouridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960,

Gas Act, 1976,

Refugee Act, 1996,

Immigration Act, 2003,

Immigration Act, 1999,

Deportation Regulations,

Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act, 2000,

Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1965, as amended,

Companies Act, 1963, (S.390),

Bankruptcy Act, 1988 (S.85),

Defence Act, 1954 (and Regulations)

Garda Síochána Discipline Regulations, 1989,

Rules for the Government of Prisons, 1947, (R.63).

Coroners Act, 1962, (S.26(2)),

Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995,

Civil Liability Act, 1961, as amended,

Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act, 1961 (S.1 & 2(b)), as amended,

Statute of Limitations, 1957,

Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts, 1920-2002,

Rules of Superior Courts (O.22, r.1 — libel and slander),

Equal Status Act, 2000,

Civil Registration Act, 2004 & Regulations (Births, Deaths & Marriages),

Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,

Sexual Offences Act, 2001,

Offences Against the State Act, 1939,

Vagrancy (Ireland) Act, 1847,

Sex Offenders Act, 2001 (Ss 7(2), 8(3), 10 & 11),

Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1935 (S. 2),

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994,

Criminal Justice Act 1997 & Prison Rules,

Criminal Justice Act, 1993,

Criminal Justice Act, 1990,

Criminal Justice Act, 1999,

European Arrest Warrant Act, 2003,

Offences Against the Persons Act, 1861,

Prosecution of Offenders Act, 1974, (S.3),

Road Traffic Act, 1994 (S. 41),

Road Traffic Act, 1961, (S. 65),

Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996,

Finance Act, 1992,

Finance Act, 1997,

Finance Act, 2001 (S. 127 (2)) & related provisions,

Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997,

Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1967, as amended,

Social Welfare Acts,

Deceased Wife's Sisters Marriage Act, 1907, as amended,

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2001,

Electoral Act, 1992, as amended,

Fishery Harbour Centres legislation,

Fishery Harbour Centre (Management, Control, Operation and Development) Bye Laws,

Housing Act, 1966-2004 (Provision of Accommodation),

Housing Act, 1966, S.62.

Housing Act, 1966, (Compulsory Purchase),

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2002,

Derelict Sites Act, 1990,

Planning and Development Act, 2000, Part XIV (Compulsory Purchase),

National Monuments Act, 1930,

Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.

3. Cases where Minister is not a Party

In all cases, the parties include ‘Ireland and the Attorney General' — the inclusion of the Attorney General as a party is a legal requirement where the constitutionality of legislation is challenged in proceedings taken against the State. In 92 extant cases, Ministers of Government are not named as parties in the action.

4. Arrangements in place for consultation with Minister

In cases where the Minister is a party to the proceedings, instruction on the case is sought from the Department and the Department is kept informed on developments in the case and attend pre hearing consultations. Similarly in the case where a Department may not be a named party but where they have a responsibility for the subject matter of the litigation, it is notified of the proceedings.

Procedures in this respect have been strengthened. New notification procedures have been introduced by the Attorney General to be followed in cases of constitutional challenge and these include arrangements for notification of all pleadings and submissions to the Secretary General of the Department concerned and provide for regular reviews with Departments in constitutional cases. The procedures provide for regular meetings between the Office of the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice to review and assess the effect, if any, on the general enforcement of the criminal law of any constitutional challenge.

Under the new procedures, a Memorandum of Information for the Government is to be brought quarterly to Government through the Taoiseach so as to give regular updates on constitutional actions.

5. DPP or other Public Body

There are approximately 130 instances where other public agencies are parties to these extant actions, e.g, Garda Commissioner, Revenue Commissioners, the refugee agencies, Tribunals, local authorities, prison governors, Health Service Executive, Environmental Protection Agency, An Bord Pleanála and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Director of Public Prosecutions is a party to the action in 22 cases. The State's legal service does not act for all public agencies in all these cases — such as is the case for several of the agencies mentioned. However, where the State defends a challenge to the constitutionality, it does so on behalf of Ireland and the Attorney General.

6. Arrangements in place for joint carriage of defence

In cases involving the Director of Public Prosecutions where there is a constitutional challenge the AGO/CSSO work in close co-operation with the Office of the DPP. Generally, counsel are shared between the two offices and court documentation and steps taken in the case are approved by both the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

There is high degree of cooperation in refugee/asylum law cases where the AGO/CSSO act for the agencies involved with a full input from the agencies in defending the cases.

Departmental Reports.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

155 Ms C. Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the amount they cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24353/06]

The Taoiseach

The information requested by the Deputy is given in the following schedule:

Title of Report	Year Report was commissioned	Internal Reports	Reports carried out by Consultants	Cost of Report
Consultation document ‘Towards Better Regulation’	2002	Yes — with some input from Consultant		€31,665 of which €6,692 was in respect of consultant’s input
Report on submissions received arising from public consultation on ‘Towards Better Regulation’	2002	Yes — with some input from Consultant		€11,790 of which €4,000 was in respect of consultant’s input
Report on ‘Evaluation of Customer Action Plans’	2002		Yes	€33,528 of which €30,473 was in respect of consultant’s input
‘Communicating Change and Modernisation in the Civil Service’	2002		Yes	€30,166
Irish Civil Service — Customer Satisfaction Survey 2003	2003		Yes	€36,000
‘Customer Charters — Guidelines for preparation’	2003	Yes — with some input from Consultant		€39,003 of which €4,840 was in respect of consultant’s input
An Inquiry into certain matters in relation to procurement as requested by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D.	2004	Yes	No	Nil
The Contribution of Better Regulation to Social Progress — A Report for Irish EU Presidency Conference	2004		Yes	€18,876
‘Quantifiying the impacts of Regulation’ — A report for the Irish EU Presidency Conference	2004		Yes	€5,250
‘Our Commitments to our Colleagues — Internal Customer Service in the Civil Service’	2004	Yes		€11,060
Examination of the Brick and Block Laying Sector of the Construction Industry	2004	No	Yes	This work is not yet completed the costs are therefore not yet available.
‘Redress for Civil Service Customers — International Approaches’	2004		Yes	€81,943 of which €76,894 was in respect of consultant’s input

Title of Report	Year Report was commissioned	Internal Reports	Reports carried out by Consultants	Cost of Report
Three Progress Reports produced on the Implementation of the Affordable Housing Initiative	2004 & 2005	No	Yes	€3,675
Report to the National Implementation Body Re: Cost and Implications of Proposed Amendments made by the Communications Workers’ Union on 3 August 2005	2005	No	Yes	€61,172
Report on the introduction of Regulatory Impact Analysis	2005		Yes	€29,890
Report and Database of Regulatory Bodies in Ireland	2005 (due for completion by end Summer 2006)		Yes	€13,310 (to date)
Review of PMDS Evaluation results for Technical and Professional Staff	2005		Yes	€15,125
*Lisbon Agenda National Reform Programme Ireland	2005	Yes	No	€13,885
Irish Civil Service (General Public) Customer Satisfaction Survey 2006	2005		Yes	€32,973
Research Project on the Special Initiatives under Sustaining Progress	2005	No	Yes	€37,207.50
Report on Affordable Housing	2005	No	Yes	€9,680
Survey of Business attitudes to Regulation	May 2006 (due for completion Autumn 2006)		Yes	€90,000 allocated
Irish Civil Service (Business) Customer Satisfaction Survey 2006	2006		Yes	€17,848

*The Cross Departmental Team to the Cabinet Committee on Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs has since its establishment in 1999 prepared an Annual Progress report. These reports are prepared internally at marginal cost and take approximately one month to prepare. They are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and the latest five are available on the Department of the Taoiseach website.

Irish Language.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

156 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of people who indicated that they had an ability to speak Irish or who use Irish on a daily basis in the last ten censuses of population. [24698/06]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. Irish speakers aged 3 years and over, 1926-2002

Year
1926	540,802
1936	666,601
1946	588,725
1961	716,420
1971	789,429
1981	1,018,413
1986	1,042,701
1991	1,095,830
1996	1,430,205
2002	1,570,894

A new question on ability to speak the Irish language and frequency of speaking Irish was introduced in the 1996 Census of Population. The new version of the question marked a major departure from the version used in previous censuses and the results for earlier years are therefore not directly comparable. The version used in those years asked respondents to write "Irish only", "Irish and English", "Read but cannot speak Irish" or to leave blank as appropriate. The version introduced in 1996 was retained unchanged for 2002.

In respect of the most recent Census of Population, which was carried out in April 2006, a further distinction was introduced between those who speak Irish daily within the education system and those who speak it daily outside the education system.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

157 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target can be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24816/06]

The Taoiseach

The Disability Act 2005 gives legal status to a previous positive action measure which set a 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public service. Whereas the Act sets the 3% target as a minimum employment percentage, it does not restrict Departments or public bodies from surpassing that target. The percentage of persons with disabilities currently employed in my Department is 3.66%.

My Department also follows the guidelines set out in the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Civil Service.

Foreign Adoptions.

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

158 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the Irish Vietnamese adoption application of persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan and other prospective adoptive parents who have paid considerable sums of money to a person who has been instructed by the Irish Adoption Board to desist from adoption facilitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24560/06]

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

The Adoption Board is enquiring into certain anonymous allegations made against the named individual. Immediately on receiving the allegations the Adoption Board raised the matter with the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam.

The Adoption Board has also:

(i) asked the Gardai to check the veracity of the allegations; and

(ii) written to the registered Adoption Mediation Agency concerned (Helping Hands) advising it that the named individual should abstain from any involvement in Vietnamese adoptions until this investigation has been completed.

It is not considered that these enquiries will affect the status of the Vietnamese adoption applications made by the persons referred to and other prospective adoptive parents.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

159 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application by a committee (details supplied) in County Galway for capital grant funding will be approved; if his attention has been drawn to the need in this immediate area for such a service; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Kinvara proposal has been designed to cater for 78 children, aged three months to twelve years and incorporates the existing community playgroup which has been operating successfully since 1979; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24757/06]

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

173 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application for a capital grant for a facility (details supplied) in County Galway; when the application will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24391/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 173 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP referred to by the Deputy, I understand from enquiries I have made that this application for funding is currently in the appraisal process. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formally known as ADM Ltd., to ensure that it meets the criteria of the Programme. All applications are processed as speedily as possible.

Following this assessment, the application will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee and a recommendation made to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, before a decision is made regarding funding.

The Group in question will be informed of the decision in due course.

Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

160 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties created in the educational system due to long delays for speech and language therapy for children who have been referred for appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24794/06]

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.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

161 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the issue of secondary supports for pupils with special needs such as speech and language, social work therapy and so on has been brought to her attention; the issues which are of concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24795/06]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

162 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of planned hospital developments that have been requested by her Department to be put on hold pending a completion by her Department of a value for money analysis; the process involved; if she will confirm if phase 2B of Longford Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar is subject to this cost benefit evaluation; if same will delay its anticipated completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24862/06]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

250 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has instructed that the planned second stage of phase 2B development at Longford-Westmeath Hospital, Mullingar, be put on hold, while same is subject to the Department of Finance’s value for money assessment; if so, the reason such an important infrastructural development which has been planned for up to 20 years, should now be subject to a process where the result is self evident; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24871/06]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

251 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the impact plan that is being put in place by her Department for the completion of phase 2B of Longford-Westmeath Hospital at Mullingar; the estimated cost of same; the completion date for same; and if she will assure the people of Longford and Westmeath that the completion of this overdue health facility will no longer be subject to excuses or delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24872/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 250 and 251 together.

In accordance with Department of Finance requirements, no capital project in the Health Sector costing more than €30 million can proceed without a detailed cost benefit analysis being completed. Capital projects at the following locations are affected by this requirement — Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital , Drogheda, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire and Phase 2B Stage 2 of the Longford/Westmeath Hospital at Mullingar.

In relation to Longford/Westmeath Hospital, it should be noted that the completion of Stage 1 of Phase 2B of the development is not affected. This involves the fitting out of ward accommodation in a shelled-out area that was constructed in the 1990s and will provide a net increase of 45 beds. This project went to tender on 23 June last and the target date for completion is mid-2007.

As regards the questions raised in relation to Stage 2 of Phase 2B, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

163 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to a number of planned hospital developments, she will indicate that her Department’s sanction for these capital projects is contingent upon revenue implications in respect thereof being met from the Health Service Executive’s own resources; the way in which the HSE will identify such savings or reductions being made in respect of each individual project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24863/06]

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. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme.

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

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

164 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that there is no risk of contamination from the importation of genetically modified foods or food products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24991/06]

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

In response to consumer concerns, the European Union's new regulatory framework for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) entered into force in 2004. Ireland, in common with other Member States and as required by EU rules, applies EU legislation on GM foods, produced within the EU or imported. Under EU rules, only authorised GM foods, or foods containing ingredients thereof, can be placed on the market. The safety of GM products is independently assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a case by case basis and GM food is required to be clearly labelled, thus ensuring greater consumer confidence and choice.

In the production of food, feed and seed, it is almost impossible to achieve products that are 100% GM free. Minute traces of GMOs can arise in conventional food and feed during cultivation, harvest, transport and processing. Accordingly, to ensure legal certainty, thresholds have been established above which conventional foods must be labelled as consisting of or containing or being produced from a GMO. The labelling requirement is not for food safety reasons, rather a consumer choice measure and does not apply to foods with GM content in a proportion no higher than 0.9% of the food ingredients considered individually or food consisting of a single ingredient, provided that this presence is adventitious or technically unavoidable: previously, the level had been 1%. The new threshold applies to all GMOs authorised under the current Regulations and also applies to those authorised under the Novel Foods Regulation.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of EU legislation regarding genetically modified (GM) foods: the FSAI carries out checks of the marketplace for compliance with the GM legislation.

Food Labelling.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

165 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when there will be a comprehensive labelling scheme within the catering trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24581/06]

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

Regulations recently signed by the Tánaiste entitled Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. no. 307 of 2006) provide that with effect from 3 July next, catering establishments will be required to indicate on their menus or in another appropriate form, the country of origin of beef which is served. The making of these regulations was facilitated by existing traceability of beef arrangements under the European Communities (Labelling of Beef and Beef Products) Regulations 2000 (S.I. no. 435 of 2000).

While enabling legislation passed by the Oireachtas in March of this year also facilitates the extension of country of origin labelling to all meats, due to different systems of traceability and some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. There are no plans at present to extend the country of origin of beef requirements to other meats but the matter will be kept under review.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

166 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if respite care services will be provided in the north east area for children with autism living in County Louth (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24339/06]

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.

Health Services.

Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 159.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

174 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the construction of the BreastCheck facility in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24399/06]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

176 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be available to patients from the Waterford constituency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24401/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 176 together. I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll out must be in place including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. I have made available additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck to meet the additional costs of roll out. I have also approved an additional 69 posts.

BreastCheck recently interviewed for Clinical Directors for the Southern and Western regions and appointments have been made and both will take up their positions later this year. Both are currently undergoing additional training in relation to their role as Clinical Director. This month BreastCheck will begin recruiting Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons and Consultant Histopathologists for both centres. BreastCheck are also recruiting radiographers. While the recruitment of radiographers is difficult at present as there is a shortage internationally of trained personnel, BreastCheck is confident that it will be in a position to employ sufficient radiographers at both sites.

BreastCheck also requires considerable capital investment in the construction of two new clinical units and in the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I have made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for this purpose. BreastCheck is in the process of shortlisting applicants to construct the new clinical units at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital Galway. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.

Hospital Services.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

175 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients referred for radiotherapy to Cork University Hospital from the Waterford constituency since the appointment of the radiation oncologist from Cork with outreach to Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24400/06]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 174.

Cancer Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

177 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to provide funding for the major capital development arising from the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24402/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy will be aware that I recently launched a new Strategy for Cancer Control which has been developed by the National Cancer Forum. The Strategy makes recommendations in relation to organisation, governance, quality assurance and accreditation across the continuum of cancer care from prevention and health promotion through to treatment services, palliative care and research.

The Government is fully committed to significant additional investment in cancer control based on the reform programme now being implemented by the HSE. Additional investment will be addressed from within the annual financial allocation approved by Government commencing in 2007. To this end, I have asked the HSE to prepare a robust needs assessment for cancer control for the next five years to reflect priorities in cancer control, equitable distribution and priority setting that maximises efficiency and reduces dependancy on hospital in-patient care.

The HSE has announced the establishment of a National Cancer Control Programme to implement the new Strategy, details of which will be outlined by the Executive over the coming weeks. The Programme will provide the necessary leadership, governance and integration to create an essential framework for cancer control. It will be led by a National Programme Director and will host a single national budget for all cancer control activities.

Since the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy commenced in 1997, approximately €920 million has been invested in the development of cancer services. The Vote for the Health Service Executive in 2006 includes a sum of €9 million to continue to meet the additional service pressures in cancer care, improve the quality of care, facilitate better access to radiation oncology services and to continue the preparation for the national cervical screening programme.

The capital funding requirement arising from the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is primarily a matter for the Health Service Executive in the context of determining its priorities under the Health Capital Investment Framework 2006-2010. The Framework has earmarked an unprecedented capital funding provision of approximately €3.36 billion up to the year 2010.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

178 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the capital funding which has been provided to the Health Service Executive south for development at Waterford Regional Hospital for the period 2006 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24403/06]

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. This includes responsibility for expenditure under the health capital programme.

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

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

179 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposal to provide capital funding for the provision of specialist palliative care in Waterford in line with the €17.5 million which has been provided for the new specialist palliative care hospice at St. Patrick’s Marymount, Cork City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24405/06]

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. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme.

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

Cancer Treatment Services.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

180 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made regarding the cancer services transport proposal for the Health Service Executive south east which has been under consideration (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24406/06]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Cancer Incidence.

A plan of work has been agreed by the parties in order to give effect to the agreed terms of reference. The high level group met on Wednesday 7 June 2006, to review progress and establish a number of subgroups to further progress tasks associated with the terms of reference. The overall aim is to establish a blueprint for the delivery of home help services going forward. It is anticipated that the bulk of the issues can be addressed within an overall six-month timeframe.

The terms of reference of the group are: To review existing models/structures of home help services to address issues pertaining to the standardisation of services to include inter alia:

1. The demands being placed on the services through the implementation of the home help agreement.

2. Outstanding issues pertaining to the implementation of the home help agreement.

3. Clarification on the nature of the service to be provided by home helps.

4. Explicit and agreed criteria for the assessment of need.

5. Standard criteria for entitlement.

6. Contractual service agreements with the voluntary organisations.

7. National guideline provisions for level of service provisions and the assessment of needs.

8. Recognition of the home help service as a service in its own right.

9. The role and status of home help organisers within this service.

10. The terms and conditions of home help organisers and other support staff employed by voluntary organisations.

Care of the Elderly.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

184 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date by the Health Service Executive mid-west in extending the HSE pilot project of establishing teams of personnel to help elderly people to remain at home after becoming ill; the areas where this pilot scheme operates at present; the cost of the pilot scheme; the funding provided for its expansion; the expected duration before the scheme is available nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24420/06]

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.

Hospital Services.

Section 6 of the Health Act, 2004 states that the Health Service Executive is a corporate body. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

193 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in a hospital in Galway. [24456/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

199 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has allowed the domiciliary care allowance application form to go out of print while it is being updated; if she will ensure that a downloadable copy is available on a website; the way in which she otherwise intends to resolve the shortage; when the new forms will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24491/06]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

200 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in arranging a mammogram appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24502/06]

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.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

201 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the home help hours for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo have been reduced. [24522/06]

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.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

202 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a homecare package application for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was first received by the Health Service Executive western area; when it will be dealt with; when a decision will be made in this case; and the help which will be given to this person in view of the obvious need in this case. [24523/06]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

203 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the enhanced subvention payment is not being extended to new applicants in County Mayo at present; if this is Government policy; the further reason this decision is being implemented by the Health Service Executive western area in view of the fact that the highest number of elderly people reside in this area; if she will provide additional funding to the HSE western area specifically for the restoration of the enhanced subvention payment; the number of new applicants who have been refused this payment to date; the number of existing applicants who have been denied an increase in their enhanced subvention payment to date; the number of people in the county of Mayo who have availed of the enhanced subvention payment from 1 January 2006 to date; and the annual cost of this payment in Mayo. [24524/06]

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

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

The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention, subject to the provisions of the Health Act, 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates. The supports paid by the HSE vary from person to person and region to region, depending on prices for example.

In relation to the issue of funding and the number of applicants for subvention in the Western Area 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.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

204 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds which are located in a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo, including details of the bed type; the number of these beds which are currently occupied and the occupancy rate for each of the past ten years; the position in relation to the works that have to be carried out at that facility; the length of time these works are going on; when the Health Service Executive expects to open up the wards that were closed down over the past number of years; the number of wards in this facility which are currently closed and the date of their closure; the works which have taken place since then; her plans to increase the bed numbers in this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24525/06]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

205 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to the fact that a decision has been taken to amalgamate the three children’s hospitals and to locate the single hospital in the north inner city, the future plans for paediatric services outside this hospital, in particular, accident and emergency services for young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24535/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Report of the Task Group that was established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to advise on the optimum location for the new national paediatric hospital was presented to the Board of the HSE on 1st June. The Report and its recommendations were endorsed by the Board. At its meeting on 8th June, the Government strongly endorsed the recommendations of the Board of the HSE, in line with the recommendation of the Report of the Task Group, that the new paediatric hospital be developed as an independent hospital on a site to be made available by the Mater Misericordiae Hospital.

It is now a matter for the HSE to move forward with the development of the new national tertiary paediatric hospital and associated urgent care centres, and to explore any philanthropic proposals in relation to its development.

The governance arrangements that will arise in the context of the amalgamation of the three children's hospitals will also be pursued, in particular the measures needed to ensure that the new children's hospital is multi-denominational and pluralist in character.

Health Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

206 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hours speech therapy that children in special language units receive on a weekly basis. [24572/06]

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.

Nursing Home Charges.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

207 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the long-term stay charges repayment scheme; and when it is expected repayments will issue under this scheme. [24646/06]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

241 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to long-stay patients entitled to a refund with regard to repayments to residence of public funded long stay care homes; if this payment will be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24842/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 241 together.

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 was signed by the President on 23 June 2006. This Act provides a clear legal framework for a scheme to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term care.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) are in the process of announcing the appointment of a preferred service provider to administer this repayment scheme. On appointment the company will immediately begin work on the scheme to ensure that a significant proportion of patients will receive their repayments within a short period. The company will, within four weeks of appointment, begin to issue application forms and begin notifying approximately 7,600 living patients of the amount of repayment due to them. The HSE has indicated that the details of these repayments have been prepared in advance of the appointment of the company. On submission of an application and receipt of notification of the calculated amount of repayment due, the applicant will have a period of 28 days in which to appeal or reject the calculated amount of repayment due prior to the issuing of money by the HSE.

General Practitioner Co-operatives.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

208 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive is attempting to impose an outside of hours general practitioner service on the people of west Kerry, in view of the fact the local population demands cover by local doctors who are known to them and who are prepared to provide the service. [24647/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

Health Service Contracts.

John Gormley

Ceist:

209 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the information she has received from the Health Service Executive on its investigation into awarding of contracts in its Dublin north east division; if her attention has been drawn to the scope of the investigation, the personnel responsible for conducting it, and when the investigation will be complete; if her Department will be conducting its own investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24648/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Service Executive's Internal Audit Unit is currently conducting an investigation into the awarding of contracts in the Dublin North East Region.

Section 25 of the Health Act 2004 requires employees of the Health Service Executive to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest in performing functions under that or any other enactment as employees of the Executive. Section 25 also obliges the Executive to issue codes of conduct for employees other than employees to whom a code of conduct under section 10 (3) of the Standards in Public Office 2001 applies. A code of conduct issued by the Executive for employees must indicate the standards of integrity and conduct to be maintained by them in performing their functions. A person to whom such a code of conduct relates is required to have regard to and be guided by the code in performing his or her functions.

Under the HSE's procurement policy, which was published this year it is stated that it is HSE policy to maintain its high reputation for ethical behaviour and fair dealing in the context of its business. The HSE code of conduct and behaviour for staff applies in the context of all HSE procurement.

As the issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

213 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the representations she has made to St. Loman’s Hospital, Lucan Road to ensure that all staff can avail of FETAC level five training in healthcare support as understood to be part of a benchmarking pay agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24652/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

The Deputy's questions relates to training, education and development of support staff in the health services which is comprehended by the SKILL Project (Securing Knowledge Intra Lifelong Learning). The SKILL training fund originated as part of the parallel benchmarking agreement for support staff titled "Recognising & Respecting the Role". Under the SKILL Project €60m is being provided over a four year period, 2004 — 2008 for training of support staff. All grades of support staff have equal access to the training programmes, which are FETAC accredited e.g. porters, catering, household etc. The SKILL Project Team have identified the numbers and grades of staff who will undergo the FETAC programmes in 2006. The numbers undertaking the programme are representative of the sector as a whole and of the various grades of support staff.

The allocation of places in particular institutions is a human resource management issue within the Health Service Executive. As these are matters for the Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have them investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Benchmarking Awards.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

214 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason benchmarking payments were withheld from staff at St. Loman’s Hospital, Lucan Road; the conditions pertaining to their eventual payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24653/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

My Department issued sanction for the final phase of the benchmarking increases and the 1.5% Sustaining Progress with effect from 1 June, 2005 to the interim Health Service Executive on the 3 June, 2005. The sanction did not include any requirement to withhold benchmarking increases to staff of St. Loman's Hospital, Lucan Road and neither my Department nor the Health Service Executive Employers Agency are aware of any situation at local level which resulted in the withholding of the payments.

Health Service Staff.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

215 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason funding was made available to SIPTU in 2001 for the provision of training courses such as FETAC level five; the reason such training has not been provided to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24654/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the funding of the health care assistant programme, which was introduced in 2001 on a pilot basis. SIPTU represents the staff concerned.

The Report of the Commission on Nursing (1998) recommended that there be an examination of opportunities for the increased use of care assistants and other non-nursing staff.

The Report of the Working Group — Effective Utilisation of the Professional Skills of Nurses and Midwives (DoHC, 2001) made 15 recommendations in relation to health care assistants, including that an NCVA Level 2 (now FETAC level 5) qualification be the preparation required for employment as a health care assistant.

A pilot training programme for Health Care Assistants commenced in 14 pilot sites in autumn 2001. The training course was evaluated by the Review Group on Health Service Care Staff and rolled out on a nationwide basis from autumn 2003. The numbers trained to 2005 are 1,721 and a further 1,000 places will be offered in 2006/2007.

Departmental Correspondence.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

216 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will be in a position to respond to correspondence submitted on 22 March 2006 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24684/06]

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

Unfortunately, there is no record of my Department having received the Deputy's letter of the 22nd March. My Department has been in contact with the Deputy since the issue was brought to its attention this week. The matter is being investigated by my Department and a reply will issue as soon as possible.

Ambulance Service.

David Stanton

Ceist:

217 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount paid out in each of the Health Service Executive areas in respect of the hire of private ambulance services for each year since 2002; the number of times ambulances were hired privately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24685/06]

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.

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.

Medical Cards.

Damien English

Ceist:

226 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person who has cancer will automatically get a medical card on application or if they have to be means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24731/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004 determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.

I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

227 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there were any hospital consultants and if there were any hospital consultants from Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin on the membership of the review group that recommended the location of the new children’s hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24739/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993 are administered by the Health Service Executive. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, i.e. €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum. There are no plans to increase the subvention rates at present.

When the Scheme was first launched in September 1993, €5 million was made available for the administration of the Scheme. In 1994, the first full year of the Scheme, this was increased to €15 million. This year, additional funding of €20 million was made available, bringing the full budget to €160 million.

Health Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

231 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called for orthodontic assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24759/06]

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.

Ambulance Service.

James Breen

Ceist:

232 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a 24 hour 7 day ambulance service is still not available in the Scariff area in County Clare in view of the fact that it is included in the Ambulance Service Development Plan 2005/2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24776/06]

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.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

233 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an MRI scan in view of the fact that they have been waiting since March 2006. [24777/06]

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

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.

Mental Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

237 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her Department's policy with regard to the acceptable waiting time for the provision of referred services to children for psychiatry, psychology, social work and speech and language; the waiting time following referral for first appointment; the waiting time for appropriate therapy to commence; if there are delays in any of these disciplines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24801/06]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry were considered in the context of the work of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Government published the Group's report entitled "A Vision for Change" in January, 2006.

The Report provides a framework that outlines a set of values that will guide both Government and service providers in developing a modern, high quality mental health service in the next7-10 years.

Under the Health Act 2004 the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including waiting times for the disciplines referred to by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.

Mental Illness Incidence.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

238 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the percentage of people who suffer with a mental illness; the breakdown for the Dublin region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24802/06]

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

According to the World Health Report 2001, Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope, a significant number of people are affected by mental health problems at any one time. It estimates that about one in four individuals will have a mental health problem at some point in their lives. The WHO in its 2003 Report, Shaping the future, has calculated the global burden of disease and found that mental disorders rank second in the global burden of disease, following infectious diseases. Information regarding the number of people in the Dublin area with a mental illness is not available to my Department.

Mental Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

239 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of support and services in place for people who suffer with a mental illness; if she is satisfied that there are adequate supports and services in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24803/06]

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

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change" was launched on the 24th January, 2006. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. The Government has accepted the Expert Group's report as the basis for the future development of the mental health services. In this connection, an additional €25 million was made available this year to the Health Service Executive for the further development of our mental health services, bringing the total revenue spend to in excess of €800 million in 2006.

The report recommends that multidisciplinary community mental health teams shall provide a single point of access for primary care for advice, routine and crisis referral to all mental health services both community and hospital based. Currently, 95% of mental health illnesses are treated at primary care level. This is the appropriate route to access interventions that do not require specialist mental health services. Many of the new primary health care teams include or have access to psychological services. The HSE Mental Health Services has, in conjunction with the Irish College of General Practice, introduced a training course for GPs which aims to improve detection, assessment, management and follow-up of common mental health problems in general practice.

The Health Service Executive, which has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is in the process of establishing a National Implementation Group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner. I have recently appointed an Independent Monitoring Group, as recommended in the Report, to oversee the implementation of "A Vision for Change".

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

240 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target will be surpassed or is her Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24817/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Currently 2.3% of the total staff numbers serving in my Department are recorded as having a disability. The figure is lower than the target of 3% due to a combination of circumstances.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) undertakes the recruitment of staff to posts in my Department following approval from the Department of Finance. As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently undergoing major restructuring and has no suitable posts to be filled at this time.

I understand that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is currently in discussions with the PAS concerning future competitions for persons with disabilities and that there are a number of issues to be taken into consideration. Irrespective of any quotas, my Department is, and always has been, willing to provide placements for persons with disabilities.

My Department is participating in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Project during this summer. The WAM project, which is administered by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), aims to provide graduates with disabilities temporary placements with public and private sector employers.

Question No. 241 answered with QuestionNo. 207.

Mental Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

242 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether an out of hours, community based on-call service for people suffering from mental health problems is essential, in view of the fact that sufferers may need care outside of office hours and should have 24 hour emergency care available in the same way as people suffering from physical illnesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24860/06]

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

The report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change" was launched on the 24th January 2006. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. The Government has accepted the Expert Group's report as the basis for the future development of the mental health services.

The report recommends that local multidisciplinary community mental health teams should provide a single point of access for primary care for advice, routine and crisis referral to all mental health services (community and hospital based). It recommends that research should be undertaken to establish how many services currently have effective community mental health teams and to identify the factors that facilitate and impede effective team functioning and the resources required to support the effective functioning of community mental health teams. The report sets out a requirement for the service providers to clarify procedures for a 24 hour access to Mental Health Services.

At present 95% of mental health conditions are being treated at primary care level. General practitioners act as one of the gateways to psychiatric care. This is the appropriate route to access interventions that do not require specialist mental health services. A study by the HSE and the Irish College of General Practice outlined a range of supports (educational and specific skilled counsellors) to enhance primary care mental health provision, which is endorsed by "A Vision for Change". Many of the new primary health care teams include or have access to psychological services.

The Health Service Executive, which has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is in the process of establishing a National Implementation Group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner. I have recently appointed an Independent Monitoring Group, as recommended in the Report, to oversee the implementation of "A Vision for Change".

Hospital Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

243 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the provision of dialysis facilities in the Munster region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24864/06]

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.

Counselling Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

244 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that adequate bereavement counselling services are available for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24865/06]

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.

However, I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the psychology departments within the Health Service Executive provide bereavement counselling to any children or teenagers referred following a significant death. They also provide support to parents who are concerned about bereaved children. As the Deputy may be aware, there are also many other organisations which take referrals of this nature and that are funded by the Health Service Executive.

Hospital Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

245 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the funding of sexual assaults treatment units in Cork and in other centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24866/06]

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

I was pleased to launch earlier this week the report 'Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review'. The Deputy should be aware that my Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Monies are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Services Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Services Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Vaccination Programme.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

246 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the operation of the MMR vaccination scheme; her proposals to increase the take up of the vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24867/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and, in accordance with the recommendations of the Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, can be administered to children between 12 — 15 months of age. A vaccine uptake rate of 95% is required in order to protect children from the diseases concerned and to stop the spread of the diseases in the community. Measles, in particular, is a highly infectious and serious disease; approximately 1 in 15 children who contract measles suffer serious complications.

In Ireland, uptake of the first dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR1) is calculated on a quarterly basis among children of 24 months of age. In Quarter 4 of 2005 the national uptake rate for this vaccine was 88%. This represents an increase of 5% in the national uptake rate when compared with the same quarter in 2004. The national uptake rates have risen from 77% at 24 months in Q1 of 2003 to 88% at 24 months in Q4 of 2005. Although MMR1 uptake rates have been improving over the past two years, they are still 7% lower than the national target rate of 95%.

I am concerned about the unsatisfactory MMR immunisation uptake rates because of the risk of unimmunised children contracting the potentially serious diseases concerned. The outbreak of measles in 2000, which resulted in approximately 2,000 cases and 3 deaths, is evidence of the consequences of insufficient immunisation uptake. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the immunisation uptake rates are steadily improving.

A Measles Eradication Committee has been convened by my Department to develop a national five year action plan for the elimination of measles and rubella in line with the World Health Organisation Strategic Plan for 2010. The work of this Committee is ongoing. I also understand that the HSE is currently formulating specific initiatives that will be employed to target areas of low uptake.

I would like to take this opportunity to urge all parents to have their children immunised against the diseases covered by the childhood immunisation programme in order to ensure that both their children and the population generally have maximum protection against the diseases concerned.

Mental Health Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

247 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to improve the child psychiatric assessment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24868/06]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, were considered in the context of the work of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The report of the Expert Group, entitled "A Vision for Change", was launched in January 2006. It has been accepted by the Government as the basis for the future development of Mental Health Services.

The report sets out how positive mental health in children can be promoted generally in our society, and how specialist mental health services can be delivered efficiently to children who need them. Child and adolescent psychiatric services are in place in each Health Service Executive area, with 39 community health teams offering a wide range of therapeutic approaches.

"A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of child and adolescent services and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services. Recommendations include early intervention and health promotion programmes, primary and community care services, specialist mental health services for the treatment of complex disorders and the provision of additional multidisciplinary Community Mental Health Teams.

The development of child and adolescent psychiatric services has been a priority for my Department in recent years. The number of approved child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist posts has been increased from 45 in 2000 to 70 in 2006.

Garda Vetting Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

248 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure adequate vetting of staff in private nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24869/06]

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

The vetting of staff for private nursing homes is currently a matter for the owner of the home concerned.

A Working Group has been established, chaired by the Department, to develop standards for long-term residential care settings, both public and private. It is intended to circulate these draft standards to interested parties for consultation in the near future.

Diabetes Incidence.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

249 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that large numbers of people may suffer from undetected diabetes; if she will initiate a campaign to raise public awareness on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24870/06]

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

The National Diabetes Working Group chaired by this Department's Chief Medical Officer submitted its Report in 2005. Diabetes has been acknowledged as a priority area for 2006 and the Health Service Executive is currently progressing implementation of the recommendations contained in Report.

Responsibility for public awareness campaigns in the area of health promotion now falls within the remit of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the proposal to have a public awareness campaign on Diabetes.

Questions Nos. 250 and 251 answered with Question No. 162.

Child Care Services.

Mildred Fox

Ceist:

252 Ms Fox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that developmental checks are unavailable in north Wicklow for young children; and if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 7 June 2006 has not been responded to by the Health Service Executive. [24873/06]

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 again 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.

Drug Treatment Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

253 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to deliver alternative medical and non-treatment types of programmes that would allow greater flexibility and choice in addressing the emergence of cocaine and polydrug use on a wide scale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25016/06]

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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

254 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children in relation to drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes in prison, the steps which will be taken to ensure continuity of service upon release or during temporary release. [25017/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The arrangements made within prisons for people upon release or during temporary release from prison is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform in the first instance.

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

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

259 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim and have them called for their treatment in Beaumont Hospital. [25046/06]

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

John Perry

Ceist:

260 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) and have them called immediately for their operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25047/06]

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

Suicide Incidence.

John Perry

Ceist:

261 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent recommendation that the Government should invest an additional €60 million on measures to reduce the level of suicide; the plans the Government has to adopt a target of reducing the rate of suicide by 20 percent by 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25050/06]

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

Reach Out — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 which was launched by An Tánaiste and Minister for Health in September, 2005 builds on the work of the National Task Force on Suicide (1998) and takes account of the efforts and initiatives developed by the former health boards in recent years. The approach to the Strategy is a straightforward one. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the strategy. These are categorised as: general population approach; target approach; responding to suicide; and information and research.

At each level, Action Areas have been identified (26 in total) and specific points of action have been identified to be implemented in three phases over the coming years (an average of 3 to 4 actions per area).

"Reach Out" recommends a combined public health and high risk approach. This approach to suicide prevention is also that advocated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is in keeping with the European Action Plan for Mental Health which was signed and endorsed on behalf of ministers of health of the 52 member states of the European Region of the World Health Organisation at the Ministerial Conference on Mental Health in Helsinki, Finland in January 2005.

I assume the Deputy is referring to the recent media coverage regarding the work of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children's Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society. I understand that the report has yet to be published and am therefore not in a position to respond in detail at this time.

I can confirm however that much consideration was given to the setting of an overall target for the reduction of our national suicide rate as an outcome measure of this strategy. At this stage, it has been decided that a specific target will not be set for the following two reasons: the priority is to establish the accuracy of suicide mortality in Ireland; and due to the range and inter-play of factors that influence the suicide rate, a direct cause and effect relationship between prevention programmes and a change in the overall population rates is virtually impossible to establish.

Nevertheless, there are undoubted advantages to setting targets for an overall reduction, not least the fact that it focuses the attention of those working at all levels of suicide prevention. An overall target for the reduction of suicide rates will be set by the Government, on the advice of the Minister for Health and Children, when the Minister is satisfied that suicide rates have been accurately determined.

Medical Cards.

John Perry

Ceist:

262 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the directive she has issued to the Health Service Executive to include coverage for alternative medicine under the medical card scheme; if negotiations have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25051/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In consideration of inclusion of medicinal products in the General Medical Services Scheme, the product must be an allopathic medicinal product which is the subject of a current product authorisation granted by the Irish Medicines Board or an authorisation granted or renewed by the European Commission. Among other criteria, the product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription. I am not aware of any negotiations with my Department. There are currently no plans to include coverage for alternative medicine under the medical card scheme.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

263 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the purchase of a site for the transfer of his Department to Newbridge as part of the decentralisation programme; if a site has been chosen; if the price of the site has changed since purchase negotiations started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24514/06]

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

The Office of Public Works has identified a suitable site in Newbridge to accommodate the Department of Defence Headquarters and negotiations to acquire the site from Kildare County Council are at an advanced stage.

A number of issues need to be resolved before the acquisition is finalised, mainly the relocation of playing pitches and the provision of a footbridge over the railway to provide safe pedestrian access to the station and the town. OPW has, following consultation with Kildare County Council, commissioned a consultant engineer to prepare an outline plan for relocation of playing pitches in order to free up the site chosen for the Department of Defence. We expect that Kildare Council will shortly seek Planning Permission for the new playing pitches. On the question of safe pedestrian, access, CIE has agreed to cooperate fully with the construction of a new footbridge over the rail line, and planning for this will be progressed in consultation with Kildare County Council and CIE.

Notwithstanding the fact that agreement on the purchase price for the site has not yet been finalised, the County Manager of Kildare Council has given his approval in principal to OPW's seeking tenders for the construction of the offices. While no absolute or definite guarantees can be given, OPW are hopeful, subject to all the outstanding planning, legal, technical and negotiation issues being resolved over the coming months, that the site can be acquired in time to allow construction to commence next year.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

264 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with the local authority and the Fisheries Board, will draw up a plan to try and resolve a serious flooding problem for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the OPW has contacted the persons in regard to this situation. [24388/06]

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

The position relating to this matter is being examined on foot of a recent representation from the Deputy on behalf of the persons concerned. A response will issue to the Deputy as early as possible.

Services for People with Disabilities.

John Deasy

Ceist:

265 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to invite submissions from disability groups in relation to the 2004 inter-Departmental review of the 1994 disabled drivers/disabled passengers tax concessions scheme; if he has estimated the cost of proposed recommendations of the review group; when he proposes to introduce changes to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24430/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. The terms of reference of the Group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.

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

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, I should say that given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided that the Minister for Finance would consider the recommendations contained in the Report of the Interdepartmental Review Group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme. There are around 9,500 claimants under the scheme and the cost to the Exchequer was over €56m last year.

The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind, and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the Disabled Drivers Scheme in that regard will be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments who have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can obviously only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue, and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context. Any changes to this scheme will be considered in the context of the overall development of policy in this area.

As regards consultation with disability groups, the Review Group received over 260 written submissions from individuals and organisations representing persons with disabilities and heard 21 oral submissions from some of these individuals and organisations. The submissions were taken into account in the preparation of the Report and its recommendations.

Garda Stations.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

266 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the renovation and refurbishment of Oughterard Garda Station in County Galway, a project towards which moneys had been allocated following public calls for the provision of such funds, but which were not subsequently spent; if the moneys promised for this project remain available; the status regarding the renovation of this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24450/06]

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

The Commissioners of Public Works operate the Garda accommodation programme from a prioritised list provided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Authority. Monies are set aside based on planned works arising from this list.

The Commissioners of Public Works have not received any requests from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Garda Authorities to carry out renovation/refurbishment works to Oughterard Garda Station, Co. Galway.

National Development Plan.

Tax Code.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

277 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if stamp duty can be waived in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has to purchase a new home to accommodate a child who has muscular dystrophy as their existing home cannot be modified without incurring prohibitive costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24770/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Stamp duty is a tax on certain documents, generally legal documents, used in transferring property or in creating rights for the parties concerned. The stamp duty code generally does not provide exemptions based on an individual's particular circumstances and introducing such a provision would represent a significant departure from normal stamp duty rules. However, I have been advised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government that a scheme of disabled persons grants is operated by local authorities with capital provision from that Department. These grants are designed to meet the needs of persons who are either physically handicapped or are suffering from severe mental handicap or severe mental illness. Where a new dwelling is being bought or built a maximum grant of €12,700 is payable. In the case of adaptation of an existing dwelling, 90% of the approved cost of the works is available up to an effective maximum grant of €20,320. Full details of the scheme and the conditions applicable are available from the local authority in whose area the dwelling is situated.

I would point out that there is no stamp duty on the purchase of new residential property for owner-occupiers where the dwelling is not greater than 125 square metres and complies with certain conditions in relation to building standards. If the property is over 125 square metres, stamp duty is charged on the site value or one quarter of the total value of the property (whichever is the greater).

You will appreciate that stamp duty is a significant contributor to the Exchequer and stamp duty receipts allow for a broader tax base than would otherwise be possible. These receipts form an important element of State revenues which permits Government spending on services such as health and education.

State Property.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

278 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 21 June 2006, the reason the information with respect to the other bids is deemed to be commercially sensitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24772/06]

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

The information is deemed to be commercially sensitive as it could impact on prices achieved in future sales.

Architectural Heritage.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

279 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has received a request from Mitchelstown Heritage to clean the Fanahan Sculpture at Mitchelstown Garda Station; and if the necessary arrangements are being made to carry out the work. [24798/06]

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

The Office of Public Works has received a request from Mitchelstown Heritage Society to clean the Fanahan sculpture at Mitchelstown Garda Station.

The cleaning project will be undertaken in consultation with the sculptor, Cliodhna Cussen.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

280 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target will be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24818/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Department of Finance, in common with all other civil service Departments and Offices, fully implements the Government's policy on the employment of people with a disability.

The Deputy may wish to note that, as part of a review of policy on the employment of people with a disability in the civil service, my Department commissioned independent research in relation to the operation of the 3% employment target. A survey carried out as part of this research which was published as "Employment and Career Progression of people with a disability in the Irish Civil Service," shows that 7% of Civil Service staff have a disability compared with the 2% to 3% generally reported in the annual surveys. The consultants therefore concluded that the arrangements in relation to reporting disabilities needed to be addressed.

In the light of the consultants' recommendations, the Government approved proposals to improve the operation of the existing policy. These included [a] the development, in conjunction with the staff unions, of a new code of practice for all Departments to support staff with a disability and [b] ensuring that the civil service continues to provide employment opportunities which might not otherwise exist for people with a disability.

A number of significant initiatives have been taken recently. The Department of Finance has recruited a Disability Advisory Officer to develop guidelines in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer for the monitoring, reporting and recording arrangements for staff with a disability in the Civil Service. My Department is working with the National Disability Authority to explore potential new approaches to supporting staff with disabilities, including the possible use of a survey based on voluntary self-disclosure, both for new staff on appointment and for existing staff. A Disability Liaison Officers network involving all Departments has also been set up to share information and advice. It is also important that the Civil Service continues to offer employment opportunities to people with disabilities. In light of the research and the independent consultants' recommendations in relation to recruitment, discussions are taking place with the Public Appointments Service about putting in place a programme of targeted recruitment for the Civil Service. It is expected that the programme will begin in the autumn.

It is estimated that the percentage of staff in the Department of Finance with a disability currently stands at 2.85 % based on reporting arrangements which as outlined above are under review.

Garda Stations.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

281 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of a new Garda station at Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24861/06]

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

In recent weeks, an advertisement appeared in the press seeking a suitable site in Tralee for a new Garda Station. Any responses received will be evaluated by the Commissioners of Public Works.

Public Procurement Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

282 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the areas of the proposed new public procurement contracts in dispute with bodies representing contractors; and if he will list in the case of each disputed item the reason he believes private contractors are in a better position to manage the risk concerned than the public sector; the core reason the State would choose to contract out the risk. [25014/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Government's policy objectives in relation to construction procurement reform is to seek to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of public works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has developed a suite of Standard Forms of Construction Contract to give effect to the core Government's objectives in this area. The well established principle in relation to risk transfer is that risk should reside with those best able to manage and control it. This is the guiding principle throughout the new suite of contracts and is the basis upon which they have been prepared. In finalising the public sector contract conditions, I am now satisfied that this principle is being applied in a fair, reasonable and balanced way.

My officials have had extensive and constructive consultations with the construction industry over the last year on the content of the contracts. During this process, there has been very significant movement on the part of the State to help meet the industry's concerns without compromising the core policy of having fixed price lump sum contracts with appropriate risk transfer, tendered on a competitive basis as the norm for future capital works projects. Following a very useful exchange of views with representatives of the construction industry earlier this month, I am aware that there are a small number of outstanding concerns for the industry. Some of these go to the very core of fixed price lump sum contracts, including the length of the fixed period and the extent of, and scope for, risk apportionment under a number of headings and types. Others relate to the more effective operation of the contracts themselves and the sanctions available for non-compliance. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the details at this time. However, let me say that I have listened carefully to the industry's comments and views and I am currently reflecting on the points made with a view to finalising the contracts very shortly.

It is important that we move the process on now and prepare for the next phase of implementation, which is a comprehensive training programme for public sector practitioners, to ensure that the new arrangements are used appropriately across the public sector as soon as possible.

Statutory Regulations.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

283 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the regulations which have been enacted by his Minister of State at his Department since his appointment; the statutory instruments under which he is carrying out his functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25042/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

No statutory regulations have been made by Mr. Tom Parlon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance. Mr. Parlon was appointed by the Government as Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and his activities at that Office arise from that appointment.

National Development Plan.

John Perry

Ceist:

284 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if, with regard to the €75 billion which is due to be spent on infrastructure between 2007 and 2013 under the New National Development Plan, Counties Sligo and Leitrim will be targeted to bring growth to the region; the amount of funding that will be ringfenced for Counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25049/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The preparation of the next NDP (2007-2013) is proceeding at present. The NDP will be a high level strategic document which will set out a clear framework for investment priorities over the period to 2013. It will encompass 7 year indicative allocations at national level rather than the current two region level. Allocations will not be set out at county level. A key objective of the NDP will be the promotion of balanced regional development in line with the National Spatial Strategy.

The NDP will also give priority to North/South co-operation. Such co-operation should be of particular benefit to Border counties.

Biofuels Sector.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

285 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any party expressed an interest in setting up and developing an ethanol business in south Kildare, in view of the recent problems experienced by the tillage farmers of that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24747/06]

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

A number of initiatives are in place to support the development of a biofuels sector in Ireland. The 2005 pilot mineral oil tax relief scheme for biofuels has resulted in eight projects being awarded excise relief and will result in 16 million litres of biofuels being placed on the Irish transport market by next year.

Building on the success of this scheme and following extensive discussions with industry and relevant Government Departments and agencies, I agreed with the Minister for Finance a further targeted package of excise relief valued at €205m, which was announced in the last Budget. The new excise relief programme, which is subject to State-aid approval, will be rolled out from this year to 2010 and will enable us to reach a target of 2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008. When fully operational the relief is expected to support the use and production of some 163 million litres of biofuels each year. I am also providing funding towards the capital cost of developing biofuels processing facilities, which will critically underpin the excise relief package.

Officials in my Department have met with several prospective biofuels developers, from a number of areas across the country. While I am not aware of any specific proposal for an ethanol facility in the south Kildare region, any emerging bioethanol, biodiesel or pure plant oil projects could potentially impact on tillage farmers across Ireland, including farmers in South Kildare.

Telecommunications Services.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

286 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when announcements regarding the third round of the group broadband scheme will be made; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this scheme to smaller communities and in particular in the context of employment generation possibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24330/06]

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

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.

In planning the second phase of the Metropolitan Area Network (MANs) programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that were not being offered a broadband option by the private sector, and these towns were targeted for the provision of MANs under Phase Two of the programme.

The Census of 2002 on which the population figures were based, shows that at the last census Headford had a population of 703. For smaller towns and communities such as Headford financial assistance is available under my Department's Group Broadband Scheme, which enables local community groups in smaller towns and rural areas to come together on a cooperative basis with the service providers and obtain broadband for their area using the most suitable technology. I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly.

Coastal Erosion.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

292 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will approve funding to carry out coastal erosion protection works at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [24499/06]

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

Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it be a local authority or a private individual. In July 2002 the Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals, in order of priority, for consideration in the context of the 2003-2006 National Coast Protection Programmes. Cork County Council did not submit an application for funding works at Ring Strand, Ballymacoda, Co Cork. Any funding application which Cork County Council wish to submit will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for coast protection works going forward and overall national priorities.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

293 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he had contact with Eircom regarding the inadequacies of sub-exchanges to provide a broadband service nationwide; the location of all the sub-exchanges that are unable to provide a broadband service; and the action he proposes to take in relation to the problem. [24531/06]

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

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

DSL availability and line failure rates are a matter for Eircom and I have no function in the matter.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

294 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Eircom have been in contact with him regarding Government financial support for the upgrading of a sub-exchange in the Glanmire area due to the fact that hundreds of homes can not receive a broadband service in the Glanmire area because of the inadequacy of a sub-exchange service in that area; and if a decision on the request will be made shortly in order to eliminate this deficiency in the area. [24537/06]

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

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

DSL availability and line failure rates are a matter for Eircom and I have no function in the matter.

Foreshore Protection.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

295 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will confirm that enforcement proceedings will be issued with a view to enforcing the terms of the Foreshore Acts and the protection of the foreshore arising from the blocking of public access along the foreshore and the putting in place of hazards to navigation at Walton Court, Oysterhaven, County Cork. [24741/06]

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

The Department is currently awaiting definitive legal advice in relation to this matter. The Deputy will be aware, however, that the Department is determined to protect the foreshore in accordance with the provisions of the Foreshore Acts and acting in accordance with legal advice.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

296 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the third round of the group broadband scheme will be announced; the operational timescale to have regional broadband rolled-out to rural communities (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24750/06]

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

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

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the rollout of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority coordination and community driven initiatives.

The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly.

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

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

297 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24819/06]

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

Mobile Telephony.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

301 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the mobile telephone costs here in comparison to other EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24849/06]

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

I have no function in regulating pricing of services in the mobile phone market.

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding pricing in the mobile phone market, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

An Post.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

302 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the latest report which he has from An Post regarding its financial position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25008/06]

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

The latest audited report received on An Post's financial situation was the company's recently published accounts for 2005 which showed an operational profit of €16.2 million and a group profit of €40.7 million at year end.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the level of charges incurred by some subscribers in County Donegal through BT provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25009/06]

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

I have no function in regulating pricing of services in the telecommunications market.

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding pricing is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

Given the above position, I have forwarded the correspondence referred to in the Deputy's question to ComReg for investigation and on completion of any investigation to contact the subscribers concerned directly.

Flight Incident.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

304 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if photographs and details taken with respect to passengers on board a recently diverted flight (details supplied) will be destroyed; and if not what the situation is. [24356/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

On 12 April 2006, a bomb warning note was found on board Ryanair flight FR 25 from Beauvais to Dublin and as a result, the flight was diverted to Prestwick airport, in Scotland. Strathclyde Police managed the incident on the ground in Prestwick and later authorised the departure of the flight to Dublin.

At my request, the Embassy in London and the Consulate in Edinburgh have been in contact with the responsible authorities. They have been informed that the need to retain personal details still exists as passengers on the flight might be required in any future criminal proceedings, should the person or persons responsible be identified. They were also informed that the photographs have been destroyed as they hold no evidential advantage to the enquiry and were, therefore, superfluous to needs.

Diplomatic Representation.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

305 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person from Limerick who required assistance in Bangkok on 4 May 2006 was unable to make contact with Irish Consulate or Embassy staff as were Thai immigration staff. [24530/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

As I informed the Deputy in my letter of 15 June, 2006, his correspondence about this matter was brought to the attention of the Honorary Consul in Bangkok and of our Ambassador to Malaysia, who is also accredited to Thailand and who supervises the operation of the Consulate in Bangkok.

Honorary Consuls are not full-time officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs but are honorary appointees who undertake, in addition to their normal work, to provide consular services to Irish citizens where there is no Irish Embassy.

The Consulate in Bangkok has no record of a call from the person concerned, or from the Thai authorities about him, on Thursday 4th May or thereafter. I should mention that when the Consulate is closed, including at weekends, the Honorary Consul, who is very experienced and dedicated, monitors the calls personally. If, for whatever reason, the Honorary Consul is out of the country, callers are referred to the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The dedicated and personal consular service that the Honorary Consul in Bangkok provides to Irish citizens who find themselves in difficulty in Thailand is greatly valued by this Department.

I am sorry that on this occasion the person referred to by the Deputy experienced difficulties in contacting the Consulate.

Human Rights Issues.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

306 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he is making to seek the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi; the further efforts he is making to oppose the Salween Dams and SHWE gas pipeline projects; if he will take all necessary measures to support the speedy restoration of democracy in Burma, if he will encourage the European Union and Ireland’s partners in the European Union to join in collective efforts by all Member States to assist in the restoration of democracy in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24585/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Ireland takes a consistently strong position on Burma, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma.

The recent visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. I also welcome the agreement by the Burmese government that the UN should play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, which is due to resume its work in October, can proceed in a more inclusive way. I would appeal to the Burmese authorities to live up to their undertakings in this regard.

While welcoming the above developments, I remain very concerned about the situation. On 26 May, the EU issued a statement which noted with deep concern that the process of democratisation in Burma had recently suffered a worrying setback as the Burmese government stepped up its pressure against ethnic groups and the two main political parties. The statement noted that these actions contradict the professed intention to establish a genuine democratic nation. The statement also urged the Burmese government to accelerate the democratisation process, a process which should engage all political and ethnic forces in the country in a genuine dialogue and lead to the speedy completion of a constitution under civilian rule, which commands popular support and promotes peaceful and sustainable development.

I remain deeply concerned that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for three years without charge and, once more, urge the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. UN USG Gambari's visit generated high hopes that her detention under house arrest, which was up for renewal a few days after he left Burma, might not be renewed by the authorities. This did not happen. On 27 May, the EU issued a further statement which deeply regretted the decision of the Burmese government to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and deplored the fact that international appeals, including that of the EU, had once again gone unheard. It said that this decision will be seen as yet another sign that the Burmese government is unwilling to compromise and move in the direction of an all-inclusive democracy.

I am aware of concerns relating to a possible international project to build a series of dams on the Salween River and also a proposal to construct the SHWE gas pipeline. While both projects are still at the planning stage, I believe that they should be the subject of full environmental and social impact assessments which should take the views of all stakeholders into account, and in particular those of the local populations. Insofar as the Salween Dams project is concerned, I understand that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has recently begun a feasibility study of the project. It is expected to consider all aspects of the project including financing, environmental and social aspects and that it will take about two years to complete. A decision on whether or not to proceed with the project will only be taken when the feasibility study is complete. I have instructed our Ambassador to Thailand to express the Government's concern to the Thai authorities.

I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation. I am also strongly supportive of the fullest possible involvement by the UN Secretary-General, and his representatives, in working with the Burmese authorities on a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation and in responding to the humanitarian needs of the long-suffering Burmese people.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

307 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the lack of progress on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly. [24657/06]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

308 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role he is playing in assisting the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly. [24658/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 308 together.

When the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair met at Farmleigh on 26 January, they said that 2006 would be the decisive year for the peace process. Since that meeting, the Taoiseach and I have been engaged in intensive efforts, in conjunction with Prime Minister Blair and Secretary of State Hain, with the aim of achieving fully functioning devolved institutions in Northern Ireland this year. As part of this process, over recent months we have of course had regular and ongoing contact with the political parties.

As the Deputy is aware, on 6 April in Armagh, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair set out the Governments' joint strategy for achieving a fully functioning Assembly and Executive in 2006. They announced that the Assembly would be recalled on 15 May and that Members would be given until 24 November, at the latest, to form an Executive. The strategy is founded on a shared conviction that devolved partnership government, as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, provides the best opportunity to create a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.

The Assembly was recalled on 15 May and in the last few weeks, for the first time in over three years, Assembly Members have been engaging with each other at Stormont. While in itself this is positive, it is also clear that for real progress to be achieved, the parties will need to use the weeks and months ahead to make serious and thorough preparations for power-sharing government.

To add impetus to that process, later this week I will accompany the Taoiseach to Stormont for a series of high-level meetings between the Governments and the political parties. We want the parties to use the time ahead for genuine engagement to chart the way for important decisions affecting the lives of every section of the community to be taken by locally elected politicians.

We have been clear that the deadline of 24 November for formation of an Executive is firm. I sincerely believe that if all sides are truly committed to working together, then there is no reason why, by that deadline, or even before, Northern Ireland should not have a First and Deputy First Minister and a power-sharing administration. I can assure the Deputy that I personally will spare no effort over the coming months to ensure that the Government is successful in achieving this objective.

Diplomatic Representation.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

309 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if assistance will be given to persons (details supplied). [24672/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The person mentioned by the Deputy is in direct contact with officers of the Consular Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Through the Irish Embassy in Spain and the Honorary Consulate in Malaga (Fuengirola), he is being given all possible consular assistance, particularly in the matter of obtaining further copies of the death certificate of his father, who died in Malaga on 6 June 2006.

Five further copies of the death certificate have been requested from the Spanish authorities and will be forwarded to the person concerned as soon as the Embassy receives them. The Embassy has stressed the urgency of this request to the Spanish authorities.

International Agreements.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

310 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of meetings of the EU 133 Committee which have discussed issues relating to the ACP-EU Economic Partnership agreements since negotiations were launched on 27 September 2002; the number of those meetings a member of the staff of Irish Aid attended; the grade of those Irish Aid officials who attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24683/06]

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

The Article 133 Committee is the principal body consulted in the formulation and development of the Common Commercial Policy of the European Union. Issues relating to the ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreements are regularly considered at Article 133 Committee meetings and have featured formally on the agenda on twenty-five occasions since September 2002.

Meetings of the Article 133 Committee are serviced by officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Department of Foreign Affairs is represented at Full Members meetings of the Article 133 Committee by an official from EU Division.

Irish Aid inputs into the co-ordination process between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture and Food to prepare for meetings of the Article 133 Committee, both through attendance at inter-Departmental meetings to establish Ireland's position on the agenda items and through regular ongoing contact with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

In addition to this co-ordination process, Irish Aid staff and staff of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment attend regular meetings of a Joint Expert Group on Trade and Development chaired by the European Commission, where the Economic Partnership Agreements are frequently discussed.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

311 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24820/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is 3%. Policy in relation to this target is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.

The compilation of statistics in this very sensitive area is dependent, to a large extent, on voluntary self-disclosure of a disability by staff. However, I am satisfied that the percentage of staff with a disability in the Department of Foreign Affairs is in excess of the 3% target. Our estimate would put the figure at about 3.5%.

My Department is looking forward to participating in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project, which is administered by AHEAD — the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability — and supported by the Department of Finance. The purpose of this project is to provide between three and six months work experience for graduates with disabilities. The Department is pleased to have been able recently to offer a six-month placement to a graduate under this scheme.

Passport Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

312 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if examinations will be made into the existing situation whereby an applicant for a passport wishing to use the Irish version of their name must provide evidence that they have used the Irish version for two years previous on either a bank account or a household bill; and his views on whether this policy complements the stated aim of this Government to encourage the use of the Irish language. [24855/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

313 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the anomalous situation whereby a young family from Donegal who wish to start using the Irish version of their names cannot do so, in view of the fact that they can open a bank account or get married using the Irish version of their name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.

A passport is an identity document issued by the State to facilitate foreign travel. It is issued in the official name of the holder of the passport which is usually the name in which the person's birth was registered or in their married name when so requested. The long form of the birth certificate and, as the case may be, the marriage certificate are required as supporting documents.

If a person seeks a passport in a form of his/her name other than that supported by his/her birth/marriage certificate, the Passport Office will require proof of usage of the form of name over a period of two years. This is sought in all cases, including when a person seeks a passport in the English form of the name but the birth certificate shows the Irish version, and vice versa.

The requirements of the Passport Office in this respect are set out in the notes which accompany the application form as follows:

Name to appear on the Passport

•Complete Part A in the name by which you are normally known. Enter forenames 1, 2, 3 and 4 [if applicable] in the order as indicated on the form.

•If the name by which you are commonly known differs from the version entered on your birth certificate, other than by marriage, you will be required to produce either a deed poll or evidence of usage of the name for at least two years, e.g. tax documents, bank statements, drivers licence, school reports etc. It will be necessary to produce at least two examples of such usage.

Where an applicant does not have the full 2 years proof of usage, the Passport Office can issue a passport, initially valid for 2 years, in the new form of their name, with a record of their birth certificate name entered on the observations page of the passport. After 2 years, the holder may then reapply for a passport solely in the new form of their name upon submitting proof of its usage.

I consider that the procedures set out above are sensible and prudent, and are important in helping ensure the integrity of the passport process.

Foreign Conflicts.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

314 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the Irish Commission for Justice and Social Affairs of the Irish Bishops Conference for the Government to pressure the EU and the UN to apply sanctions against the perpetrators of the Darfur conflict; if he will use his offices as a member of the EU and the UN to ensure an increase in the number of peace-keeping troops in that region; if he will ensure that the Sudanese Government rebel groups halt all attacks on civilians and cooperate with UN authorised agencies; the action he intends to take in regard to these matters; the other initiatives the Government proposes, to secure an end to the conflict in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25015/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am very conscious of the statement issued by the Bishops' Commission for Justice and Social Affairs issued regarding Darfur on 12 June. The Government has been particularly supportive of efforts to improve the situation in Darfur. Members of the Permanent Defence Forces, for instance, have served with the African Union Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and, in 2004-5, the Government committed €10 million to Darfur for relief purposes. I myself will travel to Sudan in the first week of July and will meet with representatives of the Government of Sudan as well as with representatives of the UN and NGOs. I will also travel to Darfur at that time to see for myself the situation on the ground in the displaced persons camps.

Ireland fully supports the Conclusions adopted on Sudan by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 12 June 2006 and the Declaration adopted by the European Council on 16 June. The General Affairs Council stated that the EU will work for the full and rapid implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and called on all parties to implement the Agreement. The Council made plain its willingness to take measures against those impeding the peace process as well as its support for the International Criminal Court investigation into human rights abuses in Darfur. The EU remains committed to support AMIS through provision of planning, technical, financial and equipment support to both military and police components and taking into account the new tasks arising for AMIS from the DPA. At Ireland's initiative, the Council also called on all parties in Darfur to remove any obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid. This has been a matter of particular concern to the Government.

The international community remains fully engaged in the effort to bring a lasting peace to Darfur. On 22 June, a Technical Assessment Mission jointly led by the UN and the African Union (AU) concluded a two-week mission in Sudan. At the request of the UN Security Council, they carried out an evaluation of requirements for the transition from the AMIS force to a UN mission. A report will be made to the UN Security Council on the matter this week. Early indications are that the report will recommend that planning for transition proceed though transition on the ground cannot occur without the consent of the Government of Sudan.

Overseas Development Aid.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

315 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the regulations which have been enacted by his Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights at his Department since his appointment; the statutory instruments under which he is carrying out his functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25044/06]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

316 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the regulations which have been enacted by his Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs at his Department since his appointment; the statutory instruments under which he is carrying out his functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25045/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.

The Minister of State with special responsibility for Overseas Development and Human Rights and the Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs were appointed under Section 1 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977, as amended by Section 2 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1980 and Section 1 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1995.

No delegation orders in respect of the Ministers of State assigned to the Department of Foreign Affairs have been made under Section 2 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1977 nor have they enacted any regulations since they were appointed on 5 October 2004.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

317 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24821/06]

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

Under the Disability Act, 2005 my Department is required to ensure that not less than 3% of persons employed by it are persons with disabilities. Currently over 4% of staff in my Department are persons with disabilities.

My Department is fully committed to the employment of persons with disabilities, where possible, and is fully aware of the requirements of the Disability Act 2005 in this regard. However all assignments to my Department are currently made with a view to the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney in 2007 in line with central arrangements in this regard. This may have an effect on the numbers of persons with disabilities employed in the Department in the short term.

Work Permits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

318 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the mechanism involved in such a request, in view of the qualifications of the person and the benefit of their involvement to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24773/06]

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

The Work Permit section of my Department has informed me that it has no record of any valid application in this instance. Application forms are available on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.

It should be pointed out, however, that incomplete or incorrectly completed applications are returned to the employer concerned for amendment.

Grocery Industry.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

319 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has examined the supermarket chains to ensure that they are passing the benefits of the abolition of the Groceries Order onto the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24358/06]

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

The Groceries Order was in place for 18 years and in that time it fundamentally altered the structure and composition of the grocery trade. While I do not think we should expect to see fundamental changes in the sector in the short term following the abolition of the Order, consumers are nonetheless seeing early benefits with one multiple announcing its intention over the coming months to reduce prices of products previously covered by the Order.

I believe, however, that the real benefits will be felt over time as more competition emerges at retail level in the trade. This will create a downward pressure on prices from which consumers will ultimately benefit.

I have asked the Competition Authority to closely monitor the grocery sector over the coming months and years, not least to ensure that the benefits of removing the Order are not thwarted by the emergence of other anti-competitive practices. My officials have had some preliminary discussions with the Authority in this regard and will meet them regularly as the process develops. I have also asked the Authority to report periodically on the results of its monitoring and to make any recommendations it considers appropriate in the light of its findings.

Work Permits.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

320 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if plasterers from non EU countries are eligible for new work permits as indicated on his Department’s web site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24433/0

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

The Work Permit section of my Department informs me that the position of plasterer is on the list of occupational sectors eligible for Work Permits. However, information received from FÁS/EURES indicates that there is currently an adequate supply of qualified plasterers available from within the EU to meet all needs in this area. Accordingly, Work Permit applications are not currently being approved for this job category.

Employment Action Plan.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

321 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of foreign investors which have been brought to visit each of the counties of Cavan and Monaghan in each of the past five years in an effort to provide high quality employment for graduates here; if he is satisfied that from 2001 to 2005, 872 IDA jobs have been lost in the border region; the effort he will make to encourage industry into this area as part of the ongoing peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24549/06]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including the counties of Cavan and Monaghan, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

I have been informed by the Agency that, during the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive, there have been a total of 13 site visits to the counties of Cavan and Monaghan. The following tabular statement sets out the number of site visits to each county in each of those years.

As regards the number of job losses, I have been informed by the Agency that, in the same period, the number of jobs in IDA supported companies in Cavan and Monaghan fell from 1,725 to 1,359, which is a net loss of 366. Any job losses are to be regretted but job creation and job losses are a feature of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change. An encouraging development is that in the same period the number of new jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in these two counties amounted to 1,260.

The pursuit of the national goal of balanced and sustainable regional development is an important goal for my Department and the agencies under its remit. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for this goal wherein the focus is on the Gateway and Hub locations, with Cavan and Monaghan designated as Hub towns. I have been assured by all of the agencies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards that they are actively working in collaboration with other stakeholders in the Border area to avail of the opportunities arising from the peace process and to secure new investment and jobs.

IDA Ireland is actively marketing Cavan and Monaghan through its range of overseas offices. The Agency manages a very good quality Business Park in Cavan town and is exploring the possibility of developing a new park in Monaghan.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the agencies together with the ongoing commitment by Government to regional development and the National Development Plan will bear fruit in terms of investment and jobs for the people of Cavan and Monaghan and the Border region as a whole.

Number of site visits by IDA Ireland client companies to counties Cavan and Monaghan in each of the years from 2001 to 2005.
	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Cavan	4	1	2	1	2
Monaghan	2	1	0	0	0

Flexible Work Practices.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

322 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all employers have to abide by the new regulations in relation to carer’s leave. [24733/06]

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

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 applies to all employees and, by extension, their employers. The Act sets out the procedures to be followed by employees who wish to avail of carer's leave.

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 was amended by Section 48 of the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Act 2006 (No. 5 of 2006) which increased carer's leave entitlements to workers from 65 weeks to 104 weeks with effect from 24th March 2006. This extended entitlement applies to employees who apply for carer's leave on or after that date.

An employee may refer a dispute with his or her employer in relation to an entitlement under the Carer's Leave Act, 2001, or any matter arising out of such an entitlement, to a Rights Commissioner of the Labour Relations Commission for adjudication. Hearings of the Rights Commissioners under the Act are held in private. Such referrals must be made in writing within 6 months of the occurrence of the dispute. In certain circumstances a Rights Commissioner may extend this period by a further 6 months.

Either party may appeal against a decision of the Rights Commissioner to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. An appeal is made by giving written notice to the Tribunal within 4 weeks of the date on which the Rights Commissioner's decision is notified to the prospective appellant. The Tribunal may, if it considers it reasonable to do so, having regard to all the circumstances, extend by no more than a further 6 weeks, the period of time within which a notice of appeal is required to be given to it.

However, disputes in relation to dismissal of an employee availing of carer's leave are dealt with under the provisions of the Unfair Dismissals Acts rather than under the Carer's Leave Act 2001.

My colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, has made Regulations (S.I. No. 288 of 2006) which came into effect on 1st June 2006 and which increase the number of hours an employee may work, from 10 hours per week to 15 hours per week (subject to an earnings limit), while in receipt of the parallel Carer's Benefit Scheme administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This new provision also applies to a person availing of carer's leave.

Capital Funding.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

323 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if seed capital promised of several hundred million euro will be made available to help the lack of regional development by being made available to western based companies; if so, the amount that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24736/06]

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

In respect of seed and venture capital programmes participated in by Enterprise Ireland, the industrial development agency that falls under my remit, and on 22nd May 2006 I announced a major injection of liquidity into the venture capital market by Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland will be investing €175 million, which will leverage an estimated €1 billion for investment into seed, start-up and development stage businesses.

The objectives of the scheme are to continue to support the venture capital industry, to leverage private sector funding and to encourage investment in those sectors that have difficulty in sourcing funding. Enterprise Ireland has advertised in the national press seeking proposals from venture capitalists and promoters who can demonstrate the experience and capability to operate proposed funds on a commercial basis.

Preference for investment will be given to funds that demonstrate the ability to meet the following criteria:

•The extent to which the funds will focus in Ireland on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with international trading potential;

•The extent to which the funds will invest in:

•seed

•start-up and

•development stage investments.

Proposals for all stages will be considered. However, a primary objective is to support and develop companies in the seed and start-up stages of growth:

—The likely impact of venture capital investment on SMEs gaining access to other forms of national and international funding; and

—The extent to which the funds will invest in regions outside of Dublin.

Prioritisation for investment and the level of investment for the successful applicants will depend on how the funds' investment strategy aligns with the objectives of the scheme and with the overall strategic objectives of Enterprise Ireland. Regional development is a core strategic objective of Enterprise Ireland. The successful venture capitalists and promoters will be looking for commercial opportunities for investment throughout the State, including companies based in the western counties.

Company Closures.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

324 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all the rules have been adhered to in relation to payment in a receivership issue (details supplied); and if the liquidator has issued his report to the Director of Corporate Enforcement as referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 28 April 2006. [24742/06]

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

My previous responses on 25 April and 21 February 2006 to queries raised by the Deputy (Ref. No. 14490/06 and 6931/06 respectively) addressed the liquidation process and the need for the owner of the travel voucher to make the liquidator aware of the company's liability under the voucher. The receipt, analysis and determination of any report submitted by a liquidator under section 56 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 is a matter for the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

Employment Rights.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

325 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of retained firefighters in regard to the Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001. [24796/06]

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

The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 provides that a part-time employee is an employee whose normal hours of work are less than the normal hours of work of an employee — defined as a comparable full-time employee — in relation to him or her (i.e. that part-time employee).

The 2001 Act provides that a part-time employee shall not be treated less favourably than a comparable full-time employee in respect of conditions of employment including pay and pensions.

In order to invoke the anti-discrimination provisions in the Act, the part-time employee must find a full-time comparator with (a) the same or associated employer or, (b) where (a) does not apply, as specified in a collective agreement or, (c) where neither (a) nor (b) applies, in the same sector or industry. In the case of (a) and (c), the part-time employee and the comparable full-time employee, must perform the same work or similar work or work of greater or equal value.

Under the 2001 Act, an employer may treat a part-time employee less favourably than a comparable full-time employee, if he or she has objective grounds for doing so. Under the Act, a ground shall not be regarded as an objective ground, unless it is based on considerations other than the status of the employee concerned as a part-time employee, and the less favourable treatment which it involves for that employee, is for the purpose of achieving a legitimate objective of the employer, and such treatment is appropriate and necessary for that purpose.

Therefore, if a retained fire fighter considers himself or herself to be a part-time employee as defined in the 2001 Act and if he or she considers a whole-time firefighter is a comparable full-time employee in relation to him or her, the retained fire fighter has the option to make a claim for application of the same conditions of employment including pay and pensions as the whole-time firefighter unless, their employer has objective grounds for treating the retained firefighter less favourably than the whole-time firefighter.

If there is a dispute about whether a retained firefighter is a part-time employee for the purposes of the 2001 Act, or about whether a whole-time firefighter is a relevant full-time employee for comparative purposes under the Act, the matter can be referred to a Rights Commissioner for adjudication by the retained firefighter or his or her employer.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

326 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/06]

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

The policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in the civil service, including the setting of compliance targets, is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance. The Disability Act 2005 provides that the Minister for Finance, with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, may specify compliance targets, and where no such targets are specified, the minimum target shall be 3%.

My Department currently exceeds the 3% target in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of people with disabilities, with 4.11% of total staff employed in that category.

While my Department continues to exceed the minimum target, it has not become complacent in this regard, and has implemented a number of measures to provide the necessary framework of supports to staff with disabilities. In this regard, it has a Disability Liaison Officer to provide advice and information to staff with disabilities and their managers and has implemented policies to facilitate the career progression of staff with disabilities. Measures have also been taken to encourage the disclosure of a disability, so that an individual's particular needs can be met and his/her circumstances better understood and appreciated.

In addition, my Department is to participate in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Project during this summer. The WAM project, which is administered by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), aims to provide graduates with disabilities temporary placements with public and private sector employers.

Employment Rights.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

327 Ms O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the circumstances in which a written observation was presented by Ireland in the defence of the British Government in a legal case (details supplied) at the oral hearing at the European Court of Justice on 1 June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24695/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The case to which the Deputy refers relates to Directive 80/987/EEC which provides for the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. The High Court in the U.K. referred a case to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on whether Article 8 of this Directive requires "Member States to ensure, by whatever means necessary, that employees' accrued rights under supplementary company or inter-company final salary pension schemes are fully funded by Member States in the event that the employees' private employer becomes insolvent and the assets are insufficient to fund those benefits".

Article 8 of the Directive requires that "Member States shall ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect the interests of employees and of persons having already left the employer's undertaking or business at the date of the employer's insolvency in respect of the rights conferring upon their immediate or prospective entitlement to old-age benefits, including survivors' benefits, under supplementary company or inter-company pension schemes outside the national statutory social security schemes."

However, under article 4(3), the Directive allows Member States to limit the liability of the guarantee institutions.

In Ireland, Article 8 of the Directive was implemented by Section 7 of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984. This provides that, in the event of an employer's insolvency, any contributions deducted from an employee in the 12 months prior to insolvency and which remain unpaid, and any contributions due to be paid by the employer into the scheme in the 12 months prior to the insolvency (unless a lesser amount would discharge the liabilities) may be made from the Social Insurance Fund into the occupational pension scheme. In addition to the measures taken to implement this Directive, existing provisions are in place under the Pensions Act 1990 to protect members' benefits under occupational pension schemes.

Part IV of the Pensions Act 1990 sets out a minimum funding standard for defined benefit schemes. This is a wind-up standard, based on the benefits a scheme is obliged to provide should the scheme be wound up. The funding standard defines the minimum assets a scheme must hold and sets out rules that apply if a scheme falls short. In addition, having sufficient assets to meet the liabilities of the scheme is now also a requirement under EU Directive 2003/41/EC, which my Department implemented in September 2005.

The issues arising from this particular case relate to two Government departments — the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which has responsibility for the Insolvency Payments Scheme and which, under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984, administers the implementation of all of the provisions of the Directive and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which has responsibility for pension issues and the Social Insurance Fund, from which insolvency payments under the above insolvency payments scheme are made.

Given the similarity in pension systems it is no surprise to note that the UK implemented Article 8 of the Directive in much the same manner as Ireland. A report from the European Commission on 15 June 1995 analysing national laws transposing the Directive found that, in the case of Ireland, there was no cause for objection.

In the context of the recent case member states were invited by the European Court to submit statements of case or written observations to the Court of Justice by the 25th October 2005. Arising from this invitation, I and my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment arranged for the Attorney General to submit observations. The observations were submitted having regard to the potential implications for Ireland of an adverse finding in this case and in order to ensure that the Irish position was fully presented.

An oral hearing before an Advocate General of the Court of Justice in this case was subsequently held on June 1st at which Ireland was represented. The opinion of the Advocate General is expected next month. However, a final ruling by the European Court of Justice is not expected until the end of 2006.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

328 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person on a non-contributory old age pension who has their farm leased and is therefore in receipt of income from the lease will have the first €100 per week of that income disregarded for calculation purposes in determining the amount of their pension. [24385/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

For the purposes of social assistance schemes, property which is leased is assessable as means. In the case of property such as a second house or a commercial building, the capital value of such property is assessed. No account is taken of the net rental income, if any. There are special arrangements in place where land is leased on a short-term basis, such as the 11 month system. In this case the net profit, after all expenses, is assessed as means. This basis of assessment is more favourable than that which applies to other types of property.

I announced, on Budget Day, a number of major initiatives for non-contributory pensioners aged 66 and over. These reforms are designed to target resources at particular groups of older people, including the farmers in question. The improvements included a EUR16 per week increase in the personal rates of payment, a EUR3.60 per week increase in the Over-80 Allowance and a EUR5 per week increase in the National Fuel Scheme.

In addition, I also announced that I proposed to establish, in September 2006, a standardised State (Non-Contributory) Pension, replacing the Old Age Pension and, for recipients aged 66 and over, Blind Pension, Widow/er's Pension, One Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife's Allowance and Prisoner's Wife's Allowance.

All the schemes in question feature a common general means disregard of EUR7.60 per week, which has not increased since the 1970s. The means disregard for the new non-contributory pension will be EUR20 per week, an increase of EUR12.40 per week. Over 30,000 pensioners who are currently in receipt of a reduced rate of payment will gain from this change, including many thousands of farmers. The increase in the personal rate of payment will be up to EUR12.50 per week while the Qualified Adult rate, where applicable, will increase by up to EUR8.30 per week (over an above the weekly increases mentioned earlier). Furthermore, a single person, with no other means, will be able to have up to EUR35,000 in capital and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate. This figure is doubled in the case of a pensioner couple.

In addition, I am also introducing a specific additional disregard of EUR100 per week where the pensioner is in employment. This new disregard, relating to earnings from employment, is intended as an initial incentive to facilitate non-contributory pensioners who wish to continue working, or to re-enter the workforce. Any further improvements to the new pension, including the extension of the disregard to the leasing of land, would fall to be considered in a Budgetary context.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

329 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason pensioners who live in Ireland and receive a UK pension are not entitled to a Christmas bonus from the Irish or UK Governments; if he will extend the payment to all pensioners living in Ireland; and the estimated cost of this proposal. [24395/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The Christmas bonus payment was introduced in December 1980. There have been a number of developments in this initiative since its inception, including changes in the level of the bonus payment which has been at the rate of 100% over the past 6 years, the introduction of a minimum payment (EUR30 in 2005) and the extension of the categories of eligible claimants.

The focus of the bonus has always been on assisting people who rely on the social welfare system for financial support over the longer term. These include recipients of retirement, old age (contributory and non-contributory), widow's, widower's and invalidity pensions, one-parent family payment, carer's allowance, disability allowance, long-term unemployment assistance, farm assist and people on employment support payments, for example, the back to work allowance. The bonus is also payable to certain participants on FAS, VTOS, job incentive and community employment schemes and to those in receipt of payment under the rural social scheme, which was introduced in 2004, and operates under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Christmas bonus payment benefited over 1.2 million people in 2005, comprising approximately 835,000 social welfare recipients and their 384,000 dependants at a total cost of almost EUR140 million.

Recipients of pensions from other countries who live in Ireland are eligible to apply for the old age non-contributory pension and will receive a payment if their income is such that they satisfy the means test. Where appropriate, the non-contributory pension can be paid in addition to a pension from another country and many recipients of the UK state pension benefit in this way and receive the Christmas bonus payment. Changes in the income disregard for non-contributory pensions announced in the Budget will help more people to qualify for a pension and improve the income of existing pensioners on reduced payments. In Budget 2006 the means disregard was increased by EUR12.40 per week to EUR20 per week.

The Christmas bonus is not a payment in its own right but a supplement to the weekly payment of social welfare recipients. In the circumstances, it cannot be paid to people without an entitlement under the Irish social welfare system or to those whose pension payments are made exclusively under the social security regimes of other countries. In relation to the latter, the needs of older people are provided for in different ways by other countries. The number of pensioners receiving pensions from other countries who are resident here is not known and it is therefore not possible to estimate the cost of paying the bonus to all pensioners in the country.

With regard to the UK, it is understood that a Christmas bonus is paid to their pensioners who are resident in the UK or in another EU country. In 2005 a bonus of £10 sterling was paid.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

330 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to remove spousal income from the means test for persons applying for or in receipt of disability allowance and carers allowance; if he has no such plans, his views on doing so; the annual estimated cost of such a change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24423/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Disability allowance and carer's allowance are means tested social assistance payments. In the case of both schemes, account is taken, for means testing purposes, of the claimant's own means and, in the case of a couple, their joint means. In this regard, recipients of both disability allowance and carer's allowance are treated in the same way as recipients of all other social assistance payments. This ensures that resources are directed to those in greatest need.

The carer's allowance means test has been eased significantly in the past few years, most notably with the introduction of disregards of spouse's income. Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the income disregard on the carer's allowance means test to EUR290 per week for a single person and to EUR580 per week for a couple from April 2006.

This will ensure that a couple with two children can earn up to EUR32,925 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The same couple will be able to earn up to EUR54,400 and receive the minimum rate of carer's allowance as well as free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.

Complete abolition of the means test would cost an estimated EUR140 million in a full year.

In Budget 2006, I was also pleased to be able to announce a number of significant and focused improvements to the assessment of spouse's income for a range of means tested schemes, including disability allowance, as follows:

—the spouse's income threshold for entitlement to the full rate of qualified adult allowance increases, from September next in the case of disability allowance, from EUR88.88 to EUR100 a week. The upper income threshold for entitlement to a reduced rate of qualified adult allowance was increased by EUR20 per week to EUR240 per week with effect from last January and this will further increase to EUR250 from the end of September.

—he spouse's income disregard for means testing purposes also will increase from EUR88.88 to EUR100 a week from next September.

It is not possible, at this stage, to estimate the cost of disregarding all spousal income in the case of disability allowance.

I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. Those recommendations involving additional expenditure will be considered in a budgetary context.

Housing Supports.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

331 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans under consideration within his Department for the creation of a new mortgage support scheme; when he expects the scheme will be implemented; if an assessment has been carried out on the impact of such a scheme on the property market; the method of targeting those in society who are priced out of purchasing their own home; if the scheme will apply to first-time buyers only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24424/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, a weekly or monthly rent supplement is available to assist eligible people who are unable to meet their immediate accommodation needs through their own resources.

The objective of the scheme is to provide a short-term income support. In recent years however, the numbers claiming the supplement have grown considerably from 42,683 in 2000 to 60,176 at the end of December 2005, with corresponding scheme expenditure rising from €151m to €368.5m in the same period. The scheme has also witnessed an increase in the duration of entitlement with over 30,000 recipients now getting a supplement for 18 months or more. While a broad range of housing supports is provided by local authorities, including the Rental Accommodation Scheme aimed exclusively at those on rent supplement for more than 18 months and regarded as having long-term housing need, I am anxious that all avenues are explored to provide financial support for any people on long-term rent supplementation who, with some support, may be in a position to purchase their own home.

To this end, my Department and the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, are together overseeing a study which will examine possible additional approaches to meeting housing needs in these particular cases by providing support with mortgage repayments. The study will consider the likely impact on other housing programmes and on the overall housing market. I have asked that the study be undertaken as a matter of urgency and I expect to have a report in the Autumn.

As the Deputy will appreciate, until I receive this report, I am not in a position to give details of any possible scheme.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

332 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients in each county in receipt of farm assist payment; the measures being taken by his Department to promote the scheme in view of the decline in farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24425/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1999 and came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999. There are now 7,581 farm assist customers. The current average weekly payment is EUR 173.89. A table showing the number of recipients by county is set out below.

The level of take-up is less than had been anticipated when the scheme was first introduced in April 1999. This is due to the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years and the take up of the Rural Social Scheme which is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and which also specifically targets low-income farmers.

The farm assist scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers and particularly for those with children and it makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum. To increase awareness of the farm assist scheme, my Department undertook a major publicity campaign in 2002. Almost EUR100,000 was spent on that campaign which included radio and press advertising, including specialist farming publications, and the production of a promotional video on the scheme.

More generally, the network of Social Welfare Offices and citizen's information Offices throughout the country provide information to members of the public on the range of schemes and services available, including the farm assist scheme. Information leaflets and applications forms for farm assist are available at these offices. In addition, Social Welfare Inspectors in rural areas promote the scheme when meeting the public in the course of their duties.

Claims in payment by county (16/06/06)
County	No. of Claims
Carlow	56
Cavan	281
Clare	412
Cork	528
Donegal	1,080
Dublin	9
Galway	826
Kerry	572
Kildare	36
Kilkenny	111
Laois	78
Leitrim	200
Limerick	200
Longford	90
Louth	67
Mayo	1,411
Meath	54
Monaghan	390
Offaly	72
Roscommon	299
Sligo	315
Tipperary	186
Waterford	41
Westmeath	75
Wexford	141
Wicklow	51
Total	7,581

Child Support.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

333 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all children who reside here are entitled to the early childcare supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24457/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Children who reside in the Republic of Ireland, who are aged under 6 years and who are in receipt of Child Benefit from my Department, will, in most cases, qualify for the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS). A total of some 259,000 families with over 350,000 children under the age of 6, will qualify for this payment.

In a small number of cases, children resident in the Republic of Ireland do not receive Child Benefit from my Department as their parents are employed in a country with higher family benefits than this country.

Under EU regulations, family benefits are claimed in the country of employment and if the rate of benefit is higher in that country, no family benefits are payable by the country in which the family reside.

Families resident in Ireland, receiving family benefits from another country, are entitled to a supplementary (ie, a top-up) payment if these benefits are lower than benefits in Ireland.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

334 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale behind counting as means the first €95 maintenance payment for the purposes of providing rent support and disregarding the following €75; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24528/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The means test for the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, through which rent supplement is provided, requires that all types of household income, including maintenance payments for a lone parent and his or her children, must be taken into account in determining a person's entitlement under the scheme.

A person who claims a One-Parent Family Payment is required to seek maintenance from her/his spouse or the other parent of the child. These maintenance payments are assessed as means for the purpose of determining entitlement to a one-parent family payment. However, vouched housing costs of up to €95.23 per week (rent or mortgage) are disregarded in establishing the rate of one-parent family payment due.

Given that up to €95.23 per week of maintenance payments are disregarded in the means test for the one-parent family payment to allow for housing costs, the first €95.23 in maintenance is regarded as being towards rent supplement and consequently, the amount of rent supplement payable is based on the net amount that the claimant has to meet from their own resources. For that reason maintenance income up to €95.23 per week is assessable in determining the appropriate level of rent supplement payable.

In cases where maintenance of more than €95.23 per week is paid, up to €75 (€60 per week with half of any additional income between €60 and €90) per week of maintenance in excess of this €95.23 amount can be disregarded for rent supplement means assessment purposes. This is to ensure that the family benefits from the extra maintenance income up to that level before it affects their rent supplement entitlements.

Overall, the means test rules and disregards are designed to give an incentive to lone parents to obtain maintenance to improve their household income position, while ensuring that families in that situation have access to appropriate levels of rent or mortgage interest supplement to be able to continue to meet their accommodation needs.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

335 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the back to school clothing and footwear allowance has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will re-examine the matter. [24671/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance Scheme (BSCFA) is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

A person may qualify for payment of a BSCFA payment if he/she is in receipt of a social welfare or health executive payment, or is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below specified levels.

The Dublin/Mid Leinster Area of the Executive have advised that it recently received an application for a back to school clothing allowance from the person concerned. A determination of her entitlement to payment is expected to be made shortly and she will be notified directly of the decision.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

336 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average delay in processing each social welfare application; his plans to address this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24700/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

My Department is committed to providing quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary from scheme to scheme and may involve, among other things, the need to establish the customer's social insurance record, verify medical incapacity for work, establish a customer's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate. In some cases there is an unavoidable time lag involved in making the necessary enquiries to enable decisions to be made. Time can also elapse where the applicants do not supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.

Details of the average processing times for new claims for the month of May 2006, and year to date including figures to the end of May 2006, on a scheme by scheme basis, are set out below in a tabular statement.

In the past few years my Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing the system. While these factors have impacted on claim processing times, continuous efforts are made to improve these times. Against a background of increased workloads and scheme complexities, my Department has undertaken a number of initiatives designed to improve customer service. The overall service delivery modernisation (SDM) project, which involves radical business, organisational and IT changes to the way these pension schemes are administered, was recently extended to retirement and contributory old age pension schemes. Certain manual procedures and calculations have been automated so as to improve timeliness, accuracy and efficiency. The IT system will also have the facility to automatically generate and issue communications to the customer thus providing an improved level of information. Business procedures are being revised and the organisation of work is being restructured to maximise the benefits of the new IT system.

My Department is also developing enhanced management reporting systems as part of its Management Information Framework project. These reporting systems will provide detailed management information that will facilitate improved resource allocation and thus a better response to customer needs.

Apart from these developments, there is continued emphasis on providing staff with the necessary training and development so as to ensure they have the required knowledge and skills to carry out their work.

I am conscious of the need to provide a quality service to our customers, and with my officials, I am working towards ensuring that my Department continues to deliver a first class service.

Average Weeks to Award Social Welfare Claims
Scheme	May 2006	Year to Date 2006
Widow/er’s Contributory Pension	4.47	4.42
Old Age Non-Contributory Pension	9.97	9.31
Widow/er’s Non-Contributory Pension	3.54	4.49
Household Benefits (Free Schemes)	4.64	4.91
Unemployment Benefit	2.28	2.14
Unemployment Assistance	3.82	3.93
Disability Benefit	0.84	0.85
One Parent Family Payment (Local Office)	8.74	8.35
Child Benefit	1.27	1.39
Family Income Supplement	7.76	5.62
Invalidity Pension	8.18	8.64
Disability Allowance	14.45	14.10
Bereavement Grant (Longford)	4.87	4.04
Bereavement Grant (PSO)	2.43	2.56
Carer’s Allowance	8.01	7.90
*Old Age Contributory Pension	7.35	6.08
*Retirement Pension	6.24	5.14

*The figures for Old Age Contributory Pension and Retirement Pension refer to April 2006. Figures for May 2006 are not available as the schemes were moved to a new computer system during that month.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

337 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average delay in processing unemployment benefit applications; the average backdated payment made to applicants; his plans to address this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24701/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

My Department is committed to providing quality customer service to all its customers by ensuring that claims for its various schemes are processed and decided as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply.

My Department processes a large volume of claims and bearing in mind that each individual case has to be examined on its merits I am satisfied that, in the generality of cases, there is no undue delay on the part of my Department in processing such cases. The average number of weeks to award an unemployment benefit claim at the end of May 2006 was 2.28 weeks. Figures for the amount of backdated payments are not kept, however a customer who is unable to meet his/her needs and those of his/her dependants may apply for supplementary welfare to the local Community Welfare Officer.

The time taken to process individual claims varies significantly having regard to the difficulty in establishing the circumstances in each case. People claiming unemployment benefit payments must provide evidence of identification and address, and must satisfy conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. Failure to provide this information on time can result in a delay in processing a claim.

Investigations may also have to be carried out in the case of unemployment benefit where details of social insurance contributions have not been submitted by the employer.

When a customer makes a claim they are given as much information as possible regarding the processing of their claim. They are advised of additional documentation, if any, they need to supply and whether further investigations are necessary to enable a decision to be made on their claim.

Claim processing performance is monitored on an ongoing basis and staff are deployed as necessary to meet the requirements of fluctuating volumes of work. In addition, my Department has developed a system of performance standards to ensure that all claims are processed without undue or unnecessary delay and that the customer receives his/her payment at the earliest possible date. These standards are monitored on an ongoing basis.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

338 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [24755/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, a weekly or monthly rent supplement is available to assist eligible people who are unable to meet their immediate accommodation needs through their own resources. Neither I nor my Department have any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

The Executive has been contacted concerning this case and has advised that the rent supplement claim is under review at present. The payment of rent supplement was suspended while awaiting the return of documentation requested by the Executive. The Executive advised that it has recently received the documentation requested and will be in contact directly with the person concerned on completion of the review.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

339 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24823/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The Disability Act, 2005 provides a new statutory basis for the implementation and compliance monitoring of the 3% employment target for people with a disability in the public sector. This percentage is not a ‘ceiling' i.e. Departments and Offices are not restricted to a maximum of 3% of their staff being people with disabilities.

The current position in my Department is that 155, or 3.3% of the total staff are persons with declared disabilities.

In line with the provisions of the Disability Act, specific commitments in relation to human resources and employment practices for staff with disabilities have been included in my Department's Sectoral Plan which will be published shortly.

In addition, my Department is participating in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project during this summer. The WAM Project, which is administered by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), aims to provide temporary placements with public and private sector employers to graduates with disabilities.

Departmental Correspondence.

David Stanton

Ceist:

340 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 15 June 2006, the amount of money that was recovered by claimants by his Department following the return of letters and subsequent termination of claims after each respective mailshot; the reason for the termination of claims and numerical breakdown of same respectively; the methods through which the moneys were recovered; the average timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25031/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The detailed statistics requested by the Deputy are not available. While records of the number of claims terminated as a result of each mailshot are recorded, corresponding overpayments assessed are not recorded separately, but they do form part of overall overpayment statistics.

Child Benefit claims terminated as a result of mailshot control activity do not necessarily result in the assessment of an overpayment. The return of an un-delivered mailshot may after investigation result in the claim being terminated as the current whereabouts of the customer cannot be established.

Similarly it may be established that the person has left the state but the date may not be known. In these cases an overpayment cannot be assessed as it is not possible to clearly establish that the person received a benefit for a period in which they had no entitlement. In such circumstances, the claim is terminated from a current date and the record flagged to indicate the need to review the claim for a potential overpayment if the customer re-applies for benefit in the future.

Child Benefit Overpayments arise for a variety of reasons viz:

—where the family or child(ren) leave the state and do not notify the Department.

—where a child leaves the household.

—where a child leaves full-time education.

—where a child is deceased.

Recovery of Child Benefit overpayments is effected either by deduction from current entitlements or by cash recovery.

The following table provides details of Child Benefit overpayments assessed for each year from 2001 to 2005.

Year	Total No. of Overpayments	Amount of Overpayments	Amount Recovered	No. who left State
		€	€
2001	1,750	469,000	345,000	314
2002	1,422	1,052,000	480,000	504
2003	1,379	1,371,000	568,000	740
2004	1,498	1,673,000	917,000	651
2005	1,311	1,899,000	750,000	613

The percentage of overpayments recovered by deduction from on-going entitlement is approximately 75%, with the balance being made by cash refund.

The timescale for complete re-imbursement of amounts overpaid varies greatly and depends both on the amount of the overpayment and the repayment arrangement agreed by the Department having taken into account the customers' ability to repay.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

341 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications which are on hand presently for the respite care grant; when these applications are expected to be processed; when the grants are due to be awarded to all qualifying applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The respite care grant was extended in 2005 to carers other than those in receipt of a carer's allowance, carer's benefit, prescribed relative allowance, constant attendance allowance and domiciliary care allowance. Carers who do not qualify for a grant under one of these schemes may now obtain a grant if they and the person for whom they are caring satisfy certain conditions.

Customers who received a respite grant in 2005 were earlier this year contacted individually to inform them of their possible entitlement to the grant in 2006 and to verify that their circumstances have not changed since last year.

Following this communication over 6,000 applications for the 2006 grant have been received by my Department since the beginning of May. These applications are currently being processed and a decision on each application will be made as soon as possible. Each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application and where awards are made the grants will be paid immediately thereafter. To date grants have been paid in 838 of these cases and the balance are awaiting decision.

Again this year I have enhanced the Respite Care Grant Scheme. In 2005, the amount of the grant was EUR1,000, this increased to EUR1,200 from June this year. Also, from June, the number of hours that a carer may work and still receive a respite care grant has increased from 10 to 15 hours per week.

I am satisfied that the arrangements in place will ensure the speedy processing of all applications and all applicants notified of the outcome at the earliest possible date. Following that my Department will again advertise the scheme to invite further applications.

National Car Test.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

342 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to implement a scheme to allow old age pensioners to have their cars tested at no cost through the National Car Test system; the cost of such a change; if legislation is required to implement this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24426/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

There are no plans to introduce an age-related NCT test fee structure and costings for an arrangement suggested by the deputy would not have been prepared by my Department. I am not aware of any proposal from the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs for such a scheme.

Airport Development Projects.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

343 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of its procedures in relation to the review of all major capital projects, his Department has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport or an expenditure review of this project to meet the requirements of the Department of Finance guidelines for the appraisal of capital expenditure projects; if so, the findings of such analysis; if not, the reason thereof; when this analysis will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24427/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

347 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on the delivery of quality bus corridors in the greater Dublin area since their inception; the breakdown of allocations to QBCs each year to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24510/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

My Department has been funding QBC development since 2002, through the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) Traffic Management Grants (TMG). I understand from the DTO that, since 1994, some €147.9m in total has been spent. The yearly breakdown, provided by the DTO, is as follows:

Year	TMG Investment
	€
1994	630,148
1995	349,305
1996	1,239,398
1997	1,501,734
1998	3,677,640
1999	8,597,873
2000	17,751,034
2001	23,402,016
2002	15,064,601
2003	18,578,764
2004	27,542,945
2005	29,543,963
Total	147,879,421

I have asked the DTO to breakdown these figures as between QBCs and other projects which qualify for grants under the Traffic Management Grants scheme and the information sought will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Road Traffic Regulations.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

348 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow limousine mourning cars to drive in bus lanes when engaged in official duties without the funeral cortege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24540/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As I indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 13 June 2006 the primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. I do not propose to amend the law to allow limousine mourning cars to drive in bus lanes when travelling either with or without the funeral cortege.

Air Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

349 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the renegotiation of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and the US on transatlantic air traffic; the plans in place to support the Shannon region should the negotiations result in a reduced commitment to flights in and out of Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24565/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

In November 2005 EU and US negotiators concluded work on the text of a first-phase EU-US Open Skies agreement. The provisions of the draft Agreement supersede the 20 existing bilateral air services agreements between EU Member States (including Ireland) and the United States.

The text of the EU US Agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors. It is envisaged that the formal US process of changing its ownership and control rules will be concluded in August in time for consideration at the October Transport Council.

In announcing the agreement reached with the US authorities last November in relation to a transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport in the context of the proposed EU/US 'open skies' I indicated that I would prepare, in consultation with my colleagues, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a tourism and economic development plan for Shannon and the West of Ireland. Preparation of this plan is at an advanced stage. In addition, there is a local liaison group under the chairmanship the Clare County Manager working with Government Departments with a view to ensuring that Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland receive adequate investment and compensatory measures when "Open Skies" is finally approved. An official from the Department of Transport attends meetings of the Group in an information sharing capacity.

Driving Tests.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

350 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the number of persons waiting for a driving test at each test centre nationally; the average and longest waiting time at each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24692/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Centre	No. Waiting	Average Weeks Waiting	Longest Weeks Waiting
North Leinster
Finglas	12,675	38	51
Dundalk	4,028	24	43
Mullingar	2,108	35	45
Navan	5,645	47	60
Raheny	8,211	42	54
South Leinster
Churchtown/Rathgar	12,962	41	48
Gorey	2,474	45	48
Naas	6,383	44	47
Tullamore	2,009	37	40
Wicklow	2,859	46	49
Tallaght	10,832	43	56
West
Athlone	1,453	21	23
Birr	1,463	36	37
Castlebar	2,111	31	27
Clifden	436	15	21
Ennis	1,645	32	38
Galway	3,623	38	38
Loughrea	1,284	21	21
Roscommon	1,158	23	23
Tuam	1,159	23	23
North West
Ballina	1,157	27	35
Buncrana	810	36	36
Carrick-on-Shannon	1,176	21	21
Cavan	1,616	18	18
Donegal	1,240	33	33
Letterkenny	2,300	31	31
Longford	1,089	30	36
Monaghan	1,207	11	11
Sligo	1,859	16	37
South East
Carlow	2,502	36	46
Clonmel	2,067	40	40
Dungarvan	1,317	36	36
Kilkenny	2,272	20	37
Nenagh	897	36	40
Portlaoise	1,524	27	27
Thurles	1,297	34	47
Tipperary	1,170	52	57
Waterford	3,104	27	28
Wexford	2,260	24	24
South West
Cork	7,833	25	27
Killarney	1,819	25	25
Kilrush	582	23	23
Limerick	4,726	41	43
Mallow	2,226	29	29
Newcastle West	1,905	24	24
Shannon	946	31	37
Skibbereen	1,674	14	14
Tralee	1,608	17	19

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

351 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the details of subsidies received by State public transport providers, specifically Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and the RPA in 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the average cost per journey resulting from these subsidies in each of the years stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24693/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The information requested is as follows.

	Irish Rail	Average subvention paid per passenger	Bus Éireann	Average subvention paid per passenger	Dublin Bus	Average subvention paid per passenger
	€m	€	€m	€	€m	€
2004	171.42	4.95	23.998	0.62	61.8	0.40
2005	179.991	4.77	25.1	0.63	64.9	0.44

The 2006 Exchequer Subvention paid to each of the CIÉ companies to date in 2006 is as follows:

	€m
Irish Rail	89.658
Bus Éireann	12.600
Dublin Bus	33.3

Final details of the number of passengers carried to date in 2006 are not yet available.

In the case of the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), an operating subsidy of €3,842,545 was paid by my Department to the Agency in respect of a cash deficit on the operation of the two Luas lines which arose in 2004. Of this, €3,285,000 was paid in 2004 and the balance of €557,545 was paid in 2005. As 6.6m passengers travelled on the Luas in 2004, the average subsidy on a cash payments basis per passenger in that year was 58 cent.

As a result of a stronger and quicker build-up than anticipated of passenger patronage, the RPA reported in their financial statements an operational surplus of €228,000 in 2005 and no exchequer operating subsidy was required in respect of 2005. No operating subsidy has been paid to date in the current year and based on current projections, no subsidy will be required for 2006.

Cycle Facilities.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

352 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, before further public money is spent on the provision of cycle paths, he will request that the review promised in 2002 of the existing guidance available from the DTO on the best practice in the design and construction of new cycle paths and road schemes be published and made available to all local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24732/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I understand from the DTO that they expect to issue a new manual on the provision of cycle facilities by the end of this year. In the meantime, the DTO will bear in mind the need to ensure that any new proposals coming forward proceed in such a way as to be able to take account of the new manual which will shortly be put out to public consultation.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

353 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by his Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is his Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to previous Dáil Question answered on Tuesday 7th March 2006.

The 3 per cent target of employment of people with a disability has been surpassed and my Department is not restricted to this percentage.

The current percentage of people with a disability employed in my Department is 3.72 per cent.

Aer Lingus Staff.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

354 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the contents of the heads of agreement and the letters of comfort issued to Aer Lingus staff involved in the transfer to TEAM Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25034/06]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

355 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the letters which were issued to former Aer Lingus employees in connection with the transfer to TEAM Aer Lingus and subsequent sale to FLS with regard to their terms of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25035/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.

The arrangements agreed between Aer Lingus and those workers who were transferred to TEAM Aer Lingus were a matter for the company. I understand from the company that those workers who opted to move to the new owner (FLS) waived all their rights in this regard at the time of the sale and those who did not, returned to the employment of Aer Lingus and, therefore, have all of the protections afforded to the employees of Aer Lingus.

The Minister for Public Enterprise and the Minister for Finance approved the sale of Team Aer Lingus and the terms finally agreed. However, no letters of comfort were issued by the Minister in this context.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

356 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the journey time for Dublin Bus from Blanchardstown shopping centre is exceeding 85 minutes for a nine mile journey; his plans, short, medium or long-term which can reduce the time of this journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

With the aid of funding from my Department (from the Dublin Transportation Office Traffic Management Grants scheme), the Quality Bus Network (QBN) Office, Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council are engaged on a programme of extending the Quality Bus Network within the greater Blanchardstown region.

The Blanchardstown QBC enhancement scheme (comprising the Blanchardstown Road (north and south) scheme, Huntstown bus gate, Navan Road first priority inbound and outbound, Blanchardstown Town Centre Interchange, Blakestown Way, Blanchardstown Village, the N3 outbound and inbound (MCC to Scotts Roundabout), Prussia Street contra-flow concept design) is a priority scheme for the QBN Project Office in its 2006-2007 work programme. It will have a significant positive impact on journey times between Blanchardstown and the city centre.

Recent and imminent developments include the opening of the new Ongar Road with dedicated bus lanes in December 2005, the construction of the Snugborough Road QBC which has an anticipated completion date of August 2006, and construction by Green Property of a new bus interchange and bus priority access to Blanchardstown Town Centre which has an anticipated completion date of October 2006. Approval has also been obtained to convert the inbound hard shoulder on the N3 to a dedicated bus lane from the Littlepace N3 Interchange.

Dublin Bus is working closely with the responsible agencies and has increased the number of buses on the Blanchardstown Quality Bus Corridor by over 10% to counteract current congestion difficulties.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

357 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the regulations which have been enacted by his Minister of State at his Department since his appointment; the statutory instruments under which he is carrying out his functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25041/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

No regulations have been enacted by the Minister of State, Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D.

The principal functions for which Minister of State has day-to-day responsibility are as follows:

•Maritime Safety

•Ports

•Relations with the Road Haulage Sector

•The Rural Transport Initiative

•Transport accessibility and the Department's Disability Action Plan

•Strategy on ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems)

•North/ South issues

•EU issues

In addition, the Minister of State is actively involved in road safety matters and is a member of the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety. The allocation of functions to the Minister of State has been made by way of an administrative arrangement rather than a formal delegation of functions order.

Community Development.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

358 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if moneys promised of several hundred million euro will be made available to help the lack of regional development by being made available to the Western Development Commission and Údaras na Gaeltachta; if so, the amount that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24737/06]

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

Tipperary LEADER has funded a wide range of projects in the area of Rural/Agri Tourism. These include walking route development; small festival development; the Golden Mile initiative; self catering accommodation; recreational park and amenity areas; village enhancement schemes; marketing and promotion; angling, sailing and yachting initiatives. They are also involved in a number of CLAR initiatives including community and village signage projects. The Rural Social Scheme supports these initiatives where appropriate.

I am also aware that one of the key actions of the North Tipperary County Development Board's Strategic Action Plan is the development of the tourism sector in the county. This plan was supported by Tipperary LEADER, North Tipperary County Enterprise Board, Shannon Development and North Tipperary County Council. North Tipperary Tourism Company was formed in 2004 on foot of a recommendation of the Action Plan. One of the key objectives of the company is to develop a framework for marketing and promoting North Tipperary as a tourism destination. A secondary objective is to input into the area of product development in conjunction with the relevant state agencies and the private sector.

As the Deputy is aware my Department is working in close co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food on drafting the Rural Development Strategy for the period 2007-2013. Under the third objective or axis of the strategy dealing with the off-farm rural economy, which is primarily under the remit of my Department, the encouragement of rural tourism activities is an important priority. Following on from the imminent adoption of the overall National Strategy, a detailed National Rural Development Programme will be formulated and implemented from 2007. All stakeholders will be consulted on the potential content of the programme including the rural tourism measures.

Designated Areas.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

362 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of DEDs covered by the CLÁR programme prior to expansion and afterwards; the number of the population covered before and after expansion; if funding for the programme has been increased proportionally in view of this significant expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24413/06]

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

Under the extended CLÁR Programme, which I announced in April 2006, the population that can benefit from the Programme has doubled to nearly 727,000 (from 362,000) while the number of counties covered has risen from 18 to 23. The number of Electoral Divisions included in the Programme has increased by 729 to 1,614.

There has been a corresponding pro-rata increase in funding to facilitate the successful delivery the Programme in the extended areas. The original provision for the Programme in 2006 was nearly €14m. This equates to an average provision of over €1m per month in the full year. However, I secured additional funding of €9m for the Programme this year (bringing the overall provision to € 22.950m) and this will allow for a similar level of investment in the extended areas for the remaining 8 months of the year.

I am confident that a comprehensive work programme will be completed in all the areas included in the Programme from the funding available this year.

Community Development.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

363 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in the cohesion programme between LDSIP, Partnership companies and LEADER companies; the cost of the programme to date; the estimated cost of the cohesion programme once implemented; the expected rise in Exchequer spending or saving as a result. [24414/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 65 of 16th May and Nos. 98 and 100 of 21st March 2006 relating to the cohesion process.

As indicated in these replies, the core objective of the 2005/2006 round is the alignment of local, community and rural development structures to achieve full coverage within a given area. To date, I have approved proposals, which have been developed and agreed at local level, in 28 areas and my Department is considering proposals in relation to a further 18 areas.

The Deputy will be aware that the key principles governing the process are:

—improving on the ground services, supports and impacts on local communities, from within existing levels of resources,

—streamlining and rationalising structures so as to avoid overlaps, duplication and undue administrative overheads,

—bringing transparency, co-ordination and improved control to the funding and operation of local/community development measures,

—strengthening the democratic accountability of agencies and service providers in this area.

The primary benefit of the process will be improved service provision on the ground and optimum impact for expenditure in a given area rather than a saving in Exchequer spending. The availability of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme on a countrywide basis will have resource implications and these will be addressed in the context of the Estimates for 2007.

Under the cohesion process, funding of €3,248,600 was allocated during 2004 to support specific measures developed by local agencies. A total of €4,836,927 was awarded in respect of cohesion initiatives during 2005, including €1,463,400 for the promotion of volunteering. The provision for 2006 is €4,273,000 from which I have approved €2,043,600 for cohesion actions as well as €76,600 for volunteering measures.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

364 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the need for a specific rural health strategy as proposed by Irish Rural Link; if he or officials within his Department have met with representatives of the Department of Health and Children or the Health Service Executive on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24415/06]

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

As outlined in the White Paper on Rural Development, the Government is committed to continuing to meet the challenges of providing healthcare services in rural communities.

The Deputy will appreciate that this is primarily a matter for my colleague, Mary Harney T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and her officials to progress but I will, of course, continue to support any actions she has in relation to developing rural health services. My officials or I have not met with the Department of Health & Children or the Heath Services Executive in this regard to date.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

365 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if grant aid is available from his Department to refurbish a community centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [24500/06]

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

371 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of mushroom growers who are in production at the present time; the number who were in production on 1 January 2000; if she has satisfied herself that everything possible is being done to help those who remain in business and that everything possible is being done to ensure that only Irish mushrooms are being sold under the Irish label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24355/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

At the start of 2006, the number of growers producing mushrooms in Ireland was estimated at 130, compared to 500 growers in 2000. Although the number of growers has reduced considerably and continues to do so, there has been an increase in scale of individual producers and, accordingly, mushroom output has remained relatively stable over the period. In 2005 mushroom output is estimated at 62,000 tonnes.

The Mushroom Task Force was set up in 2003 to address the difficulties in the mushroom industry. In its report of 2004, the Task Force agreed that the industry needed to become more efficient to move forward in a very competitive market environment and agreed a set of recommendations to put the industry on a firm footing. These recommendations continue to be progressed.

Substantial assistance is being provided by my Department to the industry under the National Development Plan. Since 2001, over €3m in grant aid has been paid to mushroom producers throughout the country which has supported capital investments of €9m in the upgrading of their operations. This year approximately €2.7m in grants is being provided to growers to fund projects to the investment value of €7.7m. In addition, under my Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products a total of €2m has been awarded for the mushroom sector, of which €1.5m was awarded this year.

Mushroom producers also benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation Scheme which is administered by my Department. Just over €5m was paid to 6 recognised Producer Organisations in the mushroom sector in 2005. There are currently 3 mushroom Producer Organisations and financial assistance of up to €4m was claimed in 2006 in respect of the 2005 operational year. The development of Producer Organisations under EU Regulations has made a very important contribution to the development of this sector as it enables producers to benefit from their combined strength in the production and marketing of their product. While the Producer Organisations include growers from UK and Northern Ireland, most of the funding goes to Irish producers.

With regard to the marketing of mushrooms, there are stringent EU quality standards set down which include presentation and marking of the product. Under these provisions each package must state the country of origin. Officials from my Department inspect horticultural products including mushrooms at wholesale and retail levels throughout the country to ensure that the relevant standards are being met.

In addition, under the general labelling Directive 2000/13 which applies to mushrooms as well as other foodstuffs, there is a requirement that labelling methods must not mislead the purchaser as to the characteristics, nature, identity and origin of the food product. This Directive, which has been transposed into national law by S.I. No. 483 of 2002, is enforced by the Department of Health and Children through the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and provides for an offence in the case of non-compliance.

Farm Household Statistics.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

372 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of full-time farmers in County Tipperary in each year from 1990 to date in 2006; the number of part-time farmers during the same period; her views on the figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24409/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The CSO Farm Structure Survey provides regional estimates and Table 1 and 2 below show figures for the Mid-West and South East regions in June 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2003 (the latest year currently available). The Mid-West region comprises counties Tipperary N.R., Clare, Limerick County and Limerick County Borough. The South East region comprises counties Tipperary S.R., Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow, Waterford County and Waterford County Borough.

Table 1: Number of farms in the Mid-West region — June 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2003.
Year	Farmwork is sole occupation of farm owner	Farmwork is not sole occupation of farm owner	Total
1991*	15,200	4,900	20,000
1993	12,900	6,000	18,900
1995	12,300	6,000	18,400
1997	12,100	5,800	17,900
2000**	9,500	7,200	16,700
2003	9,400	6,600	16,100

* June 1991 Census of Agriculture figure.

** June 2000 Census of Agriculture figure

Table 2. Number of farms in the South East Region — June 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2003
Year	Farmwork is sole occupation of farm owner	Farmwork is not sole occupation of farm owner	Total
1991*	16,000	4,200	20,200
1993	13,900	5,500	19,400
1995	13,700	5,600	19,200
1997	13,400	5,200	18,500
2000**	10,500	6,400	16,900
2003	10,000	5,900	15,900

* June 1991 Census of Agriculture figure.

** June 2000 Census of Agriculture figure

Table 3. Number of farms in County Tipperary — June 1991 and 2000
	1991		2000
	Farmwork is Sole Occupation	Farmwork is not Sole Occupation	Total	Farmwork is Sole Occupation	Farmwork is not Sole Occupation	Total
County Tipperary	7,400	2,000	9,400	4,700	3,100	7,800
Tipperary N.R.	3,500	900	4,400	2,300	1,600	3,800
Tipperary S.R.	3,900	1,000	4,900	2,400	1,500	3,900

The prevalence of part-time farming (Farmwork is not the sole occupation) has increased over the period 1991-2000 from 2,000 to 3,100, an increase of 55% according to the Central Statistics Office Census of Agriculture.

The total number of farmers in Co. Tipperary has decreased at an annual rate of 1.7% per annum from 1991-2000, which is a similar figure to the rest of the country.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

373 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of new entrants to farming each year since 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24410/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The information requested by the Deputy is not recorded by my Department or by the Central Statistics Office. My Department has figures on the number of young trained farmers who received "Installation Aid" under the Scheme for Installation Aid. These are as follows for the years 1990 to 2005.

Year	Number of Beneficiaries
1990	496
1991	405
1992	386
1993	409
1994	403
1995	746
1996	1,167
1997	1,251
1998	607
1999	835
2000	463
2001	357
2002	578
2003	986
2004	767
2005	557

It should be borne in mind that these figures are not equivalent to figures for new entrants into farming.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

374 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans her Department has for the sugar beet contracts in south Kildare; if interested parties have shown an interest in setting up an ethanol business in this area; the supports she is putting in place for the beet farmers of this region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24512/06]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

385 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which her Department has proceeded in relation to the provision of alternative crops for the farming community of the midlands including Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow and the south east, to overcome the loss of the beet crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24760/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

402 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she proposes to take to encourage the beet growing sector to diversify with particular reference to the need to maintain farm incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24983/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374, 385 and 402 together.

Following the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme last year, farmers now have the freedom to choose whatever farming enterprise is most appropriate to their circumstances. Under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime, the Single Payment Scheme is being extended to cover sugar beet compensation. This will be worth approximately €123m to Irish beet growers over the next seven years.

The sugar reform agreement provides for restructuring aid covering the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this would be worth up to €145m. The relevant Council Regulation provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors and that the percentage may be increased by Member States after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured.

The sugar reform agreement also provides for the introduction of aid for diversification measures in the event that sugar beet production completely ceases. This aid, worth almost €44m, would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme. Under the Commission implementing regulation, which has still to be published, Ireland will be required to submit a restructuring plan to the Commission by the end of this year.

Farmers are showing increasing interest in the potential of energy crop cultivation for biofuel purposes, as was evident from the recent ‘Agriculture and Food 06' event organised by Teagasc. Support to farmers for growing such crops is provided under the Energy Crops Scheme. The current aid level of €45 per hectare available under the Scheme has not proven to be sufficiently attractive in itself to stimulate the growing of such crops. I raised this matter at the Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting last February and I am pleased to say that the EU Commission has undertaken to review the operation of the scheme this year.

The production and utilisation of agricultural products for energy purposes can only be sustained in the longer term if biofuels generate a more favourable return than traditional market outlets. I am confident that the extension in the last Budget of excise relief of €205m which, when fully operational, will support the use and production of 163 million litres of biofuels annually, will help drive additional demand for the production of energy crops. I am working directly in this matter with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who has overall responsibility for energy policy. I am not aware of any proposal to establish a bioethanol plant in the Kildare area.

Cereal Sector.

Jack Wall

The person submitted a Private Contract Clause application to transfer in entitlements under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. The application has been successful, and it is expected that payment will issue this week.

The persons named also submitted an application to the 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.

A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued in this case and if the applicant's are dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve they now have the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Animal Diseases.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

377 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the investigations which have taken place into the contamination of equine serum with equine infectious anemia virus; the manufacturer and importer of the product; if the product is licensed here; if the manufacturer of the product is licensed by the relevant authorities; the number of batches which were contaminated; the number of lots in each batch; the number of treatments in each lot; the number distributed here; the number recalled; the number of animals administered with the serum; the steps being taken to contain the virus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24539/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Following the confirmation of the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in horses from two separate establishments in Co Meath, my Department's immediate focus was on the containment and immediate eradication of the disease. It also took urgent steps to prevent the spread of the disease by tracing back those horses and their contacts, which, in the previous three months, had passed through the premises on which the infected animals were located.

My Department, as an additional precaution, also advised stud owners/managers, trainers and other horse owners to have their horses tested for any evidence of the presence of the disease as this is in the best interests of all the bloodstock industry.

With regard to the detailed questions raised by the Deputy, my Department is now focusing on the origin of the disease and investigations are ongoing in this regard.

Until such time as this investigation is completed, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the issue.

Commonage Division.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

378 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason payment did not issue in 2005 for commonage to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme; and if payment will issue. [24569/06]

Tom Hayes

Question No. 385 answered with QuestionNo. 374.

Question No. 386 answered with QuestionNo. 375.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

387 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reasons for non payment of a farm retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary, for the period from the date of application July 28, 2003, to date payment of pension commenced in 2004; and if retrospective payment will be paid to the person to cover that period. [24762/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Early Retirement Scheme application of the person named was received in my Department on 25 July 2003. On preliminary examination, this application was found to be incomplete. The outstanding documentation was requested by Department letter dated 29 July 2003, this letter requested a reply within 21 days. As the outstanding documentation was not received within the prescribed time limit the person named was notified by Department letter dated 11 September 2003 that the application was deemed to be rejected.

A complete application was submitted on 26 February 2004 and approved for payment on 8 April 2004. Payment of the pension commenced at the end of April 2004 and arrears of pension from the date of receipt of a complete application of 26 February 2004 were included with the first payment.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

388 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is her Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24826/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

2.6% of the staff of my Department acknowledge having a disability. My Department is committed to the employment of people with a disability and there is no restriction on the percentage of people with a disability employed by my Department.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

389 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the communication she has had with any company wishing to conduct genetically modified crop trials here. [24843/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I have not engaged with any company wishing to conduct genetically modified crop trials in Ireland. The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for the purposes of EU Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, including for the purposes of field trialling.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

390 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether a genetically modified potato variety (details supplied), due to be grown in Summerhill, County Meath, was not destined or suitable for the Irish domestic market; and if, in view of the market sensitivity to genetically modified contamination, she will ensure the attempted genetically modified trial is not tried again. [24844/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

EU Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms lays down a binding, community-wide, framework for regulating the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment, including for the purposes of field trials and cultivation. Taking into account the precautionary principle, this framework seeks to ensure that high levels of protection are afforded to the environment and human health and requires, inter alia, the carrying out of a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, as part of the notification process, and post release monitoring.

Consideration of proposals to carry out GM trials is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency, they being the competent authority for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC. It is open to any person or company to apply for permission to carry out such trialling and it is the competent authority's duty to take all relevant environmental and safety issues into account when considering the application.

Proposed Legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

391 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on progress to review the Forestry Act 1946 ; if this review will increase the number of tree protection orders as well as the protection measures for trees on development sites; and the timeframe for this review. [24845/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department is currently undertaking a review of existing forestry legislation.

A Consultative Group, made up of representatives from various commercial, state and voluntary agencies, was established at the end of 2005. The Consultative Group has been asked to (i) critically evaluate the existing Forestry Acts in light of current and future requirements, (ii) consider what additional measures need to be included in any new Act and (iii) evaluate submissions received following a public call inviting submissions from interested parties, made in November 2005.

A public seminar was held in May 2005 to allow those who had engaged in the public consultation process an opportunity to present their views to the Consultative Group.

The Consultative Group is in the course of completing its work. A Scheme of a Bill will be drafted and submitted to Government when this work has been assessed.

It is intended that the proposed new forestry Act will include provisions to protect trees and control felling, including on development sites where these fall within the ambit of the Act. It should be noted however, that Tree Preservation Orders are the responsibility of planning authorities, under the Planning & Development Act 2000. My Department does not propose to alter the current legislative provisions relating to Tree Preservation Orders. This would be a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Poultry Industry.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

392 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the most humane way of killing poultry in the event of culling becoming necessary. [24972/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In the context of testing the contingency plan measures foreseen in the event of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a poultry flock, my Department has undertaken two controlled slaughter exercises. The trials took place in Co Monaghan in November last and in Co Limerick last month and involved the slaughter of 6,500 and 12,000 birds respectively, all of whom had come to the end of their productive lives.

The birds were slaughtered using CO2 gas, which is the Department's preferred method of slaughter and in line with OIE (International Animal Health Organisation) recommendations. The purpose of the exercise was to confirm the efficacy of CO2 as a method of slaughter, while having regard to the welfare aspects, as well as familiarising Department personnel and other agencies with this preferred method of slaughter.

In the Co Monaghan slaughter, infrared cameras and microphones were installed within the house to monitor the welfare of the birds during gassing. The welfare of the birds was assessed pre-gassing and, after the gassing, the birds were assessed for any signs of stress or panic and a number were taken for post-mortem examination. The visual and physical inspection of the birds indicated that they died with minimal distress and all the birds were euthanased rapidly.

The exercise confirmed the Department's view that CO2 gassing is the preferred method of choice for the humane slaughter of poultry in commercial poultry houses in a disease emergency.

During the Co Limerick trial, thermal imaging equipment was installed inside the house to monitor the condition of the birds during gassing. The welfare audit associated with this exercise has not yet concluded but initial indications demonstrate that there was no evidence of any undue distress to the birds. It is intended that this report will be made available when completed.

It is acknowledged that the use of CO2 gas may not be appropriate in all circumstances or for all species and, in such circumstances, alternative methods of slaughter will have to be used. In such circumstances, the welfare of the birds will be taken fully into account in selecting the method to be used.

Question No. 393 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

394 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which she has monitored the development of the agri-food sector in the aftermath of CAP reform; the most recent indicators with particular reference to expanding the industry in line with the requirements of a food producing nation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24974/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

It should be remembered that the introduction of the decoupling of agricultural direct payments from production only came into effect on 1st January 2005. This is a relatively short time-scale in which to evaluate the impact of such a significant policy shift.

Bearing this in mind, it is possible to provide an initial evaluation of the economic effects of this change. Last year proved to be very favourable considering its transitional nature. Aggregate farm income increased by 24%. This reflected the substantial once-off overlap in direct payments as farmers received €1.1 billion under the Single Payment Scheme and almost €620 million in payments under the old premia schemes. Agri-food exports reached a record level of €7.5 billion, with beef and dairy exports up 8% and 6% respectively.

Food Exports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

395 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the new export markets that have become available to Irish food exports in the past five years; the number of such markets that have been closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24975/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The 2015 Agri Vision Report recognised the importance of exports to the Irish food industry and the subsequent Action Plan includes a commitment to joint action by stakeholders to identify new markets and promote and improve market share in European and Third Country markets.

While our primary objective is to consolidate market penetration within the EU for high value-added products, it is also important to expand industry access to commercially attractive third country markets. In relation to the meat sector the Russian, Egyptian and Algerian markets for Irish beef have re-opened in recent years. Some other markets remain closed since cases of BSE in Europe were confirmed in 2000. Non-EU markets will continue to be important alternative outlets for Irish beef and the Department will continue its efforts in conjunction with the State Agencies and Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that as many as possible of these third countries are open to our exports. Prospects for reopening the United Arab Emirate market are good and I am also hopeful of positive developments on potential export opportunities in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Kuwait, Israel, Japan, China and South Africa.

Dairy and drinks exports are also significant with dairy products being exported to over 100 countries worldwide. The main products are butter, cheese, skimmed milk powder (SMP), whole milk powder (WMP) and casein and products containing dairy ingredients such as baby food, liqueurs, dairy spreads are also exported. I have worked hard to assist in the development of new and existing markets for Irish dairy products through ensuring that all the market aid mechanisms available are deployed in an effective manner so as to enable the dairy sector consolidate and grow its share of international markets. I acknowledge and welcome the investment by Irish dairy processors in R&D which will continue the drive towards greater levels of innovation and diversity in product mix and will help maintain our competitiveness in the face of challenges ahead.

Dairy Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

396 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views for the future development of the dairy industry with particular reference to competition on both home and export markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24976/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Irish dairy sector has enjoyed much success on international and EU markets in recent years and performed solidly again in 2005. Overall, exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients amounted to some €2 billion, as Irish exporters responded to strong market demand worldwide.

Despite considerable policy changes at EU level export performance has been very resilient in recent years. We are on the threshold of the third year of implementation of the Luxembourg Agreement on the reform of the CAP and whilst we have seen some deterioration in market performance, particularly as regards butter in recent months, nonetheless the market overall for dairy products has remained strong though producer prices have reduced somewhat in recent months.

Further reductions in intervention prices, together with a weakening dollar and higher oil prices mean that the dairy market will be more challenging overall in 2006. The butter market continues to experience difficulties and intervention now operates under a tendering system since the 50,000 tonnes limit was reached at the end of May. The maintenance of a competitive tendered export refund for butter should facilitate the export of significant quantities of butter to international markets. Against this background global demand for dairy products is set to rise and I am convinced that Ireland is well positioned to take full advantage of these international trading opportunities.

The negotiations on the new WTO Round will present challenges and opportunities alike for the dairy sector. The removal of international trade barriers will create new trade opportunities and the main challenge for the Irish dairy sector will be to make the necessary market adjustment to ensure that the sector both protects its global competitiveness and secures its share of this growing market.

I will continue to work constructively with the Irish dairy industry in addressing the competitiveness issues that it faces as it adapts to the new policy framework. In this respect the priority will continue to be concentrated on having an appropriate market policy at EU level incorporating a competitive set of aids and subsidies that reflect the real needs of the industry and meet the challenges of export competitiveness. On the domestic front I am anxious to move ahead with a new approach to transferring milk quotas with the aim of consolidating holdings and increasing competitiveness at producer level. I am also actively engaged with the dairy processing sector with a view to securing new investment and increased efficiency.

Beef Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

397 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the future development of the beef industry; the export markets where growth is expected; the locations where greater competition is expected; the extent to which imports are expected to affect the domestic market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24977/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department continues to support farm incomes through the provision of the Single Farm Payment and other major support systems under the Rural Development Programme. Overall, it is estimated that these direct payments and supports account for about 75% of net farm incomes. The important issue, post decoupling, is to maximise the level of income from market returns.

Competitiveness is the key to maximizing returns from the market. The recently published Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan is predicated on improving competitiveness. On the issue of competitiveness alone, the Plan contains over 90 specific actions designed to assist Irish farming to compete more effectively on European and international markets. As farmers position themselves to take advantage of the significant State investments in supports, training and advice they can improve their competitiveness and innovative ability thereby enhancing their opportunity for improved farm incomes. The other planks of the Agri-Vision document i.e. placing greater emphasis on innovation and consumer focus within the agri-food sector will also contribute positively to the long-term future of farm income.

Question No. 402 answered with QuestionNo. 374.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

403 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to bovine tuberculosis eradication with particular reference to the number of incidents in the past five years; the way in which this compares with other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24984/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The current T.B. eradication programme has brought about a significant improvement in the incidence of bovine tuberculosis, as the following table shows:

Year	No. of Reactors
1999	44,903
2000	39,847
2001	33,702
2002	28,930
2003	27978
2004	22,967
2005	25,884

There has been a steady decline in the numbers of TB reactors since 1999 when 44,900 reactors were identified compared with less than 26,000 in 2005. However, further progress towards final eradication is constrained, in particular, by the presence of a wildlife reservoir of infection. In this regard my Department operates an active wildlife programme, which involves the targeted removal of badgers where they are implicated in an outbreak of TB. My Department is also committed to a research project, with UCD, on the development of a vaccine, for use in badgers, which, if successfully developed, should contribute further to a significant reduction in the incidence of TB.

The incidence of the disease in the majority of other Member States is lower than in Ireland. This is due in large part to the extensive nature of livestock production in Ireland and presence of a wildlife reservoir of infection in the countryside, which significantly increases the likelihood of the transmission of TB to cattle.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

404 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that the use of meat and bone meal in animal feed stuffs has been discontinued entirely; if there have been breaches of this regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24985/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In December 2000 the EU introduced a total ban on the use of certain proteins derived from mammals, including mammalian meat and bone meal (MBM), in the diets of farmed animals. The ban remains in place.

Staff of my Department operate a range of controls, some of which have been in place since 1996, to ensure that MBM is not included either deliberately or inadvertently in feed intended for farmed animals. Regular checks are carried out at rendering plants, where MBM is produced, and in relation to the transport and storage of MBM. In addition, and to further ensure that this total ban is enforced effectively, the Department has increased the level of sampling for animal proteins. To date, in excess of 14,000 samples have been analysed. This includes the sampling of all bulk consignments of feed materials, along with extensive sampling of compound feedingstuffs and on-farm sampling. Between January 2001 and November 2004, bone fragments were detected in only five cases. In each case the source of contamination was an imported feed material and it is felt they occurred as a result of cross-contamination, rather than deliberate inclusion. Since then, no other case containing bone fragments has been detected. The report of the last inspection mission carried out in June 2002 by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the European Commission concluded "The feed ban is implemented in Ireland and under official supervision." The controls operated by my Department are adequate and are kept under constant review.

The legislative basis for the controls and uses of animal by-products including MBM is Regulation (EC) 1774/2002, which came into effect on 1 June 2003. Under this Regulation Category 3 MBM, which is derived from animal's deemed fit for human consumption, can be used in dried petfood. For a number of years, because of concerns in relation to BSE, national legislation went beyond EU legislation and prohibited the use of Category 3 MBM in petfood. During 2005 the situation was reviewed, having regard to the EU legislation, the declining number of BSE cases and the fact that some legally imported petfood containing Category 3 MBM was coming in to Ireland from other EU countries. I was also conscious of the need to provide productive outlets for the disposal of certain animal by-products where these do not pose a risk to public or animal health. I decided in all the circumstances to allow the use of Category 3 MBM in the manufacture of dried packaged petfood. SI 248 of 2003 was amended by SI 707 in November 2005 to introduce this change. Strict conditions apply in the petfood manufacturing process and controls are in operation covering the receipt of MBM in sealed bags; microbiological testing for salmonella; the need for a dedicated intake/ storage area; and facilities for the safe disposal of unused MBM through rendering or incineration.

Cereal Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

405 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the future of cereal growing here; her plans to develop and expand in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24986/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The year 2005 marks one of the most significant developments in the recent history of Irish farming — as policy shifts from production supports to the decoupled Single Payment Scheme. The new CAP regime will allow greater freedom to farm, giving many producers the opportunity to tailor their enterprises to meet consumer and market demand and to reflect their own strengths, individual preferences and aspirations. Under the reformed CAP, Irish cereal farmers will have the cushion of the single farm payment decoupled from production as and from 1st January 2005, and will be able to concentrate on supplying markets, focussing on minimising production costs and maximising their incomes. Improved efficiency of production at farm level will be important to maintain incomes, and to ensure that the volume of output is maintained to support the processing sector.

Early indications for the 2006 harvest show that the yield potential of spring barley will be moderate, while the area sown to winter wheat is down on last year. Nevertheless, I am confident that total production from this year's harvest will be satisfactory and will be close to the recent average of 2 million tonnes.

The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector is of the utmost importance. In addition to providing an income for growers, it provides the livestock sector with an important source of feedingstuffs. It is desirable to maintain the current level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported grain and I am satisfied that, subject to weather conditions, future production will continue at the 2 million tonne average.

My Department continues to operate a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing, recommended lists of varieties etc. In addition, Teagasc provides comprehensive research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world and I am satisfied the outlook for cereal growing in Ireland is quite positive and Irish cereal producers are well positioned to meet the competitive challenges ahead.

Deer Farming.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

406 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons involved in deer farming; the extent to which the enterprise is expanding or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24987/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Official data on deer farming is available from the Census of Agriculture which is carried out by the Central Statistics Office roughly every ten years. The first and so far only Census of Agriculture that included deer was in June 2000. This stated that there were farmed deer on 266 farms. Teagasc has estimated that the number of farms involved in deer production peaked in the mid 1990s at about 450 and they would estimate that the number currently stands at between 200 and 250.

The structure of deer farming has altered over the last ten years and the number of units has decreased. While there are fewer enterprises now, they are larger, more specialised and moving towards quality assured high value product outlets.

Animal Diseases.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

407 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the degree to which animal disease eradication in this country compares with other EU States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24988/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department accords a high priority to maintaining Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. It remains essential that we anticipate wherever possible and maintain the capability of dealing effectively with any threats in this area, from wherever they emerge. A comprehensive approach to these threats involves the following measures:

•Continued operation of schemes to reduce and eventually eradicate diseases of significant importance such as TB and Brucellosis,

•An intensive programme of measures to eradicate BSE,

•Measures to deal with threats from or actual outbreaks of other diseases.

With regard to Bovine Tuberculosis, the Eradication Scheme, which complies fully with the relevant EU legislation, has been successful in reducing the level of this disease from 17% in the 50's to 0.4%. While efforts are continuing to achieve a sustained reduction below that level, further progress is constrained by the presence of a wildlife reservoir of infection. In this regard, my Department operates an active wildlife and research programme.

The incidence of Brucellosis has been falling progressively in recent years. For example, the number of laboratory positives has fallen from 6,417 in 1998 to 228 in 2005. The total number of animals slaughtered under the eradication programme fell from 29,778 to 2,375 during the same period. There has been a similar decline in the number of herds depopulated from 328 to 27 in 2005. This progress has been maintained into 2006.

I am confident that this progress can be maintained into the future and that the ultimate goal of eradication is now a realistic prospect. However, for this to be achieved, it is essential to retain for now all aspects of the existing programme.

In the case of BSE, my Department has adopted a pro-active approach to disease prevention and introduced controls on the feeding of meat and bone meal and the use of Specified Risk Materials before they became mandatory at EU level. Numbers of cases have fallen significantly.

There were 69 cases in 2005 compared with 126 in 2004 and 182 in 2003. To date in 2006, there have been 26 cases of BSE which represents a decrease of 28 per cent on the number of cases in the same period in 2005. It is anticipated that the incidence of disease will continue to decline as cows born prior to 1998 leave the system.

The second round of the National Aujeszky's Disease Control and Eradication Programme is underway since September 2005. This involves blood testing of breeding pigs on all holdings nation-wide, together with a substantial factory testing regime. No new cases of Aujeszky's disease in the Irish pig herd have been identified thus far and the low number of positive holdings previously identified are being steadily reduced through compulsory vaccination and/or depopulation. The official status of the Member States is detailed in Commission Decision 2004/320/EC.

With regard to other diseases, while Ireland is free of many exotic diseases, contingency plans have been prepared in relation to major diseases such as Classical Swine Fever, Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease. As the Deputy will recall, decisive action taken by my Department during the Foot and Mouth Disease crisis in 2001 kept the number of cases to just one and permitted Ireland to regain its FMD Free status in a relatively short space of time.

Many of the measures introduced during that time, such as the strong legislative base for disease control introduced in the Disease of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001, new rules in relation to the registration and control of dealers, a National System for the Identification and Traceability of sheep and goats, and the application of full intra community rules on veterinary health certification of live animals imported from Northern Ireland, remain in place today. Further developments since that time include a National Pig Identification and Traceability system and a comprehensive Aujeszky's Disease Programme.

My Department will continue to implement measures in conformity with EU and international requirements and to promote best practice in relation to animal health and welfare in Ireland and in Europe, in a manner, which protects consumers in the first instance and Ireland's critically important agri-food sector. Implementation of measures here and in other Member States is reviewed on an on-going basis by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

408 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications received for assistance under the force majeure heading; the number that have been granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24989/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The position is that a total of 17,597 applications were received for consideration under the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme. The number of successful applications under this measure is 4,417. The number of applications, which were deemed unsuccessful, is 13,111.

Processing of the remaining 69 applications is continuing and formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued to applicants in the coming weeks.

Fruit and Vegetable Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

409 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the development and expansion of the fruit and vegetable industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24990/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The farm-gate production value of the fruit and vegetable sector continues to expand and is now estimated at €220 million.

The key issue which has impacted on the development of the fruit and vegetable industry as a whole in recent years is the increased concentration at retail level with the consequent significant change in the supply chain. My Department, recognising the marketing advantages and challenges of consolidation and scale, has contributed to the development of the industry, particularly through its grant aid schemes under the National Development Plan. These schemes have been a catalyst for investment and growth and have assisted producers to upgrade or develop new production facilities and have also enabled commercial enterprises to improve marketing and processing facilities.

The scheme to assist capital investment on farms under the National Development Plan aims to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improvement in the quality of products and to facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improved working conditions on farms. Under NDP 2000-2005, a total of €11m has been paid in grants to producers supporting investments of €31.5m. In 2006 a further €6.3m grant package will fund projects to the investment value of €18m.

Under my Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products a total of €10.5m has been awarded in the fruit and vegetable sector under the NDP to date. €7m was awarded in respect of 15 projects in this sector earlier this year.

In addition, fruit and vegetable producers benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation scheme. €5.6m was paid to 10 recognised Producer Organisations in 2005. The development of Producer Organisations under EU Regulations has made a very important contribution to the development of the sector as it enables producers to benefit from their combined strength in the production and marketing of their product.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

410 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all payments due to farmers under the various aid or headage payment schemes are up to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24992/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

One of my main objectives since assuming office as Minister for Agriculture and Food was to ensure the efficient implementation of the decoupled Single Payment Scheme — the most significant change to agricultural support since our accession to the European Community.

This huge task was successfully implemented when over €1 billion in Single Payments issued to 118,500 farmers last December, meeting the target we had set ourselves of making the payments on the first possible date. This was a major undertaking and the outcome, after painstaking preparatory work in establishing individual entitlements, was, by any standards, a major achievement. To date, payments worth in excess of €1.173 billion have issued to over 98% of Scheme applicants.

The changeover to the Single Payment was undertaken while work continued on winding up the coupled schemes. A small number of outstanding cases remain under these schemes, which the staff assigned to this work are continuing to clear on an ongoing basis. By their nature, these residual cases are complex and difficult to resolve. However, every effort is being made to bring each one to resolution. My intention is to have these outstanding cases largely finalised before the end of this year.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

411 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that all food exports are fully labelled and traceable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24993/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out by the relevant official agencies. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, my Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.

My Department is in regular contact with officials of the FSAI in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including legislation governing food labelling and traceability. I am satisfied that that proper controls are in place to ensure compliance with this legislation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

412 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason food and food products imported from non-EU countries are being re-labelled and sold here under labels indicating Irish origin with particular reference to the poultry sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24994/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The general food labelling legislation, as set out in the EU Directive 2000/13/EC and implemented in this country by the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) 2003 regulations (S.I. 483/2002), requires that the labelling of foodstuffs must not mislead the consumer as to various properties of the food, including origin. Therefore there is a legal prohibition on claiming that any product, including poultrymeat, is Irish if it is not. These rules apply throughout the Community and the regulations are enforced here by the FSAI.

The EU poultrymeat marketing standards regulations require that all unprocessed poultrymeat coming from a non-EU country must bear an indication of that country on its label. Officers of my Department check that this law is being complied with. When such meat is imported into Ireland and is cut up and/or repackaged here before being placed on sale then the product will be stamped with the oval IRL health mark. This is a requirement of veterinary legislation that is in place throughout the EU and is an essential tool in facilitating traceability in the event, for example, of product recall. The IRL health mark must not be interpreted as an indicator of Irish origin. Officials of my Department monitor the correct application of health marks to meat. On the wider issue of EU policy on labelling, I have raised the issue of the need for country of origin labelling on imported products on a number of occasions within the Council of Ministers.

I am glad to say that the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the EU Commission has recently commenced a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area, under a document entitled ‘Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU'. I have arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat in particular to the Department of Health and Children who are co-ordinating the Irish contribution to this process.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

413 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she proposes to enhance the marketing of Irish beef and lamb here and overseas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24995/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Irish beef industry is worth €1.3 billion in foreign earnings to the national economy annually. Ireland produced 524,000 tonnes of beef in 2005, exporting 487,000 tonnes, which represents 93% of our production. Ireland is the number one exporter of beef into Europe where there is a widening gap between consumption and production resulting in an EU import requirement of an estimated 350,000 tonnes this year. Irish companies are major suppliers across Europe and have gained a top-class portfolio of retail accounts there. In 2005, Ireland exported 260,000 tonnes to the UK and 192,000 tonnes to Continental EU countries, which together represents in excess of 90% of our total beef exports. Based on performance to date in 2006 and current predictions for the remainder of the year, export volumes are expected to be up 5% overall on last year, with up to half of these exports going to the continental EU market.

A key element in our strategy for developing and sustaining our presence in international beef markets, and particularly within the EU, must be the continued emphasis on the quality of our product. The support, both financial and otherwise, I have given to quality assurance schemes is an indication of the importance I place on these as key features of our future marketing strategies.

Our aim is to consolidate our position in the EU market. Bord Bia is responsible for the promotion of our beef and I take every opportunity to support them in their efforts in this regard. Last September, I launched the Board's Irish Beef in Europe autumn promotion campaign, which was targeted at building sales of Irish beef in European supermarkets and establishing the Irish Beef brand firmly in the minds of consumers. This campaign will run over three years with a total budget of some €10 million. It involves on-pack promotions in 8,000 stores across eight countries — Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic. Some 30 supermarket groups are participating and at least 40 million people visit their stores each week. The promotion has been tailored appropriately for maximum impact in each country. The campaign will run from September to November this year.

Bord Bia is actively engaged in promoting Irish lamb to consumers in both Ireland and France, the key markets for sheepmeat. This involves a mix of both media advertising and retail promotions in both countries. Bord Bia launched its 2006 Irish lamb campaign in France on 16 June. The promotional campaign will run from now until the end of the summer. The French market is the most important export market for Irish lamb importing over 40% of our total production annually. The nationwide campaign is being run in conjunction with eight major retailers throughout the country and is taking place in over 1,200 outlets. This year's campaign will also be advertised extensively at both local and national level. Lamb will be strongly promoted at SIAL, the International Food Fair in Paris, in late October. There will also be a summer identified Irish lamb promotion in Belgium. Bord Bia continues to promote Irish Lamb in Germany and the Netherlands with retailers and foodservice outlets there.

On 29 May Bord Bia launched its 2006 New Season Lamb promotional campaign on the Irish market. The domestic market remains very important to lamb producers, consuming almost 30 per cent of our total sheepmeat production annually. The campaign aims to increase sales at retail and foodservice level targeting both the regular consumer who already appreciates the good eating experience of lamb along with the younger consumers in the 18 to 34 year old bracket who are looking for quick and healthy meal ideas as part of their busy lifestyles. Running over four weeks, the promotion is comprised of a series of TV and radio adverts on both local and national stations.

A sheep industry strategy group established in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, has recently published its report which covers all aspects of the sheepmeat sector, including product development for different markets, consumer preferences and promotion. Bord Bia and my Department were among the interests represented on that group. The recommendations in the report are targeted towards facilitating the development of a more profitable sheepmeat sector in Ireland. I am now in the process of setting up an agreed implementation structure in association with the main stakeholders involved.

Meat Imports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

414 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that all imports of meat and meat products into this country are compliant with husbandry production and traceability standards applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24996/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal and fish origin as well as to imports of these products from third countries. Under harmonized legislation a series of health and supervisory requirements are applied in the Member States to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. The application of these standards in the Member States is monitored by the FVO (Food & Veterinary Office) of the EU. It is a requirement that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, Member States. All such imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU.

The FVO carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU are approved. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU approved list. If outbreaks of animal diseases occur in a third country approval to export to the EU is suspended for the infected regions of the country, or the whole country, as appropriate, until the disease risk has been eliminated.

Irish farmers are required to ensure that their production systems and farm practices fully comply with a wide range of EU Directives on important matters including traceability, animal health and welfare and consumer protection. I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from Third Countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU Member States. In this context I have been in direct contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr Markos Kyprianou, concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union.

The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. He has pointed out that the adoption of safeguard measures in relation to imports, for example in the matter of dealing with the risk to the EU of the spread of high pathogenic avian influenza, in the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and in the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), demonstrate the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS agreement). I recently brought to the attention of the Commissioner the findings of an Irish delegation of farmers and journalists who visited the meat producing regions in Brazil and my Department is also seeking assurances from the Commission that the FVO will undertake further missions to Brazil to evaluate the implementation of the action plans submitted by the Brazilian authorities.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

415 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the volume of pet foods imported into the country; if she is satisfied that European traceability and husbandry requirements have been applied in all cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24997/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Data supplied by the Central Statistics Office indicates that the total quantity of pet food imported into this country from January to December 2005 was 53,727 tonnes. Importers of pet foods are required to register with my Department and give at least 24 hours notice of intention to import. In the case of pet food originating from an EU source it must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination with a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries it must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance with the provisions of Community legislation and must be presented for inspection at an EU Approved Border Inspection Post. Importation of meat and bone meal or such products for any purpose to do with the farm animal and human food chain is prohibited.

Pigmeat Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

416 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to the pig meat industry with particular reference to the extent of imports as a percentage of national production; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24998/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The following table summarises the estimated quantities of pigmeat produced, imported, consumed and exported in 2005 (product weight equivalent). It indicates that imports are the equivalent of 50% of national production.

	tonnes
Production	147,000
Imports	74,000
Consumption	104,000
Exports	114,000

Fruit and Vegetable Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

417 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the acreage of potatoes grown here in 2006; the most prominent varieties; the value of the crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24999/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The CSO estimated that the area of potatoes grown in 2005 was 12,200 hectares. All indications are that the area will be lower in 2006. Official CSO figures for 2006 plantings will not be available until much later in the year. The main varieties are Rooster, Kerr's Pinks and British Queens, which account for almost 70% of the area planted. Other important varieties include Lady Claire, Record and Lady Rosetta. Potato production in 2005 is estimated at 422,000 tonnes. While the CSO has not published the estimated value of the 2005 crop, the 2004 crop was valued at €91 million.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

418 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which the food industry here is keeping pace with international developments in the area of pre-cooked, frozen or oven ready products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25000/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Pre-cooked, frozen or oven ready products may all be classified under the heading prepared consumer foods. The Irish prepared consumer foods sector is currently the fastest growing food sub sector with annual sales of €2.3 billion of which over 50% is exported, primarily to the UK. The sub-sector currently employs 14,500 in 280 companies.

The prepared food sector is currently experiencing strong growth and forecasts for future growth remain very positive. Valuable market opportunities continue to be available for Irish food companies which are willing to undertake the necessary research and to build the capability to respond quickly to consumer demands. Specific areas of opportunity exist for the food industry in the areas of consumer foods, functional foods and beverages, food ingredients and speciality foods. Health concerns are now a major influencing factor on consumers and functional foods, food for health and pharma-foods are forecast to become key drivers of growth within the sector. The well-being and vibrancy of our agri-food industry is heavily dependent on being continually and rapidly responsive to emerging consumer demand. Without investment in research and development, Ireland's food industry will be outstripped and out-paced by others who already possess the necessary research capability to meet these demands.

The substantial state investment in in-company research and technology transfer has driven and supported the research and development agenda within food companies. These supports, together with the tax incentives to encourage research and development, demonstrate the Government's ongoing commitment to the innovation agenda. Irish food companies, for their part, have encompassed the innovation challenge and are increasingly focussed on accelerating their research and development activities to meet the growth opportunities. I welcome the fact that a number of leading food companies are engaging with Enterprise Ireland in advancing significant innovation and research and development projects which are market led.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

419 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of participants in the original REP scheme; the number currently in the scheme; the number of participants who are required to make refunds payments to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25001/06]

Figures available from 2002 show the number of deer slaughtered in export-approved plants as follows:

Year	No. of head slaughtered
2002	1,759
2003	1,278
2004	1,079
2005	957

These figures do not include a significant number of animals now being sent to Northern Ireland. The Central Statistics Office does not publish data on the level of domestic consumption or exports of venison, which is classed as "other meat" for statistical purposes. However, the greater part of production is destined for the export market.

Fallow deer is exported to Denmark while red deer is supplied to the supermarket chains in Ireland and the UK and also to restaurants at home and in the US. There is severe competition from larger, lower cost producers abroad, especially Scotland and New Zealand. There are indications that so far in 2006 the market is improving due to more buoyant demand on the home and export markets.

Agricultural Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

423 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the role research and development is expected to play in the future of agriculture with particular reference to the need to expand and compete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25005/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

A combination of factors such as the reformed CAP, increasing trade liberalisation and rapidly evolving markets means that efficiency and innovation based on sound scientific knowledge will be essential for the future development of Irish agriculture and food. The Lisbon Agenda identified research as a key driver of economic growth in the EU and this has also been highlighted in the Enterprise Strategy Group Report and the Agri Vision 2015 Report. Recently the Government launched its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2007-2013 which will greatly enhance the increased investment in research in recent years and which recognises agri-food equally as part of the knowledge economy.

The plan of action, which I have launched to implement Agri-Vision 2015, includes commitments to national research and development and wider international collaboration. The research themes and actions range across agriculture, food and non-food uses, including forestry, to the bio-economy generally. In relation to agriculture, for example, the research to be carried out by Teagasc will include research into the determinants of agricultural productivity to provide a greater understanding of competitiveness. Secondary research as well as market research will be prioritised to support the opportunities for the Irish food sector to develop and supply appropriate products to meet the changing demographics of national and international markets.

Our vision for success is focused on the objective of ensuring that the Irish agri-food sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing. Quality and focused research will be one of the key ingredients in making that happen.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

424 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the future development of the lamb and pig meat sectors, having regard for access to export markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25006/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The sheep industry strategy group established in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, reported on 1 June 2006. Its report covers all aspects of the sector, including production, pricing, product development and promotion for different markets and consumer preferences. All sectors were represented in the group including the processors, producers, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and my Department.

This is a very timely report coming as it does in the wake of decoupling of production from market supports when the industry not only faces a number of serious challenges but also has real opportunities for growth. The report therefore represents a comprehensive development plan to move the industry forward. The aim is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheepmeat sector in Ireland. I am now in the process of setting up an agreed implementation structure in association with the main stakeholders involved.

Irish pigmeat has access to virtually all important markets EU and worldwide including Japan, which was particularly strong in 2005, as well as the USA. Producers in the pig sector are operating at a high level of efficiency. The Prospectus Study, which reported in 2001, was a comprehensive examination of the factors relevant to the future prosperity of the sector, in particular its competitiveness on home and international markets. The key recommendation centred on the need for rationalisation of primary processing facilities. There has been a good degree of rationalisation in the past couple of years and I believe the sector is well positioned to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

My Department is, and will continue to be, engaged in a wide range of activities that are critical to the ongoing development of the pig industry. These include national animal health programmes, the monitoring of compliance with food safety controls at production premises, the administration of production controls and certification for individual third country markets, and improving access to new markets. Pigmeat also features prominently on Bord Bia's programme of promotion on home and export markets. I and my officials are continuously engaged with the board for the purpose of identifying and developing these markets, in particular a most promising and potential market at present is China.

Last year I signed a protocol with my Chinese counterpart to facilitate the commencement of direct trade in Irish pigmeat to that country. We have since had a veterinary delegation here from China to inspect our meat plants and we are now in the final stages of completing the process. I expect pigmeat exports to that destination to start in the near future.

Direct Payment Schemes.

John Perry

Ceist:

425 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that a decision is made on the single payment application of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25048/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme-Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. The application was randomly selected for an on-the-spot cross compliance inspection. During the course of the inspection it was found that the movement of two animals was not notified to the cattle movement monitoring system and that 19 animals were not registered on that system. As a result of these identification and registration errors a 5% cross compliance penalty was applied.

The penalty resulted in the single farm payment being reduced by €129.90. A reduced payment of €2468.08 issued on 1 December 2005. To date no review has been sought. However if the person named is not satisfied with the result of the inspection, he may seek a review by contacting his local office. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of any such review.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

426 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of dangerous driving cases causing death which have occurred in each of the past five years; the number which have been prosecuted in the Circuit Court and the number that have been prosecuted in the District Court for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24351/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 430, inclusive, and 474 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2005 a total amount of €14,283,000 was collected through the Garda Vote for offences committed under the Road Traffic Acts. This covers all offences under the Road Traffic Acts for which fines were collected. It is not possible to state precisely the exact amount collected in speeding fines as the fines collected are not categorised according to the type of offence committed.

I am further informed that a total of €7,526,000 was collected through the Courts Vote for offences committed under the Road Traffic Acts. This is made up of moneys collected for speeding cases prosecuted through the Courts.

As the 2005 Accounts are still being audited, these figures are provisional pending completion of the Appropriation Account Audit. All monies received are surrendered to the Exchequer as extra exchequer receipts and are accounted for in the Appropriation Accounts.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there is a range of mobile speed detection equipment, including six Gatso vans (a mobile unit with on board cameras, radar, and computer system), in operation throughout the State. There is also currently in use by the Garda Síochána laser speed detection equipment, including in excess of 400 hand held speed detection devices and car/motor cycle systems. There are also three cameras rotated between fixed camera installation posts, two in the Louth/Meath Division and one in Dublin. There are twenty fixed camera installation posts at various locations in the Dublin area and Louth/Meath Division.

The cost of operating speed cameras in 2005 is not readily identifiable in the context of the overall budget. The outsourcing of safety cameras as proposed under the Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 is being progressed. A private sector group has been engaged to provide procurement support services required to facilitate the outsourcing of the provision and operation of a nationwide safety camera programme. The formal request for tenders will issue upon enactment of supporting legislation by the Oireachtas.

The purpose of the speed camera initiative is to enhance overall road safety and help reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The performance criteria to be applied will be determined by An Garda Síochána, and the deployment of cameras will be focused on locations where there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The Garda Síochána, as the traffic law enforcement agency in the State, will be responsible for the outsourcing project. The Garda authorities inform me that the safety camera project will commence with approximately 500-600 locations countrywide (about 15-20 locations per local authority area). Speed checks will take place at these locations at times decided by a matrix which will link the checks to speed related collision data. The number of locations will be increased as necessary to achieve the targeted road safety objectives of increasing compliance with speed limits across the entire road network, reducing the speed of vehicles at locations that have a speed related collision history and acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive speed.

To retain public support for the safety camera project there will be no linkage to the revenue that may be collected as fixed charges or court fines. The project will focus on its primary objective of reducing excessive speed and thereby reducing death and serious injury. The moneys collected from the fixed charges will be paid directly to the Exchequer. There will also be revenue from court imposed fines.

Prison Drug Treatment Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

431 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes will be made available to all drug misusers in prison. [25017/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

432 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes available in each of the prisons here; the number of prisoners in each prison; the number of prisoners in each prison accessing the above services on 1 June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25018/06]

Barry Andrews

Ceist:

477 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress towards implementation of his drugs free policy for prisons here and in particular mandatory drug testing. [24782/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 431, 432 and 477 together.

The new Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy and Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons, was launched on 2 May last. This new policy fulfils the commitment in the Programme for Government to publish a plan to end all heroin use in Irish prisons as well as my own commitment to achieving a drug-free prison system. Working to fulfil these commitments will involve the implementation of stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons while, at the same time, continuing to invest in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners’ treatment and rehabilitative needs.

The present Drug Treatment programmes are being expanded and enhanced with the further recruitment of psychologists and addiction counsellors as well as other staff. Advertisements for these positions have been placed in the national media and it is anticipated that these positions will be filled in the near future. The roll-out of the Drugs Policy and Strategy, including the enhancement of these programmes, has begun and I am confident that the targets set out will be reached, the major portion being implemented by end-2006 and the longer-term targets by end-2007. I shall forward a copy of the Policy and Strategy, which outlines the targets mentioned, to the Deputies.

An important aim of the new Policy and Strategy is the operation of all treatment programmes within a coherent policy framework, understood and supported by all agencies involved in drug treatment within the prison system, with the ultimate aim being to provide access to drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes for all prisoners who wish to avail of them.

Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations. The Irish Prison Service seeks to reduce the demand for drugs within the prison system through education, treatment and rehabilitation services for drug-addicted offenders. Particular initiatives put in place include a Drugs Detoxification programme, a programme of Substitution Therapies, a programme of Voluntary Drug Testing, health interventions, vaccination programmes and treatment for viral illnesses.

As of 23rd June 2006, the number of prisoners in each prison was as follows.

Institution	Number in Custody
Mountjoy (m)	495
Mountjoy (f)	87
St. Patrick’s	192
Cork	261
Limerick (m)	277
Limerick (f)	17
Castlerea	210
Cloverhill	382
Wheatfield	377
Portlaoise	112
Arbour Hill	138
Training Unit	91
Midlands	439
Loughan	103
Shelton Abbey	56
Totals	3,237

Drug treatment, by its nature, involves a holistic approach to the problem and, in that context, services are delivered by a wide range of providers including, but not exclusively, prison healthcare staff and community and voluntary bodies. As prisoners are interacting with these services at various different levels according to their needs, it is difficult to define the range and level of interventions. For example, In the case of Methodone treatment, the following figures for 2005 are indicative.

	Total Patients during period	New Patients (1st time on Central Treatment List)
Cloverhill Prison	571	97
Dóchas Centre	228	27
Limerick Prison	4	0
Midlands Prison	6	0
Mountjoy Main Prison	511	27
Mountjoy Prison Medical Unit	79	5
Portlaoise Prison	2	0
St. Patrick’s Institution	1	0
Wheatfield Prison	162	13
Totals for 9 Clinics	1,564	169

The implementation of this Policy and Strategy has also seen an intensification of efforts in the prison system to eliminate the availability of illicit drugs within prisons. This Policy and Strategy involves the traditional means of effecting supply reduction — staff vigilance, physical searches and supervision of persons entering prisons and their reinforcement by means of improved facilities and procedures. The Policy and Strategy also provides for a range of new measures to eliminate the supply of drugs into prisons: notably, enhanced visit security, the introduction of passive drug detection dogs and mandatory drug testing.

I can advise the Deputy that new Visiting Card arrangements are in place in all but two of the closed prisons. The exceptions are Cloverhill Prison, where screened visits are the norm and where the population is much more fluid than others because of its status as a remand prison, and Portlaoise Prison where a pilot project is due to commence next month.

Under the new Visiting Card arrangement, each prisoner is required to supply to prison authorities a short list of persons whom they wish to visit them. Only persons on this list who have been approved by the Governor are permitted to visit. Each prisoner must indicate in advance that he/she expects a visit and visitors are required to present photo identification confirming their identity. This policy should eliminate prisoners being forced or bullied into accepting a visit for the sole purpose of receiving contraband. The Prison Service is also in the process of introducing a new system of visiting by appointment.

As part of the new Policy, a passive drug detection dog was recently introduced into the Midlands Prison, with trials to be carried out from that base to other prisons during the next six months. If this scheme is successful it is envisaged that it would then be expanded to other sites of the prison estate. Early indications are that the dog is proving successful in discouraging the carriage of drugs into the Midlands Prison.

The design of the new prison projects at Thornton Hall and Spike Island will also make it harder for contraband to enter the prison over the perimeter walls by means of locating recreation yards away from perimeter walls.

Mandatory drug testing will play an important role in the overall strategy for tackling the scourge of drug use among prisoners. It will enable identification and referral of drug abusers to treatment programmes, enable enhanced focusing of resources and act as a deterrent to drug misuse. Mandatory drug testing will commence across the prison system once the new Prison Rules are introduced. I can advise the Deputies that the Irish Prison Service is currently drafting a document which will provide detailed instruction and guidance on the implementation of Mandatory Drug Testing.

Residency Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

433 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date of receipt by his Department of an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when it is expected that a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24341/06]

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

An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in April 2005. Applications are dealt with in chronological order and officials in my Department have recently corresponded with the person in question in order to further process the application for residency. The case is currently under active consideration. A decision will be made when all the circumstances relevant to this case have been fully considered.

Garda Recruitment.

John Perry

Ceist:

434 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to the Government’s promise to increase Garda manpower levels from 12,000 to 14,000 fully trained Gardaí within five years, the way in which he plans to redress same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24350/06]

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

The Agreed Programme for Government between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats states "we will complete the current expansion of the Garda Síochána and increase recruitment so that the numbers will increase by a further 2,000."

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

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, with a fully attested strength of 14,000 by 2008. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and the second such group did so on 8 June. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete.

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

The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 January 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed by letter dated 22 August 2005 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he should not be deported.

His case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on his behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 29 May 2006 I refused the person concerned permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on 6 July 2006, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The decision to issue a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned was taken following a fair and comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application for permission to remain temporarily in the State.

Visa Applications.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

446 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a visa has not been made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24386/06]

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

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office on 24th May, 2006. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application in question was approved on 20th June, 2006.

Citizenship Applications.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

447 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [24392/06]

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

The person in question applied for permission to remain in the State on under the revised arrangements for non EU national parents of Irish citizen children born prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. It is an essential requirement of that scheme that each applicant fully completes the IBC/05 application form and signs the statutory declaration form. The applicant initially failed to comply with these requirements on her original application form. The incomplete application form and statutory declaration were returned with all the submitted accompanying documents on 2 October 2005. On 13 October 2005 her legal representative returned the completed IBC/05 application form to my Department. The application was accepted for consideration under the revised arrangements from that time.

In December 2005 and April 2006, my Department was made aware of issues relating to the applicant and her family by the Health Service Executive which I understand are before the Courts. These matters are sub judice and I cannot comment on them. However, I will make a decision in relation to the IBC/05 application when all investigations in relation to this application have been completed. At that stage the person concerned and her legal representative will be informed accordingly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

453 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24452/06]

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

The persons concerned arrived in the State on 15 June, 1998 and applied for asylum. Their claim for refugee status was considered under the process then applicable and was refused by the Asylum Division of my Department. They were notified of the decision on 10 December, 1999. They appealed this decision to the appropriate body at the time, the Appeals Authority, which affirmed the decision of the Asylum Division. They were notified of this decision on 10 November, 2000.

The persons concerned were informed, by letter dated 14 November, 2001, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and afforded them three options under Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of deportation orders or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister in writing, setting out the reasons why they should be allowed remain temporarily in the State.

Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned. These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the files to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Waste Management.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

454 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Gardaí will assist with the removal of a car (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [24493/06]

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

I have requested a Garda report in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Garda Operations.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

455 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda authorities on their response to the issues in correspondence (details supplied) from the Mater area residential community in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24494/06]

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

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

It is my intention to proceed with the building of a new prison complex at Spike Island.

The new prison facilities will address the overcrowding difficulties in Cork Prison and will enable the Prison Service to offer significant improvements in the area of work training, education and medical facilities as well as providing predominantly single cell accommodation with in-cell sanitation facilities. The construction of a bridge will facilitate the development of the new prison complex.

The implications, if any, on the heritage, archaeology or related aspects of the proposed developments will be addressed in detail in the course of the planning process which will be undertaken in due course. At that stage, all of the relevant material including properly balanced assessments of the various issues, including archaeology, will be made available as part of the public consultation process which should commence possibly later this year.

Garda Operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

459 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) who owns a takeaway in Ballyfermot was recently told, when they asked a member of An Garda Síochána to remove a person who had been barred from their outlet and was therefore trespassing on their property, that it was up to them to sort it out and that they should consider getting security in. [24542/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as the crime of trespass is not committed unless the person enters with the intent to commit a crime, the fact that a person had been barred from a premises would not, of itself, constitute the offence in relation to which Garda action could be taken.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

460 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action which has been taken against gangs of youths who are regularly drinking on the Ballyfermot Road; the number of arrests made in the past year for public drinking on that road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question receives regular patrolling by uniformed and unmarked Garda patrol cars, foot patrols, mountain bike patrols, District Detective Units and District Drug Units with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence. Additional supporting patrols are provided by Divisional Crime Task Force Units and Divisional Traffic Units. In addition a public order van is operational on Friday and Saturday evenings and carries our patrols in the area concerned. Also, there is currently a special beat patrol in operation.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that in the last twelve months sixty four on the spot fines have been issued to persons for drinking in a public place in the area concerned contrary to local authority bye-laws.

Question No. 461 answered with QuestionNo. 452.

Citizenship Applications.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

462 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24561/06]

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

I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 349 on 29 November 2005 that the person concerned had applied for a certificate of naturalisation in November 2002 and that I had decided in July 2004 to refuse that application. The reasons for my decision were provided to the legal representative of the person concerned in a letter dated 28 July 2004 informing them of my decision.

New applications received up to 31 May 2006 have been examined and recorded on my Department's computer database. There is no record of a further application for naturalisation having been received from the person in question on or before that date.

Asylum Applications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

463 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for asylum for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24563/06]

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

The persons concerned arrived in the State on 19 April, 2005 and applied for asylum. The first named person's application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The second named person's application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, the first named person was informed by letter dated 14 October, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. The second named person was informed by letter dated 19 October, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before orders are made or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned.

These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the files to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Crime Levels.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

464 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of domestic violence which were reported to the Gardaí in County Laois each year for the past five years; the number of these cases that were brought to prosecution; the number of prosecutions which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24686/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

465 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of domestic violence which were reported to the Gardaí in County Offaly each year for the past five years; the number of these cases that were brought to prosecution; the number of prosecutions which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24687/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Prisoner Transfers.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

466 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will facilitate the repatriation of a person (details supplied) in England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24689/06]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not as yet received a formal application for a transfer to this country in respect of this person from the United Kingdom authorities.

The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons requires extensive documentation to be exchanged between both jurisdictions in order to allow an application to be fully considered. A three way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place, i.e., from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents (assuming they will be forthcoming), an application must then be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and his continued detention here.

These procedures are required under the Convention and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act, 1995, and must be adhered to in processing each application.

Question No. 467 answered with QuestionNo. 452.

Deportation Orders.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

468 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-nationals released from prison who were considered for deportation by him under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 due to having served a term of imprisonment imposed by a Court in the State in each of the years from 2000 to 2005; the number who were notified of a proposal by him to make deportation orders; and the number who were actually deported. [24691/06]

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

I can inform the Deputy that the information sought is at present being compiled by the Irish Prison Service and the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The provision of the relevant data is complicated by the need to cross reference and check information emanating from their two separate databases. Following this exercise, the information will be matched against the database in the Repatriation Unit of my Department. I can assure the Deputy that this information will be conveyed to him at the earliest possible date.

Departmental Staff.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) stationed in the Carlow/ Kildare Division as at 31 December, 2000 and 26 June, 2006 was as set out in the following table.

	2000	26/6/06	Increase
District: Naas
Naas	74	87	13
Celbridge	14	20	6
Clane	5	6	1
Kill	3	3	—
Maynooth	14	16	2
District: Kildare
Kildare	25	29	4
Robertstown	3	3	—
Kilcullen	3	3	—
Monasterevin	3	3	—
Newbridge	28	33	5
Rathangan	2	3	1
Carbury	1	2	1
District: Carlow
Carlow	46	58	12
Leighlinbridge	1	1	—
Ballon	1	1	—
Myshall	1	1	—
Muinebheag	6	7	1
Athy	17	18	1
Castledermot	2	2	—
District: Baltinglass
Baltinglass	21	24	3
Blessington	14	18	4
Dunlavin	1	1	—
Hollywood	1	1	—
Donard	1	1	—
Shillelagh	1	1	—
Tinahely	2	2	—
Hacketstown	1	2	1
Rathvilly	1	1	—
Ballymore Eustace	1	1	—
Tullow	9	9	—
Ballytore	1	1	—
Total	303	358	55

The personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 26 June, 2006 was 281 and 358, respectively. This represents an increase of 77 (or 27%) in the number of Garda personnel assigned to the Carlow/Kildare Division during that period. Garda management also informs me that the official opening hours of each Garda Station in the Carlow/Kildare Division are as set out in the following table.

Stations	Weekday Opening Hours	Sunday Opening Hours
Naas	24 Hours	24 Hours
Celbridge	9am-1pm 2pm-5pm 7pm-9pm	12 Midday-2pm
Clane	10am-1pm	12 Midday-2pm
Kill	10am-1pm	Not Open
Maynooth	10am-1pm 2pm-6pm 7pm-9pm	12 Midday-2pm
Kildare	24 Hour	24 Hour
Robertstown	Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm	Not Open
Kilcullen	Mon, Tue & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm	Not Open
Monasterevin	Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm	Not Open
Newbridge	24 Hour	24 Hour
Rathangan	Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm	Not Open
Carbury	Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm	Not Open
Carlow	24 Hour	24 Hour
Leighlinbridge	10am-1pm	10am-1pm
Ballon	6pm-7.30pm	6pm-7.30pm
Myshall	10am-1pm	10am-1pm
Muinebheag	10am-1pm 6pm-8pm	10am-1pm 6pm-8pm
Athy	9am-10pm	9am-10pm
Castledermot	10am-1pm	Not Open
Baltinglass	24 Hour	24 Hour
Blessington	10am-1pm	11am-1pm
Dunlavin	3pm-5pm	3pm-5pm
Hollywood	8pm-10pm	8pm-10pm
Donard	11am-1pm	11am-1pm
Shillelagh	3pm-5pm	3pm-5pm
Tinahely	3pm-5pm	3pm-5pm
Hacketstown	11am-1pm	11am-1pm
Rathvilly	11am-1pm	11am-1pm
Ballymore Eustace	2pm-4pm	Not Open
Tullow	10am-1pm	11am-1pm
Ballytore	3pm-5pm	Not Open

Garda management state that the opening hours as set out in the table are dependent on the availability and rostered tour of duty of the members attached to each station.

I should add 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. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and the second such group did so on the 8th of June. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. 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 Carlow/Kildare Division will be given the fullest consideration.

Visa Applications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

472 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa entry permit will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will expedite a response. [24753/06]

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

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office on 6th June, 2006. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application in question was approved on 12th June, 2006.

Garda Vetting Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

473 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to the Garda vetting unit by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is providing home support will be expedited; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24754/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) has no record of a vetting application having been received on behalf of the person in question.

I am informed by the Department of Health and Children that the making of applications to the GCVU in respect of prospective Health Service Executive (HSE) staff or HSE-funded staff is a matter for the HSE.

In view of the circumstances outlined above, I can only suggest that the person in question seeks clarification from the HSE concerning the status of the vetting application.

Question No. 474 answered with QuestionNo. 427.

Question No. 475 answered with QuestionNo. 452.

Prison Building Programme.

David Stanton

Ceist:

476 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 20 June 2006, his plans to hold a public consultation on the proposed development; the location, date and details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24775/06]

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

481 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place for development and enhancement of the Garda Síochána in the north city area of Dublin, in view of the high level and extent of house building, increased densities and general construction which will require additional Garda duties; the provision made to ensure adequate accommodation and support services for members of the Garda to meet the estimated demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25024/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

The Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division comprises the following 10 Garda Stations: Ballymun, Clontarf, Coolock, Dublin Airport, Howth, Malahide, Raheny, Santry, Swords and Whitehall. I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the DMR North Division as at 27 June, 2006 was 613.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

The provision of accommodation for An Garda Síochána in the north of the city is progressed on the basis of agreed priorities of the overall garda building and maintenance programmes. In this regard, priority has been given to providing a major new station at Ballymun which will incorporate a new Divisional Headquarters. I understand tenders are to be invited shortly for its construction. With regard to support services, An Garda Síochána provide a broad range of facilities including information technologies. For example, the Garda Pulse system is directly available to all stations in the DMR Northern region as is access to the Fixed Charge Processing system and Email facilities.

I should add 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. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and the second such group did so on the 8th of June. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. 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 area referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.

Deportation Orders.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

482 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures adopted for the purpose of deporting a person from this State to their country of origin; the number of people deported over the period 1995 to 2005; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25025/06]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

483 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs associated with hiring chartered flights and the costs associated for seats on scheduled flights over the period 1995 to 2005 for the purpose of deporting a person from this State to their country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25026/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together.

A proposal to deport arises where a person has been formally refused a declaration as a refugee or has become otherwise illegal in the State e.g. having overstayed a visa/work permit etc. In all such circumstances, the person concerned is informed, in writing, that the Minister proposes to make a deportation order in respect of him/her and he/she is afforded three options vis a vis his/her position in the State, in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), namely; to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out reasons why he/she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he/she should not be deported.

Each individual case is examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Consideration is given to any representations submitted in support of the case for the person concerned being given permission to remain temporarily in the State. In the event that permission to remain temporarily in the State is refused, a Deportation Order is signed in respect of the person concerned. Notice of this Order is served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself/herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, or to the local Garda Station in the case of persons resident outside Dublin, in order to make arrangements for his/her deportation from the State. The person concerned is required to present himself/herself and is subject to arrest and detention if they fail to do so.

The Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the eleven factors contained in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), I must, as stated earlier, also have regard for Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement before making a Deportation Order. This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a Deportation Order i.e. that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive, objective country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to third countries.

Between January 2002 and the current date, 23 charter flights have been engaged for the purposes of removing persons residing illegally in the State. 723 persons were removed in this way at a total cost of €3,150,073. Details of these charter flights, i.e. dates, destinations, numbers removed (broken down into adults and minors, insofar as this information is available) and individual costs, are set out in the table (Table 1) below.

The above costs do not include Garda expenses associated with these removal operations. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that, given the wide range of immigration related duties performed by An Garda Síochána, and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in particular, it would not be possible to identify the particular pay and overtime costs incurred by the Gardaí in the context of these charter flights. However, the Garda Commissioner informs me that charter flights involve a lower ratio of Garda escorts to deportees than is the case using conventional scheduled flights, resulting in savings to the Garda budget.

Table 1: No. of non-nationals removed
Date	Destination	Adults	Minors	Total	Cost
					€
9 January 2002	Algeria	2	Nil	2	23,490
28 March 2002	Nigeria	6	Nil	6	190,000
14 November 2002	Nigeria	Information not readily available	Information not readily available	12*	151,500
18 November 2003	Romania and Moldova	Information not readily available	Information not readily available	24*	92,490
28 November 2003	Romania and Bulgaria	Information not readily available	Information not readily available	20*	27,800
12 February 2004	Romania	Information not readily available	Information not readily available	62*	93,609
20 February 2004	Gambia	1	Nil	1	50,200
31 March 2004	Romania	49	4	53	71,590
6 April 2004	Nigeria	26	3	29	146,500
26 August 2004	Nigeria	24	1	25	248,610
17 November 2004	Romania and Moldova	56	10	66	82,700
15 December 2004	Romania and Moldova	39	2	41	82,700
15 March, 2005	Nigeria	26	9	35	265,000
1 June 2005	Romania	50	8	58	84,720
5 July 2005	Nigeria	30	16	46	248,300
13 September 2005	Romania and Moldova	46	5	51	87,270
18 October 2005	Nigeria	23	15	38	243,300
8 December 2005	Nigeria	17	2	19	238,850
17 January 2006	Romania and Moldova	42	2	44	91,255
**27 January 2006	Spain — Dublin II Regulation Transfer	1	Nil	1	43,300
21 February 2006	China	13	Nil	13	255,539
4 April 2006	Nigeria	23	6	29	242,050
15 May 2006	Romania	44	4	48	89,300

*Note (i) A breakdown of the numbers deported between adults and minors is not readily available for these flights.

**Note (ii) This was not a deportation flight but rather a flight chartered for the purposes of transferring a particularly difficult and violent person to Spain in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation.

The table below (Table 2) sets out the number of Deportation Orders and Dublin II Regulation Transfer Orders (persons who first claimed asylum in another EU State which subsequently agreed to accept responsibility for the examination of the asylum application) which have been effected each year from late 1999 to 31 May 2006:

Table 2
Year	Deportation orders effected	Dublin II Regulation Transfers*	Total No. of removals
1999**	6	N/A	6
2000	188	N/A	188
2001	365	N/A	365
2002	521	N/A	521
2003	591	N/A	591
2004	599	65	664
2005	396	209	605
2006 (up to 31 May)	158	112	270
Total	2,824	386	3,210

*DII Regulation commenced in September 2003, first such Orders signed in 2004.

**Figures not available pre 1999 — Immigration Act, 1999 commenced that year.

The table below (Table 3) sets out the costs associated with removals by commercial/ scheduled flights on an annual basis since the commencement of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) up to the end of 2005. The figures include the costs associated with removing persons whose Deportation Orders were made pursuant to the provisions of the Dublin Convention which preceded the Dublin II Regulation.

Table 3: Cost of removals by scheduled/commercial flights
Year	Cost of deportations (includes Dublin Convention cases)	Cost of Dublin II Regulation removals	Totals
2000	£339,799 (see Euro equivalent in totals column)	N/A	431,545
2001	£835,659 (see Euro equivalent in totals column)	N/A	1,061,287
2002	1,633,386	N/A	1,633,386
2003	1,446,066	N/A	1,446,066
2004	992,690	33,923	1,026,613
2005	502,962	55,325	558,287
Total	6, 157,184

Asylum Applications.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

484 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications made each year from 1990 to date in 2006; the number of applications that were not successful; the reason for same; the processing period for an asylum application; the number of applications awaiting a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25027/06]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is set in the following Tabular Statement.

Statistics are not maintained regarding the specific grounds for granting or refusing refugee status. All applications are considered in line with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996. Section 2 of the Act defines a refugee, subject to stated exclusions, as a person who, owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his or her former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.

With effect from 1 November 2005, all applicants for asylum are notified of their interview date by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) at the time they make their applications. The interview appointment is normally within 20 working days of application. However, for those applicants within the prioritised category, interviews in ORAC are held more speedily, within 9 to 12 days. Consideration of these applications by ORAC is normally completed within a further 5 to 8 working days giving an average processing time of 17 working days from the date of application.

In respect of non-prioritised applications, the interview date is normally within 4 to 5 weeks of the application date. Consideration of the application by ORAC is normally completed within a further 4 weeks giving a total processing time of approximately 8 to 9 weeks from the date of application.

The average length of time taken by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) to process and complete substantive appeals received in 2005 was approximately 14 weeks. However, this period was considerably shorter in respect of certain appeals which received priority or where an oral hearing was not required. In respect of these cases processing times were 3 to 5 weeks. At the end of May 2006 there were 2,723 cases on hand with ORAC and RAT. Only 581 of these applications were over six months old as compared to some 6,500 such applications at the end of September 2001.

Asylum Application and Appeal Statistics — 1990 to 2006 (up to 31/5/06) (insofar as these are readily available)
	No. of asylum applications received	No. of asylum applications refused at first instance**	No. of asylum appeals refused
1990	*	*	*
1991	9	*	*
1992	39	29	3
1993	91	30	17
1994	362	106	14
1995	424	113	54
1996	1,179	431	218
1997	3,883	1,478	384
1998	4,626	2,037	210
1999	7,724	278	634
2000	10,938	425 (20/11- 31/12)	1,153
2001	10,325	11,126	1,460
2002	11,634	13,530	3,599
2003	7,900	8,970	3,767
2004	4,766	6,468	5,394
2005	4,323	4,787	3,405
2006	1,850	1,808	822

* The figures for these years are not readily available.

** Includes some withdrawn cases.

Cases after 20 November 2000 were processed by ORAC and RAT.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

485 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of former asylum applicants who made application for permission to remain in lieu of asylum; the basis of their applications; the percentage of applications on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25028/06]

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

I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for Leave to Remain in the State made pursuant to Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). The Deputy might wish to note that, in the main, such applications are made by persons whose asylum applications have been rejected.

An application for Leave to Remain in the State arises where a non-EU national is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3 (3) (a) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). A person served with such a notice is afforded three options vis a vis their position in the State, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations setting out reasons as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and why permission to remain temporarily in the State should be granted.

In assessing whether to make a Deportation Order or to grant permission to remain temporarily in the State in each individual case, I must have regard for the eleven factors specified in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Permission to remain temporarily in the State is considered in every individual case regardless of whether written representations are submitted by, or on behalf of, the person(s) concerned. Statistics are not maintained in a way which distinguishes between those cases where such representations were submitted as opposed to those where no representations were submitted. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that many of those who failed the asylum process, and who did not opt to return voluntarily to their country of origin or consent to deportation, nonetheless left the State before a decision to deport or to grant permission to remain temporarily in the State was made.

The figures in the table below refer to persons who received notification of intention to deport under Section 3 (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) but were subsequently granted temporary leave to remain in the State for an initial period of one year. As stated earlier, the majority of these persons would have been rejected asylum seekers.

Numbers of persons granted permission to remain temporarily in the State
Year	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006 (up to 31 May)
Number of persons	19	77	158	86	207	135	51

The figures in the table above do not include persons who have been granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of their parentage of an Irish Born Child either under the Revised Arrangements I announced in January 2005, or under the earlier arrangements, or those persons granted residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish or E.U. National. Many of these persons would otherwise have been considered for permission to remain temporarily in the State in the context of the deportation system described above. For example, in the case of the Revised Arrangements relating to the Non-National Parents of an Irish Born Child born in the State before 1 January 2005 (the IBC/05 Scheme), a total of 17,917 applications were submitted with 16,693 having been approved.

Ceist:

527 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational services being provided for children with autism in Portmarnock, Malahide, Skerries, Balbriggan, Swords, Donabate, Rush and Lusk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24679/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 487, 507, 526 and 527 together.

Ceist:

515 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken at present to acquire the available site for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24546/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 515 together.

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally has been requested to source a site for the Gaelscoil in question. While a suitable parcel of land has been identified, a map of the specific area within that parcel that is offered for sale has been requested and is awaited from the vendor. This map is required in order to clarify specific suitability issues such as topography, access, connections to services etc.

As soon as OPW receive this map, these more detailed issues can be examined. On completion of the site acquisition, the project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006 -2010.

School Staffing.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

491 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she or her Department have received correspondence regarding a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will grant the school an additional mainstream teacher for 2006 and 2007. [24336/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment in the school on 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in Primary Circular 23/06 which issued to all primary schools recently.

Under the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for the allocation of an additional post where a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In such cases, an additional post, referred to as a developing school post, may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 108 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 3 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year. The projected enrolment submitted by the Board of Management did not meet with the criteria required for developing school status and accordingly, the application was turned down.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent Appeals Board is now in place to decide on any mainstream staffing appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Primary Circular 0024/2006, which is available on my Department's website. The closing date for receipt of appeals for the next Appeals Board meeting is 18th October 2006.

Teaching Qualifications.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

492 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for her Department’s probationary system for qualified primary school teachers which obliges teachers who have passed their probation requirements in a special needs setting to go through the probation system again for a mainstream setting but does not require the reverse. [24343/06]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

493 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is an appeal mechanism in her Department’s probationary system for newly qualified primary school teachers; the way in which such a process works; and if no such process exists, her views on the introduction of one. [24344/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.

Under current regulations, a teacher may be probated in a special school or in a special class in a mainstream school where Irish is not a curricular requirement. Where such a teacher subsequently takes up a position in a mainstream setting, the only requirement is that they undergo probation in Irish as this subject will not have been covered in the initial probationary process.

In accordance with Section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998, procedures for review of inspections on schools and teachers were published by the Chief Inspector in 2002. An appeal against a report on a newly qualified teacher on probation can be processed through these procedures.

Irish Language.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

494 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures she will take to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Clare can continue their education up to leaving certificate level through the medium of Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24378/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

It is my Department's policy to support the provision of all-Irish school facilities at primary and post primary level in areas outside the Gaeltacht regions, where a demand for such provision is demonstrated and no alternative exists within a reasonable distance.

The Aonad in the school referred to by the Deputy was established in response to demand for all-Irish provision at second level in the area. At senior cycle, most aonad offer a core of four, five or six subjects through Irish and the others through English. The Aonad in this school offers six subjects through Irish, which is at the upper end of this spectrum. As with all schools, the number of students is an essential factor in the subject choice that a school can offer.

Special Educational Needs.

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.

The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.

My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details. My Department is considering how best to further publicise the availability of this initiative.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that forty hours' tuition under the July Provision Scheme has been approved for the child in question.

School Staffing.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

499 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an additional teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24404/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in Primary Circular 23/06 which issued to all primary schools recently.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 232 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 8 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year.

The staffing of this school for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Appeals Board on 25th May, 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department Circular 24/06, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case.

The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeals Board on 16th June, 2006.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeals Board.

Bullying in Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

500 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department does not have a system to record the number of incidents of school bullying throughout the country; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of pupils, teachers and parents in this regard; her views on the need for a system whereby all schools, notwithstanding existing procedures can report directly to her Department, thus providing a more comprehensive overall picture of the extent and location of the problem; her further views on whether it is unsatisfactory not to have a reporting system whereby the relevant section of her Department can monitor school bullying incidents on an ongoing basis, using if necessary modern technology; if she will set up such a recording and monitoring procedure with a view to addressing the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24442/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

501 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department does not have a system to record the number of incidents of school bullying in County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of pupils, teachers and parents in this regard; her views on the need for a system whereby all schools, notwithstanding existing procedures can report directly to her Department, thus providing a more comprehensive overall picture of the extent and the location of the problem; her further views on whether it is unsatisfactory not to have a reporting system whereby the relevant section of her Department can monitor school bullying incidents on an ongoing basis, using if necessary modern technology; if she will set up such a recording and monitoring procedure with a view to addressing the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24443/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 501 together.

As I have previously informed the Deputy, there is no requirement for schools to report on incidents of bullying to my Department. I do not agree with the Deputy that such reporting should be required and I do not propose to introduce such a system. Incidents of bullying can most effectively be addressed at school level.

As the Deputy will be aware, each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The process involves the drawing up of a draft framework/discussion document for the guidelines, which is being used as a basis for consultations with the key stakeholders including school management, teachers, parents, and children. The Board has established an expert working group for this purpose. Work on the guidelines is at an advanced stage and is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year.

Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour". This review will take into account issues such as legislative developments, the involvement of the support services available to schools, technological advancements such as use of the Internet, e-mail, mobile phones and camera phones and the latest developments in International best practice on dealing with bullying behaviour.

These guidelines, on top of those that are already in place, will provide vital guidance for schools in fulfilling their responsibilities in relation to this issue.

The Deputy may also be interested to know that dealing with bullying has also been incorporated into training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme.

I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with.

The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum provides for the development of personal and social skills including self-awareness, respect for others, self-esteem and communication skills, all of which are important elements in addressing the issue of bullying.

In recent years, there have been a number of pilot programmes which have also addressed the issue of bullying. Pilot programmes are utilised as a means of informing possible new initiatives or how best existing provision may be improved upon. The function of pilot programmes is to test and evaluate different ideas and approaches in order to aid and enhance existing provision. Pilot programmes, when completed, are evaluated in terms of programme content, effectiveness and appropriateness and the recommendations and findings are considered in the context of developing existing programmes and structures which are designed to meet the needs of schools at local level.

My Department also participates in an OECD "International Network on School Bullying and Violence". Sharing good practice and the most up to date approaches to addressing issues in this area is a key objective of the group.

So, while responsibility for tackling bullying naturally falls to the level of the individual school, a wide range of measures are in place to support schools in this area. I urge all schools to ensure that they have the procedures in place to deal with bullying so that all children can feel safe and happy at school.

Special Educational Needs.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

502 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she is taking to provide full time education for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has not attended school for two and a half years; if she will arrange for them to be seen by the appropriate consultants at Waterford Hospital in view of the proximity of the hospital to their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24449/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I understand that the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) together with the Health Service Executive (HSE) are liaising with the family in relation to this student's needs.

The Deputy will be aware that matters regarding health related services for this person are a matter for the HSE.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

503 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for a home liaison teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24466/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme is a major mainstream preventative strategy targeted at pupils at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system because of background characteristics which tend to affect adversely pupil attainment and school retention. The scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of children's learning. It focuses directly on the salient adults in children's educational lives and seeks indirect benefits for the children themselves.

Currently, 370 local co-ordinators are assigned to 309 primary and 204 post primary schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. Under DEIS, the new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, HSCL services will be extended to the 200 post primary and 320 urban/town primary schools that do not currently have the service.

The whole rationale behind the new DEIS programme is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports.

A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. This mechanism 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 school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for review and a formal acknowledgement has issued to the school. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed before the end of the current school year.

Educational Disadvantage.

Niall Blaney

Ceist:

504 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the application for a review of the decision not to include a school (details supplied) in County Donegal in the school support programme under the DEIS action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24488/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. I am delighted to say that 833 of the schools invited to join the new programme accepted the invitation.

Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a review application. The review process is underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.

School Staffing.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

505 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on appointing an additional teacher to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork where pupil numbers will increase by 13 in September 2006. [24501/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. This circular (0023/2006) issued to all schools in March 2006.

Under the staffing arrangements for primary schools, there is provision for the allocation of an additional post to a school where the school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In such cases, an additional post, referred to as a developing school post, may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2005 was 111 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 3 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any mainstream staffing appeals.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Primary Staffing Appeal Board at its meeting on the 25th May 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department Circular 0024/2006, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case.

The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeals Board on the 26 May 2006. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeal Board.

Schools Building Projects.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

506 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24508/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €250,000 was sanctioned in 2005 to enable the management authorities of the school in question to extend and refurbish their school.

Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money.

The Schemes are not structured on the basis that the Department funding must be supplemented by local fund-raising. They do however allow a school to supplement the funding from local resources if they so wish. The critical element is that with devolved authority the school must set the scope of works to match the funding allocated. The Department does not define the precise works to be carried out. A school can make choices within the budget allocated.

Setting the scope of works is the critical first step. Clearly where a school has a known level of resources apart from the Department funding or knows its capacity to raise additional resources it is open to that school to extend the scope of works to include additional facilities. However if the scope of works is not set appropriately from the outset based on the budget available there is a risk that the school will be faced with a funding gap when the project is at construction.

The choices to be made within these devolved schemes rest with the school and that is the cornerstone of any policy of devolution. The school authority knows the budget and must decide what it is capable of building with that budget. The time to identify a problem is at the outset before entering any contract. Schools can raise with my Department any site specific problems or unusual planning stipulations that impose additional costs and these will be examined. Otherwise schools must reduce the scope of intended works so as to remain within budget.

A school does not have to accept the invitation to participate in a devolved scheme and instead be considered for inclusion in the mainstream school building programme in line with the project's priority band rating.

The school in question submitted an application for additional funding which was considered by an Appeals Board comprising senior officials of my Department. Increased grant aid has been sanctioned to cover the cost of unforeseen problems which were encountered by the school. The school has been notified of the decision.

Question No. 507 answered with QuestionNo. 487.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

508 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the details of the Vocational Educational Committee scholarship, PLC scheme and TLT scheme will be issued to vocational educational committees; the reason for delay in issuing details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24517/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

509 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the details of the higher education grant scheme will be issued to local authorities; the reason for delay in issuing details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24518/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together.

I expect that the 2006 student support schemes will be issued shortly. The application forms and notes for the 2006/07 academic year has issued both electronically and in hard copy to the awarding bodies and the forms and notes are also available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

510 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [24519/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €440,000 was sanctioned in 2005 to enable the management authorities of the school in question to extend and refurbish their school.

Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money.

The Schemes are not structured on the basis that the Department funding must be supplemented by local fund-raising. They do however allow a school to supplement the funding from local resources if they so wish. The critical element is that with devolved authority the school must set the scope of works to match the funding allocated. The Department does not define the precise works to be carried out. A school can make choices within the budget allocated.

Setting the scope of works is the critical first step. Clearly where a school has a known level of resources apart from the Department funding or knows its capacity to raise additional resources it is open to that school to extend the scope of works to include additional facilities. However if the scope of works is not set appropriately from the outset based on the budget available there is a risk that the school will be faced with a funding gap when the project is at construction.

The choices to be made within these devolved schemes rest with the school and that is the cornerstone of any policy of devolution. The school authority knows the budget and must decide what it is capable of building with that budget. The time to identify a problem is at the outset before entering any contract. Schools can raise with my Department any site specific problems or unusual planning stipulations that impose additional costs and these will be examined. Otherwise schools must reduce the scope of intended works so as to remain within budget.

A school does not have to accept the invitation to participate in a devolved scheme and instead be considered for inclusion in the mainstream school building programme in line with the project's priority band rating.

The school in question has submitted an application for additional funding which will be considered by an Appeals Board comprising senior officials of my Department. The school authority will be notified of their decision in due course.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

511 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she or officials within the youth affairs section are developing a policy proposal to tackle anti-social behaviour amongst young people; if an analysis of international best practice in combating, tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour will be undertaken by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24520/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The Youth Affairs Section of the Department of Education & Science is responsible for the provision of a policy framework and financial support for the development of youth work programmes and services. These non-formal education programmes and services are concerned with the personal and social development of young people outside of, but complementary to, formal education, and prioritise the 10 to 21 age group and disadvantaged youth. Underpinning and guiding youth work in Ireland is the Youth Work Act, 2001 and the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007.

The main aim of the youth work service in Ireland is to help young people to realise their full potential and to become active participants in society. It provides support and space to young people to develop in a non-formal and fun setting and is characterised by the voluntary participation of young people. Through engagement with youth work services young people are provided with opportunity to learn more about themselves and their communities and to prepare for responsible adulthood.

Some €47m has been made available in 2006 to support the work of the youth work sector. The activities that the funding supports is broad, reflecting the many different facets of youth work in Ireland and indeed the different needs of our youth population, including the following. The Youth Service Grant Scheme provides funding to national and major regional voluntary youth organisations on an annual basis. Recipient organisations include Youth Work Ireland, Foróige, Scouting Ireland, and ECO.

The Special Projects to assist Disadvantaged Youth scheme is for out-of-school projects for disadvantaged young people. Grant aid is provided to organisations and groups for specific projects to address the needs of young people with high youth populations, youth unemployment, drug/substance abuse, problems of juvenile crime, vandalism and truancy, etc. The projects facilitate the development of participants equipping them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for their appropriate integration in society.

Some 124 projects are supported by my Department under the Young Peoples' Facilities and Services Fund, which aims to address the needs of young people where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Most of the funding is allocated to the areas in which a Local Drugs Task Force has been established.

In addition to these schemes, the Youth Affairs Section provides grant aid to a network of youth information centres, supports local youth groups through a Local Youth Club Grant Scheme administered locally by VECs, and provides grant aid to a variety of other youth work programmes and services.

The National Youth Work Development Plan includes a proposal to establish a National Youth Work Development Unit and work is underway with regard to the establishment of the Unit. The functions of the Unit will include researching and developing guidelines for best practice in youth work and assisting youth organisations to implement same, as well as managing and coordinating research.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

512 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of personnel in her Department specifically dealing with provision of second level places for children progressing to second level who have special learning needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24521/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them to cater for students with special educational needs and this involves a large number of staff.

The supports in question include remedial and resource teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment which concerns staff in the National Council for Special Education, Teacher Allocations and the Assistive Technology area. Other sections concerned with the area of special education include Transport, Accommodation, Teacher Education Section, National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), the National Education Welfare Board and the State Exams Commission.

My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of children with special needs.

Higher Education Grants.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

513 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is available for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24533/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The position is that the third level student support schemes funded by my Department do not extend to undergraduate courses outside the E.U.

There are no monies at the disposal of my Department out of which financial assistance could be made available for study at undergraduate level in the U.S.A. You will appreciate that the Schemes of Student Support must be applied impartially and it is not possible to make exceptions in individual cases.

There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the maintenance grants schemes to fund undergraduate courses outside of the E.U.

School Curriculum.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

514 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to introduce technology usage (details supplied) into the primary school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24544/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The 1999 Primary School Curriculum highlights the role of ICT as a resource which considerably enriches the teaching and learning of different aspects of the curriculum. It also emphasises the potential of ICT as a motivational tool in the classroom. The curriculum documents provide teachers with examples of how they can use ICT in the teaching of the different curricular areas. My Department through the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment, piloted, produced and distributed to all Primary schools Teacher Guidelines for ICT in the Curriculum to complement the general guidelines for the different subjects within the Curriculum.

Since 1998 the Department of Education & Science has made specific provision for the development of ICT facility and the promotion of its use in all schools including the Primary sector. Currently the major focus for my Department under the ICT in Schools Programme is the roll-out of broadband connectivity to all recognised schools. The broadband connectivity is being provided, with a €15m contribution from Industry over a three year period, via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet providing managed Internet access, security controls and content filtering. A broadband support service is being managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity. The overall costs of the Schools Broadband Access Programme, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over the three years, are in the region of €30m.

The Schools Broadband Access Programme builds on the investment by my Department in grant aiding schools to develop their internal networks. Since December 2004, over 3,100 Primary Schools have received grants to develop their networking facilities at a cost of over €12.9m.

On a wider front a range of supports have been put in place by the NCTE including a comprehensive teacher professional development programme currently providing 10,000 course places for teachers, the provision of on-line teaching resources via the Scoilnet Portal, the support and dissemination of innovative practice and the provision of technical advice. An ICT Advisory Service incorporating 21 ICT Advisers operating from the full-time Education Centres provide advice and assistance to schools on matters relating to the use of technology.

The NCCA, in conjunction with the educational partners has developed a Framework for the Integration of ICT at Primary and Post-Primary levels, which identifies the kinds of key learning outcomes with ICT in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes that students should be enabled to develop. It is expected that this framework will be a practical tool which will support teachers in planning for, assessing and providing opportunities for students to develop their ICT literacy across the curriculum. The Framework is currently being piloted in a number of schools with a view to broader application.

My Department is currently examining the future priorities for the ICT in Schools Programme. This work is being complemented by a census of ICT infrastructure which was undertaken by the NCTE and is currently being finalised. In addition, during the current school year, my Department's Inspectorate has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning across both primary and post-primary schools. It is expected that this report will be published during the coming school year.

Question No. 515 answered with QuestionNo. 490.

Youth Services.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

516 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance her Department has given or will give to Wicklow County Council to assist in the establishment of an outreach third level centre at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow in conjunction with Carlow Institute of Technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24562/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department has not been approached by Wicklow County Council for assistance in the establishment of an outreach third level centre at the location referred to by the Deputy in County Wicklow.

School Accommodation.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

517 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommended spatial size of primary school classes for approximately 25 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24659/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A number of factors are taken into account in determining an appropriate size for a primary school classroom such as curricular development, the pupil/teacher ratio and the fact that the number of pupils in a classroom may vary from year to year to take account of departing classes, and new enrolments. In the provision of major extensions/new school buildings it is the current practice of my Department to use a guideline of 80m2 as a standard size of general classroom, this space allows for the inclusion of two ensuite toilets and in room storage. This is sufficiently large to comfortably cater for a class size in the region of 30 pupils. It should be stressed however that this is a guideline and it may not be possible or viable to achieve it particularly in projects involving the refurbishment of existing classrooms or due to factors such as site constraints.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

518 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concerns by staff and parents in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 with regard to the size of two classrooms; and the procedures which should be adopted to have this situation remedied. [24660/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to my Department for two new classrooms. This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

Disadvantaged Status.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

519 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Mayo that have submitted an application for review in relation to the review mechanism put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the school support programme under DEIS ; the outcome of those applications or when it is hoped that decisions will be available for those schools; the number of appeals that were allowed or disallowed for both primary and post primary schools in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24661/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. These included 4 urban/town primary schools, 59 rural primary schools and 6 second-level schools in County Mayo. Nearly 20% of all the rural schools to benefit from the new programme nationally are in Mayo.

A review process has been put in place for primary and second-level schools that did not qualify for participation in the 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 closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday, 31st March, 2006.

The review process applies only to those primary schools that participated in the ERC survey in May 2005 and only to those eligible second-level schools for which data were available from the relevant databases. Review requests must be evidence-based and based on the variables and reference dates used in the identification process for the SSP. Thirty-two primary schools and 15 second-level schools in County Mayo have submitted applications for review. The review process is underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

520 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if all the site issues have been resolved; if an application for planning permission has been lodged or when it is envisaged that a planning application will be lodged; when this project will progress to tender and construction stages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24662/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Third Level Fees.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

524 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the third level grant conditions attaching to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if such a person is entitled to the free fees initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24676/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative, tuition fees are payable in respect of eligible EU nationals who have been ordinarily resident in an EU Member State for at least three of the five years preceding entry to their third-level course. This condition applies equally to all EU Nationals, in accordance with a judgement of the European Court of Justice that access to vocational training must apply equally to all EU Nationals.

The Nationality requirement of the Student Support Schemes states:—

—Candidates must:—

•hold E.U. Nationality; or

•have Official Refugee Status; or

•have been granted Humanitarian Leave to Remain in the State; or

•have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State or be the child of such person, not having EU nationality; or

• have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to a national of another EU Member State who is residing in the State and who is or has been employed, or self-employed, in the State, or be the child of such a person, not having EU nationality; or

•be nationals of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

The candidate referred to by the Deputy does not appear to satisfy the eligibility conditions of the Free Fees Initiative.

I wish to advise the Deputy of the provisions under Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. This provides tax relief for eligible persons, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and postgraduate courses in non EU countries.

Tax relief at undergraduate level extends to approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in the State and any other EU Member State and approved full/part-time courses operated by Colleges in any EU Member State providing distance education in the State. Tax Relief on tuition fees is claimed directly from the Tax Office using an I.T. 31 Form. Details of approved colleges and courses are also available on Revenue's Internet site at www.revenue.ie.

Psychological Service.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

525 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin has been informed that due to staff changes the National Educational Psychological Service will no longer be in a position to provide a direct service to the school. [24677/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The assignment of schools to psychologists in my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is subject to change for a variety of reasons. In the case of the school in question, the change was necessitated by promotion to managerial positions in NEPS. The school may avail of the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA), details of which are available on my Department's website. The previously assigned psychologist will be happy to contact the school in early September 2006 to discuss appropriate referrals to SCPA and any other relevant issues which are of concern to the school principal.

Questions Nos. 526 and 527 answered with Question No. 487.

Departmental Agencies.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

528 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of resources, financial, staffing or otherwise allocated to NALA by her Department. [24680/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) was established in 1980. It is a voluntary organisation, concerned with national co-ordination, training and policy development work in the area of literacy. NALA receives most of its income from my Department. It was first grant-aided in 1984 and has received funding annually since.

In 2006, the Department has approved funding of €1,765,000 in respect of the adult education activities of NALA. This includes a grant of €314,000 for the general running expenses of the organisation, including staff salaries. The Department is not directly involved in the employment of staff. Staff numbers, remuneration and conditions of employment are determined by NALA.

Adult Education.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

529 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of resources, financial, staffing or otherwise allocated to AONTAS by her Department. [24681/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

534 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average caseload per officer in the National Educational Welfare Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24712/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 534 together.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework which promotes regular school attendance and tackles the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that every child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

The Board is developing, on a continuing basis, a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally. The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 Senior EWO's and 61 EWO's. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

In deploying its service staff, the NEWB has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and the most at-risk groups. This deployment includes areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme where an intensive full level of service is provided. Since September 2005 every county in Ireland is served by an educational welfare service. I have been informed by the NEWB that the current average caseload is 138 per officer.

In addition to the NEWB personnel there are some 490 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes whose work involves an element of school attendance and significant scope exists for integrated working between these personnel and Educational Welfare Officers. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs and in the context of Government policy on public service numbers.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

533 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of offices leased, rented or owned by the National Educational Welfare Board; the location of these offices; the costs per annum of these offices; if they are shared with any other agency or board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24711/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The information requested is not readily available in my Department as it is an operational matter for the National Educational Welfare Board. However I have requested the Board to supply this information directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 534 answered with QuestionNo. 532.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

535 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent on travel expenses on a county basis by staff in the National Educational Welfare Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24713/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

The Board is developing, on a continuing basis, a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally. The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 Senior EWO's and 61 EWO's. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 538, 539 and 545 together.

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website.

In common with other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This allows the psychologists to offer early appointments to children who are in urgent need of support and early advice to teachers in respect of those children whose needs may be less significant but who still need additional help in school.

Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.

In the case of schools that do not currently have dedicated NEPS psychologists assigned to them, as I have already mentioned, such schools have access to educational psychological assessments through the SCPA. Under this Scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologist concerned.

The figures requested by the Deputy regarding numbers of schools assigned to psychologists in NEPS are as provided below. However, in the case of the caseload for psychologists, the numbers refer to named children only and do not take into account the frequent discussions between school staff and psychologists in regard to other pupils of concern in schools or to special needs in general. In some cases where a full cognitive assessment is not undertaken, there may nevertheless be a considerable time investment by the psychologist.

Schools: Psychologists are assigned to schools on the basis of total school population, the geographical distribution of schools and on the basis of a weighting given to schools designated as disadvantaged. Therefore, the number of schools allocated to a psychologist in a highly urbanised area will differ from the number of schools allocated where there is a wide dispersal of small schools. In that context, an average figure is not meaningful. In urbanised areas the range in the number of schools can vary typically from 15 schools to 20 schools. In a rural area the range will vary between 25 and 40. These figures do not take into account psychologists availing of work sharing schemes where the numbers of schools are allocated accordingly.

Caseload: Statistical data is maintained on a school year basis. Those data indicate that in the 2004/2005 school year, NEPS psychologists consulted with schools in a total of 5,986 cases. Interventions included forms of assessment such as, full cognitive assessments, testing of attainments, classroom observations, discussion with parents/ guardians and teachers, liaison with outside agencies and subsequent follow-up. The figures for 2005/2006 are not finalised at this time but they will be available in September 2006.

NEPS also provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodations in Certificate Examinations for all schools and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies. NEPS also provides psychological services to schools for children with visual impairment and for children with hearing impairment.

The Public Appointments Service has concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

540 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the National Educational Psychological Service on a county basis as a percentage of schools covered in each county; the number of private assessments granted in each county in schools not covered by NEPS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24718/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.

NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies.

Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers. The Public Appointments Service has concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.

The most recent information about NEPS coverage and private assessments (SCPA) by County as sought by the Deputy is detailed in the following tables.

County
Carlow	52
Cavan	49
Clare	116
Cork	346
Donegal	268
Dublin	563
Galway	107
Kerry	56
Kildare	278
Kilkenny	90
Laois	40
Leitrim	31
Limerick	373
Longford	30
Louth	70
Mayo	81
Meath	64
Monaghan	25
Offaly	39
Roscommon	48
Sligo	104
Tipperary NR	106
Tipperary SR	76
Waterford	59
Westmeath	105
Wexford	178
Wicklow	113
	3,467

NEPS Primary schools by County 31 May 2006
County	NEPS schools	Total schools	Percentage NEPS	NEPS pupils	Total pupils	Percentage NEPS
			%			%
Carlow	20	42	48	4,082	5,827	70
Cavan	42	79	53	4,484	7,590	59
Clare	59	120	49	7,957	12,288	65
Cork	160	368	43	27,765	51,007	54
Donegal	45	176	26	6,829	17,404	39
Dublin	305	471	65	76,337	109,862	69
Galway	165	239	69	18,351	23,701	77
Kerry	91	144	63	9222	14790	62
Kildare	39	100	39	10,771	21,659	50
Kilkenny	19	80	24	4,104	9,389	44
Laois	39	70	56	5,370	7,731	69
Leitrim	18	39	46	1,871	2,778	67
Limerick	13	148	9	1,913	20,209	9
Longford	17	40	43	2,275	3,809	60
Louth	35	73	48	7,362	13,076	56
Mayo	122	181	67	9,712	13,728	71
Meath	62	110	56	12,427	17,939	69
Monaghan	47	65	72	4,962	6,291	79
Offaly	45	67	67	6,538	8,188	80
Roscommon	36	95	38	2,655	6,341	42
Sligo	24	68	35	4,153	6,285	66
Tipperary NR	15	74	20	2,178	7,057	31
Tipperary SR	38	90	42	4,585	9,571	48
Waterford	32	76	42	6,683	11,859	56
Westmeath	32	77	42	5,378	9,483	57
Wexford	36	105	34	8,367	15,456	54
Wicklow	55	85	65	9,515	13,808	69
	1,611	3,282	26,5846		44,7126

Postprimary schools May 31 2006
County	NEPS schools	Total schools	Percentage schools	NEPS pupils	Total pupils	Percentage pupils
			%			%
Carlow	11	11	100	5,492	5,492	100
Cavan	10	11	91	4,013	4,942	81
Clare	18	19	95	7,295	7,295	100
Cork	62	91	68	27,300	41,397	66
Donegal	12	26	46	7,116	12,144	59
Dublin	155	185	84	73,890	90,622	82
Galway	47	49	96	18,184	18,184	100
Kerry	15	27	56	5954	10,320	58
Kildare	25	29	86	11,879	13,103	91
Kilkenny	14	15	93	6,508	6,582	99
Laois	11	11	100	4,389	4,389	100
Leitrim	8	9	89	2,478	2,478	100
Limerick	11	37	30	4,741	14,827	32
Longford	1	9	11	620	3,431	18
Louth	14	17	82	8,533	10,192	84
Mayo	28	29	97	10,751	10,751	100
Meath	17	18	94	8,766	9,363	94
Monaghan	9	13	69	3,931	5,432	72
Offaly	10	12	83	4,531	5,167	88
Roscommon	8	8	100	3,066	3,066	100
Sligo	10	15	67	4,121	4,904	84
Tipperary NR	1	15	7	691	6,375	11
Tipperary SR	11	16	69	4,646	6,800	68
Waterford	19	20	95	9,161	9,161	100
Westmeath	11	15	73	6,017	7,781	77
Wexford	20	20	100	10,940	10,940	100
Wicklow	22	22	100	9,793	9,793	100
	580	749	77	264,806	334,931	79

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

541 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of assessments carried out each year by the National Educational Psychological Service since its inception; the number of private assessments in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24719/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS operates a staged model of service to schools, whereby an initial referral usually leads to a consultation and provision of advice to teachers and parents on appropriate teaching and management strategies. Progress is kept under review and only those children who fail to respond to these interventions will need to see a psychologist. This allows the psychologists to offer early appointments to children who are in urgent need of support and early advice to teachers in respect of those children whose needs are perhaps less pressing but who still need additional help in school.

The following is the total number of assessments, by school year, carried out by NEPS psychologists for the years in question: Not all assessments involved full cognitive IQ assessments.

1999/00 = 3,051

2000/01 = 2,978

2001/02 = 4,536

2002/03 = 4,837

2003/2004 = 5,024

2004/2005 = 5,986

In addition to these figures it should be noted that the number of children assessed under the SCPA scheme since its inception in 2001 to the end of the calendar year 2005 was in excess of 15,000.

In 2004, NEPS was also involved in a verification process of over 5,000 children for additional resources prior to the appointment of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and prior to the new general allocation model put in place for schools in the context of additional teaching resources.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

542 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of private assessments her Department has received each year for the past three years from schools or parents, which have been privately paid for and not paid for by the National Educational Psychological Service or her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24720/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Psychological assessments are required for a number of purposes. These assessments must accompany applications from schools to the National Council for Special Educational for special educational needs resources.

Ceist:

546 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding given by her Department to the National Educational Psychological Service each year since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24724/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The financial outturn for my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for each year since its establishment was: 1999, €1.3million; 2000, €3.6million; 2001, €6.2million; 2002, €11.1million; 2003, €13.4million; 2004, €13.4million; 2005, €14.0million.

The financial provision for 2006 for NEPS in my Department's Estimates is €15.425 million.

Education Welfare Service.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

547 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is an overlap between the work of the National Educational Welfare Board and the home school liaison; where these overlaps occur; the amount of co-ordination between the two; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24725/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

The Education Welfare Act and the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is an important plank in the campaign to keep students at school and provides a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance and is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.

The duties of the EWO would include fostering an appreciation of the value of education, advising schools and parents on school attendance issues and on strategies to promote regular school attendance, dealing with poor attendance or early school leaving case referrals from schools, using a welfare-orientated approach and initiating legal proceedings, under the Act, where appropriate. In particular, EWOs are responsible for children who are at risk and for those who are experiencing difficulties in school. Their objective is to resolve any impediments to these children receiving an education through regular attendance at school. EWOs are also responsible for seeking alternative schooling for those students who have been expelled, suspended or refused admittance to a school.

The Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme is a major mainstream preventative strategy targeted at pupils at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system because of background characteristics which tend to affect adversely pupil attainment and school retention. The scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of children's learning. It focuses directly on the salient adults in children's educational lives and seeks direct benefits for the children themselves. Local co-ordinators are assigned to schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. Under DEIS, the new Action Plan for educational inclusion, HSCL services will be extended to all schools selected to participate in the School Support Programme. The new action plan, which is being phased in from the start of the next school year, places a renewed emphasis on the involvement of parents and communities in children's education in schools.

My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from the expertise of these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing in my Department to develop appropriate protocols for integrated working between the different services involved. A high level working group comprised of the relevant parties has been established and is currently involved in identifying any areas of common delivery within the services and devising protocols for collaborative working among service delivery personnel. The aim of the protocols is to ensure that the delivery of services is coordinated to achieve maximum benefit for children most at risk.

The Department and the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) will work together to advance the development of protocols ensuring an integrated approach to children at risk is adopted and continued collaboration in delivery of service is achieved.

Educational Disadvantage.

Olwyn Enright

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

550 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding which has been allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Laois for its building project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24728/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €440,000 was sanctioned in 2005 to enable the management authorities of the school in question to extend and refurbish their school.

Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money. The Schemes are not structured on the basis that the Department funding must be supplemented by local fundraising. They do however allow a school to supplement the funding from local resources if they so wish. The critical element is that with devolved authority the school must set the scope of works to match the funding allocated. The Department does not define the precise works to be carried out. A school can make choices within the budget allocated.

Setting the scope of works is the critical first step. Clearly where a school has a known level of resources apart from the Department funding or knows its capacity to raise additional resources it is open to that school to extend the scope of works to include additional facilities. However if the scope of works is not set appropriately from the outset based on the budget available there is a risk that the school will be faced with a funding gap when the project is at construction.

The choices to be made within these devolved schemes rest with the school and that is the cornerstone of any policy of evolution. The school authority knows the budget and must decide what it is capable of building with that budget. The time to identify a problem is at the outset before entering any contract. Schools can raise with my Department any site specific problems or unusual planning stipulations that impose additional costs and these will be examined. Otherwise schools must reduce the scope of intended works so as to remain within budget.

A school does not have to accept the invitation to participate in a devolved scheme and may instead be considered for inclusion in the mainstream school building programme in line with the project's priority band rating.

The school in question submitted an application for additional funding which was considered by an Appeals Board comprising senior officials of my Department. Increased grant aid has been sanctioned to cover the cost of planning conditions. The school authority has been notified of the decision.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

551 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for an extension; if so, the stage of the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24729/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for major capital funding has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. On foot of an assessment of this application, it has been determined that the school requires to be developed into a 24 classroom facility with appropriate ancillary accommodation. This has been agreed with the school authority.

The project has also been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and it has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

Early School Leavers.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

552 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who were enrolled in school and who then left school prematurely for the past three years; the reason the children involved left. [24764/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The numbers leaving Primary School in the most recent three years for which complete data are available are provided in the following Data Table.

The Deputy should note that it is not generally the policy of my Department to investigate the reasons for which any individual has left or changed school. Research by bodies such as the Economic and Social Research Institute has identified a wide range of factors from family and personal circumstances to economic, social, health and learning reasons. However, it is my policy to provide the maximum support through the National Education and Welfare Board and other agencies by way of early diagnosis and intervention to encourage young people to obtain the maximum benefit from their experience of school as well as to complete their full education. A key component of my Department's DEIS Strategy is to tackle educational disadvantage through positive discrimination in favour of children who are at risk of dropping out of school early. In line with current thinking it favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies.

Numbers of pupils leaving Ordinary Classes in National Schools for three recent years.
Destination of pupils	2003 (October 2002 and September 2003)	2004 (October 2003 and September 2004)	2005* (October 2004 and September 2005)
Transferred to another National School within the State	19,551	19,619	20,301
Private primary within the State	580	644	660
Second level school (aided) within the State	54,220	53,968	51,943
Any other type of school within the State	446	435	427
Did not go to any school within the State (excluding those who emigrated)	300	237	263
Emigrated	2,223	2,133	2,050
Destinations unknown	704	548	543
Total	78,024	77,584	76,187

* Provisional data.

Departmental Websites.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

553 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of times her Department’s website has been offline and inaccessible to the public since 1 January 2006; the length of time her Department’s website has been inaccessible on each occasion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24765/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department's website has been available for approximately 4,221 hours or 98.8% since 1 January, 2006. This level of availability is above the industry average identified by a recent report by Keynote.com. Using a global network of reference sites that monitor Web sites using simulated user transactions the average downtime was 1.41%.

In the last 178 days since 1 January, 2006 the website has been unavailable between the hours of 6pm and 8am 24 times, with an average length of 30 minutes; during the hours of 8am and 6pm the site has been unavailable 73 times, for an average length of 15 minutes. These figures include the downtime experienced last Thursday when the website was unavailable for two hours due to the unprecedented number of hits received on the website when school inspection reports were published on-line for the first time. The Department's webmaster worked quickly to minimise the problems being experienced by members of the public wishing to access the school inspection reports on Thursday morning. Specific domains were provided to individuals so that they could directly access the reports without having to go to the main website first.

The Department's website is a valuable source of information for schools, parents, students and other customers seeking a wide variety of information in relation to education in Ireland. My Department aims to have its website available to the public 24 hours a day 7 days a week. However, it is necessary from time-to-time to take the website off line in order to carry out essential maintenance and development work. Where possible this work is carried out outside of office hours to minimise disruption to customers, such as schools, accessing information on the website.

School Staffing.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

554 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional primary teachers to be employed in Limerick in September 2006. [24766/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Pending the outcome of decisions of the independent Staffing Appeals Board, the clearance of the relevant diocesan redeployment panel and the finalisation of allocations in respect of special needs pupils, my Department is not in a position to indicate the number of additional primary teachers to be employed in Limerick with effect from September 2006.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

555 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis for her Departments special education policies (details supplied); if she will formulate and implement a clear and comprehensive policy regarding the provision of suitable facilities, resources, and school places for children with special needs in both primary and secondary schooling streams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24767/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Children who have been assessed as having special educational needs have access to a range of special support services. The services range from special schools dedicated to particular disability groups, through special classes or units attached to ordinary schools, to placement on an integrated basis in ordinary schools, with special back-up supports.

The allocation of resources for children with special educational needs is based on the criteria set out in my Department's circulars having regard to the recommendations of the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports such as resource teaching hours and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The teaching and SNA support allocated are intended to enable schools to meet the needs of pupils as outlined in psychological and other professional reports.

In allocating additional teaching and SNA supports for individual pupils, the SENOs examine the teaching and other resources available within the individual schools. The SENO also operates within the parameters of my Department's criteria for the allocation of such resources.

Primary schools are also supported by means of a general allocation which provides additional teaching support to enable schools to cater for pupils with high incidence special educational needs, such as dyslexia, and those with low attainments. Second level schools continue to be supported by the allocation of additional teaching hours, where appropriate, for each pupil enrolled who is assessed as having a special educational need. SNA support is allocated, as appropriate, to all schools where there are confirmed assessed care needs in respect of students.

My Department's policy and approach in the area of special education is underpinned by Statute, particularly the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, also known as the EPSEN Act, which was enacted in 2004. While many sections of the Act have already commenced, the remaining sections relate mainly to the statutory assessment, appeal and education plan processes. These cannot come into effect without the NCSE presenting an implementation report to my Department, which it is scheduled to do by October 2006.

Schools Building Projects.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

556 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of purpose built special educational units built in each year since 2000; the number of those units being used for the purpose they were built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24768/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. I can however confirm for the Deputy that under the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects, the provision of specialist accommodation for children with special needs attracts a Band 1 rating. This is the highest rating possible which is indicative of my Department's commitment to ensuring that where accommodation needs are identified, these are addressed in the shortest time frame possible.

Irish Language.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

557 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science to explain the consultative process followed prior to her announcement of the Irish Language support package to the INTO conference at Easter 2006; and the Irish language organisations which were consulted in the preparation of the package. [24789/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

There was no consultation process that involved individuals or organisations outside of my Department prior to my announcement of the Irish language support package at this year's INTO Easter conference.

Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachas Gaeilge.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

558 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachas Gaeilge will be established in Baile Bhúirne; the role it will have; and the process which is being used to ensure that it will meet the needs of those promoting Irish in the system and beyond it in view of the findings of the Harris Report. [24790/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Officials from my Department met recently with interested parties in relation to Baile Bhúirne. Following consideration of the views expressed by the interested parties at that meeting, I expect to be in a position very shortly to make a final decision on the project.

I recently announced a range of additional measures to promote enhanced quality in the teaching and learning of Irish. These include the employment of 30 additional cuiditheoirí at primary level to provide a programme of supports and inservice training for teachers, enhancement of the second level support service, and from 2007 development of summer camps in Irish for children attending schools in disadvantaged areas. This builds on developments to date in the form of implementation of the revised primary curriculum in Irish with effect from September 2003 supported by a national programme of 3500 inservice training seminars for 21,000 teachers a revised literature programme for Leaving Certificate Irish examined for the first time in 2006 substantial progress in the supply of textbooks through the development of Séideán Sí for primary schools and the work of An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. The Chomhairle has published an extensive resource directly now running to 83 web pages of materials and resources available to support the teaching of Irish in the curriculum and the teaching of other subjects through Irish enhancements in the arrangements for the Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge which must be passed by primary teachers trained abroad within a 5 year period.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

559 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review a decision to withdraw a special needs assistant from a child (details supplied) in County Laois in view of the fact that the child still has serious problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24791/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy will be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that special needs assistant support for the pupil in question has not been withdrawn. I understand that the local SENO will contact the school to clarify the position.

Educational Disadvantage.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

560 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason two schools (details supplied), in the same town in County Offaly, with children from the same homes are receiving such different supports for educational disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24792/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. I am delighted to say that 833 of the schools invited to join the new programme accepted the invitation.

Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The schools referred to by the Deputy have submitted review applications. The review process is underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.

Question No. 561 answered with QuestionNo. 548.

Psychological Service.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

562 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if the issue of secondary supports for pupils with special needs such as psychology and so on has been brought to her attention; the issues which are of concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24795/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

563 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is her Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24828/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the terms of the Social Partnership agreements, the Government has set a 3% employment target for people with disabilities in the civil and public service. This is not a restrictive target. Following the cessation of special competitions for the recruitment of persons with disabilities, due to the Equal Status Act 2000, it is very difficult for Departments to positively discriminate in favour of persons with disabilities. Consultants have been engaged centrally within the Public Service to review the current position and make recommendations to improve the situation.

The most recent data available on officers in my Department who have a disability indicate that there are 35 such officers, which equates to 2.76% of staff. The guidelines followed for the collection of this information are set out in the Code of Practice for the Civil Service 1994. The Human Resource Strategy for my Department, which was developed through Partnership and published in 2005, states that the Department will consider the recommendations in the forthcoming consultants' report, with a view to improving the proportion of staff employed with a disability. It is also stated in the HR Strategy that the Department is committed to facilitating the appointment of persons with disabilities, through the provision of assistive technology and ensuring physical access.

The Public Appointments Service recruits the majority of staff for the Department of Education and Science. For certain posts, (eg service support staff, temporary and contract posts), my Department conducts its own recruitment. The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment to posts within my Department is on the basis of qualifications, where applicable, and the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the grade or post. There are no special qualification criteria for persons with disabilities seeking employment in the Civil Service. Persons with disabilities are entitled to apply for all competitions for which they are eligible and no special application procedures are required. During the selection process and in any subsequent placement in a post, any special needs requirements of an individual will be provided where possible.

My Department has agreed to participate in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project in 2006. This project aims to give between 3 — 6 months quality work experience to Graduates with disabilities. It is recognised that a disproportionate number of Graduates with a disability encounter difficulties at the transitional stage between graduation and employment since many have not had the opportunity of a summer work placement, despite qualifying in a broad range of disciplines such as Business, Economics and Social Science, Law, Engineering, Commerce, Education and Science. Offering placements to third level students has already proved to be a good way of highlighting the benefits of the Civil Service as an employer to prospective Graduates. The WAM project will help promote the Civil Service as an employer of choice, as well as giving practical effect to Government and Civil Service policy on improving employment prospects for people with disabilities.

School Enrolments.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

564 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of gaelscoileanna in the Cork region; the approximate number of pupils enrolled; the way in which this has changed over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24851/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.

No. of Gaelscoileanna and Total Enrolments in Cork City & County
	Cork City	Cork County
Year	No. Schools	Total Pupils	No. Schools	Total Pupils
2001/2002	7	1,382	12	2,146
2002/2003	7	1382	12	2,169
2003/2004	7	1,388	12	2,173
2004/2005	7	1,392	13	2,500
2005/2006	7	1,402	14	2,512

Schools Building Projects.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

565 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a building project for a primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if plans have been submitted to her Department; if these plans have been approved; and when funding is expected to be granted. [24852/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The School Planning Section of my Department recently received an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the Department's prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the project, mindful of the recommendations in the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 Area, is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

School Staffing.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

566 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take to ensure that a school (details supplied) in County Longford is enabled to retain their third teacher due to the circumstances outlined in the parents’ association correspondence to her Department dated 9 June 2006; if she will accede to this request as the removal of the third teacher would increase the pupil/teacher ratio to 1:26, in view of the significant population increase now being projected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24853/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department has received the letter referred to by the Deputy from the Parents Association in the school concerned. The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 44 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 1 mainstream post for the 2006/2007 school year.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any staffing appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department Primary Circular 0024/2006.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Appeal Board on 25th May, 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Circular 0024/2006, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case.

The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Board on 26th May, 2006.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeal Board.

State Examinations.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

567 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on changing the system whereby a school principal can refuse a pupil the opportunity to sit State examinations for reasons of breach of discipline which have nothing to do with the integrity of the examination system; and her further views of a system where only breaches of agreed national codes could prevent a pupil from sitting State examinations. [25011/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. This function is exercised in collaboration with schools.

The normal practice is for the SEC to provide for the holding of examinations in the school where a pupil is attending, or to make alternative arrangements where these are requested for external candidates, pupils of other centers, and pupils for whom a specific accommodation has been requested and is deemed necessary.

In April 1996, my Department issued Best Practice Guidelines to schools concerning the Certificate Examinations. The guidelines stress the importance of the examinations to the students and to their future progression, the need for a calm and supportive environment, that pupils are subject to the rules of the school during the examinations and that these rules must have as their main objective the securing of the wellbeing of students.

While the Guidelines refer to situations where the removal/refused admission of a student may arise, a judgement in such cases must consider the wellbeing of the individual, of the general body of candidates and the integrity of the examination process, and the need for proportionality in response to non compliance with rules. The guidelines stress the exclusion from an examination would be disproportionate in a situation where alternative arrangements were not made for sitting the examination. The Guidelines recommend that students who breach the school's disciplinary code should be allowed sit the examination on the occasion of the first breach, while parents are being contacted. They also provide that subsequent breaches of discipline which are seen as having wider implications for school discipline are dealt with by making alternative arrangements to sit the examination in a neighbouring school.

School Staffing.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

568 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is entitled to extra support teaching hours to assist in view of their problem of dyslexia; and if she will give assurances that the school will have the necessary capacity to meet their needs for these additional hours during this phase of their education. [25012/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Second level pupils with a specific learning disability are normally integrated into mainstream classes. In such situations, they may receive additional tutorial support through the remedial teacher, guidance teacher or subject teacher. Depending on the degree of the condition, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the Certificate Examinations.

There are a total of 532.5 remedial/learning support teachers and 684 guidance teachers to cater for pupils with specific learning disabilities.

My Department also allocates additional teacher support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and Vocational Education Committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs, including pupils with dyslexia. To qualify for such support, under this category, children must be assessed by a psychologist as being of average intelligence or higher and having a degree of learning disability specific to basic skills in reading, writing or mathematics which places them at or below the 2nd percentile on suitable, standardised, norm referenced tests. I understand the pupil referred to by the Deputy did not meet the above criteria for additional support.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

569 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 387 of 7 June 2006 if a process has been completed regarding a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if so the outcome of same. [25013/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The process of determining the schools long-term accommodation needs has not yet been completed. As soon as this is finalised, a decision will then be taken on how best to meet the schools long term accommodation needs.

The building project required to address the schools accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Schools Recognition.

Mildred Fox

Ceist:

570 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant formal recognition to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25029/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm to the Deputy that an application has been received to formally recognise the school to which she refers. The application is currently under consideration in the School Planning Section of my Department. It is intended to arrange discussions between my officials and the proposer to progress the matter.

School Staffing.

John Perry

Ceist:

571 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in each class in all primary schools in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25053/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The most recent information on class sizes for County Sligo is for the 2005/2006 school year and is as follows: Classes of 19 and under — 1275 pupils; Classes of 20 to 29 — 4044 pupils; Classes of 30 to 39 — 1118 pupils.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in primary school staffing in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

As you know all schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

So, as I have pointed out the general rule in the current school year is that at least one classroom teacher is provided for every 29 pupils. Furthermore, the actual average class size nationally is 24.

It is important to appreciate that there are a number of different reasons why a particular school may have a large class in a given year. Reasons why there are large classes include a significant fluctuation in enrolments from one year to the next and/or a decision by the school principal not to have multi-grade classes.

Regardless of the reason there is a large class in a particular school one year, it should be noted that in the majority of cases this is not the situation in the following year. In the main, the same schools do not have large classes year after year and so the same children are not in large classes year after year.

Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is often because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Indeed, I often find that when I look into why a particular school has a class of 35 in a particular grade, the answer is because there is another class in the same school with a much lower than average number of pupils in it.

I appreciate that splitting classes may not always be an option for a particular school, because for example there might be a large group in junior infants and a small group in sixth class and so on. But where it is possible, I believe that principals should consider the benefits of having smaller multi-grade classes as against having large differences in class sizes at different levels in the school.

This Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving staffing in our primary schools by hiring thousands of extra teachers in recent years and we will continue to make progress on this issue.

Fuel Prices.

Michael Mulcahy

Ceist:

572 Mr. Mulcahy asked the Minister for Defence the effect the increases in fuel prices have had within his Department; the additional costs anticipated in 2006 as compared with 2005; the fuel economy measures operated by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24787/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The effect of increases in fuel costs in the Department of Defence arise in relation to the provision of heating and electricity in the various offices of the Department. Expenditure in 2005 amounted to €315,350 while costs in 2006 are likely to be of the order of €500,000. In addition to the offices of the Department increased fuel costs have also had an impact on the Defence Forces. The expenditure in 2005 and provision in 2006 for the various fuel requirements across the Defence Forces are as follows:

Item	Expenditure in 2005	Provision for 2006
	€	€
Heating and electricity	4,840,000	5,600,000
Fuel for vehicles	2,880,000	3,000,000
Fuel for aircraft	2,180,000	2,450,000
Fuel for Naval Service	3,840,000	2,500,000

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

The metering of all non-domestic water use and the charging of non-domestic users according to actual consumption is being advanced by sanitary authorities in accordance with the Government's water pricing policy for implementation by end 2006. These new arrangements will replace fixed water charges and relate water bills more transparently to usage, thus more strongly incentivising water conservation.

Metering is the most appropriate mechanism to achieve equity in the application of non-domestic water charges. It is a matter for each authority to set appropriate charges for non-domestic users of water services on a non-profit cost recovery basis only.

Considerable support and guidance has already been provided by my Department to sanitary authorities in the development and implementation of the Government's water services pricing policy; this role of support and oversight will be formalised further under the provisions of the Water Services Bill, currently before the Dáil. Against this background, it is not proposed to establish a stand-alone regulator for the water services sector.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

577 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a sewerage scheme for Clonmellon Village, County Westmeath; when this scheme is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/06]

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

581 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department are investigating a grant scheme for the provision of toilet or bathroom facilities for persons who do not qualify for any of the current schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24397/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.

It is not proposed to introduce a generally available grant scheme for the provision of toilet or bathroom facilities. However, there are a number of targeted options currently available to assist vulnerable groups, such as lower income households and elderly persons to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, the disabled persons and essential repairs grant scheme, the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme and the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme which is operated by the Health Service Executive in line with guidelines issued from time to time by the Task Force who administer the scheme under the aegis of my Department, aid is provided to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit or unsanitary conditions and may include the provision of toilet and bathroom facilities.

Housing Statistics.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

582 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the number of houses without toilet or bathroom facilities in each of the local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24398/06]

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

Information of this kind was collected as part of the Irish national survey of housing quality carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute in 2001-2002 on behalf of my Department. While I understand that the number of cases involved is low, this data is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Funding.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

583 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if additional funding will be made available to local authorities to provide underground recycling systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24416/06]

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

Under the Waste Management Capital Grants Scheme, in operation since 2002, approximately €90 million has so far been allocated to some one hundred local authority recycling projects. This has helped provide a significant increase in the number of recycling facilities available to the public, contributing to the dramatic increase in recycling rates reflected in the last National Waste Report.

In the coming years, priority will be given to the co-funding of further required recycling facilities and also to assisting the provision of the infrastructure necessary to achieve the targets recently set out in the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste. Identification and provision of this necessary infrastructure is primarily a matter for the local authorities concerned. Decisions on the precise technology or types of facilities are also primarily a matter for the local authorities concerned and would normally be the subject of a competitive tendering process.

Applications for funding will be considered on their individual merits but having regard to their likely contribution to the achievement of national waste management objectives and targets, consistency with the applicable statutory regional waste management plan and the availability of funds.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

584 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided each year since commencement of the special housing scheme for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24417/06]

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

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Year	Amount
	€
1982	1,269,738
1983	1,269,738
1984	1,269,738
1985	1,269,738
1986	1,904,607
1987	1,904,607
1988	1,904,607
1989	2,539,476
1990	2,539,476
1991	2,539,476
1992	2,539,476
1993	2,539,476
1994	5,078,952
1995	3,809,214
1996	5,078,952
1997	5,246,558
1998	6,348,690
1999	7,618,428
2000	10,157,905
2001	10,993,392
2002	11,903,000
2003	11,536,000
2004	15,600,000
2005	16,536,000
2006	17,012,000

Wildlife Protection.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

585 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a company (details supplied) in County Wexford is in breach of the law by openly offering glue traps for sale on its website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24495/06]

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

This matter is currently being investigated by my Department in the context of the legal prohibition on the sale of such traps in Ireland.

Waste Management.

Barry Andrews

Ceist:

586 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the technology developed by a company (details supplied) which allows efficient and profitable kerbside collection of waste through automatic sorting of recyclables and the benefits same would have in reducing landfill and the cost of sorting and allowing people without vehicles to access recycling. [24509/06]

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

Significant progress has been made in the promotion of recycling in recent years. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Waste Report 2004 shows that 33.6% of municipal waste was recovered in that year, up from just 9% in 1998. The national recycling target of 35% by 2013 set in the Government policy document Changing Our Ways (1998) has almost been achieved. The growth in recycling is attributable to a number of factors including:

—the increase in the number of bring banks, which reached 1929 in 2004, up from 837 in 1998;

—the provision of more civic amenity sites, up to 69 from 30 in 1998; and

—segregated collection services being available to more households, up from 70,000 in 1998 to over 560,000 in 2003.

National waste statistics for all waste streams are published at three-yearly intervals by the Environmental Protection Agency with the most recent National Waste Report being in respect of 2004. Between 2001 and 2004, two interim database reports have been published to provide data on municipal waste specifically (i.e. household and commercial waste) for the years 2002 and 2003 respectively. While the database reports do not provide recycling rates for individual local authorities or on a regional basis, an overall recycling figure for Ireland is provided for in respect of a number of waste streams.

The recent National Waste Report 2004 shows that 33.6% of municipal (household and commercial) waste generated in that year was recovered. This continues a very positive trend — equivalent rates were 28.4% for 2003, 20.7% for 2002 and only 9% in 1998 — and shows that we have almost reached the 35% national recycling target set for 2013. The national recovery rate for the household component of municipal waste in 2004 was 19.5%. This represents an improvement over the 13.1% household waste recovery reported for 2003, 9.3% achieved in 2002, and 3.2% in 1998, and demonstrates further progress towards the achievement of the 50% household waste landfill diversion rate by 2013. For the third consecutive year, the reported quantity of household waste sent to landfill has decreased indicating that the trend is moving in the right direction.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Gay Mitchell

Animal Welfare.

Jim O'Keeffe

Animal Remedies Regulations.

Olwyn Enright

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Animal Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Milk Quota.

Phil Hogan

Animal Identification Scheme.

Martin Brady

Direct Payment Schemes.

Dan Boyle

Importation of Birds.

Gerard Murphy

Sugar Beet Industry.

Paul McGrath

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Jan O'Sullivan

Animal Health Policy.

Mary Upton

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Social Partnership.

Emmet Stagg

Milk Quota.

Billy Timmins

Food Safety Standards.

Joe Costello

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Paul Connaughton

Pádraic McCormack

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

John Perry

Food Industry.

Eamon Gilmore

Milk Quota.

Liz McManus

Farm Consolidation.

John Deasy

Cattle Breeding.

Jimmy Devins

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Joan Burton

Farmers’ Markets.

Eamon Ryan

Forestry Industry.

Ollie Wilkinson

Export Subsidies.

Shane McEntee

EU Directives.

David Stanton

Farm Waste Management.

Fergus O'Dowd

Animal Remedies Regulations.

John Perry

Food Labelling.

Dinny McGinley

Bernard Allen

John Deasy

Martin Brady

Jimmy Deenihan

Mary Upton

Richard Bruton

Afforestation Programme.

Donie Cassidy

Fruit and Vegetable Sector.

John Gormley

Food Labelling.

Jim O'Keeffe

Forestry Industry.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2006