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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Jul 2006

Vol. 623 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Semi-State Bodies.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

10 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts he is making to ensure that the valuable assets, paintings, fixtures and fittings of the Great Southern Hotels chain are retained in State ownership; if he will clarify the ownership of all the paintings, fixtures and fittings of the chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26924/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

13 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated value of paintings hanging in the Great Southern Hotels chain; what will happen to these paintings following the decision to sell-off the hotel group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26926/06]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

47 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the removal of 54 paintings from the Great Southern Hotels earlier in 2006 and their subsequent valuation by auctioneers in Dublin; the reason these paintings were sent for valuation; if he will clarify the precise ownership of these paintings; if he has had discussions with the Dublin Airport Authority and the Arts Council regarding these paintings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26925/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 13 and 47 together.

The Arts Council is a statutory body under my Department's aegis, and is the principal channel through which State support is directed to the Arts. The Council is operationally independent of my Department, but it is understood from the Council that there are 143 works in the collection in question, which were jointly funded under the Arts Council's Joint Purchase Scheme. These works include works by Gerard Dillon, Patrick Collins, Louis le Brocquy and Basil Blackshaw. These were purchased primarily in the 1960's and 1970's, at a cost to the Council of £7,233. The total cost of these works came to £14,466.71.

The Arts Council is aware of the potential issues arising from the sale of these works and is in touch with the CEO of the Great Southern Hotel Group in this regard. On my instructions, my Department has also written on the matter to the CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority and has asked for a report on the matter. I understand that potential vendors are obliged to notify such intended sales to the OPW so that first option of such items may be exercised by the state collecting institutions. The Dublin Airport Authority has responded to my Department and has confirmed that it will comply fully with State guidelines in this matter. Furthermore, the DAA has confirmed that it will consult fully with my Department on the issue.

Question No. 11 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

12 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the expenditure review of the current swimming pool programme will be completed at the end of July 2006, as expected; and if so, when will the issue of whether to re-open the programme be looked at, in view of the demand for swimming pools across the country, including for example Lucan, which has recently had a pool sanctioned by the local authority, which is committed to funding it, but for which a part-grant from his Department would be put to good use and may even speed up the delivery process. [26951/06]

The Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme which my Department is carrying out is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. A draft of the Expenditure Review has been prepared and will be considered shortly by the Steering Committee which is overseeing the project with the intention of having it finalised in a matter of months.

On completion of the Review, the question of re-opening the programme can be considered. If the Pool Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities including South Dublin County Council, which my Department has been informed has recently completed a Review of its Water Leisure Strategy, to submit applications under the terms that will apply.

Question No. 13 answered with QuestionNo. 10.
Question No. 14 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

Countryside Access.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

15 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a recent High Court ruling against walkers on a route in Enniskerry County Wicklow; his views on the fact that a large number of other routes may be affected by this ruling; his further views on whether now that these routes will be closed to the general public, it will have an impact on local tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26940/06]

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

23 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he had discussions with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding the Wicklow High Court ruling on 19 June 2006, which could have implications for the leisure tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26673/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 23 together.

Responsibility for legislation relating to public rights of way does not rest with my Department. Certain legislation bearing on public rights of way, under the Road Act 1993, is under the aegis of the Minister for Transport and, as the House is aware, the issue of public access to the countryside for recreation purposes is being dealt with by a group established by the Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Neither I nor my Department nor any Agencies under my aegis were involved in the case referred to by the Deputies and I am reluctant to get involved in commenting on its merits. I understand that the case at issue was about the alleged existence of a public right of way on a particular piece of land and that the High Court held that there was no such public right of way on two grounds:

—there was little or no evidence to support the contention that this route had been a public right of way and, in fact, the strong weight of evidence suggested that very few "outsiders" or hill-walkers ever used the route in question, and

—there is a long established principle in law that, for a public right of way to exist, the start and finish points of that way have to be on publicly accessible land. There are one or two exceptions to this rule in relation to the finishing point. In this case, however, I understand that the Court held that the route in question was, in fact, surrounded by private land and the start and finish points were not ones to which there was public access by right. It, therefore, failed a basic and long-established test for the existence of a public right of way.

I have not been advised that the judgment in question represents a departure from long-established and well-understood principles of law or has any particular implications for tourism. I have not, therefore, discussed the matter with my colleague the Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs although our two Departments continue to keep in contact on developments relating to rural tourism including access to the countryside.

For the information of the House, I understand that Fáilte Ireland will, in the very near future, launch a major new initiative in relation to the development and promotion of walking tourism, details of which will be made available on its websites.

Tourism Promotion.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

16 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the submission from the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation to the National Development Plan that the Government needs to invest nearly €1 billion into the tourism sector; his views on this estimate; his further views on the need to spend significantly on international marketing and to develop particular tourist spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26943/06]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

46 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that at least €250 million be allocated to tourism product development under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26670/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 46 together.

I am, of course, aware of the submission from the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation in relation to the National Development Plan 2007-2013, a copy of which has been provided to my Department. Indeed, I met the Chairperson and the Chief Executive of ITIC earlier this week to discuss the submission and other issues.

Work in relation to the preparation of the next National Development Plan is being co-ordinated by a High Level Inter-Departmental Committee chaired by the Department of Finance. My Department is represented on this group which is overseeing the drafting of the Plan and the preparation of material in respect of the various economic areas involved. As part of a broad consultation process, the Department of Finance has invited submissions from the social partners, including ITIC.

Tourism is an important economic sector which has had a high level of visibility in the current and earlier such Plans. My objective is to ensure that there is appropriate provision in the next NDP to provide for the necessary future investment in marketing, product development and human resource development and training to help deliver our ambitious targets for the Tourism sector.

A good deal of preparatory work has already been carried out in relation to the Plan, including a detailed submission from Tourism Ireland on marketing while a major report on a Tourism Product Development Strategy is nearing completion by a group under the auspices of Fáilte Ireland. The precise levels of funding involved for the different areas will be determined by Government later in the year as the NDP process unfolds.

Greyhound Industry.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

17 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department received a copy of the PricewaterhouseCooper report, commissioned by Bord na gCon in August 2002, into alleged improprieties in the course of a development of Shelbourne Park; if his Department was aware that the terms of reference given to PWC were subsequently narrowed significantly; the action his Department has taken as a result of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26932/06]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

31 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has received complaints in relation to issues regarding staff relations within Bord na gCon; the action he has taken or plans to take on foot of such complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26935/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

39 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that Bord na gCon has at all times complied with all EU rules and State guidelines in regard to procurement policy and appropriate corporate governance procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26933/06]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

45 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when it is intended to appoint a new chief executive officer to Bord na gCon in view of the fact that it is almost six months since the removal of the former CEO (details supplied); if his approval is required for such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/06]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

48 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the receipt of the Dalton Report, his views on whether there is a need for an independent inquiry into activities of Bord na gCon not covered within Mr. Dalton’s terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26931/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 31, 39, 45 and 48 together.

As I have stated already earlier in reply to priority questions number 1 and 2, it is my intention to fully implement the recommendations contained in the Dalton Report on Certain Matters Affecting Bord na gCon. I intend to proceed immediately to appoint a new Chairman, following which appropriate arrangements will be put in place by the Board for the early selection of a Chief Executive Officer.

Internal staff matters and the day to day business of the organisation are the direct responsibility of Bord na gCon as the statutory body responsible for the industry. However, arising from the recommendations in the Dalton Report, new standards and procedures in relation to corporate governance and internal management systems will now be enforced within the organisation.

The PricewaterhouseCooper Report referred to was commissioned by the Board and was not received by my Department. During the course of Mr Dalton's investigation a number of matters outside the scope of his investigation were drawn to Mr. Dalton's attention on the basis that they might merit investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Mr. Dalton submitted these documents to my Department. Following consideration, these documents were referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General who has recently informed my Department that in order to try to establish the factual position in relation to the issues having a significant financial dimension, he has concluded that an examination by his office is warranted. However, he indicated that he would await the publication of the Dalton Report before finalising the scope of his examination. Copies of Mr Dalton's report have been provided to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

National Aquatic Centre.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

18 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the management of the National Aquatic Centre; if a date for the hearing of the appeal by Campus Stadium Ireland Development Limited has been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26946/06]

The National Aquatic Centre is operated under lease given by Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd. CSID issued legal proceedings for the forfeiture of the lease due to the failure of the operators to comply with their obligations under the lease. A stay has been placed on the Order and Judgment of the High Court, and the case currently awaits allocation of a date for hearing of an appeal in the Supreme Court against that Order and Judgment. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment in advance of the Supreme Court proceedings.

Question No. 19 answered with QuestionNo. 8.

Campus and Stadium Ireland.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

20 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the development of the Abbotstown sports campus; if he has received the inter-agency study for the site that is being undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26945/06]

In November 2005 the Government gave its assent to the commencement of phase one of the development of the national sports campus at Abbotstown. The estimated cost of the project is €119m with a 4 to 5 year delivery schedule (2006-2010). The refurbishment of the State Laboratory as the new headquarters for FAI Ireland is taking place and planning and preparation for the main development is currently in progress.

The inter agency study referred to by the Deputy is in progress and I expect that it will be delivered in the Autumn. This study, once agreed and completed will be a blueprint for the planning process under which the development of facilities at Abbotstown will take place.

Question No. 21 answered with QuestionNo. 8.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

22 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received applications for grant aid for swimming pool developments since the current scheme closed prior to 2001; the locations by county; the way in which it is intended to deal with such applications in the absence of a new grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25632/06]

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities in respect of the capital costs of a new swimming pool, a replacement pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of this Programme, which now involves some 57 projects, was 31 July 2000.

A further 8 projects were submitted by local authorities after the 31st July, 2000 but were not valid as they were received after the final date for submission and therefore were not processed. These projects were located in Douglas and Mitchelstown in Cork City and County respectively, Kells and Trim in Co. Meath, Roxboro in Limerick City, Portnoo in Co. Donegal and Cloghran in Co. Dublin. One replacement project in Monaghan was accepted into the Programme after the closing date, as an exceptional measure, because it had to close for safety reasons in 2001 notwithstanding the fact that it was the only local authority pool in the county.

An Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme which my Department is carrying out is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. On completion of this Review, the question of re-opening the programme will be considered.

Question No. 23 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Tax Code.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

24 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to carry out a review of the tax exemption scheme for artists following the changes introduced under the Finance Bill 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/06]

I have no plans at this time to carry out any further review of the tax exemption scheme for artists. The scheme will continue to be of great benefit to artists in Ireland. An adjustable cap of €250,000 on annual tax-exempt earnings has been applied, but this will have no impact whatsoever on the vast majority of artists, who earn well below that amount. The feedback available to me indicates that artists in general very much welcome the retention of the scheme, notwithstanding the adjustments to it.

Question No. 25 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

Departmental Reports.

John Gormley

Ceist:

26 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of publicly available reports commissioned by his Department since 2002; the key recommendations arising out of each; if these recommendations have been rolled out in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26960/06]

My Department has commissioned a total of 12 reports for publication since it was formed in June 2002 which are listed below.

Title of Report

Year

Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group: New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action

2003

First Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group

2004

Second Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group

2005

Third and Final Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group

2006

Department’s Annual Report 2002-2003

2004

Department’s Statement of Strategy 2003-2005

2003

Department’s Statement of Strategy 2005-2007

2005

Department’s Annual Report 2004

2005

Sports Capital Programme Expenditure Review

2003

Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme

2005

Independent Report on certain matters affecting Bord na gCon

2006

Public Art: Per Cent for Arts Scheme — General National Guidelines 2004

2004

The above reports can be obtained from my Department's website or by contacting the Department directly.

In the case of the Report of the Tourism Policy Review group — New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, progress on the implementation of its recommendations is set out in the three progress reports listed in the table and published on my Department's website.

The Departments Statements of Strategy identify a series of objectives and planned actions in the arts, sport and tourism sectors to deliver on the commitments in these areas as set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, the National Development Plan 2000-2006, "Sustaining Progress", the Social Partnership Agreement 2003-2005 and North-South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement etc. Progress on the delivery of these objectives and actions is reported in my Department's Annual Reports which are available on the Department's website.

The Sport Capital Expenditure Review Report was approved by Government in September 2005 and the recommendations in the report across ten headings have been prioritised in my Department's Business Plan for 2006 which is also available on the website.

The implementation of the recommendations on the Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme is a matter for the Irish Sports Council.

The Government approved the publication of the Independent Report on certain matters affecting Bord na gCon on 4 July 2006. I will be taking action on implementing the key recommendations made in the report.

The publication on the Per Cent for Arts Scheme — General National Guidelines 2004 provided a set of guidelines and as such did not contain recommendations for implementation.

Sports Funding.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

27 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had meetings with the Gaelic Players Association regarding their proposed Government-funded grant scheme; if he has received representations from either the GPA or the GAA on this issue; his views on such Government grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26927/06]

I met with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) on 8th March, 2006 to discuss their proposed grant scheme for GAA players. I also met with the President of the GAA and officials on 16th May last. At both of these meetings, I indicated that this issue is, in the first instance, a matter for the governance structures within the GAA itself, to determine how best the important contribution of its own elite players should be recognised.

Performing Arts.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

28 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the academy for the performing arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26674/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 13th October 2005 in which I stated that responsibility for the establishment of a third-level Irish Academy for the Performing Arts was transferred from the Department of Education and Science to my Department in 2003. However, no transfer of capital funding for the project occurred. Capital funding is not currently available to me to progress the development of an Irish Academy for the Performing Arts.

Tourism Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

29 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures that he intends to put in place to address the growing imbalance in regional distribution of tourism demand which has resulted in west coast regions having 3,298,000 fewer holiday makers, bed nights in 2004 compared with 1999 and attracting 50 per cent of all overseas holiday maker bed nights in 2005 compared to 75 per cent in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/06]

CSO statistics for overseas tourism for 2005 show a very positive result both in terms of overseas numbers — up 6% (400,000 additional visitors) to almost 7 million — and revenue earnings — up almost 8% to €3.455 billion (excluding carrier receipts and cross border tourism). On both counts, we are ahead of targets for the year. As global competition intensifies and consumer preferences evolve, these results represent a very robust performance by the sector and confirm how dynamic and responsive the Irish tourism sector is. Performance to date in 2006 is very encouraging. The CSO figures for the first four months of the year show over 2 million visits to Ireland in the period — an increase of almost 13% over 2005 which is well ahead of Tourism Ireland's target of 4.9%.

It is widely acknowledged within the tourism sector that growing the pure holiday component of the overseas tourism business has proven difficult in recent years, both at a regional and a national level. In 2005, the holiday segment of all overseas travel to Ireland grew by 2.7% in revenue terms, significantly lower than the 8% overall revenue earnings growth. This clearly impacts on the holiday business at a regional level. Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are working to help the industry to address the issues behind this trend which is very much a global phenomenon. It is also important to emphasise that the so-called "VFR" — visiting friends or relatives — component of the overall tourism business continues to be of immense strategic importance and grew by over 17% in revenue terms in 2005.

I also wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the home market. The home holiday market is an increasingly important component of the tourism business in Ireland particularly in terms of seasonal and regional spread. Eighty-six per cent of holiday trips and 89% of holiday nights by domestic tourists are now spent outside the Dublin area. This offsets, to some extent, the relative strength of Dublin in the overseas visitors market. In 2005, expenditure on domestic tourism was up across all regions — albeit at different rates. In the West it grew by €20m which is equivalent to a 9.5% increase and offset the decrease in revenue for overseas visitors for the same period.

The fact that all regions and sectors are not benefiting to the same extent from our tourism success continues to be a matter receiving attention from my Department and the State tourism agencies as we evolve our tourism policy and programmes. I am confident, however, that the new regional tourism arrangements will enable tourism to grow in the regions to a greater extent than at present, and that the various region specific initiatives introduced this year by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Ltd will further help to address this situation.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

30 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to recent criticisms from the chairperson of Fáilte Ireland regarding the potential danger to tourism here that would be caused by the sale of some of Aer Lingus landing slots at Heathrow Airport; if he has had discussions with the Department of Transport on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/06]

On 26 June last, the Chairperson of Fáilte Ireland Ms Gillian Bowler, restated the organisation's view that the maintenance of the Aer Lingus slots at Heathrow is of great importance for Irish tourism growth as Heathrow is the world's busiest airport for international passengers and one of the key conduits for long-haul visitors to Ireland.

I concur with the view that the maintenance of the Heathrow slots is of strategic importance for the further development of Irish tourism, particularly to long-haul markets, and my Department has communicated this view in the inter-Departmental fora which have examined the issue of the flotation of Aer Lingus.

Question No. 31 answered with QuestionNo. 17.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

John Gormley

Ceist:

32 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the expected impact of the decentralisation of his Department to Killarney in 2007 in terms of the numbers of persons with disabilities employed by the Department in the short term; the transfer rate of persons with disabilities from Dublin to Killarney compared with other employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26958/06]

Currently, over 4% of staff in my Department are persons with disabilities which exceeds the 3% requirement under the Disability Act 2005. However, all staff transferring into the Department with a view to decentralising to Killarney are recruited through the Central Applications Facility (CAF) conducted by the Public Appointments Service. The protocol for assigning officers from the CAF was agreed centrally and my Department is complying with this protocol which operates largely on a seniority basis.

It is possible therefore that, in the short-term, the overall number of persons with a disability employed in my Department may fall below 3%. However, the Deputy may rest assured that, in the longer term, my Department will take all necessary steps to increase the percentage to at least comply with the requirement under the Disability Act.

Sports Capital Programme.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

33 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for sports capital grants in 2005 and 2006 by county; the amount applied for in 2005 and 2006 by county; the amount allocated in 2005 and 2006 by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25631/06]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

332 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the value of capital grants sought under the Sports Capital Programme 2006 in each county; and the value of grants awarded in each county. [27400/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 332 together.

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

Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on November 27th and 28th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20th 2006. A total of 1,338 applications for projects costing €670 million and seeking funding of €312 million were received before this deadline, of which 1,211 were classified as local projects and 127 as national, regional or municipal/multi-sport. Applications were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

I was pleased on 6th June last to announce provisional grant allocations under the 2006 programme totalling €53.745 million to 719 projects classified as local. Information on the number of applications for sports capital grants, the amounts applied for and the amounts allocated by county for both 2005 and to date in 2006 is contained in the following schedule as requested by the Deputy. The information relating to 2006 is in respect of applications classified as local only details of which were amended last month.

I intend to announce the provisional allocations under the 2006 programme for projects classified as national, regional or municipal/multi-sport in the near future.

Details of 2005 and 2006 Sports Capital funding by county

County

2005

2006 (local only)

No. of Applications

Sought

Allocated

No. of Applications

Sought

Allocated

Carlow

22

1,491,237

446,000

15

3,414,075

652,500

Cavan

20

2,696,519

785,000

26

3,730,321

1,315,000

Clare

33

3,571,094

1,356,000

28

3,399,619

1,340,000

Cork

151

34,637,133

8,172,000

143

27,137,595

6,449,500

Donegal

59

15,216,346

1,572,000

57

6,085,277

1,672,500

Dublin

268

65,161,582

15,739,419

190

38,847,477

10,959,200

Galway

100

30,634,135

5,760,000

84

15,359,521

3,333,500

Kerry

81

12,843,156

3,603,000

81

8,169,236

3,427,500

Kildare

44

11,439,604

1,550,000

28

4,248,782

1,406,500

Kilkenny

26

3,026,455

1,284,000

34

4,409,982

1,691,000

Laois

22

2,241,361

771,000

24

2,601,492

768,000

Leitrim

23

3,192,360

660,000

26

2,076,670

703,000

Limerick

59

12,483,119

3,092,000

49

5,007,556

2,119,000

Longford

19

3,593,184

499,000

15

1,777,408

551,000

Louth

42

9,178,560

1,347,000

31

2,930,624

1,144,000

Mayo

53

18,008,417

1,422,000

47

6,509,843

1,765,000

Meath

28

5,927,863

1,576,000

26

2,793,802

1,645,000

Monaghan

39

3,569,612

744,000

33

2,899,873

1,274,500

Offaly

35

6,291,964

1,260,000

25

2,177,365

869,000

Roscommon

32

3,942,171

880,000

28

3,776,258

1,098,000

Sligo

21

6,500,486

2,020,000

28

3,793,242

1,211,000

Tipperary

56

7,827,134

2,177,000

56

8,455,221

2,061,000

Waterford

39

5,869,388

1,425,000

40

7,057,015

1,642,000

Westmeath

25

6,251,948

1,305,000

19

2,180,776

747,000

Wexford

38

7,860,440

2,267,000

51

10,020,234

2,087,500

Wicklow

27

8,683,200

1,527,000

27

4,536,495

1,813,000

Totals

1,362

290,647,232

63,239,419

1,211

183,395,759

53,745,200

Tourist Accommodation.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

34 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether it is acceptable that hotels in Dublin, Kildare and counties surrounding the K Club in Kildare should increase rack rates by 25 percent during the period of the Ryder Cup; if so, his further views on whether there will be knock-on effect whereby local businesses put up prices accordingly; his views on whether this will damage Ireland’s image to visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26944/06]

The approval of hotel and guesthouse accommodation is the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland. In accordance with the Tourist Traffic Acts, which govern this area, approved accommodation providers are obliged to display their registered charges in bedrooms. These charges are also published in relevant accommodation guides. However, the upper and lower limits on accommodation charges are set by the accommodation provider who can also set charges for a number of time periods. Fáilte Ireland has no role in this regard. If a guest is charged more than the relevant upper limit there is a formal process that is followed and the matter is investigated. In practice this is very rare and the overcharge has to be refunded.

I am aware that concerns have been expressed about the risk of excessive prices being charged by certain elements of the Irish tourism and hospitality industry in the context of the Ryder Cup taking place in Ireland. The State Tourism Agencies are being particularly vigilant in this area, and in all of their dealings with the industry are taking the opportunity to encourage a commonsense approach to the pricing of our tourism products. That said, given free market forces, it is not surprising to see some increase in prices as was the case at other Ryder Cup venues. I understand, for example, that when the competition was held in the Belfry, room yields in Birmingham increased by 36.5% in the period around the competition.

My Department wrote to the Director of Consumer Affairs last November requesting that a special initiative be undertaken around the time of the Ryder Cup to ensure that price lists in restaurants and public houses are displayed prominently. The Director of Consumer Affairs has informed me that appropriate checks will be carried out.

I believe that Ireland will deliver value for money during the staging of the Ryder Cup. The vast majority of visitors will have purchased packages that have been priced now for quite some time. Nevertheless, I will continue to raise these issues, as appropriate, in my regular contact with the industry, and in the media, in the build up to the Ryder Cup.

In particular I would urge all tourism service providers to take a long-term perspective on the benefits of the event. The value of word of mouth publicity cannot be overestimated and we want our visitors to return home with glowing reports about their stay here and confirmation that the hospitality and friendliness for which we are renowned really does exist. More importantly, we want them to be able to say that the golf was excellent, that they received value for money and that they will want to come back again.

National Museum.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

35 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the proposed extension to the National Museum at Collins Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/06]

The proposed extension to the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks will house the Military History Exhibition. The building is on schedule to be handed over to the National Museum later this month and work will then be carried out on the mounting of the exhibition. It is planned that the exhibition will open to the public in September, 2006.

The Military History Exhibition will be the largest single exhibition ever mounted by the National Museum of Ireland and will deal with the complete story of the Irish soldier. The exhibition, consisting of nine galleries, will cover topics as diverse as 18th century battles in Ireland, garrison life in the 19th century, the Irish Wild Geese in France and America, the Irish Regiments in the British Army, as well as in World War I and World War II, the struggle for the Independence of Ireland and the evolution of the Irish Defence Forces.

Tourism Promotion.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

36 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will appoint a successor body to the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/06]

I have already appointed a successor body to the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group. It is called the Tourism Strategy Implementation Group and was appointed by me on 28 May 2006. The new High Level Group will continue the important work of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group which completed its two-year term in March.

The full membership of the Implementation Group is as follows:

•John Travers (Chairman)

•Paul Tansey, Economist

•Margaret Jeffares, Managing Director, Les Routiers, Ireland

•Dan Flinter, ex Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland

•Nancy Moran, Moran's Seaside Farmhouse,

•Luke Moriarty, Chairman of the Moriarty Group

•Philip Furlong, Secretary General, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

•Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive, Fáilte Ireland

•Paul O'Toole, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland

I addressed the inaugural meeting of the Group which took place on 28 June 2006. The press releases associated with the appointment of the Group and its first meeting are available on my Department's website http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie.

National Theatre.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

37 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, prior to the decision to locate the new Abbey Theatre on George’s Dock, the acquisition of Eden House was considered as part of a plan to redevelop the Abbey on its present site; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Eden House is for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26936/06]

The current combined area of the Abbey and Peacock Theatres is 4950 Sq Metres. The Accommodation Brief for the new Abbey Theatre requires approximately 12,220 Sq Metres. It has long been clear that the existing site would not accommodate the requirements of the Abbey and Peacock after redevelopment. Accordingly, at my request, the Office of Public Works (OPW) investigated the suitability and feasibility of expanding the space available at the existing site by acquiring adjacent properties. OPW concluded in this context that the necessary expansion would require the acquisition of Nos 15-25 Eden Quay. This would have included Eden House (Nos 15-17).

In 2003, OPW commissioned Hamilton Osborne King to examine the feasibility of these acquisitions. This study concluded that acquiring the various interests in these properties would cost well in excess of reasonable market price and would take a considerable time to assemble. At the time of the report, there were approximately twenty-six interests in these properties on Eden Quay. Ten were investors/owner occupiers and the remaining sixteen were tenants. In addition, eight of these properties were listed buildings under the Dublin City Development Plan. This report concluded that the "most practical, economic, and timely solution to re-housing the Abbey would be to move the theatre to a pre-assembled site".

Following careful and thorough examination of a number of alternatives, the Government decided that the Abbey should be redeveloped at a site at George's Dock, which was offered free of charge for this purpose by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA).

Policy Directives.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

38 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department lays down policy priorities or guidelines to the Arts Council or other bodies or agencies which receive funding from his Department; the policy directives; if specific reference is made to a particular type or category of application or if the recipient bodies or agencies have autonomy in deciding such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26949/06]

The Arts Act 2003 provides that I, as Minister, may in relation to the performance by the Arts Council of its functions, other than those relating to funding of the arts, give a direction in writing to the Council requiring it to comply with such policies of the Minister or Government as are specified in the direction. I have never in practice used this power.

In addition, I, as Minister, may by direction in writing require the Arts Council to establish one or more Special Committees to advise it on such matters relating to the arts as are specified in the direction. Such Special Committees shall comprise:

•A Chairperson appointed from among the members of the Council by the Minister

•Four ordinary members, two appointed by the Minister and two by the Arts Council

Only one such Special Committee has been appointed to date, to advise the Arts Council on the support of the Traditional Arts. The Arts Council is statutorily independent under the Arts Act 2003 regarding its funding of the arts.

The Irish Film Board:

The functions of the Irish Film Board are set out in the Irish Film Board Act of 1980, and the Board is independent in the discharging of those functions.

The Arts Act 2003 provides that the Minister may give directions to the Arts Council requiring the Council to comply with specified policies of the Minister or of the Government. However, the Minister has not issued any such direction. The 2003 Act also provides that the Arts Council shall be independent with regard to the funding of the arts.

Cultural Institutions:

In general, the autonomous National Cultural Institutions such as the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland operate a policy established by their Statutory Boards. However, my Department's provision of capital funding to the National Cultural Institutions is provided subject to that funding being expended in accordance with my Department's cultural priorities. Staffing in the National Cultural Institutions is of course subject to overall Government policy in relation to staff numbers.

Irish Sports Council:

The functions of the Irish Sports Council are provided for under the Irish Sports Council Act 1999 and the Minister approves their Strategy Statement every three years.

Campus and Stadium Ireland Ltd:

Campus and Stadium Ireland Ltd is in receipt of funding from my Department. I have met the Board of CSID on a number of occasions to discuss policy issues and give directives for example asking the Board to do the development plan for Abbotstown.

The National Sports Campus Development Authority Bill 2006 which has recently been considered by the Oireachtas sets out the functions of the National Sports Campus Development Authority that will replace CSID. The Bill provides that the Minister may give general policy directions to the Authority.

Fáilte Ireland:

The role of Fáilte Ireland is set out in Section 8 of the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. The company has full autonomy in undertaking the functions conferred on it by the Dáil.

National Policy on Tourism is set out in "New Horizons for Irish Tourism — An agenda for Action" which was presented to Government and published in September 2003. In keeping with the Government's policy on partnership the agenda was drawn up by a group comprising of experts from across the Tourism industry including the chief executives of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and the Chairperson of Fáilte Ireland. In drawing up the policy the group met with 17 key representative groups across the industry,

The Tourism Strategy Implementation Group monitors progress on the implementation of the policy. The Group advises me on the implementation of the recommendations of the New Horizons report and responds to evolving issues as they arise in the course of the development of the tourism industry in a dynamic international context. It works with the tourism industry and other Government Departments and Agencies to address a number of key areas. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Ltd are represented on the Group.

Both my officials and I regularly meet with the management of Fáilte Ireland to review implementation of Tourism Policy and to discuss issues relevant to the Industry and work with each other to ensure Ireland achieves its full tourism potential. My department keeps Fáilte Ireland fully informed of Government policy and decisions on matters pertaining to Corporate Governance and the general management of State agencies."

Tourism Ireland:

Tourism Ireland does not administer any grant schemes. As a North-South Body, it receives funding from both Irish and British Exchequer and policy direction is provided jointly through the North-South Ministerial Council. In practice, this means that my Ministerial counterpart in Northern Ireland and I jointly approve Tourism Ireland's 3 year Corporate and Annual Business Plans as well as our respective funding contributions to support delivery of these plans. The Agreed Programme for Government provides very specific policy direction for Tourism Ireland's activities. In addition, National Development Plan contains a specific Tourism Marketing Measure in the Productive Sector Operational Programme which describes the objectives, targets and activities which can be supported. More recently, the New Horizons Report on Irish Tourism provides a very clear policy backdrop to Tourism Ireland's marketing activities — containing as it does, very specific recommendations for action in the tourism marketing area.

Question No. 39 answered with QuestionNo. 17.
Question No. 40 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

Tourism Promotion.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

41 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timeframe for the merging of Regional Tourism Authorities with Fáilte Ireland in view of the refusal by the northwest RTA to wind up the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26965/06]

I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to priority question number 4.

Question No. 42 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

National Conference Centre.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

43 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the provisional preferred tenderer has been appointed as preferred tenderer for the provision of the National Conference Centre; the timeframe for the remaining stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/06]

Engagement between the Contracting Authority, the Office of Public Works, and the Provisional Preferred Tenderer, Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Ltd, in accordance with the competition process, is continuing. As I previously informed the House, most recently on 31 May last, these negotiations are detailed and complex and, by their nature, time consuming. Nevertheless, I am assured that the Contracting Authority is pressing to have them concluded as soon as possible.

Assuming that these negotiations prove successful, the next step will be the appointment of the Provisional Preferred Tenderer as Preferred Tenderer. During the Preferred Tenderer phase, the Preferred Tenderer will develop and provide the full range of project documents, which will require review and approval by the Contracting Authority. I look forward to the timely completion of the next stages and hope to be in a position to bring the matter to Government for final decision in the coming months.

Subject to the successful completion of the remaining stages of the procurement process and assuming no unexpected developments, I would hope that construction of the National Conference Centre would begin next year and that the Centre would be operational during 2009.

Sports Capital Programme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

44 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the criteria by which capital sports funding is allocated to local sports clubs and facilities around the country; if the geographic location of the sports club or facility is taken into account when the allocation is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26930/06]

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

All applications received under the sports capital programme are assessed on an individual basis by officials in the sports unit of my Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria as specified in the guidelines, terms and conditions for the programme, which accompany the application form for the programme. Following the assessment process, each application is given its order of priority within its own county.

The assessment process takes into account factors such as the existing level of facilities in an area, the number and quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought by each applicant and the strategic positioning of major facilities that may be required as well as the most recent Census of Population figures. Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds throughout the country, while also affording priority to projects in areas of social and economic disadvantage.

The criteria could be summarised as covering the following:

•the need to achieve an equitable geographical spread of funds and an equitable spread of funds among different sports and community groups;

•the extent to which projects increase active participation and result in improved standards of sport;

•the financial viability of the project;

•the extent to which applicants have consulted with other clubs, community groups, schools, the Local Authority and the National Governing Bodies

in order to prioritise proposed improvements and facilities. Highest priority is afforded to projects in disadvantaged areas aimed at increasing participation. High priority projects include those which are essential or integral to sports participation or performance, e.g. pitch development, floodlighting, changing rooms and showers.

In relation to the 2006 sports capital programme, a total of 1,338 applications were received nationally, of which 1,211 were for projects classified as local and 127 as non-local, that is, projects which were categorised as national, regional or municipal and multi-sport.

I recently announced provisional grant allocations under the 2006 Programme in relation to the local applications totalling €53.745 million to 719 projects and I will be announcing the provisional allocations for the non-local projects in the near future.

Question No. 45 answered with QuestionNo. 17.
Question No. 46 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 10.
Question No. 48 answered with QuestionNo. 17.

General Register Office.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

49 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the Civil Registration Act 2004, with particular reference to the creation of two non-statutory advisory committees to which a commitment was given to establish when the Act was commenced. [27463/06]

Statutory responsibility for the administration of the Civil Registration Service in Ireland rests with an tArd-Chláraitheoir (Registrar-General). I have made inquiries of an tArd-Chláraitheoir regarding the matters raised by the Deputy and he advises as follows: The Civil Registration Service has been engaged in a major programme of modernisation in recent years, the main features of which are:

—the capture and storage in electronic format of all historical paper records from 1845 to date;

—the design, development and implementation of a new computerised registration system;

—organisational reform and

—reform of the legislation governing Civil Registration to underpin the delivery of a modernised service to meet the needs of a modern society and to facilitate the wider eGovernment agenda.

The reform of the legislation has been completed and the Civil Registration Act, 2004 now provides the statutory basis for the administration of the service. The various sections of the Act are being commenced on a phased basis and progress to date includes the commencement in December 2005 of Parts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 of the Act, which relate to the administration of the service and the civil registration of births, stillbirths and deaths.

Before the outstanding provisions of the Act can be commenced, a substantial body of work needs to be completed. Currently, the requirements for the commencement of the marriage provisions are being addressed. This entails a significant amount of work including drafting and publication of regulations, guidelines and detailed procedures; establishment of a register of solemnisers in consultation with religious bodies; establishment of a register of approved venues for civil marriages; and the further development of the computer system to facilitate the administration of the new marriage provisions introduced in the Act.

A dedicated research facility has been established in Dublin to cater for the needs of members of the public and genealogists wishing to carry out family research. Plans are currently being made to relocate the research room to a new purpose-built facility in Dublin city-centre and it is intended that this facility will include electronic access to records. This will greatly improve services to genealogists and other members of the public in carrying out family research. It is intended that the relevant organisations will be consulted as part of this process.

At the moment, it is vital that all available resources are devoted to working towards the commencement of the remaining provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 and that the processes and procedures established by the provisions commenced in December 2005 are allowed to develop fully prior to review.

With regard to the creation of the two non-statutory advisory committees on civil registration and family research issues, the Deputy may be aware that it has been decided to transfer the functions of the General Register Office from my Department to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Accordingly, the position in relation to the establishment of these committees will be reviewed in the context of that Department's structures and frameworks in relation to customer consultation and consultative panels.

Feedback on all aspects of the Civil Registration System is received by an tArd-Chláraitheoir both directly, as a result of the Office's constant interaction with the public through it's Public Research Facility, located at Joyce House in Dublin, and with members of the public, their legal representatives and various groups having an interest in the work of the Office, and indirectly through monthly meetings with Superintendent Registrars of Births, Deaths and Marriages, who are responsible for the direct delivery of registration services to members of the public. Generally speaking, feedback from members of the public, their legal representatives and genealogists in relation to the services provided is positive. Processes and procedures for dealing with the public are kept under review and revised as necessary within the statutory framework.

I should like to assure the Deputy that the General Register Office is fully committed, in line with the key principles of Quality Customer Service, which are enshrined in my Department's Customer Charter and in line with customer expectations, to the development and provision of an equitable, high quality, customer friendly and increasingly efficient service to those who wish to avail of its services and that staff at its Offices strive at all times to ensure that these principles are adhered to.

Disabled Drivers.

John Deasy

Ceist:

50 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of primary medical certificates applications received in each of the past five years for the disabled driver passenger tax concessions scheme; the number of these applications that were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27556/06]

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.

Adoption Services.

Damien English

Ceist:

51 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to make changes to the adoption laws or procedures for both Irish adoptions and foreign adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27673/06]

Adoptions in Ireland commenced on 1 January 1953 with the enactment of the Adoption Act 1952. This Act has been amended six times since 1952-in 1964, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1991 and 1998. Over this period adoption in Ireland has undergone major change. In 1996, Ireland signed the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption. Ratification of the Convention requires legislative amendment and the designation of a Central Authority.

A consultation process with people affected by adoption and working in that field was undertaken in the second half of 2003 at the request of the Minister for Children. This included consideration of legislative proposals relating to the ratification of the Hague Convention and issues relating to adoption information and post adoption contact. The Bill currently being prepared will provide, inter alia, for the creation of the Adoption Authority (replacing the Adoption Board) as the Central Authority required under the terms of the Convention to oversee the implementation of the Convention in effecting intercountry adoptions. The Bill will also include miscellaneous provisions concerned with domestic adoption arrangements including putting current administrative information and tracing arrangements on a statutory footing.

The Heads of Bill on the Adoption (Hague Convention Adoption Authority and Miscellaneous) Bill are currently being drafted in the Parliamentary Counsel's Office. It is anticipated that a Bill will be published in Autumn 2006.

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

52 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of places being provided under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme in June 2006 compared to the number in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28077/06]

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

The number of new places created under the Programme is not yet available for the period requested by the Deputy. However, I have set out in the following table the figure for the most recent period available, to end December 2005, for the total number of new child care places created up to that point as well as the projected number of places to be created on the basis of the funding approved over the same period. I have also provided similar figures for the periods ended December 2004, 2003 and 2002 for comparative purposes.

Period to end December

2002

2003

2004

2005

Actual number of new places created

8,063

18,320

24,636

28,852

Projected number of new places being created

20,894

27,327

33,321

41,030

The deputy will please note that the original target for the Programme was the creation of an additional 28,402 new child care places. This target was revised upwards at the mid term point following the early success of the Programme and now stands at 31,332 new places.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

53 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of her Department’s responsibility for child care; if there have been any changes in allocation of responsibilities between Departments, Ministers and Ministers of State in the area of child care in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28078/06]

The Office of the Minister for Children was established in accordance with the Government decision of 7th December, 2005 to place the interests of children at the heart of Government and to build on the successes already achieved in the context of the National Children's Strategy. The Office is an integral part of the Department of Health and Children. The responsibilities of the new office comprise the following: the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme — EOCP (transferred from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform); the new National Childcare Investment Programme which was announced in Budget 2006 as part of the new National Childcare Strategy for the next 5 years; the programmes and activities of the former National Children's Office; policy and legislative work on Child Welfare and Protection (Department of Health and Children); Implementing the Children Act (2001).

The new Youth Justice Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Early Years Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Science will be co-located at the new office. The purpose in bringing these various responsibilities together is to maximize the co-ordination of policies for children and young persons and to provide a strong focus at the highest level. The Office of the Minister for Children also maintains a general strategic oversight of bodies with responsibility for developing and delivering children's services.

As Minister for Children, I hold delegated responsibilities in the Departments of Health & Children, Education & Science, and Justice, Equality & Law Reform for those areas appropriate to my brief. In addition, I attend meetings of the Government. This gives a strong voice for the interests of children and young persons at Cabinet level.

Health Services.

John Gormley

Ceist:

54 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to establish a National Diabetes Register. [27275/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

55 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a commitment to establishing a National Diabetes Strategy. [27276/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

57 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated figure and percentage of national health expenditure that is spent on diabetes care and care of diabetes related illness. [27278/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

112 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on diabetes services in Cork, recent improvements and planned improvements in the next six months. [27569/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

113 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department collected data on regional disparities in diabetes services; and the information that this shows. [27570/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55, 57, 112 and 113 together.

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

John Gormley

Ceist:

56 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures that she is taking to slow the growth in type two diabetes. [27277/06]

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases and affects mainly middle aged or older people. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing due to a number of factors including the aging population and lifestyle factors such as obesity. It is estimated that there are approximately 140,000 people with diabetes in Ireland. The majority of patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, receive their care in the primary care setting. In this setting, there are obvious benefits of convenience, continuity of care and immediate access.

Diabetes has been acknowledged as a priority issue and the 2006 HSE Service Plan has identified that current policy guidelines will be translated into specific action plans with the initial focus on the development of a national diabetes service framework. The Department of Health and Children is currently implementing a number of strategies, the health promotion aspect of which is of direct benefit to diabetics. These strategies include the Cardiovascular Health Strategy, the Health Promotion Strategy and more recently the Obesity Strategy. The HSE is treating the matter as a priority. It is currently considering the report of the National Diabetes Working Group and is putting in place a structure to implement its recommendations.

Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 54.

John Gormley

Ceist:

58 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of major incidents that have been declared in hospitals between 30 June 2005 and 30 June 2006; and the reasons for same, in each case. [27279/06]

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.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

59 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that persons with mental health problems and their families have the right to participate in all of the decision making that affects them on a personal, local, regional and national level. [27280/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

61 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that everyone needs the highest attainable standard of mental health including the best possible measures to promote their mental well-being and to prevent mental ill health; and the plans that will be implemented in 2006. [27282/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 61 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services 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" on 24th January 2006. Extensive consultation with service users, carers and service providers informed "A Vision for Change". This included formal submissions, questionnaires, public meetings and an in-depth survey of service users. The findings from the consultative process were published in two separate reports: "Speaking Your Mind" and "What We Heard".

The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It proposes a person-centred treatment approach which addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan, reflecting best practice, and evolved and agreed with service users and their carers. Special emphasis is given to the need to involve service users and their families and carers at every level of service provision. The Report also recommends that interventions should be aimed at maximising recovery from mental illness, and build on the resources within service users and within their immediate social networks to allow them to achieve meaningful integration and participation in community life.

The recommendations in the Report have been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. In this connection, an additional €26.2 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 Health Service Executive has recently established an Implementation Group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner. It is chaired by the National Care Group Manager for Mental Health. In addition, I have established an independent monitoring group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the Report.

Youth Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

60 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will support the Tramore Youth and Family Project, Tramore, County Waterford in their efforts to employ another member of staff in order to manage and co-ordinate the services and programmes in their youth cafe. [27281/06]

My Office is currently developing a recreation policy for young people aged 12-18 in conjunction with a number of Government Departments and agencies directly involved in the provision of recreation facilities and programmes for young people. The policy will be available this year. It is intended that the issue of youth cafes will be dealt with in the policy. The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 61 answered with QuestionNo. 59.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

62 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a general practitioner (details supplied) in County Mayo will be replaced; and the position in this recruitment process. [27284/06]

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 GP contracts under the General Medical Services Scheme. 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.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

63 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an ultra sound scan. [27285/06]

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.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

64 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been told by Cork University Hospital that they will not get an out-patient appointment for three years and therefore does not qualify for surgery under the National Treatment Fund. [27286/06]

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.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

65 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 was denied a mobility allowance for people with disabilities; and to give them the maximum advice and support. [27288/06]

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.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

66 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 28 February 2006, in relation to the death by suicide of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the outcome of the Mental Health Commission Report on the circumstances of this death. [27291/06]

I am informed that the Mental Health Commission expects to be in a position to furnish me with a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of the named person shortly.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

67 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was refused application for work to be completed to their house under special housing aid for the elderly. [27292/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

68 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when central heating will be installed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [27293/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

Health Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

69 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of home helps employed in County Sligo and north Leitrim for the years 2003 to 2006; the directive she has issued in relation to the privatisation of the Irish home help services: if she or her officials has had negotiations with a service (details supplied) regarding setting up operations here; the priority steps she has taken to provide proper resourcing to the homehelp service; if she will give a firm commitment that it will not be privatised as there are many hardworking home helps in this country who feel they are not being given a fair deal by the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27294/06]

The number of home helps employed in County Sligo and north Leitrim for the years 2003 to 2006 relates to the management of human resources which is 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.

As the Deputy will be aware, additional funding of €150m was allocated to Services for Older People/Palliative Care in the 2006 Budget. Of this, an extra €33m was allocated to the Home Help Service, €30m of which is provided for 2006 and will deliver 1.75m home help hours. €55m was also allocated to home care packages (€30m for 2006 and a further €25m for 2007), with an additional 2,000 packages to be delivered by the end of this year.

Home care, including the home help service, is delivered through the Health Service Executive in partnership with a range of providers including the Health Service Executive itself, voluntary groups and the private sector. This has long since been a policy in relation to home care. There are no plans to privatise the home help service or give priority to private companies over public or other home care providers, and no directive has been issued in this regard. An initial meeting took place between officials from the Department and the company concerned, regarding the provision of home help services, and this company was directed to liaise with the Health Service Executive.

The most important factor in delivering home care and home help is not who provides the service, but that an appropriate level of service is delivered in as flexible a manner as possible which is highly responsive to the real needs of the individual, and there is no reason why private providers should not work in partnership with the Health Service Executive to this end, as they have been doing in the past and continue to do.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

70 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an action plan has been put in place to progress the issues identified in the Report of the Working Group on the Role of Psychotherapy in the Health Service including exploration of issues relating to the development of an appropriate model of service. [27295/06]

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.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

71 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of continuing care guidelines in respect of consideration by the department of medicine for the elderly in their examination of request for continuing care at St. Ita’s and Camillus Hospital, Limerick. [27296/06]

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

72 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a schedule of works promised to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme in January 2006 will be carried out. [27297/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

73 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a response to an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the timeframe for a decision in the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27298/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

Child Care Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

74 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding adjournment debate of 6 April 2006 in relation to community child care groups funding in West Limerick and the need for increased resources to ensure that the community child care groups from Kilcolman, Newcastle West, Broadford and Rathkeale are in a position to provide the necessary service in the constituency. [27299/06]

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 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

The four projects referred to by the Deputy have been approved a total of € 4.5 million in capital grant assistance. These approvals are subject to further development of the proposals and external appraisal by a building specialist. All four groups have been in contact with and are receiving support from Limerick County Childcare Committee. I understand that they are working together to reduce the costs of their projects. I have also met with representatives from the Groups and discussed how they might further progress their projects.

I am advised that two of the projects in question have submitted applications for additional funding and these requests are currently under appraisal. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd., who administers the Programme. Following these assessments, applications are considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding funding. The Groups will be informed of the outcome of their request for additional funding in due course.

Medical Cards.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

75 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [27300/06]

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

Suicide Incidence.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

76 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of suicides by gender per 100,000 in the Health Service Executive regional areas and county for each of the years 2002 to 2005. [27301/06]

Dan Neville

Ceist:

77 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths by suicide by county, gender and age group for each of the years 2002 to 2005. [27302/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.

According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of registered deaths by suicide by county and gender for the years 2002 to 2005 is as follows: Deaths from Suicide classified by year, county of residence of deceased and gender

2002

County

Total

Male

Female

Carlow

3

3

0

Cavan

10

8

2

Clare

16

15

1

Cork

62

46

16

Donegal

20

17

3

Dublin

103

77

26

Galway

26

23

3

Kerry

13

11

2

Kildare

21

19

2

Kilkenny

11

11

0

Laois

6

6

0

Leitrim

7

5

2

Limerick

30

22

8

Longford

4

2

2

Louth

14

10

4

Mayo

18

16

2

Monaghan

4

4

0

Meath

19

13

6

Offaly

11

11

0

Roscommon

4

4

0

Sligo

4

3

1

Tipperary

22

19

3

Waterford

12

8

4

Westmeath

6

6

0

Wexford

17

15

2

Wicklow

15

13

2

Total

478

387

91

2003

County

Total

Male

Female

Carlow

6

4

2

Cavan

5

4

1

Clare

15

9

6

Cork

80

56

24

Donegal

19

13

6

Dublin

107

77

30

Galway

26

22

4

Kerry

19

16

3

Kildare

13

12

1

Kilkenny

13

12

1

Laois

3

2

1

Leitrim

0

0

0

Limerick

28

24

4

Longford

2

2

0

Louth

14

12

2

Mayo

12

10

2

Monaghan

13

12

1

Meath

16

15

1

Offaly

11

7

4

Roscommon

3

2

1

Sligo

7

7

0

Tipperary

25

16

9

Waterford

14

10

4

Westmeath

9

8

1

Wexford

22

20

2

Wicklow

15

14

1

Total

497

386

111

2004

County

Total

Male

Female

Carlow

6

5

1

Cavan

9

7

2

Clare

14

8

6

Cork

69

51

18

Donegal

18

15

3

Dublin

104

81

23

Galway

15

12

3

Kerry

21

17

4

Kildare

13

13

0

Kilkenny

10

9

1

Laois

3

2

1

Leitrim

4

3

1

Limerick

25

20

5

Longford

5

3

2

Louth

12

8

4

Mayo

11

8

3

Monaghan

8

7

1

Meath

24

20

4

Offaly

12

8

4

Roscommon

1

1

0

Sligo

10

8

2

Tipperary

17

12

5

Waterford

16

12

4

Westmeath

7

6

1

Wexford

11

10

1

Wicklow

12

10

2

Total

457

356

101

2005

County

Total

Male

Female

Carlow

8

6

2

Cavan

11

10

1

Clare

15

12

3

Cork

53

46

7

Donegal

12

9

3

Dublin

101

79

22

Galway

26

20

6

Kerry

12

8

4

Kildare

19

17

2

Kilkenny

7

6

1

Laois

6

6

0

Leitrim

6

5

1

Limerick

16

13

3

Longford

4

3

1

Louth

7

6

1

Mayo

11

10

1

Monaghan

10

9

1

Meath

13

11

2

Offaly

8

6

2

Roscommon

5

4

1

Sligo

3

2

1

Tipperary

23

20

3

Waterford

13

10

3

Westmeath

12

10

2

Wexford

13

12

1

Wicklow

17

13

4

Total

431

353

78

Source: Central Statistics Office.

The number of registered suicides by age for each of the years 2002 to 2005 is as follows:

Age Group

2002

2003

2004

2005

1-4

0

0

0

0

5-14

3

4

2

3

15-24

105

112

93

80

25-34

127

91

94

94

35-44

77

107

98

90

45-54

74

80

79

80

55-64

52

63

61

44

65-74

28

23

21

29

75+

12

17

9

11

Total

478

497

457

431

Source: Central Statistics Office

In relation to the other information requested by the Deputy, I have asked the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to investigate the matter and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

78 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application in full of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on a delay in introducing all provisions of the Act. [27303/06]

The Mental Health Act 2001 provides a modern framework within which people who have a mental disorder and require treatment or protection can be cared for and treated. It puts in place mechanisms by which the standards, care and treatment in mental health services can be monitored, inspected and regulated. Sections 1 to 5, 7 and 31 to 55 inclusive were commenced on the 5 April 2002. The commencement of the other sections of the Act was delayed due to protracted negotiations with the consultants' representative bodies which concluded earlier this year. My Department, the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive are preparing for the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act which will take place later this year.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

79 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information on the incidence of tuberculosis in each of the past 10 years; the number of isolation beds available for public patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and their location; and if there are guidelines or protocols in place in respect of the treatment of such patients in order to minimise the possibility of spreading the disease. [27348/06]

The incidence of TB in Ireland has declined dramatically since its peak at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) monitors rates of TB in Ireland on an ongoing basis and identifies any increases in rates or clusters of the disease. According to data provided by the HPSC TB notifications in Ireland between 1991 and 2003 are as shown in the following table.

Year

Number of TB Notifications

1991

640

1992

604

1993

598

1994

524

1995

458

1996

434

1997

416

1998

424

1999

469

2000

395

2001

381

2002

408

2003

407

2004

437

*Figures for 2004 are provisional.

The Health Service Executive has advised that there are 3 negative pressure rooms fully operational at St James's since 2 April 2006. They have also advised that the development of additional beds will be dealt with as a priority item in the context of the Capital Programme for 2007.

The Health Act 1947 and the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (as amended) provide the legislative basis for the control of infectious diseases, including Tuberculosis (TB), in Ireland. My Department's strategy in relation to the prevention and treatment of TB is guided by the recommendations of the "Report of the Working Party on Tuberculosis" (1996) which covers a wide range of issues including epidemiology, surveillance, screening, preventative therapy, clinical management and laboratory diagnosis. Responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive. As recommended in the Report, a permanent committee — the National Tuberculosis Committee — was established to advise on a detailed strategy for the control and management of TB. The Committee meets when necessary to review all relevant issues.

Child Care Services.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

80 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application for grant aid for Montessori preschool by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27358/06]

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 National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 referred to by the Deputy, I understand the person in question submitted an application for funding recently through Westmeath County Childcare Committee.

I understand from enquiries I have made that this application for funding has been received by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd. who administer the Programme. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal 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, before a decision is made regarding funding and the applicant in question will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

81 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a service (details supplied) was discontinued in County Mayo; when this service was last provided; the plans of the Health Service Executive to reintroduce this service; her plans to introduce a national screening programme in view of the obvious benefits of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27372/06]

I wish to see the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model and in line with international best practice. Significant preparatory work is well under way involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. An additional €9m is available to the Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out.

As part of my response to the Strategy for Cancer Control, I recently announced my intention to establish a National Cancer Screening Board to amalgamate BreastCheck and the ICSP to deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

The Deputy's questions in relation to services in Co. Mayo relate to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are currently 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 matters raised.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

82 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an audit into the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible or otherwise by the Health Service Executive for orthodontic treatment; her plans to review the assessment process in order that people who are dissatisfied with the initial assessment could get a second opinion from another orthodontic consultant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27369/06]

The Deputy's question regarding the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment 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 aim of my Department is to promote the development of the treatment capacity of orthodontics in a sustainable way over the longer term. Given the potential level of demand for orthodontic services, the provision of those services will continue to be based on prioritisation of cases based on treatment need — as happens under the existing guidelines. These guidelines were issued in 1985 and are intended to enable the Health Service Executive, to identify in a consistent way those in greatest need and to commence timely treatment for them. My Department has no plans at present to review these guidelines.

Non-Governmental Agencies.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

83 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the non-governmental agencies or organisations her Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to her Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of her Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27380/06]

In total, 203 applications for National Lottery Funds were received by my Department in 2004, of which 105 applications were not approved. €3.631m was paid out by my Department under the National Lottery discretionary grant scheme in 2004. Details of the amounts paid by my Department to each organisation are set out in the following table.

TABLE 1

Organisation

Paid 2004

Project

Age Action Ireland Ltd., Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2

43,791

Towards the cost of Positive Ageing Week

Aisling Group/Bradan Day Programme, Navan, Co. Meathg

50,000

Towards the cost of sustaining the services provided at Bradan House by two full-time staff

Alpha One Foundation, RCSI Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9

20,000

Towards the cost of the Second International Congress for Patients, Dublin, 8-10 October 2004

Alzheimer Day and Home Care, Adare, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of a conservatory extension; development of the garden and a new office for the home care supervisor

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Mid West Region), Limerick

40,000

Towards the cost of replacement of the minibus/ambulance

Askea Day Care Centre, Askea, Carlow

150,000

Towards the cost of providing a day care centre for elderly and providing support facilities for people with multiple sclerosis

The Association for Severely and Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

62,202

Towards the cost of the summer scheme in August 2004 for 25 special class pupils of St. Paul’s Special Class, Montenotte, Cork

Asthma Society of Ireland, Eden Quay, Dublin 1

9,306

Towards the cost of a nationwide survey of second level schools to gauge the incidence and awareness of asthma

Aware, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the helpline service to include an e-mail response facility for those in need of help and support

Ballincollig Senior Citizens Club Ltd. t/a Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of various programmes and projects

Ballinlough Community Association, Cork

30,000

Towards the cost of the refurbishment of the meals on wheels kitchen to meet the current health and safety standards; the fitting of a smoke system; and painting of the hall

Ballybane Active Retirement Association, Galway

5,000

Towards various costs

The Bereaved by Suicide Foundation, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of ongoing operational costs for the national suicide helpline and counselling service

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of the transport of service users

Cahir Day Care Centre Ltd., Cahir, Co. Tipperary

50,000

Towards the cost of the completion of the day care centre buillding

Cappoquin & District Community Day Care Association, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

8,248

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the centre

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the 13th annual conference

Carnew Community Centre, Carnew, Co. Wicklow

100,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day centre

Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare

60,000

Towards the cost of an 18-20 seater, wheelchair accessible bus

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

60,000

Towards the cost of the construction of a lift shaft and stairs at the north side of the building to provide access to the first floor in order to refurbish same

Castlelyons Community Centre Management Committee, Fermoy, Co. Cork

6,000

Towards the cost of the conversion of an old sweet shop and office into a family room/sitting room

Centre for Disability Studies, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4

5,000

Towards the cost of a multidisciplinary entry-level text aimed at professionals, students and advocates involved in intellectural disabilities

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Charleville, Co. Cork

63,000

Towards the cost of the provision of a new catering kitchen, a general meeting/activity room and a dining room

Clarecare, Ennis, Co. Clare

35,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day care centre building in Miltown Malbay

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of printing 4,000 copies each of 10 information leaflets

Clifton Convalescent Home, Montenotte, Cork

140,000

Towards the cost of updating the existing facilities and infrastructure to facilitate male patients

Club 91, Cloncallow, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

4,000

Towards the cost of the weekly running of the club, payment of rent, insurance, bus fares, outings and the purchase of equipment

Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd., Co. Cork

54,024

Towards the cost of the purchase of a bus that includes a lift which is suitable to transport the elderly to and from the social satellite

The Counselling Centre, Fr. Matthew Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of services for clients who are on prescribed medication because of difficulties in dealing with depression or anxiety

Cystinosis Foundation Ireland (CFI), Blackrock, Co, Dublin

30,000

Towards the cost of the research project to be undertaken at the University of Aberdeen to synthesise, characterise and biologically evaluate novel pro drugs for the treatment of cystinosis

Department of Medical Gerontology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of the William Stokes Summer School on Medical Gerontology

Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Tralee, Co. Kerry

13,000

Towards the set-up costs of the Southwest Regional Resource and Information Centre

Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxboro Senior Citizens Club, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick

4,000

Towards various costs

Drumcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

50,000

Towards the cost of a separate sitting room for the gentlemen

Drumcor and Community Active Age Group, Cavan, Co. Cavan

50,000

Towards the cost of the provision and installation of full kitchen facilities

Dublin Aids Alliance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1

6,500

Towards the cost of production and distribution of information cards and a 2004 calendar/date book

Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

1,880

Towards the cost of bowling mats

Dun Laoghaire Lions Club, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

5,500

Towards the purchase of ECG machines in aid of St. Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire

Elphin Social Services Ltd., Elphin, Co. Roscommon

20,000

Towards the purchase of a 15 seater mini-bus

Enniscorthy Branch of the Irish Red Cross, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the purchase of a new ambulance

Eurochild Internatinal Project (CWPC Ltd.), MacCurtain Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of providing workshops for children to allow them to focus on alternatives to video games and TV

Family Life Centre, St. Brigid’s, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

20,000

Towards the cost of financing and subsidising the various programmes on an ongoing basis

Finglas Old Folks Group, Cappagh Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11

2,000

Towards the cost of a large TV and DVD for the centre

Friends of Ennistymon Hospital, Lahinch, Co. Clare

50,000

Towards the cost of rebuilding toilet/bathroom block; develop new units to health and safety standards in female wards; installation of invalid assisted equipment

Froends of St. Anthony’s Hospital, c/o Dunmanway Community Hospital, Co. Cork

68,500

Towards the cost of an Alzheimer’s garden unit

Friends of St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of (a) the structure of an additional support unit to the hospital and (b) the provision of a designated dayroom in unit 6

Friends of St. Patrick’s Hospital, St. Patrick’s Hospital, John Hill, Waterford

100,000

Towards the cost of the erection of day ward facilities in 30 bed extended care unit

Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association, Togher, Cork, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of the quarterly journal and maintenance of the website

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the specialist conference on 24th-26th November 2005, “Schools Based Intervention in Crisis Management and Suicide Prevention”

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

10,000

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Cancer Society, Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

150,000

Towards the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organisations to be hosted in Dublin from 17th to 19th November 2004

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Model Farm Road, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of a strategic review of the organisations activities and a process of investigation and study into tailoring services to encompass other disabilities

Irish Kidney Association, Park West, Dublin 12

175,000

Towards the cost of a donor public awareness campaign including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

120,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament

Irish Senior Citizens parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

5,000

Towards the cost of the Irish co-ordination of the transnational EU project

Kilteely-Dromkeen Housing Association, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick

9,500

Towards the cost of the installation of automatic entrance doors in the day care centre

Kolbe Pre-School, Portarlington, Co. Laois

27,913

Towards the cost of a playground

League of Friends of St. Camillus Hospital, Ennis Road, Limerick

30,000

Towards the cost of adaption of reception — canopy — or extension of reception area

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Ballinacurra, Co. Limerick

22,000

Towards outgoing costs

Longford Active Retirement Association, Longford, Co. Longford

2,000

Towards the ongoing development of cultural, educational and sporting activities

Lusk Community Unit for Older People, Station Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin

10,000

Towards the cost of (a) art therapy and (b) restaurant/social evening venue

Marino and District Community Centre Ltd., Marino, Dublin 3

20,000

Towards the cost of equipping and furnishing the new community centre/Carleton Hall

Mayo Cancer Support Association, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

50,000

Towards the cost of building a two storey extension

Mental Health Ireland, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

80,000

Towards the cost of (a) information resources (b) research (c) education and (d) policy development

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Artane, Dublin 5

50,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and associated facilities as required by ECAHB and HACCP

Mitchelstown Senior Citizens Project Ltd., Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

46,000

Towards the cost of replacing the existing bus

Moore Community Council Ltd., Balldangan, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

10,000

Towards the cost of a general upgrade of facilities associated with the elderly

Mother McAuley Centre, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

120,000

Towards the cost of extending the existing facility in order to cater for the long waiting list

National Leisure Council of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

20,000

Towards the cost of educating young people on alcohol and drug abuse

North Eastern Health Board-ERRHA-Aspire-IAA-Social Communication Research Programme, Drogheda, Co. Louth

80,000

Towards the cost of Part II of the 2 year project to develop a computerised social skills programme

Networking Dublin 15 Ltd., Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

2,000

Towards the cost of a parenting course for eight participants who are in recovery from addiction and are single parents

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

10,000

Towards the cost of the wellness programme

Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

21,000

Towards the purchase of an eight-seater minibus to enable teachers to take children out of school to pursue educational opportunities

Parke Community Centre Committe, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

19,000

Towards the cost of providing a heating system for the centre

Portumna Social Services, Portumna, Co. Galway

48,000

Towards the cost of the replacement of mini-bus

Raheen Hospital Support Group, Raheen, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the construction of an extension to the day centre

Raphoe Friday Club, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

5,000

Towards the cost of continuing the service

Resource Centre of St. Vincent de Paul, Marino, Dublin 3

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide regular meetings

Roscrea Active Retirement Association, Ballystanley, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

2,000

Towards defraying the cost of hiring buses for monthly outings

The Rosses Neighbourhood Youth Project (Donegal), Dungloe, Co. Donegal

4,800

Towards the cost of an intensive support programme for young people who have been referred by the Gardaí

Serenity Active Retirement Association, Moville, Co. Donegal

6,000

Towards the cost of tutor fees

Soroptimist International Club, Rochestown, Cork

6,750

Towards the cost of completing the publication, outlining the voluntary work accomplished by Soroptimists over the last 50 years in Cork City in the areas of culture, public speaking, literacy, the elderly and those with special needs

South Meath Alcohol and Substance Misuse Response, Trim, Co. Meath

1,000

Towards the cost of a public information/education night on 31st March 2004 for parents in the Trim and South Meath communities

South Westmeath Rural Transport Association, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

15,600

Towards the cost of transport for citizens in the area of South Roscommon on a minimum of two routes on a weekly basis

Special Olympics Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

80,000

Towards the cost of the Healthy Athlete Programme

St. Christopher’s Services Ltd., Battery Road, Longford

34,500

Towards the cost of providing 1 multi-purpose vehicle for seven day community residence at Parkside Community Residence, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

St. Gabriel’s Parish Resource Centre, Dollymount, Dublin 3

25,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of assembly hall and stage area; essential rewiring and the provision of furniture

St. John Ambulance Brigade, Southern Command, Richmond Hill, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of replacing an ambulance

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

10,663

Towards the purchase of snoezelen equipment

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Carthage’s Conference, Lismore, Co. Waterford

5,000

Towards the cost of purchasing wheelchairs and walking aids

Summerhill Active Retirement Group Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

30,000

Towards the cost of assisting with the ongoing running costs/services, activities and programmes delivered by the Third Age Centre

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Towards the cost of retaining a driver for the Millennium Bus

Tang Golden Years Club, Tang, Ballymahon, Co. Westmeath

3,000

Towards the cost of providing a social outlet for the elderly in the form of training courses

Templemore Active Retirement Association, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

4,000

Towards alleviating the costs associated with the running of the organisation

Templemore Community Social Service, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

50,843

Towards the cost of work to be undertaken to bring the day care centre within the fire and safety regulations

Tolka River Project, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

3,000

Towards the cost of parenting skills course

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, Ballindine, Co. Mayo

120,000

Towards the cost of updating equipment in the new respite home in Athenry; and developing and securing the garden

Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

30,000

Towards the cost of running the annual music/activity camp

TOTAL

3,631,000

This figure represented 1.2% of my the Department's gross 2004 Vote. In total, 206 applications for National Lottery Funds were received by my Department in 2005, of which 99 were not approved. €3.727m was paid out by my Department under the National Lottery discretionary grant scheme in 2005. Details of amount paid to each organisation are set out in the following table.

TABLE 2

Organisation

Paid 2005

Project

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Coolock, Dublin 17

8,225

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and towards equipment

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dún Laoghaire)

50,000

Towards the cost of financial support for carers, volunteers and staff to attend the Alzheimer Europe Conference in June 2005

Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge, Coolock

2,000

Towards the cost of the new pamphlet printing expenses

The Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland Ltd, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of hosting the Joyce-Lacan symposium in Dublin Castle in June 2005

Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists (IEC), Ranelagh, Dublin 6

20,000

To fund a joint academic meeting in January 2006 with the UK Association of Clinical Embryologists and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

Association of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of outreach health promotion to refugee youths

Autism West Limited, Galway

50,000

Towards the cost of renovating and upgrading existing properties for provision of service to persons with autism, both day and residential

Best Buddies Ireland, KARE Industrial Estate, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of developing a national outreach programme

Bodywhys, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

15,600

Towards the cost of design and printing of 2 booklets: “Families coping with Eating Disorders” and “Binge Eating Disorders”.

Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

2,500

Towards the cost of distributing the Teachers Information Pack to all primary school teachers in Ireland

Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of the “Wednesday” Club

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

40,000

Towards the cost of the 14th National Respite Weekend and Conference for Family Carers

Caring for Carers Limerick Branch, John Street, Limerick

60,000

Towards the cost of increasing the nurse-led clinic from two half-days per week for five half-days per week

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

42,000

Towards the cost of 20 extra low beds as part of the Fall Prevention Strategy

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

47,670

Towards the cost of upgrading the facilities to meet fire safety standards

Castlebridge, Community Centre, Castlebride, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the cost of maintaining the centre

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary

6,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide a weekly programme

Cobh Youth Services Ltd, Cobh, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide current activities and towards employing a tutor for music lessons

The Coeliac Society of Ireland, Nth. Brunswick, Street, Dublin 7

30,000

Towards the cost of compiling, printing and mailing a book of gluten free manufactured products for members

Coiste Aosach na nOileán, Lettermore, Co. Galway

40,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair friendly minibus

Common Purpose, 31-35 Bow Street, Dublin 7

2,100

Towards the cost of enabling interpreters for 4 pupils from Transition Year at St. Mary’s School for Deaf Girls in Cabra to take part in a conference on Young People and Citizenship on 30 November 2005 in the Axis Theatre, Ballymun

Community Awareness of Drugs, Dame Court, Dublin 2

4,000

Towards the cost of delivering educational programmes on drugs

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation)

100,000

Towards the National Suicide Crisis and Counselling Service

Cork Counselling Services Ltd., Fr. Matthew Street, Cork

80,000

Towards the cost of counselling services

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, Bruree, Co. Limerick

55,000

Towards the cost of (a) the construction of a multi-disciplinary jobskills/training facility (b) the construction of a horticulture job skills/training facility incorporating polytunnels, potting shed, storage and seeding beds (c) the construction of a potato storage facility and (d) the installation and laying of new mains foul sewerage from Cuan Mhuire, Treatment Centre to the village of Bruree, to connect to the main sewerage system

Cuidiu — Irish Childbirth Trust, Ashford, Co. Wicklow

6,000

Towards the cost of training for ante-natal teacher in North Wicklow branch

Dóchas Family Centre, Clondalkin

36,000

Towards the cost of transport — a 9 seater VW Shuttle

Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre, Dublin 5

2,500

Towards a course on healthy eating, basic food preparation skills, cooking on a low budget and promoting a balanced diet

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,000

Towards the cost of providing information on Downs Syndrome to new parents, students, medical/teaching professionals and the general public

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,300

Towards the cost of a survey on services provided to young adults with Downs Syndrome

Drogheda Community Services, Co. Louth

100,000

Towards the cost of building a purpose built non-medical day care centre for older people, adjacent to a geriatric hospital and a medical day centre for older people

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

12,000

Towards the cost of a conference to be held in the National College of Ireland on 10th October 2005

Dún Laoghaire Lions Club

9,000

Towards matching the contribution from the annual golf classic in aid of the purchase of essential equipment for the intensive care unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire

Embrace, The Lough, Cork

70,000

Towards the cost of a summer scheme for children with a severe or profound learning disability, who are pupils of the special classes in St. Paul’s School, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

The Endometriosis Association of Ireland, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

6,624

Towards the cost of a salary for a part-time employee to deal with requests and queries on a day-to-day basis

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of “Healthy City Topics” workshops

Family Ministry, Paul Street, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of “The Seedling Project 05/06” which is a peer group grief support programme for 12-18 year olds who have been bereaved by the loss of a parent

Finglas Senior Help Line, Finglas West, Dublin 11

5,000

Towards the cost of the Help Line

Foynes & District Community Council Ltd, Foynes, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of providing a lift in the community centre to allow wheelchair access to 2nd floor amenities for senior citizens and wheelchair users

Frenchpark Community Playgroup, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of a 17 seater minibus

The Friends of St. Patrick’s Association, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

20,935

Towards the cost of a 7/9 seater vehicle adapted to carry wheelchair dependent residents

Galway Travellers Support Group, Prospect Hill, Galway

25,000

Towards the cost of fitting out the premises already accessed in Galway City to meet the growing needs of the project

Glin Homes for the Elderly Ltd, Tullyglass, Glin, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of the purchase of a mini-bus

Grow in Ireland, Swords, Co. Dublin

15,000

Towards office set-up costs and expansion of services in the region

Hooked, Salthill, Galway

1,000

Towards the cost of audio-visual equipment for use in information campaign

Irish Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association, Cork City

3,000

Towards the continued on-going development of the Association; maintenance of the website; continued communication to a wider audience through the journal; and providing courses for practitioners.

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the “Suicide and Masculinity” conference in December 2005

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

7,500

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Chronic Pain Association, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

4,500

Towards the cost of the upgrade of computer equipment and ancillaries

Irish Family Planning Association Limited, Amiens Street, Dublin 1

7,500

Towards the cost of purchasing an ultrasound machine

Irish Gerontological Society, c/o Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of an academic policy seminar in the Royal Irish Academy

Irish Haemochromatosis Association, Rathgar, Dublin 6

25,000

Towards the cost of designing and printing information booklets, posters and stationery

Irish Kidney Association

500,000

Towards the cost of the donor public awareness campaign, including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file.

Irish Kidney Association

50,000

Towards the cost of training, accommodation and travel for 40 organ transplant patients to Ontario, Canada for 9 days to represent Ireland at the World Transplant Games 2005

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

140,000

Towards the cost of improving, maintaining and expanding the equipment bank

Irish Progressive Association for Autism, Bessborough, Cork

23,000

Towards the cost of summer camps, seminars, an awareness campaign for an assistance dog programme for autistic children, an expanded library service, office equipment and an alternative therapies programme

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society, Foxrock, Dublin 18

13,500

Towards the cost of a diagnostic nailbed capillaroscopy system for diagnosis of scleroderma

Irish Red Cross (Leenane/Haam Branch), Co. Galway

6,000

Towards the cost of purchasing and equipping an ambulance

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

140,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament and to provide for an improvement in its ability to respond to policy initiatives

Irish Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases, Ballyneety, Co. Limerick

28,000

Towards the cost of a national medical conference bringing together affected people, their families and experts to offer advice and support

Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

30,000

Towards the Society’s running costs

JADD Projects Ltd, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of paying for a qualified childcare supervisor to supervise children of clients who are attending JADD for treatment and/or personal development courses

Johnny — Gay Peer Action Group, Outhouse, 105 Capel Streeet, Dublin 1

3,000

Towards the cost of producing new publications and further developing the website

Kerry Hospice Foundation, c/o Tralee General Hospital, Tralee, Co. Kerry

100,000

Towards the cost of the palliative care day unit

Kerry Mental Health Association, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of setting up a day care centre for people with mental health needs

Killahan School Pre-School Autism Unit, Tralee, Co. Kerry

15,000

Towards the cost of equipping the Snoozelen Room

Knockanure Development Association, Listowel, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of restoring the old school house and converting it to a centre for the community

Laharn Community Action Group Ltd, Mallow, Co. Cork

4,500

Towards the cost of converting the old school house at Laharn into a Community, Cultural and Heritage Centre for the use of community and other local organisations

Leitrim Lifestart, Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim

15,000

Towards the cost of establishing a Lifestart initiative in North Leitrim

Lifestart National Office, Church Street, Sligo

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the service nationally and to train staff in quality assurance in order to deliver a quality service to parents and children

Longford Community Resources, Longford

40,000

Towards the cost of establishing a county based youth service for Longford

Mallow Social Services Council

45,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Center’s roof

Mead Day Care Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13

20,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Center’s roof

Meningitis Trust, Bray, Co. Wicklow

16,750

Towards the cost of publishing the Early Years Guide

Mental Health Association, Loughrea, Co. Galway

28,000

Towards the purchase of a mini-bus

Mental Health Association, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

57,000

Towards the purchase of developing mental health education resources for use with primary school children

Mna Feasa, Women’s Domestic Violence Project, Knocknaheeny, Cork

15,600

Towards the cost of providing 2 hours of group counselling per week for 12 women at a subsidised rate

Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

12,000

Towards the cost of evaluating the “Music in Healthcare” programme

National Infertility Support and Information Group, Togher, Cork

20,000

Towards the 10th Anniversary conference in 2006

Newtown/Donadea Senior Citizens Group, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

6,000

Towards the cost of providing transport to and from the community centre

Oak House Resource Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois

4,000

Towards the cost of a computer project for adult service users with an intellectual disability

One in Four, Holles Street, Dublin 2

100,000

Towards the cost of funding the existing psychotherapy and advocacy programme

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of the Therapies Programme

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballsbridge Unit)

140,000

Towards the cost of replacement ambulances

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballinrobe Unit)

60,000

Towards the cost of building a headquarters

Outhouse Ltd, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1

70,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the premises

Pre-School for Travellers, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

6,799

Towards the cost of developing an outdoor play area

Samaritans (Limerick/Tipperary) Branch

8,020

Towards the cost of a new telephone system and new computer for e-mail support

Schizophrenia Ireland, 38 Blessington Street, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of Relatives Weekend with a mixture of educational, respite and leisure activities for relatives who are carers of people with severe mental illness

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s, South Hill, Delvin, Co. Westmeath

15,000

Towards the cost of developing an IT and multi-media room

Social Communications Research Programme Ltd, Trim, Co. Meath

80,000

Towards the cost of development of a manual, DVD and computerised social skills programme and to provide training to metal health and educational professionals for adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

Southhill Family Resource Centre, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

7,000

Towards the cost of bioresonance-testing and appropriate remedies, psychology, based on guided introspection, mediation and relaxation classes and Indian head massage.

St. Andrew’s Centre, Greenhills Road, Dublin 12

15,000

Towards the running costs of the centre

St. Helena’s Women’s Awareness Group, St. Helena’s Family Resource Centre, St. Helena’s Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

11,577

Towards the cost of installing a chairlift for individuals with mobility issues in order to allow access to the four training rooms on the upper levels

St. John’s House of Rest, Merrion Road, Dublin 4

55,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the building and facilities

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane, Co. Dublin

11,000

Towards the cost of a treadmill and stationary bicycle for the gymnasium

St. Mary’s Community Benefit Fund, Richmond Hill, Rathmines, Dublin 6

35,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair accessible ambulance

St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group, Wheaton Hall, Drogheda

2,000

Towards the cost of maintaining and improving the programme

St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Club, Corbally Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of acquiring new equipment

Summer Fund 2005 — Camp, c/o St. Brigid’s School, Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

2,000

Towards the cost of a week-long summer camp

Tallaght Community Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24

5,000

Towards the puppetry and play project which focuses on the issue of obesity

Thursday Club Clarina, Clarina, Co. Limerick

10,000

Towards the cost of running bingo and other activities, and health talks and demonstrations by health professionals

Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler Group, Westport, Co. Mayo

2,000

Towards the cost of purchasing equipment and toys

Tralee Refugee Support Services, Tralee, Co. Kerry

10,000

Towards the cost of providing a family support service for locally resident asylum seekers and refugees

Volunteer Stroke Scheme, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

4,000

Towards the cost of an annual holidary

Westgate Foundation, Westgate West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

60,000

Towards the cost of services and projects

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

100,000

Towards the cost of clearing the outstanding balance on the capital cost of the loan for Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry, Co. Galway

Total

3,727,200

This figure represented approximately 1.1% of my Department's gross 2005 Vote.

To date in 2006, 181 applications for National Lottery funding have been received by my Department. 24 of these applications have been assessed of which 7 have not been approved. The remainder of the applications have been issued to the relevant line divisions for assessment and on receipt of their recommendations I will make a decision with regard to the provision of funding in the case of each application. €1.544m has been paid out by my Department to date in 2006 under the National Lottery discretionary scheme. Details of the amount paid to each organisation are set out in the following table.

TABLE 3

Organisation

Paid 2006

Project

Brú Columbanus, Cardinal Way, Bishopstown, Cork City

50,000

Towards operational costs for the running of the project in 2006

Cáirde, 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1

15,000

Towards the cost of a national conference for black and ethnic minority community organisations and the launch of the national ethnic minority health forum at the conference

Calry Select Vestry/Catacombs Project, Calry Rectory, The Mall, Sligo

100,000

Towards the cost of the installation of a lift

Cancer Fund Donegal Town Limited, Ardeskin, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

100,000

Towards the cost of the construction of a building

Clondalkin Partnership, Camac House, Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

109,210

Towards the cost of the Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Project (EBD)

Community of Lough Arrow Social Project, Gleann Communtiy Centre, Drumnacool via Boyle, Co. Sligo

20,000

Towards the cost of CLASP community transport

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation), All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

50,000

Towards the cost of establishing a professional counselling support service in the Clondalkin area of Dublin for those bereaved through suicide and those who are suicidal

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

60,000

Towards the cost of four independent units as an extension to the Centre

Embury Close Sheltered Housing, Rathkeale Road, Adare, Co. Limerick

30,000

Towards the fitting out costs for the Club House

Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P.O. Box 6602, Dublin 8

10,000

Towards the cost of the first national conference on 20th May 2006

Friends of Clonakilty Day Care Centre, Hospital Grounds, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of the extension and refusbishment of the day care centre

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, Dublin 12

550,000

Towards the cost of a donor public awareness campaign including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, 90 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

175,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament and to provide for an improvement in its ability to respond to policy initiatives

Nova Helpline Ltd., Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7

100,000

Towards the cost of the helpline

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

15,000

Towards the cost of an evaluation/audit of the services provided from the Third Age Centre

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Towards the cost of a one day seminar which aims to raise awareness of the range of opportunities that can and should be available to older people

Thurles Lions Trust Housing Association Limited, c/o Neil J. Butler & Co. Solicitors, Friar Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

100,000

Towards the fit-out costs for a 14 bed sheltered residential complex at Gortataggart, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Total

1,544,210

€3.815m has been allocated to my Department in 2006 in respect of the National Lottery discretionary grant scheme. This figure represents 1% of my Department gross 2006 Vote.

In general, applications for National Lottery funding received in my Department are not successful for three main reasons: they relate to projects closely associated with the delivery of health services, thereby more appropriate to the HSE; they relate to projects that are non-health related and more appropriate to other Government Departments; and following assessment of applications by the relevant line divisions of my Department they are not prioritised for funding in the context of the limited National Lottery funding allocated to my Department.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

84 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Health Service Executive do everything possible to bring forward the date for the invitation of tenders for phase 3C of Naas General Hospital from its present target date of the last quarter of 2006 in view of the continuing problems with patients on trolleys in Naas General Hospital accident and emergency. [27394/06]

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 Screening Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

85 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing the information sought under Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 8 November 2005. [27396/06]

BreastCheck in conjunction with my Department is preparing an estimate of the costs of extending the breast screening programme nationally to women over the age of 64. My Department expects to be in a position by the end of this month to forward the information requested by the Deputy.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

86 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a response to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 11 May 2006. [27397/06]

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a reply to the Deputy on the 18th May, 2006, in relation to Question No. 98.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

87 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason additional opticians are not being hired to reduce the waiting times for eye tests for children in Maynooth Health Centre, which stands at 12 months and Naas Health Centre, which stands at 11 months, in view of the fact that the public service recruitment embargo does not affect the health service and that the waiting time in Newbridge Health Centre is only three months and the recent exercise in improving administrative efficiency in the optical service has increased waiting times. [27399/06]

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.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

88 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that due to imposition of staff ceilings in 2003 the community speech and language therapy service in Kildare and West Wicklow were advised that all vacant posts were frozen and that no recruitment could take place, despite her assurance that recruitment in the public health service is not affected by the public sector recruitment embargo, and as a result of this the service is short 14 additional therapists and the waiting time for assessment for speech and language therapy is now 20 months; and the action she intends to take regarding this service which is now at collapsing point. [27402/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

152 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will address the shortage of speech and language therapists (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27750/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 152 together.

Let me say at the outset that there is no embargo on the recruitment of staff in the public health service. Nor does my Department set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of its management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities, including speech and language therapy services. I have consistently emphasised the importance of prioritising the filling of front line vacancies in complying with approved employment levels. I have also emphasised the need to achieve an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical posts.

Approved employment levels for the health service have been adjusted since 2002 in line with Government policy on public sector employment and also to take account of specific policy measures aimed at increasing service levels. My Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive to agree revisions to the health service employment ceiling to take account of service developments, including disability services.

A priority for the HSE in 2006 is to increase service provision in the area of multi-disciplinary supports to meet obligations to children with developmental delay, in the home, in the community and in other appropriate settings. The investment package will facilitate the recruitment of up to 200 extra therapists, particularly speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Due to the current limited supply of these grades it is acknowledged that in the short term recruitment from overseas will be required. The HSE has put in place a project plan for this.

In regard to the recruitment of speech and language therapists generally, the Deputies will be pleased to note that the Health Service Personnel Census shows a total of 596 wholetime equivalent (WTE) staff at end March, 2006. This represents an increase of 315 WTE staff or 112% since end December, 1997. The number of training places in speech and language therapy has increased by 300% since 2001.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

89 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of times a general practitioner, a nurse, a physiotherapist and a chiropodist have been in attendance at the weekly clinic in Carbury in the 26 weeks since 1 January 2006. [27408/06]

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.

Care of the Elderly.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

90 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the primary, community and continuing care directorate of the Health Service Executive have concluded their assessment of long term care needs of older people; and if their recommendations will include the provision of additional public nursing homes. [27429/06]

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.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

91 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Kildare as of 30 June 2006. [27430/06]

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.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

92 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there has been progress in identifying a site for the new ambulance base in Maynooth, County Kildare, funding for which is provided in the 2006 Health Service Executive capital programme. [27431/06]

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

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

93 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of children who suffered irreversible damage to their teeth, gums and faces following the cessation of the orthodontic regional training programmes in 1999 and before their treatment resumed; the number of those children wore orthodontic appliances without the appropriate supervision for a year or longer; if the parents of those children were informed that their children had been damaged; the measures which have been taken to rectify the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27433/06]

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.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

94 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is currently no audiologist in County Mayo to test hearing for the elderly; when one will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27438/06]

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.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

95 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will encourage BreastCheck to outsource this essential service in order to save women’s lives in view of the fact that breast cancer is a terrible killer, that health care apartheid exists here, that 260 more women will die needlessly in the west and south before BreastCheck is up and running and that she has stated that it is not possible to get an alternative venue to carry out these essential checks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27441/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

140 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will become available to women in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27737/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

169 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be available to patients from the Waterford constituency. [27863/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 140 and 169 together.

A breast screening programme is a complex multidisciplinary undertaking that requires considerable expertise and management involving population registers, call/recall systems, mammography, pathology and appropriate treatment and follow up. A programme must be quality assured and acceptable to women who attend for screening. The first phase of the programme is of a high quality and a similar quality in the West and South is essential.

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 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; both will take up their positions later this year. Both are currently undergoing additional training in relation to their roles as Clinical Director. BreastCheck will begin recruiting Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons and Consultant Histopathologists for both centres this week.

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 short-listing applicants to construct its two 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.

Any proposal received by BreastCheck to support the roll out of its screening programme will be carefully examined to assess the extent to which it complies with existing standards. BreastCheck recently conducted an evaluation of a proposal from a private screening service and concluded that the clinic in question would not be in a position to provide a screening programme in line with BreastCheck standards.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

96 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department will release €400,000 necessary funds to advance a nursing home in Ballinrobe, County Mayo to the design and planning stage, in view of the fact that development of such a project is being discussed with her Department since 1971; if she will agree that it is a priority case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27442/06]

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.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

97 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department will evaluate the need for a wet hostel in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27444/06]

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

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

98 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a rheumatology department will be established at Mayo General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27449/06]

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.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

99 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on establishing or funding a missing persons helpline in order to provide a much needed communication service for missing persons, their families, and people with information on the whereabouts of the missing persons in view of the number of missing persons that suffer from some form of psychological illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27487/06]

Whilst I acknowledge that a number of missing persons may suffer from mental illness, the establishment or funding of services for missing persons, their families and people with information on their whereabouts is not a matter for my Department. I understand that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will consider any applications for the funding of such services.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

100 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a registration system in order to regulate the chiropractic profession and provide protection from unqualified practitioners for the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27488/06]

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for the following health and social care professionals — clinical biochemists, dietitians, medical scientists, occupational therapists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, radiographers, social care workers, social workers and speech and language therapists.

Section 4 of the Act provides for the inclusion, by Regulation, of additional professions in the proposed system of statutory registration. This section also sets out the criteria the Minister shall have regard to in considering the designation of further professions under the Act. It would be a matter for the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, in the first instance, to advise the Minister on whether a profession should be regarded as a health and social care profession and be considered for regulation under the Act. I favour the programmed and orderly inclusion of additional health and social care professionals in this new statutory framework and I will consider the case in relation to chiropractors in that light.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

101 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received representations, oral or written, or has been approached on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the action she took, or the advice she gave, oral or written in relation to same; the outcome of such advice or actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27489/06]

Oral representations were made to me on behalf of a person (details supplied) in Co. Wexford. An Adviser was requested to establish where spinal stimulation could be made available. The Spinal Cord Stimulation Budget at the Department of Anaesthetics of St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin was accessed, as was the service of an appropriate consultant. This is part of a public pain service paid for by the State.

Cancer Incidence.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

102 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the type of cancers that people have in each of the district electoral divisions in the city of Dublin; the incidence of each type of cancer in each DED; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27490/06]

Statistics in relation to cancer incidence are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the Director of the Registry to examine this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Official Engagements.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

103 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 28 June 2006, if she has fixed a date to visit Wexford; if not, if she will be visiting Wexford General hospital in the next three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27491/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I will be visiting Wexford on Monday 10th July 2006 and it is my intention to visit Wexford General Hospital as part of my official itinerary that day.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

104 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action which is proposed to reinstate the home heating works undertaken under the aegis of the Health Service Executive in the provision of heating facilities in the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under the special home refurbishment scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the professional opinion to the effect that the works involved are a health and safety risk, that part of facilities exploded and that the dwelling has no heating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27492/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

105 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the process in the selection of a site for the new acute hospital in the north east; the timetable proposed; if submissions can be made by the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27510/06]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to a recommendation contained in a report by consultants who were engaged by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to undertake a review of acute hospital services in the former North Eastern Health Board area. The review, which commenced in March 2006, has recently been completed and the report has been considered by the Board of the HSE. It concludes that the present system, where five local hospitals deliver acute care to relatively small populations, is exposing patients to increased risks, that it is not serving the community well and is not sustainable. The consultants believe that there is an unprecedented opportunity over the next 10 years to develop a very high quality responsive emergency and planned care service, in line with international standards, by developing local services within existing hospitals and other local centres supported by a new Regional Hospital. The HSE is to establish a North East Steering Group to quickly address the issues that require immediate attention and at the same time develop a longer term strategy to deliver a world class health service during the next 10 years. The Group will have representation from key stakeholders such as clinicians and primary care providers. There will also be a widespread public engagement on the issues highlighted in the report.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

106 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals for improving acute hospital services in the North Tipperary area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27511/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

107 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals for improving community health services in the North Tipperary area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27512/06]

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

Health Service Staff.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

108 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of general medical practitioners there are per head of population for Counties Carlow, Wicklow, Kildare and Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27516/06]

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 Accommodation.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

109 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds and staff in St. Vincent’s, St. Colmcille’s Loughlinstown, Naas, Tallaght and Letterkenny Hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27517/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

110 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services will be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27567/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

114 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if respite care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27571/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

125 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27721/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

126 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27722/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

127 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27723/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

128 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27724/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

129 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27725/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

174 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if essential regular permanent services can be provided by the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27918/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 114, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129 and 174 together.

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

John Gormley

Ceist:

111 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has recently met representatives of a group (details supplied) in County Cork; or if she has plans to do so. [27568/06]

The issue the Deputy is referring to relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which is 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 for relevant officials from the Health Service Executive to meet with the group concerned.

Questions Nos. 112 and 113 answered with Question No. 54.
Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 110.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

115 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in obtaining an appointment with a consultant; the public clinics provided by this consultant between May and September 2006; and the steps she will take to ensure that there is no further delay in arranging an appointment for this person. [27572/06]

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.

Clinical Drugs Trials.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

116 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of participants who take part in clinical or drug trials each year here; the percentage of this number who are not Irish nationals; the number of people who have been paid compensation from drug trials gone wrong here; the highest amount of compensation that has been awarded to a person who participated in a clinical or drug trial that went wrong in Ireland; the way in which the participants were recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27573/06]

Clinical trials conducted in Ireland generally involve the testing of new drugs on persons who actually suffer from the condition for which the drug is being developed. Clinical trials are regulated by the Clinical Trials Acts 1987 and 1990 and by the European Communities (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) Regulations 2004 (SI No 190 of 2004) which implement Directive 2001/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the implementation of good clinical practice in the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use.

Information in regard to the numbers of participants taking part in clinical trials is being assembled and I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy when it becomes available. Participants in clinical trials are generally recruited by the clinician treating them for a pre-existing condition.

There is no requirement on those conducting clinical trials to forward information on the nationality of those taking part in clinical trials to any official agency. In regard to any compensation that might have been paid, this would be a private matter between those involved in any settlement and no information is available to my Department on this issue.

Community Care.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

117 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive pays subcontractors in Portarlington to care for disabled and handicapped people; her views on whether it is appropriate for the latter to have to fund-raise even though each person is allegedly 100 per cent funded. [27574/06]

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

118 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delays in issuing or responding to medical card applications; the further reason the required documentation is not listed on the application form; the reason patients with serious illnesses are not prioritised; her plans to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27575/06]

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

119 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that the Health Service Executive office for the north west Dublin region is difficult to contact by telephone as the phones frequently ring out; and the steps she will take to address this problem. [27576/06]

My Department has contacted the HSE regarding the matter raised by the Deputy and it is not aware of reports that the Health Service Executive office for the north west Dublin region is difficult to contact by telephone or that the phones frequently ring out without reply.

The HSE advises that all calls are queued until answered by the switchboard operator and are forwarded to the relevant extension. The Executive has pointed out that as the switchboard at Rathdown Road covers an extensive range of services and due to the volume of calls coming into it, there would be an occasional backlog of calls from time to time. The switchboard is manned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each workday including lunchtime and arrangements are in place for unanswered calls to be routed back to the switchboard for further assistance.

As the Deputy did not provide details regarding the particular difficulties which gave rise to his question, the HSE was unable to comment on the reports referred to by him. My Department has been informed that the HSE has contacted the Deputy's office with a view to obtaining details to enable it to investigate the matter further.

Departmental Correspondence.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

120 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the issues raised in recent correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27577/06]

I am aware of the issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. My Department is awaiting a report on the matter. When the report has been received, the issues raised in the correspondence will be taken into account in my consideration of the matter.

Nursing Home Charges.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

121 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when her Department will make the refunds to patients who had unfair deductions from their pensions and social welfare payments in order to pay for their keep in nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27578/06]

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) have announced the appointment of a preferred service provider, a consortium comprising of KPMG accountancy group and McCann Fitzgerald solicitors, to administer this repayment scheme. The consortium has already commenced its preparatory work and intends to launch the scheme publicly in mid-July. The HSE has indicated that the consortium 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.

Repayments will be made as soon as possible, with priority given to living persons, and provision has been made for repayments to continue up to 2008 . It is anticipated that all repayments will have been completed within this period, however if required the cut off date for receipt of applications can be extended.

Hospital Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

122 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of wards which are closed at present in Health Service Executive run hospitals and other facilities in South Tipperary; and the number of beds which are taken out of the system as a result of closed wards in South Tipperary. [27579/06]

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.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

123 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people from South Tipperary requiring renal dialysis treatment who are required to travel between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to receive such treatment. [27580/06]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

124 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people living in South Tipperary who are currently receiving renal dialysis treatment. [27581/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 125 to 129, inclusive, answered with Question No. 110.

Health Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

130 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will provide immediate improvement of essential early intervention services for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27726/06]

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 Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

131 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure the renegotiation of the consultants’ common contract to deliver equity of access for public hospital patients; if she will support the Health Service Executive in proceeding with the appointment of consultants on a public hospital service only basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27727/06]

A new Hospital Consultants' Contract is a key element of the Government's health reform programme. It is management's intention that the new contract will be underpinned by the principle of equity. In this context, a position paper outlining proposals on a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system was tabled by management at a plenary meeting on 26 January 2006. The proposals include a commitment to public sector service alone. The implementation of the proposals tabled by management in relation to the consultants' contract will ensure that patients' access to care and the speed at which care is delivered will be determined only by clinical need. The HSE-Employers Agency has been attempting to restart the stalled negotiations with the medical organisations for some time, most recently last week. Contact is being maintained with the Chairman, Mark Connaughton, S.C., in an effort to find a basis for a resumption of negotiations.

Departmental Properties.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

132 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and location of public hospital sites where it is proposed to construct private hospital facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27728/06]

The Health Services Executive has advertised for expressions of interest for the construction and operation of private hospitals on the campuses of 11 publicly funded hospitals. The 11 publicly funded hospitals are: Limerick Regional; Waterford Regional; Cork University Hospital; St James' Hospital; Beaumont Hospital; Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown); Adelaide & Meath Hospital Incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght); Sligo General; University College Hospital, Galway; Letterkenny General; Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda.

Interested parties have been invited to express an interest for one or more projects. Pre-qualification questionnaires have been received by the Health services Executive and will be evaluated over the coming weeks.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

133 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost, the capacity, the specialties and the time scale of the proposed new Children’s Hospital at the Mater site; the facilities for children which will be available elsewhere in the city for urgent care and admission. [27729/06]

Following receipt last February of the report "Children's Health First", which was prepared by McKinsey & Co, a joint Health Service Executive/Department of Health and Children Task Group was established to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new hospital.

Following extensive examination, discussion and consultation among the relevant stakeholders the Report of the Task Group was completed, and 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.

The Government mandated 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.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to its plans for progressing the development of the new national paediatric hospital.

Community Care.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

134 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the urgent care centres planned for three locations in Dublin will open at each centre; the staff to be appointed to each, and the hours of opening; and the reason they did not open in 2005 as promised at Estimates time. [27731/06]

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 Aids and Appliances.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

135 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the new MRI scanner promised for Beaumont Hospital will be available to the public; the expected annual usage of the scanner; and the reason there has been a delay. [27732/06]

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 Accommodation.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

136 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she envisages for the development of facilities at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Raheny and if they were included in the five year capital programme which she recently announced. [27733/06]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

137 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of patients treated within one hour, within four hours and so on, in different categories of urgency at each of the Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Kilkenny accident and emergency departments in the most recent years for which data is available. [27734/06]

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.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

138 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if additional speech therapy services will be provided for victims of stroke in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27735/06]

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.

Community Care.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

139 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of the community nursing unit on the grounds of Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27736/06]

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.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 95.

Medical Cards.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

141 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which a couple with two children earning approximately €63,400 a year can as suggested in her statement of 26 June 2006 qualify for a general practitioner only medical card and in particular if she will give details of what are taken into consideration as typical outgoings for any such application. [27738/06]

In my Department's press release of 26 June 2006 I announced the increase in the basic income guidelines for the GP Visit Card to 50 per cent above the medical card income guidelines. The press release listed a range of examples based on persons with different earnings and expenses and in different family situations.

I attach a table for the Deputy's information which gives details of these and other sample cases outlining the weekly income and outgoings which would allow persons to be entitled to a GP visit card on foot of these recently increased income guidelines.

Departmental Investigations.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

142 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made by the Working Group on Cystic Fibrosis since its inception; when its recommendations will be published; and if an implementation plan will be published in conjunction with the recommendations. [27739/06]

I wish to see significant improvement in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis. I am aware of the current service deficits in this area which are widely acknowledged and which have been identified most notably in the Pollock Report, and by the Health Service Executive Working Group which is looking at this issue.

My Department is advised that the Working Group is being finalised and will be making specific recommendations in relation to a range of service improvements required for persons with CF, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in CF units around the country. As part of the overall funding for health services in 2006, additional revenue funding of €4.78m was allocated specifically for the development of cystic fibrosis services.

Departmental Correspondence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

143 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 1 June 2006. [27740/06]

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 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.

My Department has now requested that the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive expedite the issue of a reply to the Deputy on the matter.

General Practitioner Co-operatives.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

144 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the retirement policy for general practitioners; if the retirement date can be extended for general practitioners in areas where there is a shortage of doctors (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27742/06]

The General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme was established under the Health Act, 1970 to provide publicly funded general practitioner services to eligible people. Under the GMS Scheme general practitioners hold one of two contract types i.e. the Fee per Item contract (first introduced in 1972) or the Capitation contract (effective from 1989). These contracts reflect the agreed outcome of negotiations between the Department of Health and Children and the GP representative body, the Irish Medical Organisation. Both contract types contain provisions which were agreed between the parties on a range of issues, including retirement age.

Under the Fee-per-Item contract it was agreed that a GP might hold the contract up to age 70. The terms of the Capitation contract which was agreed between the parties provides that GPs who entered into contracts on the date of its commencement could hold the contract up to age 70 and in all other cases the GP would hold the contract to age 65. Any changes to these arrangements would require to be agreed between the parties involved and would have to include consideration of all relevant factors, including the pension arrangements for GMS GPs. General Practitioners may, of course, and subject to continued registration with the Medical Council, continue to practice and to treat private patients following retirement from the GMS Scheme.

A review of the contractual arrangements for the provision of services under the GMS and other publicly funded schemes commenced in October 2005 and is being conducted under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC). The Government wishes the new contractual arrangements to provide open access to public contracts for all qualified GPs registered with the Irish Medical Council. I am also open to considering whether it would be appropriate to change the present arrangements in relation to the age at which GPs must cease to hold contracts. I have therefore, asked my Department, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE), to consider this matter in the context of the joint review process being conducted under the auspices of the LRC.

I am committed to ensuring there is an adequate supply of doctors to meet future national GP manpower needs. Following consultation with the Irish College of General Practitioners, in 2004, it was agreed to increase the number of GP trainee places on GP vocational training schemes nationally from 84 to 150, on a phased basis. I have provided additional funding of €2 million in 2005 and an additional €4 million in 2006 has been provided to the HSE for this measure.

Departmental Correspondence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

145 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that fewer than fifty percent of parliamentary questions from this office referred by her to the Health Service Executive are replied to within a 20 working day period and before a follow up parliamentary question has been tabled; that interim replies are not issued as a matter of routine when the 20 working day period is exceeded; that the tabling of a follow-up parliamentary question usually prompts an immediate reply from the Health Service Executive, indicating that the delay was not due to inaccessibility of the information sought; if she considers this acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27743/06]

My Department has been informed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive (PAD) that during the period 1st September 2005 to 30 June 2006 the HSE received 46 questions for direct reply to the Deputy and that considerably more than 50% of these questions were responded to within the 20 working day time frame. The Deputy may wish to have his office contact the manager of the PAD central office at 01-6352505 in regard to its figures on replies issued to him.

In relation to the Deputy's point about follow-up questions, the HSE has assured my Department that responses are issued as soon as the information is gathered and finalised.

The Health Service Executive is conscious of the need to improve its performance in replying directly to Deputies on matters raised in parliamentary questions, including the issue of interim replies. In that connection the HSE is increasing the number of staff assigned to the PAD's central office and is developing the operation of its area offices. The Deputy will be aware from the recent meeting which the CEO of the HSE arranged with Oireachtas members, that the expansion of the PAD's staffing is part of a range of initiatives by the HSE aimed at enhancing the provision of information to Oireachtas members.

Health Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

146 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the waiting time for orthodontic assessment and the waiting time for orthodontic treatment for persons in need of orthodontic assessment and treatment in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27744/06]

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.

Consultancy Contracts.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

147 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of the services for a full-time senior consultant cardiologist at Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27745/06]

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.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

148 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason medical card patients travelling to Dublin for angiograms are being obliged to stay in bed and breakfast accommodation following the procedure; the reason the Department of Social Welfare and not her Department are refunding patients for these expenses; if an improved system can be devised in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27746/06]

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 Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

149 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the long promised extension to Bandon Community Hospital, west Cork and if a design team has yet been appointed. [27747/06]

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

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

150 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue giving retrospective cover in respect of hospital treatment to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has undergone several medical and surgical procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27748/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

151 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if speech and language services will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27749/06]

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

Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 88.

Departmental Correspondence.

John Gormley

Ceist:

153 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to the employment for physiotherapists; if she intends to address the issues raised therein; the way in which she intends to proceed with these concerns; if an outcome will be soon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27751/06]

I wish to inform the Deputy that correspondence has been received in my office from the individual concerned and a reply was issued to indicate that the matter is receiving attention. The correspondence concerned relates to the issue of why student nurses are paid while working on placement in hospitals while student physiotherapists on placement are not.

Students on the four physiotherapy courses provided in our university sector are required to undergo clinical training for a period of 1,000 hours which is equivalent to approximately 26 weeks, delivered in approximately seven clinical sites at different periods over the four years of the degree programme.

I do not accept that the comparison between the clinical training of nurses and physiotherapists in relation to payment is a valid one. Physiotherapy students are supernumerary while on clinical placements (1000 hours) and are not part of the work force. The clinical training component of the nursing degree is 2300 hours (equivalent to 74 weeks) and is laid down by EU Directive. Clinical training for nurses is more than double that of physiotherapists. In addition, it should be noted that the model for the training of physiotherapists in Ireland (including the clinical component) is in line with best practice internationally.

It is important to clarify that student nurses are not paid when on supernumerary clinical placements. A continual rostered placement (internship) takes place towards the end of the nursing degree programme. During this period the student is a paid employee of the health service and receives a salary based on 80% of the staff nurse salary. These students replace staff nurses on an agreed ratio.

A range of measures have been put in place to support the training of physiotherapists in the past number of years including a new physiotherapy course in the University of Limerick which commenced in 2002 with 25 places. Essential to the successful roll-out of these additional training places was the provision of sufficient, quality clinical placements in physiotherapy. Over the last two years, the Department, along with the Health Service Executive, has worked to put in place the enhanced structures necessary to ensure that students have access to a sustainable, high-quality clinical training model. A national implementation group co-chaired by the Department and including representation from the Higher Education Institutes, therapy professional bodies and professional managers, is in place to address the on-going requirements to source clinical placements in the longer term.

A significant level of funding, secured by the Minister for Health and Children, totalling €5.18m (including €2.75m announced in the Budget 2006) has been allocated since 2004 for the development of therapy clinical training.

Medical Research.

John Gormley

Ceist:

154 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an inspector from her Department last made a visit to a register user establishment licensed for animal experiment; the report of such an inspector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27753/06]

Inspections of registered user establishments are carried out in accordance with Section 10 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended. The Act provides for all registered establishments to be from time to time visited by inspectors for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of the Act. Veterinary staff of the Department of Agriculture and Food have acted as inspectors under a long standing arrangement with that Department: however, this arrangement is currently under discussion.

It is a function of the inspector to report to the Authority (Minister for Health and Children) any case of non-compliance with the provisions of the Act. My Department has received no such notifications in the past four years.

Hospital Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

155 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects radiotherapy services to be made available at Waterford Regional Hospital; if the Government will provide funding for public patients seeking radiotherapy treatment at a clinic (details supplied) when it is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27755/06]

The Government's plan is for a national network of radiation oncology services consisting of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital, conditional on their conformity to certain quality assurance arrangements.

The capital investment involved in providing the national network is estimated at over €400 million, most of which is to be funded through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). There is a significant amount of work to be done in preparation for a PPP. Towards this end, my Department is working closely with the HSE and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The NDFA has assembled a team to progress the financial and procurement aspects and the HSE has appointed a Project Manager to lead on its input. A Clinical Output Specification Group, which includes leading experts in the field, is well advanced in specifying the clinical aspects of the development. Technical advisors will be appointed shortly to advise on the construction and other technical aspects of the project.

The precise planning of the development at Waterford and at the other locations will be addressed when the output specifications have been drawn up as part of the PPP process. The aim is to have the national network in place in 2011. This is an ambitious target but I am determined that the access to radiotherapy services for people in the Waterford area will be enhanced at the earliest possible date.

The Deputy's question in relation to the provision of funding for public patients seeking radiotherapy treatment at a private clinic relates to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are currently 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.

John Deasy

Ceist:

156 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have been referred from Waterford Regional Hospital to Dublin and Cork to receive radiotherapy treatment every year from 2000 to 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27756/06]

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.

Hospital Hygiene.

John Deasy

Ceist:

157 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements being made at Waterford Regional Hospital to prevent people from being infected by MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27762/06]

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.

Garda Investigations.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

158 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has been informed of the progress to date on a Garda investigation regarding missing files from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, which she recommended following the publication of the Neary Report; if this investigation has begun; if it has been completed; if actions have been taken following the investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27767/06]

Following publication of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry Report in February last my Department furnished An Garda Síochána with a copy of the report. I have no function in relation to the action, if any, which the Garda authorities may take in relation to this matter.

Departmental Expenditure.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

159 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to a company (details supplied) to date; the amount paid for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27769/06]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to any payments made by the Health Service Executive to the company in question within the specified period.

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

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

160 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under her Department. [27794/06]

The 2006 budgetary allocation for public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under the Department of Health and Children are as follows:

2006 Allocation

€m

Health Research Board

30.541

National Cancer Registry

1.947

Irish Medicines Board

4.025

Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board

8.580

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

17.430

National Council on Ageing and Older People

1.485

National Social Work Qualifications Board

0.526

Women’s Health Council

0.631

Institute of Public Health

1.505

National Council for Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery

4.348

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

8.055

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

2.812

Mental Health Commission

12.000

BreastCheck

13.693

Office of Tobacco Control

2.291

Irish Health Services Accreditation Board

3.497

Special Residential Services Board

2.215

The Social Services Inspectorate

0.615

Health Information & Quality Authority

3.500

Other — Miscellaneous grants to bodies who request assistance

9.089

Food Safety Promotion Board

6.580

The National Treatment Purchase Fund

78.644

Ministerial Appointments.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

161 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of her Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27808/06]

At present, the board membership of six agencies under the aegis of my Department are in receipt of fees in respect of their service on the board and will, therefore, be affected by the Governments decision to increase these fees. The total number of positions involved is 59. In addition, there are a further seven agencies under the aegis of my Department in respect of which only the Chairperson receives a fee. This brings the total number of persons affected by the change to 66.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

162 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of taskforces which have been created by her Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27816/06]

Enquiries are being made within my Department in relation to the information requested by the Deputy and I will forward this to him as soon as possible.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

163 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of private nursing home subventions granted in each year since 2002; and the number of beds in each year since 2002. [27829/06]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

164 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if defibrillators are available in every fire station in County Waterford; if not, if she intends to make this possible; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27832/06]

The question of making defibrillators available to fire stations would be a matter for the Health Service Executive in consultation with the fire services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

165 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a universal newborn hearing screening programme available in the paediatric and maternity department at Waterford Regional Hospital; if there is not such a programme, if she intends to introduce one; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27833/06]

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 report of the Universal Neo-natal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in the Public Health Division of my Department on 3 April 2006 and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.

Medical Cards.

John Deasy

Ceist:

166 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner only medical cards that have been granted to people in Waterford City and County; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27845/06]

The Health Service Executive have provided the figure of 444 for the total number of GP visit card holders in Waterford City and County as at 1 June 2006 to my Department.

Care of the Elderly.

John Deasy

Ceist:

167 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of home help hours allocated in County Waterford for each year since 2000; the number of persons benefiting in each year; the budget allocated in each year in County Waterford; it the allocation was used in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27846/06]

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.

Health Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

168 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of first responder schemes in the City and County of Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27862/06]

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

Question No. 169 answered with QuestionNo. 95.

Hospitals Building Programme.

John Deasy

Ceist:

170 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the levels of funding that are being allocated to Health Service Executive South for the development of Waterford Regional Hospital over the next 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27864/06]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

John Deasy

Ceist:

171 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced where nursing home subvention does not match charges being presented by private nursing homes and the delays being experienced by patients who have to lodge an appeal; if she will streamline the system to ensure an automatic top up payment is examined based on the income details supplied with the original application, which is not the case in Waterford at present. [27869/06]

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. Additional funding of €20 million was provided for the administration of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme in 2006, bringing the total available budget to €161 million. The €20 million is to support more basic nursing home subventions and reduce waiting lists for enhanced subventions: it is also to bring more consistency to subventions support throughout the country. The Deputy may wish to know that the Nursing Home Subvention scheme was never intended to cover the full cost of a private nursing home bed.

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.

The recently published Health (Nursing Homes)(Amendment) Bill 2006 is designed to ensure that the existing subvention scheme for private nursing home care is grounded in primary legislation and to help the HSE to implement the scheme on a standardised basis across the country. In addition, national guidelines on nursing home subvention are currently being developed by the HSE to ensure an even and equitable application of the regulations nationally.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

172 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing inter-country adoption applications in here; the further reason there is little accountability in the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27883/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. 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 process of assessment of applicants for inter-country assessment is set out in a Framework for Inter-country Adoption Assessment introduced in 1999 to streamline assessments and to provide a transparent system centred on the child's best interests. Inter-country Adoption applications are received by and assessed by the Health Service Executive and PACT, who are a recognised adoption agency. Assessment involves a number of stages and would generally include an initial assessment, a considerable level of education/preparation work (including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption) and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child. Applicants found to be suitable to be adoptive parents are granted a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability by the Adoption Board, and may then pursue the adoption of a child abroad with the selected sending country.

Community Care.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

173 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 can be moved permanently from Peamount Hospital to an apartment in order that they can live independently but with the necessary support services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27884/06]

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

Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 110.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

175 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the financial supports available from her Department directly or indirectly to assist a physically disabled person to build their first home in a rural area; if no supports are available her views on introducing such a measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27919/06]

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 Lowry

Ceist:

176 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in schools due to the long delays in accessing speech and language therapy for primary and post-primary students; her proposals to tackle this year long waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27920/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

177 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the problems in accessing support services for post-primary pupils such as speech and language therapy, behavioural therapists, social workers, and so on; the measures she intends taking to ensure that these services can be accessed in the shortest possible time by all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27921/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

My Department understands from the Health Service Executive that its priority in 2006 is to increase service provision in the area of multi-disciplinary supports to meet obligations to children with developmental delay, in the home, in the community and in other appropriate settings. In this regard €12.5m was made available by the HSE from the 2006 investment programme to provide multi-disciplinary supports to people with intellectual, physical and sensory disability and/or autism.

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

178 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the stage projects (details supplied) are at; if funding has been allocated; if funding is contingent upon revenue implications; when building will begin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27922/06]

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.

Care of the Elderly.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

179 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funds available to elderly day care centres to provide transport to day patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27923/06]

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.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

180 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of parliamentary questions referred to health boards or other agencies for direct answer to Deputies for each year from 2002 to date in 2006; the number answered directly by her Department each year since 2005; the number referred to the Health Service Executive for answer since its establishment. [27924/06]

Pursuant to the Health Act 2004, the functions of the Health Boards, Eastern Regional Health Authority, the Area Health Boards and a number of other statutory agencies were transferred to the HSE with effect from 1 January 2005. This fundamental reform in the structure of the country's health and personal social service system resulted in a body which has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of services not only at the local and regional levels but also at national level. The information provided in the table below in respect of 2005 and 2006 reflects this fundamentally changed situation.

The information available in my Department in relation to the Deputy's question is contained in the following table:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Year

Total no. of questions answered

Number of questions where no referral to a health board or the HSE was involved

Number of questions referred to Health Boards/HSE for full reply

Number of questions referred to Health Boards/HSE for part reply

2003

3,837

2,633

1,096

108

2004

4,132

2,676

1,338

118

2005

5,305

2660(of which 25 were referred to other bodies for full reply and 19 for part reply)

2,388

257

2006 January to June

3469

1,472(of which 13 were referred to other bodies for full reply and 8 for part reply)

1,701

296

This information was not routinely collected by my Department prior to the establishment of its Parliamentary Affairs Unit in 2005. The figures for 2003 and 2004 have since been retrospectively compiled and only identify questions referred to health boards for direct reply. Consequently, the figures in column (3) of the table for these two years include referrals to bodies other than health boards but do not provide a breakdown of same. Figures for 2002 are not readily available within my Department.

Consultancy Contracts.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

181 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consultants were employed to develop the Health Service Executive logo; if as part of this work, a policy document on the use of the HSE logo was drafted and circulated; the cost associated with this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27925/06]

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.

Departmental Funding.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

182 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the Health Service Executive Mid-western and South Eastern region towards the homecare package; the amount allocated to north and south Tipperary; the number of persons in north and south Tipperary that has been approved the homecare package; the average length of time taken per application in north and south Tipperary. [27926/06]

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.

Health Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

183 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting for orthodontic treatment in each area of the Health Service Executive mid-western area; the average length of waiting time in each area; the way this compares with other regions of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27927/06]

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.

Departmental Strategy Statements.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

184 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposal put forward by Irish Rural Link that a rural health strategy is urgently needed; her views on such a strategy; if she will provide resources toward implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27928/06]

The National Health Strategy Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You was announced by the Government in 2001 to provide vision and strategic direction for the health and personal social services. The Strategy sets out the key objectives for the health system up to the year 2010, which are centred on four national goals:

•Better Health For Everyone

•Fair Access

•Responsive and Appropriate Care Delivery

•High Performance.

The Health Strategy is now in its sixth year of ongoing implementation and I do not see a need for a rural health strategy as proposed by Irish Rural Link.

The Health Act, 2004 sets out in broad terms the performance framework for the Health Service Executive (HSE) which was established on 1st January, 2005, as a corner stone of the Health Reform Programme. As part of the performance framework, the HSE must submit to the Tánaiste, for approval, a Corporate Plan and an Annual Service Plan. The HSE corporate plan for 2005-2008 commits it "to develop a consistent approach to access to service throughout the country, based on identified need". The service plan format is currently being revised within the Department. The 2007 Plan will, very specifically, include a section devoted to Consistency and Social Inclusion which is to contain details of initiatives being pursued by the HSE to ensure, amongst other things, a geographical equity in the provision of services.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure Irish Rural Link that the achievement of consistency in the standard and range of services available in each region of the country is a key objective of the health service reforms.

Health Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

185 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent report completed on proposed changes to Shannon-doc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27929/06]

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

Suicide Prevention.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

186 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an additional €60 million for suicide prevention will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27930/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, Reach Out — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005-2014 was launched in September last. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the Strategy, i.e., general population approach; targeted approach; responding to suicide; and information and research.

During the two years developing the strategy, wide ranging consultation took place throughout the country to draw on the experience, perspectives and ideas of the key stakeholders and interested parties. This consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, allowed the project team to take both an evidence-based and pragmatic approach in prioritising actions to be undertaken by the various agencies and groups in order to effect real change over the next 5 to 10 years.

Following the publication of the Strategy, the Health Service Executive (HSE) established the National Office of Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to oversee the implementation of the Strategy. The Office has primary responsible for implementing the Strategy and will coordinate suicide prevention activities across the State, consult widely in relation to the planning of future initiatives and ensure best practice in suicide prevention.

An additional €26.2m development funding has been allocated to the HSE for the further development of our mental health services in 2006. Some €1.2m of this additional funding is specifically for suicide prevention initiatives. In the region of €800m will be spent on mental health services this year. The additional funding will be used to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary services available to adults and children with mental illness. It will also fund the provision of additional community based mental health facilities, including mental health day centres, day hospitals and community residential facilities.

Future funding for suicide prevention initiatives will be considered in the context of the annual estimates process.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

187 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children given the high rates of suicide per capita in County Tipperary her views on making funds available for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27931/06]

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.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

188 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the threshold in the drug payment refund scheme each year since 2002; the reason for such increases in the qualifying threshold; her views on lowering the threshold to ensure that more people qualify for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27932/06]

Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), at present, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.

On its introduction on 1 July 1999, the threshold was £42, and in subsequent years this was increased as follows:

•from £42 (€53.33) to €65 with effect from 1 August 2002

•from €65 to €70 with effect from 1 January 2003

•from €70 to €78 with effect from 1 January 2004

•from €78 to €85 with effect from 1 January 2005.

The DPS protects against excessive medical costs and significantly reduces the burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. The introduction of the scheme saw substantial growth in the State bill, and the cost of the scheme has risen significantly since its inception in 1999. The threshold was not increased between the scheme's introduction in 1999 and 2002 although the cost of the scheme rose by 73% during that period. The number of claimants under the scheme rose by 40% between 2000 and 2002. As of 31 December 2003, 48% of the eligible population was registered under the Scheme. Only 15% of those registered exceeded the monthly threshold in that year, indicating that the scheme was successfully targeting patients with higher drugs costs. The number of eligible persons for the DPS as at 31 December 2004 was almost 1.47 million representing 36.33% of the population. Government expenditure on the scheme in that year was €226.83 million, an increase of €22.41 million on the previous year.

The threshold increases have been in line with Government policy to provide reasonable assistance for patients, within available resources.

Health Insurance.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

189 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposed VHI rate increase; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed additional 12 per cent increase will be on top of a 42 per cent increase since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27933/06]

I was notified by letter dated 22 June 2006, of the intention of the VHI Board to increase premiums by an average of 12.5% from 1 September 2006. VHI have highlighted in the notification a number of cost drivers, including the costs associated with an ageing population, increasing drug costs and accelerated technology innovation. VHI state that the proposed premium increase will also finance new benefits and services for its members. I am aware of the level of increases in VHI premiums including 2002.

Under VHI legislation, the VHI Board is responsible for setting premium rates. The legislation obliges the Board to fix premiums to provide sufficient revenue to meet claims costs and to make provision for reserves. For the financial year ended February 2006, VHI will be reporting a loss of €32.3 million leading to a fall in its reserve ratio. I wrote to the Chairman of the VHI Board at the end of 2005, highlighting the need for the Board to build up its reserves. It is a matter for the VHI Board, to take account of all the key considerations in discharging its responsibilities as regards setting premium levels. The Board states that the increase proposed is the absolute minimum increase required. The premium increase notification is being considered against this background.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

190 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the reports by a company (details supplied) on the operation of individual hospitals’ accident and emergency departments have not been published. [27949/06]

The National Hospitals Office of the Health Service Executive commissioned Tribal Secta to undertake a process mapping exercise across 10 acute hospitals. The project focussed on the maximum utilisation of existing acute capacity and in particular, the blockages, causes and potential solutions in the patient's journey from the decision to admit to discharge. The 10 hospitals examined included the major Dublin academic teaching hospitals.

The HSE has published the Overview Tribal Secta Report on its website at www.hse.ie. The Executive has advised that copies of the reports on individual hospitals can be obtained from the HSE on request.

Health Insurance.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

191 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position on the provision of medical cover for Alzheimer’s patients and the unit provided for them and for families at an institution (details supplied); and if she will indicate if medical cover exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27952/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

208 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the provision of medical cover for Alzheimer’s patients and the unit provided for them and for families at an institution (details supplied); the medical cover that exists presently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28023/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 208 together.

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

192 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount which was spent in her Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27958/06]

The information, involving many divisions of my Department, is not readily available in the format as requested by the Deputy. I have requested my Department to retrieve the relevant data and to assemble it and to present it in the format as requested.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

193 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends to take to address the patient transport crisis in the western region; if she believes that it acceptable that the senior management in the Health Service Executive is unaware of the crisis; if she further believes that it is acceptable that the HSE has failed to respond to the issue following a recent meeting (details supplied); the steps she is taking to make the HSE responsive and accountable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27972/06]

My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive that it intends to conduct a comprehensive review of patient transport arrangements as an element of its 2006 service plan. It is envisaged that this review will examine the service currently delivered nationally and make recommendations for its future development. 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.

Departmental Business Plans.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

194 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 20 June 2006, when she intends to publish her Department’s 2006 business plan; if she will include plans for a vaccine damage compensation scheme; the reason for the delay in establishing such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27974/06]

The Business Plan for 2006 is available on the Department's website. The business plan for Public Health Division includes the examination of the feasibility of a vaccine damage compensation scheme. Consideration of the issue is at an advanced stage.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

195 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding is approved under the national purchase scheme for the supply of digital hearing aids to clients in the west of Ireland; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27989/06]

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established as one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists arising from the 2001 Health Strategy. The NTPF is used for the purpose of treating public patients who have been waiting longest for surgery. It is not intended to expand the remit of the NTPF to funding the type of treatment referred to by the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

196 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a pension from the Health Service Executive west; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27990/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the administration and management of superannuation payments for former employees of the health boards, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to issue a reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

197 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the GMS list in Strokestown, County Roscommon is frozen; if patients have a right to choose their general practitioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27991/06]

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.

Food Labelling.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

198 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to ensure that there is a legal basis to the labelling terms non GM and GM free; the discussions she has had at European level on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27996/06]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of EU legislation regarding food derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) — generally referred to as GM food.

The authorisation and labelling of GM food within the EU is governed by the GM Food and Feed Regulation (EC No. 1829/2003). The labelling terms ‘non GM' and ‘GM free' are not defined in EU legislation and are used voluntarily by the food industry. However, the use of these terms is subject to Article 2.1(a) of the General Labelling Directive (2000/13/EC) which stipulates that labelling must not mislead the purchaser as to the characteristics of the foodstuff and, in particular, as to its nature, identity, properties, composition, method of production and manufacturing.

By carrying out regular surveys of the food supply, the FSAI monitors the level of compliance with GM food legislation and ensures that only authorised and correctly labelled GM ingredients are on the Irish market: a positive result of the FSAI GM food surveys to date is that while GM ingredients have been detected in a proportion of foods tested, no breaches of the EU GM food legislation have been identified.

In May of this year, the FSAI published the results of its most recent survey — the GM Food Survey 2005. In this survey a total of 60 food samples were analysed, with six samples being found to contain low levels of GM at less than the 0.9% labelling threshold provided for in EU legislation. However, three of these samples contained GM soya while carrying the claim ‘made from non GM soya' on their label. The UK based company producing these foods has been identified in a number of FSAI surveys as carrying potentially misleading claims relating to non GM status, and despite representations by the FSAI, the problem has not been addressed. As a result, the FSAI has discussed this issue with the retail trade in Ireland and requested that a long term solution be developed to prevent the persistent misleading of consumers by these products. Ultimately, the accuracy of food labels is the responsibility of the food industry which must ensure that all food labels and claims are accurate so that consumers are not mislead.

Unaccompanied Minors.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

199 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of unaccompanied minors referred to the Health Service Executive between the years 2000 and 2006; the number that remain in the care of the HSE; the number that have gone missing or remain unaccounted for while under the care of the HSE; if this information is collated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28005/06]

Information in relation to separated children seeking asylum was not routinely collected by my Department prior to 2001. The information held in this Department on Unaccompanied Minors Seeking Asylum collected as part of the Interim Dataset is set out in the table below.

Year

No. of UAMS Coming to Attention of HSE

No. Reunited with Family

No. Placed in Care of HSE

No. Found not to be Minor

Other Arrangements Made

2001

1,151

445

560

32

114

2002

779

427

282

13

57

2003

858

456

285

50

67

2004*

679

450

176

13

40**

*The Interim Dataset for 2004 has yet to be validated and as such all figures for 2004 are provisional. Figures for 2005 are not yet available.

**Contains outcomes for 11 Separated Children yet to be confirmed by HSE Western area.

I have requested the Health Service Executive to provide you, if possible, with more recent figures and the further information relating to Unaccompanied Minors Seeking Asylum sought by you.

Medical Cards.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

200 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and percentages of general practitioner only cards that have been issued since the introduction of these cards; the breakdown per region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28006/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) have informed my Department that they are unable to provide the figures in the format (breakdown by four HSE regions) required by the Deputy and that they are currently working on their database system to enable the collection of this information in that format going forward.

The HSE have provided figures on the number of GP visit card holders in each county as at 1st June 2006 and these are shown on the table below. The percentage of the population holding either a medical card or GP visit card as at 1 June, 2006 was 29.15% (this figure is based on the Central Statistics Office official population estimate in 2005 — 4,130,700).

County

No. of persons holding a GP visit card

Carlow

447

Cavan

370

Clare

335

Cork

2,431

Donegal

1,205

Dublin

1,641

Galway

1,129

Kerry

845

Kildare

283

Kilkenny

492

Laois

383

Leitrim

240

Limerick

524

Longford

213

Louth

739

Mayo

850

Meath

657

Monaghan

345

Offaly

435

Roscommon

307

Sligo

372

Tipperary Nr

162

Tipperary Sr

596

Waterford

444

Westmeath

312

Wexford

727

Wicklow

391

Total

16,875

Hospital Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

201 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position of the proposed dialysis unit at Beaumont; the cost of this unit; the proposed date for completion of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28007/06]

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.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

202 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals in relation to calls for increased funding of neurosurgery in the public sector; her plans to provide such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28008/06]

At the request of my Department, a committee was established by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal, to review arrangements for the provision of neurosurgical services and consultant staffing nationally, and following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations on the future organisation and development of neurosurgical services.

My Department has been informed that the report will be published shortly.

The future development of neurosurgery services will be considered in the light of the report and resources available.

Sports Sponsorship.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

203 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on reports from the European Commission that believe that sponsorship of sporting contests by drinks companies should be banned as it encourages youth drinking; the steps she intends to take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28009/06]

A number of the recommendations contained in the Interim Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol concern a reduction in the exposure of children and adolescents to alcohol advertising, marketing and sponsorship. In response to these, my Department entered into negotiations with the broadcasting, media and drinks industries while at the same time pursuing the development of legislation to restrict alcohol advertising, sponsorship and sales promotions/marketing practices. It was agreed that the industry would respond on an incremental basis. This has resulted in the establishment of Central Copy Clearance Ireland which addresses the issue of the content of advertisements, the development of a Voluntary Code of Practice on Advertising which addresses the issue of placement and the establishment of the Alcohol Marketing and Communications Monitoring Body to oversee the implementation of the Voluntary Code. As the Tánaiste has previously indicated, she will await the Annual Report of the Monitoring Body before deciding on future actions in relation to legislation on this issue. Negotiations with the industry stakeholders are ongoing and will include the issue of sponsorship.

The Health Promotion Policy Unit of my Department has also engaged directly with the national sporting organisations. The GAA has, in association with the Unit appointed a dedicated project officer to address the issue of alcohol and drug use. The officer will be responsible for carrying out a number of initiatives including the development of a Code of Conduct for local clubs and a review of drug and alcohol issues arising at club level.

The Health Promotion Policy Unit and the Health Service Executive are now entering into discussions with the Football Association of Ireland regarding alcohol related issues.

Departmental Investigations.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

204 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the date for the publication of the report into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28010/06]

Following the death of Mr. Patrick Walsh in Monaghan Hospital on the 14th October, 2005 the Health Service Executive (HSE) commissioned Mr. Declan Carey, a consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, and an honorary senior lecturer at Queen's University and Professor John Monson, Professor of Surgery, University of Hull, to carry out an independent and external review.

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that a report has been prepared by the Consultants and is now going through a necessary legal process prior to completion. This is normal procedure.

My Department is advised by the Executive that it has been in touch with the family of Mr. Walsh and briefed them fully on the current situation.

I have not received the report and it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on its contents.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

205 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the State’s only obesity clinic at St Colmcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown is no longer taking referrals due to the length of waiting time to see a specialist; the waiting times that currently exist; the steps she intends to take to rectify this situation particularly in view of the growing numbers of people who are obese; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28011/06]

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.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

206 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the ambulance control centre in Townsend Street, Dublin; when the report into this situation will be published; her plans to end the duplication of services between the Health Board and the DFB staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28012/06]

Pre-hospital emergency care services in the greater Dublin area are provided by both the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Dublin City Council through Dublin Fire Brigade. The HSE has advised that the review of Command and Control arrangements, referred to by the Deputy, is being undertaken by representatives from the Executive and Dublin City Council. The Executive has advised that the review is in the process of being finalised. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Hospital Staff.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

207 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital consultants appointed each year since 1997; the specialities and regions these consultants have been appointed to; her plans for further appointments; if these appointments will be on a public only contract basis. [28013/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is collated by the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to provide you with the information directly.

Question No. 208 answered with QuestionNo. 191.

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

209 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a review will take place of the current agreement with the Society of Chiropody Ireland in relation to payment for treatment of medical card patients; the terms of reference and the report deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28032/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

214 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the practice of some chiropodists charging a levy on medical card holders to recoup costs not covered by the Health Service Executive; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that more chiropodists are planning to introduce such a levy and that others are leaving Ireland to practice abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28037/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 214 together.

There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.

I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service; and this process is well under way with the aim of expediting appropriate agreement at the earliest opportunity.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

210 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps which have been taken to establish a school and an associated degree course for students to study chiropody here. [28033/06]

Given the importance of securing a supply of chiropodists/podiatrists domestically to match the growth in demand for chiropody services, I am conscious of the need to establish a school of podiatry in the State.

Although responsibility for the establishment of a school of podiatry will be a matter, in the final instance, for the Department of Education and Science, the delivery of clinical training, which is a significant core component of the course, has been the subject of discussions between officials of my Department and the Department of Education and Science in terms of how best it could be facilitated in an integrated fashion with Health Service Executive (HSE) services. The HSE has submitted its proposals on how to provide the clinical training associated with a podiatry degree programme and these proposals were discussed at the most recent meeting between officials which took place on 21 June. Both Departments are continuing to progress the matter.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

211 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of registered chiropodists here; the number of Irish students of chiropody attending English colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28034/06]

There are no statutory registration requirements for chiropodists in Ireland. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Health Service Executive is responsible for the maintenance of a list of chiropodists considered eligible to practise in the public health service. There are 228 chiropodists on this list.

An assessment process to update this list is currently under consideration by the Health Service Executive and is likely to commence shortly.

My Department does not hold any information on the numbers of Irish people studying chiropody in English colleges. The Deputy may wish to note that officials from my Department are working closely with officials from the Department of Education and Science with a view to establishing a school of podiatry in the State.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

212 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the payment to chiropodists who treat medical card patients will be benchmarked; when the payment from the Health Service Executive will be increased in line with inflation in general and medical inflation in particular. [28035/06]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to fees paid by the Health Service Executive to private chiropodists for providing services to medical card holders as opposed to chiropody grades employed by the Executive. Pay increases recommended by the Public Service Benchmarking body have been implemented for chiropodists employed in the public service. These pay increases are not applicable to private chiropodists.

My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services and this process is well under way.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

213 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role she sees for chiropodists in the primary care networks proposed by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28036/06]

The Government is fully committed to the implementation of the principles contained in the Primary Care Strategy and this includes the development of primary care teams and networks. The implementation process at operational level is a function of the Health Service Executive, whose Chief Executive Officer has identified as a priority the development of multidisciplinary primary care services, both as the appropriate service to meet people's health and social care needs and to complement the services provided by acute hospitals.

The 2006 Estimate for the HSE includes an additional €10 million in revenue funding to enable the establishment of up to 100 new primary care teams. This will enable the provision of some 300 additional frontline personnel to work alongside GPs in order to provide integrated and accessible services in the community. Work by the HSE to establish these teams is under way. In planning for the establishment of these teams, the Executive intends to focus where possible on areas of disadvantage and with significant health inequalities.

The HSE will also, as part of the ongoing restructuring and reorientation of resources nationally, work towards the establishment of primary care networks of health and social care professionals that will include chiropodists.

Ongoing implementation of the Primary Care Strategy will focus on the reorganisation of the resources already available to the health service and on developing new ways of working in line with the service model described in the Strategy. This whole-system approach to implementation means change will be required in many sectors in the health service, and not solely within primary care. It is within this context that additional resources can be deployed to best effect.

Question No. 214 answered with QuestionNo. 209.

Departmental Funding.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

215 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding given to a group (details supplied) in County Dublin in the past 12 months; if it is intended to continue with this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28044/06]

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.

Child Care Services.

David Stanton

Ceist:

216 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the assistance and supports available to parents and to childcare providers respectively from her Department to improve the provision of after-school care for school-going children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28053/06]

The new National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 will provide a proactive response grounded in an understanding of local needs, to the development of quality childcare supports and services, including services for school going children. As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the NCIP and the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children. The NCIP builds on the success of the EOCP which will conclude in 2007.

The need to support the further development of childcare services for children of school going age, including before school, after school hours and during school holidays, is an important objective of both the NCIP and the EOCP. One of the key objectives of the NCIP is the creation of 50,000 additional childcare places, including 5,000 after-school places.

School Age Childcare was examined in detail by a Working Group of the National Childcare Co-ordinating Committee, set up under the EOCP, resulting in the publication of the Report "School Age Childcare in Ireland", in June 2005. The Report made a number of recommendations for the development of School Age Childcare to support the childcare needs of parents, including the use of school premises, where appropriate, as a location to develop a quality School Age Childcare service, as well as laying down Guidelines for the delivery of a quality service. It is hoped that its publication and on-going promotion at local level by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs), will give greater impetus to the development of these important services. A special allocation of funding was made available to each CCC to enable the Committee to organise local conferences aimed at raising awareness of the initiative and the supports that are available.

Funding is available under the NCIP and the EOCP for the development of childcare facilities, including facilities with a specific focus on school age childcare, subject to qualifying conditions. Grants are available for renovating and upgrading identified spare capacity within a school premises and for the furnishing of such facilities.

Community not for profit and private sector childcare providers may apply for grant assistance of up to €1 million and €100,000 respectively, towards the capital cost of developing a childcare service in a catchment area where there is a demonstrated need. Key stakeholders have been asked to come forward with proposals for services, shaped around their particular local needs. Schools, groups or individuals interested in applying for school age childcare funding should contact their local CCC.

Full contact details for the CCCs are available on the OMC website at www.omc.gov.ie.

David Stanton

Ceist:

217 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in the provision of 5,000 after-school places as outlined in the National Childcare Investment Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28054/06]

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 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

The need to support the further development of childcare services for children of school-going age, including before and after school hours and out of school terms, is an important objective of both the EOCP and the NCIP.

The NCIP aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services which will be planned for and developed locally and centred on the needs of the child and the family.

At present, there is a transition period between EOCP funding and NCIP funding, and a number of applications for the new Programme have been provisionally approved, and are expected to go to contract shortly.

Increased resources have also been approved for the 33 City and County Childcare Committees, to enable them play their enhanced role under the Programme.

David Stanton

Ceist:

218 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in developing a new training strategy for childcare workers as outlined in the National Childcare Investment Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28055/06]

Proposals for the process of development of the National Childcare Training Strategy are currently under consideration. It is envisaged that this process will build on the work of the Certifying Bodies Subgroup of the National Childcare Co-ordinating Committee, which drew up a Model Framework for childcare training in 2002. The process will be fully inclusive of all stakeholders who will provide a vital input into the development of the strategy.

Health Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

219 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional funding available to shorten the length of time parents are waiting for provision under the community school age services in relation to speech and language services. [28057/06]

My Department understands from the Health Service Executive that its priority in 2006 is to increase service provision in the area of multi-disciplinary supports to meet obligations to children with developmental delay, in the home, in the community and in other appropriate settings. In this regard €12.5m was made available by the HSE from the 2006 investment programme to provide multi-disciplinary supports to people with intellectual, physical and sensory disability and/or autism.

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

Health Service Staff.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

220 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is possible to employ extra speech therapists. [28058/06]

Let me say at the outset that there is no embargo on the recruitment of staff in the public health service. Nor does my Department set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of its management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities, including speech and language therapy services. I have consistently emphasised the importance of prioritising the filling of front line vacancies in complying with approved employment levels. I have also emphasised the need to achieve an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical posts.

Approved employment levels for the health service have been adjusted since 2002 in line with Government policy on public sector employment and also to take account of specific policy measures aimed at increasing service levels. My Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive to agree revisions to the health service employment ceiling to take account of service developments, including disability services.

A priority for the HSE in 2006 is to increase service provision in the area of multi-disciplinary supports to meet obligations to children with developmental delay, in the home, in the community and in other appropriate settings. The investment package will facilitate the recruitment of up to 200 extra therapists, particularly speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Due to the current limited supply of these grades it is acknowledged that in the short term recruitment from overseas will be required. The HSE has put in place a project plan for this.

In regard to the recruitment of speech and language therapists generally, the Deputies will be pleased to note that the Health Service Personnel Census shows a total of 596 wholetime equivalent (WTE) staff at end March, 2006. This represents an increase of 315 WTE staff or 112% since end December, 1997. The number of training places in speech and language therapy has increased by 300% since 2001.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

221 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of speech therapists in each county. [28059/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's Health Service Personnel Census collects data on an employing agency basis rather than on a county by county basis. As the Deputy's question relates a human resource management issue which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to the information sought.

Mental Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

222 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the inadequate number of long term facilities for young adults with severe neurological disorders; if there are no such facilities, when consideration will be given to addressing this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28071/06]

As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3m was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive to further progress the implementation of the recommendations made by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in respect of these services.

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

223 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders in the state in 1997; the number of 2002 and the number in 2006. [28079/06]

The numbers of medical card holders in the state as requested by the Deputy are as follows: 1997, 1,219,852; 2002, 1,168,745; and 2006, 1,187,370.

The figure shown for 2006 is the most recent figure provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department and refers to the position as at 1 June, 2006.

The decrease in the number of medical card holders since 1997 can be attributed to a number of factors including the improvement in the economic circumstances of the population resulting in less people requiring a medical card on means grounds. Also the ongoing management and review of the medical card databases by the HSE has resulted in the reduction of the perceived numbers who hold medical cards. The database cleansing exercise undertaken by the then health boards in 2003 in relation to the over 70's medical cards, resulted in the removal of 80,000 cards from the medical card database. These cards included duplicate cards, cards for persons who were deceased or cards for people who had left the relevant health board area.

The Health Strategy commits to making improvements in the income guidelines in order to increase the number of persons on low incomes who are eligible for the medical card and to give priority to families with children. In November, 2004 I set out my priorities for new health initiatives in 2005 including the provision of medical cards to an additional 30,000 people and GP visit cards to 200,000 people. Funding of €60 million has been provided to the HSE for these measures. The two initiatives greatly assist those on low incomes accessing GP services and also help in removing disincentives to people taking up work or progressing to better paying work. In June, 2006, 42,287 more people have medical cards than in January, 2005 (1,145,083).

In recent years there have been significant improvements to the way in which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. In January 2005, the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications increased by 7.5%. In June 2005, the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards was simplified. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child-care and travel to work. I believe that this is much fairer to applicants. In October, 2005 I increased the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards by an additional 20% and on 26 June, 2006 I again increased the income guidelines for GP visit cards and they are now 50% higher than those used for medical cards.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

224 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she conducted a survey of the number of general practitioners per head of population on an area basis in the State; the implications of this for the medical card scheme and for the delivery of primary care in general; the results of such a survey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28080/06]

I wish to inform the Deputy that such a survey has not been conducted by my Department. In 2004, following consultation with the Irish College of General Practitioners it was agreed to meet short to medium term needs to increase the number of GP trainee places on GP vocational training schemes nationally from 84 to 150, on a phased basis. I have provided additional funding of €2 million in 2005 and an additional €4 million in 2006 for this measure.

My Department, the Health Service Executive and the College are in the process of putting in place arrangements to consider the most appropriate way in which to address the longer-term GP manpower and training needs, in the context of such factors as the projected growth of the population, the demographic profile of the GP workforce, the changing nature of general practice and primary care, and future service requirements generally.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

225 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to tackle the A & E crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28096/06]

Tackling the problems that exist in some of the country's A & E departments is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

The Health Service Executive has put in place a number of measures to build on the actions contained in the A & E Action Plan. These include in particular the setting of performance targets for individual hospitals. Over the last three months there has been a consistent improvement in the numbers of patients on trolleys in A & E awaiting admission, when compared to the same period in 2005. In June, for example, there were on average 39% fewer patients on trolleys awaiting admission than in June 2005.

The numbers of patients who are waiting longer than 24 hours for admission have also decreased. The HSE is continuing to focus on the interim target that no patient will wait longer than 24 hours, with the ultimate target being to ensure that no patient waits any longer than six hours for admission.

The hospitals are being assisted in achieving their targets by the A & E Task Force which was established by the HSE. The Task Force has focused on those hospitals that have persistent challenges in relation to the delivery of A & E services and has undertaken site visits to those hospitals to identify initiatives that will have a high impact on A & E performance.

One of the first initiatives to be progressed has been the fast-tracking of admissions beds and other facilities to improve the patient experience by ensuring that patient privacy, dignity and comfort is preserved as far as possible while awaiting admission to an acute bed.

Tackling the issue of care for older people is an important and integral part of the A & E strategy. We have provided additional intermediate care beds and home care packages to facilitate the discharge in 2006 to date of more than 700 patients who have completed the acute phase of their care. Some 400 additional private nursing home beds have been provided for those who require long-term care.

Given the emerging capacity challenges in the private nursing home sector, and having regard to the specific needs of high acuity patients, the HSE is currently examining the possibility of providing a significant number of additional long-term care beds, both in Dublin and elsewhere, at a number of health service locations. All available mechanisms will be used to accelerate the process to allow for the earliest possible introduction of these additional facilities. The initiative is being overseen by a HSE dedicated project team.

I want to reiterate the Government's commitment to improving the delivery of A & E services. By adopting a system-wide approach I am confident that the services will continue to be improved, and that those improvements will be sustained.

Hospital Charges.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

226 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has to pay a hospital for medical attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28108/06]

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.

Food Labelling.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

227 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of inspectors within the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that enforce the food labelling legislation; the other functions of these inspectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28136/06]

Section 49 of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 provides that the Board or Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) may appoint, in writing, persons to be authorised officers for the purposes of the Act. Authorised officers enforce food law, which is defined within the Act and set out in detail in the FSAI Act 1998 (Amendment of First and Second Schedules) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 320 of 2006). Food law as described within the Order includes several regulations on food labelling and food labelling provisions within many other regulations.

The FSAI has appointed twenty eight of its own staff as authorised officers under the 1998 Act, which allows them to enforce food law — including regulations on food labelling. However, the bulk of day-to-day enforcement of food labelling regulations is carried out by the authorised officers of official agencies — the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the local authorities and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Some of the twenty eight authorised officers within the FSAI are involved in occasional survey work or audits which include checks on food labelling. Audits and surveys have included checks on labelling and traceability of meat and fish, genetically modified food, fruit juice, honey and infant formulae. Such work is usually carried out in conjunction with staff in the official agencies. Depending on the particular audit or survey, FSAI staff involved are drawn from various divisions within the Authority but all have a wide range of other duties apart from checks on food labelling.

Communications Masts.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

228 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that the new mast erected at Coolock Garda station is safe; and if he will support the local residents in their efforts on health and safety issues. [27264/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works have granted licences to three mobile phone companies to install telecommunications equipment on the mast at Coolock Garda Station. Under the terms of their licence agreement with the Commissioners, the mobile phone operators are obliged to install and operate all equipment within current standards and E.U. regulations, including Health and Safety regulations, and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In addition, the Commissioner's consultants monitor all such developments on behalf of the Commissioners to ensure compliance with the regulations is achieved from the outset and is continuous during the term of the licence agreement. This compliance with Health and Safety legislation etc., required under the Licence Agreement, also applies to any future relevant legislation/regulations and ICNIRP guidelines.

The Commissioners assure me that the mast at Coolock Garda Station has been constructed, and is being operated, in compliance with all the relevant legislation and that there are adequate measures in place to ensure this compliance is continuous.

Tax Code.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

229 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary qualifies for the back to work tax allowance; the reason for the reduction in combined tax credits from €6051.99 in 2005 to €4620 in 2006. [27266/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Back to Work Allowance is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the person concerned should make enquiries with that Department as regards qualification for the allowance.

The position is that €6,051.99 was the total of the person's tax credits for 2005 and the corresponding figure for 2006 is €6,425.80. However, the person's net credit is €4,620 and takes account of tax due on the person's taxable pension from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Flood Relief.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

230 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the number of compensation claims submitted following the River Nore flood relief scheme; the number of claims settled; the amounts involved; the number of claims in dispute and their value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27267/06]

Seven claims have been received to date. Four have been settled at a cost of €259,979.02. The three outstanding claims are for €3,150,121.98. The Commissioners of Public Works anticipate that these claims will be settled through negotiation or if necessary arbitration for a figure significantly below the amount claimed.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

231 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the reason a commitment given to the residents of John’s Quay, Kilkenny (details supplied) has not been honoured; if a timeframe for completion of the repairs will be given to the residents; if a contractor is to be appointed to complete the work; if he will expedite the matter. [27268/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works are in ongoing contact with the residents of John's Quay, regarding arrangements to repair damage to their houses. The Commissioners understand arrangements, which they agreed with the residents are acceptable to them and that they are being honoured.

In the light of the Deputy's question, the Commissioners will contact the residents again next week to ensure that if there are any misunderstandings about what was agreed they will be resolved.

The Commissioners did not engage the consultants referred to by the Deputy. It is understood they may have been engaged by some of the residents to advise them.

Site Acquisitions.

Joe Walsh

Ceist:

232 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the reason the acquisition of a site for a gaelscoil (details supplied) has not yet been finalised by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/06]

Contract documents were signed for the acquisition of the site in question on 23rd may 2006. The closure of the sale is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Waterways Access.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

233 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has infilled part of Gulladoo Lake, County Leitrim; if he will confirm that the State own the lake up to the high water mark; the action he proposes to take to ensure that the position is rectified and that access to the middle lake is restored to the public in view of same; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a similar question on this issue has been passed from the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the Office of Public Works. [27345/06]

The Title to the property (Gulladoo Lake) is currently being investigated. Further action to be taken can only be determined on confirmation of the Title.

Public Procurement Contracts.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

234 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the new public procurement contract gives appropriate recognition of and transfer and fair payment conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27363/06]

The Government in mid 2004 decided to reform construction procurement to help 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 now developed a suite of Standard Forms of Construction Contract.

The fundamental change in the new construction contracts is the re-balancing of risk to change from existing practice where the State bears a disproportionate level of risk to the situation where capital projects are tendered for by contractors on a fixed price lump sum basis to include identified and appropriate risks. The new draft contracts also require contractors to ensure that pay and conditions of employment comply with the law and are no less favourable than the terms of the Registered Employment Agreements for those employees to whom the agreements apply. The new draft contracts also include provisions which give some support to strengthening enforcement arrangements in the construction sector. More generally, the public procurement guidelines issued by my Department, require that all contracting authorities ensure that tenderers have regard to minimum pay and other legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements when preparing bids and that tender documents should have an appropriate reference to this.

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 core policy in this area. Following a very useful exchange of views with representatives of the construction industry in early June, I am aware that there are a small number of outstanding concerns for the industry. 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 in the coming weeks.

Departmental Agencies.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

235 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the non-Governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27381/06]

My Department's Vote provides for Grants-in-Aid to two non-Governmental bodies, the Institute of Public Administration and the Economic and Social Research Institute. These bodies have been provided with the following funding in the period in question.

Year

Agency/Organisation

Amount

2004

Economic and Social Research Institute

2,944,000

2005

Economic and Social Research Institute

3,026,000

2006 (year to date)

Economic and Social Research Institute

1,315,000

2004

Institute of Public Administration

3,237,000

2005

Institute of Public Administration

3,318,000

2006 (year to date)

Institute of Public Administration

1,415,000

In addition, two non-Governmental bodies applied to the National Public Procurement Policy Unit of my Department for funding. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions received €15,383 in 2005 for the publication of a document on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and to support a seminar on PPPs for its members. Another non-Governmental body made an application but this was rejected as the proposal would have resulted in a duplication of training services relating to Public Private Partnerships.

My Department also operates a scheme to make available, from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funds to supplement the income of promoters of private charitable lotteries competing directly with National Lottery products. In the period in question, my Department received 35 applications for funding. Three of those were refused, on the grounds that the applicants were not operating a lottery under the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts on or before 1 January 1997, which is one of the criteria for eligibility. The following table sets out the funding provided to each of the successful applicants in the years 2004 and 2005. No funding has been provided yet this year.

Year

Agency/Organisation

Amount

2004

REHAB Lotteries

5,951,569

Gael Linn

442,993

Irish Cancer Society

389,043

Polio Fellowship

389,043

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

92,878

Drogheda Community Services Centre

80,640

The Hanly Centre

75,626

Longford Cathedral Circle

50,744

Associated Charities Trust

49,411

Asthma Society of Ireland

34,174

Irish Wheelchair Association

31,997

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

15,599

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

13,281

The Liffey Trust

1,430

2005

REHAB Lotteries

5,314,136

Gael Linn

407,162

Irish Cancer Society

358,684

Polio Fellowship

358,684

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

350,632

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

219,886

Irish M.E. Trust

176,137

Asthma Society of Ireland

141,773

The Hanly Centre

101,180

Drogheda Community Services Centre

82,042

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

80,210

Longford Cathedral Circle

50,270

Associated Charities Trust

38,427

Irish Wheelchair Association

22,063

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

15,649

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

12,236

Cope Foundation

152

The Liffey Trust

145

The amount of funding for relevant bodies mentioned above (i.e. in the text and the table) represented 11% of my Department's Vote for 2004. The amount for 2005 represented 14% of my Department's Vote. The amount of expenditure for the year to date in 2006 represents 2% of my Department's Vote for this year.

Departmental Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

236 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if additional staff have being hired in the Office of Public Works; and when the catchment flood risk assessment and study report for the Rye River will commence. [27407/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works, with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service, is in the process of recruiting additional staff to deal with the increased workload arising from its designation as the lead agency to implement the Government's policy on flooding.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study for the Rye River will be undertaken by Consultants under the direction of a Steering Committee, which will comprise representatives from the Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council and will commence later this year. The Office of Public Works is currently preparing tender documents for the appointment of Consultants.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

237 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the contract has been awarded for the roof repairs to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the cost of the project; and the timeframe for construction. [27413/06]

A contract has been awarded for the replacement of the roof at the school in question. The total project budget is €2.45m. It is expected the project will be completed by the end of October 2006.

Site Acquisitions.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

238 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the contract documents for the purchase of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare have been signed. [27414/06]

Contract documents for the purchase of a site for the school in question were signed by the Department of Education and Science on 3rd July 2006.

Architectural Heritage.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

239 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the number of historical sites in County Clare maintained by the Office of Public Works; the annual number of visitors to each site for each of the years 2001 to 2005; the investment in each of these sites for each of the years 2001 to 2005 and the corresponding figure spent on promotion of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27437/06]

There are 36 monument sites in the care of the Office of Public Works in County Clare. The following table outlines expenditure on conservation work at these sites from 2001 to 2005. Routine maintenance of the sites (cleaning/grasscutting etc) is carried out by the staff from the National Monuments Depot in Athenry but it is not possible to give a breakdown for individual sites.

Expenditure at National Monuments in County Clare for period 2001-2005

Monument

2001-2005

Burren Monuments*

687,355.04

Ennis Friary

241,808.30

Kilfenora Cathedral

1,237,608.40

Quin Abbey

654,618.25

Scattery Island

1,254,436.63

Poulnabrone

246,309.98

Annual Breakdown

Monuments

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Burren Monuments*

224,812.00

88,022.93

185,433.80

60,241.33

128,844.98

Ennis Friary

112,775.00

96,954.57

22,722.21

0

9,356.52

Kilfenora Cathedral

48,000.00

342,990.56

408,153.84

238,786.50

199,677.50

Quin Abbey

264,511.00

274,647.24

115,460.01

0

0

Scattery Island

168,359.00

460,214.84

327,862.93

297,999.86

0

Poulnabrone

33,820.00

102,225.49

39,210.49

28,503.98

42,550.02

*The Burren Monuments Strategy includes projects at the following sites:

•Leamaneh Castle

•Corcomroe Abbey

•Cahercommaun Stone Fort, and

•Cahermór Stone Fort

A Guide Service is provided seasonally at the Scattery Island monastic site and at Ennis Friary. The number of visitors to those sites in each of the years from 2001 to 2005 is shown on the following table:

Year

Total Visitors

Scattery Island

Ennis Friary

2001

1,803

14,539

2002

1,267

15,201

2003

1,524

15,226

2004

2,004

13,379

2005

1,722

15,896

The numbers of visitors to the non-staffed sites are not recorded.

In line with its marketing strategy, heritage sites that are managed by OPW are promoted collectively in partnership with the Regional Tourism Authorities and Shannon Development. Brochures that provide necessary visitor information are distributed at staffed OPW-managed heritage sites and through the Tourist Information Offices network. The sites are, in addition, promoted through a website, heritageireland.ie. The OPW-maintained sites in County Clare are promoted collectively in partnership with Shannon Development. It is not possible, therefore, to quantify the expenditure on the marketing of individual OPW-managed heritage sites in County Clare.

Garda Stations.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

240 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the stage of development the Leixlip Garda station; the length of time he anticipates it will be before construction will commence and is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27450/06]

A formal decision by the Commissioners of Public Works in respect of Planning Consultation under Part 9 on the proposed new Garda Station for Leixlip is expected in a number of weeks.

Commencement of the tendering process is dependent on the outcome of the Commissioners decision.

Flood Relief.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

241 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the stage the local catchment flood risk assessment and management plan for the Rye River, encompassing Leixlip, Maynooth, and Kilcock is at; if the study has commenced; if not, if he has a timeframe as to when this will occur; the length of time such a study usually takes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27451/06]

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study for the Rye River, will be undertaken by consultants under the direction of the Steering Committee, which will comprise representatives from the Office of Public Works and Kildare County Council and will commence later this year. The Office of Public Works is currently preparing tender documents for the appointment of consultants.

The length of time required to complete a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study varies with the extent of the area to be studied and the complexity of the watercourses as well as of the environmental, archaeological and other issues, which have to taken into account.

I expect that the Rye River Study, which will provide a comprehensive basis for dealing with all of the flood related issues in the sub catchment which includes the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock could be completed within 12 to 18 months.

Tax Collection.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

242 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all back tax is paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27452/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have examined the person's income tax affairs for the years 2005 and 2006 and have ascertained that the one parent family credit has been correctly included in her tax credits for the years in question.

However as she is in receipt of a lone parent allowance (which is a taxable source of income) her annual tax credits have been reduced to reflect this income. Accordingly, the inclusion of this income in the calculation of her credits has the effect of reducing her net take home pay.

As she has received her correct entitlements there is no refund due to her.

Departmental Properties.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

243 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 28 June 2006 if he will name each property owned by the Office of Public Works that was rented to private companies; the name of the private company that rented such property; the price they paid in each of the years 2000 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/06]

The information sought by the Deputy will take some time to collate as it involves providing details on possibly thousands of individual transactions over the years in question. I will write to the Deputy directly with the information as soon as it is available.

Departmental Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

244 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the positions coming available or available in the Office of Public Works in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/06]

The Office of Public Works constantly reviews its ongoing operational needs and recruits staff as needed within the parameters of budget and Government policy on numbers.

At present, the Office of Public Works does not envisage recruitment in County Wexford. However, on an annual basis, the Office of Public Works commences recruitment in the Autumn/Winter for guides/information officers for the relevant visitor season for built heritage sites including those in County Wexford.

Disabled Drivers.

John Deasy

Ceist:

245 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for primary medical certificates under the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal that were granted on appeal over the last 5 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27556/06]

Under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, the number of appeals determined and the number granted by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal during the last 5 years is set out in the following table.

Year

Appeals determined

Appeals granted

2001

160

30

2002

96

17

2003

25

7

2004

27

7

2005

243

96

2006

231*

70*

*Figures as at 30 June 2006.

Following a period of difficulty in organising sufficient meetings of the Medical Board of Appeal, the Board was reconstituted in early 2005, and the panel of doctors has been incrementally expanded from three to the current seventeen members. This has facilitated more frequent meetings of the Board, thus enabling progress to be made in reducing the backlog of appeals that had arisen.

John Deasy

Ceist:

246 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to complete his review of the inter-Departmental review group of the disabled drivers passengers tax concession scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27557/06]

The operation of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme was reviewed by a special Interdepartmental Review Group. 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 in a series of regulations in 2004 and 2005. The main change arising from these was that an increased number of members could be appointed to the Appeal Board, which facilitated a far greater number of appeal hearings than had been the case prior to the Report's publication.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided 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. This consideration is undertaken on a regular basis.

Architectural Heritage.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

247 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the future conservation, restoration or re-use of a fort (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27558/06]

The Office of Public Works undertakes maintenance and repairs to the Magazine Fort, including security works, to preserve the fabric of the Fort and improve security of the premises, on an ongoing basis.

The Commissioners are very much open to the suggestion of discussions with Dublin City Council and other appropriate bodies on this issue, with a view to formulation and consideration of realistic proposals for this heritage site in the Phoenix Park.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

248 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the approximate amount of the Government’s SSIA top-up contribution which will have gone to each income decile of the population when all payout have been made (details supplied). [27559/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

249 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the income distributional impact of SSIA’s that is if these schemes resulted in the redistribution of wealth towards lower income or towards higher income households or earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27560/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

It is not possible to give the income decile analysis requested as the scheme has 10 months to run and in that period the data are subject to a number of variables including for example where participants voluntarily withdraw from the scheme or vary their monthly contributions.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to give a definitive answer as to the impact of the SSIA scheme on wealth redistribution. However, some data is available on the income levels of those who are availing of the scheme. The following are the income levels for SSIA holders who were matched with the Revenue income distribution tables, based on the latest information available.

Low Income*

Medium Income*

High Income*

SSIA holders

27%

49%

24%

* Band Ranges — Low < or = €20,000, Medium >€20,000 and <€50,000, High >€50,000.

However individuals on social welfare benefit or on pension will not necessarily feature on the tax based income records.

As the Deputy will be aware the specific goal of the scheme is to encourage people to save over a period of at least five years. In order to provide an incentive to save for this period, the Government provides a generous 25% top up on savings, in the form of a tax credit. While it is a tax credit, there is a redistributive element in that it is paid to all participants even where they do not have taxable income.

To ensure that the scheme has a broad appeal and broad benefits, it limits the amount that can be saved per month and provides a standard rate of tax credit so that every person saving the same amount will get the same benefit.

Tax Yield.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

250 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that will pay tax at the 42% rate in 2006; the number that will pay at a maximum of the 20% rate; and the total number of income tax payers. [27706/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Numbers of income earners on income tax record

Year

Exempt

Marginal Relief

20 per cent Rate

42 per cent Rate

Total

2006

741,100

15,700

647,500

658,100

2,062,400

The numbers of income earners above have been rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate. The numbers of income earners are based on actual data for 2002 projected forward in accordance with macro-economic data relating to actual and expected growth in incomes and employment.

It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

251 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the value of the capital gains tax exemption; the changes that have been made in this limit in the course of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27707/06]

The annual capital gains tax exemption for individuals is €1,270. Changes to the exemption have not been made in the last 5 years.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

252 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the changes in the tax treatment of share options that have been made since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27708/06]

Section 128 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) charges to income tax the gain made by directors of companies and employees on the exercise of rights granted to them to acquire shares or other assets. Section 128A, which was enacted in 2000, provided for the deferral, subject to conditions, of this tax charge for a period of up to seven years. Section 519 of, and Schedule 12 C to, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the waiving of the income tax charge in the case of approved share option schemes.

The law relating to share options has been amended on three occasions since 2002.

Section 11 of the Finance Act 2002 amended Section 128 to take account of the alignment of the tax and calendar years. The filing date for making a return of share options granted or exercised was changed from 30 June to 31 March. In addition, the amendment provided that where a company is not resident in the State but operates here through a branch or agency, the responsibility for making the return of share options granted or exercised will rest on the company's representative in the State.

Sections 7 & 8 of the Finance Act 2003 abolished, with effect from 6 February 2003, the right to defer payment of the income tax charged in respect of share options. Instead a new section — Section 128B — was introduced into the Taxes Consolidation Act to provide that, where an individual exercises an option on or after 30 June 2003, the income tax due under Section 128 in respect of any realised gain must be paid to the Collector-General within thirty days of that event.

Finally, Section 16(1) of Finance Act 2005 extended the charge to income tax under Section 128 to gains arising from the exercise of share options by individuals who are not resident in the State at the date the option is granted. The legislation is subject to a commencement order and will apply to options granted on or after the date the commencement order is signed. The reason for this is to allow time for consultation with a number of representative bodies with a view to the Revenue Commissioners issuing a Statement of Practice on how the legislation will be applied. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that these consultations are ongoing.

Departmental Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

253 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if it remains Government policy to establish a National Transformation Fund into which once off revenues accruing to the State would be placed. [27709/06]

Under the objective Delivering Major Capital Programmes, the Programme for Government states:

Where significant once-off revenues accrue to the state through for example, the sale of assets or the restructuring of the Central Bank, we will use these revenues to create a National Transformation Fund. This fund, which will be managed by the NTMA, will be used to finance multi-annual infrastructural development programmes.

The proposal to establish a National Transformation Fund was aimed at facilitating the delivery of major capital programmes in a coherent manner while maximising efficiency, value for money and appropriate risk transfer across complex multi-annual programmes. This has been overtaken by events and while a National Transformation Fund has not been established it is clear that the overall objective behind the proposal is being achieved.

There have been a number of developments since the proposal was made which meet the overall objectives envisaged. These developments include:

•The multi-annual capital framework

•Transport 21

•The National Development Plan.

For some years now, public capital investment under the capital envelopes has been about 5% of GNP. This is around twice the EU average level.

The introduction of multi-annual capital envelopes in Budget 2004 has progressed and continues to progress investment in infrastructure, thereby ensuring continued economic progress, national competitiveness and better quality of life for the public in general.

The Government is committed to maintaining this level of investment. Under the 2006-2010 capital envelope, some €43.5 billion is being made available, an increase of €7.2 billion on last year's capital envelope.

Transport 21 will deliver €34 billion of infrastructural improvements in the transport sector over the 10 years 2006-2015.

The next National Development Plan covering the period 2007-2013, which sets out the Government's investment strategy and indicative financial allocations for enhancing Ireland's infrastructure, human resources, enterprise sector as well as promoting social inclusion will be launched next November.

Besides these developments it should be noted that monies from the Central Bank and the sale of State assets would be taken in by the Exchequer as Non-Tax Revenue and would therefore be available for investment having regard to the Government's capital investment framework. In this context, the Central Bank restructured its reserves and investment portfolio in the period 2000 to 2003 and the proceeds were paid into the Exchequer as part of the normal payment of surplus income of the Central Bank. This has contributed to the achievement of the sound public finances strategy pursued by the Government.

In all these circumstances, the objectives which were envisaged for a National Transformation Fund are being achieved.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

254 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that are earning the minimum wage or less who will be subjected to income tax in 2006. [27710/06]

The current minimum wage is €7.65 per hour. On an annualised basis, this is equivalent to €15,515 assuming a 39 hour working week.

The present entry point to income tax under the PAYE system is €15,600 per annum for a single person under 65.

The position is, therefore, that no employee who benefits from entitlement to the employee (PAYE) tax credit in addition to the basic personal tax credit will be subjected to income tax in 2006.

However, a small number of persons with income at or below the current minimum wage annualised who do not have entitlement to the employee tax credit are likely to be liable for a small amount of income tax in 2006. This group comprises, essentially, proprietary directors and certain pensioners.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

255 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the procedures that are in place for the removal of a person who is employed by or under the State; if an outside body can terminate such employment or instruct it to be terminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27711/06]

I understand that the Deputy's question relates specifically to the situation regarding civil servants.

There are a number of grounds on which a civil servant may be removed from office:

(a) Under the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956, the Government may dismiss or discipline an established civil servant for misconduct or fraud. There is a disciplinary code which sets out the procedures under which this action can take place; the Code also provides for an appeal process to allow the officer the opportunity to state a defence. In the case of an unestablished civil servant, dismissal may be decided by the relevant Minister.

(b) The Civil Regulation Act 1956 also allows for compulsory retirement on grounds of ill-health at the initiative of the employing Department or Office.

(c) Under the 1909 and 1963 Superannuation and Pensions Acts, an officer may be retired early on grounds of organisational efficiency or effectiveness and receive a pension before the normal pension age.

Before the commencement on 4 July, 2006 of the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005, the termination of employment of an established civil servant was decided by the Government. With the commencement of the Act, the relevant Minister has powers of discipline for the grades of Principal upwards and Secretaries-General and Heads of Office have responsibility for grades below Principal.

Where a civil servant is working for an agency or board, the chief executive or the board of the organisation would have a role in advising the Minister or Government on the background to the proposed removal from office.

Tax Collection.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

256 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if flights home by Irish tax exiles though Dublin Airport’s private aircraft terminal are being monitored by the Revenue Commissioners. [27713/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissions that in the context of implementing import controls, Revenue's Customs Service monitors all flights and passengers, including passengers in private aircraft, coming into the country through Dublin Airport. This monitoring is done on the basis of risk analysis.

In relation to the monitoring by Revenue of days spent in Ireland by individuals with an Irish domicile who claim non-resident status for tax purposes, the High Wealth Individual's Unit of Revenue's Large Cases Division have monitored a number of such cases, as part of their 2005 audit programme, for compliance with the statutory residence rules. I am advised that part of that exercise involved checking certain data available to Revenue in relation to the movements of private aircraft.

Tax Code.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

257 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the introduction of a Tobin Tax on international currency speculation and similar unproductive transactions and the use of the proceeds for progressive development and elimination of hunger and poverty in the poorer regions of the world; if he has discussed this proposal with his counterparts at EU or UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27714/06]

The Deputy may be aware that the issue of a currency transactions tax (Tobin tax) has been considered in a number of fora, including the informal Ecofin meeting at Liege on 22 September 2001. The Belgian Presidency indicated that it wished to pursue the matter in the context of a general study to be carried out by the Commission on the issue of globalisation. However, it would be fair to say that most EU Finance Ministers at that time had reservations about the Tobin tax proposal, and believed that it was not clear that a further examination of the issue by the Commission would ensure that satisfactory answers would be given to the many real questions concerning the tax including: the difficulties relating to practical implementation of the tax; its doubtful effect on short-term speculative capital movements; its conflict with the basic tenet of free capital movement in the EU; its disproportionate effect on small business and consumers; the probability that the tax would simply drive participants into other (non-taxable) alternatives; and the negative impact on liquidity in the foreign exchange market. I am of the same view.

Nevertheless, at a formal Ecofin meeting on 16 October 2001, it was agreed that the Commission would carry out a study on globalisation and that this study would examine the arguments for and against a Tobin tax. This study, "Responses to the Challenges of Globalisation", was published on 14 February 2002. On the matter of the Tobin tax, the study concluded that "while as a source of additional revenue a currency transaction tax may look appealing, its feasibility is, however, not demonstrated".

This issue has also been raised at EU level in 2005 in the context of the financing of development aid but was dismissed by the EU Commission for reasons such as those already outlined.

As indicated in replies to previous questions on this matter, I do not propose to introduce such a tax as I remain unconvinced of its feasibility.

State Airports.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

258 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if the NDP/CSF evaluation unit located within his Department have or will carry out a cost-benefit analysis in relation to the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27716/06]

Under my Department's Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector, as amended by my Department's Value for Money Circular Letter of 26 January 2006, all semi-state bodies with responsibility for developing capital projects are required to carry out an appropriate cost benefit analysis of projects costing over €30 million.

If a semi state company proposes to proceed with such a project on the basis of its cost benefit analysis and if the project is to be funded from Exchequer capital under the multi-annual capital envelopes, the semi-state company concerned is required to submit the cost benefit analysis to the relevant sanctioning authority for approval to proceed with the project. The sanctioning authority would normally be the relevant Government Department with responsibility for the sector.

If the semi-state company is a commercial company funding the project from its own resources the cost benefit analysis would include an assessment of the commercial viability of the project. It would be the responsibility of the board of the company concerned to decide whether the project should proceed on the basis of the cost benefit analysis.

As the responsibility to carry out cost benefit analysis rests with the relevant semi-state company the evaluation unit located within my Department has not and will not carry out a cost-benefit analysis in relation to the project referred to in the question.

Tax Code.

John Cregan

Ceist:

259 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance the situation in relation to start up and annual taxes, stamp duty on credit and debit cards; when these charges commenced; the number of cards which exist and annual revenue from same; the reason tax charge was raised in the first case; if such charges are made by other governments in the EU; if many complaints are received in relation to the charging system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27718/06]

The current annual rate of stamp duty on credit card and charge card accounts is €40. The stamp duty on ATM and debit cards is €10 per annum. In the case of combined cards (cards which have both ATM and Debit functions), the stamp duty is €20.

The Deputy will be aware that I introduced changes in this year's Finance Act to alter the way that stamp duty is charged on combined cards. The stamp duty on a combined card was reduced to €10 per annum where the card is only used for one function (either ATM transactions or debit transactions) throughout the year.

Stamp duty on credit / charge card accounts has existed since 1982 and stamp duty on ATM cards has existed since 1997. Stamp duty on debit cards was only introduced in December 2002.

The number of credit card and charge card accounts that were liable to stamp duty for 2005 was 1,596,499. In the case of debit and ATM cards, the number liable to stamp duty in 2005 was:

Number

ATM

1,992,615

Combined

1,012,147

Debit

57,437

Total

3,062,199

The yield from credit card / charge card accounts in 2005 was €63.8m.

The yield from stamp duty on ATM, debit and combined cards in 2005 was:

ATM Cards

Combined Cards

Debit Cards

Total

€22.4m

€12.15m

€3.3m

€37.9m

Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques etc. was not eroded. The stamp duty applies irrespective of the volume of bank transactions made.

Stamp duties on financial cards are significant contributors to the Exchequer and are in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates generally low.

I am not aware of any other EU Member States imposing taxation on financial cards.

I do not receive many complaints in relation to this stamp duty given the very large number of financial cards involved.

Flood Relief.

John Deasy

Ceist:

260 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide funding for works to prevent annual flooding of the main Tramore to Waterford road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/06]

The Deputy will be aware that the Tramore Road phase of the John's River flood relief scheme has a negative cost benefit ratio and the decision was therefore taken to omit this phase from the scheme as it does not meet the basic requirement that a flood relief scheme be economically viable. While flooding of the Tramore Road causes considerable disruption and inconvenience, it is not the only access route between Tramore and Waterford and I could not justify including this phase in the scheme while other cost beneficial schemes to relieve flooding of houses and other property awaited attention.

The position can be re-considered if the expenditure required to protect the road can be shown to be cost beneficial.

The Commissioners of Public Works are in consultation with Waterford City Council with a view to advancing the cost beneficial elements of the proposed Waterford Flood Relief Scheme.

Financial Services Regulation.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

261 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if he has submitted both the credit union registrar’s proposals for the new investment framework and the Irish League of Credit Union’s proposals for regulatory and legal changes to the Credit Union Advisory Committee; and if they have reviewed the operating restrictions. [27773/06]

In April of this year I submitted the Credit Union Registrar's proposals for a new investment framework to the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) requesting them to provide advice on an appropriate investment framework for credit unions. I understand that the Committee has completed its review of this issue and has recently submitted its advice which is now being assessed by my Department.

The Advisory Committee were also asked for advice on the Irish League of Credit Union's proposals for regulatory and legal changes and have recommended certain amendments to the regulatory framework for credit unions under the Credit Union Act, 1997 which can be implemented by Statutory Instrument. The recommendations include increases in the limits that can be held on deposit, increases in the limits for the amount that can be nominated and increases in the limits for small payments on death. My Department in tandem with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is drafting the necessary Statutory Instruments to bring these changes into effect as soon as possible.

Tax Code.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

262 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of making the home carer’s tax credit refundable. [27776/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent estimated cost of making the home carer tax credit refundable when it is unused is broadly in the region of €42 million annually.

The estimate of €42 million relates only to the cost of extending refundable tax credits to all those on the Revenue Commissioners' tax files. If a refundable tax credit system were to be introduced, one would have to consider those who are not on the tax files, such as those who are of employable age but not working, including those on social welfare. This would increase the cost.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

263 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and task forces operating under his Department. [27796/06]

The following budgetary allocations from the Department of Finance Vote in 2006 have been made to the bodies of the type referred to by the Deputy.

Body

2006 Budgetary Allocation

€,000

Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

20,449*

Ordnance Survey Ireland

9,265

Public Service Benchmarking Body

1,900

Review Body on Higher Remuneration

300

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal

300

Decentralisation Implementation Group

100

Civil Service Arbitration and Appeals Boards etc

70

Committee for Performance Awards

50

Credit Union Advisory Committee

30

Top Level Appointment Committee

19

*Of this total, €1.411m is allocated for the running costs of the SEUPB and the remaining €19.038m relates to programmes (Peace II and Northern Ireland Interreg) administered by the SEUPB.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

264 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27810/06]

The number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of my My Department which have been affected as a result of the recently sanctioned Government increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees is three. The bodies affected are Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Public Appointments Service and the Financial Services Ombudsman Council.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

265 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the new levels of fees payable to ordinary board members of State agencies as were recently agrees upon by the Government. [27811/06]

The level of the fees payable to members of the boards of State bodies was revised by Government at its meeting on 20 June 2006. The revised fees are payable with effect from 1 January 2006.

The Government decided to increase the fees payable to ordinary board members and directors of State bodies by roughly the amount of the increase payable to senior civil servants in the period since the last review of fees was conducted in 2001.

The fees payable to members of State boards depend on the size and complexity of the bodies they govern. In order to determine what level of fee is appropriate, State bodies are divided into four categories, depending on the pay of their chief executives. The level of remuneration of the chief executive is an objective assessment of the relative importance and complexity of the bodies concerned.

In some instances fees are not payable to ordinary board members and directors of State bodies. Where fees are payable, the Government has decided that the following revised fee rates should apply:

Category 1

Director

17,500

Category 2

Director

14,000

Category 3

Director

9,000

Category 4

Director

7,000

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

266 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of task forces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27814/06]

The following table sets out task forces established in the Department since 1997. It is the most comprehensive list which could be prepared in the time available.

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Decentralisation Implementation Group

To drive forward the Government’s Decentralisation Programme

Mr. Finbarr Flood Mr. Fred Devlin Mr. Dermot Quigley Ms Jane Williams Mr. Eddie Sullivan Mr. Sean Benton

The Chair reports periodically to the Cabinet sub-Committee on Decentralisation and the Group has produced a number of reports to the Minister for Finance

Dec. 03

Still in existence

Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service

To examine, evaluate and make recommendations on relevant financial systems, practices and procedures throughout the health services

Prof. Niamh Brennan Dr. Sean Barrett Dr. Donal de Buitléir Mr. Diarmuid Collins Mr. Pat Farrell Mr. Tommie Gorman Mr. George Mansfield Mr. Jim McCaffrey Mr. Michael McLoone Mr. Dermot Smyth Mr. Maurice Tempany

Report published

Apr. 02

Report published Jun 03

Working Group on the State’s Legal Costs

To report to the Minister for Finance on issues relating to the State’s legal costs

Officials from the Dept. of Finance, Dept. of An Taoiseach, Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Chief State’s Solicitor’s Office State Claims Agency

Report to Minister for Finance in first instance, expected to be followed by consideration by the Government

May 05

Ongoing

Working Group on Strategic Issues facing the Irish Banking Sector

To consider:— possible future developments affecting the structure of banking and related financial services in Ireland

Mr. Noel O’Gorman Mr. David Doyle Ms Anne Nolan Mr. Liam O’Reilly Mr. Tom O’Connell Mr. Richard Shine Mr. Martin Maloney

Report Published

Nov. 99

The Group’s report was published in August 2000

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Procurement Task Force

To help the development of the e-procurement strategy

Mr. Gavan McGirr Mr. Gary Holohan Mr. Frank Smyth Mr. Michael O’Driscoll Mr. Pádraic Carolan Mr. Johnny Bliss Mr. Brian Looney Mr. Jim Kelly Mr. Pat Granahan Mr. John Power Mr. Nicholas O’Loughlin Ms Dolores Rooney

The taskforce reported to a sectoral co-ordination committee who reported to a Steering Committee of sectoral Assistant Secretaries. The Department of Finance received Government approval for the Final Report in the Spring of 2002

2000

Oct. 01

Organisation & Change Task Force

ditto

Mr. Brian Kearney Grieve Mr. Michael McDaid Mr. Charlie Hardy Mr. Tony McMahon Mr. Gerry McMahon Mr. Niall McCabe Mr. Jim Fox Mr. Pat Granahan

ditto

2000

Oct. 02

Legal & Regulatory Task Force

ditto

Ms Sarah Johnson Mr. Nicholas O’Loughlin Ms Dolores Rooney Mr. Billy Noone Mr. Michael McCarthy Mr. Philip Andrews Mr. John O’Donovan Mr. Johnny Bliss Ms Úna Ní hAircheallaigh Ms Mary Donohoe

ditto

2000

Oct. 01

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Technology Task Force

ditto

Mr. David Lee Ms Patricia Stack Mr. Tony Reilly Mr. Gerry McMahon Mr. Micheal Delaney Mr. Sean Fay Mr. Ronan McCarthy Ms Catherine Carmody Mr. John Sydenham Capt Gerry McMahon Ms Catherine Curley Ms Siobhan O’Higgins

ditto

2000

Oct. 01

Economics Working Group

ditto

Ms Rachael Morgan Mr. Tom O’Reilly Ms Siobhan Masterson Ms Karen Hynes Ms John Bolton Mr. George Hennessey Ms Miriam Kearney Ms Adrian Devitt

ditto

2000

Oct. 01

Revenue Powers Group

To review the powers available to the Revenue Commissioners to establish tax liabilities, including powers to investigate with a view to the prosecution of tax offences

Justice Francis Murphy Ms Julie Burke, Solicitor Mr. James Jennings Ms. Suzanne Kelly Mr. Sean Moriarty Mr. Michael Mullins Mr. Roderick Ryan

Revenue Powers Group Report to the Minister for Finance

Mar. 03

Dec. 03

Management Information Framework (MIF) Consultative Committee Group

The Cross Departmental Consultative Committee at Assistant Secretary level deals with major decisions items of strategic importance in relation to MIF matters

All Departments & Offices

Reports to the Financial Management Subgroup of the implementation Group of Secretaries General

Dec. 99

Still in operation

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Management Information Framework (MIF) Project Management Group

This group is responsible for both project management and cost management aspects of MIF and co-ordinates the development and implementation of all MIF related activities

All Departments & Offices

Reports to MIF Consultative Committee

Mar. 00

Still in operation

Mullarkey Implementation Group (MIG)

To oversee the implementation in Depts/Offices of recommendations made in the ‘Mullarkey Report’

One member from each Dept/Office — usually AP or higher from Finance Units

Members report back to their Accounting Officers

Jan 03

Oct. 05

High Level Group on National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013

To oversee the drafting of NDP 2007-2013

High Level representatives from all Government Departments contributing to the preparation of the NDP.

Through Cross Departmental Team and Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Housing and PPPs to Government

Jul 05

Will continue as required until the completion and launch of the next NDP

Working group on the exchange of information between the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners

Examine the issue of the exchange of information

Contained representatives from Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners and Central Bank

2001

2002

Working group to examine implementation of 12.5% Corporation tax rate

Examine the introduction & general 12.5% rate of Corporation tax and possible abuses that may arise

Contained representatives from Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners, Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment, IDA & Forfas

Report to Minister for Finance

2000

2003

Working group on the taxation of PRSAs

Consider Revenue rules for this pension product

Contained representatives from Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs and the Pension Board

Report to Minister for Finance & consequent legislation, Pensions (Amdt) Act 2002

2000

2002

Working group on implementation of PAC DIRT inquiry

Report on implementation of PAC inquiry into bogus non resident accounts

Contained representatives from the Department of Finance & Attorney General

2000

2000

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Independent Estimates Review Committee

To assess the options available to achieve the expenditure targets approved by Government for the 2003 pre-Budget Estimates process

Mr. Kevin Bonner Mr. Maurice O’Connell Mr. Dermot Quigley

Report sent to the Minister for Finance

Jul. 02

Oct. 02

Expert Working Group on Improving Public Finance Statements

To examine and analyse the financial statements published by the Department of Finance with a view to improving their simplicity and transparency

Officials from the Department of Finance, NTMA, Department of Public Enterprise and three external experts

Report of the Expert Working Group on Improving Public Finance Statements

Mar. 98

Sep 98 on presentation of report to Minister

Tax Forecasting Methodology Review Group

To examine the tax forecasting methodologies used by the Department of Finance in the preparation of the tax revenue forecast for budgetary purposes

Officials of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners

Report published in November 1998

Jan/Feb. 98

Nov. 98

Euro Changeover Board of Ireland

To oversee the Euro Changeover

Public servants and representatives of Relevant Organisations

Published a report to the Minister for Finance

May 98

May 02

Implementation Advisory Group on the establishment of a Single Regulatory Authority for the Financial Services Sector jointly set up with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

To advise on the establishment of a single Regulatory Authority for the Financial Services Sector

Mr. Michael McDowell Mr. Liam Barron Mr. Tom Considine Mr. John Corcoran Ms Carmel Foley Mr. Roger Kenny Mr. Dermot McCarthy Mr. Joe Moran Mr. Maurice Tempany Mr. Jim O’Brien

Report submitted to the Ministers for Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Oct 98

May 99

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Interdeptl. Working Group on Government Virtual Private Network

To oversee the procurement and operation of a Government telecomms network.

Department of Agriculture and Food Department of Education and Science Department of Finance Health Services Executive Local Government Computer Services Board Office of the Revenue Commissioners Department of Social and Family Affairs

Reports to Principal Technical Policy Unit CMOD

Early 2000

Ongoing

Interdeptl. Working Group on Data Centres

To investigate possible approaches to the usage of Data Centre services for ICT in the public service

Department of Agriculture and Food Central Statistics Office Eastern Health Shared Services Department of Finance An Garda Síochána Local Government Computer Services Executive Office of Public Works Office of the Revenue Commissioners Department of Social and Family Affairs

Presentations to the Decentralisation Implementation Group

Jul. 04

Ongoing

Interdeptl. Working Group on National Digital Radio Services Procurement

To develop specifications for the procurement of national digital radio services and to define processes for the oversight of their operation

Ambulance Service Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Defence Forces Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Department of Finance Fire Brigade An Garda Síochána Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Office of the Revenue Commissioners Department of Transport

Reports to Principal Technical Policy Unit CMOD

Dec. 04

Ongoing

Name of Taskforce

Function

Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Set up

Ceased

Interdeptl. ICT Procurement

To devise and implement aggregated procurement frameworks for ICT services and products

Department of Agriculture and Food Department of Education and Science Department of Finance Health Services Executive Local Government Computer Services Executive Office of the Revenue Commissioners Department of Social and Family Affairs

Reports to Principal Technical Policy Unit CMOD

Jul. 05

Ongoing

Interdeptl. Working Group on Identity Management & Privacy Protection.

To examine proposals for an identity management and privacy protection policy for the provision of public services

Central Statistics Office Department of Finance Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Health and Children Health Services Executive Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Office of the Revenue Commissioners Department of Social and Family Affairs Department of the Taoiseach

To Government

Jun. 06 N/A

Ongoing

Decentralisation Programme.

John Deasy

Ceist:

267 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the position with regard to the proposed decentralisation of Ordnance Survey Ireland to Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27848/06]

As part of the Decentralisation Programme it is intended that Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) will decentralise to Dungarvan, County Waterford. I am informed by OSI that arrangements are proceeding in accordance with their implementation plan. A site has been acquired in Dungarvan by the Office of Public Works (OPW). A detailed plan of the OSI requirements in the new location has been developed and submitted to the OPW for consideration.

Financial Services Regulation.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

268 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the estimated amount of moneys lent by credit unions to banks and other financial institutions in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27909/06]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the high proportion of credit union savings that are currently invested in banks and other financial institutions. This largely reflects the strong performance of credit unions in attracting savings. It also reflects the highly competitive environment for lending in which credit unions operate.

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) contends that the current limits in the Credit Union Act, 1997 on longer-term lending by credit unions are affecting the competitiveness of credit union lending, as credit unions are not in a position to compete with the banking sector in one of the more demand driven areas of the lending market overall. The Registrar of Credit Unions in the Financial Regulator does not favour any change in the lending limits at this time, primarily because of the scope for increased credit risk.

Given the divergence of views between credit unions and the Registrar in relation to this important issue, I referred the matter to the expert statutory advisory body on credit union matters, the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) requesting their advice as to whether a review of the current limits on longer-term lending by credit unions should be initiated. The recommendation of the Committee is expected shortly.

Tax Collection.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

269 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the extent of inheritance tax collected by the State in each of the past 10 years;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27910/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

278 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the extent of inheritance tax collected by the State in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28020/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 278 together.

The yield on inheritance tax over the last 10 years is:

Year

Yield

1996

61,127,644

1997

81,270,994

1998

98,455,375

1999

133,731,623

2000

154,723,513

2001

121,504,568

2002

128,062,522

2003

130,653,240

2004

171,293,533

2005

196,654,582

House Prices.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

270 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the estimated value of housing stock at current market value in the country; if he can estimate the proportion of such properties owned by persons in excess of 50 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27911/06]

There are no official figures available for the value of the entire housing stock. There is only limited data available on legal ownership of houses by age profile. The CSO has advised that a 2004 survey indicated that about two thirds of owner occupied houses are owned by persons over 50. This proportion does not include other houses owned by respondents such as holiday homes or houses bought to rent, and the survey does not cover vacant houses. Please note that in households where two people were responsible for the accommodation, the age of the eldest was used.

There are no data available on the profile of owners of rented dwellings or vacant or holiday homes. However common experience suggests that property ownership rises with age and that it tends to be higher in the older age groups.

National Development Plan.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

271 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the progress to date on the drafting of the National Development Plan 2007-2013; when the plan is expected to be complete; the main areas of focus of the plan; the existing strategies, papers and plans that the new NDP will take account of; if any organisations or bodies have been invited to make submissions for consideration; if it is intended to put a draft plan on public display; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27912/06]

The preparation of the NDP for the period 2007-2013 has been in progress since the Government announcement last August. The plan is due to be launched next November. It is not intended to publish any drafts of the Plan before its publication.

The Plan will be a high level strategic document setting out the overall investment framework for the next seven years. The Plan will not be a list of projects. Projects will flow over the period of the Plan from the investment framework set out in the Plan.

The Plan will build on and embrace existing policies in areas such as Transport under T21, Science and Technology under the SSTI, the strategy on higher education already announced by Government and other relevant Government policies, including as appropriate commitments made under social partnership.

The final structure and content of the plan will ultimately be a matter for Government but I would anticipate that the next Plan would encompass the following key features:

•An overriding commitment to economic and budgetary sustainability; the investment allocations set out in the next Plan will be dependent on the availability of resources.

•A commitment to a further major enhancement of our economic and social infrastructure, notably in key areas of Transport, Environmental Services, Social and Affordable Housing, Health, Education, Broadband and Energy.

•Investment in support of the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation.

•Investment in Education at all levels with a particular emphasis on the 3rd and 4th levels in tandem with continued investment in labour force training and lifelong learning.

•Support for the productive sector including enterprise, agriculture, the marine sector, tourism and services generally.

•The promotion of social inclusion.

•A substantive investment framework to promote a better balance in regional development in line with the template of the National Spatial Strategy including a framework for development of the Rural Economy.

•Promotion of better North/South economic cooperation and of the all-island economy.

•Investment in the environment to promote environmental sustainability accompanied by a general objective that investment in general is compatible with this goal.

•The plan will also have a number of horizontal themes as follows:

•Balanced regional development through the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy.

•The all-island dimension.

•Environmental sustainability.

•The promotion of social inclusion.

An extensive consultation process has been undertaken. An invitation to make submissions was extended to the Social Partners, Regional Bodies and bodies representing key stakeholders such as the Western Development Commission, the Heritage Council, Comhar and the Combat Poverty Agency. A number of meetings have also taken place with organisations making submissions. A consultation seminar for the Southern and Eastern Region will take place on 20th July next and for the BMW Region on 7th September next. Each Government Department involved was also asked to consult with bodies and agencies within their aegis in order to inform the material submitted by them.

The ESRI was commissioned to carry out an ex-ante evaluation of the investment priorities for the period 2007-2013. I understand that the evaluation is nearly complete. When finished, it will then be submitted to Government for consideration with publication expected sometime thereafter.

Tax Code.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

272 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the rate of stamp duty rates on cheques and laser cards with ATM function; the number of ATM cards and credit cards each year since 2002; the income to the exchequer each year on each; to review these rates; if consideration will be given to removing the stamp duty on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27913/06]

The rate of stamp duty on cheques is 15c per cheque. The rate of stamp duty on debit cards (laser) with an ATM function (combined cards) is €20 per annum.

The Deputy will be aware that I introduced changes in this year's Finance Act to alter the way that stamp duty is charged on combined cards. The stamp duty on a combined card was reduced to €10 per annum where the card is only used for one function (either ATM transactions or debit transactions) throughout the year.

The number of ATM, combined and debit cards chargeable to stamp duty for 2002 et seq. is:

Card Type

2005

2004

2003

2002

ATM

1,992,615

2,240,090

2,105,152

2,169,591

Combined

1,012,147

642,985

587,976

458,119

Debit

57,437

255,952

244,167

178,165

Totals

3,062,199

3,139,027

2,937,295

2,805,875

The number of credit card/charge card accounts liable to stamp duty for 2002 et seq. is:

Card Type

2005

2004

2003

2002

Credit Cards

1,433,585

1,340,411

1,177,759

1,093,011

Charge Cards

162,914

133,442

113,913

109,491

Totals

1,596,499

1,473,853

1,291,672

1,202,502

The yield to the Exchequer for each year is:

Year

Credit/charge cards

ATM/debit cards

€m

€m

2002

51.7

32.64

2003

22.9

14.04

2004

59.0

35.25

2005

64.8

36.9

All stamp duties, including the stamp duties on financial cards and bank transactions are reviewed in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

273 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the rate of vehicle registration tax on each category vehicle since 2002; if consideration will be given to reducing the level of VRT in the next budget; the reasons to date for not reducing VRT; if VRT will be eliminated completely over a five year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27914/06]

The rates of VRT on each category vehicle are as follows: Private Cars

A1 Cars under 1,400cc

22.5% of Open Market Selling Price — OMSP

A2 1,400 to 1,900cc

25% of OMSP

A3 Cars over 1,900cc

30% of OMSP

Small vans and some jeeps

13.3% of OMSP

Other Vehicles

€50 — flat rate

In Budget 2003, the band to which the highest VRT rate (30%) applies, was widened to include cars between 1901cc and 2000cc inclusive (these had previously been taxed at 25%).

The VRT rates and bands are reviewed in the annual Budgetary process. For example, in last year's Budget, I introduced a 50% VRT relief for flexible fuel vehicles and a similar relief was already in place for hybrid electric cars. I have no plans to introduce a general reduction of VRT.

As for the elimination of VRT over a period of time, I have no plans at present to do so. The European Commission published a proposal for a directive in relation to car taxes in July 2005 which supports the gradual abolition of registration taxes which it believes impacting on the functioning of the internal market. However, the aim of the proposal is that such registration taxes would be replaced by circulation taxes which would have a CO2 element.

At EU Council discussions, Ireland has pointed out that we regard VRT as a national tax that falls within the national competence — a position shared by several other Member States. Our view is that the mix of taxes, their levels and rates are matters for EU Member States based on legitimate choices.

Within the EU Single Market, the facility is available for Member States to raise revenue through internal taxation subject to certain provisos such as the following:

(1) the measures do not give rise to border controls,

(2) there is no discrimination as between home produced goods and those imported from other Member States, and

(3) the measures are not of the nature of quantitative restriction on imports or exports.

VRT has been examined by the European Court of Justice and has been found to be compatible with EU legislation. Motor vehicle taxes have been a traditional source of revenue in Ireland for decades and provide significant revenue to the Exchequer which is used to fund vital public services. For example, VRT yielded approximately €1,149 million in 2005. As regards the balance of taxation, Ireland has prioritised tax reductions on income earned by employees, in preference to other tax areas, and this policy has helped create record employment levels.

National Development Plan.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

274 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; the number of projects which were earmarked for completion in the life-time of the plan; the number which have actually been completed; the number of projects currently in progress; the number expected to be completed by the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27915/06]

The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006 set out to ensure that Ireland remained competitive in the global international marketplace and that the fruits of our economic success would be shared more equally at regional level and throughout our society. The Plan is implemented through seven Operational Programmes comprising 30 sub-programmes and 147 measures.

In the first six years of the NDP (2000-2005) over 44 billion euro has been invested nationwide. Significant progress continues to be made in the implementation of the NDP in the Regions. The latest information indicates that overall gross expenditure in the Border, Midlands and West (BMW) region is running at 12.1 billion euro for the six year period 2000-2005, with the Exchequer component running at 10.7 billion euro. In the Southern and Eastern (S&E) region overall gross expenditure is running at 32.8 billion euro, with the Exchequer element at 28 billion euro.

The information also indicates that the overall outturn for the NDP is expected to be near to forecast by the end of 2006, but with some over-performance and underperformance of expenditure taking place within the Operational Programmes that support the NDP. However, it is also expected that co-funded measures under the NDP will achieve their full entitlement to Structural Funds in both Regions by the end of 2008, the timetable set out in the Regulations.

Performance indicators at programme and priority level are included in the Operational Programme documents and at measure (and sub-measure) level in the programme complement documents. The monitoring indicators allow progress to be measured in terms of reaching objectives and targets, the impact and results of expenditure and the progress of the financing plan.

Each Operational Programme has a Managing Authority which monitors financial and physical output targets. Each Implementing Agency is required to supply physical and financial progress to the Operational Programme Monitoring Committee meetings held in the Spring and Autumn. The Progress reports for these are available from the respective Managing Authorities for the Operational Programmes as set out as follows.

Operational Programme

Managing Authority

Economic and Social Infrastructure OP

Department of Environment and Local Government

Employment and Human Resources OP

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Productive Sector OP

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

S&E Regional OP

Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly

BMW Regional OP

Border, Midland & Western Regional Assembly

Peace OP

Special EU Programmes Body

Technical Assistance OP

Department of Finance

The Operational Programme Monitoring Committee reports include a description of physical progress of each measure for the six month reporting period and since the beginning of the Programme, accompanied by the appropriate table of physical indicators. They also include a standard financial table which provides information of each measure by EU co-financed and non co-financed expenditure, national contributions, EU contribution and private financing.

These reports are collated and presented to the NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee which is chaired by my Department. This Committee plays an active role in the monitoring of the NDP/CSF and meets at least twice yearly to review progress being made towards achieving objectives and targets. The Committee is made up of a wide partnership of interests, including implementing Departments, the social partners, sectoral interests, and members of local authorities representing the regional assemblies.

This Committee reviews the progress being made towards achieving objectives and targets. Monitoring is carried out by reference to physical and financial indicators at the level of programme, sub-programme and measure but not at project level.

In addition to the ongoing monitoring, mid term evaluations of the NDP/CSF and of the individual Operational Programmes were carried out in 2003 the purpose of which was to provide an analysis of both progress under the programmes and of developments in the external environment. An update evaluation of the CSF was completed in December 2005 which provided a synthesis of overall CSF progress in both financial and physical terms to end 2004.

My Department has also recently published a report entitled Progress on the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The Report is available on my Department's website or on the NDP website and provides greater detail on the achievements to date under the National Development Plan.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

275 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27959/06]

As the Deputy will appreciate, in the time available for answering the question it has not been possible to compile the information sought. However, it will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.

Departmental Appointments.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

276 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 23 May 2006, the number and location of temporary clerical posts filled to date; the plans to fill posts in the various locations in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27981/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the table below is an estimate of the number of temporary posts that have been filled and are likely to be filled in the Revenue Commissioners in the coming weeks.

Locations

No. of Temporary Vacancies

Athlone

7

Blackrock

20

Castlebar

10

Cork

27

Dublin

167

Dundalk

15

Ennis

11

Galway

15

Kilkenny

5

Letterkenny

10

Limerick

96

Nenagh

31

Rosslare

2

Sligo

6

Thurles

7

Tralee

6

Waterford

16

Wexford

8

Total

459

Tax Collection.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

277 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the VAT collected to date under the WEEE scheme on a monthly basis since its introduction; the plans he has to review the charging of VAT on an environmental tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27988/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that VAT returns are not compiled in a manner which would allow the yield from particular goods or services to be identified. Furthermore, since it is also not possible to distinguish in VAT returns the amount of VAT charged on the environmental levy under the WEEE scheme, which is included in the consideration for the supply of goods, there is no basis on which an estimate of the VAT collected to date in respect of the levy can be compiled.

Regarding the application of VAT to the environmental levy under the WEEE scheme, Section 10 of the Value Added Tax Act 1972 (as amended) provides that VAT is chargeable on the total consideration including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges in respect of the supply of goods and services.

Question No. 278 answered with QuestionNo. 269.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

279 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of student accommodation developments which have been granted section 23 type tax relief each year since the inception of this scheme; if he will provide details of the number of such units approved by each of the third level colleges each year for the same period; the manner in which student use is verified on an ongoing basis; the value of the tax foregone to the State in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28070/06]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

280 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide information on the number of student accommodation developments which have been granted section 23 type tax-relief each year since the inception of this scheme; if she will further provide details of the number of such units approved by each of the third level colleges each year for the same period; the manner in which student use is verified on an ongoing basis; if he will estimate the value of the tax foregone to the State in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28085/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.

I am informed by the Department of Education & Science that as at 31st December 2005, in excess of 5,500 Section 50 student accommodation units have been certified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government since the inception of the scheme. Data relating to the number of Section 50 units approved by each third level college is not readily available.

As regards the manner in which student use (as required by this scheme) is verified on an ongoing basis, I am informed that there are no figures available of the proportion of the 14,000 or so Revenue audits carried out in 2005 that looked specifically at claimants to relief for the construction of student accommodation. Revenue are aware that a number of such claims were examined in the normal course of audit in 2005 and that, in those cases examined, there was no evidence to suggest that the guidelines as regards student use were not complied with or that the relief had been abused.

However, Revenue have noted recent newspaper reports of claims made by the Union of Students in Ireland that some "Section 50" apartments are being let to non-students during college terms. I am informed that Revenue have followed up with the person making the claim and will be meeting the USI shortly to discuss their concerns. If there is evidence of abuse in this area, I am assured that Revenue will take appropriate action.

As regards the value of the tax foregone from section 50 relief, the Deputy will be aware that reference to this relief is included in a report by economic consultants INDECON entitled "Indecon Review of Property-Based Tax Incentive Schemes" which was prepared in 2005 and published in February 2006. This report was commissioned by the Department of Finance and is available on the Department's website. It includes an estimate of the aggregate gross tax foregone of €214m and other information the Deputy may find useful.

I should explain that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years, claims for section 50 relief were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from the reliefs claimed in respect of different schemes. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years is not available to Revenue. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to allow this data to be obtained separately for the tax years 2004 et seq.

Based on the information that has been received and collated to date in respect of the tax year 2004, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a total of approximately €180 million was included in the relevant income tax returns for that year as section 50 claims. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost for 2004 of some €75 million in terms of income tax forgone. These figures are preliminary estimates and may change as further returns are processed. I should also point out, however, that Revenue are concerned at preliminary indications that in some instances the new, separately categorised data on property incentives may not have been correctly entered on the 2004 Income Tax returns. Revenue is engaging with the tax practitioner bodies to draw attention to these deficiencies and to rectify them. Revenue has also increased awareness among its own staff involved in processing tax returns of the need to ensure, through closer examination of the returns, that they are correctly completed.

Data for the tax years 2005 and 2006 is not yet available as the income tax returns for those years are not due for filing until October 2006 and October 2007 respectively.

Energy Conservation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

281 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has conducted studies on potential financial and environmental benefit of increased insulation in the domestic property sector; and his views on implementing a grants scheme, similar to the greener homes operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, aimed at subsidising those homeowners who invest in increased insulation levels for their homes. [27339/06]

Ireland's housing stock is proportionately the youngest and fastest growing in Europe, and therefore Building Regulations, under the mandate of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, have represented an important policy instrument for ensuring satisfactory standards of thermal insulation and other energy performance features in new housing stock.

Approximately half of the national housing stock, or some 800,000 units, was constructed before 1980 and without insulation originally. Today, however, on the basis of the substantial study conducted for the Irish National Survey of Housing Quality, it is estimated that significant upgrading of the older housing stock has occurred. It also estimated that the average annual rates of upgrading with new windows, wall insulation and roof insulation were 4.2%, 1% and 1.4% respectively. In 2002, across the housing stock as a whole, 76% had wall insulation and 82% had roof insulation of some kind.

Other studies are providing important baseline information on the profile of energy consumption in the housing stock. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a report "Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions in the Housing Sector". Such baseline information, while incomplete, is important in informing the assessment of the potential impact of insulation and other technical options for improving the housing stock. A further study commissioned by SEI on a sample of the Irish housing stock, to be published shortly, will give an indication of the actual improvements in energy performance of Irish housing over time arising from, amongst other items, progressive increases in thermal insulation standards at the time of construction.

The Warmer Homes Scheme, which is part of Sustainable Energy Ireland's Low Income Housing Programme, aims to improve the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of homes occupied by low-income households and provides funding for the provision, by approved installers, of insulation and other energy efficiency measures in around 2,000 eligible homes each year.

Regarding the possibility of introducing a grant scheme for homeowners to subsidise insulation measures similar to the Greener Homes Scheme for renewable energy technologies, different circumstances apply. The Greener Homes Scheme is focused on achieving an early deployment of new, innovative and unfamiliar technologies in the housing sector with a view to stimulating the creation of a viable and active industry. In contrast, the thermal insulation industry is an established and mature sector. No studies specifically directed at the introduction of a grants scheme in this sector have been carried out in recent times.

However, in the context of effective implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which includes the aim of stimulating investment by householders in upgrading the poorer performing segments of the housing stock, my Department, in conjunction with SEI will be examining options for maximising consumer response and financial and environmental benefits in this regard.

Coastal Protection.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

282 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to progress the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan from 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/06]

The Report to which I take it the Deputy refers — "Coastal Zone Management — a Draft Policy for Ireland" was published in December 1997, by the three Government Departments concerned, as a discussion document.

The Department has general responsibility, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, for the development of an integrated coastal zone management strategy for Ireland.

In May, 2002, a recommendation on integrated coastal zone management was adopted by the EU Council of Ministers for the Environment. This called on Member States, inter alia, to draw up a national strategy or strategies for integrated coastal zone management and established a number of broad principles on which such strategies should be based. The Department will continue to pursue the objective of developing a strategy for Ireland having regard to our overall priorities. Such a strategy will take account of experience elsewhere and ongoing national and international research in this area.

Communications Masts.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

283 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he plans to draft legislation regarding telecommunications masts in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in May 2005 that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined in order that no masts giving off radiation would be permitted near such places as health centres, schools, playgrounds, pitches and so on and the Committee’s observation that the planning process for the erection of masts would not appear to be open and transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27242/06]

Legislation in relation to planning issues is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

284 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the State’s renewable energy information centre in Bandon is operated by a company which is itself operating a renewable energy supply business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27243/06]

Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Information Office is a national service of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). This service has been successfully delivered under contract for a number of years.

The current contract was awarded following an OJEU tendering process during 2000/2001. South Western Services (SWS) in Bandon, Co. Cork was the successful tenderer on the basis of defined award criteria and demonstrated expertise in the required areas. This tendering process would also have included appropriate provision to ensure no conflict of interest in the delivery of the service.

The contract for the delivery of this information service operates under a Memorandum of Understanding between SEI and SWS which sets out the high level objectives and operating principles and is subject to annual contract for the delivery of an agreed work programme.

Building Regulations.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

285 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the house of tomorrow building scheme will be reviewed to introduce higher energy efficiency standards reflecting recent increases in oil and gas prices and the advances in building technology here which means that higher energy savings are achievable. [27244/06]

House of Tomorrow is a research, development and demonstration programme with a focus on stimulating widespread uptake of more sustainable energy planning, design, specification and construction practices in the Irish housing market. The aim is to develop capability in the building industry and create a growing network of visible model examples of such superior practices, so as to lever influence across the housing market as a whole.

To date 84 demonstration projects, comprising 3,900 housing units across all counties, have been approved by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) for funding, as well as a further 23 projects in the fields of research, development, training and international collaboration. It is a condition of the programme that these demonstration projects show an improvement of at least 40% in thermal energy and CO2 performance standards relative to the Building Regulations 2002.

SEI's experience with the programme, especially over the past year, shows a growing appetite and capacity in both the house building sector and local authorities to adopt and apply the standards set in this programme. The task of improving building standards is an evolving and progressive one and indeed, proven experience on House of Tomorrow schemes will itself help to drive regulatory change.

The House of Tomorrow programme itself is subject to frequent review. Since its inception, the programme has been reviewed and modified three times, the most recent being in January of this year. A further review, taking account of the overall portfolio of approved projects, of experience with completed projects, and of regulatory and market developments, including energy prices, is planned over the next three months.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

286 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has conducted studies on the costs and potential capacity of domestic renewable energy power generation; his plans to introduce a grants scheme, similar to the greener homes scheme for renewable heat generation, for those wishing to invest in domestic wind and solar power generation technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27245/06]

I am committed to developing the necessary structures required to ensure that householders can avail of renewable electricity generating technologies. There are however, a number of technical and administrative issues which require to be addressed in order to pursue this objective.

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

Salmon Management Report.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

287 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 8 November 2005, the position regarding his examination of all recommendations including those relevant to drift netting within the fish industry here made by the Salmon Commission in this regard. [27246/06]

I first announced in March last that I had decided to adopt the recommendations made to me by the National Salmon Commission in relation to the total allowable salmon catch for 2006. This will involve reductions in the quota available to both commercial fishermen and anglers in 2006. In doing so I also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fully align with the scientific advice provided on the management of the wild salmon fishery by 2007. Reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide.

I have also amended the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law (No. 797, 2004) to restrict the annual angling bag limit to 10 fish per angler for 2006. While the Salmon Commission had recommended a limit of 15 fish per angler, I believe the lower level to be necessary to contain the total harvest by anglers, given that there has been no appreciable reduction in the average angling catch over the past five years and in the interest of balanced treatment of all stakeholders. I have also introduced a new bye-law to provide for the introduction of compulsory catch and release from 1st September in 8 identified fishery districts that are not meeting conservation limits.

I recognise the considerable efforts made by the commercial fishing industry over the past number of years to build a sustainable fishery and they have endured large cuts in the quotas available to them. I realise that these reductions have caused them difficulty and that full alignment with the scientific advice will likely compound these problems. For these reasons I decided to appoint an independent group to examine the implications of the new regulations for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond and to make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship that may arise.

I understand that the Group has engaged in appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders and is expected to present its report to me in September 2006.

I have also accepted the Salmon Commission's recommendation that measures should be considered to deal with the exploitation of multi-sea winter salmon stocks, including consideration of the length of the angling season. The fisheries managers, having considered the scientific advice, will identify appropriate measures in time for application in spring 2007. The scientists will also be asked to tender advice on the management of sea trout stocks over the coming months.

The National Salmon Commission's Standing Scientific Committee has indicated that mixed stock fisheries pose particular threats to the status of individual stocks and that fisheries operated in estuaries and rivers are more likely to fulfil national requirements and international obligations.

In line with this the National Fisheries Managers Executive and the Marine Institute have agreed an expansion of the ongoing Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) project during the coming salmon fishing season, in order to determine the tendency of certain identified inshore fisheries to impact on multiple stocks.

It is important that decisions to close or to keep open individual inshore commercial fisheries on the basis of their propensity to capture multiple stocks, particularly stocks that are below conservation limits, would be made on the best available scientific information.

If the results of genetic analysis show that some estuarine drift net fisheries exploit individual salmon stocks or salmon stocks from a number of rivers in home estuaries, these nets could continue to operate provided the rivers entering those estuaries were above conservation limits.

It is also proposed to undertake a study on the survival of salmon caught and released by different methods of capture in a number of Irish rivers again on the recommendation of the Salmon Commission. This information would be very valuable in providing confidence in the practice of catch and release in Irish rivers. The study will also be important in promoting a proper code of practice for catch and release. Catch and release of salmon by anglers in Ireland will, I understand, become increasingly important as a conservation measure in the coming years.

These projects should yield important information about the commercial and recreational fishery to guide policy towards restoring salmon stocks in threatened catchments while permitting the harvest of salmon where stocks are abundant.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

288 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the non-Governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/06]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to her as soon as possible.

Aquaculture Development.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

289 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will intervene and support the proposals of local mussel carriers in the Killary area; his views on whether an independent facilitator should be appointed who will hear the views of all the farmers to enter into a long term sustainable plan for the industry and an agreed structure to ensure that such a plan is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27541/06]

The Co-ordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems (CLAMS) is the process put in place by the Department, in conjunction with BIM, the Marine Institute and the industry, to facilitate the management and the development of aquaculture, at local level, in bays and inshore waters throughout Ireland. BIM continue to provide assistance to individual CLAMS groups to support them in their role.

I am fully supportive of the CLAMS initiatives around the coast, which are a valuable tool in the local management of aquaculture. As the CLAMS are local management structures, the proposals referred to by the Deputy, are a matter for the Killary CLAMS group.

Telecommunications Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

290 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if broadband is universally available in South Tipperary; if not, the reason for same; and when it will be available. [27542/06]

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

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

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

Twenty-seven MANs are now completed, including Clonmel. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. South Tipperary County Council is developing projects in respect of the following towns: Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary and Carrick-on-Suir under Phase Two. The appointment of project managers and works contractors is expected towards the end of this year. Construction on these projects will commence in early 2007, with an estimated completion date of quarter 3 2007.

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which delivers broadband to many underserved areas. Under the second phase of the scheme projects were approved for Fethard, Ardfinnan, Annacarthy, Ballingarry, Ballinure, Clerihan, Ballyneal, Ballypatrick, Ballyporeen, Boherlahan, Burncourt, Cappawhite, Clogheen, Clonoulty, Drangan, Dualla, Gortnahoo, Hollyford, Kilcash, Killenaule, Kilsheelan, Moyglass and Newcastle, South Co. Tipperary.

Furthermore, a joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which should provide every school in the country with broadband in 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning, and my Department's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. The installation phase is now almost complete, with over 90% of all schools broadband enabled.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the precise nature of the technology used and the information obtainable to the holders and through the holders to a wider group under the proposed post code system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27619/06]

In order to examine the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland, I established a Working Group which published its report last year.

Following from the group's report, I asked ComReg to appoint consultants with the specialist expertise to provide technical and economic advice including assessing the costs and benefits of the introduction of a postcode. ComReg appointed both technical and economic consultants. I appointed a National Postcode Project Board, comprising representatives of Government departments, together with public and private sector organisations to oversee the work and output of the consultants.

Both the technical and cost benefit advisers to the project engaged are now finalising their reports to the postcode board outlining the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation plan. I expect the board to present its recommendation to me shortly.

Harbours and Piers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

292 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed in relation to yachts being restricted from berthing at the pier or anchoring in the inner harbour in Castletownbere in West Cork, due to the dredging in the harbour; and if he will ensure that this restriction is relaxed for July and August 2006 in order that at least limited facilities are made available. [27620/06]

The Castletownbere harbour development project involves dredging, construction of the existing wharf at Dinish Island and the provision of a suitable harbour service building on this extension. The dredging contractor was appointed in December 2005 and work is currently in progress. It is not possible to stop this works during the summer months.

I am not aware of restrictions in place. However, there will be some disruption to access resulting from the dredging works, and in particular during drilling, blasting and dredging of the approach channel during the summer months. Priority must be given to working fishing vessels using the harbour.

The situation will be kept under review in order to facilitate as many users of the harbour as possible.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

293 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27792/06]

My Department is responsible for a number of commercial, non-commercial and regulatory State bodies. The following table details the budgetary allocations for each of these bodies, as contained in my Department's Vote for 2006.

Body

2006 Current Allocation from D/CMNR Vote

2006 Capital Allocation from D/CMNR Vote

2006 Total Allocation from D/CMNR Vote

€000

€000

€000

RTÉ (Grant for Broadcasting Licence Fees)

187,627

187,627

RTÉ (Deontas I Leith Theilifís na Gaeilge)

28,632

1,259*

29,891

An Post (Payment for collection of Broadcasting Licence Fees)

11,480

11,480

Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board

460

460

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

19,738

29,752*

49,490

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

6,380

6,380

Central and Regional Fisheries Boards

24,340

693

25,033

Digital Hub Development Agency

2,100

2,100

Marine Institute

19,151

7,000

26,151

Sustainable Energy Ireland

6,338

11,000

17,338

Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

1,646

998

2,644

Commission for Energy Regulation (Grant for All Island Energy)

2,500

2,500

* Includes some unspent capital carried over from 2005.

In the annual Revised Estimates Volume, individual budgetary allocations are not provided for specific advisory bodies and task forces operating under my Department. Provision for this type of expenditure is made under Subhead A7 (Consultancy Services) in my Department's Vote. The total allocation contained under Subhead A7, for my Department's Vote, in the 2006 Revised Estimates Volume is €2.891M.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

294 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27806/06]

The number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of this Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees is fifteen. The relevant bodies are listed as follows:

ALAB (Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Body)

An Post

Bord Gais Eireann

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Bord na Móna

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

Broadcasting Complaints Commission of Ireland

Central Fisheries Board

Digital Media Lab

EirGrid

ESB

INPC

Marine Institute

RTE

Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

295 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of public appointments made to boards of State-sponsored bodies in the period 1997 to 2002 under the aegis of the former Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and the former Department of Public Enterprise. [27812/06]

In the time available it was not possible to gather the requested information. It is currently being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy when available.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

296 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27818/06]

The table below contains requested details of two Task Forces created by my Department.

Taskforce on

Function

Size and Membership

Reporting Mechanism

Period of Existence

The Management and Marketing of Herring

To comprehensively assess the management and marketing of herring with the objective of maximising the returns for the catching, processing and exporting sectors of the Irish fishing industry

18 — Representatives of fishing industry (including catching and processing sectors), Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Department of Marine

Report published March 1998

November 1997 to March 1998

Training and employment in the Irish Seafood Industry

To examine and advise on the factors impacting on the creation and maintenance of employment in the seagoing and land based elements of the sea fishing and aquaculture industries

16 Members — Representatives of the fishing industry (Catching sector, Processing sector, Aquaculture sector), Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, IBEC, Fás, ICTU and the Departments of Marine, Social Welfare and Finance

Report published in February 2001

October 1999-February 2001

Harbours and Piers.

John Deasy

Ceist:

297 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide funding for the redevelopment of Dunmore East Harbour which is expected to cost in the region of €50 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27834/06]

In November 2000 KPMG Consulting undertook a comprehensive technical and socioeconomic review of the infrastructure requirements at Dunmore East in association with Posford Duvivier on behalf of the Department.

The review concluded that there was a significant need for development at the harbour. The main shortcomings identified in the review were the limited draft at the mouth of the harbour, the limited extent of the outer breakwater, the limited berthage and siltation difficulties.

In 2003 Kirk McClure and Morton were appointed by the Department to carry out the preliminary design and an environmental impact assessment for a harbour development project at Dunmore East. They noted that the existing harbour at Dunmore East is currently too small to cater for the number and size of fishing vessels using it. This leads to congestion problems at busy periods when larger vessels can be berthed up to four abreast along the East Pier. The consultants noted that during the summer months smaller vessels can be berthed up to nine abreast along the pontoons at the southern end of the West Wharf. In addition, there is increased demand for sheltered mooring facilities for leisure craft in Dunmore East. The consultants concluded that the present harbour set-up doesn't permit development of this type and therefore is restricting development of the port and its facilities.

Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for the harbour, a planning application for a harbour development together with an environmental impact statement were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005.

The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at €50 million. In 2006, €300,000 is provided for further design and €300,000 for site investigation to progress the development. A cost benefit analysis will also be carried out this year. A decision on funding of this project will be made in due course in accordance with the guidelines for Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector taking into account the amount of funding made available for fishery harbours and overall national priorities.

Post Office Network.

John Deasy

Ceist:

298 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices that have been closed in the City and County of Waterford in each of the years from 1999 to 2005 and to date in 2006; the number of post offices that have been downgraded in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27842/06]

The table below sets out the total number of post offices closed down or converted to agencies in Waterford (city and county) in each of the years from 1999 to 2006 (to date):

Year

Closures

Conversions to Agencies

1999

0

0

2000

0

0

2001

2

0

2002

0

0

2003

1

1

2004

0

0

2005

0

1

2006

0

1

Total 1999 to 2006 (to date):

3

3

Foreshore Licences.

John Deasy

Ceist:

299 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of applications for foreshore licences that are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27858/06]

The number of applications for foreshore licences in the process of being assessed, at present, is currently 190. The Deputy will understand that the precise number of applications on hand can vary from one day to the next as applications are determined.

Departmental Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

300 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the major projects or programmes funded under the National Development Plan; the physical indicators of the output of these projects and programmes; and the way in which these outputs compare to the original targets. [27889/06]

It has not been possible, in the time available, to assemble all the relevant material as required by the Deputy.

I have asked my Department to compile the information and I will issue a comprehensive reply directly to the Deputy as early as possible.

Harbours and Piers.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

301 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the expenditure proposed by him for 2006 and 2007 on the development of piers and slipways in County Mayo; the locations and piers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27953/06]

Under the Department's Fishery Harbours Development Programme for 2006 funding has been allocated to Mayo County Council for the projects listed below. Two of the projects are being co-funded with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and this Department under the CLÁR scheme. This scheme is to facilitate minor repairs and safety works on small piers, and slipways in CLÁR areas, including Gaeltacht areas and islands. The balance of the funding is being provided by Mayo County Council. The question of providing funding for projects in county Mayo in 2007 will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.

Mayo 2006 Projects

Location

Description

DCMNR Cost

DCRGA Cost

Total Cost

Purteen

New development options study

75,000

100,000

Newport

Repairs to quay and dredging

37,500

50,000

Roigh Pier

New slipway

75,000

75,000

200,000

Cloghmore

Re-deck old pier and structural improvements

56,250

56,250

150,000

Totals

243,750

131,250

500,000

Coastal Protection.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

302 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of moneys provided in 2006 either directly from his Department or through Mayo County Council for coastal protection works in County Mayo for 2006; the location and the works involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27954/06]

Under the Department's Coastal Protection Programme for 2006 total funding of €100,000 is approved for repairs to the causeway and bridge at Mulranny Beach. This project is being co-funded with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the CLÁR scheme with each Department contributing 37.5% and Mayo County providing the balance of 25%.

Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

303 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas in County Mayo in which broadband is now available; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by business in acquiring broadband services throughout sections of the county; the action he proposes to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27957/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

307 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas in County Mayo in which broadband is now available; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by business in acquiring broadband services throughout sections of the county; his plans to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28028/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 307 together.

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

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

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

Twenty-seven MANs are now completed, including Ballina and Kiltimagh. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. Mayo is developing detailed route designs in respect of the following towns: Claremorris, Knock and Ballinrobe. The appointment of project managers and works contractors is expected towards the end of this year. Construction on these projects will commence in early 2007, with an estimated completion date of quarter 3 2007.

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which delivers broadband to many underserved areas. Under the first phase of the scheme a project was approved for Clare Island, Inisturk, and Inisboffin, Co. Mayo. This scheme is now fully operational and providing a broadband service. Under the second phase of the scheme projects were approved for Clew Bay, Foxford, Ballyvary, Straide, Charlestown, Ballyhearne, Newport, Kilmeena, Glenhest, Crossmolina, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, Tooreen, Balla, Kilkelly and Ardagh, Co. Mayo.

The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly.

Furthermore, a joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which should provide every school in the country with broadband in 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning, and my Department's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. The installation phase is now almost complete, with over 90% of all schools broadband enabled.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

304 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27960/06]

Advertising by my Department is the subject of a draw-down contract which is put out to tender on a regular basis by the Government Supplies Agency (GSA). The Department's advertising is placed under the GSA contract with the selected advertising agency, except for recruitment notices, which are placed through the Public Appointments Service and certain other advertisements, which go through the Office of Public Works or the Government Publications Office.

The table below shows the total amounts spent on advertising each year on behalf of my Department. It has not proved possible to provide a breakdown between individual newspapers in which the advertisements appeared. There has been no expenditure on radio or TV advertising. My Department has spent €53,229 to date on a promotional and training DVD which is still in preparation and is not included in the table.

Advertising Spend from 2002 to June 2006

Year

Amount paid

2002

536,000.00

2003

443,323.59

2004

282,965.47

2005

352,283.60

2006

53,914.55

Notes

2002: new Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources was created in June, 2002.

2002 to 2004 include expenditure by the Forestry Service (transferred to Department of Agriculture & Food on 1st January, 2005).

Fisheries Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

305 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to conserve the hibernation areas of eels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28002/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question No 270 of 20th June 2006, in which I referred to the EU Commission's proposal to introduce a regulation designed to assist in the recovery of the stock of European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The EU regulation will require the preparation of management plans for the recovery of eels in river basin districts as defined under the EU Water Framework Directive. It is too early to say what will be the precise content of such plans.

I am advised that the genetic evidence available at this time suggests that all, or at least most, European eels belong to a single (panmictic) spawning stock, which means that international co-operation is essential if eel stocks are to be effectively managed. The drastically reduced numbers of juvenile eels reaching all western European coastal areas, following their larval trans-Atlantic migration from the Sargasso Sea spawning area, is well documented. Those that arrive in Ireland do so in the period from November to March. They arrive off the coast as a glass eel and subsequently migrate into fresh water between May and September as elver or slightly older bootlace eel.

The EU Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and the Water Framework Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy as transposed into Irish law are each intended, inter alia, to protect, conserve and enhance the aquatic environment where eels spend the significant part of their life cycle. The success of measures for the recovery of the European eel stock depends on close cooperation and coherent action at Community, Member State and local and regional level. Primary responsibility for the implementation of these directives in Ireland is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Foreshore Licences.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

306 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the foreshore licence for the proposed sewerage scheme at Cheelepoint, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28003/06]

As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to his previous question in this matter (5591/05) it was necessary to put the revised proposals received from Waterford County Council for the storm water overflow pipe element of the overall scheme to public consultation and to have the submissions received, together with the County Council's responses to them, examined by the Department's Engineering Division. It was also necessary to put the matter before the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC), an expert group that advises me on proposals of this nature. As I previously indicated to the Deputy, the issues to be considered by the Committee in this case included possible impacts on fishing and fisheries, as well as possible implications for the navigation channel for the port of Waterford.

I am advised that the MLVC has examined the issue thoroughly with particular reference to shellfish growing areas downstream from the overflow pipe, and that it has approved draft specific conditions for this revised scheme. These conditions have been notified to the Council.

Question No. 307 answered with QuestionNo. 303.

Decentralisation Programme.

John Perry

Ceist:

308 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a person (details supplied) will be transferred to Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/06]

The officer in question has made a Central Applications Facility (CAF) application to decentralise with my Department to Cavan. The relocation of my Department's Headquarters to Cavan is currently scheduled to take place at the end of 2009.

The precise timing of her transfer has not yet been finalised.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

309 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the new evidence on the Loughin Island massacre in the North with the British Government; and if he will support the families on this mater. [27249/06]

The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the murders in Loughin Island on 18 June 1994 with the British Government through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat. With regard to the recent reports in question, an update from the PSNI on this and other aspects of the case has been requested, as well as details of steps being taken to keep the families informed of developments.

Officials have discussed the case with local public representatives, who assisted the families in making a complaint to the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman with regard to the case. Officials have also remained in contact with Mrs O'Loan as she continues her investigation into this and other related cases. The Government will continue to assist the families in any way it can.

Human Rights Issues.

John Gormley

Ceist:

310 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the resolution passed by the Cortes in March 2006, calling for the release of a person (details supplied); and his further views on the part of the resolution which urged the Government to take the necessary formalities and steps in relation to same. [27270/06]

John Gormley

Ceist:

311 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the report undertaken by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the accompanying resolutions on the case of persons (details supplied); if he has considered this report; if so, his further views on its resolutions. [27271/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.

I have noted the contents of Resolution 1418 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the report prepared for the Assembly by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. While the Resolution is not binding on the State concerned, we would expect that Russia would take due notice of the recommendations contained therein. Russia will also be aware of the interest shown by the Cortes in this matter.

The Government continues to keep itself informed of developments in this matter and officials from my Department have recently met with a legal representative of Mr. Khodorkovsky.

Diplomatic Representation.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

312 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to open an Irish Embassy in Cuba. [27272/06]

Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Cuba on a non-resident basis. The Irish Ambassador to Mexico is also accredited to Cuba. The opening of Irish Missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any expansion of our diplomatic network is considered and undertaken having regard to clear priorities. In this regard, there are no plans to change the status of our representation in Cuba at this time.

Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

313 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will focus the attention of the UN and EU on the tragedy taking place among the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo; if he will support the Congolese community here in their demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27340/06]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

318 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will withdraw support to the structures leading the Democratic Republic of Congo and restrain their help to the minimum through serious non-governmental organisations operating in the country; if he will request the trial of all the criminals involved in the Congo tragedy; if he will not recognise the Government in place in Kinshasa; if he will request the Government and fellow EU members to withdraw their 2000 soldiers sent to protect the regime currently in place, against the will of the Congolese citizens; if he will further request the departure of all Rwandese citizens occupying huge eastern portions of the Congo national territory since the assassination of a person (details supplied); if he will request that the UN, EU and other international organisations recognise the Congo tragedy as a crime against humanity and commemorate it as it does with the Holocaust of the Jewish people; and if he will ask the Government to use the clean and humane image of the country to ensure that the Congo tragedy will not be forgotten by the world. [27566/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 318 together.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a matter of high priority for Ireland, the EU and the United Nations. Since the 2002 Sun City peace accords, major strides have been made in re-establishing a democratic and effective system of government in the DRC. The Transitional National Government and Parliament have operated effectively since 2003. A new Constitution was approved by an overwhelmingly majority in a referendum held in December 2005 and was formally promulgated on 18 February 2006.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are now scheduled to take place on 30 July 2006. These will be the first multi-party elections in the DRC in over forty years. A total of 33 candidates will contest the presidency while some 260 political parties and over 9,300 candidates will compete for the 500 legislative seats in the new parliament. Over 25 million people out of an estimated potential electorate of 28 million have registered to vote. Successfully conducted elections are absolutely critical to the consolidation of peace and security in the DRC and in the Great Lakes Region as a whole. It is essential that all parties in the DRC should respect the verdict of the Congolese people, when delivered on 30 July, and work together subsequently to further national reconciliation and build a more stable and prosperous country. The international community, including Ireland and its EU partners, is investing heavily in ensuring that the forthcoming elections are successful, given the major organisational challenge they represent for a country the size of western Europe with extremely poor basic infrastructure and ongoing security problems. The EU and its Member States alone are contributing some €235 million towards the overall cost of the elections which are estimated at well over $300 million. The EU will also deploy a 250-strong electoral observation mission, including two observers from Ireland, to monitor the elections.

Nationally, Ireland is also actively supporting the electoral process in the DRC. The Government has contributed a total of €1.3 million in support of the DRC elections. The Government has also decided to provide five Permanent Defence Force personnel to serve with the EUFOR RDC mission which the EU is deploying, at UN request, to provide support, if required, to the UN MONUC peace-keeping mission during the electoral period. Ireland also provides three members of the PDF who serve with MONUC.

The DRC will continue to face considerable challenges in the post-election period and it will be important for the international community to remain engaged in support. Greater progress needs to be made in tackling impunity and establishing an effective system of justice. The DRC government and its armed forces need to continue collaborating closely with MONUC in confronting and removing the threat posed by illegal armed militias in eastern DRC. Particular challenges will be security sector reform and completing the integration of national armed and police forces. The EU is already offering extensive support in this area though the EUSEC and EUPOL ESDP missions. The successful holding of the second Summit of the Great Lakes Conference, now provisionally scheduled for next December in Nairobi, would also help to underpin security in the DRC and throughout the region. A UN Security Council mission visited the DRC last month and raised some of these themes in its discussions with the DRC government and parties.

Up to five million people have died from the direct or indirect consequences of the conflict in DRC since 1998. There are over 1.6 million displaced persons in the country while 80% of the population live below the absolute poverty line. The UN has launched a 2006 Action Plan for the DRC that calls for €570 million in funding for humanitarian programmes. Since 2002 the Government has contributed over €11 million for emergency and recovery activities in the DRC, almost €5 million of which has been provided to date in 2006. This funding is provided via Irish NGOs such as TROCAIRE and OXFAM Ireland and international organisations such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and UNHCR, not directly to the Government of the DRC. Since Ireland recognises States, not Governments, the issue of withdrawal of recognition from the Government of the DRC does not arise. Officials from my Department meet regularly with representatives from the Congolese community living in Ireland to brief them on Ireland's position in relation to the DRC.

Middle East Peace Process.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

314 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he will take regarding Israeli troops in the occupied territories; and if he will raise this issue with the EU, UN and the Israeli Consul here. [27341/06]

The Government is very concerned at the increasingly serious situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and especially at the prospect of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We, and our EU partners, are firmly convinced that this crisis must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Government has been active in the EU and at the UN in the promotion of a peaceful outcome. Over the past week, we have also maintained direct contacts with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, through our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Representative Office in Ramallah, and through their diplomatic representatives in Dublin. We have conveyed the clear message that the kidnapped Israeli soldier should be released immediately and unconditionally, and that all parties should continue to use every diplomatic option to ensure there is no further escalation of the situation in the Occupied Territories. We have called for an end to all violence in the Occupied Territories, including the firing of rockets at Israeli territory. This message has also been conveyed by the EU, both publicly and in private.

In appealing to all parties to act now with maximum restraint, the Government has expressed its serious concern at the effect of recent Israeli military actions on the already serious humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, especially the destruction of essential infrastructure. We believe it is essential that the Israeli Government ensures that all military operations are fully in accordance with international law. We, and our EU partners, have also expressed our concern about the detention by the Israeli authorities of democratically-elected members of the Government of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council. It remains the clear view of the EU that only a negotiated two-State solution can bring peace and security to the Israeli and the Palestinian people. It is now more important than ever that all parties demonstrate a genuine commitment to the search for such a solution, based on the principles set out in the Quartet Roadmap.

Departmental Bodies.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

315 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27383/06]

The work of this Department is funded through two Votes: Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). With regard to Vote 28, total funding of €21,217,604 was disbursed to non-governmental agencies or organisations between 2004 and 2006.

2004

2005

2006 (to date)

Vote 28

€8,102,567

€11,379,258

€1,735,778

In percentage terms, this represents 3.91% and 4.99% of the total gross budget for Vote 28 in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Funding was provided to a range of non-governmental organisations or agencies under several programmes or initiatives — (1) the Department's Reconciliation Fund; (2) support for Irish emigrants abroad; (3) raising awareness of EU issues; (4) assistance given to human rights NGOs and to the Irish United Nations Association; (5) projects or actions that support Ireland's objectives under the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU; and (6) support for the Irish Cultural Centre, Paris. Details of the funding provided for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 to date are outlined in the following Annexes 1-6. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that, given the depth and breadth of applications received, it is not possible to provide detailed information on the number of applications received and refused across all of the programmes mentioned above. However, all successful applicants were selected for support on the basis of their meeting the prescribed criteria of the specific programme or funding in question.

Under Vote 29, Irish Aid, the government's official aid programme, funds a wide array of non governmental, civil society organisations, Irish and non-Irish, including missionaries in their development work. This work includes provision of basic needs, emergency assistance and the promotion of human rights and governance. The annual report for the aid programme in 2004 includes a full list of all organisations funded and the amounts involved. In 2004, NGO and civil society funding amounted to €89.9 million or approximately 23% of the aid funding under the control of my Department.

The Irish Aid annual report for 2005 will be published in due course and will include the full list of funded organisations. It is estimated that €117million, 24.9% of the aid funding under the control of Irish Aid, was expended on NGOs in that year. In 2006 to date approximately €94 million has been expended through NGOs. I have arranged for Irish Aid's 2004 Annual Report to be forwarded to the Deputy, as well as the 2005 Annual Report, when published.

ANNEX 1

Reconciliation Fund

Groups receiving grant-aid from the Reconciliation Fund in 2004

Organisation

Amount

174 Trust, Belfast

40,000

An Teach Bán, Co. Donegal

15,000

Áras Colmcille Trust, Derry

10,000

Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil Project, Belfast

15,000

Ardoyne Youth Club, Belfast

20,000

Armoy Community Association, Co. Antrim

20,000

Ashton Community Trust, Belfast

20,000

Auchnacloy and Knockonan Summer Scheme, Monaghan

6,500

Ballybeen Women’s Centre, Belfast

14,000

Belleek and District Community Partnership, Co. Donegal

20,000

Bridging Programme, The, Derry

60,000

C.A.L.M.S. Derry

20,000

Churchtown Community Association, Co. Tyrone

20,000

Clonmacnoise Foundation, The, Co. Westmeath

30,000

Clonmacnoise Foundation, Co. Westmeath

100,000

Comhchoiste na Gaeilge Aontrim Thuaidh / Committee for the Irish Language, Co. Antrim

10,000

Comhlacht Imeall Teo, Co. Dún na nGall

40,000

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

100,000

Connaught Rangers Association, The, Co. Roscommon

10,000

Cookstown Benefit Uptake Campaign, Co. Tyrone

5,000

Cookstown Gateway Club, Co. Tyrone

10,000

Co-operation Ireland

300,000

Creggan Country Park, Derry

25,000

Creggan Youth Drop-in Centre, Derry

25,000

Discovery 80 Ltd Share, Co. Fermanagh

12,000

Doneen Community Association, Co. Fermanagh

30,000

Drogheda Community Forum

15,000

Encounter

75,000

Falls Community Council, Belfast

50,000

Federation of Ulster Local Studies, Belfast

13,000

Fermanagh Trust

50,000

Foran, Mr. Gerard, Co. Louth

3,750

Gaelscoil Dr. Uí Shúilleabháin, Co. Cork

1,000

Gasyard Wall Féile, The, Derry

10,000

Geography Publications, UCD

10,000

Glenarm Village Committee, Co. Antrim

5,000

Glenbank Community Association, Belfast

25,000

Glencree Centre for Reconciliation

175,000

Glencree Centre for Reconciliation

100,000

Greencastle District Development Co., Co. Donegal

15,000

Guild of Ancient Uriel, Co. Louth

10,000

Harmony Community Trust, (Glebe House), Co. Down

15,000

Highfield Partnership, Belfast

10,000

Inner East Youth Project, Belfast

20,000

Institute for British-Irish Studies, UCD

2,000

Integrated Education Fund

20,000

International School for Peace Studies, Derry

20,000

Irish Association, The

10,000

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

100,000

Irish Peace Institute, Limerick

40,000

Irish Peace Institute, Limerick

20,000

Killenard National School, Co. Laois

500

Killyrammer and District Management Co., Co. Antrim

10,000

Lartigue Monorail Restoration, Co. Kerry

30,000

Linfield Football Club, Belfast

10,000

Ligoniel Family Centre, Belfast

15,000

Limerick International Band Festival

2,500

Linen Hall Library, The, Belfast

25,000

Maiden City Festival, Derry

40,000

Meath Peace Group

20,000

Military Heritage Tours, Co. Mayo

5,000

Moy Circle of Friends

2,000

Newhill Youth and Community Centre, Belfast

15,000

New Ireland Group, The, Co. Antrim

1,500

Northern Ireland Trade Union Education and Social Centre Ltd

45,000

North Leitrim Glens Development Co.

30,000

North West Rural Development Co. Ltd, Co. Donegal

15,000

O’Neill Pipe Band, Co. Monaghan

7,500

Parishes of Ballyroan / Drumcree

1,250

Pat Finucane Centre, Derry

20,000

P.E.A.C.E — Prayer, Enterprise and Christian Effort, Co. Cork

2,500

Relatives for Justice, Belfast

20,000

Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Dublin

5,000

Schomberg Society, The, Co. Down

20,000

Shankill / Shankill Project

20,000

Short Strand Community Forum, Belfast

15,000

Somme Association, Co. Antrim

20,000

Sligo Presbyterian Church, Celebrations of Christmas Peace

5,000

S.P.R.I.N.G Trust Ltd, Armagh

25,000

Tim Parry/Jonathon Ball Trust

30,000

Tipperary Peace Convention

2,000

University of Ulster

50,000

West Belfast Partnership Board

70,000

West Ferrard Boyne Rural Development Group, Co. Louth

5,000

Westgate Foundation, Co. Cork

25,000

Westgate Foundation, Co Cork

80,000

Youth Action N.I, Derry

20,000

Total

€2,502,000

Groups receiving grant-aid from the Reconciliation Fund in 2005

Organisation

Amount

174 Trust, Belfast

80,000

Ardoyne Festival

20,000

Ardoyne Youth Club

35,000

Arts for All, Belfast

25,000

Aughnacloy & Knockconan Summer Scheme

5,000

Ballybay Fivemiletown Partnership

10,000

Ballybeen Women’s Centre

20,000

Ballymacarrett Arts & Cultural Society

15,000

Ballysillan Youth for Christ Community

15,000

Belfast Together

7,500

CALMS, Derry

20,000

Carnany Community Association, Co. Antrim

12,500

Castlederg Youth Forum

10,000

Causeway Volunteer Bureau, Coleraine

20,000

Caws 2000 Community House

25,000

Changing Perceptions

2,000

Community Relations Forum

5,000

Co-operation Ireland

440,000

Corpus Christi Youth Centre

15,000

Creggan Youth Drop-in Centre, Derry

25,000

Cross Border International Arts, Cultural & Sports Week 2006 (c/o Rás na hÉireann C’ttee)

7,000

Cross Border Orchestra*

50,000

Cultures of Ireland

5,000

Dovehouse, Derry

15,000

Downpatrick / Listowel Linkage Group

10,000

East Belfast Small Projects C/O ICTU

25,000

Econi (Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Irl.)

23,000

Encounter

75,000

Farset Inishowen

10,000

Féile an Phobail

20,000

Féile Gasyard Wall

10,000

Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation

510,000

Guild of Ancient Uriel

5,000

Habinteg Pensioners

1,000

Hard Gospel — Church of Ireland

40,000

I.N.O.U

30,000

Imeall Tír Teoranta

30,000

Institute for British-Irish Studies, UCD

2,500

Integrated Education Fund

25,000

Inter-Action Belfast

20,000

Kilcooley Women’s Education & Development

1,000

Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association

15,000

Lartigue Monorail Restoration Limited, Kerry

25,000

LINC — Clondara Research Project

25,000

Little Acorn’s Community Pre-school

5,000

Maiden City Festival, Derry

40,000

Marrowbone Community House

10,000

Meath Peace Group

20,000

New Ireland Group, Co Antrim

750

New Lodge Festival, Belfast

10,000

NIPPA The Early Years Organisation

20,000

North Leitrim Glens Development Company Limited

30,000

North West Marketing, Derry

10,000

Old Library Trust

5,000

Omagh Support & Self Help Group

20,000

Parishes of Ballyroan & Drumcree Friendship Group, Dublin

1,250

Pat Finucane Centre for Human Rights & Social Change

20,000

PLACE Initiative

30,000

R.E.A.C.T. North-West

16,000

REACH Across, Derry

3,500

SAVER / NAVER

10,000

Schools of Religions & Theology, Trinity College,

1,700

Shankill / Shankill Project

20,000

Shankill Surestart — ‘Dads Matter Project’

50,000

Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebrations

5,000

Suffolk Historical Society

5,000

Tara Counselling & Personal Development Centre

200,000

Terry Enright Foundation

25,000

The Irish Peace Institute

40,000

The Nucleus, Derry

25,000

Tim Parry / Jonathan Ball Trust

30,000

Tipperary Peace Convention

2,000

Toome & District Senior Citizen’s Group

3,000

WAVE

30,000

Whiterock Festival

5,000

Wisemen of the East Network, Belfast

10,000

Youth Action Northern Ireland

30,000

Youth Board of the Presbyterian Church

15,000

Total

2,534,700

Groups receiving grant-aid from the Reconciliation Fund in 2006

Organisation

Amount

Aughnacloy & Knockconan Summer Scheme, Tyrone

5,000

Ballykeel 11 Residents Association — Community House, Antrim

5,000

Ballyroan & Drumcree Parishes Friendship Group, Rathfarnham

2,500

Bawn Development Association, Tyrone

5,000

Belleek & District Community Partnership, Fermanagh

20,000

Belleek Cross Border Childcare Ltd, Fermanagh

3,000

Bloody Sunday Trust/ Museum of Free Derry

25,000

British-Irish Rights Watch, London

25,000

Cathedral Youth Club,The Fountain, Derry

20,000

Churchtown Community Association Ltd, Castlederg, Co,Tyrone

30,000

Comhchoiste na Gaeilge Aontroim Thuaidh, Dunloy, Antrim

7,000

Coolcreaghy Community Association, Tyrone

10,000

Corpus Christi Youth Centre, Ballymurphy Rd, Belfast

25,000

Creggan County Park Enterprises Limited, Derry

25,000

Cross Border Orchestra, Dundalk, Co. Louth**

75,000

Deanby Youth Centre, North Belfast

12,500

Dooneen Community Education Centre, Fermanagh

25,000

Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group, Down

10,000

Downs Sydnrome Association N.I., Belfast

10,000

East Belfast Community Focus, Newtownards Rd., Belfast

5,000

Four Castles Orange Cultural Society, Larne, Co. Antrim

750

Harryville Ulster Scots, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

15,000

Highfield Partnership, Highview Cresent, Belfast

4,000

Holy Family Youth Centre, Limestone Rd., Belfast

25,000

Integrated Education (N.I)

20,000

Inishowen Women’s Information Network, Donegal

25,000

International School for Peace Studies C/o Maydown Ebrington Group, Derry

20,000

Irish Peace Institute, Limerick

25,000

Irish School of Ecumenics Trust, Belfast*

70,000

Kiddies Castle, Belfast

20,000

Little Wombles Cross-Community Playgroup, Draperstown, Co. Derry

5,000

Lawrencetown Community Enterprise Co., Ltd, Galway

3,500

Newhaven Trust, Newry, Co. Down

25,000

Nimma — N.I. Mixed Marriage Association, Belfast

20,000

North Belfast Women’s Initiative & Support Group, Belfast

7,000

Northwest Rural Development Ltd, Greencastle, Co. Donegal

20,000

Old Library Trust, Creggan, Derry

7,500

Omeath District Dev. Co. Ltd, Louth

10,000

Organisation of the Unemployed, N. I., Belfast

20,000

Pat Finucane Centre for Human Rights & Social Change, Derry

25,000

Roe Valley Forum, Limavady, Co. Derry

3,500

St. John Vianney Youth Centre, South Belfast

15,000

St. Macartan’s Pipe Band, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

10,000

Sandy Row Amateur Boxing Club, Belfast

15,000

Shankill / Shankill Project, Dublin

25,000

Shankill Stress & Trauma Centre, Belfast

30,000

The Playhouse Derry

30,000

South Belfast Malecare, Belfast

3,000

Springvale Training Ltd, Belfast

25,000

Star Neighbourhood Centre, Hillman Street, Belfast,

10,000

The Saints Youth Centre, Twinbrook, Dunmurray, Belfast

15,000

Tipperary Peace Convention, Tipperary

2,000

Tirgan Community Association, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Derry

3,500

West Belfast Partnership Board, Belfast

30,000

Willowfield Parish Community Association, My Lady’s Rd, East Belfast

25,000

Youthcom, Belfast

50,000

Youthlink, Belfast

25,000

Total

1,029,750

ANNEX 2

Support for Irish Emigrants Abroad

Grants 2004

Name of Organisation

Irish Emigrant Groups in Britain

Acton Homeless Concern, North London

67,560

Age Concern Ealing

51,600

Age Concern Hackney Borough

26,160

Aisling Return to Ireland project, Camden

49,980

Arlington Action Group, Camden

36,420

Birmingham Irish Community Forum

40,500

Blackfriars Advice Centre

47,580

Brent Irish Advisory Service

120,000

Broadway — Day Centre & Night Shelter London

44,800

Cairde na nGael — Newham & District Friends of Ireland

61,920

Camden Elderly Irish Network

66,660

CARA Irish Housing Association

27,120

Coventry Irish Society

93,240

Cricklewood Homeless Concern

215,560

Federated Irish Association, Nottingham & Notts (Fiann)

43,680

Federation of Irish Societies

403,080

Finsbury Park Street Drinkers Initiative

39,600

GAA London Schools Project

38,400

Gloucester Emergency Accommodation Resource

15,600

Haringey Irish Cultural & Community Care Centre

99,420

Immigrant Counselling & Psychotherapy (ICAP)

110,400

Irish Centre Housing / Job Powerhouse

39,120

Irish Charitable Trust/ ISAS Hammersmith

124,000

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

132,000

Irish Community Care Manchester

128,320

Irish Community Care Merseyside

130,620

Irish Democratic League Clubs Yorkshire and Lancashire

45,000

Irish in Greenwich Project (incl Lewisham 1993-97)

111,120

Irish Travellers Movement (ITM)

56,580

Irish Welfare and Information Centre, Birmingham

181,620

Kilburn Irish Pensioners Club

3,600

Leeds Irish Health and Homes

100,440

Leicester Irish Forum

25,200

Lewisham Irish Community Centre

35,640

London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, Hackney

77,400

London Irish Centre Charity Camden

291,580

London Irish Elders Forum

50,400

London Irish Women’s Centre

104,760

Luton Irish Forum

42,180

New Horizon Youth Centre

38,400

NOAH Enterprise (Luton Day Centre for the Homeless)

67,320

Northampton Irish Support Group

49,980

RehabCare, Coventry

65,760

Safe Home Programme Ltd. (Based in Ireland. Grant in respect of services to emigrants resident in Britain)

132,000

Safe Start Foundation

46,260

Sandwell Irish Society, West Midlands

42,360

Sheffield Gypsy and Traveller Support Group

22,080

Sheffield Irish Peoples’ Support & Devel. Group

53,280

South London Irish Welfare Society, Wimbledon

82,860

Southwark Irish Pensioners Project

79,680

Southwark Travellers’ Action Group (STAG)

70,500

St. Mungo’s Housing Association

34,500

Tara Irish Pensioners Club

3,600

The Connection at St. Martin’s

28,440

The Emerald Circle, Harrow

3,600

The Maya Centre

21,840

The Passage

55,210

The Simon Community

56,890

Irish Emigrant Groups in the USA

Irish Pastoral Center, Boston

71,010

Boston Irish Immigration Center

94,110

Emerald Isle Immigration Center, New York

78,441

Project Irish Outreach, New York

61,927

Aisling Irish Center, New York

49,542

Irish Immigration and Pastoral Center, Philadelphia

49,542

Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre, San Francisco

41,285

Irish Outreach, San Diego

14,863

Seattle Irish Immigrant Support

1,651

Chicago Irish Immigrant Support

35,505

Fáilte Irish Immigration Center, Washington DC

12,385

Ocean City Irish Student Outreach

1,239

New York Irish Centre

23,100

Irish Emigrant Groups in Australia

Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Melbourne

28,300

Irish Australian Welfare Bureau and Resource Centre

16,800

Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Wollongong

2,900

Emigrant Services based in Ireland

Safe Home Ltd. (in respect of services outside of Britain)

25,000

Emigrant Advice

35,488

Dermot Daly (Irish representative, Europeans Throughout the World)

531

ÉAN

40,000

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

30,000

Total

5,047,038

Grants 2005

Name of Organisation

Irish Emigrant Groups Britain

Acton Homeless Concern

55,128

Age Concern Ealing

50,776

Aisling Return to Ireland

87,045

Angel Drug Service

40,621

Arlington House

7,330

Batley Irish Democratic League Club

14,507

Birmingham Irish Club

53,833

Birmingham Irish Community Forum Ltd.

87,045

Blackfriars Advice Centre

54,403

Bolton Irish Community Association

53,678

Brent Adolescent Centre

14,660

Brent Irish Advisory Service (bías)

130,643

Brian Boru Irish Democratic League Club

29,015

Broadway Homelessness and Support

36,269

Cairde na nGael

50,776

Camden Elderly Irish Network

63,989

Cara

28,044

Celtic & Irish Cultural Society C.I.C.S

7,254

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

79,791

Conradh na Gaeilge

29,015

Coventry Irish Society

117,672

Cricklewood Homeless Concern

305,492

Croy Historical Society

1,451

Cumann na mBunscoil

43,522

Dundee Dalriada GAA

7,330

Equinox Care

14,507

Federation of Irish Societies

870,448

Feis Ghlaschú

2,932

Fiann (Nottingham and Notts)

39,170

Finsbury Park Street Drinkers Initiative

36,269

Fireside Day Centre

47,225

GEAR Projects

29,015

Greenwich Irish Pensioners

2,932

Halifax Irish Amateur F.C.

1,451

Halifax Irish Amateur Rugby League Club

1,451

Halifax Irish Centre

10,155

Halifax Irish Junior FC

1,451

Halifax Irish Society

7,254

Hammersmith Irish Centre

36,269

Haringey Irish Cultural & Community Centre

217,612

Harringey Irish Pensioners

4,398

Harrow Emerald Circle

2,932

Hillingdon Borough Irish Society

59,481

Huddersfield Irish Centre

14,507

Immigrant Counselling & Psychotherapy (ICAP)

142,355

Irish Democratic League Club Haslingden Davitt Branch

93,058

Irish Association High Wycombe

14,507

Irish Centre Housing

21,761

Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (IECE)

4,000

Irish Chaplaincy Traveller Outreach

58,258

Irish Charitable Trust, Hammersmith

90,022

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

151,040

Irish Community Care Manchester

184,245

Irish Community Care Merseyside

188,597

Irish Diaspora Foundation

47,875

Irish Heritage in Haslingden

5,658

Irish in Greenwich

137,972

Irish Music Project Leeds

29,015

Irish National Institute

14,507

Irish Travellers Movement in Britain

60,048

Irish Welfare and Information Centre, B’ham

174,595

Irish World Heritage Centre

14,507

Kilburn Irish Pensioners Club

4,352

Kingdom Kerry Gaels

7,330

Lancashire Federation of Irish Democratic League Clubs

21,822

Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE)

52,328

Leeds Irish Health & Homes

180,805

Leicester Irish Forum

35,906

Lewisham Irish Community Centre

53,678

Lichen Films — Tattie Hokers’ film

10,262

London Gypsy and Traveller Unit

111,435

London Irish Centre

399,930

London Irish Elders Forum

17,825

London Irish Pensioners Choir

1,466

London Irish Women’s Centre

101,552

Luton Irish Forum

295,970

Manchester Irish Festival

21,761

Marian Senior Citizens Club

7,254

New Horizon Youth Centre

47,951

Noah Enterprise

84,786

Northampton Irish Support Group

82,693

Oldham Irish Society

7,254

Pendle and District Irish Society

1,451

Queens Park Senior Citizens Group

4,398

Rehab Irish Elders Centre Coventry

101,552

Round Towers and Treacy Minor GAA

9,865

Safe Home Programme Ltd. (Based in Ireland. Grant in respect of services to emigrants resident in Britain)

124,743

Safe Home Programme Ltd. — related bank charge

405

Safe Start Foundation

72,537

Sandwell Irish Society

20,501

Shalloe Pearses GFC

7,330

Sheffield Gypsy & Traveller Support Group

21,625

Sheffield Support & Development Group

90,763

South London Irish Association

29,091

South London Irish Welfare Society

89,946

Southwark Irish Pensioners

83,135

Southwark Irish Youth

4,352

Southwark Travellers Action Group (STAG)

87,045

St. Anne’s Seniors Citizen Club

2,932

St. James the Great, Branch Comhaltas

5,803

St. Mary’s Social Club & Parochial Hall

14,507

St. Michael’s Irish Centre, Liverpool

42,264

St. Mungo’s

45,535

St. Patrick’s Festival Committee

14,529

St. Patricks Traditional Music Group

2,901

St. Theresa’s House, Peterborough

43,979

Tara Irish Pensioners

3,661

The Connection at St. Martin’s

21,761

The Irish Club

10,764

The London Irish Network

5,513

The Maya Centre

26,552

The Passage

55,833

The Simon Community

52,208

Tír Conaill Harps

29,015

Tuesday Club

4,352

Tyneside Irish Centre

58,030

Tyneside Irish Cultural Society

14,507

Warwickshire GAA

29,015

Payments in 2005 in respect of grants approved in 2004

Lancashire & Yorkshire Irish Democratic League Clubs

10,000

Tara Irish Pensioners Club

600

Emerald Circle, Harrow

600

Coventry Irish Society

15,535

Irish in Greenwich (Refund)

(18,515)

Irish Emigrant Groups USA

Aisling Irish Centre

69,684

Emerald Isle Immigration Centre

106,575

New York Irish Centre

69,684

Project Irish Outreach

75,422

Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre, Philadelphia

69,684

Irish Apostolate

9,838

Ocean City

820

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres

32,792

Irish Immigration Centre, Boston

106,575

Irish Pastoral Centre, Boston

95,917

IIPC, San Francisco

59,846

Seattle

1,640

Irish Immigrant Support, Chicago

51,648

IECE Mediation San Diego

2,500

Irish Cultural Centre, Boston

10,000

Irish Emigrant Groups Australia

Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Melbourne

40,816

Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Wollongong

4,396

Irish Emigrant Groups Canada

Emerald Isle Seniors’ Society, Toronto

14,599

Emigrant Services based in Ireland

Dermot Daly (Irish representative Europeans throughout the world)

395

Éan Conference

20,000

Éan

100,000

Emigrant Advice — Research grant

8,000

Emigrant Advice

65,000

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

60,000

Safe Home (in respect of services in countries other than Britain)

60,000

Total

8,203,576

Grants January to June 2006

Name of Organisation

Irish Emigrant Groups in the United States

Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform

69,882

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres

29,474

Irish Emgirant Groups in Australia

Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Sydney

40,350

Emigrant Services based in Ireland

Emigrant Advice (Research grant)

7,000

Ultan Cowley — Men who Built Britain Exhibition

2,000

Safe Home Ltd. (in respect of services in countries other than Britain)

62,000

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

45,000

Emigrant Advice

93,000

Total to Date

348,706

ANNEX 3

Awareness raising — European Union

The European Movement Ireland (EMI) received funding of €127,000 in 2004 and in 2005, and has received €100,000 to date in 2006.

The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues. During the period in question, this Department funded the following organisations or agencies through the CEI:

Communicating Europe Initiative — 2004

Name of Organisation

National Adult Literacy Agency

40,000

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

19,130.04

European Youth Parliament

6,000

National Forum on Europe

21,725.66

Oireachtas Scrutiny Information Officer

18,174

Institute for European Affairs

2,500

Total

107,529.40

Communicating Europe Initiative — 2005

Name of Organisation

Oireachtas Scrutiny Information Officer

9,544

UCD Law Faculty

9,600

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

4,461.94

Institute of European Affairs

16,348

Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice

10,300

North Tipperary VEC

650

European Youth Parliament

20,000

Irish Countrywoman’s Association

20,000

European Consumer Centre

1,850

Irish Times Business 2000

13,422.25

Soroptimist Society

1,500

National Adult Literacy Agency

57,500

Genealogical society

1,000

SIPTU

31,000

Total

197,176.19

Communicating Europe Initiative — 2006 (to date)

Name of Organisation

Oireachtas Scrutiny Information Officer

2,207.72

People’s College, Dublin

500.00

European Anti-poverty Network

6,000.00

Centre for European Studies (CEUROS), University of Limerick

5,000.00

St. Andrew’s College Model European Parliament

5,000.00

Total to Date

18,707.72

ANNEX 4

Human Rights and IUNA

Some funding was made available in 2005 and to date in 2006 to facilitate participation of NGOs in international human rights fora. No such funding was provided in 2004.

2005

Organisation

Event

Amount

Amnesty International

CHR 61

919.20

Forum for People with Disabilities

AHC 6

4,848.01

Banúlacht

CEDAW

900

Women’s Human Rights Alliance

CEDAW

700

National Women’s Council of Ireland

CEDAW

860

Total

8,227.21

2006 (to date)

Forum for People with Disabilities

AHC 7

1,614.16

The Irish United Nations Association (IUNA) received €44,000 in 2004, €43,000 in 2005 and has received €38,000 to date in 2006.

ANNEX 5

Projects in support of Ireland's CFSP Objectives

Expenditure 2004

Item

Amount

Glencree Middle East Peace Project

100,000

Landmine Monitor Report

30,000

Geneva Forum

15,000

Total

145,000

Expenditure 2005

Item

Amount

Glencree Middle East Peace Project

100,000

The Landmine Monitor Report

20,000

Geneva Forum

15,000

Flights and Accommodation for representative of Irish NGO community at the Council of Europe Forum on the Future of Democracy

578.87

Total

135,578 .87

Expenditure 2006 (to date)

Item

Geneva Forum

29,000

International Action Network on Small Arms

10,000

Landmine Action

30,000

Total

69,000

ANNEX 6

Support for the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris

In 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Department provided annual funding of €130,000 towards the cultural and educational programme of the Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, France.

International Agreements.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

316 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the ratification of the optional protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27564/06]

On 18 December 2002, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Draft Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). Ireland, along with other EU partners, fully supported the draft Optional Protocol and worked for its adoption at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights. The object of the Protocol is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken both by an independent international body and by national bodies to places of detention with a view to preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The international body is to be a subcommittee of the UN Committee Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. At the national level, States may maintain, designate or establish one or several bodies for the prevention of torture at the domestic level. As regards our signature of the Optional Protocol, with a view to subsequent ratification, the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform informed the Dáil on Tuesday, 8 November 2005 that he is reviewing national legislation to ascertain whether legislative changes would be required before signature and ratification of the Optional Protocol. I understand that he has commenced consultations with other Government Departments and Bodies, including the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science, in relation to arrangements for the inspection of institutions for which they are responsible.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

317 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on this Deputy’s concerns regarding the activities of MI5 and the peace process; the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will ensure the maximum support is given for the peoples peace process. [27565/06]

The question of appropriate accountability mechanisms for the activities of the police and security services is of particular importance. Specifically in the context of the decision of the British Government to transfer primacy for national security matters in Northern Ireland to MI5 from 2007, the Government shares concerns that have been raised, including those recently expressed by the Oversight Commissioner for policing. In his latest report, the Oversight Commissioner confirmed that the primary institutions of policing — the Policing Board, the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman — have largely accomplished the implementation of Patten and have demonstrated their ability to fulfil their governance and accountability mandates. However, with regard to the envisaged primacy role of MI5, he expresses concern that this might diminish the robust accountability mechanisms currently in place and might affect the ability of the Police Service to combat organised crime effectively.

I raised this issue with the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP at the meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in May. The British Government indicated that it is prepared to discuss further with the political parties in Northern Ireland and with the Irish Government the exact details of how the new arrangements will work in practice. Discussions have also taken place between my officials and their British counterparts with a view to ensuring that adequate accountability mechanisms remain in place, and that the Police Ombudsman continues to have jurisdiction over the actions of police officers seconded to MI5. Protocols are currently being agreed between the office of the Ombudsman and the security service to facilitate this. In the context of the current political process, the two Governments are making every possible effort to ensure the restoration of devolved institutions to Northern Ireland by 24 November. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair jointly set out a detailed programme of work to this end on 29 June, including provision for discussions with the parties on support for, and devolution of, policing. This will be an important opportunity for the political parties in Northern Ireland to raise their concerns on the issue of MI5 primacy and appropriate accountability mechanisms. With regard to the person mentioned, the PSNI have stated that they will begin proceedings to request his extradition from the United States.

Question No. 318 answered with QuestionNo. 313.

Middle East Peace Process.

John Gormley

Ceist:

319 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the issues the Government raised with the Israeli authorities; the response it has received; the action the Government has taken to ensure that Israel complies with the right of a person (details supplied) to a fair trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27754/06]

I refer the Deputy to my replies of 30 May, 14 June and 29 June 2006 to Questions on this matter. I remain concerned about this case, which has been raised with the Israeli authorities by our Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely, in co-operation with the Embassies of other EU Member States. The person concerned was arrested on 23 May 2005, and on 16 June 2005 the Israeli authorities ordered his administrative detention for six months. This order was renewed for a further six months in November, but reduced to four months on review in December 2005. On 20 March 2006, the detention was renewed until 20 July. An appeal against the renewal was turned down on 10 May. I understand that the final stage of this appeal process is being heard by the Israeli High Court today. The Government, and our EU partners, have serious concerns about the practice of administrative detention in Israel and the Occupied Territories. We are working to ensure that they are addressed in the EU's continuing political dialogue with Israel. Most recently, our concerns about administrative detention were raised at the meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council which took place in Luxembourg on 13 June. In direct contacts with Israel, and in co-operation with its EU partners, the Government continues to raise its concerns about the human rights implications of Israeli security policies and the need to ensure full compliance with international law.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

320 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and task forces operating under his Department. [27785/06]

Four bodies come under the aegis of this Department. Two of these, namely, the Advisory Board for Irish Aid and the Development Education Advisory Committee are funded under Vote 29 (International Cooperation) as part of the Irish Aid Programme. In 2006, their budget allocations are €1.2million and €25,000 respectively. The Díon Committee is an advisory committee to the Irish Government on the welfare of Irish people in Britain. With the exception of the Chair and Secretary, who are serving in the Embassy of Ireland in London, the Committee members serve in a voluntary capacity. While there is no specific budgetary allocation for the Díon Committee, the Department of Foreign Affairs covers the administration expenses that arise from the Committee's activities, including the travel and accommodation costs of Committee members.

The Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (Fulbright Commission) is a statutory body established under the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991. Under the Programme, awards are made annually, through open competition, to post-graduate students and post-doctoral scholars and to established leaders of professional, academic and artistic excellence who are recognised in their fields. The Irish and US governments both financially contribute to the operation of the Fulbright Commission. This year's grant-in-aid to the Commission is €254,000 and is funded under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs).

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

321 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27799/06]

No fees are paid to the chairpersons of the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation Ireland, the Development Education Advisory Committee or the Board of the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (Fulbright Commission). In the case of the fourth body under the aegis of the Department, an official of the Embassy in London acts, without additional remuneration, as chairperson of the Díon Committee (an advisory committee on Irish emigrants in Britain). This Department is, therefore, not affected by the increase in fees referred to by the Deputy.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

322 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of task forces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27825/06]

During the period in question, two task forces were created to inform specific areas of the work of this Department. Both have since completed their work and reported back to the Department. In December 2002, the then Minister of State, Mr. Tom Kitt, set up a Task Force on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to provide advice regarding how best to integrate ICT across the Irish Aid programme. The Task Force comprised twenty representatives from the private sector, academia, development NGOs, Enterprise Ireland and the Departments of the Taoiseach, Communications and Foreign Affairs. Mr. Aidan Eames was appointed as its chair. The Task Force met seven times and had additional meetings with representatives of the private sector, NGOs and Civil Society. Members of the Task Force undertook familiarisation visits to Uganda and Tanzania and to the World Bank in Washington. The Task Force presented its report in December 2003. A number of ICT activities are now being funded by Irish Aid, and ICT and development will also be reflected in the forthcoming White Paper on development cooperation.

The Task Force on Policy regarding Emigrants was established by my predecessor in December 2001 to recommend a coherent long-term policy approach to meeting the needs of Irish emigrants. Its terms of reference required that special consideration be given to pre-departure services, services for emigrants abroad and services for emigrants considering returning to Ireland. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the needs of vulnerable emigrants. The Task Force operated from December 2001 until it presented its Report — ‘Ireland and the Irish Abroad' — to my predecessor in August 2002. Since then, significant progress has been made on initiatives which benefit our Irish community abroad. The following twelve people gave of their time and expertise as members of the Task Force (with their titles reflecting the positions they held during the period of operation of the Task Force):

Paddy O'Hanlon Chairman

David Begg General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Rev. Paul Byrne, O.M.I. Director, Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants

Mahon Hayes Former Ambassador and Legal Adviser, Department of Foreign Affairs

Joe Harrington Department of the Environment and Local Government

Professor Mary Hickman Professor of Irish Studies & Sociology, University of North London

Gerry Mangan Department of Social and Family Affairs

Máire McCluskey Chairperson, Díon Committee, Embassy of Ireland, London and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Joe McDonagh Chief Executive Officer, Foras na Gaeilge

Monsignor James Murray Project Irish Outreach, New York

The alternate members were Adrian Flannelly of the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre, New York and Seán Hutton, Community Care Co-ordinator, Federation of Irish Societies in Britain.

Illegal Emigrants.

John Deasy

Ceist:

323 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens who are awaiting deportation from the US; the circumstances of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27859/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

324 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens who have been deported from the United States for each of the years from 1997 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27860/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.

My Department is aware of two Irish nationals awaiting deportation from the United States. These people are currently being held by the US authorities and are being provided with consular assistance by the Consulates in New York and San Francisco. The US Department of Homeland Security advises that there were 446 Irish nationals deported from the United States between 1997 and 2005. Of these, 302 are, we believe, likely to have arisen from immigration offences. To date in 2006 the Department is aware of 16 Irish nationals who have been deported from the US. I would like to stress that there is no evidence of any particular targeting of the Irish undocumented in the US. I should also emphasise that the Embassy in Washington and our network of Consulates are, of course, available to offer assistance in all consular cases.

Overseas Development Aid.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

325 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress that has been made in the African Union initiative in encouraging political dialogue in Zimbabwe; the amount of development aid allocated to projects in this country since 2002; the type of projects funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27916/06]

I refer the Deputy to my answer given on Thursday 29 June 2006 regarding the African Union (AU) initiative on political dialogue with Zimbabwe. Since then, I understand that former President Mkapa of Tanzania has been appointed mediator. The Zimbabwean Government failed to co-operate with President Chissano's efforts and, in 2005, refused even to facilitate a visit by Mr. TomNyanduga, an earlier appointee to the post. This attitude is highly regrettable. Nonetheless, I fervently hope that this new attempt will yield positive results. I note that UN Secretary General Annan met with President Mugabe on the occasion of the AU summit in Banjul, The Gambia on 1-2 July. They agreed that President Mkapa should be given time and space to do his work. The Government, with our EU partners, will continue to work with all those in the international community seeking to promote democratic change in Zimbabwe. I would encourage the AU and its member States to continue to use what influence they have to urge the Zimbabwean government to alter its current failed policies and move to a path of internal dialogue and peaceful, democratic change in Zimbabwe. Senior officials from my Department availed of recent political consultations with South Africa in Pretoria on 22-23 June to outline the serious concerns which we have regarding Zimbabwe.

Ireland has committed approximately €16 million in aid to Zimbabwe since 2002. Despite the difficult operating environment, we will continue to deliver assistance directly to those most in need, through a broad range of civil and aid organisations. I also welcome the increased engagement by the UN Security Council and the efforts of Secretary General Annan and his Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Jan Egeland, to highlight the serious humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. Funding support of €11,527,000 has been provided for humanitarian operations in Zimbabwe since 2002. This funding has been provided to a number of Non-Governmental Organisations, including Concern, Goal and Trócaire, as well as United Nations organisations working to alleviate humanitarian suffering in that country. Zimbabwe is also one of the countries most affected by HIV/Aids with an estimated 25% of the population infected. Life expectancy has fallen below 40. Since 2002 Ireland has provided €4.5 million to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, through partnerships with aid agencies and civil society organisations.

Visa Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

326 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received representations from a person (details supplied) with regard to their application for a visa; the status of this application; and the further information they are required to provide. [27917/06]

The Department of Foreign Affairs is not aware of any current application for an Irish visa being made by the applicant mentioned by the Deputy. Visa applications made in Zimbabwe are lodged by applicants with the Irish Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa and are normally referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for decision. I am informed that no record has been found in that Department, or in the Embassy, of receiving a current application in respect of the person concerned.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

327 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department in 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radio and so on; the amount spent on a yearly basis for the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27961/06]

The following table shows the total amounts spent on advertising under Votes 28 (Foreign Affairs) and 29 (International Cooperation) for 2003 to date:

Year

2003

2004

2005

2006 (to end June)

Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)

79,527

228,410

132,925

37,368

Vote 29 (International Cooperation)

104,417

44,547

123,531

91,153

Total (Votes 28 & 29)

183,944

272,957

256,456

128,521

Advertising undertaken by this Department typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, employment opportunities that arise in the Department from time to time, as well as public information notices relating to developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's official Development Aid Programme. The Department uses a wide range of national newspapers, both daily and Sunday publications. The choice of particular newspapers to be selected on each occasion is dependent on a number of factors, including the specific context and subject matter, the target audience and, of course, value for money considerations. The placing of official notices and Departmental advertisements is the subject of tender arrangements organised for all Government Departments by the Government Supplies Agency. The firm which holds the current contract is Brindley Advertising Ltd.

From 2003 to date, the Department has produced or contributed to the production of several videos, television programmes and DVDs for the purpose of informing and educating citizens about overseas development assistance and about the European Union. Details of the various productions are as follows:

The European Union

The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) funded the production of one media series and a number of DVDs/Videos in 2003 and 2004. All of these were produced with the intention of informing viewers about the nature and role of the European Union. In 2004, the CEI allocated €21,725.66 to the National Forum on Europe for the development of a DVD entitled "Towards a Constitution for Europe". It also provided €19,374.15 as part-funding for the production of a DVD entitled "The Day of Welcomes" containing highlights of the ceremonies marking the enlargement of the EU at Áras an Uachtaráin on 1 May 2004. In 2003, the CEI provided €23,493.54 towards the production costs of the National Forum on Europe's "Journey of Discovery" educational video which examined EU enlargement, the institutional make-up of the EU and the debate on the future of Europe. In addition, the CEI provided funding of €86,999 towards the production of "Europe — How are You?", a TV series which addressed enlargement, EU institutions and the debate on the future of Europe. VHS copies of these programmes were circulated to every secondary school in the country.

Overseas Development Assistance

Irish Aid has co-funded two TV documentary series entitled Far Away Up Close, which were broadcast on RTE in 2005 and 2006 respectively. The programmes, produced independently by Animo Television, were designed to give Irish people an introduction to how their tax money is being spent on development programmes around the world. They looked at Irish Aid programmes in the areas of HIV/AIDS, recovery assistance after conflicts, food security and support for civil society. To accompany the series, there was a dedicated website with further information on the topics and themes covered in the TV programmes. The cost of the programmes was €311,711 in 2004 and €293,367 in 2005.

White Paper Promotional Video Presentation

As part of the preparation of the Government White Paper on Irish Aid, a series of public meetings were held around the country during the second half of 2005. A short video presentation was prepared and shown at the beginning of each of the meetings. The video was produced by Animo Television using footage from the Far Away Up Close programmes and cost €20,146.

Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund

The purpose of the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund (named after Simon Cumbers who was tragically shot while filming for the BBC in Saudi Arabia in June 2004) is to financially assist journalists, media organisations and development practitioners in producing feature media pieces on themes relating to international development.

Over the last three years, the funding awarded was as follows:

2003 €130,170

2004 €193,360

2005 €121,604

Development Education

The Development Education Grants scheme provides funding, in two annual rounds, to approximately 70 organisations working in education. Development education activities funded under the grant scheme include, on occasions, the production of audio visual material of a general development nature. An annual budget of €4.54 million has been allocated for Development Education in 2006. Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that, in addition to visual media productions, the Department has for many years supported the Worlds Apart documentary series on RTE radio which covers the issues and challenges facing developing countries.

Diplomatic Representation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

328 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made on the case of an individual (details supplied) who has been on hunger strike and his complaints regarding mistreatment in the United States. [28072/06]

As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, this is primarily a legal issue and the person's legal advisers are best placed to advise him on the options open to him in the US justice system. However, officials in my Department recently met with the person to discuss his case and to offer him every possible consular assistance. The person, who previously resided in the United States, has stated that he is on hunger strike in protest at his perceived victimisation by the US justice system. Following from this meeting and at the person's request, officials from my Department contacted the US authorities to ascertain what, if anything, could be done to assist this person. We await a response from the US authorities. I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to do everything possible to assist this person.

Sports Capital Programme.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

329 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support the application from a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3 for lottery funding; and if he will give them the maximum support and advice. [27241/06]

The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. 1,338 applications for funding under the 2006 were received by my Department, including one from the organisation in question. All were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. Following this assessment, the organisation in question was unsuccessful and this decision together with a copy of the assessment conducted on the application, was conveyed by my Department to the organisation in a letter dated 13 June 2006. I intend to advertise the Sports Capital Programme for 2007 later this year and it will be open to the club in question to re-apply if they so wish.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

330 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be provided to upgrade the sports hall floor in a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [27379/06]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. On the 6th June last, I announced the grant allocations for the local projects under the 2006 programme and I am pleased to inform you that a grant of €30,000 was allocated to the project in question for the re-surfacing of the hall floor.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

331 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27384/06]

My Department is responsible for the administration of three major grant programmes — the Sports Capital Programme, the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Scheme (ACCESS) and the Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme. Of these the first two programmes attract a significant number of applications from non-governmental agencies and organisations. All unsuccessful applicants receive a letter of notification from the Department. In addition, my Department makes allocations to projects of strategic importance to non-governmental agencies and organisations in the sports, arts and culture sectors. The following tables contains details of the non-governmental agencies and organisations to which my Department has provided funding from 2004 to date. Details of the bodies that receive allocations under the Sports Capital Programme are available on the Department's website. In relation to grants provided to other major sporting bodies, in 2006 I have made an allocation of €65,000 to the IRFU for completion of works on Lansdowne Road due to fire damage. In 2005 I allocated funding to some of the National Governing Bodies in respect of their equipment requirements, to a range of regional and national projects as well as additional funding to a number of projects previously allocated funding that year, as follows: Pearse Stadium €1.5m; Limerick Gaelic Grounds €1m; Salthill Devon FC €1m; DCC — Irishtown Stadium €930,000; An Ríocht A.C. €625,000; Irish Amateur Boxing Association — National Stadium €500,000; Basketball Ireland €500,000; Markievicz Park, Sligo €400,000; Bunclody AFC €400,000; Tennis Ireland — National Development Centre €330,000; Athletic Association of Ireland €209,278; Ennis Town Council Lees Road Centre €200,000; Duneske Leisure Centre, Cahir €200,000; Football Association of Ireland €150,000; Irish Amateur Rowing Union €125,141; Mayo Association Football League €100,000. An allocation of €85,000 was also made to the FAI in respect of development works at Derry City FC. In 2004, I made allocations of €100,000 towards development at Mosney for the Community Games and of €650,000 to the Olympic Council of Ireland towards the provision of a new headquarters. I also allocated €33,014 as an additional allocation to the NUIG Galway Regional Sports Centre.

Organisation

Amount 2004

Amount 2005

Amount 2006

Allocations made to Cultural Institutions

The Irish Architectural Archive

600,000

334,000

330,000

Marsh’s Library

300,000

330,000

350,000

The Hunt Museum

270,000

290,000

350,000

Irish Genealogy Ltd.

380,000

395,000

150,000

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

200,000

1,420,000

80,000

Maritime Institute

17,000

24,104

22,000

National Print Museum

75,000

95,000

125,000

Merriman Summer School

Nil

20,000

Nil

University of Ulster

63,000

103,015

123,000

EU (Lund Agreement)

701

Nil

10,000

United Nations (International Centre for the Preservation of Cultural Goods — ICCROM)

11,000

11,630

15,000

Irish College Rome

50,000

100,000

100,000

Irish Museums Association

Nil

10,000

Nil

Axa Dublin International

Nil

Nil

8,000

The Crawford Gallery

Nil

Nil

15,000

Sub-total

1,966,701

3,132,749

1,678,000

Allocations made under ACCESS

The Glen Theatre (Banteer Old School Heritage & Drama Trust)

20,000

Nil

Nil

National Association of Youth Drama

9,533.59

Nil

Nil

Pavee Point Travellers’ Centre

5,915.65

Nil

Nil

Andrew’s Lane Theatre

21,940.15

Nil

Nil

Irish Film Institute

27,000

Nil

Nil

Gleneagle Concert Band

15,000

Nil

Nil

Siamsa Tíre

56,185.46

120,000

Nil

Tech Amergin

1,020,000

Nil

Nil

Tipperary Excel Heritage Co.

Nil

1,560,000

Nil

Irish Chamber Orchestra

Nil

100,000

Nil

Garter Lane Arts Centre

Nil

100,000

Nil

Spraoi

Nil

40,000

Nil

CREATE

Nil

5,968

Nil

Graffiti Theatre Company

Nil

10,000

Nil

Tinteán Theatre

Nil

350,000

Nil

Triskel Arts Centre

Nil

220,000

Nil

Strand Theatre

Nil

250,000

Nil

Caherciveen Arts Centre

Nil

1,600,000

Nil

Bell Table Arts Centre

Nil

320,000

Nil

Dún Mhuire Theatre

Nil

375,000

Nil

Gaiety Theatre

Nil

4,000,000

Nil

Lighthouse Cinema

Nil

Nil

1,000,000

Píobairí Uilleann

Nil

Nil

1,000,000

Sub-total

1,175,575

9,050,968

2,000,000

Other Allocations

Abbey Theatre Centenary

1,000,000

Nil

Nil

Abbey Theatre Emergency Works

278,914

546,327

Nil

Patrick Kavanagh Centenary

Nil

52,000

Nil

Paddy Bushe

Nil

2,500

Nil

Centre Culturel Irlandais Paris

Nil

75,000

Nil

National Association of Deputy Principals

Nil

60,000

Nil

Anna Livia Opera Festival

Nil

250,000

Nil

Seanchaí Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre

Nil

1,000

Nil

Kerry Tenors

Nil

Nil

5089

Cultural Relations Committee

700,000

Nil

Nil

Special Olympics World Summer Games Ltd

1,000,000

Nil

Nil

Sub-total

2,978,914

986,827

5,089

Allocations made under Sports Capital Programme

61,000,000

54,385,000

53,745,200

All Other Grants Provided to Major Sporting Bodies

61,783,014

63,239,419

53,810,200

Total Funding to non-Governmental agencies

128,904,204

130,794,963

111,238,489

Department Vote*

439,471,000

455,779,000

568,186,000

Total Funding to non-Governmental agencies as a % Department Vote

29.3%

28.7%

19.6%

Question No. 332 answered with QuestionNo. 33.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

333 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there were indicative total grant allocations imposed per county in regard to the sport capital grant allocation 2006; the way he can justify the fact that Kildare only received €8.58 per head of population whilst the national average was €13.72 per head of population. [27401/06]

The national lottery funded sports capital programme allocates funding to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. All applications received under the programme are assessed on an individual basis by my Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria as specified in the guidelines, terms and conditions that accompany the application form for the programme. The assessment process takes into account factors such as the existing level of facilities in an area, the number and quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought by each applicant and the strategic positioning of major facilities that may be required as well as the most recent Census of Population figures. Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds throughout the country, while also affording priority to projects in areas of social and economic disadvantage.

In relation to the 2006 sports capital programme, a total of 1,338 applications were received nationally, of which 1,211 were for projects classified as local and 127 as non-local, that is, projects which were categorised as national, regional or municipal and multi-sport. I recently announced provisional grant allocations under the 2006 Programme in relation to the local applications totalling €53.745 million to 719 projects and I will be announcing the provisional allocations for the non-local projects in the near future, for which five applications were received from Kildare. Of twenty-eight applications from County Kildare for local projects this year, seventeen were provisionally allocated funding totalling €1.41 million. My Department has written to the remaining eleven applicants enclosing a copy of their assessment and explaining why they were unsuccessful on this occasion, in order to assist with any future applications which they might submit. Ten of these applicants failed to meet basic minimum qualifying conditions as outlined on the application form and the guidelines, terms and conditions of the Programme.

There was a significant reduction in the number of applications from Kildare this year, which was down 25% on the number in each of three previous years, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The Deputy will appreciate that the Programme can only respond to the applications received from any particular county in any particular year. A reduced number of applications, taken with the quality of those applications and the scale of the projects which apply, affects the overall level of funding allocated to a county. Nevertheless, I should point out to the Deputy that sports capital funding to County Kildare amounts to €59 per capita since 2003 and the national average over that time is €60 per capita. Indeed, since 1998 a total of over €23.4 million in sports capital funding has been allocated to County Kildare. This means that the county, currently with 4.19% of the population, has been allocated 5.22% of the total national funding since 1998. I am satisfied that County Kildare has been treated more than fairly in the administration of the Sports Capital Programme and I believe that the Deputy will agree with me that the funding provided has made a major difference to the range and quality of the sports facilities available throughout the county.

Sports Facilities.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

334 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is co-operation between his Department and the Department of Education and Science to provide or enhance indoor sports facilities in schools; and if such cross-Departmental co-operation exists, the achievements to date. [27540/06]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations and, in certain circumstances, schools and colleges, throughout the country. Projects must be of a capital nature and be directly related to the provision of sporting and physical recreation facilities.

Applications to the programme from primary and post-primary schools and colleges must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must as a minimum demonstrate that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility when it is not being used by the school or college itself. In this regard, the significant access is a requirement for a minimum of at least 30 hours a week throughout the year.

Under the 2006 sports capital programme, some 30 applications involving schools were received and following consultation with the Department of Education and Science, grants totalling €1.4 million have been allocated in respect of 12 of these projects. My Department has commenced work on the development of a sports facilities strategy that will advocate a planned approach to the provision of sports facilities at both local and national level. An inter-agency steering group has been established to oversee this work. It includes representation from the Department of Education & Science. One of the key areas being examined as part of this strategy is community access to school facilities. This relates to both optimising usage by local communities of existing school facilities outside school hours and how this Department might provide funding to planned sports halls in schools to enhance the facilities where necessary to facilitate a wide range of sports.

However there are clearly genuine concerns within schools relating to issues such as security, insurance and running costs which can be barriers to facilitating community access which will need to be addressed. Where schools benefit from funding to enhance their facilities on the basis of the wider benefit to the local community, there needs to be a mechanism to ensure that this access is provided and maintained into the future. It is expected that work on this strategy will be completed later this year.

Arts Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

335 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department is willing to grant aid the construction or running of community-based theatres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27608/06]

The ACCESS Scheme, which ran from 2001, allocated capital grants of €45.71m for the development of 44 arts and cultural facilities around the country. ACCESS was a follow on to the CDIS programme that ran from 1994 to 1999 and under which some €26 million was allocated to 38 projects. In the coming weeks I will announce details of a scheme to succeed ACCESS. Once details are announced, applications will be invited by public advertisement. Applications, including any received from community-based theatres, will be considered on their merits in line with Guidelines which will be published in advance. "Revenue" or current support for arts venues is a matter for the Arts Council.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

336 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of national lottery funding awarded by his Department and drawn down by recipient groups in 2005; the expected allocation in 2006; the projections for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

344 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he expects to be able to assist the various local sporting organisations by way of allocation of capital grants for the provision of facilities throughout the country; the amount expected to be spent under this heading in 2006 and in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27617/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 344 together.

The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing capital funding for sports facilities to clubs and voluntary and community organisations in every county throughout the country. The Programme is advertised on an annual basis. Since 1998, the Government has provided unprecedented levels of capital funding for sporting infrastructure throughout the country, a total of €448.56 million has been allocated to 5,642 projects developed by sporting and community organisations. In 2005, almost €63.24 million in sports capital funding was allocated to 644 projects. Of this amount, €14.95 million has been drawn down to date. I recently announced the allocation of €53.745 million to 719 projects categorised as local under the 2006 Sports Capital Programme. I will be making a further announcement of allocations under the 2006 Programme to projects categorised as national, regional and municipal/multi-sport in due course. The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is also administered by my Department, provides grant aid towards the capital costs of a new swimming pool, a replacement pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. While my Department's multi-annual capital envelope has been approved for the period 2006-2010, individual subhead allocations have been agreed in respect of 2006 only. Pending final agreement of the 2007 provision, I am not yet in a position to state how much funding will be available for allocation under the above capital programmes in 2007. A total of €67.724 million has been provided towards payments for sports capital grants and €32.3 million for local authority swimming pool grants in my Department's 2006 Estimates.

Film Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

337 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films being filmed on location here in 1996; the number being filmed or are expected to be filmed in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

339 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding spent in the promotion or encouragement of the film industry here in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27612/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.

The promotion of film making in the State is primarily a matter for the Irish Film Board, an independent statutory agency under the aegis of my Department. Funding provided by my Department to the Board since 1996 was as follows:

Year

€m

2006

17.126

2005

15.95

2004

11.846

2003

10.768

2002

12.265

2001

11.494

2000

10.16

1999

6.89

1998

6.065

1997

5.256

1996

4.33

My Department's direct role relates to the administration of elements of the section 481 tax-based scheme for investment in film production. Details of the numbers of projects certified since 1996, and of the finances associated with these projects, were as follows:

Total of projects certified

Total Certified Spend

of which Irish Spend

Section 481 Amount

€m

€m

€m

1996

31

106.9

67.557.6

1997

32

216.6

99.982.4

1998

32

191.8

104.193.8

1999

35

114.5

72.060.8

2000

28

173.4

92.679.4

2001

23

239.3

110.575.4

2002

22

142.9

87.9 62.2

2003

25

282.7

135.684.8

2004

22

119.6

66.558.1

2005

28

125.5

63.954.8

Total

278

1,713.2

900.5709.4

To date in 2006, 13 projects, with a total certified spend of €94.1m, and an Irish spend of €58.5m, have been certified.

National Stadium.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

338 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the cost to date and the expected costs of the campus stadium Ireland complex; the full or expected cost of the development when completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27611/06]

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, the company charged with developing the Sports Campus project, have drawn up a detailed proposal for the development of the sports campus at Abbotstown in a series of phases. Planning work for Phase One of the Development Control Plan is already underway and will provide a National Field Sports training centre, catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey; a National Indoor Training Centre which will provide world class training facilities for over 30 Governing Bodies of Sport; accommodation for sports men and women; sports science and medical facilities; all-weather synthetic pitches for community use; and renovation of existing buildings to cater for needs identified by sports bodies. Funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-2010. The estimated cost of the project is €119m with a 4 to 5-year delivery schedule (2006 to 2010). An amount of €9.5m has been provided in the Vote of my Department for work on the project during 2006. The National Aquatic Centre, the first facility developed on this site, was completed in 2003 at a capital cost of €71m.

Question No. 339 answered with QuestionNo. 337.

Arts Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

340 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way in which policy on the arts is formulated; if it is directly by his Department or through subsidiary agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27613/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 92 and 93 on 31st May 2006.

Tourism Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

341 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that sufficient steps have been taken to market this country as a tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27614/06]

Responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination rests with Tourism Ireland Limited. Tourism Ireland is a North-South body, established under the Good Friday Agreement. It is jointly funded by the Irish and British Exchequers — to the sum of €64m this year. Significant additional resources were secured for Tourism Ireland in 2005 and again this year, to improve the effectiveness of its marketing programmes overseas. In particular, these resources enabled the company to undertake extensive research, in consultation with the trade and industry, aimed at reviewing the effectiveness of the destination brand — Tourism Brand Ireland — the suite of communication and marketing materials which underpin its destination campaigns in overseas markets. In December 2005, I launched a new, three-year, €50m global destination campaign for Tourism Ireland which reflects Ireland's core strengths. It also responds to a clearly identified need among potential visitors for more information about what a holiday in Ireland might involve. This campaign has been rolled out in key markets and the initial feedback has been positive. In terms of the overall performance of the sector, 2005 figures show overseas visitor numbers increased by 6% to almost 7 million and a significant rise in revenue — up almost 8% to €3.455 billion, excluding carrier receipts. On both counts, the 2005 targets were exceeded. Against a backdrop of intense global competition and constantly evolving consumer preferences, these results represent a good performance by the sector and underline the significant return which Tourism Ireland achieves from its investment in overseas marketing.

The targets set for 2006 are to grow overall visitor numbers by 4.9% and revenue by 6.7%. The latest overseas visitor data from the CSO cover the first four months of 2006. This shows that the number of overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 12.7% in the year to April — well ahead of target. This strong level of growth was spread across the main markets, with Britain up 12%, Europe up over 20%, North America up almost 2% with "Other" markets up over 3%. While the experience of various international shocks in recent years teaches us to be prudent in our expectations and the most recent data only relate to the early part of the season, I note that the trade, in general, is looking forward to the remainder of the year with a stronger sense of optimism than for some years past.

Questions Nos. 342 and 343 answered with Question No. 9.
Question No. 344 answered with QuestionNo. 336.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

345 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and task forces operating under his Department. [27795/06]

In relation to the budgetary allocations for bodies and agencies under the aegis of the Department, this information can be found in the Department's published Estimates and the associated agency statements. With regard to the budgetary allocation for any task forces or similar groups established by my Department, the membership of such groups is normally drawn from relevant Departments, State Agencies and sectoral organisations and as such, no specific additional budgetary allocation is made as any expenses arising are covered under general subheads of the Department's vote.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

346 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27809/06]

A total of 12 chairpersons of state bodies under the aegis of my Department are affected at present by the increases referred to by the Deputy.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

347 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of task forces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27815/06]

A number of task forces and similar groups have been created in my Department since its establishment in 2002 and details in respect of the more important such groups are set out as follows.

1. Name of Task force: Working Group on the National Stadium Function:

To make a recommendation to the Government regarding the size, cost, design and specification of a National Stadium

Membership: It consisted of the Special Advisers to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, and representatives of the Office of Public Works and Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd, under the Chairmanship of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Name

Secretary General Philip Furlong (Chair)

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Assistant Secretary Con Haugh

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Commissioner Sean Benton

Office of Public Works

Gerry Hickey

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach, Department of the Taoiseach

Maurice Roche

Special Adviser to the Tanaiste, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Donagh Morgan

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd.

Reporting Mechanism: The working group drafted a report for consideration by the Government in September 2002. In light of this report, the Government decided that it was not in the position to provide any Exchequer funding, in the medium term, for a National Stadium.

Period of Existence: Up to August 2002.

In addition to the above working group, there was another OPW and Department task force, which drafted a report evaluating sites as possible locations for a 65,000 to 80,000 seater Stadium. This was presented to the Working Group on the National Stadium in August 2002.

2. Name of Task force: Assessment Panel for Expressions of Interest in the National Stadium

Function: To evaluate expressions of interest from the private sector with regard to the National Stadium Project

Membership: The assessment panel included representatives from the Office of Public Works, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd., National Treasury Management Agency, Department of Finance including the Public Private Partnership Unit, the Attorney General's Office and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, supported by a technical sub-group.

Name

Sec. General Philip Furlong (Chair)

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Con Haugh

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Helen Nugent

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Sean Benton

Office of Public Works

Kevin Connolly

Office of Public Works

Jim O’Brien

Department of Finance

Eamonn Kearns

Department of Finance

Cormac Gilhooly

Department of Finance

Pat O’Neill

Department of Finance PPP Division

Jim Farrell

National Treasury Management Agency

Oliver Whelan

National Treasury Management Agency

Christopher O’Toole

Office of the Attorney General

Donagh Morgan

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd.

Reporting Mechanism: The group provided advice to the Department.

Period of Existence: October-November 2002.

3. Name of Taskforce: Expenditure Review-Sports Facilities Steering Group.

Function: To complete an Expenditure Review that would assess the expenditure and approach to the provision of Sports facilities.

Membership:

Name

Mr. Con Haugh (Chair)

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Mr. Frank Griffin

Department of Finance

Mr. Peter Smyth

Irish Sports Council

Ms Helen Nugent

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Mr. Paddy Heffernan

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Mr. Denis Breen

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Dave Spratt

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Finian Judge

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Chris Flynn

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Reporting Mechanism: The group held a number of meetings and produced an Expenditure Review which was sent to the Oireachtas and published on the Department's website.

Period of Existence: March 2003 to November 2003.

4. Name of Taskforce: Lansdowne Road Stadium Steering Group.

Function: To keep the Government aware of the development of the Lansdowne Road Stadium Redevelopment Project, and to keep in contact with any issues which might arise in the course of the delivery of the facility.

Membership: The Steering Group consists of representatives from the FAI, IRFU, OPW, Department of Finance, Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Name

Philip Furlong (Chair)

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Con Haugh

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Helen Nugent

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Orlaith Gleeson

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

John Delaney

FAI

Michael Cody

FAI

David Blood

FAI

Michael Greene

LRSDC

Philip Browne

IRFU

Noel Murphy

IRFU

John Hussey

IRFU

Sean Benton

Office of Public Works

Claire McGrath

Office of Public Works

Kevin Connolly

Office of Public Works

Frank Griffin

Department of Finance

Reporting Mechanism: The Steering Group meets on a regular basis and members provide the Secretary General with regular updates regarding the project.

Period of Existence: February 2004 to date.

5. Name of Taskforce: Sports Facilities Strategy Steering Group.

Function: To oversee the development of a strategy document that will outline a planned approach to the provision of Sports facilities.

Membership:

Name

Mr. Philip Furlong (Chair)

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Mr. Donagh Morgan

Campus Stadium Ireland Development Ltd.

Mr. Brian Millane

Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

Mr. Kevin Ring

Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government

Mr. Dermot Quigley

Department of Finance

Mr. Michael Malone

Kilkenny County Manager

Mr. John Treacy

Irish Sports Council

Ms Teresa Griffin

Department of Education & Science

Ms Helen Nugent

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Mr. Paddy Heffernan

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism

Reporting Mechanism: The group have held a number of meetings and agreed the priority areas of work to be completed before a report is produced. Their work is ongoing.

Period of Existence: June 2005 to date.

6. Name of Taskforce: Inter-Departmental Public Art Co-ordination Group.

Function: To publish a set of general national guidelines in relation to the Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme.

Membership: Group consisted of 14 members, representing various Government Departments and organisations.

Name

Chair: Christine Sisk

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Mary Cloake

Arts Council

Annette Moloney

Arts Council

Michael McKenna/Betty Moriarty

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Niall Bradley

City and County Managers Association

Paul de Fréine

Department of Health & Children

Helen O’Neill

Department of Education & Science

Angela Rolfe, OPW

Jacquie Moore, OPW

Dick McKeever

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Richard Evers

National Roads Authority

Comdt David McGonnell

Department of Defence

Shay Kirk

Court Services Board

Reporting mechanism and period: The group was established in August 2002 and the Guidelines were published in December 2004.

7. Name of Taskforce: Special Committee on the Traditional Arts.

Function: to advise the Arts Council on matters relating to the traditional arts.

Membership:

Name

Jerome Hynes

Philip King

Micheál Ó hEidin

Úna Ó Murchú

Katie Verling

Reporting mechanism and period: The Committee was established in December 2003 and published its report entitled Towards a Policy for the Traditional Arts in September 2004.

8. Name of Taskforce: Tourism Policy Review Group.

Function: To review and report on tourism policy to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Membership:

Name

Chair: John Travers

Patrick O’Donoghue

Gillian Bowler

Peter Cassells

Tony Kelly

Pat McCann

Paul O’Toole

Paul Bates

Brian Patterson

Shaun Quinn

Niall Reddy

Frank Roche

Paschal Taggart

Reporting mechanism and period: January 2003-September 2003. Produced the Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group: New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action.

9. Name of Taskforce: Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group.

Function: To review and report progress on the implementation of the New Horizons Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group.

Membership:

Name

Chair: John Travers

Philip Furlong

Michael O’Donoghue

Paul Tansey

Jim Murphy

Eileen O’Meara Walsh

Raymond J Rooney

Reporting mechanism and period: January 2004-January 2006. Published three implementation reports.

First Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group.

Second Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group.

Third and Final Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group.

10. Name of Taskforce: Tourism Strategy Implementation Group.

Function: To continue the work of reviewing and monitoring implementation of the New Horizons Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group.

Membership:

Name

Chair: John Travers

Philip Furlong

Paul Tansey

Paul O’Toole

Shaun Quinn

Luke Moriarty

Nancy Moran

Margaret Jeffares

Dan Flinter

Reporting mechanism and period: May 2006-to date.

11. Name of Taskforce: Beckett Centenary Council.

Function: Oversee Beckett Centenary Festival.

Membership:

Name

Chair: Philip Furlong

Michael Colgan

Edward Beckett

Mary Cloake

Cathal Goan

John Hegarty

Reporting mechanism and period: Novembr 2005-April 2006.

12. Name of Taskforce: Beckett Centenary Festival Committee.

Function: Implement Beckett Centenary Festival.

Members:

Name

Chair: Michael Colgan

Paul Bates

Fionnuala Croke

Chris Flynn

Alan Gilsenan

Anne Graham

Lorelei Harris

John Hutchinson

Dennis Kennedy

David McKenna

Bernard Meehan

Patrick Murphy

Niall Ó Donnchú (Deputy Chair)

Aongus Ó hAonghusa

Marie Rooney

Judith Woodworth and

Laura Barnes

Reporting mechanism and period: November 2005-May 2006.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

348 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27962/06]

The total cost for advertising since the establishment of my Department in June 2002, including advertising by the Cultural Institutions, was as follows.

June-December 2002

186,797

2003

393,352

2004

392,178

2005

200,824

2006 to date

31,449

In addition my Department spent €67,760 earlier this year on an Educational Pack for the Beckett Centenary Festival of a box set of DVDs which was distributed to post-primary schools throughout the country.

My Department's statistics on advertising expenditure are not retained on a basis that would allow me to provide the breakdown requested by the Deputy. However a significant element of the expenditure was incurred in relation to advertising and promotion by the National Museum of Ireland and National Library of Ireland which formed part of my Department until they were established as separate legal entities in May 2005.

Employment Conditions.

John Deasy

Ceist:

349 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases involving exploitation of foreign workers that have been taken in 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27765/06]

The Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including foreign workers. The Inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to foreign workers in exactly the same manner as they do to other Irish workers. Accordingly, the Labour Inspectorate does not record its cases in a format that would facilitate the statistics requested.

For the avoidance of doubt Section 20 of the Protection of Employee's (Part-Time) Work Act, 2001 provides that all employee protection legislation on the Statute Book in Ireland applies to workers posted to work in Ireland in line with Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 16 December 1996.

Section 20 of the 2001 Act also provides that all employee protection legislation applies to a person, irrespective of his or her nationality or place of residence, who has entered into a contract of employment that provides for his or her being employed in the State or who works in the State under a contract of employment. Thus all Employment Rights Legislation applies to migrant workers engaged to work in Ireland under a contract of employment.

In instances where foreign workers are paid less than Irish workers for comparable work and there are no other relevant differentiating features, it may be appropriate to refer the matter to the Equality Authority for consideration under Equality Legislation.

Foreign Trade Links.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

350 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to the recent visit of his Minister of State to the Ukraine, the short term intentions and steps to be taken to increase business and trade between Ireland and the Ukraine; if his attention has been drawn to the interest of the Ireland/Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group in the matter; and the growing interest of Irish businesses which are in need of good quality assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27258/06]

Currently, the level of Irish trade with Ukraine is relatively small. Irish exports to Ukraine were only €23.7m in 2005, however this was an increase of 49% on 2004 figures. At the same time, Ukrainian exports to Ireland increased by 161% to €8.6m between 2004 and 2005.

Despite the low level of trade, Enterprise Ireland has, on average, personnel "in-market" in Ukraine every five to six weeks to support the endeavours of Irish companies seeking to establish a foothold in that country. This approach builds on an awareness raising seminar on the Ukraine market, held in Dublin in June 2005, and culminated in my leading Ireland's first ever Trade Mission to Ukraine last month. This Trade Mission attracted 21 Irish companies and organisations and resulted in over 100 buyer and partner meetings brokered by Enterprise Ireland with Ukrainian counterparts.

Enterprise Ireland has, over the past 18 months, built up a substantial network of Ukrainian contacts and support resources, and has focused its efforts on sectors such as IT and Telecoms, Financial Services and Banking Systems, Education, Medical Devices and Agricultural Machinery, which have been identified as markets likely to generate the most opportunities in the short to medium term for Irish industry. Linkages have been developed with local trade and business associations and with private contractors, to provide logistic support for Enterprise Ireland clients when they visit the Ukrainian market. Enterprise Ireland has also recently launched a Russian language website to promote Irish indigenous industry and the Irish economy in the former Soviet Union, and it is readily accessible as a valuable information resource for the large section of the Ukrainian population who are native and second language Russian speakers. In addition, I am aware that a number of private Irish companies and organisations are actively promoting Ukraine for production and manufacturing relocation purposes, which, though outside the remit of Enterprise Ireland, is another indicator of increased Irish Ukrainian economic interaction.

Aside from Enterprise Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has established a relationship with the State Committee of Ukraine for Technical Regulation and Consumer Policy (DSSU), and are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the DSSU later this year, in the field of Standardisation, Conformity Assessment and Metrology.

Irish investment in Ukraine increased significantly in 2006, with a number of high profile transactions that will further increase Irish confidence in the Ukrainian market. Discussions have been ongoing for some time to conclude a Double Taxation Agreement, which would significantly reduce the barriers to international business and trade between Ireland and the Ukraine.

I am, of course, aware of and support the efforts of the Ireland/Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group in fostering and developing better political, social and business ties between Ukraine and Ireland. The activities of this group in encouraging closer links with Ukraine are very welcome.

Work Permits.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

351 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin being refused a work permit; and if he will support their request. [27289/06]

The Work Permit Section of my Department returned an application in this case recently on the basis that the Department believes that a suitable employee from within the enlarged EU can fill the position. The employer was notified of this decision in writing. The employer may appeal this decision to my Department.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

352 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the final decision on a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [27290/06]

The Work Permit section of my Department informs me that there is no record of a valid work permit application having been received in respect of the above named individual. Incomplete or incorrect applications are returned to the employer to be amended.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

353 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) was not proceeded with, despite the fact that the vacancy was registered on the FÁS recruitment network; if same will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27357/06]

The Work Permit section of my Department took a decision to refuse this application on the basis that it is not for a highly paid or highly skilled job. Since the accession of the 10 new member states employers should look to the wider EU in the first instance to source labour needs that are not highly skilled or highly paid.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

354 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the non-Governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by my Department but is not yet complete. Given the broad range of organisations and activities involved, my Department is unable to supply the material sought by the Deputy within the timescale requested. Officials in my Department are however, well advanced in bringing together the information sought by the Deputy which I will forward to her shortly.

Construction Industry.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

355 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people who are employed in the construction industry according to work category; the number of inspectors employed per thousand workers; the number of employers prosecuted for breaking the conditions of employment; the number of sub-contractors in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27406/06]

I understand from the most recent statistics available from the Central Statistics Office that there are 253,800 people employed in the construction industry. I do not have details according to work category within the sector.

The assignment of previously announced additional Labour Inspectors was completed in November 2005. That brought the complement of serving Inspectors to 31 Officers. The current complement of inspectors provides for a ratio of one inspector for each 8,200 workers in the construction industry. However, the Deputy will be aware that Labour Inspectors carry out their duties in all sectors of the economy. A major package of measures has been agreed by the parties at the recent Partnership negotiations, including the establishment of a new, statutory Office dedicated to employment rights compliance and a trebling in the number of Labour Inspectors.

The primary function of the Labour Inspectorate is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including payment of any arrears due to employees. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and seek redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Successful prosecution can be dependent on adequate support from witnesses. In the past two years one employer in the construction sector was prosecuted for a breach of Employment Rights legislation. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that there are approximately 85,000 sub-contractors currently operating in the construction industry.

Departmental Agencies.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

356 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the annual cost in 2005 for Shannon Development to maintain its vacant factories and industrial units in County Clare; the cost of same for each of the areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27436/06]

The issue of property maintenance is a day-to-day issue for the enterprise development agencies of my Department and is one in which I have no direct function.

The figures for County Clare as set out as follows cover maintenance expenditure on both vacant and occupied property. Given the significant number of property units Shannon Development has in County Clare, the sub county breakdown covers Shannon Free Zone / Shannon / Smithstown, and the rest of County Clare. The description maintenance covers landscaping, public lighting, security, staff costs and general building maintenance. Shannon Development does not break down its maintenance expenditure figures between vacant property and occupied property, given the ongoing change to that status as a result of new lettings etc.

Maintenance Expenditure 2005 for County Clare

Shannon / SFZ / Smithstown

436,152

Rest of County Clare

104,153

Total

540,305

Job Creation.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

357 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in the provision of employment in the North Tipperary area by location for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27524/06]

The issue of job creation in North Tipperary is a day-to-day issue for the enterprise development agencies of my Department, namely IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and the North Tipperary County Enterprise Board and is one in which I have no direct function.

IDA Midwest region consists of Counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and North Kerry. The attractiveness of North Tipperary for inward investment has to be seen within a regional context, and particularly by reference to Shannon airport, its proximity to Limerick and Cork and to its location along the corridors of Limerick/Dublin and Cork/Dublin. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) provides a framework for the achievement of this goal. IDA Ireland's regional strategy reflects the NSS, with an emphasis on the gateway and hub locations. In addition IDA actively promotes the County town of Thurles. IDA is committed to the development of North Tipperary and is actively promoting the County for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as part of an integrated Mid West region. IDA has six supported companies in North Tipperary, employing 717 in December 2005.

In moving North Tipperary to a more knowledge based economy, IDA Ireland is partnering with educational institutions in the region, in particular University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology and Tipperary Institute, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment particularly in added value activities, such as R&D, corporate services, shared services, supply chain management, treasury management, etc.

Both IDA Ireland and Shannon Development are members of the Thurles Marketing Group which was established in 2002 with a view to developing a pilot marketing initiative in North Tipperary as part of the implementation of the County Economic and Cultural Strategy 2002-2012. The focus of the marketing initiative is "to promote Thurles as a location for business investment".

Initiatives undertaken by Shannon Development include the development of the Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles, one of a network of five such Parks in the region. There are currently four businesses operating out of the Park in areas such as Software Development, Marketing, IT and Health & Safety. Shannon Development and North Tipperary Enterprise Board also operate offices in the Park. Three further companies occupy the larger expansion spaces on the park. From a base of zero in 2002 there are currently over 80 people employed on site across 8 companies. In addition Shannon Development continues to support the existing industrial base in Thurles.

Shannon Development has a 51 acre Business Park in Lisboney, Nenagh and the Company is marketing this as an attractive investment location and demand for sites is buoyant. The private sector is also responding to the increasing demand and currently a 30,000 sq.ft. Advanced Technology Unit is under construction at Stereame, Nenagh. This development was promoted and encouraged by Shannon Development and was supported under the BES scheme. This facility (due for completion this month) will add to the attractiveness of the town as an investment location.

The Company is also working to ensure that North Tipperary has a world-class telecommunications infrastructure. This initiative is promoted by Shannon Broadband, a Shannon Development initiative established in partnership with the Local Authorities in the region.

Tipperary North County Enterprise Board (CEB) was set up in 1993 as a source of support for the micro-businesses sector. The role of the Board is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and an enterprise culture in North Tipperary. This is done through both direct financial assistance and non-financial assistance. Subject to certain eligibility criteria enterprises may qualify for support in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants while there is also a broad range of non-financial supports available such as mentoring, business advice and management development and training. While such non-financial supports may not directly generate jobs in an enterprise they contribute positively to the wider objective of building an enterprise culture which, in time, can result in job creation without direct financial assistance from the State. Employment in the enterprise development agencies in North Tipperary for each year since 2002 is set out in the following table. IDA Ireland and Tipperary North County Enterprise Board do not break down employment figures by location.

Employment in North Tipperary

Shannon Development Client Companies

Year

2002

2003

2004

2005

Nenagh

1,025

1,058

1,148

1,167

Roscrea

654

674

545

586

Thurles

465

469

428

472

Other

520

582

595

589

Total

2,654

2,783

2,716

2,814

IDA Client Companies

Year

2002

2003

2004

2005

North Tipperary

946

714

762

717

Tipperary North County Enterprise Board

Client Companies

Year

2002

2003

2004

2005

Full time Jobs

510

556

580

601

Part time Jobs

223

183

187

196

Labour Inspectorate.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

358 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors who are currently employed by the State; his plans to increase their number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27548/06]

The assignment of previously announced additional Labour Inspectors was completed in November 2005. That brought the complement of serving Inspectors to 31 Officers. The increase in staffing represents almost a doubling of the number of Labour Inspectors in the last 2 years.

A major package of measures has been agreed by the parties at the recent Partnership negotiations, including the establishment of a new, statutory Office dedicated to employment rights compliance; a trebling in the number of Labour Inspectors; greater coordination among organisations concerned with compliance; new requirements in respect of record keeping; enhanced employment rights awareness activity; the introduction of a new and more user friendly system of employment rights compliance; increased resourcing of the system; and higher penalties for non-compliance with employment law.

As agreed in the Partnership negotiations, the number of Labour Inspectors will be progressively increased from 31 to 90 by end-2007, as part of an initiative to increase the staffing resources of the Employment Rights Bodies generally. Inspectors will be specially selected and trained and will be deployed on a regionalised basis. In addition, the new Office will be provided with legal, accounting and other administrative support to ensure its effective functioning.

Work Permits.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

359 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 21 June 2006, if officials in his Department have reviewed a case and contacted the person involved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27549/06]

The Work Permit section of my Department took a decision to refuse this application on the basis that it is not for a highly paid or highly skilled job. Since the accession of the 10 new member states employers should look to the wider EU in the first instance to source labour needs that are not highly skilled or highly paid. The Work Permit Section is in a position to consider issuing a work permit in respect of this individual under the new Spousal Work Permit Scheme. An official from the work permit section has written to the employer seeking additional information for the application to be processed.

Pay Differentials.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

360 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to address gender pay inequality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27550/06]

Primary responsibility for policy in relation to equal pay is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Addressing the factors behind the gender pay gap is, however, a multi-faceted task involving a number of Government Departments. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment undertakes the following actions.

The National Framework Committee on Work/Life Balance Policies, which is chaired by the Department, undertakes a range of activities to raise awareness and encourage the provision of work/life balance arrangements at the level of the enterprise. The committee's activities include the provision of financial assistance to organisations, information dissemination activities, seminars, and research activities.

The introduction of the national minimum wage has also had an impact in addressing the gender pay gap. In this regard, I accepted the Labour Court recommendation and increased the minimum wage to €7.65 per hour with effect from 1 May 2005. Furthermore, the new Social Partnership agreement provides for a further adjustment to the minimum wage with effect from 1 January, 2007.

"Expanding the Workforce", which is run by FÁS, is aimed at proactively encouraging women to return to work. The initiative facilitates women returnees by ensuring that training is provided in a flexible manner and is tailored to meet business requirements and skills needs of employers.

Industrial Development.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

361 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures which are in place within the IDA to promote the products and services of indigenous Irish companies to foreign direct investors establishing business here; the steps an indigenous company can take to ensure a multinational establishing here is made aware of their services; and if they can receive information to allow them to approach these companies directly. [27551/06]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions and Enterprise Ireland has responsibility for the development of indigenous industry. Both Agencies work in close co-operation with one another and are actively working with a range of other bodies, including county development boards, private developers, educational institutes and FÁS towards maximising the potential of individual areas and counties for new investment and expansion projects.

IDA Ireland is acutely aware that overseas investors not alone bring high wage jobs to individual regions and areas but also have knock-on benefits in other sectors such as supply, distribution and transport, thus creating further investment/employment opportunities for local people in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas.

The availability of indigenous support services capable of sustaining their investment is an important issue for overseas investors, with potential investors regularly inquiring about the availability of indigenous services that are international in focus. In this context it is also an important ingredient for IDA Ireland in both marketing sites at local level for new investment or presenting a case to existing investors for expansion projects.

While it would not be appropriate for IDA Ireland to engage in marketing an individual company's products or services, the Agency can and does make overseas investors aware of the availability of products and services that may be of interest or necessary to sustain the potential investment and where the investor so requests IDA Ireland can also facilitate introductions. Ultimately it is the investor who decides on where to locate, including where to visit as a potential location and what services or products he or she wishes to source locally to support the enterprise.

Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are currently in discussion on the issue of allowing each other preferential access to each other's company information systems. This will facilitate development of a more effective ability to identify opportunities for developing relationships at various levels between Indigenous and Foreign owned companies.

Enterprise Ireland actively assists companies from all over the world to create business relationships between potential buyers and Irish suppliers. The Agency also provides support for strategic alliances, product licensing, collaborative research and joint ventures, and is actively endeavouring to maximise interactions between global buyers and suppliers in a number of ways including:

•Meeting and consulting with potential customers and building an understanding of their purchasing requirement, including provision of free confidential support services to meet those requirements

•Supplying detailed reports on Irish suppliers and information on how potential customers can benefit from doing business with Irish suppliers

• Organising visits to meet with Irish suppliers and manufacturers

•Arranging initial introductions to potential business partners and providing help with follow-up contacts.

In addition, the Enterprise Ireland website (www.enterprise-ireland.com) hosts an electronic search engine entitled “Source Ireland”, which is a business directory of leading Irish suppliers, providing national/international buyers with comprehensive and up to date information.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

362 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts which have been made in 2006 to attract investment into South Tipperary. [27552/06]

The promotion and facilitation of industrial development is a day to day matter for the industrial development agencies and relevant county enterprise boards, and not one in which I am directly involved.

IDA Ireland informs me that it continues to market South Tipperary as a potential location for new foreign direct investment, in order to secure new investment and additional jobs for the region. In marketing South Tipperary, IDA Ireland is focused on attracting overseas companies in the services and knowledge based industries, including advanced manufacturing. Key sectors of focus for IDA in the region are international services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

IDA's strategy for South Tipperary is to concentrate future economic development in Clonmel and to develop the town as a first-class location for overseas investment. This strategy has been agreed with the South Tipperary County Development Board. IDA has purchased c. 50 acres of land in the Ballingarrane Estate in Clonmel to develop a Business and Technology Park. The future development of the Ballingarrane Estate will be a key asset in attracting overseas investment into the county. Recent significant investments by IDA supported companies in the region include Guidant in Clonmel and Alza in Cashel. I understand from IDA that Guidant will be looking to recruit circa 200 staff per annum over the next five years.

Enterprise Ireland continues to encourage investment and foster job creation in Tipperary South. Enterprise Ireland job creation activity is focused on the creation of new jobs, through supporting entrepreneurs, setting up new high potential start-up companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level, through support of research in companies and third level institutions.

Enterprise Ireland continues to work with companies in its portfolio to assist them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation, in order that they can compete on world markets. In addition to direct finance, Enterprise Ireland has a range of service offerings to encourage the set up of high tech, high opportunity, indigenous enterprises including business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development etc as well as incubation space.

As part of its regional development role, Enterprise Ireland works with other agencies in South Tipperary to develop the business infrastructure. Enterprise Ireland infrastructural projects include Community Enterprise Centres, which foster the development of micro enterprises, which in turn can grow into larger enterprises. Enterprise Ireland approved support of €702,547 under its CEC Schemes to Community Enterprise Centres in Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Tipperary town. All of these centres are operating at almost full capacity.

The South Tipperary County Enterprise Board (CEB) is pro-actively involved in the development of indigenous enterprise in the region. In 2006 Tipperary South CEB received a total budgetary allocation from my Department of €766,995 (which is a 6.1% increase over the 2005 allocation). This has enabled South Tipperary CEB to be actively involved in the economic development of County Tipperary and to ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development throughout the locality. In the first half of 2006 South Tipperary CEB has made available in excess of €250,000 to 12 micro businesses in South Tipperary with the potential to create 25-30 jobs.

Work Permits.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

363 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to work permits in respect of two persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27702/06]

The Work Permit Section has confirmed that applications for work permits in respect of the individuals concerned were refused on the 4th May, 2006 in line with my Department's policy to only consider work permit applications for highly skilled and highly paid positions that are not possible to fill from within the EEA. Following an appeal by the employer, this decision was upheld by the work permit section on 22nd June, 2006. The employer was notified of this decision in writing. Arrangements are being made for the fees to be returned to the employer.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

364 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the establishment of a training fund which will be at the personal disposal of individuals experiencing employability barriers to use for appropriate training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27704/06]

Funds are in place to address the requirements to which the Deputy refers. I am informed by FÁS that its High Support Process (HSP) is a flexible process designed to assist FÁS Employment Services Officers (ESOs) in implementing a range of responses to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing major employability barriers in progressing from unemployment to employment in the open labour market. HSP budget for 2006 is €950,000.

Under the HSP a total of €2,500 per person is available to ESOs to source the relevant interventions such as counselling, supplemental training, etc. It is a multi-agency, case-conferencing approach where FÁS ESOs and Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) Job Facilitators, in conjunction with a number of other agencies such as Health Services Executive, Local Employment Services, Vocational Educational Committees, Probation and Welfare Services, etc. source agreed supports for individuals based on identified barriers.

The HSP is available to:

•individuals referred through the Employment Action Plan (EAP) who would benefit from this intervention

•ex-Job Initiative (JI) participants or current participants who wish to explore alternative training and/or employment options

•any individual presenting and identified in need of ‘high support' such as those experiencing homelessness, individual made redundant, ex-offenders, members of the traveller community, disabled people, etc.

In addition to the HSP, FÁS also operates a ‘Customised Training Fund' which has a budget of €1,261,000 for 2006. This fund was set up to provide flexibility in responding to the identified training needs of jobseekers. In situations where an individual, during the course of a guidance interview with a FÁS ESO, identifies a specific ‘specialised' training need that cannot be met by FÁS, or where there would be an unacceptable delay before the next scheduled FÁS course is due to start, this fund may be used to ‘purchase' the required training. In certain circumstances the fund may used to offer group support or individual counselling. The cost of training is set at €635 to €1,270 per individual.

As part of FÁS's guidance process, both HSP and the Customised Training Fund are available to individuals experiencing employability barriers to use for appropriate training, etc. Consequently, there would appear to be no need for a ‘third' fund to meet such needs.

Job Creation.

John Deasy

Ceist:

365 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to bring new industry into Dungarvan in view of the fact that since the closure of the Waterford Crystal’s factory no replacement industry has been found for the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27763/06]

The Industrial Development agencies are promoting County Waterford in order to increase the flow of potential investors for the County and to convert any suitable investment projects into job opportunities particularly for Dungarvan and the surrounding area where possible. This is being done in conjunction with an inter agency forum which was established by the Waterford County Manager following the closure of the plant in Dungarvan.

Under the extension of Enterprise Ireland's Community Enterprise Centre Scheme which I announced in January of this year, Dungarvan is receiving a total of €500,000 from EI and the Waterford County Enterprise Board for the construction of a new Enterprise Centre. I am satisfied that the ongoing work of the Development agencies, together with the provision of the new Enterprise Centre will provide good employment opportunities for Dungarvan.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

366 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27797/06]

The number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government is 15.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

367 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27813/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. A number of Task Forces were established between 1997 and 2001 in response to job losses in particular areas. However, the practice of creating such Task Forces changed after the establishment of County Development Boards, as the Boards were seen to be best placed to oversee any additional response required to job losses over and above the work of the Industrial Development Agencies under the auspices of my Department.

In addition, while it is not strictly a task force, and is therefore not listed in the following table, there is currently an Inter-Departmental Group, under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General of my Department, which is considering a broad range of issues relevant to the future development of Co. Donegal. Finally, in the time available, my Department cannot provide the details of the exact period of existence for each of the Task Forces established to address particular job losses, however, each would have had a life span of an average of 12 months.

Taskforces established since 1997

Name of Taskforce

Function

Size

Membership

Reporting mechanism

Date of Establish-ment

North Mayo Enterprise Initiative

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

July 1997

Tullamore Inter-Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

July 1997

Tralee Inter-Agency Task Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

August 1997

AWG South East Task Force (Avonmore / Waterford)

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

December 1997

Clonmel Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

December 1997

Leitrim Enterprise Project Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

April 1998

Donegal Employment Initiative

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

September 1998

Mullingar Inter-Agency Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

October 1998

Limerick Inter-Agency Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

November 1998

Longford Inter Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

December 1998

Ballinrobe Inter-Agency Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

January 1999

Laois Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

March 1999

North Tipperary Enterprise Initiative

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

March 1999

Wexford Enterprise Initiative

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

September 1999

Taskforces established since 1997

Name of Taskforce

Function

Size

Membership

Reporting mechanism

Date of Establish-ment

Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying

1. To identify the size of the problem and the sectors most at risk 2. To develop practical programmes and strategies to prevent workplace bullying 3. To produce a co-ordinated response from State Agencies and to report to the Minister.

10

Private Sector, Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Employment Appeals Tribunal, IBEC, ICTU, Health & Safety Authority, Labour Relations Commission, Labour Court, Equality Authority

Report submitted to Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs.

September 1999-April 2001

Macroom Task Force

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

August 2001

Drogheda Inter Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

August 2001

Dunmanway Inter Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

January 2000

Dundalk Inter Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

July 2000

Taskforce on Lifelong Learning

To develop a strategic framework for lifelong learning

21

Government Departments, State Agencies, representatives of the education and training constituencies and members nominated by the social partners

Report submitted to Minister for Labour Affairs

Spring 2001- May 2002

Strategy Waterford

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

February 2001

Thurles Inter Agency Group

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

April 2001

North Dublin Training and Job Placement Initiative

Address Job Losses

20 Approx.

State Development agencies, local authorities, and local and worker interests

Report prepared by Chairman and submitted to Minister

November 2001

Departmental Agencies.

John Deasy

Ceist:

368 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of factories in the City and County of Waterford, on which the IDA have long term lease agreements, which are empty; the cost to the State of long-term lease agreements for premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27847/06]

At present there are 7 vacant properties in Waterford on which IDA Ireland has long term lease agreements. All these premises are located in the Waterford Industrial Estate. These leases, which are 35-year leases, were entered into between 1983 and 1989. The outstanding balance of the leases is 11 years on average. The outstanding amount due on the balance of the leases is €5,195,810. It is hoped that a number of these properties might be occupied or redeveloped during the period, which would have the potential to reduce this amount.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

369 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27963/06]

My Department incurs expenditure in relation to media and advertising mainly to comply with statutory requirements. Since 2002 the expenditure incurred by my Department is listed as follows:

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

National Newspapers

170,297

261,797

116,858

232,599

83,509

Provincial Newspapers

2,386

175

2,733

4,090

272

Magazines

Nil

Nil

2,178

39,927

Nil

RTE Radio/TV} Local Radio }

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Eircom Phone Book

19,914

19,914

20,807

21,410

Nil

The expenditure in relation to the Eircom Phone Book was in relation to the Department's entry in the State Directory part of the Eircom Phone Book since 2002. No expenditure was incurred on videos for promotional, educational or advertising purposes by my Department since 2002.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

370 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding given to a group (details supplied) in County Dublin in the past 12 months; if it is intended to continue with this funding. [28042/06]

Between the period 1st July, 2005, to 31st December, 2005, FÁS grant-aided the Lucan Disability Action Group Social Economy Programme a total of €52,656.07. Information concerning funding provided for the remainder of the twelve month period, and agreed in the future, would be available from Pobal.

Job Creation.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

371 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in Laois and Offaly in the enterprise sector during the years 2000 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28097/06]

State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. Both EI and IDA are actively promoting and encouraging new investments and jobs for Counties Laois and Offaly and are also working with existing clients in the county with a view to helping them expand and or move their activities up the value chain. In the period from 2000 to 2005 agency-assisted firms created a total of 2,883 new full time jobs in Counties Laois (735) and Offaly (2048). In addition the County Enterprise Boards have created a total of 449 jobs in Laois and 421 in Offaly over the same period.

IDA Midlands Region consists of Counties Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in these counties are the NSS Gateway Towns of Athlone, Tullamore, and Mullingar. In addition IDA actively promotes the County towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. IDA Ireland's Strategy for the Midlands Region is:

•To progress the development of a knowledge economy, in order that the Region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment.

•To work with the existing client base in the Counties and to expand their presence in the various Counties;

•To provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure;

•To work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the various Counties.

IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment. IDA is also working with FÁS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.

Enterprise Ireland has a wide range of supports for start up companies. As part of its strategy launched in May 2005, Enterprise Ireland is working more intensively with High Potential Start-ups (HPSUs) at their initial start up phase in order to accelerate their growth, help build management capability, provide direct financial support, provide business advice and mentoring and assist HPSUs through its overseas network to develop their exports.

Community Enterprise Centres provide a much needed business infrastructure and incentive for small new company start-ups in disadvantaged areas. Working in partnership with the local community, Enterprise Ireland has approved over €469,000 in support of the development of Laois based Community Enterprise Centres. This includes capital support of over €400,000 towards the Mountmellick Development Centre for Phase One, which is completed and fully occupied, and for Phase Two on which construction commenced in May 2005 and is expected to be completed shortly.

In January 2006, I was pleased to announce the extension of the Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Scheme, which will provide €7m of Capital funding in the period 2006-2008. Under this competitive scheme, Portarlington Enterprise Centre was approved €400,000 for an expansion to its existing centre. This first phase of this Centre is fully occupied.

The South West area of Offaly comes within the remit of Shannon Development which has provided Capital support towards the development of Community Enterprise Centres in Ferbane and Kilcormac. The company is also involved with Local Authorities in the Region, in working to ensure the development of world-class telecommunications infrastructure in the region including Broadband facilities. Broadband area networks have been approved for Nenagh, Roscrea/Birr, Templemore and Banagher. Shannon Development Company is an active member of a broad based marketing initiative — "Invest in Offaly" which actively promotes the attractiveness of the agency owned Birr Technology Centre and the wider South West Offaly area to potential investors.

The County Enterprise Boards (CEB) provide a source of support in these counties for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer, providing a single point of contact at local level for new and established small businesses. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, enterprises may qualify for support from the CEBs primarily in the form of capital and feasibility grants. The development of entrepreneurship in Laois and Offaly is being achieved not just by direct grant aid to businesses but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the Development Agencies in Laois and Offaly, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of these counties.

Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

372 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has ever been requested by the Employment Appeals Tribunal to refer a matter on a point of law to the High Court; if so, the number of occasions; if his Department has facilitated the request on each occasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28105/06]

This Department has not in the last 20 years been asked by the Employment Appeals Tribunal to refer a matter on a point of law to the High Court. The tribunal established by section 39 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1967, known as the Redundancy Appeals Tribunal was changed to the Employment Appeals Tribunal by section 18 of the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977. The Department is unable to trace any request for a case stated prior to 20 years ago.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

373 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of District Court orders obtained to enforce Employment Appeal Tribunals orders under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 and 2001; the number which have been against Government Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28107/06]

The Prosecution and Enforcement Unit of the Department deals with the enforcement of determinations of both Labour Court and Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT). Eight applications seeking enforcement of a determination of the EAT under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 have been received since this Act came into force. None have been in respect of a Government Department or a State Agency.

Determinations of the EAT generally relate to payment of compensation. Efforts are made by the Enforcement Unit to obtain payments without resource to legal proceedings. The Deputy should be aware there are a few cases where it is not possible to enforce a determination of the EAT or the Labour Court where, for example, the employer, as a company, is no longer a legal entity i.e it is dissolved, or is in liquidation, or legal searches show that the employer has no discernible assets. Four cases were referred to the Chief State Solicitors Office for the institution of legal proceedings. Two of these cases were resolved without a court hearing.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

374 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if subvention for free travel is provided to both Bus Éireann and private bus operators on the same route; if so, if equal payment per passenger is given to the private operator and Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27325/06]

My Department welcomes the provision of transport services provided by private operators, whether alongside CIE services or otherwise, for pensioners and other groups eligible under the free travel scheme. There is a number of routes where my Department pays for independent services in respect of the free travel scheme operated by more than one operator.

My Department has contract arrangements with some 90 private operators participating in the free travel scheme at an expected cost of €4.35m during 2006. Payments are made to the participating private operators of the scheme for an initial 12 to 18 months on the basis of discounted fares forgone following which time the rate of payment is fixed subject to review by survey.

My Department pays the CIE Group centrally in respect of the free travel scheme. The apportionment of payment between the three constituent companies, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus, is a matter for the CIE Group to determine. Payment rates are based on historical surveys of usage indexed by subsequent approved fares increases and by expansions of categories of clients eligible under the free Travel scheme. It is expected that payments in the region of €48.5 million will be made to CIE during 2006.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

375 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare was refused rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27351/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered my behalf of the Department 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.

Rent supplements payments are subject to a maximum amount of rent in respect of which a supplement is payable. The Executive has advised that the person concerned was awarded rent supplement in excess of the maximum limit applicable in her circumstances as an exceptional measure for a defined three month period from 20th March 2006.

This three month period was granted in order to allow her time to secure accommodation within the prescribed limits. The Executive has further advised that her rent supplement claim is currently suspended pending a full review of her circumstances. If the person in question has any further information which she feels is relevant to her claim she should contact the community welfare officer directly.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

376 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend free travel to older Irish emigrants, at the very least to Irish pensioners living in the UK, in view of the announcement in June 2006 of extending this to pensioners in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27446/06]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

385 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend free travel to older Irish emigrants, at the very least to Irish pensioners living in the UK in view of the announcement in June 2006 by his colleague of extending this to pensioners in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27447/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 385 together.

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.

The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.

The free travel scheme applies to travel within the State and point to point cross border journeys between here and Northern Ireland. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to a scheme of all-Ireland free travel for pensioners resident in all parts of the island of Ireland. The scheme will enable pensioners resident here to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland will travel free of charge on services in this State.

Discussions in relation to the introduction of the proposed all-Ireland free travel scheme have taken place between officials from my Department and their counterparts. Discussions have also been held at ministerial level, and the matter was raised by the Taoiseach with the Prime Minister. I am also meeting the Commissioner this week to further explore the issue.

There have been a number of requests and inquiries in relation to the extension of entitlement to free travel in Ireland to Irish born people living outside Ireland, or to those in receipt of pensions from my Department, particularly in the UK, when they return to Ireland for a visit.

Officials from my Department met with European Commission officials in April in an effort to clarify the legal issues involved. In the past few weeks the Commission's response to the issues raised at that meeting has become available and is currently being examined by my officials.

Departmental Records.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

377 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm his Department’s computer records include all social welfare contributions made by married women who had a PRSI number in their own name prior to their marriage and then that number was merged with that of their husband and social insurance stamps purchased by them prior to their marriage is updated on to their personal records and that there are no instances of records being lost in the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27717/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

389 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, with regard to married women who had a PRSI number in their own name prior to their marriage and then that number was merged with that of their husband, the computer records in his Department include all social welfare contributions made by these people and social insurance stamps purchased by them prior to their marriage; if same is updated on to their personal records and that there are no instances of records being lost in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27591/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 389 together.

Prior to April 1979, each individual worker liable for social insurance deductions was given a unique social insurance number, regardless of marital status, and this was the key identifier for recording of social insurance contributions deducted in respect of their employment(s).

The social insurance number was replaced by the Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number which was then used for both social welfare and PAYE purposes. The management and allocation of numbers remained primarily the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners and, at that time, it was the practice to link the records of spouses using the same RSI number but with an additional character ("w") to enable their employment and contribution details to be recorded separately. Therefore, while there was a similarity between the numbers, the recording of social insurance and other relevant details was maintained on the basis of two distinct records. Quality control measures were put in place to ensure that contributions received on behalf of a person were not inadvertently updated to the records of his or her spouse. Procedures were also introduced to rectify any errors or omissions that might occur from time to time.

Since June 2000, following the introduction of the current Personal Public Services (PPS) number, my Department has sole responsibility for the PPS number registration process. The PPS number is a unique reference number for all dealings with Government Departments and public bodies and the Department is committed to the highest standards of control in the allocation of numbers and the maintenance of accurate records into the future. I would like to mention that, if the Deputy is aware of any specific case where there is concern over the recording of contributions, I will arrange to have the matter investigated on receipt of the relevant details.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Deasy

Ceist:

378 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of rent allowance in Waterford City and County for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27849/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A detailed breakdown of rent supplement recipients is unavailable for the years prior to 2001.

The number of people in Waterford in receipt of Rent Supplement rose from about 1,300 in 2001 to just over 1,800 in 2005 and has since fallen to 1,721 at present. The following tabular statement shows the number of recipients of rent supplement in Waterford County and nationally from 2001 to date.

Number of Recipients of Rent Supplement in Waterford and Nationally, 2001 to date

Year

Waterford

Nationally

2001

1,292

45,028

2002

1,409

54,213

2003

1,563

59,976

2004

1,578

57,874

2005

1,804

60,176

2006*

1,721

60,206

* 30/6/06

Social Welfare Code.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

379 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of the social welfare contributions paid by both the employer and employee during the years 1954 to 1974 on an annual basis. [27317/06]

The rates of contribution payable in respect of various insurable employments are set out in the following table. During that period, the rates of contribution or ‘stamp' payable were not calculated as a percentage of earnings, but rather paid on a fixed rate. Contributions payable under the Social Welfare Acts, the Occupational Injuries Act, the Redundancy Payments Acts and the Health Contributions Act were payable by means of an adhesive stamp to be fixed to the social welfare insurance cards of employees. Different rates of contributions applied to public and civil servants, women and outworkers, amongst other. The rate of contribution shown as follows refers to a stamp which would have been payable by a man who was employed under a contract of service, or apprenticeship, and was either engaged in manual labour, or his employment was below the remuneration limit for insurability. The remuneration limit was removed with effect from 1st April 1974.

The employer was liable for the occupational injuries contribution, but social insurance and redundancy contributions due were divided between the employer and the employee. The health contribution was payable by the employee. During this period, the social insurance fund was subvented annually from the exchequer to meet the cost of benefits and pensions payable.

Period

Social Insurance

Occupational Injuries

Redundancy Payments

Health Con.s

Total

% er/ee

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.s.d.

2/2/53-2/9/56

4

8

- -4850

3/9/59-1/1/61

5

6

- -5650

2/1/61-6/1/63

9

0

- -9050

7/1/63-5/1/64

10

6

- -10650

6/1/64-2/1/66

11

10

- -111050

23/1/66-30/10/66

14

8

- -14850

31/10/66-30/4/67

14

10

- -141050

1/5/67-31/12/67

14

10

2

1

- -161156/44

1/1/68-5/1/69

18

0

2

1

1

0-21155/45

6/1/69-4/1/70

21

4

2

1

1

0-24554/46

5/1/70-4/10/70

25

1

2

2

1

0-28354/46

5/10/70-14/2/71

30

6

2

2

1

0-33853/47

15/2/1971-3/10/71

£1.53

£0.11

£0.05

£1.69

53/47

4/10/71-1/10/72

£1.72

£0.11

£0.05

£0.15

£2.03

49/51

2/10/72-1/7/73

£2.12

£0.11

£0.08

£0.15

£2.46

49/51

2/7/73-31/3/74

£2.69

£0.11

£0.13

£0.15

£3.08

49/51

Departmental Staff.

David Stanton

Ceist:

380 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people processing applications for the respite care grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27342/06]

The Respite Care Grant is payable automatically to recipients of Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit and Prescribed Relatives Allowance, and in cases where a Constant Attendance Allowance is in payment in respect of the person being cared for.

Budget 2005 extended entitlement to the Grant to all full-time carers irrespective of means or contribution record but subject to certain conditions relating to the provision of full-time care and attention. A section was set up in my Department to process applications from people in this newly entitled category.

This section currently has a staff of 15, made up of 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Higher Executive Officer, 5 Executive Officers (4 posts) and 8 Clerical Officers. 2 of the Executive Officers work reduced hours and share one post. The total number of whole time equivalent posts allocated to the Respite Care Grant Scheme is 14.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

381 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved retrospectively for fuel allowance. [27370/06]

One of the conditions for receipt of a fuel allowance from my Department is that the claimant's heating needs are not covered under a Deed of Transfer. In October 1987, the person concerned transferred his holding to his son under such a Deed. This legally binding document obliged the son to provide for the heating needs of his parents.

In April 2006, the Deputy wrote to my Department enclosing correspondence from the pensioner's solicitors to the effect that his son had never supplied his parents with domestic fuel. Following investigation of the matter by a social welfare inspector, my Department is satisfied that the son is in employment and is therefore capable of providing fuel to his parents as required by the Deed. On this basis, the person concerned is not eligible for the fuel allowance.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

382 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded unemployment assistance. [27368/06]

The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1987. Following a review, a Deciding Officer disallowed his unemployment assistance claim from 28 December 2005, on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking, or available for work. The person concerned appealed this decision. However, the Appeals Officer was not satisfied that he had made sustained efforts in genuinely seeking work and accordingly disallowed his claim.

The person concerned re-applied for unemployment assistance on 2 June 2006. His claim is currently with the social welfare inspector for investigation. Upon completion of inquiries a decision will be made and he will be notified of the outcome. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

383 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will undertake a complete review of the free travel pass scheme, in conjunction with the Department for Health and Children and introduce a voucher system which will enable people living in rural isolated areas to avail of transport such as taxis to transport them to hospital outpatient appointments and admission, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27375/06]

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension.

The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas, including those in the Rural Transport Initiative. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services. I am always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme.

Various alternatives to the existing system, including the use of vouchers, have been examined. A study, "A Review of the Free Schemes," published in 2000 under the Department's programme of expenditure reviews concluded that a voucher type system, which would be open to a wide range of transport providers including taxis and hackneys, would be extremely difficult to administer, open to abuse and unlikely to be sufficient to afford an acceptable amount of travel. This position remains unchanged.

The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the Rural Transport Initiative, which is being managed by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management (ADM) on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport. My Department contributed €500,000 to the initiative in 2004, €750,000 in 2005 and is contributing €850,000 for the initiative in 2006, to ensure that free travel passholders continue to have access to community based transport services. I will continue to review the operation of the free travel scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

384 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the non-Governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/06]

The principal programme through which my Department provides funding to voluntary and community groups is the scheme of Grants for the Development and Promotion of Information and Welfare Rights. The purpose of the scheme is to enable my Department to contribute towards the funding of a number of nationally-based information organisations, including those involved with advice to emigrants. It also provides once-off funding to non-statutory information providers towards the cost of specific projects.

An amount of €1.142m, representing some 0.01% of the overall estimate for my Department, was allocated under the programme in each of the years 2004 and 2005 to 27 and 19 organisations respectively. In 2006 €1.362m has been made available to my Department for the scheme. Details of the applications received and the organisations funded in each of the years 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006 under the scheme are set out in the following table.

From time to time my Department administers special schemes of grants to support specific initiatives in relation to promoting social inclusion by voluntary and community organisations. In 2005, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland received €740.55 and €21,000 respectively for initiatives relevant to the E.U. social inclusion programme for community action to encourage co-operation between member states in combating social exclusion.

In 2004, an additional allocation of €950,000 was provided to my Department in the Budget for a special awards scheme for local voluntary and community groups to mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Family. Under the scheme some 800 groups received once off funding for initiatives celebrating the role of the family. A letter will issue to the Deputy shortly with the detailed information requested in relation to the scheme.

Grants for the Development and Promotion of Information and Welfare Rights

Applicant Organisations 2006

Amount

Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants

6,250

Irish Immigration & Pastoral Centre, USA

21,160

Immigrant Council of Ireland

14,000

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

164,500

Kerry Emigrant Support Housing Association Ltd

9,000

Northside Community Law Centre (formerly Coolock C.L.C.)

360,000

Young Social Innovators

25,000

Southside Partnership

3,100

Emigrant Advice

193,947

The Safe-Home Programme

40,000

Athy Community Development Project Ltd.

0*

St. Mary’s School, Rathfarnham

0*

National Adult Literacy Agency

**

Age Action Ireland

**

One Family

**

Limerick Travellers Development Group

**

Mayo Emigrant Liaison Committee

**

Total

836,957

*Did not meet the scheme criteria.

**Currently under consideration.

Applicant Organisations 2005

Amount

Coalition of Irish Immigrant Centres USA

25,000

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

80,000

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

160,000

The Safe-Home Programme

80,000

Coolock Community Law Centre

360,000

Emigrant Advice

150,000

Southside Partnership

3,100

Aisling Irish Centre New York

18,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

36,909

Age Action Ireland

30,000

Emigrant Advice Network (ÉAN)

13,500

Mayo Emigrant Liaison Committee

20,000

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

32,000

Care Alliance

7,000

Donegal Integrated Services Project

80,000

One Family

1,350

Irish Sign Link

15,000

The Polish Information & Cultural Centre

15,000

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland

15,141

Community Creations

0*

The Irish Emigrant Liaison Committee

0*

Total

1,142,000

* Did not meet the scheme criteria.

Applicant Organisations 2004

Amount

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

150,000

Emigrant Advice

117,610

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

80,000

Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants

29,268

School Street/Thomas Court Bawn Family Resource Centre

2,500.00

Coolock Community Law Centre

215,000

The Carers Association

18,000

Donegal Integrated Services Project

80,000

Clondalkin Partnership

11,000

Immigrant Council of Ireland

60,000

Southside Partnership

2,800

The Safe-Home Programme

18,500

Social Inclusion Unit, Cork County Council

3,000

Cosgallen E Mayo Comm Dev Project

2,460

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

32,000

Mayo Emigrant Liaison Committee

25,000

Community Creations Ltd.

25,000

Emigrant Advice Network (ÉAN)

50,000

Tallaght Welfare Society

1,000

South Inner City Development Association (SICCDA)

20,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

17,222

Clare Youth Service

3,000

Irish Sign Link Ltd

68,640

Young Social Innovators

25,000

The Wheel

55,000

Irish Immigration Pastoral Centre

20,000

Kerry Emigrant Support Housing Association Ltd.

10,000

T.C.D. Psychology Department

0*

Total

1,142,000

* Did not meet the scheme criteria.

Question No. 385 answered with Question No. 376.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

386 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal was heard for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to unemployment assistance; and if so, the outcome of this appeal. [27464/06]

An oral hearing for the person concerned was arranged for 3rd May 2006. However, the person concerned did not attend the hearing. She telephoned the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4th May 2006 and said that she had not received the letter of notification as she had moved address. She undertook to write in giving details of her new address.

As no letter was received, the Appeals Officer has deemed the case to be withdrawn. If the person concerned forwards her new address to the Social Welfare Appeals Office her appeal can be re-opened.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not allowed to sign for credits in view of the fact that this person is due to commence work in mid July 2006 and has provided proof of same. [27589/06]

To qualify for credited Social Insurance contributions while unemployed (unemployment credits) a person must be available for full-time employment, capable of work and must be genuinely seeking work.

A Deciding Officer disallowed the unemployment credits application of the person concerned from 29 May 2006, on the grounds that she is not genuinely seeking work.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose may be obtained from her Local Social Welfare Office. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

388 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average waiting period for an oral hearing in the context of social welfare appeals; if he is satisfied that such waiting period affords an acceptable level of service to appellants; if he will take steps to ensure that appeals requiring oral hearing will be dealt with more expeditiously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27590/06]

The average length of time taken to deal with all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of an oral hearing) by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2005 was 20 weeks. However, if allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time falls to 13 weeks.

The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of Social and Family Affairs of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examinations by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain sickness related cases, and the holding of oral hearings which are currently afforded in two out of every three cases determined by Appeals Officers.

Circumstances can arise, normally outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which can have the effect of unduly prolonging the time taken to process appeals. For example, delays can occur where the appellant furnishes new evidence which requires investigation at a late stage in the proceedings or where an adjournment of an oral hearing may be sought by the appellant or his or her representatives.

An oral hearing is granted at the discretion of the Appeals Officer usually in circumstances where there is a conflict in the evidence presented by both parties or where an oral hearing is requested by the appellant in order to present his or her case adequately. Given the logistics involved in organising oral hearings, the average length of time is increased by about 8 weeks where an oral hearing is involved.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office deals with about 14,000 appeals on an annual basis and the processing time in relation to oral hearings is kept under constant review. The nature of the service provided is judicial and the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration. Consequently, improvements in processing times must be achieved in a manner which is consistent with justice being seen to be done and the need to ensure that every appeal is fully investigated and determined on all its circumstances.

Question No. 389 answered with Question No. 377.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

390 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of self employed people who failed to qualify for a contributory pension who would have paid PRSI for a few years after the commencement of the PRSI scheme for self employed; the number of people who have received refunds of their PRSI as a result of their failure to qualify for a contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27592/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

397 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will state the steps his Department have taken to inform people who paid PRSI but failed to qualify for contributory old age pension that they are entitled to a refund of their contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27694/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 397 together.

Pay related social insurance (PRSI) was extended to self employed people from 6th April 1988, as class S PRSI. Class S benefits cover Widow or Widower's Contributory Pension, Orphan's Contributory Allowance, Old Age Contributory Pension, Maternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit, Bereavement Grant and Old Age Contributory Pension. In the case of old age contributory pension, a person must satisfy certain qualifying conditions. These conditions include that a person must have: (1) entered into insurable employment before age 56; (2) at least 260 weeks full-rate contributions paid; (3) a yearly average of at least 10 contributions recorded (taking paid and credited PRSI Contributions into account) from 1953 or from the date of entry into insurance (whichever is the later) to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age, in order to qualify for the maximum rate a yearly average of 48 contributions is required; and (4) paid all liabilities to the Revenue Commissioners in respect of PRSI.

For pension qualification purposes, class S self employment contributions are treated like any other full rate social insurance. The statistics available relate to the numbers of people who fail to qualify on the general grounds listed above. These general reasons do not identify people by reference to their class of employment, and accordingly, the specific statistics requested cannot be supplied.

With regard to class S refunds, a 53% pension element refund of PRSI paid by self-employed contributors may be payable where:

•the contributor was aged 56 or over when they paid class S PRSI for the first time and were not insured at an earlier date as an employee, and the contributor does not have an entitlement to either a contributory or a non contributory pension, and

•the contributor has no outstanding liability with the Revenue Commissioners.

To date, 3,412 such refunds have issued from my Department.

Information on PRSI Refunds is available from my Departments PRSI Refund Section, 2/3 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1 or from the Self Employment and Voluntary Contributions Section, Social Welfare Services, Cork Road, Waterford and from the Department's Freedom of Information (FOI) guidelines which is available on the website, www.welfare.ie and in the Information Leaflet SW 74. A copy of the guidelines in this regard was recently forwarded to the Deputy.

Where a self-employed person is refused an old age contributory pension, they are normally advised to contact the Revenue Commissioners to establish their correct PRSI liability for the period of their self employment. They are also given the option of applying for an old age non contributory pension.

Social Welfare Code.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

391 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of revenue which would be raised if the PRSI cut-off ceiling was removed. [27593/06]

The current employee PRSI ceiling stands at €46,600 per annum. The abolition of this ceiling would yield an estimated €238.2 million in additional revenue to the Social Insurance Fund. Any changes to PRSI exemptions, thresholds and the ceiling would have to be considered in a budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Deasy

Ceist:

392 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider allowing persons who are in receipt of both the disability benefit and the blind pension continued payment of both when they reach the age of 66 years in view of the financial hardship that immediate loss of one of these payments causes; if he will have the matter reviewed with a view to providing continued payment in view of the problems incurred by the disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27676/06]

The qualifying conditions for the payment of Disability Benefit are that a person is under 66 years of age, unfit for work due to illness and satisfies the PRSI contribution conditions. Persons over the age of 66 are not insurable under the Social Welfare Acts at a class reckonable for Disability Benefit purposes and the age limit for receipt of Disability Benefit is thus 66 years.

There is a general rule in the social welfare code whereby a person who is entitled to more than one income maintenance payment at any one time may only receive one of these payments. However, there are some exceptions to this rule which includes the treatment of persons in receipt of Blind Pension.

A person in receipt of a blind pension aged less than 66 years who has sufficient PRSI contributions may also be eligible to receive disability benefit, unemployment benefit, maternity benefit, adoptive benefit, or health and safety benefit. Alternatively, they may concurrently receive widow or widower's pension or one parent family payment. However, once a person reaches 66 years of age, only one payment may be made.

The payment rate of Blind Pension increases at age 66 years or over from a maximum personal rate of €165.80 per week to a maximum rate of €182.00, with increases per week for qualified adults and/or dependants. This payment rate is equivalent to the rate of Old Age (Non Contributory) Pension. If the person qualifies for payment of the Old Age Contributory Pension, this is paid at a higher rate. Entitlement to extra benefits such as the Free Travel Pass and Household Benefits Package also applies to these payments.

In cases of exceptional need, assistance is available under the Supplementary Welfare scheme, administered by the Health Services Executive.

As part of the Social Welfare Budget package 2006, I am introducing a standard State (Non-Contributory) Pension, with effect from September, which will replace the Old Age Pension and, for recipients age 66 and over, will replace Blind Pension, Widow/er's Pension, One Parent Family payment, Deserted Wife's Allowance and Prisoner's Wife Allowance. The new scheme will provide a standard non-contributory pension with an increase in the means disregard from the current level of €7.60 per week to €20 per week which will mean that a single person, with no other means will be able to have up to €35,000 in capital and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate. A specific earnings disregard of €100 per week is also added which is intended as an initial incentive to encourage longer work amongst older people. I will continue to keep the issue raised under review and for consideration in the context of the wider budgetary package.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

393 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of cases in 2004 where the pensions officer raised overpayments and where the next of kin claimed that assets re-assessed were accrued partly or in total from savings from the non-contributory pension of the person. [27677/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

404 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of overpayments recouped from the estates of deceased non-contributory pensioners in each of the years from 2000 to 2005 inclusive. [27778/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

405 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the decision of the appeals officer in a case (details supplied) he will review previous such cases to ensure that the correct procedures were carried out by deciding officers in accordance with the legislative provisions for consideration of the circumstances of each case. [27779/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

406 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he is taking to ensure that similar cases of injustice will not arise in the future in view of the decision of the social welfare appeals office in a case (details supplied). [27780/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

407 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his officials did not adhere to the procedures they outlined to the Joint Committee on 17 May 2005 for the exclusion of funeral and legal expenses when calculating the overpayment they pursued in a case (details supplied) that they lost at appeal to the social welfare appeals office. [27781/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

408 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if officials dealing with estate cases are paid a performance related bonus commensurate with the amounts recouped from overpayments and the operation of the bonus scheme in the Pensions Office. [27782/06]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

409 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason non-contributory pension payments due to residents of welfare homes but made to the directors of nursing in these homes prior to the Supreme Court judgment are counted by his Department when calculating the assets of the estates of these pensioners. [27783/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 404 to 409, inclusive, together.

The number of estates cases in 2004 where the Pension Services Office of my Department raised overpayments was 335. There are no statistics available on the number of cases where the next-of-kin of the deceased pensioners in question stated that the overpayments arose partly or in total from savings accumulated from non-contributory pensions.

The amount of overpayment recouped from the estates of deceased non-contributory pensioners in each of the years from 2000 to 2005 is as follows:

Year

Amount of overpayments recouped

2000

4,397,872

2001

5,767,027

2002

5,016,542

2003

5,081,195

2004

5,462,235

2005

5,157,038

There have always been procedures in place in my Department to address situations where a person feels that an injustice has occurred arising from a deciding officer's decision. Before any decision is made by a deciding officer to raise an overpayment of pension against the estate of a deceased non-contributory pensioner, the next-of-kin are given an opportunity to provide any new facts or fresh evidence regarding the case. If, on re-examination of the case the deciding officer makes a decision which results in an overpayment of pension, the next-of-kin have the right to seek a review of that decision. The next-of-kin also have a legal right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if they are not satisfied with the deciding officer's decision.

Where appeals are lodged against deciding officer decisions, the facts of each case are independently examined by an appeals officer and a ruling is given based upon the particular circumstances which apply in each case. As the circumstances in each case appealed are rarely similar, the ruling that is given in any one case does not necessarily provide a basis for making decisions in relation to other cases.

In dealing with the particular case raised by the Deputy, the appeals officer considered, in the light of the circumstances of the case, that there were very reasonable grounds that the decision should take effect from the date of the pensioner's death and that the overpayment which occurred was not refundable.

In seeking to recover an overpayment of pension from the estate of a deceased pensioner, my Department normally deducts from the value of the estate any funeral and legal expenses which were incurred by the next-of-kin in finalising the affairs of the deceased. The question of such a deduction did not arise in this case in that there were sufficient assets to cover such expenses apart from the amount of the overpayment assessed.

Under Social Welfare legislation it is possible for a pensioner to appoint an agent who will cash his/her payment book at a nominated post office if the pensioner is unable to do so for whatever reason. In circumstances where a pensioner enters into a long-stay residential care centre, it is not uncommon for him/her to apply to my Department for the director of nursing of the centre to be appointed as an agent for this purpose. In addition, the pensioner has the right to rescind the agency arrangement at any time or to appoint another person as the agent.

Pension payments made under an agency arrangement as outlined above are not, per se, taken into account when my Department is reviewing the means of a deceased non-contributory pensioner. Instead, my officials seek to establish the full extent of the assets which were owned by the pensioner during the period when he or she received their non-contributory pension. This is then compared against the means which the pensioner declared to the Department during the same period. If a discrepancy between the two arises, this may result in the person being overpaid on his or her pension and this would be recoverable from any estate at the time of death.

Officials of my Department who deal with estates cases are not paid a performance related bonus on the lines outlined in the question. I am satisfied that deciding officers operate to a very high standard in their interpretation and administration of the legislation in this area and in carrying out their duties generally.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

394 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the estate of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was assessed; and if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the assessment in view of the recent test case in the Courts and that this case now be reassessed. [27689/06]

The pensioner in this case who is now deceased was in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension from my Department since 1982. Following her death in September 2003, her schedule of assets indicated that she had a substantial amount of savings which she did not declare to the Department as she was legally obliged to do.

Her circumstances were investigated by a social welfare inspector of my Department who has reported that an overpayment of pension totalling €28,325.00 would appear to be due by her Estate for the period from February 1993 to August 2003. A detailed breakdown of this overpayment was sent to the Deputy recently along with a letter outlining the facts of the case. Discussions are currently taking place between the Department and the solicitors who represent the estate concerning the amount of the overpayment and its recovery. This process is expected to be finalised shortly.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

395 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the estate of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was assessed; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the assessment in view of the recent test case in the Courts and that this case now be reassessed. [27690/06]

The pensioner in this case who is now deceased received an old age non-contributory pension from my Department between September 1976 and the time he died in July 2005. Following his death, his schedule of assets indicated that he had a substantial amount of savings in four separate financial accounts.

His circumstances were investigated by a social welfare inspector of my Department in recent months who reported that an overpayment of pension totalling EUR 87,655.00 appeared to be due by the Estate for the period from July 1983 to July 2005. A detailed breakdown of this overpayment was sent to the Deputy recently along with a letter outlining the facts of the case. An offer in settlement of the overpayment has been made by solicitors representing the estate and this is currently under consideration by my Department. The solicitors will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

396 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has any plans to increase the living alone allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27692/06]

The living alone allowance or living alone increase as it is now known, is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone.

The living alone increase is a targeted measure aimed at a particular group of pensioners. However, the policy in relation to support for pensioners has been, for many years, to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension rather than focusing on payments such as the living alone increase. This approach ensures that resources are used to improve the position of all pensioners.

The Government is committed to increasing the level of the basic State pension to €200 per week by 2007. Further significant progress towards achieving this target was made in Budget 2006, which provided for increases in pensions of up to €14 and €16 per week. The maximum rate of the old age contributory pension is now €193.30 per week with the non-contributory pension paid at €182 per week, whereas two years ago, the corresponding rates were €167.30 and €154.

Question No. 397 answered with Question No. 390.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

398 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent allocation for the month of May has not been paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27696/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, 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 or operational matters.

The Health Service Executive has advised that, due to an administrative error, the rent supplement payment for May 2006 of €411 did not issue to the person concerned. It has further advised that this payment will be issued to the person concerned as soon as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

399 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if mortgage support will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27698/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, 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.

The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused a mortgage interest supplement in April 2005 on the grounds that she could afford to meet the cost of her mortgage interests from within her own resources including maintenance payment. The Executive has further advised that the decision of the community welfare officer to refuse payment of mortgage interest supplement to the person concerned was upheld by the HSE Appeals Office in November 2005 and by the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office in March 2006. The Executive has confirmed that it has not received an application for mortgage interest supplement since this date.

It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for a mortgage interest supplement should any changes in her circumstances take place that may have an impact on her entitlement.

Social Welfare Code.

John Deasy

Ceist:

400 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of PPS numbers allocated to migrants from the 10 new EU accession countries up to June 2006; the breakdown of the different nationalities involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27764/06]

The Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique personal identifier for transactions between individuals and Government Departments as well as other public bodies specified in the Social Welfare Acts. The number is required for a significant number of dealings with public agencies including, but not limited to, employment-related purposes.

A person applying for a PPS number is required to present appropriate documentation regarding age, photographic ID, such as a driving licence, passport or identity card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, and evidence of address. Nationality of applicants is recorded by reference to the documentation supplied in support of the application.

From the 1st of May 2004 to the 30th June 2006, 232,483 PPS numbers were issued to nationals of the 10 Accession States as follows: Poland: 133,749; Lithuania: 38,507; Slovakia: 19,470; Latvia: 19,446; Czech Rep: 9,666; Hungary: 6,746; Estonia: 4,330; Malta: 324; Slovenia: 182; and Cyprus: 63.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

401 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of paying all the qualified adult social welfare payments at a hundred percent of the full adult rate. [27774/06]

The cost of increasing the maximum weekly rate of all qualified adult allowances to the relevant maximum weekly personal rate of payment is estimated at €311 million in a full year.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

402 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected cost of abolishing the limitation rule based on the number of cases where it is currently enforced. [27775/06]

Where both members of a couple are claiming social welfare payments and one or both of the claimants is in receipt of unemployment assistance, farm assist or pre-retirement allowance their combined payments cannot exceed the amount which would be payable if only one person was being paid with an increase for a qualified adult dependant, where appropriate. In this situation one or both of the payments would be limited to ensure that the relevant household rate of payment would not be exceeded. The removal of the limitation for the approximately 3,400 cases affected would have a direct cost of €6.60m in a full year.

The removal of the limitation would also provide an incentive to all those for whom qualified adult allowance is currently in payment to claim UA in their own right, subject to satisfying the genuinely seeking work condition, which in the majority of cases would result in an increase of €55.80 per week. This development would have significant implications, both in terms of increased cost and live register numbers as it would apply (subject to means assessment) to qualified adults of working age across a range of schemes in addition to those currently affected by the limitation rule. There are a total of 57,400 payments in this grouping, with additional potential costs estimated at up to €163m per annum if there was full take-up.

My department has recently published a Government discussion paper: Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents. Under these proposals for reform of income support arrangements for lone parents and low income families, a new parental allowance for all low income families with children under a specified age would replace both the current one-parent family payment and the social assistance qualified adult allowance. In these circumstances no limitation would apply where a parental allowance recipient cohabits with a person in receipt of a social assistance payment, e.g. unemployment assistance.

Lifting limitation for this limited period of time would have the effect of increasing household income in such situations by up to €58 per week, recognising the higher costs associated with care of young children. It would also assist in addressing the problem of poverty among children in low income families. Any proposal to abolish the limitation rule in full could only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of competing priorities.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

403 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of introducing retrospective credits for all women who have lost out on cover due to the Civil Service marriage bar. [27777/06]

In general, the social insurance class paid by those affected by the marriage bar was a modified rate which now gives coverage for widow(er)'s and orphan's pensions and occupational injury benefit, bereavement grant and carer's benefit only. This class reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service at that time. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would not have entitled them to an old age pension under the social welfare system.

That said, in line with the Government's commitment to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for pensions in their own right, a number of measures have been introduced over the years which make it easier for people to qualify for pensions. These include the reduction in the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes from 20 to 10 and the special half rate pension based on pre-53 insurance contributions. Pro-rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance. This set of measures is of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records due to working in the home.

It is estimated that approx 88% of women aged 65 years of age are at present receiving social welfare support, either in their own right or as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner.

In addition, the homemaker's scheme, which was introduced in 1994, is intended to mitigate the effect of periods spent on caring duties when a person's insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent on caring duties to be disregarded when a person's insurance record is being averaged to assess entitlement for contributory pension purposes. However, it must be borne in mind that the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions for pensions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied. Accordingly, the scheme will not benefit someone whose social insurance record includes only modified rate contributions.

It is not, for a number of reasons, possible to estimate the cost of providing pensions to persons affected by the marriage bar. Some of those affected may have returned to the workforce and have become eligible for a social welfare pension on foot of such employment or may already be receiving social welfare support as non-contributory pensioners or as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner.

I will continue to look for ways, within the current social welfare structure, in which the needs of older people who are at present outside the social welfare pensions system may be addressed further.

Questions Nos. 404 to 409, inclusive, answered with Question No. 393.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

410 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27789/06]

The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Social Welfare Tribunal, and the Family Support Agency. The budgetary allocation for 2006 for each agency is as follows:

Board/Agency

Allocation for 2006

Pensions Board

1,300,000

Combat Poverty Agency

4,869,000

Comhairle

24,362,000

Social Welfare Tribunal

4,100

Family Support Agency

28,025,000

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

411 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27803/06]

The following are the number of positions affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees recently sanctioned by the Government: The Pensions Board, 1; Comhairle, 1; The Family Support Agency, 1; and Combat Poverty Agency, 1.

Departmental Task Forces.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

412 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27821/06]

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

413 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person in receipt of widow’s pension must forfeit that payment in order to claim carer’s allowance; if he will consider disregarding widow’s pension for claimants of carer’s allowance; if the current carer’s allowance means test discriminates unfavourably against widows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27944/06]

The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.

The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support and, as a general rule, only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. This ensures that resources are not used to make two income support payments to any one person. Persons qualifying for two social welfare payments always receive the higher payment to which they are entitled.

According to Census 2002 there are over 48,000 people providing personal care for over 4 hours per day and of these just over 2,400 are widowed people. There are currently over 26,800 people in receipt of either carer's allowance or carer's benefit. It is likely that a proportion of the balance is in receipt of another social welfare payment, including widow(er)'s pension.

In Budget 2006, I provided for a significant increase in the rate of carer's allowance. From January this year, the rate of carer's allowance increased to €200 per week for carers aged 66 years and over. This rate of payment may be higher in many instances than the rate of widower(er)'s pension payable to a person. Such a person who is providing full time care and attention to a person who requires such care may be entitled to receive this higher rate of carer's allowance. I would urge any person in this position to make enquiries with my Department.

In addition, from June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their income. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding unemployment assistance and benefit, are entitled to this payment subject to meeting the full time care condition. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers especially in relation to respite. Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200 from June.

In line with other social assistance schemes, a means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. This means test has been eased significantly over the years, most notably with the introduction of the disregards of spouses' earnings. Following Budget 2006, since April, a couple with two children can earn up to €32,925 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The same couple will be able to earn up to €54,400 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 for carer's allowance would cost an estimated €140 million in a full year. The view of some support organisations is that if this level of resources were available, it would be more beneficial to carers if it were invested in further increases to carers allowance and in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role, such as additional respite care facilities, more home helps, public health nurses and other such services.

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 can only be considered in a budgetary context.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

414 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radio and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; and if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27964/06]

My Department uses a mix of advertising media including national and provincial newspapers, radio and television, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots to ensure that people are aware of their social welfare entitlements and are notified about improvements and changes affecting their payments and services. The amount spent on advertising in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns which are undertaken.

To date in 2006, my Department has spent over €340,000 on advertising which comprised of €177,000 on print advertising and €163,000 on broadcast media. Print media expenditure comprised of €58,000 on national newspapers, €103,000 on provincial newspapers and €16,000 on posters. Broadcast media expenditure amounted to €101,000 on television advertising, €17,000 on national radio advertising and €45,000 on local radio advertising. The principal element of the expenditure incurred to date this year related to the Family Income Supplement entitlements awareness campaign which resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of new applications.

The total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2005 was over €300,000 of which €240,000 was on print media comprised of €130,000 on national newspapers and €110,000 on provincial newspapers. Approximately €60,000 was spent on electronic display advertising. Two major information campaigns were undertaken in 2005; the first was on the Respite Care Grant scheme and the second was a general advertising campaign carried out across credit unions throughout the country, which highlighted the range of social welfare benefits, schemes and services available.

Expenditure on advertising, both print and broadcast media, for the previous three years, was in the region of €1.3m in 2002, €0.286m in 2003 and €0.475m in 2004.

Expenditure in 2002 covered a wide range of my Department's schemes and services and included specific campaigns such as promotion of the Farm Assist Scheme, the introduction of the Euro, promotion and awareness of the Personal Public Service Number and an information campaign in relation to improvements in the 2003 Budget. Costs of €80,000 were incurred on the production and transmission of a video in relation to the Farm Assist campaign.

Most of the advertising expenditure in 2003 arose in connection with general advertising regarding office closures, staff vacancies, etc., and a Budget information campaign.

Two information campaigns were undertaken in 2004. The first campaign promoted the Carers Benefit scheme and the second campaign alerted people coming up to pension age that they should apply for their pension at least three months before they reach pension age. Advertising is a key part of my Department's information strategy to ensure that people are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

415 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to put measures in place to assist the elderly with the cost of bin charges; if it is acceptable that those who are in employment can claim tax relief but those on old age pensions get no assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27977/06]

The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority. Tax credits are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue would be complex given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and some local authorities already operate waiver schemes. Any system put in place to assist people who rely on private domestic waste collection would have to be sensitive to the different local arrangements. I have asked my Department to keep this issue under review.

Family Support Services.

David Stanton

Ceist:

416 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the input individual lone parents have had in the development of the lone parent proposals and their input since the publication of the Government Discussion paper; the way in which his Department has facilitated same; the impact the views and opinions expressed by individual lone parents will have on the development of future lone parent policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/06]

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" which I launched in March this year, addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by many such families and their children.

The process which led to the publication of the discussion paper included a number of submissions from organisations around the country representing lone parents as well as other interested parties. All submissions received were considered as part of the process.

The discussion paper puts forward proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new Parental Allowance for low income families with young children.

The Government has asked the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to draw up an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations of the discussion paper, including those related to childcare, education, training and activation measures and work on this has already commenced in consultation with the Departments and agencies concerned.

As a follow-up to the publication of the discussion paper, I hosted a National Consultative Forum on 27th April 2006. This Forum was attended by social partners, organisations representing lone parents and the unemployed, representatives of Government departments and State agencies who will be responsible for the implementation of the proposals in the discussion paper and members of the Oireachtas. At the Forum, I heard the views of each organisation on the proposals including their comments on the proposed parental allowance and invited them to make a formal written submission setting out those views. I also briefed the Oireachtas Committee on Social Affairs and debated the issue in the Seanad.

Since the Consultative Forum, I have received submissions from a number of the organisations representing lone parents and have met with these organisations.

I have received a considerable number of representations from individual lone parents during the consultation process. Officials from my Department have indicated their willingness to meet individual lone parents in cases where this has been requested.

The Government will listen closely to the views expressed and will give very serious consideration to them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are fully workable and equitable, it will be my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in the course of this year.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Ceist:

417 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications his Department has received to date for the early childcare supplement in respect of children who are resident outside the State; the breakdown of same by nationality; the number that have been processed to date; the estimated cost of the ECS in respect of these children to date in 2006; the estimated cost of same for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28051/06]

There is no application process for Early Childcare Supplement (ECS). The Early Childcare Supplement will be paid in respect of those qualified children who receive Child Benefit from my Department.

Currently Child Benefit is in payment to 737 non resident families for 1332 children. Of these, 481 children are under 6 years and would qualify for ECS. The detailed statistics are as follows.

Country

Number of Families

Number of Children

Number of Children under 6

UK

687

1238

449

Sweden

4

3

2

Spain

7

8

1

Belgium

4

10

5

Austria

1

2

1

France

15

23

10

Netherlands

1

3

1

Poland

10

23

4

Greece

1

1

1

Germany

3

8

3

Italy

2

8

3

Portugal

1

3

1

Switzerland

1

2

0

Total

737

1,332

481

The cost of ECS for non resident children currently in receipt of Child Benefit in 2006 is approximately €105,000. The cost of ECS payments to these children in 2007 is estimated at €420,000. My Department acts as agent for the office of the Minister for Children in this regard.

There are approximately 8,500 Child Benefit claims on hand yet to be processed. The majority of these claims (almost 90%) are from Polish nationals working in Ireland but whose family reside in Poland.

In recent weeks when processing such claims it has been found that a significant number of customers have either left Ireland or have had their families join them here. As a result they will either be paid under domestic legislation or will only qualify for the payment of Child Benefit and ECS for the period of their employment in Ireland. It is too early yet to accurately establish the extent of this development, but it will influence the overall amounts of benefit payable for non resident children.

Education Schemes.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

418 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider extending the third level grant scheme to enable students who have used the back to education scheme where they qualify to proceed to post graduate work other than the H.Dip; if he will recognise the considerable achievement by such students and their potential contribution to society; and their particular experience and their valuable contribution to society. [28063/06]

The Back to Education Allowance or BTEA is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

The BTEA is not payable to people pursuing post-graduate qualifications because people with a primary degree are already in possession of a third level qualification and their academic qualifications should impact positively on their employment prospects. However those wishing to take up a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline or a Graduate Diploma in Primary School Teaching may claim BTEA as a post-graduate qualification is necessary for employment in their case.

The conditions of the scheme focus it towards people who most need additional training or qualifications in order to gain a foothold in the labour market. In the circumstances, I have no plans to extend the BTEA scheme to persons pursuing other types of postgraduate courses at this time.

Road Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

419 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make financial provision for the appointment of road safety officers in each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27486/06]

The National Safety Council, in consultation with my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the City and County Managers Association is developing a template for road safety action plans which will be piloted in 10 chosen local authority areas. The results of these pilots will inform the development of models which can subsequently be applied in all local authority areas throughout the country. This project includes an examination of the role of local authority Road Safety Officers by the National Safety Council in consultation with relevant Departments and agencies.

It is a matter for local authorities to appoint Road Safety Officers in their area, to develop work programmes for those officers, where necessary and to develop road safety plans. Road Safety Officers and road safety plans already exist in a number of local authorities.

Matters relating to the funding of local authorities is a matter for the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

State Airports.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

420 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport will form part of the next National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27715/06]

The provision of a second runway at Dublin Airport is a key element of the capital development programme prepared by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in order to ensure the provision of capacity to meet expected demand in the coming year. It is envisaged that this programme will be funded by the DAA from its own resources.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 is being prepared under the aegis of the Department of Finance and the Government. It is envisaged that the plan will take account of investment planning of commercial state bodies including the DAA.

Port Development.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

421 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when the proposals for the development of ports on the east coast have been received by his Department; the capacity expansion envisaged by each; and if he has evaluated or approved these proposals. [27730/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

423 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if a company (details supplied) have reported to him on efficiencies within existing ports; and if a copy of reports will be made available. [27831/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 423 together.

The Government's Ports Policy Statement, which I launched in January 2005, aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs. One of the key challenges that lie ahead is the provision of adequate in-time port capacity, particularly for unitised trade. The Policy Statement sets out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a coordinated manner.

As part of this process, in September 2005, my Department appointed a firm of consultants expert in this field, Fisher Associates to help determine whether the anticipated capacity requirement to 2014 and beyond can be efficiently and adequately met through the successful advancement and implementation by the port sector of some combination of the various proposals currently under development in the sector.

Submissions outlining proposals for new capacity were received from the following ports on the east coast: Greenore, Dublin, Drogheda and Rosslare. Submissions were also received from ports at Cork, Shannon Foynes and Waterford.

The final report of Fisher Associates was completed recently. It is intended to publish the broad conclusions of the report in the coming months, following its submission to Government.

Noise Pollution.

John Deasy

Ceist:

422 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to deal with noise pollution emanating from private vehicles with modified engines and exhaust systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27766/06]

It is a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type-approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC as amended by Directive 1999/101/EC, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles. Vehicle in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which requires vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device that is suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these Regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise.

An examination of the silencer to assess its effectiveness in reducing noise is part of the NCT. It is an offence to use in a public place a vehicle which causes excessive noise. Enforcement of the law in this regard is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Question No. 423 answered with Question No. 421.

Public Transport.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

424 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the number of times since 1997 Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 has been utilised by him to give direction on the licensing of passenger road services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27324/06]

Section 25 (1) of the Transport Act 1958 provides that the consent of the Minister for Transport is required where either Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus wish to introduce or alter a passenger road service where such service would compete with a licensed passenger road service provided by a private bus operator. In accordance with section 25 (2), the decision made by the Minister under section 25 (1) is final.

Services provided by private bus operators are licensed under the Road Transport Act, 1932.

In the absence of any competing service, my Department notes the introduction of new services or alterations to existing services by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and section 25 of the 1958 Act does not apply.

The directions under section 25 that have been given in respect of Bus Éireann operations relate to the services connecting Cavan/Dublin, Monaghan/Dublin, Galway/Shannon Airport and Dundalk/Dublin. No directions under section 25 have been issued to Dublin Bus in that time period.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

425 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the number of licences issued to private bus operators since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27326/06]

The Road Transport Act, 1932 provides the legislative basis for entry to the public transport market by private bus operators. In accordance with this legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for Passenger Licences to operate coach and bus services within the State.

There are three types of passenger licences issued: Annual Continuous Licence (operates all year round); Annual Seasonal Licence (operates for the season to which it relates i.e. a school or college service, a tour, etc.); Occasional Licence (issued for a specific event i.e. a concert, a sporting event, race week etc.)

In the period since 2002, some 575 licences for new passenger licences for regular scheduled services or amended bus services have been issued. In addition to issuing new Annual licences, each year my Department processes applications for new Occasional passenger licenses for once off events. My Department also processes amendments to existing annual passenger licenses which in turn can lead to a new licence being issued if the amendments are substantial.

As well as new licences, my Department is also required to process applications for the renewal of existing Annual Passenger licenses which fall due for renewal on the 31st August (Seasonal licences) or the 31st October (Continuous licences) each year.

There are currently 364 Annual Continuous Licenses that fall due for renewal on 31st October 2006 and 253 Annual Seasonal Licenses, the majority of which will fall due for renewal on the 31st August, 2006. In addition, to date this year 33 Occasional Licenses have been issued.

Based on the above data and taking into account the licences which may not be renewed or are withdrawn by private bus operators, there are between 600 and 650 valid passenger licences currently in operation.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

426 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of passengers carried per annum by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and licensed private bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27327/06]

I am informed by Bus Éireann that the number of passengers carried by the company in 2005 was 48.3 million, exclusive of schoolchildren, and in the case of Dublin Bus the number of passengers carried by the company in 2005 was 146 million. My Department does not have statistics from individual bus operators on the number of passengers carried by them.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

427 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the measures which are taken to ensure that State subvention of Bus Éireann is never used in an anti-competitive manner to the detriment of private bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27330/06]

State subvention is provided to Bus Éireann in respect of public service obligations only and is not provided in respect of commercial services. It is the responsibility of the Board of CIE to ensure the allocation of funds for loss making services is done in accordance with relevant EU Regulations governing compensation in respect of public service obligations in the transport sector.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

428 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the average processing time of individual private bus licences from issuing an acknowledgment of receipt to issuing or not of the licence; the action which is underway or planned to reduce this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27331/06]

The Road Transport Act, 1932 provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators in Ireland. Operators are issued annual passenger licences in accordance with the provisions of the Act for the services that they provide on a regular basis. The Act also provides for the issuing of occasional licences for once off occasions such as major sporting events, concerts etc. There are between 600 and 650 passenger licences currently in operation.

In the case of occasional passenger licence applications for a once-off event e.g. hurling final, these applications are processed immediately provided that all the appropriate documentation is in order.

It is difficult to say with certainty the length of time it takes to process an annual passenger licence application. Applications are generally dealt with on a first come, first served basis. However, pressing or exceptional circumstances can be taken into account in determining the order in which applications are dealt with as for example in the case of ‘time bound' applications e.g. services for school or college services or tours that are required to start by a certain date.

The processing time for applications can vary for a number of reasons, such as the complexity of the application, the number of prior applications on hand, lack of prompt responses from relevant third parties contacted for their observations on the proposed service, and where relevant information is not provided by the applicant, such as a valid Road Passenger Transport Operators Licence, current Vehicle Insurance Certificates, Public Service Vehicle Licences or approvals for proposed bus stops from the Garda. In addition, in some circumstances, while the preliminary work may have been completed on a particular application, a final decision cannot be made until other relevant applications received prior to it have been finalised.

The continuing increase in the number of licence applications from private operators and notifications of proposed new or amended bus services from Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus received in my Department has also impacted in the determination of licence applications generally.

My Department regularly reviews ways in which to improve the administration of the 1932 Act in so far as resources permit. Recent innovations include the standardisation of renewal dates for licence applications and the provision of guidance notes on the various licensing processes. In addition, the Department is engaged in a project to upgrade IT systems in the bus licensing area to increase efficiency and the speed with which applications are processed.

It has long been recognised that the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, is in need of significant reform so that the legislative provisions better reflect the realities of modern transport services. The reform programme for the public transport market that I am pursuing will address these needs. My proposals include provision for independent regulation, and the introduction of a new legislative basis for the award of bus route licences that will be applied in respect of all operators. In the meantime, my Department will continue to promote improvements in the administration of the bus licensing service based on the principles of due process and fair procedures.

Fiona O'Malley

Ceist:

429 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Transport the consideration which is being given to extending the validity time of private bus licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27332/06]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

437 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has concluded his review of the reform of the bus market; and when he will make a decision on Dublin Bus’s application for funding. [27421/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

463 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for the introduction of bus competition on the Dublin metropolitan network transport; if it is his intention to establish Iarnród Éireann as a separate independent State company; the impact this will have on the existing CIE holding company and the two other subsidiaries, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. [27881/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 429, 437 and 463 together.

I have given a public commitment to modernizing the regulatory framework governing public transport, not just in Dublin, but nationally.

In advancing the regulatory agenda, discussions have taken place with the key stakeholders, including the CIE Companies and the Unions. These discussions form part of a process of engagement that will facilitate and inform the determination of the appropriate structure for the new framework and supporting legislation.

This process is also being informed by the work of the team which I appointed to make recommendations on the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I have received the report of the team and I expect to bring my proposals in the matter to Government in the near future. It is also my intention that these proposals deal with a reorganization of the corporate governance arrangements within CIE with the objective of allowing greater independence to the boards of each of the operating subsidiaries. However, establishing Iarnród Éireann as a separate independent entity does not form part of these current proposals.

My Department is currently considering an application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 additional buses to be delivered in 2006 and 2007. The application is being considered in the context of Transport 21, the bus network review completed recently by Dublin Bus and the bus market reform process. I expect to make a decision on the application in the coming weeks.

Harbours and Piers.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

430 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the progress he has made on the provision of a new building for the Doolin Coastguard and Rescue Service; if he expects negotiations for the acquisition of a site to end soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27333/06]

I have in the recent past indicated to the House in response to similar questions that I regard the provision of a new station house for the Doolin Coastal Unit as a very high priority. The negotiations with a landowner about a site, also previously referred to, are still taking place and are at an advanced stage.

I have also indicated to the House that I do not consider it judicious to elaborate upon these negotiations in public at this time. I would again emphasise that as soon as a suitable site has been acquired my Department's objective is to proceed as quickly as possible to develop the station house.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

431 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements are being made to extend the INS service at Shannon Airport with the US authorities to include customs and agriculture to facilitate all flights; when will this come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27376/06]

I understand that in co-operation with the US Authorities, the Dublin Airport Authority is hoping to extend the existing US Immigration Pre-clearance service to full Pre-clearance of immigration, customs and agriculture requirements for all US bound flights.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

432 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded.

Railway Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

433 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if a tender has been awarded for the construction of the new Docklands rail station; and the details of same. [27404/06]

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that some of the contracts have been let for work on the Docklands station, while others will be let over the coming months. It is expected that the station will be operational in summer 2007.

Road Network.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

434 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce shadow tolling on the M50 until open road tolling is introduced in view of the fact that the State received over €190 million in EU funding towards the cost of the construction of the M50. [27416/06]

The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, including the M50, is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).

As the Deputy is aware, in January of this year, the NRA decided to replace the West-Link toll on the M50 by a single-point free flow toll in 2008. The installation of free flow tolling is a crucial element of the M50 upgrade which is underway at present.

In that context, the NRA will bring forward specific proposals for the single-point free flow toll arrangement for consideration later this year. At this stage, I would not wish to pre-empt the content of those proposals.

Rail Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

435 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 27 June 2006, his views on whether the continued removal of rail freight infrastructure throughout the rail system indicates that Iarnród Éireann is serious in its intention to remain in and develop the rail freight business. [27417/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question number 213 which was answered on the 5th April, 2006 which sets out the position regarding the development of the rail freight business by Iarnród Éireann.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

436 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the position on the granting of the railway order for the Kildare route project. [27418/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

472 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his views on submissions made on the Kildare Route project; where the full report can be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28047/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 472 together.

The report of the Inspector, Mr. Pat Butler S.C., of the public inquiry (24th January 2006-2nd February 2006.) in relation to the Railway Order for the Kildare Route Project was received in my Department on 5 May 2006 and the report was published on 23 May 2006.

It is available on the Department of Transport website at www.transport.ie and also from the Government Publications Office. I am currently considering the report of the Inspector and associated documents and I will make a decision in the matter shortly.

Question No. 437 answered with Question No. 429.

Railway Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

438 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the position on the provision of additional car parking facilities at Hazelhatch Rail Station, Celbridge, County Kildare; if funding for the project is included under the DTO rail based park and ride strategy; and when the project will commence. [27422/06]

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that Hazelhatch Station will be upgraded as part of the overall Kildare route improvement project. Plans for the station include a park and ride facility with 396 car parking spaces, incorporating taxi rank, three bus lay-bys and bus and cycle shelters. This work is being done in addition to the DTO rail based Park and Ride strategy.

Air Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

439 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the guarantee of 400,000 transatlantic passengers made by Aer Lingus through Shannon Airport post open skies, he has received this guarantee in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27500/06]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

440 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the number of Aer Lingus daily direct departures from Shannon Airport to the US, post open skies, during both the winter and summer seasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27501/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.

The Deputy will be aware that Aer Lingus currently provides a range of transatlantic services from Shannon carrying some 400,000 passengers per annum on a commercially viable basis. However, in November last year I secured agreement with the US authorities on transitional arrangements for Shannon in the context of proposals for an EU/US ‘open skies' agreement. At that time, I sought and received assurances from Aer Lingus that, in the context of a level playing field for the airline and its competitors, it would maintain the current level of transatlantic traffic with regular year round scheduled services between Shannon and Boston and New York. I did not request or receive these assurances in writing from the company. As the Deputy will be aware the discussions on a new EU/US ‘Open Skies' agreement are ongoing.

Road Network.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

441 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will make arrangements for the anticipated increase in traffic on and around the M50 due to the imminent opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27503/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

442 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the National Roads Authority has applied for funding to make provision for the anticipated increase in traffic numbers on the M50 and the roads leading to it upon the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27504/06]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

468 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when the deal for the purchase of the Westlink will be completed; and the tolling regime that will apply on the M50 thereafter. [27999/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 441, 442 and 468 together.

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the M50 upgrade, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned.

The allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is also a matter for the NRA under section 19(1)(f) of the Roads Act 1993, together with the tolling of roads under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).

Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority and in the case of the M50, that authority is Dublin City Council.

Public Transport.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

443 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if it is envisaged that the policy of operating buses that are not wheelchair accessible on Bus Éireann’s inter-urban and long distance commuter routes is to be allowed continue by the national bus company; the number of new coaches which have been provided by Bus Éireann on inter-urban and long distance commuter routes since 1997; the number which are wheelchair accessible; the amount which has been allocated to Bus Éireann from the National Development Plan to provide new coaches on long distance commuter and inter-urban routes; the percentage of that funding which is provided from EU sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27505/06]

While there has been significant progress in the development of accessible buses for urban, commuter and other local inter-urban services, I understand that the availability of accessible coaches from vehicle manufacturers for intercity services has not kept pace with these developments.

I have been informed by Bus Éireann that the number of new coaches which have been provided by the company on inter-urban and long distance commuter routes since 1997 and the number which are wheelchair accessible is as set out in the following table.

No. of new coaches purchased for inter-urban routes

322

No. of new coaches purchased for commuter routes

107

No. of new double deck buses purchased for commuter routes

20

No. of Wheelchair accessible coaches

0

No. of Wheelchair accessible double deck buses purchased for commuter routes

20

Some €19 million Exchequer funding has to date been allocated under the National Development Plan to provide for new coaches on some inter-urban routes. There was no funding provided from EU sources. However, Expressway coaches are not funded by the Exchequer; these are funded from within the company's own resources.

As regards the future, my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005 will be published shortly and it will address the question of accessible coaches in the light of the COST 349 Report. The Report, based on a major 4-year European research project, made recommendations in October 2005 in respect of accessibility matters for coach type vehicles. A number of manufacturers are now beginning to put the recommendations into practice in the design of their vehicles and such vehicles are only now coming on the market.

My Department with assistance from a team under the Public Transport Accessibility Committee (PTAC) including Bus Éireann and the National Disability Authority is monitoring developments in the design and availability of accessible coaches and the outcome of these discussions will determine future procurement policy. I will address the issue of accessible coaches in the context of my Department's forthcoming Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act.

Rail Network.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

444 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail on a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the progress which has been made on the project; if the timescale for the project will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27506/06]

Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in 3 phases, Ennis to Athenry (2008), Athenry to Tuam (2011) and Tuam to Claremorris (2014). These projects are to be implemented in conjunction with rail commuter services from Athenry and Tuam serving a new station in Oranmore en route to Galway.

The current position regarding the Western Rail Corridor is that Iarnród Éireann has submitted detailed business proposals to my Department relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (re-opening of the Athenry to Tuam section). These proposals have been assessed in my Department and I hope to make an announcement in the matter as soon as possible.

In addition, Iarnród Éireann is working with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to agree arrangements and funding under the CLÁR Programme for the preservation of the alignment from Claremorris to Collooney.

Driving Tests.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

445 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers currently holding a provisional licence; the number currently waiting for a driving test; the average weekly wait for a driving test; and the average of the longest waiting times at test centres. [27597/06]

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who hold and administer the National Driver File, has advised that there were 418,981 provisional licences current at 30 June 2006.

Information in relation to the numbers waiting and waiting times for a driving test on 5 July 2006 are set out in the following table. The national average waiting time for a driving test is just under 31 weeks.

Centre

Average Weeks Waiting

Numbers on Hands

Nth. Leinster

Finglas

43

12,680

Dundalk

35

4,135

Mullingar

40

2,185

Navan

43

5,740

Raheny

43

8,464

Sth. Leinster

Churchtown/Rathgar

44

13,111

Gorey

42

2,569

Naas

42

6,417

Tullamore

39

2,144

Wicklow

41

3,000

Tallaght

40

11,010

West

Athlone

20

1,454

Birr

34

1,546

Castlebar

24

2,168

Clifden

15

486

Ennis

33

1,709

Galway

38

3,649

Loughrea

22

1,310

Roscommon

20

1,164

Tuam

20

1,203

Nth. West

Ballina

29

1,104

Buncrana

34

822

Carrick-on-Shannon

19

1,143

Cavan

16

1,686

Donegal

34

1,184

Letterkenny

27

2,373

Longford

36

1,212

Monaghan

13

1,208

Sligo

26

1,934

Sth. East

Carlow

36

2,635

Clonmel

37

2,055

Dungarvan

33

1,353

Kilkenny

23

2,410

Nenagh

35

925

Portlaoise

25

1,510

Thurles

35

1,324

Tipperary

52

1,239

Waterford

20

3,121

Wexford

22

2,356

Sth. West

Cork

25

7,957

Killarney

23

1,846

Kilrush

25

603

Limerick

39

4,918

Mallow

27

2,211

Newcastle West

25

1,901

Shannon

32

975

Skibbereen

13

1,632

Tralee

18

1,739

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

446 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if failure to obey a traffic sign indicating a three tonne limit restriction on a road will incur penalty points. [27598/06]

Provisions for imposition of a weight restriction on large vehicles entering a public road are set out in Article 17 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (SI No. 182 of 1997). It is a matter for each local authority to determine if, and where, such restrictions should apply in its area.

Article 17 operates as imposing a restriction on entry to the specified road as opposed to an outright prohibition on entry. This policy is required to cover circumstances where it is necessary for a large vehicle (of a weight that exceeds whatever threshold is indicated on the regulatory sign) to enter a road if this is necessary solely for the purpose of gaining access or egress from premises accessible only from that road.

The regulation operates in such a way that a vehicle such as, for example, the driver of an oil tanker delivering heating oil or a large furniture removal/delivery truck, is legally permitted to pass the regulatory weight restriction sign if the premises on the road that they were delivering to could only be accessed from that entry point.

On the other hand, the driver of a large vehicle such as a truck or a passenger coach that passed the regulatory sign and used that road as a through traffic route as a shortcut, etc would be in breach of Article 17.

The offence of contravening article 17 is not scheduled in the Road Traffic Act 2002 to be a penalty point offence. Penalty points offences are targeted at offences that are based on road safety considerations. It is not intended to schedule the Article 17 offence to be a penalty point offence and the policy consideration behind this is that since access to the road is permitted in limited circumstances the issue of large vehicles being on the road is not of itself a road safety issue.

I extended the fixed charge system from 3 April 2006 to a wide range of non-penalty point offences including the offence of contravening Article 17. Enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochána and a driver who breaches Article 17 is now liable to be issued with a fixed charge notice to pay €60 within 28 days or pay €90 within the following 28-day period.

If a fixed charge payment is not received the Garda bring a prosecution to court where a person, shall be liable, on summary conviction:

(a) in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding €800

(b) in the case of a second offence, or a third or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding €1,500 and

(c) in the case of a third or subsequent offence which is the third or subsequent offence in any period of twelve months, to a fine not exceeding €1,500 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding 3 months or to both fine and imprisonment.

The Road Traffic Bill 2006 provides that the €800 fine be increased to €1,000 and that the fine amounts of €1,500 referred to be increased to €2,000. These measures should pose a greater deterrent against breach of Article 17.

Departmental Strategy Statements.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

447 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in implementing Transport 21 in South Tipperary since the plan’s official launch. [27599/06]

Transport 21 was launched in November 2005 and a number of projects related to South Tipperary are now under way. The National Roads Authority (NRA) has allocated a total of €43.2 million to South Tipperary County Council to progress the national roads programme in 2006. The upgrade of the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown scheme (which forms part of the South West Corridor that links Limerick and Cork to Dublin) to motorway standard began in March this year. The funding will also allow a number of schemes to progress through various stages of planning. These include: N24 Carrick-on-Suir By-Pass; N24 Clonmel to Cahir By-Pass (Rathkeevin); N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown; N24 Bansha/Tipperary /Oola By-Pass; N24 Cahir to Bansha; The N8 Cullahill to Cashel scheme is due to begin construction later this year with an expected completion date of 2009.

Iarnród Éireann has begun to renew track on the Limerick Junction-Waterford line which serves Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary stations. This track renewal work and related improvements to signalling, level crossings and fencing will improve the operational safety of this line and will reduce the journey times.

Road Safety.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

448 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if schools outside designated CLÁR areas are automatically entitled to flashing amber warning lights outside primary schools; and if not, the reason therefor. [27601/06]

The provision of road traffic signs, including the flashing amber warning lights in the vicinity of schools, is a matter to be determined by each road authority under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. An automatic entitlement to have any particular type of traffic sign provided at any location does not arise.

The allocation of funding under the CLÁR programme is administered by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to physical, community and social infrastructure measures in the relevant designated areas.

I am aware that funding under the CLAR programme has been allocated in the past year to local authorities towards the provision of traffic warning signs at specified schools in designated areas but this provision does not give rise to an entitlement for a funding programme for the corresponding measures in other areas.

Departmental Expenditure.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

449 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27784/06]

Details of the 2006 budgetary allocations for administration and general expenses from the Department of Transport Vote for the agencies and advisory bodies under the auspices of the Department are in the following table. Funding for task forces is provided from the relevant sections of the Vote as the need arises.

Public Bodies/Agencies/Taskforces Allocations operating under Department of Transport

Allocation (000’s)

National Roads Authority

13,080

National Safety Council

5,559

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

9,397

Railway Safety Commission

1,786

Railway Procurement Agency

11,000

Royal National Lifeboat Institute

175

Marine Casualty Investigation Board

300

Commissioners for Irish Lights

7,355

Adventure Activities Standards Authority

230

Dublin Transport Office

1,082

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

450 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27798/06]

A total of 20 non-executive chairperson positions in State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are affected by the increase in non-executive chairperson's fees recently sanctioned by the Government.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

451 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27826/06]

Six task forces have been created, the details of which are outlined as follows.

Task Force

Function

Size / Membership

Reporting

Period

Task Force on the Dumping of Radioactive Material in the Maritime Area

To review and assess the information becoming available on the dumping of radioactive materials in the maritime area and based on this review, to advise on survey / monitoring and management measures so as to ensure maximum protection to our marine resources and restore public confidence in the quality of the marine environment.

Ms Nualaí Butler (Chair) Prof. Peter Mitchell Dr. Brenda Healy Officials from Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland Marine Institute Dept. of Marine and Natural Resources Dept. of Public Enterprise

Report published December 1999

1997-1999

Ministerial Task Force on Transport Logistics in connection with ports.

Examine and report on: 1.The prospects for increasing the volume of port traffic which is transported by rail and the transfer of port generated freight traffic from road to rail including the development of rail head facilities at existing ports; 2. The prospects of the transport of freight by night/off peak; 3. Opportunities for traffic diversion including by rail, by pipeline, and to other less congested ports outside Dublin.

Dr. John Mangan (Chairman) Ms Mary Gallagher Mr. David Glynn Mr. Reg McCabe Capt. Michael McCarthy Mr. Barry Foley Mr. Tim O’Sullivan Mr. Eddie Breen Mr. Derek Sloan Mr. Stephen Aherne Mr. Enda Connellan Mr. Jack Nash Mr. Edward O’Connell Mr. Sean Lanigan Mr. Kevin Hannigan (Facilitator)

Report published in 2001.

2001.

Task Force

Function

Size / Membership

Reporting

Period

Task Force on the Development of Port Estates in Commercial Harbours

Examine and report on: the property base: •leases extant and the possibility of reacquisition/reversion (Section 157 (2) Harbours Act 1946 refers)); •the ports authorities’ plans for the future including the potential for imaginative use of available port estates; optimal development of facilities (including multi-user facilities) to create capital for investment in port-related activity or income streams to support port operation; reclamation opportunities to underpin the creation of development opportunities for port-related or other beneficial purposes; the scope for public private partnership venture option; and development of State foreshore within or adjoining the jurisdiction of the port to generate capital funding for port investment.

Mr Paul Tansey (Chairman) Mr. Terry Durney Mr. Ronan Webster Mr. Michael Walsh Mr. Seamus Monaghan Mr. Ian Scott Mr. Jerry Killeen Mr. Sean Benton Mr. Pat Magner Mr. David Glynn Ms Noelle Canton Mr. Kevin Hannigan (Facilitator)

Report published in 2003

2001-2003.

Ministerial Task Force on Seafarer Training and Employment.

Details to be provided later.

Details to be provided later.

Published in 1998.

Details to be provided later.

Task Force on Rail Safety

To prepare prioritised recommendations to address the issues identified in the Report by Independent Consultants led by IRMS entitled “A Review of Railway Safety in Ireland”.

Membership comprised of representatives from Dept. Transport Dept. Finance Irish Rail & an Independent Railway Adviser

The Task Force reported directly to the Minister

The Task Force existed from 1997 to 1998

Task Force on Rail Safety (Re-convened)

To make recommendations to Government for a second prioritised Railway Safety Programme for the period 2004-2008

Membership comprised of representatives from Dept Transport, Dept Finance, Irish Rail & an Independent Railway Adviser

The Task Force reported directly to the Minister

The task Force existed from 2002 to 2004

Haulage Industry.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

452 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision on the use of supercubes within the canal cordon in Dublin; the number of supercubes in operation here; and the impact of supercubes on roads here. [27827/06]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Management Strategy.

Preparation and adoption of the HGV Management Strategy to ensure optimum use of the Dublin Port Tunnel by HGV traffic is a matter in the first instance for Dublin City Council. I understand that this Strategy will deal with a range of issues relating to HGVs, including the use of over-height vehicles within the planned cordon.

My officials and I are keeping in touch with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel. The HGV Management Strategy is an important part of this process. My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding traffic and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway and will be completed in good time before the opening of the Tunnel.

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

453 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses currently in the Dublin Bus fleet. [27828/06]

Dublin Bus has informed me that the company's fleet currently comprises 1,082 buses.

Road Traffic Accidents.

John Deasy

Ceist:

454 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the number of fatal road accidents recorded in the City and County of Waterford for each of the years 1995 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27868/06]

Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are currently published by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The reports for 1995 to 2002 are known as "Road Accident Facts" and for 2003 onwards are entitled "Road Collision Facts".

The most recent report is in respect of 2004 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Oireachtas library. The reports in respect of 1998 to 2004 are also available on the NRA website and can provide the information requested by the Deputy in relation of numbers of persons killed in County Waterford and number of fatal collisions and number of casualties in the city of Waterford.

Rural Transport Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

455 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if a rural transport initiative has been established in all counties; and the counties where this is operating and the latest passenger numbers served by the initiative in each county. [27873/06]

The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) is a pilot scheme, under which funding is made available to thirty-four community-based organisations across the country to address the transport needs of their rural areas through the provision of local transport services. This scheme is now operational in all counties except Louth, from which there was no application.

Pobal administers the initiative on behalf of the Department of Transport and together with the individual project groups is solely responsible for all the operational aspects of the initiative.

I have asked Pobal to forward to the Deputy the information requested concerning passenger numbers carried in each county.

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

456 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his timetable for the introduction of integrated ticketing and if this will include Luas, DART, Dublin Bus, and Bus Éireann in a single system. [27874/06]

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has been the statutory body responsible for the delivery of a multi-operator system of integrated public transport ticketing using smartcard technology. The RPA were introducing the system on a phased basis in line with international experience, initially in the Dublin area, and in consultation with public transport providers.

As part of the phased introduction of smartcard-based integrated ticketing, Morton's Coaches, in conjunction with the RPA and as a ‘proof of concept', successfully launched smartcards on its services in April 2004. Another step was taken in March of last year with the launch of smartcards on Luas services. The Luas smartcard deployment continues to help in obtaining important feedback from passengers and provide operational experience for the next stage of integrated ticketing. In excess of 11,000 smartcards have been purchased to date for use on Luas services.

Following an inconclusive procurement procedure in 2005, the RPA, in consultation with the different State and private transport providers, presented proposals to my Department in January 2006. My Department has now completed an examination of these proposals and has also considered the recommendations of an independent high-level Review of the project and the recommendations of a Peer Review initiated in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines on the management of major ICT projects.

Arising from these considerations, I am now in the process of putting in place enhanced governance arrangements for the completion of the project. These arrangements will include the establishment of a Project Board with responsibility for delivering the project. The Project Board will comprise senior representatives of the main transport stakeholders. One of the immediate tasks of the Project Board will be to report to me with revised timelines for the delivery of the project.

Departmental Bodies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

457 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his position on the establishment of a greater Dublin land use and transport authority, indicating the reasons the land use appears no longer to be a part of the proposal; if he intends to provide statutory authority for an integrated Dublin Transport Authority; and the functions that he now intends to invest in this authority. [27875/06]

I received the report of the Dublin Transportation Authority Establishment Team on the 28th of March. I had asked the Team to: make recommendations on the establishment of a transport authority for the Greater Dublin Area, addressing the remit of the authority, its powers, structure, organisation and human and other resource requirements and such other matters as the Team considered appropriate; give advice on the content of legislation required to establish the proposed authority on a statutory basis; and make recommendations on what interim arrangements should be put in place pending the enactment of the legislation.

Significant work has been undertaken by my Department in the interim in relation to the legislative measures required to establish such an Authority on a statutory basis. It remains my intention to submit the matter to Government for decision in the near future and I expect to be in a position to publish legislation as soon as is practicable following that decision. It would clearly not be appropriate to outline details of my proposals for the new Authority pending consideration of the matter by the Government.

Road Network.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

458 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Port Tunnel will only be permitted to function at 20% of capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27876/06]

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned.

I have no function in relation to day-to-day matters associated with the operation of the Tunnel.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

459 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of capacity the Dublin Port Tunnel will be allowed operate; when it will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27877/06]

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

460 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when it is proposed to open the Dublin Port Tunnel; the estimated cost of the project; the additional traffic implications for volume of traffic on the Westlink Bridge which will follow from the opening; the percentage of trucks that will be facilitated in using the tunnel; the implications for traffic flow, of trucks being obliged to cross into the left lane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/06]

I propose to answer Questions Nos 459 and 460 together.

At the outset I should say that overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. In the case of the Dublin Port Tunnel, that authority is Dublin City Council.

The latest indications from Dublin City Council and the NRA are that the main construction and installation work in the Tunnel is expected to be completed shortly with the Tunnel opening to traffic in the Autumn. However, in the interest of public safety, the exact opening date will be contingent on satisfactory completion of the testing and commissioning of the tunnel's operational and safety features, including the training of operational and emergency staff.

Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority. In this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel are a matter for Dublin City Council.

My Department is keeping in touch with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Tunnel. Dublin City Council's Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Management Strategy is an important part of this process.

My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding traffic and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway and will be completed in good time before the opening of the Tunnel.

I understand from the NRA that the estimated cost of the Tunnel remains at €751 million, which has been the estimate for some time.

EU Directives.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

461 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that all of the conditions of Directive 2000/56/EC are being met by Ireland in particular in relation to heavy goods vehicles driver testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/06]

The technical checks which form part of the driving test were introduced on the 14 February 2005 to meet our obligations under EU Directive 2000/56/EC on driver licensing.

Additional technical checks relating principally to trucks and buses have not yet being introduced. They will be introduced when suitable off-road compounds become available at selected test centres around the Country. The Office of Public Works is in consultation with my Department concerning the provision of such compounds.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

462 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has made undertakings or issued advice to Aer Lingus in respect of the pension cover of employees who transferred from the company to Team (details supplied); and if he has satisfied himself that the pension position of these employees maintain equivalence to Aer Lingus employees and will continue to do so in the event of the part flotation of Aer Lingus. [27880/06]

In accordance with Government Policy, in respect to Commercial State Bodies, my Department has no involvement in the funding of this pension scheme. Pension entitlements for employees of commercial State bodies are matters primarily for the Trustee, the members of the relevant scheme and the company or companies involved.

Question No. 463 answered with Question No. 429.

National Development Plan.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

464 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the major projects or programmes funded under the National Development Plan; the physical indicators of the output of these projects and programmes; and the way in which these outputs compare to the original targets. [27890/06]

My Department is the Managing Authority for the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP), which is one of the programmes being assisted by the EU under the current National Development Plan. The sectors of the Operational Programme for which bodies under the aegis of my Department have responsibility are national roads and public transport. The most recent information on the physical outputs in relation to the indicators for each of these sectors is included in the ESIOP Progress Report on Implementation to end 2005. In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that a copy of the report may be viewed on my Department's website: www.transport.ie. Details of the original targets are contained in the original Programme Complement, prepared in relation to the ESIOP, which may be viewed on the National Development Plan website, www.ndp.ie.

In relation to maritime transport, funding is available under the Seaports Infrastructure and Capacity Submeasure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The objective of the Seaports Measure is to provide grants for the commercial ports sector for new infrastructure needed for growth where deficiencies have been identified/projected and also for upgrading existing infrastructure.

Total expenditure for 11 projects is projected to be €86.32 million, of which €24.70 represents grant aid. To date, grant aid expenditure is €14.533. Two projects have already been completed. A number of projects will continue to the end of 2006, with a projected remaining grant aid expenditure of €10.06.

As the programme remains ongoing, the final outputs from the projects cannot yet be quantified, but the Department will carry out a review of progress against targets at the closure of the programme. The Department reports, on a bi-annual basis, to the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and the Border, Midlands and Western Regional Assembly in respect of performance indicators, based on the number of projects completed, the number of ports improved and the volume increase in tonnage from the projects.

Road Safety.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

465 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a safety device compulsory in other jurisdictions for motor-cyclists; his views on the device; if he has plans to introduce the device here and if subsidies will be provided for same; if he will liaise with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform concerning equipping Garda motorcyclists with such devices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27945/06]

I am aware that such personal protective devices for motorcyclists are on the market. However, at this stage, I have no plans to make their wearing compulsory by motorcyclists nor to make funding available to assist with their purchase. I am not aware of any EU Member State in which their wearing is compulsory. It would be a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide whether Garda motorcyclists should wear the devices.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

466 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radio and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; and if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27965/06]

The amount of money spent by my Department on advertising that includes public information notices and official notices in newspapers each year since June 2002 (when this Department was established) up to the end of May 2006 is as follows.

Year

Amount paid

Newspaper

2002

€78,192.03 (Ads)

The Irish Times

€4,723.07 (Govt. notices)

Irish Independent

Irish Examiner

Financial Times

2003

€36,410.65 (Ads)

The Irish Times

€24,038.31 (Govt. notices)

Irish Independent

Irish Examiner

Star

Evening Herald

Foinse

2004

€68,209.60 (Ads)

The Irish Times

€20,441.04 (Govt. notices)

Irish Independent

Irish Examiner

Sunday Independent

Foinse

Sunday Tribune

2005

€45,022.06 (Ads)

The Irish Times

€9,086.17 (Govt. notices)

Irish Independent

Irish Examiner

Star

Foinse

Evening Herald

Sunday Business Post

Sunday Tribune

2006

€84,806.61 (Ads)

The Irish Times

€9,086.17 (Govt. notices)

Irish Independent

Irish Examiner

Star

Sun

Foinse

Evening Herald

Marine Times

Irish Skipper

Fleet Management

Local papers

In addition, the Department has spent €46,000.00 (plus VAT) since 2002 on publicising road safety for educational purposes under the Business 2000 programme and €46,000.00 (plus VAT) including the production costs on video/DVD/CD material for Transport 21.

Heavy Goods Vehicles.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

467 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the banning of supersize trucks and the rules that will apply during the transition period to a full ban. [27998/06]

EU law on maximum weights and dimensions for vehicles is set out in Directive 96/53/EC. Under that Directive, which has been fully implemented by Ireland, a Member State may not prohibit the use, in its territory, of vehicles from another Member State which comply with the authorised maximum weight and dimension limits set down in the Directive.

The Directive specifies four metres as the limit value for vehicle height. Consequently, provided a vehicle registered in a Member State is four metres or less in height, every Member State must permit that vehicle to operate on its territory. A Member State may, however, prescribe a higher limit on its territory.

There is currently no height limit for goods vehicles in Ireland. However, I am considering the introduction of a height limit for vehicles taking account of the wide-ranging submissions received arising from the public consultation on the matter last year. I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.

In the event that it is decided to introduce a statutory height restriction for vehicles, it will be necessary to submit the draft Regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other Member States in accordance with the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34).

Question No. 468 answered with Question No. 441.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

469 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the penalty for breach by HGVs of bans from specified roads and his views on whether these penalties are sufficient to police the new HGV restriction. [28001/06]

Provisions for imposition of a weight restriction on large vehicles entering a public road are set out in Article 17 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (SI No. 182 of 1997). It is a matter for each local authority to determine if, and where, such restrictions should apply in its area.

Article 17 operates as imposing a restriction on entry to the specified road as opposed to an outright prohibition on entry. This policy is required to cover circumstances where it is necessary for a large vehicle (of a weight that exceeds whatever threshold is indicated on the regulatory sign) to enter a road if this is necessary solely for the purpose of gaining access or egress from premises accessible only from that road.

I extended the fixed charge system from 3 April 2006 to a wide range of non-penalty point offences including the offence of contravening Article 17. Enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochána and a driver who breaches Article 17 is now liable to be issued with a fixed charge notice to pay €60 within 28 days or pay €90 (being 50% greater) within the following 28-day period.

If a fixed charge payment is not received the Gardai bring a prosecution to court where a person, shall be liable, on summary conviction:

(a) in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding €800

(b) in the case of a second offence, or a third or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding €1,500 and

(c) in the case of a third or subsequent offence which is the third or subsequent offence in any period of twelve months, to a fine not exceeding €1,500 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding 3 months or to both fine and imprisonment.

The Road Traffic Bill 2006 provides that the €800 fine be increased to €1,000 and that the fine amounts of €1,500 referred to be increased to €2,000.

Road Safety.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

470 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the availability of child restraints in taxis and hackneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28031/06]

On 5 May 2006 I made Regulations entitled the European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2006 transposing into Irish law Directive 2003/20/EC relating to the compulsory wearing of safety belts and child restraint systems in motor vehicles.

Essentially, the Directive provides that:

•where safety belts have been fitted they must be worn,

•children under 3 years of age may not travel in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi) unless restrained in an appropriate child restraint,

•children aged 3 years or over who are under 150 centimetres in height and weighing less than 36 kilograms must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars or goods vehicles fitted with safety belts,

•children over 3 years of age must travel in a rear seat in vehicles not fitted with safety belts,

•rear-facing child restraints must not be used in seats protected with an active frontal air-bag, and

•child restraint systems must conform to the standard for these systems set down in the relevant EU type-approval directive or UN-ECE Regulation for such systems.

The Directive permits children to travel without child restraints in the rear of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) if appropriate child restraints are not available. Given that child restraint systems come in five separate weight classes, it would be unreasonable to expect small public service vehicles to always have the appropriate child restraint available in their vehicle. For that reason, in making the regulations to transpose the Directive into Irish law the option in the Directive permitting children to travel without child restraints in the rear of small public service vehicles was reluctantly exercised.

Notwithstanding the legal position, it would be my desire that owners of small public service vehicles would endeavour to provide child restraints in so far as it is practicable to do so. It is my intention to write to the Commission for Taxi Regulation requesting that he engage with the industry with a view to devising guidelines on best practice in relation to the carrying of children as passengers in small public service vehicles.

Light Rail Project.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

471 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the timescales for the rollout of a LUAS to Lucan and Clondalkin. [28046/06]

Transport 21 provides for a new Luas Line from Lucan to the City Centre and for Metro West, an orbital line connecting Tallaght to Metro North at Ballymun serving Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is at present progressing both these projects, which are at the preliminary planning stage.

The Luas Line from Lucan to the City Centre is scheduled for completion in 2013. The Metro West line is scheduled for completion on a phased basis by 2014.

Question No. 472 answered with Question No. 436.

Road Network.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

473 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport the policy direction given to the National Roads Authority to ensure that there is connectivity between the gateway towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28094/06]

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned.

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) which identified the towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar as gateways provides for a twenty year planning framework designed to achieve a better balance of social, economic, physical development and population growth between regions.

In line with the NSS, the central theme of Transport 21 is the connectivity of all regions with each other. One of the objectives of Transport 21 is the improvement of a number of national secondary routes including the N52 from Dundalk to Nenagh and the N80 from Moate to Enniscorthy. The construction of the N6 Kinnegad to Athlone which is a major interurban scheme is underway for completion at the end of 2008.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

474 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount allocated in CLÁR areas for the provision of flashing amber safety lights outside of schools each year to date, since the introduction of this scheme; the reason this scheme is not available nationwide; his views on extending the scheme to all areas of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27485/06]

The CLÁR Programme, which was launched in October 2001, is a targeted investment programme for rural areas. In April this year, I extended the areas covered by the Programme and as a result, it now covers over 726,700 people in 23 counties.

Under the CLÁR Non-National Roads Measure, which was co-funded with the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, local authorities had the option to install flashing amber safety lights at primary schools within the original CLÁR areas. In this context, CLÁR funding in the amount of €310,850 was approved for 17 local authorities in respect of 73 sets of lights, between 2002 and 2004.

In 2005, I introduced a fully funded Flashing Amber Safety Lights measure for schools under CLÁR and all proposals received from the local authorities in the original CLÁR areas were approved at a total cost of just over €1.7m for 242 schools. Any residual projects in the original areas, which may have been inadvertently omitted by the local authorities in the first round, can continue to be submitted.

Further to this, in May 2006 I announced that funding of €3m for 2006/2007 is being made available for the provision of Flashing Amber Safety Lights at all primary schools in the extended CLÁR areas that do not already have them.

This measure is fully funded under the CLÁR programme and all the relevant local authorities have been asked to submit proposals for 2006. In this regard, my Department is currently examining proposals received and announcements will be made in due course. As this is a CLÁR Scheme it is confined to CLÁR areas.

Flashing Amber Safety Lights funded under the 2002-2004 Non-National Roads, Lights & Bridges Co-Funded Schemes

County

2002-2004

Cavan

8,950.00

Clare

Cork

35,000

Donegal

63,000

Galway

20,000

Kerry

28,000

Leitrim

25,000

Limerick

7,000

Louth

Mayo

38,500

Meath

Monaghan

Roscommon

Sligo

63,600

Tipperary

14,800

Waterford

Westmeath

7,000

Total

310,850.00

Flashing Amber Safety Lights at Primary Schools 2005

100% Funded under CLÁR Programme

County

No. of Primary Schools

Total Allocation

Cavan

32

248,500

Clare

13

87,500

Cork

42

294,000

Donegal

13

91,000

Galway

26

182,000

Kerry

6

42,000

Leitrim

32

224,000

Louth

8

53,120

Meath

1

7,000

Monaghan

10

70,000

Roscommon

15

105,000

Sligo

32

214,500

Tipperary North

5

35,000

Tipperary South

1

7,000

Waterford

2

14,000

Westmeath

4

28,000

Total

242

1,702,620

Grant Payments.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

475 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if top up grants for third level education will be available to all students in County Laois under funding provided from his Department under the LDSIP programme or other programmes for the 2006 and 2007 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27344/06]

Payment of education grants to third level students, including the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage, is a matter in the first place for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science. I am informed that under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP), some funds at local level are allocated to supplement the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage. The Deputy will be aware that at present the LDSIP is area based and does not cover the entire county of Laois.

The Deputy will also be aware that my intention is to establish integrated local delivery structures for local development programmes and rural development programmes, which will be capable of delivering programmes such as the LDSIP on countrywide basis, which will, in turn, enable the consideration of the payment of top up grants to students based on circumstances rather than the areas where they reside.

Rural Social Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

476 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who are currently employed on the rural social scheme on a county basis; the costs involved; if he will provide details of the estimated scheme participation; and costs for the next twelve month period. [27366/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

477 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applicants who have been refused participation on the rural social scheme in each county since the scheme was introduced; the category of their refusal; the number of people who have been refused an extension of their employment contract on the rural social scheme in each county, in each refusal category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

483 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 30 May 2006, if in view of the fact that his Department now pays the full rate of QAA, it will not now pay a full child dependent allowance rate; the cost of implementing such a measure; if he will review the current policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27985/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 476, 477 and 483 together.

Currently, there is provision for 2,500 participant places and a further 125 supervisor positions on the Rural Social Scheme RSS). Table 1 sets out the geographical spread of both participants and supervisors currently employed on the Scheme. The total figure (2,496) includes 112 supervisors currently employed on the RSS.

Table 2 provides the geographical spread of applications for the Scheme which have been refused participation, along with the reasons for those refusals. The table also outlines the number of RSS participants who have been refused an extension to their contract under the RSS, along with the reasons involved.

It is anticipated that the 2,500 participant places will be filled in the autumn. An amount of €43.322m has been provided for the RSS this year. While no decisions have yet been made regarding funding for the Scheme, or the number of places that will be available, in 2007, I can assure the Deputies that I will be keeping this matter under close review over the coming months.

In accordance with the Social Welfare code, one of the qualifying conditions for entitlement to the full rate child dependant increase is that there must also be an entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult dependent. Therefore, any RSS participant currently entitled to, and receiving, an increase for an adult dependent is also receiving the full rate child dependent increase. If no QAA is paid only the half rate child dependent allowance is payable as previously.

Table 1: Numbers employed on the RSS

County

Total Numbers Employed on RSS

Carlow

17

Cavan

78

Clare

113

Cork

151

County

Total Numbers Employed on RSS

Donegal

218

Dublin

0

Galway

269

Kerry

268

Kildare

17

Kilkenny

19

Laois

23

Leitrim

100

Limerick

66

Longford

59

Louth

9

County

Total Numbers Employed on RSS

Mayo

554

Meath

14

Monaghan

35

Offaly

43

Offshore Islands

18

Roscommon

150

County

Total Numbers Employed on RSS

Sligo

118

Tipperary

60

Waterford

10

Westmeath

33

Wexford

38

Wicklow

16

Totals

2,496*

*Includes 112 supervisor positions.

Table 2 — RSS applications and refusals

County

No. of RSS applicants refused

Category of refusal of application

No. of RSS Participants refused contract extension

Category of refusal of contract extension

Carlow

2

Declined to take a place (2)

Nil

Cavan

2

Participant refused place which was offered (2)

1

On credits (1)

Clare

15

Not eligible (13) Circumstances changed after applying (2)

Nil

Cork

75

Not eligible (74) Declined to take a place (1)

2

Limited work availabilities on project (2)

Donegal

23

Not eligible (21) Declined to take a place (2)

2

Reached retirement age (2)

Dublin

Nil

Nil

Galway

24

Not eligible (22) Declined to take a place (2)

Nil

Kerry

33

Not eligible (33)

Nil

Kildare

11

Not eligible (11)

Nil

Kilkenny

Nil

Nil

Laois

5

Not eligible (5)

Nil

Leitrim

56

Not eligible (56)

2

Reached retirement age (1) Refused to undertake work offered (1)

Limerick

20

Not eligible (20)

Nil

Louth

Nil

Nil

Longford

Nil

2

On credits (2)

Mayo

73

Not eligible (60) Refused to take place offered (13)

9

On credits (7) Not suitable for work (1) Became ineligible (1)

Meath

Nil

Nil

Monaghan

Nil

Nil

Offaly

7

Not eligible (7)

Nil

Roscommon

43

Not eligible (41) Declined to take a place (2)

1

Reached retirement age (1)

Sligo

8

Not eligible (8)

Nil

Tipperary

15

Not eligible (15)

Nil

Waterford

5

Not eligible (5)

Nil

Westmeath

4

Not eligible (4)

Nil

Wexford

Nil

Nil

Wicklow

3

Not eligible (3)

Nil

Offshore Islands

Nil

Nil

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

478 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/06]

The information sought by the Deputy can be found in:—

•the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for the Department for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006

•the Appropriation Account for 2004 and 2005

Both the REV and Appropriation Account can be located in the Dáil Library and at www.finance.gov.ie and at www.audgen.gov.ie respectively.

Expenditure to end June 2006 is set out in the appendix.

The Deputy will also be aware that expenditure within these programme areas takes place across a wide range of schemes and projects countrywide, descriptions of which are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Additional details may also be found on the Pobal (formerly ADM) website at www.pobal.ie

It is the practice of both my colleague, Minister of State Noel Ahern. T.D., and myself to make details of all announcements relating to grant approvals and other expenditure-related decisions available on the Department's website.

If the Deputy would like information in relation to a particular scheme, I would be glad to provide details to her.

Appendix

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Provisional Programme 1 January — 30 June 2006

Subhead

REV Allocation

Total Expenditure

€000’s

€000’s

B

Íocaíocht leis an bhForas Teanga

15,568

6,619

C

Íocaíocht le Ciste na Gaeilge

4,454

1,293

D

An Coimisinéir Teanga

731

336

E

Tithe Gaeltachta

4,000

1,375

F

Scéimeanna Cultúrtha agus Sóisialta

8,350

1,844

G

Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht

15,750

5,297

G

Feabhsúcháin Carryover

2,900

2,900

H

Oileáin

17,139

2,669

H

Oileáin Carryover

2,000

1,113

I.1

Údarás na Gaeltachta — Admin

11,056

5,520

I.2

Údarás na Gaeltachta — Current

3,720

1,860

I.3

Údarás na Gaeltachta — Capital

21,500

10,500

I.4

Údarás na Gaeltachta — Election

50

33

J

Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative

1,000

0

K.1

Grants for Community and Voluntary

11,548

1,856

K.2

Community Services Programme

42,000

24,815

L.1

Local Development and Community Development

74,381

30,946

L.2

Improved Co-ordination of Local & Community Development Schemes

4,273

1,668

M

Programme for Peace and Reconciliation/INTERREG

23,395

7,613

N

Drugs Initiative/YPFSF

43,006

19,513

O

RAPID (a)

9,166

2,381

P.1

Western Development Commission

2,200

1,054

P.2

Western Investment Fund

4,000

2,950

Q.1

Rural Development Schemes

1,629

678

Q.2

Leader/NRDP

25,000

14,619

Q.2

Carryover

2,000

2,000

Q.3

Rural Social Scheme

27,322

17,037

Q.4

Rural Social Scheme (Dormant Accounts)

16,000

0

R

CLÁR

22,950

3,828

S

Grant to Waterways Ireland

34,700

13,075

T.1

Dormant Accounts-Administration

2,000

690

T.2

Initiatives Tackling Economic and Social Disadvantage (Dormant Accounts Funded)

12,000

0

U

Charities Regulation

100

0

Current Total

329,820

133,218

Capital Total

155,550

52,864

GROSS TOTAL (Inc. Capital Carryover)

465,888

186,082

Less Appropriations-in-aid receipts

49,250

15,451

Net Total

416,638

170,631

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

479 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27786/06]

I would refer the Deputy to the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for my Department, which lists the Budgetary allocations for each of the public bodies and executive agencies operating under my Department. The REV can be located in the Dáil Library and at www.finance.gov.ie

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

480 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27800/06]

The number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of my Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government are as follows (1 position in each body):

Western Development Commission (WDC)

National Drug Strategy (NACD)

Dormant Accounts Board

An Coimisiún Logainmneacha,

Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge,

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Arramara Teoranta.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

481 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27824/06]

The following information relates to taskforces which have been created by my Department since its inception in June 2002:

Year: 2002

No. of Taskforces Created:

1 Regional Drugs Task Force.

Function:

There are 14 Local Drugs Task Forces and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces, ensuring that all areas of the country are serviced by a Drugs Task Force.

The 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces were established in the period between Dec 2002 and Dec 2003. Their functions are as follows:

•To ensure the development of a co-ordinated and integrated response to illicit drug use in the region;

•To create and maintain an up-to-date database on the nature and extent of illicit drug use in the region and to provide information on drug-related services and resources in the region;

•To identify and address gaps in service provision, having regard to evidence available on the extent and specific location of illicit drug use in the region;

•To prepare a development plan to respond to regional drug issues for assessment by the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST) and approval by the joint NDST-IDG;

•To develop regionally relevant policy proposals in consultation with the NDST; and

•To provide information and regular reports to the NDST in the format and frequency requested by the NDST.

Size:

Average of 27 members per Task Force.

Membership:

Each Task Force is chaired by an Independent Chairperson. Membership includes representatives of relevant agencies such as the HSE, the Departments of Health and Children; Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Probation and Welfare Service; Education and Science; the Gardaí; Local Authority; FAS; Youth Service; Area Based Partnerships; Public Representatives; Public Representatives; Customs and Excise Division of the Revenue Commissioners; VEC; Community Sector; Voluntary Sector; and an NDST Liaison.

Reporting Mechanism:

RDTFs report through the RDTF structure of the NDST, in addition to which each member of the NDST acts as an NDST Liaison to a Task Force; The NDST report to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and to the Interdepartmental Group on Drugs, which is chaired by Minister of State, Noel Ahern; The IDG reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion which is chaired by the Taoiseach.

Year: 2003

No. of Taskforces Created:

9 Regional Drugs Task Forces.

Function, Size, Membership and Reporting Mechanism:

As per 2002 data above.

Years 2004, 2005 and 2006:

No taskforces were created by my Department in the years 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

482 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radio and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; and if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27966/06]

Due to the diverse nature of my Department's activities, I am not in a position to provide a comprehensive response to the Deputy's question within the time available. My Department is collating the material for reply and I will forward the material directly to the Deputy when it is complete.

Question No. 483 answered with Question No. 476.

Community Development.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

484 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding which exists for community radio stations inside and outside of RAPID areas. [28039/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

485 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a radio station which covers part of a RAPID area can claim part funding under the scheme available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/06]

I propose to take Questions No. 484 and 485 together.

Funding for community radio stations is a matter in the first place for the stations themselves. I am informed that some funding has been made available for community radio stations under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme. The decision to fund such operations rests with the relevant Area Partnership or Community Partnership Company or the Community Development Project within the parameters of the programme being delivered. The possibility of funding for community radio under the Community Services Programme also exists.

My Department does not provide funding for community radio stations under the RAPID Programme.

Grant Payments.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

486 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding given to a group (details supplied) in County Dublin in the past 12 months; and if it is intended to continue with this funding. [28043/06]

The group concerned was approved for a grant from dormant accounts in October 2004 for the specific purpose of providing a wheelchair accessible vehicle for use by members of the group. In this regard, the group received the full grant of €21,075 during 2005 to purchase the vehicle.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

487 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the manner in which single payment entitlements are calculated; and if she will review her decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork where an outbreak of BSE in one of the reference years appears to be adversely affecting the level of single payment. [27237/06]

Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme are calculated using the average number of animals (hectares in the case of Arable Aid Schemes) on which payment was made in the 2000 to 2002 reference years, multiplied by the 2002 payment rate.

The person named submitted an application on 29 October 2004 for consideration of his circumstances under the 2nd tranche of the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme. The person named was subsequently advised that his application was deemed unsuccessful on the grounds that the circumstances outlined did not fulfil the force majeure criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003.

The person named has recently submitted an application to appeal this decision to the Single Payment Appeals Committee. A formal letter detailing the outcome of the Committee's deliberation will issue to the person named within the coming weeks.

Milk Quota.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

488 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the arrangements she proposes to put in place to deal with the future sale or lease of milk quota; when the new regime will apply; the way in which she proposes to protect the interests of small farmers who have their quota leased; the persons with whom she is consulting on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27238/06]

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

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.

I will shortly bring forward more detailed proposals on the design of 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.

The concerns of all dairy farmers are being considered in this process, including those with leased quota.

Grant Payments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

489 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be approved and awarded the installation aid grant. [27239/06]

The person concerned submitted an application for payment (IAS 2) under the Installation Aid Scheme to my Department on 16 May 2006. Additional information in relation to that application has, however, been requested from the person concerned and the application cannot be further progressed until that information is received.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

490 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to their entitlement to sugar beet compensation. [27240/06]

The compensation package negotiated as part of the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime contains three elements.

The first element is the compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be incorporated in the existing Single Payment Scheme from 2006, is worth approximately €123m to Irish beet growers over the next seven years. My Department is currently working on the inclusion of the sugar beet compensation in the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. The task of establishing the number of additional entitlements for each producer is almost complete. The number of additional entitlements established for the person named, following the processing of the amendments submitted by him, is 4.86 entitlements. Work will shortly commence on establishing the additional amount of compensation to be added to the Single Payment. When this work is complete, the number of additional entitlements and amount due to farmers will be incorporated in their existing entitlements and Single Payment. Payment under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme will commence, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations, on 1 December 2006.

The second element of the compensation package is the 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 restructuring aid, as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006, is subject to the submission by the processor of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry following consultations with the beet growers. The Regulation also provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors in order to compensate for losses resulting from factory closure under the restructuring scheme. That 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. In that context, my Department in May issued an open call for submissions which will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon International Economic Consultants, who have been appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring aid. A final decision on the percentage will be made shortly having regard to the independent expert advice and following the recent publication of the Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring aid.

The third element of the package is the diversification aid, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case, which would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be prepared and submitted to the Commission by the end of the year.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

491 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the 3 per cent modulation funds which were deducted from farmers under the single farm payment; if this fund has been divided out; if not, when same will happen; the parts of the country that will benefit from it; the numbers who received payment from the fund or the expected numbers who will benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27364/06]

€18.6 million in modulated funds is available this year. I have decided that this funding should be used in 2006 as a top up payment under the compensatory allowance scheme. Farmers in the disadvantaged areas, which account for 75% of the country will, therefore, benefit from a once-off payment under the scheme this year. Payments will commence in September and will involve some 100,000 beneficiaries.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

492 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made in the Galway Regional Office of her Department as to whether an estate (details supplied) in County Mayo can be included for REP scheme; and if this matter will be expedited. [27367/06]

At a public meeting on 24 April 2006 my Department facilitated an agreement on the apportionment of land between rights holders. The necessary legal documentation to give effect to this agreement has been with a local solicitor acting on behalf of the farmers concerned and has already been signed by the majority of the farmers concerned. It is expected that the remainder will sign the documentation in the very near future.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

493 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the non-governmental agencies or organisations her Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to her Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of her Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27389/06]

Funding to non-Governmental agencies and organisations.

2004

2005

2006 (year to date)

Forestry Development Association Co-Operative Society Ltd

72,000

59,343

44,000

Western Forestry Co-Operative Society

90,000

64,000

Irish Timber Growers Association

41,600

32,000

26,000

Crann

12,800

6,200

3,000

Irish Forestry Contractors Association

2,434

Society of Irish Foresters

2,400

8,000

2,000

Tree Council of Ireland

13,500

9,500

2,000

Woodlands of Ireland

28,700

24,000

21,800

Conservation Volunteers of Ireland

9,769

Country Markets

4,000

4,200

4,450

*Muintir na Tíre

19,000

0

0

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

10,000

10,200

10,550

National Co-op Farm Relief Services

7,000

7,200

8,000

Macra na Feirme

24,000

24,400

25,000

ICBF

888,000

888,000

500,000

ICOS

13,000

13,000

Irish Farriery Authority

23,206

2,438

Irish Equine Centre (IEC) — NDP Funding

334,294

312,097

97,514

Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)

1,300,000

Irish Horse Board

951,548

1,348,240

445,024

Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association

29,873

31,355

International Equine Institute

309,832

252,207

71939

Gorta

9,244

13,646

Total

4,196,180

3,110,026

1,261,277

In addition to the above €1,000,000 was paid to 83 animal welfare organizations in 2004 and €1,206,000 was paid to 86 such organizations in 2005. Payments have not been made yet in respect of 2006. In 2004, 4 applications were refused because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. 3 applications were refused in 2005 for the same reason.

Expenditure on non-governmental agencies and organizations amounted to 0.38% of the total expenditure of my Department in 2004 and 0.32% in 2005.

Responsibility for the grant to Muintir na Tíre was transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 31 March 2005

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

494 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the criteria and details of the advisory service which farmers are to receive when they are in receipt of €15,000 plus on single farm payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27455/06]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

497 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to a proposed policy as reported recently in the press whereby under the modulation fund farmers with a single farm payment in excess of €15,000 will be entitled to avail of a free farm advisory service, the situation regarding this policy; the position of the Government and the Minister in relation to this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27529/06]

I propose to take questions 494 and 497 together.

Under the new EU Rural Development Policy Framework an advisory service providing advice to farmers on meeting cross-compliance requirements, which are compulsory for those receiving direct payments, must be introduced in Member States by 1 January 2007. The service will provide advice on meeting statutory European requirements in relation to the environment, food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare. Participation by farmers is voluntary but priority must be given to those receiving more than €15,000 annually under the Single Farm Payment.

The body/bodies selected to provide the service must have the appropriate resources in the form of qualified staff, administrative and technical facilities and advisory experience. Detailed arrangements, including the level of fees to be charged, for the provision of the service will be considered in the context of the new rural development programme which is being drawn up for the period 2007-2013.

Grant Payments.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

496 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will consider a person (details supplied) in County Cork as a new entrant for calculation of entitlements and national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27457/06]

Following a review of this case, it has been determined that the New Entrant measure is more beneficial to the person named. A supplementary payment reflecting this position will issue to the applicant shortly. My Department has no record of receipt of an application form for the National Reserve measure of the single payment scheme from the person named.

Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 494.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

498 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to the national reserve under force majeure; if a decision has been made on the application; when the person can expect to receive a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27530/06]

My Department has no record of receipt of an application form for the National Reserve measure of the Single Payment Scheme from the person named.

Animal Diseases.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

499 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action her Department has taken in relation to a reported outbreak of botulism in cattle (details supplied); the tests which have been carried out on her behalf to confirm if the animals died from botulism; the number of animals which were reported to have died from suspected animal botulism; the results which are available; if tests were carried out; the other investigations which have been carried out to establish the origins of the reported outbreak; her views in relation to the disposal of chicken litter as a fertiliser in the area; the tests which have been carried out on the chicken litter in an effort to establish if it is contaminated with the suspect organism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27531/06]

Botulism is not a notifiable disease under the Diseases of Animals Acts. However, samples from animals may be submitted for testing to my Department's Central Veterinary Laboratory or Regional Veterinary Laboratories at the discretion of a Private Veterinary Practitioner or on request by a herd owner through a Private Veterinary Practitioner.

Bovine Botulism can be contracted through contact with contaminated decomposing organic material such as poultry litter which contains poultry carcass material when spread on land grazed by cattle. In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that my Department received reports in early May 2006 of a suspected botulism outbreak involving animals on two farms. Investigations carried out to date by my Department into the spreading of litter in the area have not established a definitive origin for the litter. Laboratory records show that two animals were submitted for postmortem from one of the herds concerned in the context of botulism. Post mortem examinations on these animals revealed no significant findings. Samples of feed and drinking water submitted by the owner as well as abomasal and ruminal contents collected at post mortem examination were frozen and retained in the Regional Veterinary Research Laboratory for further testing for botulinum toxin at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.

In addition, a blood sample was submitted from the same herd, to rule out certain other conditions which could be linked to the clinical signs presented. Test results did not show any evidence of such conditions. The Animal By-Products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002) allows poultry litter to be applied to land under certain conditions. Under this Regulation, the manager of a poultry unit is obliged to remove any carcasses from poultry litter and to send these to an approved plant for rendering.

In May 2006, and in previous years, my Department wrote to dairy processors advising them about this issue and asked them to distribute to their producers an information/advisory note entitled "Good Farming Practice with regard to Spreading Poultry Litter on Land". Poultry processors were also circulated with a similar information/advisory note. An "Information Note on Botulism for Veterinary Practitioners" and "Instructions for Practitioners when dealing with Suspected cases of Botulism on Farm" were also circulated to Private Veterinary Practitioners. Copies of an information/advisory note entitled "Good Farming Practice with regard to Spreading Poultry Litter on Land" are available to farmers from District Veterinary Offices. My Department also published, in the farming press, a notice to farmers on the spreading of poultry litter on land and the precautions which should be taken.

In addition to the above, my Department's veterinary staff has held meetings with the industry to raise awareness on the issue. I believe that the poultry industry is well aware of the issues with regard to their obligations on the safe disposal of litter and carcass material in accordance with EU Regulation 1774/2002. Indeed, sections of the industry have been very proactive in dealing with this issue and have adopted good practice procedures.

My Department will be undertaking random inspections on poultry producers' premises to ensure that the necessary procedures are being followed. Where there is evidence that this is not the case, the Department can require that all poultry litter from those premises be sent for rendering.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

500 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will qualify under the early retirement pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27537/06]

According to my Department's records the person named has not submitted an application under the Early Retirement Scheme. In the absence of further details, it is not possible to comment on his potential eligibility for the Early Retirement Scheme.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

501 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the first payments under the reform package agreed in November 2005 will be made to beet farmers; if it is guaranteed to go out with the single premium payment in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27602/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

509 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of people who were in receipt of beet grants in Waterford County for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27850/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 509 together. My Department is currently working on the inclusion of the sugar beet compensation in the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. The task of establishing the number of additional entitlements for each producer is almost complete. Work will shortly commence on establishing the additional amount of compensation to be added to the Single Payment. When this work is complete, the number of additional entitlements and amount due to farmers will be incorporated in their existing entitlements and Single Payment. Payment under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme will commence, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations, on 1 December 2006.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

502 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on the single payment appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [27603/06]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A & D. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

It should be noted however that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him/her. My Department requested additional information from the person named. On receipt of the additional information requested this case will be examined and a formal letter setting out my Department's decision will issue to the person named.

If he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve, he then has 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.

Sugar Beet Sector.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

503 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she expects that her Department will have finalised the agreement with beet growers and contractors with regard to the capital compensation for loss of beet quota; the position with regard to farmers in the retirement scheme who would have leased their land prior to the reference years; if provision is being made for these people for compensation in respect of the loss of their quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27604/06]

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

510 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on the €130 million compensation to sugar beet farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27886/06]

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

511 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will give a breakdown of the people who will receive the €130 million compensation for sugar beet farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27887/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

516 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress to date on compensation payment negotiations in respect of the sugar industry; if she will ensure that beet growers and contractors will receive the maximum amount of payment available; the measures proposed for distributing compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27895/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 503, 510, 511 and 516 together. The compensation package negotiated as part of the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime contains three elements.

The first element is the compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be incorporated in the existing Single Payment Scheme and will be payable from 2006, is worth approximately €123m to Irish beet growers over the next seven years.

The second element of the compensation package is the 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 third element of the package is the diversification aid, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case, which would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be prepared and submitted to the Commission by the end of the year.

Regarding the second element, the restructuring aid provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 is subject to the submission by the processor of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry following consultations with the beet growers. The Regulation also provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors in order to compensate for losses resulting from factory closure under the restructuring scheme. That 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. In that context, my Department in May issued an open call for submissions which will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon International Economic Consultants, who have been appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring aid. Those who made submissions were subsequently invited to a series of consultation meetings to afford them the opportunity to make any supplementary points regarding their submissions. This consultation process is separate from any consultations engaged in by the processor. A final decision on the percentage will be made shortly having regard to the independent expert advice and following the recent publication of the Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring aid.

The timescale for implementing the restructuring aid is very tight where, as in Ireland's case, restructuring takes place in the first year of the new regime. The Council Regulation requires that the application for restructuring aid must be made by the processor by 31 July 2006. The application must include a detailed restructuring plan for the industry. A decision on the application must then be made by the Member State by 30 September 2006 at the latest. It is my intention that the restructuring aid will be implemented in a fair and equitable manner and strictly in accordance with the relevant EU regulations.

Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

504 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not been paid farm entitlements to date; and if it is the position that they are being penalised twice, in relation to their arable aid payments, and also as a result their farm entitlements; if same can be set out in full so as to allow this person to take steps to ensure that their farm entitlements are duly paid out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27605/06]

An application under the 2005 Single Farm Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. Under EU legislation, in order to draw down his or her full Single Payment, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement. In this case 42.98 entitlements had been established during the reference period with a unit value of €205.55 giving a gross amount of €8,834.54. As the person named declared 40.61 hectares of eligible land on the 2005 application form, the net amount due to him in 2005 was €8,096.97. However, the payment which issued to the person named on 16 December 2005, €1,963.08, was net of the following sums, which fell due to be recouped: €5,153.22, in respect of penalties under the Arable Aid Scheme, and €980.67 in respect of penalties under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Under the 2003 Arable Aid Scheme, the person named declared 6.86 hectares of arable silage; however, following a field inspection, no arable silage was found. The person named was, therefore, deemed to have over-claimed by 100%. Under the 2004 Arable Aid Scheme, the person named declared 7.60 of arable silage; however, again following field inspection, no arable silage was found and the person named was deemed to have over-declared by 100%. Following an appeal by the person named, the proposed penalties were confirmed. These are the appropriate penalties that must be applied as per the governing EU regulations.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

505 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the stage on an application for early retirement scheme 2000 for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the first payment will be received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27606/06]

An application from the person named was received in my Department on 12 May 2006 and is currently being examined. As soon as this examination has been completed the person named will be notified of the outcome.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

506 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27790/06]

Budgetary allocations were made through my Department's Revised Estimates for 2006 for the following public bodies:

Organisation

Expenditure Details

2006 Estimate Total Amount

€000

Teagasc

Grant-in-Aid for General Expenses — training courses under the National Development Programme 2000/06

134,028

An Bord Bia

Grant-in-Aid for General Expenses

22,403

Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD)

To support research and development administered by COFORD

3,800

Irish Horse Board

Development and promotion of the Non-Thorough Bred horse industry, operation of the Irish Horse Register and administration

836

Allocations were also made for the following:

Organisation

Expenditure Details 2006

Estimate Total Amount

€000

Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF)

Grant Assistance for ICBF cattle breed improvement activities

888

The Dairy Research Trust (Established by ICOS, IFA and ICMSA)

To part-fund research projects for improving competitiveness at both producer and processor level in the dairy sector

440

There was also a total allocation of €20 million provided for Research and Development grants for third level institutions and Teagasc under the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) (NDP 2000/06) (€14 million) and the Research Stimulus Fund (€6 million).

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

507 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of her Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27804/06]

There are five non-executive chairpersons of State bodies under the remit of my Department affected by the increase.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

508 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of taskforces which have been created by her Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27820/06]

The task forces listed below have been set up on issues relating to my Department.

1. Government Taskforce on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

During the 2001 outbreak, a Government Task Force was established at an early stage to address the question of inter-Department/inter-agency coordination. The Task Force was chaired by An Taoiseach or, in his absence, by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, and met early each day during the active part of the campaign and, subsequently, as required. The role of the Task Force included mobilisation of resources and the implementation and coordination of appropriate measures. The Task Force received up-to-date briefings on the position from the Minister/DAF and from other ministers, departments and agencies on issues within their areas of responsibilities. It is envisaged that a similar Task Force will be established in the event of any future threat of FMD to the island of Ireland

The Task Force comprised senior representatives from the following Departments and Agencies:

•Agriculture and Food

•An Taoiseach

•Finance

•Arts, Sports and Tourism

•Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

•Defence

•Dúchas

•Enterprise, Trade and Employment

•Environment and Local Government

•Foreign Affairs

•Justice, Equality and Law Reform

•Transport

•Defence Forces

•Garda Síochána

•Revenue Commissioners (Customs)

•Aer Rianta

•Civil Defence.

2. Government Taskforce on Avian Influenza

In response to the threat posed by the spread of avian influenza and the need to coordinate the development of a robust range of contingency measures, a Government Taskforce on Avian Influenza was established earlier this year. It is chaired by the Minister for Agriculture & Food and, apart from this Department, includes senior representatives from the following Departments/ Agencies

•Arts, Sports & Tourism

•Health & Children

•Environment, Heritage & Local Government

•Transport

•An Garda Síochána

•Taoiseach

•Defence Forces

•Foreign Affairs

•Defence

•Finance

•Health Service Executive

•Health Protection Surveillance Centre

•Justice.

3. Task Force on Agricultural Education & Training

The Task Force was established in November 1999 to examine the training needs of agriculture in the context of a changing economic and social environment and to make recommendations, where appropriate, to address those needs. The report was presented to the Minister and published in July 2000.

There were ten members including the Chairman. The Chairman was a former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development and the other members included representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, ICMSA, Teagasc, IFA, Waterford Institute of Technology, Macra na Feirme, FÁS, Farm Apprenticeship Board and the Association of Private Agricultural and Horticultural Colleges.

4. The Beef Task Force

The Beef Task Force was set up in November 1998. The remit of the group was to examine and make recommendations on the future of the Beef Industry by drawing up a strategic plan of action for the sector covering the complete range of activities from on-farm production to processing and marketing.

There were 17 members on the Force, these included representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the IFA, the Irish Meat Association, ICMSA, ICOS, An Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, SIPTU and Teagasc. The Task Force reported on the 17th June 1999.

5. The Mushroom Task Force

The task force was set up in December 2003 to arrive at a consensus on the major issues facing the mushroom sector and to devise a timebound action plan to address those issues in order to secure the future viability of the sector. The task force published its report in May 2004. A Review Group has met four times to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the report. The Task Force comprised 14 members from the following Departments and Agencies:

•Department of Agriculture and Food

•Enterprise Ireland

•Commercial Mushroom Producers

•Producer

•Bord Bia

•Bord Glas

•Walsh Mushrooms

•Sylvan Ireland

•Consultant

•Irish Mushroom Growers Association

•Teagasc

•Monaghan Mushrooms.

Question No. 509 answered with Question No. 501.
Questions Nos. 510 and 511 answered with Question No. 503.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

512 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of compensation available to sheep farmers in the Nephin Beg area, Newport, Co. Mayo as a consequence of having to take sheep off the mountains due to ecological and environmental damage; if her attention has been drawn to the different levels being proposed for those who are currently in the REP scheme and for those who are not; the level of payments; her views on whether different rates of payment create an inequality for sheep farmers on the same mountain range; the action she will take to rectify this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27891/06]

All hill sheep farmers in REPS are paid in accordance with their REPS contracts. The REP Scheme Terms and Conditions provide that REPS farmers must comply fully with Commonage Framework Plan requirements and consequently no further REPS payments are due for destocking.

The question of additional benefits for actions over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am aware that because of a European Court of Justice judgment, that Department is introducing additional management requirements in the Owenduff/Nephin Beg complex and that my officials have given advice on an appropriate level of payment to REPS farmers to compensate them for the actions now required of them that are not covered by the REPS payment.

The question of additional benefits for actions over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans for farmers not in REPS is also a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I have met farmers from the area concerned and they outlined their position to me in detail. I have since conveyed the views of this group to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Live Exports.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

513 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the levels of live exports of cattle for each of the past five years; the value to the Irish economy of such exports; the markets that are currently served by such exports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27892/06]

The following table sets out details of the export of live cattle for the last 5 years. The live export trade is an important competitive element in the livestock and meat trade and as such has my full support as an integral part of the sector.

Destination

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Belgium

0

0

2,263

1,496

1,268

France

1,030

221

84

340

4,724

Great Britain

0

1,993

1,786

1,203

1,202

Northern Ireland

48,643

40,830

38,055

44,814

26,450

Germany

5

2

63

6

95

Greece

274

645

574

54

151

Italy

5,360

8,901

19,444

19,474

47,253

Netherlands

1,067

4,623

34,492

30,595

44,062

Portugal

0

0

75

0

0

Spain

32,421

59,203

87,335

20,675

50,108

Poland

0

0

0

80

Other EU

0

6

0

0

0

Total EU

88,800

116,424

184,171

118,657

175,393

Egypt

0

0

0

0

Lebanon

11,657

31,402

36,706

11,422

9,436

Libya

0

0

0

0

0

Saudi Arabia

0

0

0

0

0

Yemen

0

0

0

0

0

Other 3rd Countries

0

268

216

268

438

Total 3rd Countries

11,657

31,670

36,922

11,690

9,874

Total Live Exports

100,457

148,094

221,093

130,347

185,267

The exports were valued at almost €58 million in 2005.

Farm Household Incomes.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

514 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the supporting measures she intends to bring forward in view of the fact that almost 80 percent of farmers are part-time farmers; her views on the state of agriculture in this country in view of the high proportion of part-time farmers; if her Department has undertaken an analysis of full-time farmers; the measures she will bring forward to ensure that the massive decline in full-time farming is abated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27893/06]

The Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that on 78% of farm holdings the farmer and/or spouse have some source of off-farm income be it from employment, pensions or social assistance. This is not the same as saying that 80 per cent of farm holdings are part-time. The same survey indicates that 62% of farms (defined by Teagasc in terms of labour units) were part-time. By contrast, the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate that by their measurement (farm work is not the sole occupation of the farm owner) that 42% of farms in the State were defined as part-time. The growth of part-time farming is not unexpected. For some time, farmers have been choosing to maximise their incomes through a combination of farming and off-farm employment. This Government is committed to maintaining a core of competitive, full-time farmers, while at the same time providing an economic environment which enables smaller scale producers to avail of both on and off-farm opportunities to secure their future. Full-time farmers are looking to the new flexibility offered to them under decoupling to develop and intensify their commercial farm enterprises while many small-scale producers are finding that combining farming with off-farm employment is an effective way to ensure the viability of their holdings.

This Government is focused on ensuring that farming families have the best possible options available for them to stay on the land. That may mean as full-time farmers, if their farm size and resources are sufficient, and if they choose that option. Alternatively it may be through the combination of on-farm and off-farm income, which many small-scale producers are finding as the best route to a viable life on the land. This Government is committed to supporting and encouraging our farm families in whichever option they choose. The approach by this Government, and my own approach within CAP and WTO negotiations, is in keeping with this commitment.

Farm Waste Management.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

515 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the increasing level of grant assistance under the farm waste management grants where steel structures will form a major part of any development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27894/06]

Increased grant-rates under the Farm Waste Management Scheme were introduced by my Department with effect from 24 March last as follows: (a) a new standard grant-rate of 60%, with 70% being available in the four Zone C counties (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan) for both animal housing and slurry storage. The previous standard grant-rate for such work was 40%; (b) increase in the maximum eligible investment ceiling from €75,000 to €120,000 per holding; (c) introduction of a new 40% grant-rate for specialized equipment with specific environmental advantages subject to a maximum eligible investment of (i) €80,000 in the case of decanter centrifuge systems and dry feeding systems for pigs, and (ii) €40,000 in the case of specialized slurry spreading tankers and related equipment; (d) increase in the maximum eligible investment for standard mobile equipment from €11,000 to €15,000 with the grant-rate remaining at 20%. The price of steel used in the construction of farm buildings grant-aided under the Scheme is taken into account in my Department's Standard Costings which are used to determine the grants payable under the Scheme. These Costings are currently under review. Pending the outcome of that review, my Department's current Standard Costings are being used. I have already confirmed that the revised Costings, when introduced, will be applied to all approvals issued under the Scheme since 1 January 2006.

Question No. 516 answered with Question No. 503.

Waste Disposal.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

517 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she is taking to ensure the back-log of farm plastics is collected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27896/06]

The disposal of waste materials generally is covered by the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2005, which apply to all sectors of society including the agricultural sector, and is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, manufacturers and importers of farm plastics, that is, silage bale wrap and sheeting, are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to and participate in compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group, IFFPG, is currently the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste. My Department has no involvement in the running of the scheme.

World Trade Talks.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

518 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the state of the World Trade Talks; if she has an assessment of the potential impact that any agreement will have on the future of Irish agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27897/06]

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 was made in the Framework Agreement which was reached in August 2004 and at the Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December 2005. A further WTO Ministerial meeting, held from 29 June to 1 July in Geneva, failed to make progress on outstanding issues. The Director General of the WTO has now been requested to undertake intensive and wide-ranging consultations over the coming weeks with a view to facilitating agreement on these issues by the end of July. Given the wide divergences which exist between the positions of the main negotiating partners, such agreement will be difficult to achieve.

In accordance with the Doha mandate, among the aims of the negotiations is to reduce substantially the levels of support and protection for agriculture. A new agreement will determine the levels of support which can be provided to EU agriculture, both domestically and on exports, as well as the level of tariff protection which can be applied to imports. This in turn affects the nature and level of competition which EU producers, processors and exporters will face on EU and third country markets. The WTO negotiations represent a major challenge therefore for the future of the CAP and Irish and European agriculture.

While I am committed to securing a new WTO agreement, at the same time, I am determined that this will not prevent Ireland from enjoying the benefits of a CAP and EU rural development policy that protects the agriculture and food sector and which underpins the viability of rural communities. Accordingly my objective is to ensure that any new WTO agreement can be accommodated within the terms of the recent CAP reforms and that further reform will not be required. This represents the limit of the EU Commission's negotiating mandate as agreed, and endorsed on several occasions, by the Council of Ministers.

I will continue to take an active role in the negotiations and to work with like-minded Member States in seeking the best possible outcome for Irish and EU agriculture. 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 to secure the most flexible phasing-out arrangements for EU export refunds, 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.

Grant Payments.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

519 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the number of farmers awaiting payment under the 2005 single farm payment scheme in each county; the most common reason for delay in making payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27898/06]

The following table sets out the number of farmers in each county whose payments under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme had issued by 5 July 2006. The number of applications with outstanding problems, which must be solved prior to payment, is also set out. Payments are continuing to issue to farmers as their applications are processed to completion, in accordance with the EU legislation governing the Single Payment Scheme. Under this legislation, Member States may commence payment under the Single Payment Scheme on 1 December of the year of application, with payments being fully processed by the following 30 June. My priority in 2005, the first year of this new Scheme, was to maximize the number of payments to eligible applicants by the earliest date possible of 1 December and I am satisfied that this was achieved. Since then, it has been my absolute priority to ensure that the issues that are holding up the remaining cases are resolved with the applicants concerned and that payments are made without undue delay. To this end, I have arranged that payments issue on a very regular basis, as soon as the problems with the outstanding cases are resolved.

In common with the coupled schemes, which the Single Payment Scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which must be resolved via correspondence with the applicant. In many cases, payment could not be made because applicants did not submit an application to transfer the Single Payment entitlements, with lands, by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase. Many of these applications were only received after my Department made direct contact with the farmers in question, during recent weeks, and some have yet to be submitted. In other cases, over-claims on commonage lands need to be resolved before any of the claimants concerned can be paid. Similarly, cases where given parcels are subject to dual-claims must also be resolved, before any of the parties concerned can be paid.

It will be noted that the sum of the cases paid and those awaiting payment differs from the figures supplied in the reply to previous questions. As explained, these differences are accounted for by cases, which previously had no entitlements, being awarded entitlements following the processing of applications under the Inheritance, Force Majeure etc measures of the Single Payment Scheme, which were recently submitted to my Department.

County Code

No. of SPS Apps paid

No. of SPS Apps not paid

Carlow

1,712

17

Cavan

4,912

36

Clare

6,150

85

Cork

13,180

138

Donegal

7,954

52

Dublin

675

7

Galway

12,245

110

Kerry

7,672

73

Kildare

2,149

22

Kilkenny

3,585

37

Laois

3,055

31

Leitrim

3,433

31

Limerick

5,345

49

Longford

2,430

20

Louth

1,573

12

Mayo

11,605

116

Meath

3,895

33

Monaghan

4,062

39

Offaly

3,101

26

Roscommon

5,837

59

Sligo

4,025

32

Tipperary

7,199

72

Waterford

2,465

31

Westmeath

3,018

23

Wexford

4,249

56

Wicklow

2,149

24

Totals

127,675

1,231

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

520 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of temporary meat inspectors employed by her Department in factories throughout the country; if it is proposed to fill further permanent positions for such categories; the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27955/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

526 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of temporary meat inspectors employed by her department in factories throughout the country; her plans to fill further permanent positions for such categories; the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28026/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 526 together.

My Department engages approximately 700 part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs) to augment the permanent Veterinary Inspectors employed by my Department at EU export-approved meat plants. TVIs are engaged to carry out duties as and when required by the permanent Veterinary Inspector in charge at each such plant. I have no proposals to change the current status of TVIs.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

521 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount which was spent in her Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27967/06]

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the value of advertising placed by the Department each year since 2002 is set out as follows:

Advertising — 2002

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

638,440

Promotional videos for disease eradication and beef assurance schemes

3,086

Total

641,526

Advertising — 2003

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

442,887

Radio Advertising

1,233

Video on TB & Brucellosis Eradication Schemes, promotional video on the Beef Assurance Scheme and production of educational video on agriculture

186,892

Total

631,012

Advertising — 2004

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

648,543

Video on TB & Brucellosis Eradication Schemes, promotional video on the Beef Assurance Scheme

122,811

Total

771,354

Advertising — 2005

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

913,167

Radio Advertising

1,659

Video on TB & Brucellosis Eradication Schemes, promotional video on the Beef Assurance Scheme

99,118

Total

1,013,944

Advertising — 2006 to Date

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

646,927

Radio Advertising

1,626

Video on TB & Brucellosis Eradication Schemes, promotional video on the Beef Assurance Scheme

13,568

Total

662,121

In a typical year, the Department's advertising consists mainly of regulatory display advertising and statutory notices. The increase in press advertising in 2004 and 2005 is due largely to increased expenditure on forestry advertising, responsibility for which came within the remit of my Department in 2004.

Food Safety Standards.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

522 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to upgrade her Department’s facilities at Dublin Airport; the volume of product collected and seized by her officials at the airport in the last available 12 month period; the origin of flights where such product has been seized and volumes involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27992/06]

The facilities are provided by the Dublin Airport Authority in order to enable my Department carry out its statutory functions for the protection of animal and public health and food safety. The airport facilities include office, interview and examination areas for the operation of control checks by Department personnel on:

—personal import of animal products by passengers;

—the licensed import of samples of animal products, including pathogens, for research and testing;

—the Border Inspection Controls on import from third countries of live animals,

—export certification requirements for trade in live animals, and

—the operation of necessary bio-safety measures for prevention of the transmission of animal diseases.

The Office of Public Works is currently carrying out refurbishment work on the Department's office facilities at the airport in accordance with the Dublin Airport Authority's development plan. As there are few direct third country flights that land in Dublin airport my Department therefore carries out checks on passengers arriving on flights coming from hub airports. The total volume of animal products seized at the Airport during 2005 was 2,520.75 kgs. The data includes animal products seized from passengers who commenced their journeys in another Member State of the EU where no health or traceability marking was attached to the animal products.

During 2005 the following quantities have been seized from passengers who commenced their journeys in the following airports:

Airport

Kgs.

Amsterdam

514.75

Berlin

27.5

Brussels

12.5

Budapest

15

Chicago

10.5

Copenhagen

87

Dubrovnik

3.5

Dusseldorf

13.5

Frankfurt

192.5

Heathrow

629.5

Madrid

9

Manchester

10

Milan

30

Moscow

23.5

New York

2.5

Paris

433.75

Prague

96.5

Rome

33.5

Split

3.5

Toronto

8

Tunisia

4

Unknown

10.5

Warsaw

202.75

Vilnius

8

Zurich

139

Total

2,520.75

Forestry Sector.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

523 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the high level steering group has completed its consideration of recommendations on the future development of the forestry sector; when the report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27993/06]

The senior Departmental group, which has been examining forestry strategy, has largely completed its review and the content of its report is being finalized at present. While it is not planned to publish this report in the formal sense, it is my intention, once the report has been considered, that it will be made available to interested parties on request.

Energy Resources.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

524 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to establish a scheme for the planting of willow and other biomass crops; if she will include a facility to assist with the purchase of harvesters and chippers; if she further intends to increase the rate of the energy crop payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27994/06]

Plans for the introduction of a scheme to support the planting of willow are at an advanced stage, but will require EU approval. I am also aware of renewed interest among some producers in growing ‘miscanthus' as a feedstock for bioenergy purposes. My Department has received a number of proposals for the introduction of establishment grants for miscanthus and these are currently being considered.

In relation to biomass harvesting machinery, such as harvesters and chippers for processing of forest biomass, plans to introduce a special scheme of supports are also at an advanced stage. Again, the introduction of any such scheme will require EU approval.

Currently, support for the growing of energy crops is provided by way of the Energy Crops Scheme which was introduced under the reform of the CAP. 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.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

525 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to ensure that there is a legal basis to the labelling terms non GM and GM free; the discussions she has had at European level on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27995/06]

My Department is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of EU legislation regarding genetically modified (GM) animal feed. The authorization and labelling of GM feed is governed by the GM Food and Feed Regulation (EC No.) 1829/2003. The labelling terms non GM and GM free are not defined in EU legislation and are terms that are used voluntarily by the feed industry. However, these terms are subject to general labelling requirements of animal feed which stipulates that labelling must not mislead the purchaser as to the characteristics of the feedingstuffs. I have not been engaged in any discussions at EU level on amending this Regulation and I am not aware of any proposals to do so.

Question No. 526 answered with Question No. 520.

Sugar Beet Sector.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

527 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans to support the efforts of beet growers to diversify into other areas of agriculture; if the necessary funding will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28087/06]

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 Commission implementing regulation, which was published recently, Ireland will be required to provide a restructuring plan to the Commission by the end of this year.

I am also working closely with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to promote the development of biofuels which could provide an alternative land use for farmers.

Nitrates Directive.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

528 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28089/06]

The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Minister, Deputy Roche, sent proposals to the European Commission in May for amendments to the Regulations he had made in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. The new proposals, which the Minister has outlined publicly, were developed in conjunction with my Department and with the input of Teagasc. They address a range of important issues identified by submission and raised by the farming bodies.

There have since been direct discussions and other contacts between officials of the two Departments, Teagasc representatives and the European Commission. I understand that those discussions are now close to being concluded successfully. I am satisfied that the outcome will be of major benefit to Irish farmers, in that the changes being discussed with the Commission will provide them with greater flexibility in complying with fertiliser limits and simplify certain aspects of the Regulations.

Once the discussions on the Regulations are concluded, my priority is to proceed with negotiations 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 there were bilateral discussions with the Commission in January, but no further progress was possible while the Regulations were under review. The proposal will have to be discussed further at future meetings of the Nitrates Committee before approval can be obtained.

Beef Exports.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

529 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the controls to be put in place in order to support the Irish beef industry against the threat of imports from developing countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28090/06]

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.

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), 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).

An 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 competent Brazilian 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 Competent Brazilian 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 on 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 an FVO mission is being planned to take place some time before the end of the summer.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

530 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only approximately 3 percent of the Border, Midlands and Western Regions is not included in the disadvantaged areas, but that a significant portion of this is in Laois and Offaly; if she plans to address this issue;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28095/06]

The position is that the possible extension of Ireland's Disadvantaged Areas to include the Border midland Western region was raised with the European Commission in 2003 and in early 2004. The Commission cautioned however, that a formal request for an extension of the Disadvantaged Areas could lead to Ireland being asked for justification as to whether or not all if its existing areas classified as Disadvantaged continue to meet the criteria.

In mid 2004 the Commission published a draft Regulation on Rural Development which included a new Disadvantaged Areas definition concentrating on significant natural handicaps, notably a low soil productivity or poor climate conditions and where maintaining an extensive farming activity is important for the management of the land. The proposals did not mention the current criteria such as low productivity (as measured by farm incomes) and percentage of the working population in farming.

Following negotiations at the Council of Ministers the Council agreed on 20 June 2005 a new framework for rural development for the period 2007-2013 which provided for the maintenance of the existing arrangements for Disadvantaged Areas until 2010. Before then, the Commission will present a report and proposals to the Council concerning the future payments system and designation of these areas. The question of extension of the Disadvantaged Areas to include all Border Midland Western regions in Ireland can be considered in the context of that review.

Road Traffic Offences.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

531 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed cameras which are presently functioning in South Tipperary; the number of vehicles the cameras have detected speeding each year since their installation; and the number of prosecutions which have taken place arising from detections by the speed cameras. [27600/06]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

562 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda speed checks which took place at accident black spots in South Tipperary in the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006. [27587/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 562 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no fixed speed cameras in operation in the Garda Districts of Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary town. Portable speed laser equipment is used by Garda personnel to detect speeding offences and a GATSO mobile unit operates within the areas referred to.

I am further informed that in the Tipperary Garda Division, as in every Garda Division, certain areas are identified as collision prone locations. This information is incorporated into the collision prevention programme whereby An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the local authority, examines each location from an enforcement and engineering perspective. This location may then require action on the part of the local authority or increased enforcement by An Garda Síochána.

Statistics are not compiled in such a way as to establish the number of speed checks conducted by An Garda Síochána in the areas referred to, and it would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate the information requested.

Employment Quotas.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

532 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to legislate for an employment quota in the Civil and Public Service for persons with a disability. [27682/06]

Employment targets for people with disabilities within the civil and public service have been put on a statutory footing in Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005. The employment quota specified in Section 47(4) of the Act is 3%, unless a different target is set by order of the Minister for Finance, in consultation with the relevant Minister, under Section 47(3) of the Act. Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 has been in force since 31 December 2005.

Rights of People with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

533 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has established a national centre for universal design to improve access for people with disabilities. [27684/06]

The statutory basis for the establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Universal Design is in Part 6 of the Disability Act 2005. The Centre will be established within the National Disability Authority. Part 6 comes into force on 1 January 2007, and preparations for the establishment of the Centre are ongoing.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

534 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the number of summonses issued and convictions obtained in relation to the illegal use of Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown in regard to the three tonne limit to date in 2006. [27256/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

535 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions which have taken place for breaching the three tonne limit on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, in 2006; the way in which this compares to the four previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27257/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 and 535 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that to date in 2006 sixty summonses have been issued for breaches of the three tonne limit on Kennelsfort Road. I am further informed that since 3 April, 2006 this offence is captured by the Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS). Thirty three fixed charge offences have been detected at Kennelsfort Road since that date.

To date in 2006 twenty eight cases have appeared before the courts resulting in seventeen convictions or the offence being taken into account with other offences being prosecuted. The number of detections for the years 2002-2005 are set out in the table.

Year

Number of summonses issued

2005

80

2004

2

2003

2

2002

9

Courts Service.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

536 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the threshold for claims that can be taken to the Small Claims Court; his views on whether this is a suitable level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27304/06]

Following consultations between my Department, the Courts Service and other interests, I concluded that the maximum award limit for the Small Claims Court required to be increased. I accordingly requested the District Court Rules Committee to amend the relevant Rules.

The small claims limit was subsequently increased from €1,269.74 to €2,000 with effect from 7th February 2006 (SI 4 of 2006). While I am satisfied that the new limit is appropriate, the matter will be kept under review in my Department.

Garda Recruitment.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

537 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a problem in proceeding with the recruiting of Garda trainees, in particular a person (details supplied); if the process has been slowed down; if those who were interviewed 12 months ago are being called; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27306/06]

At the outset I should advise the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for the administration of the application process as well as Stage 1 (aptitude testing) and Stage 2 (interview) of the Garda recruitment process. Stage 3, which includes a medical examination and physical competence test, is administered by the Garda authorities.

However, I can advise the Deputy that the Garda authorities have informed me that a file regarding the person referred to is currently being processed and it is anticipated that the file will be finalised shortly. I am further informed that some applications from the 2004 competition are still being processed.

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.

Departmental Reports.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

538 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to previous parliamentary questions the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; if the evaluation report into the project has been published; if he has an indication of the report’s findings; if the scheme is to be re-launched; and if not, if a replacement scheme is envisaged. [27346/06]

The evaluation report referred to by the Deputy is complete and is currently being considered by the Garda authorities with a view to taking appropriate action.

Garda Investigations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

539 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) launched following a petition opened by the deceased person’s father, is now investigating other matters unrelated to the death of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27359/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

540 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27360/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

541 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if video recordings taken at a location in County Offaly in relation to the death of a person (details supplied) have been located. [27361/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 to 541, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a review into the death of the person concerned is being conducted by a senior Garda officer. The review is ongoing and all matters arising, including any video evidence available, will be fully examined. The review is at an advanced stage and the investigation file will be submitted to the Law Officers as soon as it is completed.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

542 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when permission to remain in the State on the basis of being part of a family unit where the adult of the family unit has been granted residency will be approved for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [27371/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 1 June in relation to the person in question. The position as stated in that reply remains unaltered. The Deputy should also be aware that no written representation has been received to date from the person concerned to have their application expedited.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

543 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to my answer to question number 444 of 20 June, 2006 which cited some of the areas where my Department has made substantial funding available to areas of Irish life in which non-governmental organisations operate. In light of the very broad range of areas in question and the large number of bodies involved, the detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and could only be obtained by the application of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.

Public Order Offences.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

544 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful closure orders obtained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 in 2006 in County Kildare; and the details of same. [27409/06]

I am 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.

Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

545 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the Carlow and Kildare division on 30 June 2006. [27428/06]

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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength of the Carlow/ Kildare Division as at 30 June, 2006 was 361 (all ranks). This compares to a personnel strength of 281 (all ranks) as at 31 December, 1997 which represents an increase of 80 (or 28%) in the number of Garda personnel assigned to the Carlow/ Kildare Division during that period. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

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.

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 Carlow/ Kildare Division will be given the fullest consideration.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

546 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda personnel stationed in each of the County Clare divisions; the number in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/06]

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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Clare Division as at 31 December, 2005 and as at 4 July, 2006 was 261 and 268, respectively. The personnel strength of the Clare Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 219 (all ranks) which represents an increase of 49 (or 22%) in the number of Garda personnel assigned to the Clare Division during that period. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

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.

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 Clare Division will be given the fullest consideration.

Crime Levels.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

547 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests made for drunk and disorderly, common assault and public order offences in 2003, 2004, 2005 and the first four months of 2006 in each of the Garda districts of County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27434/06]

I am 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.

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

548 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the allegations that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 was assaulted in a Garda station recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27458/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 28 June, 2006 the person concerned was detained under the provisions of section 23, Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-1984, and was brought to a Garda station for the purposes of a drug search. I am further informed that no complaint of assault or ill treatment was made by the person concerned, or any person on his behalf, at the time of his release or subsequently.

Garda Operations.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

549 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a Garda helicopter is employed regularly in the north inner city; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents are complaining about loud, intrusive noise at all hours of the night; the number of arrests made in Dublin 1 as a result of helicopter surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27459/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that since January 1, 2006 the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) has made 39 specific flights to the North Central Division and has assisted in the arrest of 18 persons during these deployments.

I am further advised that there has been a small number of complaints regarding over-flying by the Garda helicopter to date in 2006. One complaint was received, in recent days, from a resident in the North Central Division, relating to the noise of a Helicopter. At that time the helicopter was assisting in the DMR North Central with the investigation of a serious road traffic collision involving a child. The Superintendent with responsibility for the GASU spoke directly to the individual concerned and explained in full the details of the operation.

It is Garda policy to minimise noise pollution by Garda aircraft to the greatest extent possible. However, as the Deputy can appreciate, it is not always possible to do so for operational reasons.

Visa Applications.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

550 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant an extension to a holiday visa for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27460/06]

The person concerned was granted a C visit visa to enter the State for a period of three months. It now appears that she is seeking an extension of her permission to remain in the State. An examination of the papers in relation to the case indicates that the person concerned sought an extension of her C Visit Visa with the Immigration Division of my Department and was refused. Notification of this decision issued on the 28th June 2006.

A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted. Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete.

A C Visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. The person concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State should she wish to return. She should include in her new visa application the purpose and duration of her intended stay.

Departmental Correspondence.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

551 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will be taking in relation to correspondence received from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27462/06]

It is my intention to reply to the correspondence in question shortly.

Asylum Applications.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

552 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27526/06]

The person in question made a family reunification application in June 2005. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Garda Deployment.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

553 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí based in each Garda station in the North Tipperary area for the years 2002 to date in 2006; if he intends to increase the numbers in any location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27528/06]

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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda Station in the 3 Garda Districts of North Tipperary as at 31 December, 2002-2005, inclusively, and as at 4 July, 2006 was as set out in the table.

Stations

31/12/02

31/12/03

31/12/04

31/12/05

4/07/06

Thurles

62

59

63

67

67

Ballingarry South

1

1

1

1

1

Holycross

2

2

1

1

1

Killenaule

2

3

2

2

1

Ballinure

Johnstown

2

2

2

1

1

Urlingford

2

2

2

2

2

Littleton

1

1

1

1

1

Nenagh

32

32

32

30

33

Ballingarry North

1

Borrisokane

5

5

5

4

4

Cloughjordan

2

1

1

1

1

Dolla

1

1

1

1

1

Portroe

2

2

2

2

2

Toomevara

1

2

2

2

2

Ballinderry/ Terryglass

1

1

1

1

1

Templemore

26

26

25

24

27

Templetuohy

1

1

1

1

1

Roscrea

18

19

18

19

19

Moyne

2

2

2

2

2

Templederry

2

1

1

1

1

Borrisoleigh

2

2

1

1

1

Shevry

1

1

1

1

Moneygall

1

1

1

1

1

In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

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.

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 North Tipperary will be given the fullest consideration.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

554 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the continuing refusal of the British Government to initiate a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane and therefore into the activities of the Force Research Unit, he has satisfied himself that he has received all potentially relevant information from the British authorities in the North and the PSNI regarding the 1991 murder of Councillor Eddie Fullerton and the possible involvement of the Force Research Unit in that murder. [27532/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

555 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the emerging evidence of special branch informers within loyalist paramilitaries, he has satisfied himself that he has received all potentially relevant information from the British authorities in the North and the PSNI regarding the 1991 murder of Councillor Eddie Fullerton and the possible involvement of special branch in that murder. [27533/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

556 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the reply given by him over a year ago to a parliamentary question from Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh which stated that the Garda review of the investigation into the 1991 murder of Councillor Eddie Fullerton was drawing to a close, he will make that review available to his family and if he will make a statement on its findings. [27534/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 to 556, inclusive, together.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 1 February, 2006. The extensive Garda review of the case was substantively completed in March 2005, at which point I received an interim report from the Garda authorities. Nothing has emerged as a result of that Garda review which would justify the holding of an inquiry, public or private, into the murder. I caused this and other information to be communicated in writing to both the solicitor acting on behalf of the victim's family and directly to a family member in October and November 2005, respectively. I do not propose to publish or otherwise release the interim Garda report.

In relation to the outstanding matter of a mutual assistance request made of the British authorities, this has not yet been executed. However, I understand that the Garda Síochána has been in direct contact with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and that the Garda authorities anticipate that all information sought will be made available in due course. I have already given a commitment to the family's solicitor and a family member that I will be in further contact with the solicitor as soon as all additional information is available and has been assessed and a final Garda report submitted to me.

I can assure the Deputy that the Garda investigation into the murder remains open and that any further lines of inquiry arising from new information from whatever quarter will be actively pursued by the Garda Síochána.

Finally, the Government remains committed, in close co-operation with the Finucane family, to seeking to secure the holding of a full public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. Moreover, the Government remains concerned about persistent reports of collusion between security forces and paramilitaries in Northern Ireland, and these issues are consistently raised with the British Government.

Proposed Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

557 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when legislation will be brought in regarding the categorisation of attacks on emergency personnel, an increase in penalties for people convicted of attacks on emergency personnel, and plans for the implementation of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27582/06]

As the Deputy will be aware the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which has been passed by both Houses makes specific provisions in relation to attacks on emergency workers. Section 185 of the Bill amends section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 in order to apply the existing offence of assaulting or obstructing a peace officer (or any person assisting them) to other emergency workers. Section 185 of the Criminal Justice Bill expands the current definition of ‘peace officer' which is a member of the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces or prison officers acting in the execution of their duty, to include members of the fire brigade and ambulance personnel in order to put them on the same footing as, for example, the Gardaí and give them the same protection.

In addition the Bill further amends section 19 in order to create specific offences of threatening, assaulting, resisting, wilfully obstructing or impeding doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, other health service workers and any persons assisting them in or at a hospital.

The penalties in relation to an offence under section 19 of the 1994 Act are also being increased. The maximum penalty on indictment for assault or threats to commit assault will be a fine and/or 7 years imprisonment, up from 5 years. The penalty on summary conviction will be a fine of up to €5,000 (currently £1,000) and/or 12 months imprisonment. With regard to the offence of wilful obstruction or impeding health service workers the maximum penalty on summary conviction will be a fine of €2,500 (currently £500) and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Although the law already provides for a range of assault type offences, for example, under the Non-fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997, I believe the special demands of acting in an emergency situation necessitate explicit statutory protection for this essential group of workers and those assisting them. That is why I brought forward my proposals to extend the existing offences relating to assaulting or obstructing peace officers to other workers providing emergency services. I am pleased that the Houses have agreed my proposals. I intend to commence these provisions without delay once the Bill has been signed by the President.

Crime Prevention.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

558 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a definitive, cross-Departmental strategy is being developed to address and combat the increasing numbers and severity of attacks on emergency personnel; the elements of this strategy; the timeframe which has been set for the development of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27583/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in recent times there have been three incidents of a particularly serious nature involving attacks on emergency personnel. These incidents are being actively investigated by the Garda authorities, and a person has been arrested and charged in respect of one of these incidents.

In October 2000 Gardaí met Dublin Fire Brigade personnel regarding the issue of Garda response to fire brigade personnel under attack or threat of attack. This resulted in an action plan being drawn up to ensure a rapid and effective response to deal with incidents where Dublin Fire Brigade personnel find themselves under attack or threat of attack. I am assured by the Garda authorities that there is a good working relationship between the Garda authorities and the Dublin Fire Brigade service, with immediate assistance and support provided to the service when requested.

Garda Deployment.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

559 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are stationed in South Tipperary towns (details supplied); the number of extra gardaí who have been allocated to each town listed since 2002; the number of gardaí who have been taken away from each town listed since 2002, and the number of gardaí who are located in each of the towns per thousand citizens. [27584/06]

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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Clonmel, Carrick-On-Suir, Tipperary Town, Cahir, Fethard and Cashel Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2002 and 4 July, 2006 is as set out in the table. The table also sets out the population of each of the towns in question based on figures from the 2002 Census of Population.

Station

31/12/2002

4/07/2006

Pop.

Clonmel

39

45

20,129

Carrick-On-Suir

16

16

7,284

Tipperary Town

30

32

7,999

Cahir

25

30

5,125

Fethard

3

2

3,857

Cashel

12

14

5,030

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.

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 towns referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.

Garda Stations.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

560 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in South Tipperary which are without a full-time Garda presence; and the stations where this is the case. [27585/06]

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.

I have been further informed that the Garda Stations in South Tipperary as shown in the tables have Garda members attached to the Station and are open for specified hours on a weekly basis, but are not open to the public on a 24-hour basis. Where personnel in Sub-District Stations are not available, Gardaí attached to the relevant District Headquarters Station patrol the Sub-District and attend to calls requiring attention.

Clonmel District

Fethard

Mullinahone

Kilsheelan

Piltown

Grangemockler

Cahir District

Ardfinnan

Ballyporeen

Clogheen

New Inn

Tipperary Town District

Bansha

Cappawhite

Doon

Dundrum

Golden

Oola

Emly

Galbally

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.

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 South Tipperary will be given the fullest consideration.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

561 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in South Tipperary which have closed since 1997; and the number which are due to be closed in the coming five years. [27586/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there have been no Garda Stations closed in the Garda Districts of Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary in South Tipperary since 1997. I have been further informed that there are currently no plans to close any Garda Stations in the Tipperary Division.

Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 531.

Decentralisation Programme.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

563 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made on the decentralisation of sections of his Department to Tipperary town. [27588/06]

The timetable for my Department's decentralisation programme has been published in the most recent Report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group to the Minister for Finance, dated 30 June 2005. The programme runs from 2004 to 2009.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Private Security Authority has been up and running in Tipperary Town since October, 2004. A further 186 posts from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) are also scheduled to move in 2008 and a site for this office in the town has been identified. The Office of Public Works have informed me that the contracts are now in place and it is expected that the sale of the site will close shortly.

Asylum Support Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

564 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an accommodation transfer request will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27669/06]

In June 2005 the family mentioned in the Question were accommodated in Birchwood House in Waterford. They made a request for a transfer to more suitable accommodation supported by documentation from a clinical psychologist. They were subsequently transferred to Mosney Accommodation Centre. In June 2006 the Reception and Integration Agency received a request to transfer to self-catering accommodation again supported by the original documentation. A reply issued on 30th June 2006 requesting an up to date consultant's or registrar's report.

Further medical documentation, when received, will be considered by a medical referee who will assess the requirement for self-catering accommodation. The Reception and Integration Agency has a limited supply of self catering accommodation within its portfolio and there are currently a number of families who are awaiting placement at such centres.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

565 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to refuse an application by a person (details supplied) to have their Irish born child named on their travel documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27671/06]

The person in question was granted refugee status in the State. His son was not included in his application for asylum and as such was not granted refugee status. As the child does not have refugee status he cannot be included on the person in question's 1951 UN Convention travel document.

It is open to the person in question to make an application for a travel document on behalf of his son. Such an application would be considered with due regard to the particular circumstances in this case.

Crime Prevention.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

566 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in this country or throughout the EU, efforts are being made to deter the use of the internet for the pursuit of child pornography or people trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27672/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 381 (ref: 26719/06) of the 5th July 2006.

Private Security Services.

Damien English

Ceist:

567 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the high costs involved in obtaining certification under the I.S. EN 50131 Part 1997 Certification Scheme for intrusion system; if this cost is excessive and could prevent certain entrants due to the high costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27674/06]

From 1 August, 2006, all contractors installing intruder alarm systems will require a Private Security Authority (PSA) licence to continue providing this security service. The PSA is a statutory agency of this Department with responsibility for the licensing and regulation of the private security industry in this State under the provisions of the Private Security Services Act, 2004.

All licences issued by the PSA are underpinned by standards. The standard for issue of an installer of intruder alarms licence is EN 50131. Certification for EN50131 may be obtained from an accredited certification body, all of which are listed on the PSA website at www.psa.gov.ie. The issue of certification fees is a matter for these bodies and not for this Department.

Retirement Age.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

568 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has given due consideration to extending the retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána to 60; if he accepts that such an approach would provide an additional pool of experienced officers at little cost because of deferment of pension costs; and if he now proposes to make this change. [27675/06]

The current position is that members of ranks in the Garda Síochána up to and including Inspector, who were recruited to the Force prior to 1 April, 2004, must retire at 57 years of age. Members recruited after that date may serve until 60, subject to an annual check after the age of 55 on fitness to serve.

In the context of the establishment of a Garda Reserve, I have said that I see merit in considering an increase in the retirement age of pre-2004 members of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector ranks from 57 to 60 to facilitate the supervision and mentoring of reserve members by members of those ranks. I will be discussing this with the Commissioner in finalising preparations for the establishment of the Reserve.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

569 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27705/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. However, I am advised that the finalisation of the cases referred to by the Deputy must await the outcome of judicial review proceedings.

Crime Levels.

John Deasy

Ceist:

570 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of armed robberies that have taken place in the city and county of Waterford every year from 2000 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27757/06]

I am 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.

Garda Deployment.

John Deasy

Ceist:

571 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in the Dungarvan district every year from 2000 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

572 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of An Garda Síochána stationed in the Tramore District every year from 2000 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27759/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

573 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of An Garda Síochána stationed in the Waterford City District every year from 2000 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27761/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

581 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardai that were stationed in the City and County of Waterford for each year from 2000 through to the present number in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

583 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí serving in the City and County of Waterford for each of the years from 1997 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27855/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 to 573, inclusive, 581 and 583 together.

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.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength of each Garda District in the Waterford/ Kilkenny Division as at 31 December 1997-2005, inclusively, and as at 4 July, 2006 was as set out in the following table:

District

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

4/7/06

Waterford

130

142

142

138

144

145

150

149

147

160

Dungarvan

43

43

47

48

49

49

47

48

47

51

Tramore

34

34

36

37

39

38

37

41

42

41

Kilkenny

66

69

68

75

79

77

79

78

73

80

Thomastown

33

34

34

34

35

34

33

34

34

35

Total

306

322

327

332

346

343

346

350

343

367

This represents an increase of 61 (or 20%) in the number of Garda personnel assigned to the Waterford/ Kilkenny Division during that period.

In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

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.

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 8 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 Waterford/Kilkenny Division will be given the fullest consideration.

Garda Investigations.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

574 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a Garda investigation into missing files at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; if such an investigation has taken or is taking place; if it has been completed; if actions have been taken on foot of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27768/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a full Garda investigation into missing files at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth was previously carried out and a file forwarded to the Law Officers. The Law Officers directed that there should be no prosecution.

The subsequent report of Judge Harding Clarke has been examined by the Gardaí with a view to ascertaining if the enquiry has identified any other area that should be examined in order to advance the criminal investigation. One area has been identified and investigations concerning this matter are currently being conducted.

Asylum Support Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

575 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers housed in the city and county of Waterford in each year from 2000 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/06]

The information sought in this question is not compiled on a city or county basis. Accordingly it is not readily available and cannot be supplied from existing records within the time allowed for this PQ. The information requested is being specially compiled, insofar as it is possible to do so while avoiding the use of disproportionate resources, and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

576 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27788/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to the Revised Book of Estimates for 2006, specifically Votes 19 to 23, which set out in some detail the allocations to the principal bodies and agencies operating under my Department's aegis. In the case of certain of the smaller entities, a specific subhead is not provided for and in many of these cases any expenditure arising will be subsumed within the Department's overall budget.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

577 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27802/06]

I can inform the Deputy that the following State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are affected by the recent increase in non-executive Chairpersons' fees:

Private Security Authority

National Disability Authority

Equality Authority

Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime

Internet Advisory Board

Land Registry and Registry of Deeds

Legal Aid Board

Garda Síochána Complaints Board

Parole Board

The Deputy may also wish to note that, although the Children's Act Monitoring Committee is one of the bodies listed in the recent Department of Finance circular on this subject, the Committee is currently chaired by an Assistant Garda Commissioner, who does not receive additional remuneration for this role. Similarly, the Courts Service, although listed as one of the bodies affected, is chaired by the Chief Justice, who also does not receive additional remuneration for this role.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

578 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27822/06]

One entity established under my Department's aegis since 1997 was described as a taskforce — the Youth Justice Taskforce.

The remit of the taskforce was to: examine the scope for rationalising and restructuring the State's youth justice services; carry out an analytical review and scoping exercise, nationally and internationally; consult with relevant Departments, Government Agencies and Non-governmental bodies; examine developments at national and international level with a focus on youth crime and appropriate interventions; make recommendations for any reforms for the delivery of a seamless service in the youth justice area.

In October 2004 the Government endorsed a joint initiative by myself and the Minister for Children to set up an internal project team to review the Irish youth justice system which was to report by Summer 2005. The team was headed by Ms. Sylda Langford, now Director General of the Office of the Minister for Children, and comprised a small number of officials from my Department. The taskforce completed its work and submitted its report in 2005. Following examination of its recommendations by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and a subsequent submission to the Government, the report was published in January 2006.

The Deputy may also wish to refer to previous Parliamentary Questions regarding working groups and other such groups, for example, Parliamentary Question Number 305 of 17 May, 2005.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

579 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases handled by the Probation Service from 2000 to date in 2006; and the number of staff employed by the Probation Service for the same period. [27830/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of cases handled by the Probation Service from 2000 to date in 2006 are as set out in the tables. The Deputy should be aware that the statistics for 2005 are subject to review due to refinements and upgrading currently underway on the case tracking system of the Probation Service. The final outturns for 2005 are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The Deputy should also be aware that the figures for 2006 to date are provisional.

Reports Prepared for Courts

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Pre-Sanction Reports

5,617

4,881

5,056

5,101

6,130

6,385

3,505

Community Service Reports

1,732

1,467

1,560

1,541

1,307

2,040

1,287

Victim Reports

52

64

57

60

78

64

40

Total number of reports

7,401

6,412

6,673

6,702

7,515

8,489

4,832

Supervision Undertaken

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Probation Order

1,345

1,228

1,265

1,217

1,878

1,274

887

Community Service Order

998

756

916

893

843

1,167

850

Post Release Supervision

116

118

155

207

129

81

99

Supervision during deferment of penalty

2,625

2,373

2,334

3,048

5,623

5,230

2,100

Total

5,084

4,475

4,670

5,365

8,473

7,752

3,936

The total number of staff employed by the Probation Service for the same period was as follows:

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Total Number Serving *

247.00

307.5

328.5

329.1

341.2

342.88

357.26

*It should be noted that these figures are inclusive of administrative staff.

In addition to the Service currently employs 79 Community Service Supervisors 23 of whom are employed on a full-time basis.

Garda Equipment.

John Deasy

Ceist:

580 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of hand-held devices to record penalty points offences held by Gardaí in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27835/06]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 11 hand-held devices allocated to Gardai in the following Garda Districts in Waterford:

Total

Waterford City

6

Dungarvan

3

Tramore

2

Question No. 581 answered with Question No. 571.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

John Deasy

Ceist:

582 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the proposed closed circuit television systems for Waterford City and Dungarvan are to be installed and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27851/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions No. 577 and 578 of Tuesday, 4 July, 2006.

Question No. 583 answered with Question No. 571.

Crime Prevention.

John Deasy

Ceist:

584 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of active support for Neighbourhood Watch initiatives across Waterford City; the number of active committees which are working currently with the Gardaí; the approximate proportion of the city covered by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27861/06]

Neighbourhood Watch was established in 1985 as a crime prevention measure for urban areas. There are approximately 2,600 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in operation throughout the country. Since its establishment, the Garda authorities have sought to encourage the active participation of the public in Neighbourhood Watch by encouraging and supporting communities to establish and maintain such initiatives. An Garda Síochána has been a strategic partner in driving and supporting Neighbourhood Watch through its Community Relations Section and local Garda management, and has deployed Crime Prevention Officers and Liaison Gardaí to assist schemes.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are approximately 30 active Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Waterford City, which cover most of the city. All of these schemes are actively supported by the Garda Síochána.

Drug Seizures.

John Deasy

Ceist:

585 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amounts and estimated value of drug seizures in the City and County of Waterford in each of the past five years to 2005. [27866/06]

It has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Crime Levels.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

586 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics in each area (details supplied) for each years since 2000 under each headline, including the total number recorded and detected; the way in which these figures compare nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27934/06]

Headline crime statistics for the years 2000 to 2005 for the Garda Divisions of Tipperary and Clare, which include the Garda Districts of Thurles, Templemore, Nenagh, Tipperary, and Killaloe, are contained in the relevant Garda Annual Reports. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Visa Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

587 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received representations from a person (details supplied) with regard to their application for a visa; the status of this application; and the further information they are required to provide. [27935/06]

My Department has no record of a current application in respect of the person in question.

Garda Equipment.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

588 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to allocate cycle equipment to Shankill Garda Station; if he will give details of such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27936/06]

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.

I have been further informed that there is currently one (1) Mountain bike allocated to Shankill Garda Station and two (2) members of An Garda Síochána have been trained and are fully equipped to utilise this bike within the Sub-District.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

589 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of all cycle equipment provided to the Garda stations in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown since January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27937/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that since January, 2003 the number of Garda Mountain Bikes allocated to the Garda Stations concerned was as set out in the following table:

Station

Bikes

Dún Laoghaire

2

Bray

2

Shankill

1

Blackrock

2

Dundrum

1

Stepaside

1

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

590 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider making cycle training a compulsory part of training for every member of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27938/06]

Mountain Bike Units are engaged in mainstream policing, in conjunction with the Community Policing Units, concentrating on areas such as parks and laneways, which are more easily accessed by such transport and supplement beat and other mobile patrols. The Mountain Bike Units have been very successful in tackling anti-social disorderly behaviour in local parks and estates. They work well in conjunction with other Units due to their ability to respond quickly and effectively and provide a high visibility presence.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that arrangements are in place for training in the use of Garda mountain bikes to be delivered nationally. I am not aware that the Commissioner has any plans to make cycle training a compulsory part of training for every member of An Garda Síochána.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

591 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when anti-stab vests will be distributed to all members of An Garda Síochána as promised some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27939/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 557 of Tuesday, 4 July, 2006.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

592 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to provide pepper spray to all members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27940/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 558 of Tuesday, 4 July, 2006.

Missing Persons.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

593 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the funding application submitted by the Missing in Ireland Support Service for €71,000 to establish, staff and operate a helpline for missing persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27941/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 436 to 443, inclusive and 445 and 446 together which were answered on 20 June 2006 in which I advised that I had established a new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime in March 2005 to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and to disburse funding for victim support measures.

I take it that the request to me to reconsider the funding application submitted by the Missing in Ireland Support Service for €71,000 as mentioned in the question refers to the funding application made by that organisation to the Commission for the Support for Victims of Crime rather than to any application made to me or my Department.

I am advised that the Commission received a funding application in April 2005 from Missing in Ireland Support Service for €71,600 to establish, staff and operate a helpline for missing persons. After careful consideration of the application the Commission decided to offer funding of €25,000. However, this offer was rejected by the Missing in Ireland Support Service. No request was made to the Commission from Missing in Ireland Support Service to reconsider the funding allocated in 2005. The funding allocation from the Commission for 2005 was fully allocated in that year. It should be borne in mind in this context that the Commission is charged with funding support services for victims of crime, and that, while some persons who are missing are crime victims, most are not.

I am also advised that the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime in April, 2006 invited applications from organisations providing services to victims of crime, for a funding allocation for 2006. It was open to the Missing in Ireland Support organisation to make such an application. I am advised that no application has been received by the Commission to date.

I understand that although the closing date for applications has passed, if the Missing in Ireland Support Service organisation wished to make a late application and make a case for the allocation of some funding for 2006 from the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, any such application would be carefully considered on its own merits by the Commission.

I should point out that the Commission is entirely independent in the performance of its functions and I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment or intervene in any way with a decision taken by the Commission in relation to the allocation of funding.

As indicated in an earlier Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 23 March 2006 it remained open to Missing in Ireland Support Service to make an application to my Department for assistance if it so wished. As I understand it no request for funding by Missing in Ireland Support Service has been made to my Department to date. If my Department is approached with a good business case and tight financing proposals, the proposal will be carefully considered on its merit.

Garda Ombudsman.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

594 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe in which the Garda Ombudsman Commission will commence its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27942/06]

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commissioners were appointed by the President on 10 February 2006, following nomination by the Government and recommendations by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Commission is in a preparatory stage at present. I understand that the initial work of the Commission has involved study visits to their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK and initial meetings with the various stakeholders involved in the Garda complaints system, such as Garda management, the Garda representative bodies and officials of my Department.

This process is aimed at enabling the Commission to establish principles regarding its approach to investigating complaints and to work on the development of operational protocols with the Garda Síochána. Consultations are also on-going between the Commissioners, my Department and the Department of Finance in regard to staffing matters. The Commission is aiming to be in a position to receive complaints as soon as possible in 2007.

Prison Accommodation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

595 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the number of recommendations of the Inspector of Prisons (details supplied) in his report on St Patrick’s Institution which have been implemented to date; if he will give a timetable for implementation of the recommendations that have yet to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27943/06]

The Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention report on St Patrick's Institution contained 14 recommendations.

Eight of these have been implemented. Two of the remaining recommendations, i.e. that remand inmates be kept separate from convicted inmates, and that St Patrick's be replaced with a new building which has proper open space, playing fields, activities and regimes suitable for the age group, will be achieved through the development of the proposed new prison complex at Thornton, County Dublin.

The remaining four recommendations relate to the opening of the new workshops and the B Division facilities. An enhanced industrial staffing structure for the newly refurbished workshops has been agreed. The agreed structure comprises of an Industrial Manager, four Industrial Supervisors and twelve Assistant Industrial Supervisors. Arrangements to fill the posts in question are now in train. The Industrial Manager has already been appointed while the four Industrial Supervisors will be in position shortly. Of the twelve Assistant Industrial Supervisors, three are already in place. The remaining vacancies will be filled by way of internal competitions over the coming weeks.

With regard to the B Division, talks have recently commenced regarding staffing and regimes issues between management at St Patrick's Institution, the local branch of the Prison Officers' Association and the Irish Prison Service.

Stardust Disaster.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

596 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on investigating the new evidence presented by the Stardust relatives and in meeting their other requests. [27950/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has indicated on several occasions that it would arrange for the expert examination of any further submission that the Stardust Victims Committee chooses to make. I understand that such a submission has in fact now been submitted to the Taoiseach's office within the last day and I will consider this question further as soon I receive a copy.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

597 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to provide closed circuit television for Castlebar town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27951/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

601 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to provide closed circuit television for Castlebar Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 601 together.

Castlebar is one of the 17 remaining locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme. As part of this programme 17 Garda Town Centre CCTV Systems will be implemented in the following locations: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford City.

As I indicated previously I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of this CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector.

I am informed that the Garda authorities are currently finalising a comprehensive and detailed Request for Tender (RFT) for the outsourced service provision of these 17 Garda CCTV systems, including Castlebar. Once finalised, this RFT will be subject to a peer review process by the Department of Finance. My Department and the Garda authorities have consulted with the Department of Finance with a view to preparing for the required peer review process in respect of this procurement. Following the successful conclusion of this review it is intended to issue the Request for Tender.

My ambition is to have a Garda CCTV system operating in Castlebar and in the other 16 locations at the earliest opportunity, subject to compliance with relevant procurement legislation and procedures.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

598 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTE radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27968/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 405 (ref: 27037/06) yesterday, Wednesday, 5 July, which sets out the Department's expenditure of the type in question. Information regarding the breakdown of payments under the headings listed by the Deputy is not readily available and could not be collated without the allocation of a disproportionate amount of staff time.

Visa Applications.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

599 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 9 February 2006, if he will provide an update on the application; if he will expedite the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27983/06]

I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 171 on 9 February 2006 that the application of the person referred to would be processed in or around the end of 2007. Due to the increasing volume of applications being received, it may well be early 2008 before the application of the person concerned is dealt with.

There are over 6,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the individual concerned. The Deputy has not put forward any reasons why I should give consideration to dealing with the application of the individual concerned before the other applications on hands. Consequently, I do not consider it appropriate to expedite the case in question.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

600 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant residency to persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/06]

The persons concerned arrived in the State on 1 October, 2001 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, they were informed by letters dated 13 May, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. 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 file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Question No. 601 answered with Question No. 597.

Visa Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

602 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the data requested by the Immigrant Council of Ireland in a letter dated 14 September 2005 regarding family reunification, has been made available; if he will supply the requested information; if not, the steps he is taking to improve data collection so that such information can be made available. [28073/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy of the current policy regarding family reunification. He will be aware that at present there is no specific legislation governing family reunification for migrants who are not refugees. There is a set of administrative procedures in place for non-refugees. There was a review of the provisions regarding family reunification for migrant workers in February of this year and the current arrangements for the processing of such applications are as follows: a non-EEA national who is not visa required and is working in the State on an employment permit or under the work authorisation scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and working in the State under the Working Visa Scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and is working on an employment permit and working in an occupation included in the working visa/work authorisation scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and is working in the State on an employment permit may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) on condition that he/she has been working here for at least 12 months and is likely to remain so for a similar period, i.e. the work permit has been renewed. The earnings criteria which apply to such applications are detailed on my Department's website.

Data is not currently collated in a manner which would allow my Department to provide definitive figures in this area. I will be considering the issue of family reunification in the context of the forthcoming Immigration and Residence Bill. Work is at an advanced stage in INIS on the delivery of a number of major IT projects which will substantially enhance the area of data collection.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

603 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used in determining whether to grant a visa for family reunification; the specific criteria and guidelines used in determining whether to grant a visa for family visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28074/06]

Comprehensive information and guidelines outlining the visa application process and the documentation required for family reunification and, indeed, all visa types can be found on my Department's website at www.justice.ie.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

604 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used to determine if someone has sufficient finances to allow them to be joined by a family member on holiday; the criteria and guidelines used for residency purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28075/06]

Comprehensive information on all visa types can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Details of the documentation required to establish that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to finance the duration of the proposed stay are contained therein.

Further in relation to those applicants who intend to reside in Ireland the criteria set by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for Family Income Supplement Payment (FIS) is used. The criteria, which may change from time to time, are available on that Department's website www.welfare.ie/publications/sw22.html.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

605 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used to determine whether someone has the potential to overstay their visa; the proof or assurances needed to allow them to join a family member on holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28076/06]

Comprehensive information on making a holiday visa application is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Details of the evidence required by the applicant, to establish a commitment to return home after the proposed visit, is contained therein.

Crime Levels.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

606 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Tullamore area of County Offaly for the years 2000 to 2005 under each headline including the total recorded and detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

607 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Edenderry area of County Offaly for the years 2000 to 2005 under each headline, including the total recorded and detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

608 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Portlaoise area of County Laois for the years 2000 to 2005 under each headline; including total recorded and detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

609 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Abbeyleix area of County Laois for the years 2000 to 2005 under each headline; including the total recorded and detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 606 to 609, inclusive, together.

Headline crime statistics for the years 2000 to 2005 for the Garda Division of Laois/Offaly, which includes the Garda Districts of Abbeyleix, Portlaoise and Tullamore, are contained in the relevant Garda Annual Reports. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library. Edenderry is a sub-District of Tullamore Garda District.

Visa Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

610 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain here by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28110/06]

The Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in correspondence with the person concerned requesting documentation regarding his current position in the State. On receipt of this documentation his case will be further considered.

Crime Levels.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

611 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been arrested or convicted in the Dublin area in the past three years for providing or paying for prostitution services; the breakdown by geographical area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/06]

I am 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.

Visa Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

612 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government policy or policies which are referred to or affected when a visa application for a family member’s visit is refused or an application for family reunification is denied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28112/06]

A Visit Visa is refused only when the applicant does not meet the specific criteria necessary. The requirements are clearly outlined in my Department's website www.justice.ie

Family Reunification applications for refugees are examined as required by section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 and a decision is made based on the criteria contained within its provisions. An information leaflet on Family Reunification is also available on my Department's website.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

613 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the position of a person (details supplied) in County Galway regarding their application to remain here. [28113/06]

I would refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 325 of Tuesday, 9 May, 2006; 193 of Thursday, 18 May, 2006; 200 of Thursday, 29 June, 2006; and 582 & 599 of Tuesday, 4 July, 2006. The position is unchanged.

The person in question consented, in writing, to the making of deportation orders in respect of her and her children. A decision in this case will issue in the near future.

The person referred to by the Deputy is a citizen of Brazil and is not visa required to enter this State. As a non-visa required national seeking to work in Ireland, the applicant is advised to refer to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's website (www.entemp.ie) for details of the Work Authorisation and Work Permit Schemes, under which the applicant may be eligible for consideration.

Family Law Cases.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

614 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a report on trends in decisions in family law cases has been presented to him; and if he will provide details of the findings. [28114/06]

I assume the Deputy is referring to any outcomes under provisions in the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 which allow for the reporting of family law court proceedings and for persons approved for such purposes to attend and be present at family law court sittings.

I am informed that the Court Service, in the context of its proposal to commence family law reporting arrangements on a pilot basis in a selected number of High, Circuit and District Courts, has recently invited proposals from suitable persons for the provision of family law reports, judgments, trends and other statistical information in those courts. I look forward to reports etc being made available in due course.

As the Deputy may be aware, I relaxed the in camera rule on 1 July 2005 by making the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 40(3)) Regulations 2005 (S. I. No. 337 of 2005) which allow certain classes of persons to attend family court sittings, subject to Ministerial approval, in order to draw up and publish reports. Approval is subject to certain safeguards including a requirement that the parties to a case or any relevant child would not be identifiable. Under the scheme, I have already approved several persons engaged in family law research who were nominated by a body specified in the Schedule to S.I. No. 337 of 2005 and while I have not yet received any reports on this basis I expect to do so in due course.

Court Sittings.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

615 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the present network of night and weekend Courts that are in place; if he is of the opinion that they are adequate to the needs. [28115/06]

At present, the District Court in Dublin sits each Saturday and on Bank Holidays. Provincial District Courts sit outside of normal hours at weekends and at night to deal with emergency matters, as required. Experience of the operation of court sittings continues to be reviewed. This is being done in conjunction with legislative measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the courts. I have in this context provided in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 for the use of a fixed penalties procedure in relation to certain public order offences which will reduce the need to bring offenders before the courts.

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

616 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost, additional to normal expenditure of Operation Anvil for the first six months of 2006. [28116/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of Operation Anvil for 2006 (up to 30 June) is €7,206,309.

I can assure the House that I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that all of the measures and resources required for Operation Anvil are made available.

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

617 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 18 May 2006 if he will ask the Garda Authorities to review this matter as local residents and the local neighbourhood watch group are adamant that they have made regular complaints to the Gardaí on the matter. [28117/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that further examination of their records has established that a number of complaints were made to Gardaí on patrol duty in the area concerned. The error is regretted. These complaints were immediately addressed by the Gardaí, resulting in 14 arrests to date this year.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that in order to maintain a visible Garda presence in the area concerned it is regularly patrolled by uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí supplemented by Divisional Crime Task Force, Mountain Bike and Community Policing Units. Additional Garda patrols are planned by local Garda management during the summer to prevent and detect incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area concerned.

Community Service Orders.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

618 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community service projects that were in operation in 2005; the number of supervisors operating these projects; the number of probation and welfare officers carrying CSO caseloads. [28118/06]

The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 provides for the performance of unpaid work in the community by a person who is 16 years or over, who has been convicted of an offence, for which the appropriate penalty would be an immediate custodial sentence and who has given his/her consent to the Court.

I can advise the Deputy that during 2005 the Probation Service operated 122 Community Service projects throughout the country. The number of Community Service Supervisors employed in the same period was 20 full time officers and 59 part time officers. I can further advise that during the same period 103 Probation Officers were involved with community service clients.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

619 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the distribution of the 595 community service orders by type of community service project and by the duration of the work specified in the order. [28119/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question number 259 of the 17th May, 2006.

As I indicated in that reply, persons the subject of Community Service Orders are engaged on a range of unpaid work for the benefit of the community. I am advised by the Director of the Probation Service that it is possible for a person to be transferred between projects during the course of completing their hours under a community service order and it is therefore not possible to provide the statistics in the manner requested by the Deputy.

As the Deputy is already aware the range of work generally carried out by those on community service includes painting, decorating, landscaping, clearing/maintenance of community facilities (indoor and outdoor) restoration or enhancement of existing facilities such as community centres, youth clubs, grass cutting and cleaning graveyards.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

620 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons on community service orders in 2005 and who completed the full number of hours specified in the order. [28120/06]

The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 provides for the performance of unpaid work in the community by a person who is 16 years or over, who has been convicted of an offence, for which the appropriate penalty would be an immediate custodial sentence and who has given his/her consent to the Court.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of community service orders made during 2005 was 1,167. As the Deputy will be aware, section 7(2) of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 allows an offender, in respect of whom a community service order is made, twelve months to complete his/her specified hours beginning on the date an Order was made. During 2005, I can confirm that of the 1,167 orders made a total of 449 persons completed the full number of hours specified in their Order. This figure of 449 does not include situations where orders were carried forward to 2006 or revoked.

Data Protection Act.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

621 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if provision was made for the registration of the Houses of the Oireachtas for the purposes to meeting the requirements under the Data Protection Act; if this will require further registration by individual members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28121/06]

Under section 16 of the Data Protection Act 1988, certain categories of data controller are required formally to register with the Data Protection Commissioner. This requirement currently applies to public representatives who retain sensitive personal data relating to identifiable individuals. However, section 16 of the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 makes provision for revised registration requirements. In particular, it provides that registration will not apply to categories of data controller specified in regulations to be made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform following consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner.

I have recently approved the drafting of new registration regulations and they are currently being prepared by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. They will provide, inter alia, that candidates for and holders of elective political office who process personal data for the purpose of electoral activities or for the purpose of providing advice or assistance will be exempt from registration.

It should be noted that the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 apply to all data controllers whether or not they are required formally to register with the Data Protection Commissioner.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

622 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28122/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 20 June 2006 to his Parliamentary Question No. 397 and advise that the position remains unchanged. It should be noted that no reply to the request for further information from the legal representatives of the person concerned has been received to date.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

623 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to refuse refugee status or grant extended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28123/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 19 December, 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 8 September, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

This person's case file, 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 file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

624 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application to remain here by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28126/06]

The first named person in the details supplied by the Deputy applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

It is a requirement under this scheme that each applicant is the parent of an Irish child born before 1 January 2005. The first named person did not provide evidence of being the parent of an Irish born child. On this basis, his application for permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme was refused. The first named person was notified of this decision on 14 November 2005. When the first named person's immigration status is being reviewed, he will then have an opportunity to make representations as to his continued presence in the State.

The second named person in the details supplied was granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child in August 2002.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

625 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant permission for renewal of application for naturalisation in the care of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [28127/06]

The first named applicant arrived in the State on 10 July 2003 and applied for asylum on 11 July 2003. She was granted refugee status on 14 September 2004. The second named applicant arrived in the State on 8 November 2003, applied for asylum on 11 November 2003 and was granted refugee status on 12 August 2004. Both persons applied for certificates of naturalisation on 28 January 2005.

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

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

As there were no circumstances apparent in either application which would lead me to depart from the general policy outlined above, I decided to refuse the applications based on the fact that the applicants were not in the State three years at the time of the application. The reason for my refusal was disclosed to the first and second named applicants in the letters of 22 November 2005 and 19 October 2005 respectively informing them of my decision.

Assuming that both individuals have been resident in the State continuously since their arrival here in 2003, the first named person will have the necessary residency on 11 July 2006. The second named person will have the necessary residence on 8 November 2006. If the two persons concerned decide to submit new applications in the future, any such applications will be considered against the statutory and administrative provisions in operation at the time the applications are submitted.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

626 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reopen the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in view of the unconvincing declaration from UNHCR in regard to their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28128/06]

As I stated to the Deputy in my answer to his previous Parliamentary Question 23282/06 answered on the 15 June 2006, information became available to my Department which raised serious doubts as to whether the daughter of the person concerned was a minor at the date of application for family reunification.

As part of an investigation into this matter the daughter was interviewed in 2005 when it was concluded that she was in fact more than 18 years of age at the date of application.

A conclusion was reached therefore that the person previously approved for a visa could not have been a minor daughter of the person concerned at the date application for family reunification. Without substantial new information I see no reason to review this decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

627 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in respect of the application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28129/06]

The person in question made a family reunification application on behalf of his wife and daughter in February 2004.

Consideration of this application is ongoing and the Family Reunification section of my Department is currently awaiting a response to a query raised with the legal representative of the person concerned.

On receipt of an answer the application will be considered further and a decision will issue in due course.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

628 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he considers it is inappropriate to have a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 claim for refugee status made from the UK when they have already done so and returned to their own country and then quite appropriately applied in this jurisdiction when they arrived in Ireland; further to his reply to previous parliamentary questions if he will indicate if their application can be processed and they be granted temporary residency status in view of the need for urgent medical treatment which they cannot receive in their native Rwanda; if the application for residency status here in conjunction with their health status should supersede any previous application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28130/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my Replies to Dail Questions Nos. 244 of 25 May 2006 and 180 of 22 June 2006.

The position in relation to the person concerned is that she has failed to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, as she is legally obliged to do, and, as such, she is currently residing illegally in the State.

In the interests of clarity, I wish to emphasise again that the person concerned is not being returned to her country of origin, Rwanda, but rather is being transferred to the United Kingdom where she previously lodged an asylum application. In accordance with the Dublin II Regulations, and to uphold the integrity of the asylum and immigration processes in this State, it is entirely appropriate that the person concerned should be transferred to the United Kingdom to have her asylum claim determined there.

In relation to the medical and protection needs of the person concerned, it can hardly be argued that the United Kingdom's welfare, medical and social protection systems are inferior to ours or that any international protection she requires cannot be provided by the authorities in the United Kingdom.

Given the Deputy's concerns for the medical condition of the person concerned, I can assure the Deputy that her transfer to the United Kingdom will be handled with sensitivity and care. Indeed, if the Deputy has up to date information on the medical status of the person concerned, my Officials will be happy to pass on any such medical reports to the authorities in the United Kingdom, prior to her transfer, so that her medical needs can be taken fully into account in the context of her transfer to the United Kingdom. Furthermore, if necessary, I would be happy to provide the person concerned with medical escorts during her journey.

As regards the Deputy's contention that the person concerned left the United Kingdom and returned to Rwanda, such information should have been presented to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, which is the determining body in the context of cases falling within the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, prior to that Office's determination in the case of the person concerned. It might be noted that when the person concerned was asked in her Applicant Questionnaire if she had ever travelled outside of her country of origin before, she answered ‘No'. Equally, in responding to the question as to whether she had applied for refugee status anywhere else, she answered ‘No'. Clearly these responses reflect a lack of truthfulness on the part of the person concerned as she had previously claimed asylum in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2003, albeit under a different name and date of birth. The Deputy might wish to note that my role, and the role of my Department, in the Dublin II process is to effect transfers on the basis of determinations made by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

The decision to transfer the person concerned to the United Kingdom to have her asylum claim examined in that State is in strict accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation and, as such, it is my intention to have this transfer effected at an early date.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

629 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the application for residency in the case of persons (details suppled) in Dublin 6 in view of the medical needs, ongoing treatment and the urgent need to consider the case on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28131/06]

I refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to his previous Parliamentary Questions of 21 March 2006, 6th December 2005, 1 December 2005, and 20 October 2005) in relation to the persons concerned. The position remains unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

630 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review has been undertaken in the matter of residency application in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28132/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 468 of Tuesday, 31st January, 2006; 147 of Thursday, 27th April, 2006; and 427 of Tuesday, 16th May, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

School Placement.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

631 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children, who having failed to obtain a school place for the next school year, have been approved for home tuition provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27468/06]

My Department has not approved home tuition grants for the 2006/2007 school year at this point. Applications for this grant are processed nearer the beginning of the new school year.

School Accommodation.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

632 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of schools, both primary and post-primary, in Laois and Offaly that do not have sports hall facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27607/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. Information is recorded on a project by project basis.

The Deputy can be assured that My Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending primary and post-primary schools. The provision of such facilities is an integral part of the design process for new school buildings or where an existing school building is undergoing major refurbishment.

In primary schools new PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme. Regarding specific sports equipment grants, in recent years, my Department has provided in excess of €5.5 million in grant aid to primary schools specifically for this purpose to enable them to provide coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally have a useful life of several years.

Schools may use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula including Physical Education. Also, all primary schools with permanent recognition receive an annual Minor Works Grant from my Department. Each school gets a standard rate of €3,809 together with a per pupil rate of €12.70. Special Schools and schools with special classes receive an enhanced per pupil rate of €50.80 It is open to school management authorities to use this devolved grant for the purchase of equipment, including physical education equipment, provided it is not required for more urgent works.

Primary schools that establish a class for special needs pupils receive a once-off grant of €6,500 per class to purchase equipment, including physical education equipment, that they feel best meets the needs of the pupils attending the class.

My Department also considers applications for additional grant aid for such equipment where schools can demonstrate that the minor works grant funding is insufficient for this purpose.

Centre for the Visually Impaired.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

633 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has established a national centre for excellence for visually impaired persons. [27685/06]

Revised plans for the National Centre for the Visually Impaired are currently being considered by the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children. The two departments are working together to agree a plan for the centre that has the right elements from an educational and a health point of view and that best meets the needs of children and young people with visual impairment into the future.

Early Childhood Education.

David Stanton

Ceist:

634 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in testing and evaluating the CECDE framework document relating to standards and quality of early childcare and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28056/06]

The draft quality framework for early childhood education prepared by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education was launched on 30 May last by my colleague, the Minister for Children. My Department is currently exploring options for the testing and evaluation of the framework in a range of early childhood settings.

English Language Teaching

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

635 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the regulations which apply to the accommodation arrangements for young foreign students coming to and staying in Ireland for and other summer schools; if there is an assessment and registration process for such accommodation; her proposals to up-date same. [28109/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

693 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the regulations which apply to the running of language and other summer schools for foreign students; and if she has proposals to update same. [27629/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 635 and 693 together.

The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) operates under the aegis of my Department to control quality standards in English Language Schools, including English language summer schools, through an inspection/recognition scheme. ACELS administers the scheme which leads to school recognition by my Department. Recognition of schools arises from their satisfying certain minimum standards in relation to premises, learning and teaching provision and facilities, and the regulations governing this are set out on the ACELS website (www.acels.ie). The regulations also set out the requirements for student accommodation, including host family accommodation and residential accommodation. Accommodation is subject to inspection by ACELS at any reasonable time. The regulations are reviewed and amended by ACELS as necessary.

Higher Education Grants.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

636 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will make available the statistics on a county basis of the parental occupation or classes of occupation of third level grant holders for universities and institutes of technology as repeatedly promised by her for the past year in response to parliamentary questions by this Deputy and as promised by her in correspondence; the reason for the delay in view of her repeated assurances over the past year that the figures were almost ready; if she will supply the figures for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27247/06]

I expect that the available information will be issued to the Deputy this week.

School Names.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

637 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the proposals to name a new college in Seán McDermott street after a person (details supplied). [27248/06]

It is open to the authority of any school to apply to my Department to allow a name change. It may make such an application to School Planning Section in my Department's offices in Tullamore.

Education Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

638 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in which home school community liaison is offered; the number of persons employed as home school liaison officers; the budget devoted to home school community liaison for each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27250/06]

The Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) 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. Each co-ordinator acts as a link between home and school, encouraging parents to become more involved in their children's education. The co-ordinator organises locally based activities aimed at encouraging greater contact between parents and teachers and liaises with local voluntary and statutory groups in the area. A Co-ordinator usually services more that one school in an area. The total cost of the HSCL scheme in 2005 was in the region of €21.9 million.

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, serving communities with the highest concentration of disadvantage, 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.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

639 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in which early start is offered; the number of persons employed as part of the early start scheme; the budget devoted to early start for each year since 2002; the number of places available on early start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27251/06]

The Early Start pre-school project operates in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. There are 56 teachers and 56 childcare workers employed and a total of 1680 places in Early Start centres. The total expenditure in 2005 on the project was €4.96m.

Targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage. As a result of the identification process, 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

The objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions initially on those children aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend the 180 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. My Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner. The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education will provide advice on the future development and direction of pre-school measures for children in disadvantaged communities and the findings of a number of evaluation reports on Early Start prepared by the Education Research Centre will be taken into account in this regard.

In December 2005, the Office of the Minister for Children was established to maximise the co-ordination of policies for children and young people and will have a range of functions previously under the Departments of Health and Children; Justice Equality and Law Reform; and Education and Science. A new Early Years Education Policy Unit has been established within my Department and will be co-located with the Office of the Minister for Children. This Unit will oversee the preparation of plans for phased implementation of the early childhood education dimension of DEIS in the targeted school communities, starting in the next school year, and this will be pursued within an overall strategic policy framework developed by the Office of the Minister for Children.

State Examinations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

640 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent statistics on school retention and leaving certificate completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27252/06]

The primary source of information on retention available within my Department is the Post-Primary Pupil Database. Cohort analysis of the pupil records on this database allows for monitoring of retention through the publicly-aided second-level school system. To date, two retention reports have been published covering four cohorts of students — those who entered second-level education between 1993 and 1996. Of those students who entered in 1996, 94.6% of them sat the Junior Certificate examination. When adjustments were made to account for departure to private institutions, the Leaving Certificate retention rate for the 1996 cohort of students was 81.3%.

As regards those who complete the Junior Certificate but who depart from second-level education prior to the Leaving Certificate, the available statistical evidence indicates that the increasing range of further education and training opportunities available for these students is having a positive impact. Data provided by Eurostat show that the educational profile of 20-24 year olds in Ireland has improved steadily over the last five years, as increasing opportunities have been made available in the further education and training sector. By 2005, according to the latest Eurostat figures, a provisional estimate of 86.1% of 20-24 year olds had attained upper second-level education (or equivalent), up from 82.4% in 2000. This indicates that there has been an increase in the proportion of young people with at least the Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Indeed, the level of educational attainment of Irish young people is ahead of the EU average on that measure.

The Government has taken a number of initiatives in recent years to encourage more of our young people to finish school, including the setting up of the National Education Welfare Board and the provision of extra supports for those at risk of dropping out through the School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison Scheme. Also, under the new action plan for educational inclusion (DEIS initiative) which I launched in May 2005, extra resources are being provided to schools serving the most disadvantaged communities to help them to improve their retention rates.

This Government has pursued a dual strategy of both encouraging more young people to finish school and ensuring much greater second chance and further education opportunities for those who left school early. This kind of strategy ensures that young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, be that by sitting the Leaving Cert or by pursuing qualifications through other pathways such as Youthreach or FAS apprenticeships which may be more appropriate to their individual interests. Thus, it is important that the Deputy appreciate that looking at just the level of retention in the formal school system is not a fair assessment of the educational attainment of our young people

School Curriculum.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

641 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when standardised testing will be introduced at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27253/06]

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in its advice submitted to me in April 2005, recommends that the practice of standardised testing which is currently well established in primary schools should be built upon and that all pupils should be tested in literacy and numeracy at the end of first or beginning of second class and at the end of fourth or beginning of fifth class.

I fully agree with the NCCA's advice since I believe that standardised testing, carried out on a systematic basis, has great potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for our students at classroom level, and to provide valuable information for parents about their children's learning. However, to reap the full benefits of standardised testing, it is essential that a range of supports are put in place for teachers and parents in advance of introducing a requirement on schools to conduct tests.

In that context, the NCCA is preparing guidelines which will assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents. These will be available during the 2006/7 school year.

The NCCA is also developing guidelines in specific subjects which will provide teachers with information on what to assess in individual subjects of the Primary School Curriculum and how to use assessment information to plan for children's future learning in that subject.

A national report card for recording and reporting data on pupils' attainment to parents is also being developed by the NCCA. This will be piloted in a number of schools in 2006/7 and available to all schools in the following year. Significant funding to support the initiative has been provided for in the 2006 Estimates.

My Department is making ongoing progress in exploring potential implementation models, including dates, for the introduction of the requirement in schools. Another key consideration is how the in-service needs of teachers with regard to standardised testing can best be met. My intention is that we will proceed carefully but as quickly as possible to ensure that the recommendations proposed by the NCCA are implemented in a way that has positive benefits for children, parents, teachers and the system as a whole.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

642 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational services which will be provided for a child (details supplied) in County Kildare; if funding will be made to the school to provide a place for the child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27254/06]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

My officials have liaised with the NCSE in relation to the child referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that is has not received any application for assistance with the enrolment in question. It is open to the parent(s) or school to contact the relevant SENO. Contact details for the SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

The school referred to in the correspondence currently has significant resources. The staffing level consists of a principal, 8 teachers and 20 special needs assistants supporting 42 pupils. The provision of therapy support for pupils in the school is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

School Staffing.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

643 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if teachers employed under a contract of indefinite duration are entitled to a career break. [27255/06]

Details of the career break scheme are set out in my Department circular letters 22/99 for Post-Primary teachers and 10/03 for primary teachers. Contract of indefinite duration teachers shall have access to the career break scheme on the same basis as permanent teachers within their sector. As is the case with permanent teachers, applicants for the scheme will have their applications assessed and approved by the managerial authority. In this regard, the managerial authorities are required to develop a policy for granting career breaks specific to the needs of the particular school/scheme. In developing a policy the managerial authorities will take account of the objectives of the scheme including due regard to the exigencies of permitting a number of career breaks from the same school at the one time. The welfare and educational needs of the pupils will take precedence over all other considerations when considering applications under this scheme.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

644 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a submission from an association (details supplied) in Dublin 24, requesting a detailed school numbers projection for the new town centre in Tallaght and the periphery of this area; if it is intended to respond to the request made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27335/06]

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

670 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received correspondence from an association (details supplied) in Dublin 24 regarding planning for a school in the new Tallaght town centre; if she will give consideration to the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27496/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 670 together.

My Department is not in receipt of any correspondence from the association to which the Deputy refers.

However, my Department has made a submission to the local authority on estimated school requirements arising from its local area plan for the proposed new town centre in Tallaght.

School Accommodation.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

645 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that proper procedures are in place within her Department with regard to monitoring population growth in rapidly developing areas to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in terms of primary school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27336/06]

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas including the impact of inward migration and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

In planning for school provision to meet these demands my Department has adopted an area based approach which involves a public consultation process involving all interested parties. This leads to the production of a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a timeframe of approximately ten years. The exercise recently completed on the N4-M4 corridor is an example of this and the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin, south Louth, east Meath will be examined this year. This structured process will ensure a more proactive approach to school planning than had been the case in the past.

Apart from the area development planning process my Department is also proactively engaged with local authorities on a continual basis in relation to specific areas. This is being done through improved contacts and communication protocols to ensure that the Department is better alerted about new and expanding residential areas and afforded an opportunity to ensure appropriate zoning provision for educational purposes.

For example in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown my Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think it is one that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

My Department is working particularly closely with Fingal County Council to develop a joint approach to the timely provision of schools in an area of the country subject to extremely rapid development. This work is likely to provide innovative approaches to partnership which I believe can be used to advantage across the country in future.

My Department prioritises school buildings for rapidly developing areas. This is achieved by assigning them a band one priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Whenever possible, my Department implements a standardised design model or a design and build process to fast track delivery of the buildings themselves. Not alone does this result in speedier delivery of projects but it also achieves savings in design fees and land use arising from the use of the two storey design. Among schools completed using one of these processes is Griffeen Valley in Lucan which was completed in a 13 month timeframe.

The level of work being done under the schools building programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment is a central reason for this — €500m this year alone — radical changes in how projects are planned and managed have also made a major difference in ensuring that provision is delivered in line with or ahead of demand.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

646 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures which are in place to assist primary schools in dealing with substantial numbers of new Irish pupils for whom English may not be their first language; her views on whether there may be a case for English as a foreign language in some such schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27337/06]

Ensuring that all children get the support that they need to do well at school is a major priority for this Government. In order to ensure that children whose first language is not English can succeed at school, my Department gives additional support to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional temporary teacher posts or portions of teacher posts.

The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of non-English speaking students enrolled. Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of language support posts being provided by my Department. In the 2005-06 school year, 563 whole-time equivalent language support teachers were in place at primary level and 263 whole-time equivalent teachers were in place at second level to support such pupils, representing an investment of €47 million.

This compares to 149 and 113 teachers respectively in the school year 2001/02. Thus, there has been a four-fold increase in language support teachers at primary level in just 4 years.

So the Government has been increasing resources in this area in line with rising demand. However, this is a relatively new area and as such must be kept under review to ensure that children are getting the support that they need and that this support is proving effective in helping them to make the most of their time at school.

My Department is currently reviewing the supports available to schools to support children whose first language is not English. In that context we are particularly looking at the pressures on those schools that have a great number of children whose first language is not English.

The Deputy may also be aware that two weeks ago I met with officials in London to discuss their experience of meeting the needs of non-English speaking students. I also visited two London schools to look at their policies in action. I was particularly interested to learn about which strategies have been successful in terms of engaging with these children's parents as I am conscious that language difficulties are just one aspect of this issue.

As with all children, the interest that their parents show in their education is so important and so it is crucial to find ways of empowering them to get involved. Issues that have arisen in the context of the review include the different expectations of parents of different nationalities and the fact that the child may be in the only English speaker in the household. In relation to the latter issue, the Deputy may be interested to know that a DVD explaining the primary school system for parents was produced in several different languages earlier this year.

Other issues that have arisen in the context of the review include the current cap on the number of language support teachers available to a school and on the length of time for which an individual student can access language support. I am delighted to be able to inform the Deputy that the draft new Social Partnership Agreement includes the provision of an extra 550 language support teachers by 2009 and the reform of the current limit of two additional teachers per school. This major increase in investment will make a big difference to schools.

Schools Building Projects.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

647 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in developing a new school for a school (details supplied); the number of students enrolled in the school; the age of the building in which the school is currently housed; if her attention has been drawn to the poor conditions at the school in its current accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27349/06]

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. That Section is at present assessing a site option in the Coonagh area.

The school has an enrolment of 229 pupils. My Department is aware of the need to provide a new school building and as soon as the site issue is resolved the project will be considered for advancement under School Building and modernisation Programme 2006 to 2010.

Higher Education Grants.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

648 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has been deemed ineligible for a grant for a course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27350/06]

I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is due to commence a postgraduate course of study in the U.K. in September, 2006.

The Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees, on behalf of my Department do not extend to postgraduate study outside of the island of Ireland.

Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing postgraduate courses outside of the island of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education section.

However, the Deputy may be aware that Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000, as amended by Section 29 of the Finance Act 2001, provides for the introduction of tax relief for postgraduate tuition fees paid in third level colleges outside of Ireland. This relief, which has been available from the tax year 2000/01 onwards, applies at the standard rate of tax. It is available to full-time and part time postgraduate students and includes distance education courses offered here by publicly funded colleges in other EU Member States. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local Tax Offices.

School Staffing.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

649 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if a second teacher will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27353/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

682 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction an additional post at a school (details supplied) in County Laois which has an enrolment of 25 pupils for September 2006. [27545/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 682 together.

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. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. The relevant 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 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. Application(s) for an additional post(s) under developing school criteria must be submitted on or before 10 October, 2006.

The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 10 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal for the 2006/2007 school year.

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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

650 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when sanction will be given for a new college building (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27354/06]

An application for an extension/ refurbishment has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The building project required to address the schools accommodation needs is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

651 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the input a parents association are invited to make in the design of the new public private partnership schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27355/06]

Public Private Partnerships differ from traditional procurement in that substantial risk is transferred to the private sector in the areas of design, construction, operation and maintenance of the projects generally over a twenty-five year contract period. In order to achieve value for money under PPP it is necessary to bundle a number of schools into a single project that is offered to the private sector usually on a design, build, finance and operate basis. Although each individual design in any school bundle will vary due to the specific site context, my Department's primary aim is and stated requirement to bidders is to provide the quality and character of environment appropriate to the educational aims, philosophy and the ethos of each school.

Before procurement begins the Department enters into a Stakeholder consultation process that includes management, teaching and ancillary staff, students, parents and other local interested parties to explain in detail the PPP process and its objectives.

Higher Education Grants.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

652 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been deemed ineligible for a higher education grant in respect of their course in human rights law run by the National University of Ireland, Galway in conjunction with Queens University Belfast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27356/06]

The three Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students entering approved courses for the first time are, generally speaking, eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.

Under the Free Fees Initiative, my Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses in the State, which must be of at least two years duration, at an approved college. Where a candidate is pursuing an approved course at Postgraduate level in an institution listed as an approved institution for the purpose of my Department's Higher Education Grant Scheme and VEC Scholarship Scheme the Awarding Body may award a full or part grant in respect of the candidate's lecture fee subject to the terms of the Scheme.

My Department has examined the details of the course which the person is attending to determine whether or not an application could be considered for assistance under the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme.

My Department is aware that the first semester of the LLM Human Rights Cross Border course is completed in Queen's University, the second in NUI Galway and the third can be spent in either Queen's University or NUIG. The person the deputy refers to chose to remain in NUIG for the third semester. However, my Department understands that all fees are paid to Queen's University who in turn make a payment to NUIG in respect of the period of study there.

The residency requirement, under the prescribed provisions of the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme, requires in the case of an independent mature candidate the candidate to have been ordinarily resident in the administrative area of the Local Authority from the 1st October 2004. The person to whom the Deputy refers has confirmed to my Department and to Galway County Council that she resided in Scotland for the past number of years. Accordingly she is not eligible to be considered for a Higher Education maintenance grant in the state.

The particular clause which applies in this case is Clause 4.1.2 of the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme which states as follows: "Candidates who are E.U. nationals and who do not satisfy the residency requirement are eligible to apply for a means-tested fees only grant in respect of approved courses in the Republic of Ireland, provided they have been ordinarily resident, for a purpose other than wholly or mainly to receive full-time education, in an E.U. Member State from 1 October, 2004. Such candidates shall apply to the Local Authority in which the college they propose to attend is situated."

As the course is effectively a Queen's University, Belfast course, to which the fees are payable, it does not meet the criteria of an approved course in this state for the purposes of Clause 4.1.2.

Summer Works Scheme.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

653 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Clare that have qualified for the summer job scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27378/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the total number of applications approved under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme for schools in County Clare is 17. This comprises thirteen primary schools and four post primary schools.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

654 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the non-governmental agencies or organisations her Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to her Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of her Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27391/06]

The main schemes of funding from my Department to non-governmental organisations are those funded by the Youth Affairs Section in support of the youth work activities of voluntary youth work organisations/projects. The main schemes funded are the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, Youth Information Centres, and the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Officials in my Department are preparing a list of organisations and projects funded under the schemes during the years in question and I will send this list directly to the Deputy when it is complete. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the percentage of my Department's budget that is allocated to non-governmental organisations is not readily available.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

655 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional finance which will be required by schools is the reason for her delay in commencing the relevant sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in relation to the provision of a mandatory education plan for each pupil with special educational needs. [27395/06]

I can assure the Deputy that the matter of finance is not the reason why the relevant sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 relating to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) have not yet commenced.

While many sections of the Act have already commenced, the remaining sections cannot come into effect without the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) having an opportunity to present an implementation report to my Department, which it must do by October 2006. This plan will enable me to decide on the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act, including the sections related to IEPs.

As provided for in the EPSEN Act, an education plan for each individual pupil with special educational needs will become mandatory when the relevant sections of the Act are commenced. In preparation for this, the NCSE has drawn up guidelines on the IEP process and these guidelines were published on 20th June last. The guidelines present a checklist of the essential elements required for an IEP for a child with special education needs as envisaged by the EPSEN Act 2004.

These guidelines will provide advice and assistance to schools, teachers and parents on devising and implementing IEPs. It is expected that schools will use these guidelines to draw up school policies and procedures in relation to IEPs in advance of the mandatory requirement for them.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

656 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of under nines included in the 17, 319 national school pupils being taught in County Kildare national schools in the class sizes 25 to 29, 30 to 34 and 35 to 39; and the way in which she intends to meet her Government commitment in relation to class sizes. [27398/06]

Because of the way in which data are collected from schools it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in relation to nine-year olds.

The most recent information on class sizes in primary schools for County Kildare is for the 2005/2006 school year and is as follows:

Classes of up to 9 — 0 pupils;

Classes of 10 to 19 — 990 pupils;

Classes of 20 to 24 — 3761 pupils;

Classes of 25 to 29 — 10437 pupils;

Classes of 30 to 34 — 6351 pupils;

Classes of 35 to 39 — 531 pupils;

Classes of 40 or over — 0 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 why 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. 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

657 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the date of signing of the contract for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the value of the contract; and the timeframe for construction. [27403/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a tender of €3.8 million was accepted in May 2006 for the building project for the school in question. The project is on site and should be completed in 12 to 15 months.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

658 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [27410/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Design Team has recently been appointed to the proposed building project at the school in question. The architectural planning phase of the new building will commence with immediate effect.

Progression of projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

659 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [27411/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Design Team has recently been appointed to the proposed building project at the school in question. The architectural planning phase of the new building will commence with immediate effect.

Progression of projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

660 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be sought for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [27412/06]

The process of appointing a design team to the building project referred to by the Deputy is under way. An advertisement seeking design team consultants will shortly be posted on the public procurement portal: www.etenders.gov.ie.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

661 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when work on a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will commence. [27415/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a suitable site for the school in question has been identified. Contract documents for the purchase of the site are in the process of being signed and are with the Vendor at present. Progress on the new school development will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Psychological Service.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

662 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 1 June 2006, if additional educational psychologists are being assigned to schools in County Kildare; and if they are the schools in question. [27425/06]

The position remains unchanged from that outlined in my reply of 1 June 2006. The recruitment process in question is still underway. It is expected that the additional psychologists will be in place by the end of 2006. At that stage, the needs of schools in Co. Kildare will be looked at again in the context of overall priorities of NEPS for the deployment of additional resources.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

663 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when the school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be allowed to proceed through architectural planning. [27427/06]

My Department has no record of an application for the provision of additional facilities from the school authority referred to by the Deputy.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

664 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no community facilities available and insufficient school places for the children of the areas where there is high density of housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27440/06]

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas including the impact of inward migration and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

In planning for school provision to meet these demands my Department has adopted an area based approach which involves a public consultation process involving all interested parties. This leads to the production of a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a timeframe of approximately ten years. The exercise recently completed on the N4-M4 corridor is an example of this and the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin, south Louth, east Meath will be examined this year. This structured process will ensure a more proactive approach to school planning than had been the case in the past.

Apart from the area development planning process my Department is also proactively engaged with local authorities on a continual basis in relation to specific areas. This is being done through improved contacts and communication protocols to ensure that the Department is better alerted about new and expanding residential areas and afforded an opportunity to ensure appropriate zoning provision for educational purposes.

For example in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown my Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think it is one that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

My Department is working particularly closely with Fingal County Council to develop a joint approach to the timely provision of schools in an area of the country subject to extremely rapid development. This work is likely to provide innovative approaches to partnership which I believe can be used to advantage across the country in future particularly in the area of shared community facilities.

My Department prioritises school buildings for rapidly developing areas. This is achieved by assigning them a band one priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Whenever possible, my Department implements a standardised design model or a design and build process to fast track delivery of the buildings themselves. Not alone does this result in speedier delivery of projects but it also achieves savings in design fees and land use arising from the use of the two storey design. Among schools completed using one of these processes is Griffeen Valley in Lucan which was completed in a 13 month timeframe.

The level of work being done under the schools building programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment is a central reason for this — €500m this year alone — radical changes in how projects are planned and managed have also made a major difference in ensuring that provision is delivered in line with or ahead of demand.

Physical Education Facilities.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

665 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether a school (details supplied) in County Mayo is within the accordance of the published prioritisation criteria and that this project should be a priority in view of the length of time the application has been submitted; when this school can expect an announcement in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27443/06]

The provision of PE Halls at post-primary level is considered an integral part of the design stage for any major refurbishment programme of existing school buildings. All applications received in my Department are banded in accordance with the prioritisation criteria put in place following consultation with the Education partners. The PE Hall project at the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, and the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Disadvantaged Status.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

666 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason rural areas of County Mayo have not been included in the current DEIS programme in view of the continuing deprivation there; the reason these changes occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27445/06]

The new DEIS programme will be of huge benefit to schools in Mayo. I am sure the Deputy would agree that it is important to make sure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities get all the extra support possible and will welcome the extra resources that DEIS will provide for Mayo schools. I can assure the Deputy that there is no reason for schools that haven't been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. Not one of these schools has been told that they will lose any resources as a result of DEIS.

DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Over the years, no less than 8 separate schemes for disadvantaged primary schools have been put in place. Some schools were benefiting from just one or two of these and others were benefiting from more. The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

59 rural primary schools in Mayo have been invited to benefit from resources available under the new programme. Nearly 20% of all the rural schools invited to benefit from the new programme nationally are in Mayo.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that the extra supports being made available will be of great value to those primary schools in Mayo which, based on the information submitted by their principals, have been selected to benefit from the new programme.

While the whole rationale behind the new programme is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports, schools that are benefiting from pre-existing schemes will keep the extra resources — financial and human — that they are getting under these initiatives for the 2006/07 school year. After that they will continue to get support in line with the level of socio-economic disadvantage among their pupils.

In relation to how schools were identified to benefit from the new programme, this process 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. In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.

The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved were:

% unemployment

% local authority accommodation

% lone parenthood

% Travellers

% large families (5 or more children)

% pupils eligible for free books.

In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows:

•Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates)

•Junior Certificate retention rates by school

•Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best

•Leaving Certificate retention rates by school.

A review process has been put in place for both primary and second-level schools. 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. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday, 31st March, 2006.

The review process is nearing completion and the review group will shortly be making recommendations to my Department in the case of each school that has sought a review after which each school will be written to as regards the outcome of their application.

School Placement.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

667 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who will have reached or exceeded the age of six by September 2006 and who have not been allocated a school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27493/06]

My Department is not aware of any child that will have reached or exceeded the age of six that will not have a school place for next September.

School Accommodation.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

668 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a building (details supplied) in Dublin 9, available to the local Educate Together school in Glasnevin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27494/06]

My Department will be discussing the issue of the future use of the property in question with the Office of Public Works to see if it has any potential for development as education infrastructure.

School Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

669 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reinstate the funding for the operation of a minibus for the preschool in a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in order that seven children will be able to access the service. [27495/06]

My Department had provided funding towards the operation of a pre-school transport service to the centre referred to by the Deputy. The transport service was discontinued in 2005 due to a decrease in the number of children availing of the service.

My officials have recently made contact with the Chairperson of the pre-school in question concerning the matter raised by the Deputy. I understand that 7 children are due to start in the pre-school in September 2006. The Chairperson has undertaken to submit a request for funding a transport service for these children to my Department. The request will be considered as soon as possible following receipt and a decision will be conveyed directly to the pre-school management.

Question No. 670 answered with Question No. 644.

Schools Building Projects.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

671 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allow a project (details supplied) in County Galway to proceed as a separate project; if the site has been acquired from the patron; the status of the project and if she will allow the project to proceed in view of the substandard condition of one of the buildings and the fact that the requirements of health and safety regulations cannot be met. [27497/06]

The Patron has offered to provide a site to accommodate the new school to which the Deputy refers and communications are ongoing with the Patron on the matter. As soon as the site issues are finalised the building projects required to deliver the appropriate accommodation will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Site Acquisitions.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

672 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the progress which is being made in acquiring a site; if it has been established that the only site which would allow an extension is not available; if, in view of same, a site for a new building has been acquired; and the option which is now being pursued to bring the project to completion. [27498/06]

Site acquisition is at an advanced stage. When finalised the school building project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

School Placement.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

673 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is possible to maintain home support hours for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27499/06]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the child in question has a full-time school placement and is in receipt of 5 hours resource teaching support per week together with full-time special needs assistant support in the school. The child is also receiving support from my Department's Visiting Teacher Service. I regret that it is not possible to provide additional tuition in the home.

Question No. 674 withdrawn.

Site Acquisitions.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

675 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has had a request from a college (details supplied) or Wicklow Vocational Educational Committee seeking additional land at a proposed new site to facilitate the development of new schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27515/06]

The proper channel for a request of the type referred to by the Deputy is through the school authority which, in this case, is County Wicklow VEC. I can confirm that, to date, a formal request has not been submitted by it.

Teaching Qualifications.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

676 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 55 temporary teachers at primary level who are affected by the four year rule enabling them to obtain long term contracts that are qualified secondary school teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27518/06]

Discussions on the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term) Act, 2003 in the education sector are continuing with the assistance of a facilitator. The discussions include representatives of the Departments of Education & Science and Finance, the management authorities of schools and the Institutes of Technology and the teacher unions.

One of the more significant provisions of the legislation relates to the use of successive fixed term contracts. Essentially a fixed term employee can be employed by his/her employer on two or more continuous fixed term contracts, the aggregate of which must not exceed four years. Where any term of a fixed term contract purports to contravene this provision, that term shall have no effect and the contract concerned shall be deemed to be a contract of indefinite duration (C.I.D.).

Agreement was reached in October, 2005 to issue contracts of indefinite duration (C.I.D.s) to fully qualified primary school teachers with four years successive temporary teaching service at 1 September, 2005, unless objective grounds had been set out at renewal of temporary contract. All schools were circularised by my Department with this information at that time.

In June, 2006 it was decided that this agreement would also comprehend post primary qualified teachers as recognised by the Teaching Council (B.A. and H.Dip) and receiving incremental salary, with more than four years successive teaching service in a primary school and where no objective ground existed. 55 such teachers working in full-time temporary posts in primary schools at 1 September, 2005 were identified as eligible for C.I.D.s. having regard to their entitlements under the legislation.

Arrangements are currently underway in my Department for a circular to issue to all schools outlining the further agreement reached on issues related to the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term) Act, 2003.

Irish Language Teaching.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

677 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the €6 million funding allocated to assist students in attending the Gaeltacht in 2006 is being dispersed; to whom it is being dispersed; the location where an eight year old can attend a Gaeltacht course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27519/06]

The funding to assist students in attending Irish summer college courses is being disbursed as follows in 2006:- Under the scheme for payment of tuition grants to Irish Summer Colleges, which is administered by my Department, grants are paid to Colleges based on course attendance. The estimated expenditure in 2006 is €1,175,000.

My Department also administers a separate scheme for trainee teachers in the Colleges of Education who are required to attend a three week course in the Gaeltacht as part of their teacher training programme. Grants are paid to the Irish Colleges based on the attendance of these students. It is estimated such grants will cost in the region of €825,000 this year.

Under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, which is administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, grants are paid to Gaeltacht households who accommodate Irish students while they attend recognised Irish courses in the Gaeltacht. The estimated overall expenditure in 2006 is €4,250,000.

Under my Department's Rules for the payment of grants to Irish Summer Colleges, provision is made for the payment of grants in respect of students between 8 and 18 years of age attending approved Irish courses in colleges outside the Gaeltacht. The colleges are privately run institutions and the age group for which courses are provided is a matter for the individual colleges concerned. In practice, most courses cater for pupils in the secondary education age group.

If the Deputy wishes to get information on the courses provided by individual colleges, I would suggest that he contacts Comhchoiste na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS), Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Trá Lí, Co. Chiarraí. CONCOS is a federation of 42 Irish Summer Colleges both inside and outside the main Gaeltachtaí, as well as Residential Colleges in the provinces.

Schools Building Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

678 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the provision of primary education in the North Tipperary area by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27522/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

679 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the provision of secondary education in the North Tipperary area by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27523/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 679 together.

I presume the information sought by the Deputy relates to applications from schools to my Department in relation to school building projects.

I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the series of announcements I have made so far this year as part of the 2006 School Building Programme and details of which are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. These announcements, which were published in county order, outline:

•Schools authorised to commence architectural planning

•Details of schools with projects approved under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme

•School with major building projects allowed to move to tender and construction

•Schools invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding.

Applications for capital works from schools in North Tipperary which are not included in these announcements are being assessed and considered for inclusion in further announcements as part of the 2006-2010 School Building and Modernisation Programme. Should the Deputy have queries about any specific school officials in the School Planning Section of my Department would be happy to assist in dealing with same.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

680 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the standard and essential work at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which has been excluded; if she will reconsider this decision and have the works included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27543/06]

The school's request to have the works in question included in the main contract is currently being considered by my Department's Technical Staff. It is anticipated that a decision will be made shortly on this matter.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

681 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the standard and essential work at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which has been excluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27544/06]

The school's request to have the works in question included in the main contract is currently being considered by my Department's Technical Staff. It is anticipated that a decision will be made shortly on this matter.

Question No. 682 answered with QuestionNo. 649.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

683 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has formally requested support therapies for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under Section 40 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27546/06]

My Department has not formally requested support therapies for the person in question under Section 40 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

My officials have liaised with the NCSE in relation to the child referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that it has not received any application for assistance with the application in question. It is open to the parent(s) to contact the relevant SENO who can assist in accessing an appropriate educational placement for the child. Contact details for the relevant SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Meanwhile, I understand that the child is currently in receipt of 20 hours home tuition per week pending the identification of a suitable school placement.

Speech Therapy Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

684 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of graduates in speech and language and occupational therapy for the years 2004 and 2005; the number of third level places in speech and language and occupational therapy for the years 2006 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27547/06]

In 2004 there were 21 Speech and Language Therapy graduates and 32 graduates from Occupational Therapy. The figures for the 2005 graduates are not yet fully available.

As the Deputy may be aware, in May 2002 my Department approved the provision of 175 additional therapy training places to tackle shortages of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists as identified in the report "Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists", which was undertaken by Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates in 2001.

Within this provision there was an increase of 75 places on new courses in Speech and Language Therapy and an additional 75 places on new Occupational Therapy courses. These increased intakes will result in a significant increase in the number of Speech and Language Therapists graduating from the third level sector. I have attached a chart detailing the number of students enrolled on these courses. Future entrants are expected to be in line with these numbers.

Source Year

Course Title

Institution

Award Type

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

2003

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy

CK

Degree

26

0

0

2004

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy

CK

Degree

30

24

0

2005

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy

CK

Degree

27

30

22

2003

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy

CK

Degree

26

0

0

2004

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy

CK

Degree

27

26

0

2005

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy

CK

Degree

28

25

25

2003

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy

GY

Degree

22

0

0

2004

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy *

GY

Degree

25

19

0

2003

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy

GY

Degree

25

0

0

2004

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy *

GY

Degree

24

24

0

2004

M.Sc. In Occupational Therapy **

LM

Masters

21

21

2005

M.Sc. In Occupational Therapy

LM

Masters

2004

MSc. In Speech and Language Therapy**

LM

Masters

27

23

2005

MSc. In Speech and Language Therapy

LM

Masters

2003

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy

TR

Degree

42

46

38

32

2004

B.Sc. Occupational Therapy*

TR

Degree

38

39

46

38

2003

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy

TR

Degree

25

28

28

21

2004

B.Sc. Speech & Language Therapy*

TR

Degree

29

25

28

28

Note:

*Figures for 2005/2006 not yet available for these courses

**These courses are of two years duration

School Staffing.

John Perry

Ceist:

685 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the directive she has issued in relation to the appointment of a concessionary teacher in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact it will have up to 90 pupils in 2006 and 2007 and in 2005 and 2006 it had four teachers with an enrolment of 78 pupils; if she will give a firm commitment that a teacher will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27621/06]

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. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. The relevant circular (0023/2006) issued to all schools in March 2006.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 78 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 2 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year. It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. They are also available in Circular 0024/2006 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools). Hard copies of this circular have been issued to all primary schools.

Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on the Department's website.

The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.

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.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

686 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request for a meeting from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if she is in a position to meet with the representatives of this school to discuss their concerns and difficulties being experienced at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27622/06]

Officials in the School Planning and Building Unit of my Department have no record of a request for a meeting from the school to which the Deputy refers. The school authority should contact that section directly if it has concerns which it wishes to discuss.

Special Educational Needs.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

687 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the provision of an ABA unit for autistic children in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27623/06]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network.

My Department supports an eclectic approach to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods can be applied specific to the needs of individual pupils. Provision in this regard in County Kerry includes pre-school/early intervention special classes for children with autism, special classes for children with autism attached to special and mainstream schools plus a range of supports for pupils with autism integrated in mainstream classes. No application has been made to my Department to establish an ABA unit for autistic pupils in County Kerry.

Early Childhood Education.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

688 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of State funded early education places; and the way these have increased in the past five years. [27624/06]

Early Years Education in Ireland covers the period from birth to six years. Almost all five year olds and half of four year olds attend junior infant and senior infant classes in primary schools. Provision for children below the age of four is targeted at specific groups.

Outside of junior classes in primary schools, my Department's main role in the area of early childhood education encompasses pre-school provision for children from disadvantaged areas, for traveller children and for those with special needs.

The Early Start pre-school project operates in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. There are 1,680 places in these centres. Although the Early Start project itself has not been extended in recent years, targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage. The objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions initially on those children aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend the 180 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. My Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner. A strong emphasis will be placed on adding value to the work of other providers by embedding quality early learning within childcare provision. The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education will provide advice on the future development and direction of pre-school measures for children in disadvantaged communities.

My Department currently funds 46 pre-schools for Traveller children. With an increasing emphasis on integrated provision, there has been no increase in the number of separate pre-schools for Traveller children in recent years.

In the special needs sector, there are currently 15 pre-school classes for children with autism located throughout the country. The number of such classes has increased from three in 2001. In addition to this, 12 stand-alone autism facilities that provide an applied behavioural analysis (ABA) model of response to children with autism cater for a number of children of pre-school age — there were 3 such facilities in place in 2001 and approval has been given for the establishment of a further two facilities. My Department sanctions home tuition grants for children with autism who are of pre-school age and for whom a home educational programme is considered appropriate — grants for some 380 such children are currently in payment, costing in the region of €7m per annum. While it is not possible to confirm the number of pre-school age children with autism in receipt of home tuition grants in 2001, I can confirm that there has been a substantial increase in the number of such grants sanctioned in recent years. In a small number of cases, my Department allocates funding to service providers to assist them in providing an educational component to pre-school age children in Child Educational Development Centres (CEDCs) and some €300,000 per annum is currently provided in this regard. This funding arrangement was initially sanctioned in 2002.

The bulk of pre-school places in the country are financed by the Office of the Minister for Children and previously by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which has provided unprecedented levels of funding for childcare in recent years. €499.3m has been allocated to the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006. The original target of 28,000 new childcare places has already been exceeded and it is anticipated that some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes.

The Department of Health and Children also provides grants to childcare groups, including to community groups in areas of social and economic disadvantage.

School Curriculum.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

689 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has introduced a programme on enterprise for all pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27625/06]

One of the principles underpinning the Primary School Curriculum is that the child's higher order thinking and problem solving skills are developed. Through the curriculum the child is encouraged to observe, to ask relevant questions, to recognise the essence of a problem, to suggest solutions and to make informed judgements. These skills are fundamental to engendering enterprise in our young people.

At second level, students taking the Transition Year option, the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied are provided with specific opportunities to acquire enterprise skills. These programmes place a strong focus on action learning, community-based approaches, personal development and teamwork. Students also engage in work experience.

Typically, Transition Year students engage in mini-company activities whereby they plan, develop and manage a mini enterprise or organise a major event such as a trade fair or fashion show. Teamwork, multi-disciplinary learning, interpersonal and communications skills, planning, evaluation, and mastery of business concepts are all part of this process. Approximately, 25,000 students take the Transition Year annually.

One of the Link Modules within the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme is on Enterprise Education. This is externally assessed and the results can be used for CAO points purposes. In 2005, the Link Modules were taken by 14,281 candidates.

The Tasks carried out by students taking the Leaving Certificate Applied to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired are also externally assessed.

The Leaving Certificate Business syllabus has a strong focus on enterprise. The syllabus covers marketing and starting a business, the domestic and international environment, handling conflict, enterprise skills and their application to different situations. In 2005, Leaving Certificate Business was taken by 20,502 candidates.

In the context of the future development of senior cycle, I have also asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to design, as an exemplar, a short course in enterprise education, building on the existing Links Modules. I have also requested that a review be undertaken of all Leaving Certificate subjects to embed key skills such as critical thinking and working with others and to add a second assessment component, where it does not already exist, to ensure that the objectives of the syllabuses are well assessed.

Third Level Education.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

690 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when a common science degree as an entry route to medical, veterinary and so on, will be put in place. [27626/06]

On the 1 February 2006 the Tánaiste and I published the report of the Fottrell Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training. In addition the Tánaiste published the report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Group. These reports represent the most significant review of medical education and training ever undertaken in Ireland and are aimed at responding to the needs of a changing health system and ensuring that medical education in Ireland is sufficiently resourced and developed to maintain our reputation for producing quality doctors into the future.

Among the recommendations of the Fottrell Group was that a graduate stream of entry to medicine be introduced and that all graduates of honours Bachelor degree programmes should be eligible to apply. It has been decided that graduate entry will be open to such graduates of all disciplines. The provision of a graduate entry stream is an important development in reducing pressures on aspiring medical students who until now have effectively had one chance of entry, based on their Leaving Certificate performance. This will allow students to make a decision to enter medicine at a more mature age and should result in a more diverse range of entrants into the profession.

School Staffing.

John Cregan

Ceist:

691 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the registered number of pupils and staffing level in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if the school has received additional teachers in the past five years; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that several classes have up to 35 pupils; the maximum number of pupils allowed per class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27627/06]

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.

As you know all primary 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.

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.

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.

Nonetheless, some schools do have classes with more than 30 children in them. 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 why 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.

The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30th September 2005 was 261 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 9 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year. The school will also have two permanent learning support resource posts and the services of a temporary shared learning support resource post based in the school.

For the current school year, 2005/06, the number of mainstream posts in the school was reduced by 1 compared to 2004/05. However, this reduction in staffing was offset by the creation of the second permanent learning support resource post and the temporary shared learning support resource post referred to above. There have been no further posts allocated to the school in the last five years apart from these two additional posts.

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.

Pension Provisions.

John Cregan

Ceist:

692 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in relation to pensions for caretakers in primary schools particularly with regard to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if pensions exist for some caretakers or other non-teaching staff; if such a scheme is being worked on; the target date for commencement; if it will apply to staff who have recently retired or to all existing retired staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27628/06]

Caretaking staff in schools are employed by the individual school authorities. My Department provides funding under two separate schemes towards the cost of employing these staff. One scheme is the 1979 scheme for the employment of full-time caretaking staff in primary schools. Under this scheme my Department meets the full cost of pay. The person in question is employed as a caretaker under the 1979 Scheme.

My Department has recently introduced a superannuation scheme for caretaking staff employed under the 1979 scheme. The Superannuation Scheme provides that membership will be effective from 1 September 2001 in the case of eligible caretakers in service at that time. Membership terminates at the end of the school year in which the caretaker reaches age 65. Caretakers who had already reached age 65 prior to 1 September 2001 are not eligible for membership of the Scheme.

The scheme is a contributory scheme and ongoing deductions from pay of eligible personnel commenced with effect from 7 March 2006. Arrears of contributions are payable in respect of the period from 1 September 2001 to the date ongoing deductions commenced, or the date membership ended if earlier. Eligible staff will be notified in due course of the arrears due in respect of that period. In accordance with standard public service arrangements, there is also provision for reckoning service given prior to 1 September 2001 subject to verification of the service concerned and payment of the appropriate contributions.

Eligible personnel and school authorities were informed of the introduction of the superannuation scheme prior to the commencement of deductions from pay. A circular setting out further details regarding the superannuation scheme, including the provisions for payment of arrears of contributions, is being prepared and will be issued shortly.

The person in question was eligible for membership of the scheme until 31 August 2002 — the end of the school-year in which he reached age 65. He has continued in employment until recently in a non-pensionable capacity. Subject to the payment of appropriate contributions in respect of his reckonable service, he will be eligible for pension with effect from the date of his retirement in 2006. A Retirement Gratuity will also be payable based on his annual rate of pay on his last day of reckonable service on 31 August 2002. Contributions owing to the scheme may be paid by deduction from the Retirement Gratuity.

The 1979 scheme is being phased out. It has been superseded by an extensive grant scheme now referred to as the Ancillary Services grant. The Ancillary Services grant provides funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The Scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives Boards of Management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided. Staff engaged by schools under the Ancillary Services grant are paid by the managerial authorities of the schools and are non-pensionable.

Question No. 693 answered with Question No. 635.

School Catchment Areas.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

694 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the catchment boundary review that took place on the establishment of a school (details supplied) in West Cork; the catchment arrangements between schools in Bantry and the new school; and the way the Dunbeacon Goleen area near Schull was not included in the catchment area of the school when it was established. [27630/06]

As has previously been advised to the Deputy catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960's and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. In particular in cases such as Schull where a new postprimary school is established in an area where previously there was none, it has been the practice as part of the discussions and arrangements concerned with the establishment of the school to review the existing adjacent catchment areas in order to establish the appropriate catchment and feeder primary schools for the proposed new post-primary school.

My Department has been unable to locate any records of those discussions but will pursue the matter to establish if any records are held locally either by the school or the VEC committee.

In any event it is evident that since the inception of the Schull post-primary school that school transport has not been provided on the basis that the Dunbeacon Goleen is within the Bantry catchment area.

My Department will write directly to the Deputy with any information obtained from its further inquiries in relation to any records that may exist of the discussion held at the time.

Third Level Education.

John Deasy

Ceist:

695 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of people in the 18 to 25 age group participating in full-time third level education in each local authority area in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the breakdown of the figures between university, institute of technology and other third level institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27770/06]

Information on participation in full-time third-level education is not available in the exact format requested by the Deputy. However, the following tabular statements contain extensive and very relevant information on the subject of access to higher education by individual county and by postal districts within Dublin for 1998 and 2004. These data are derived from a recently published HEA report entitled "Who Went to College in 2004? A National Survey of New Entrants to Higher Education (2006), O'Connell, Clancy and McCoy" and the 1998 data are taken from the earlier studies on access to higher education by Prof. Patrick Clancy.

The Deputy might note that these data refer to admission rates to higher education rather than participation rates per se. The admission rate to higher education is defined as the flow of new entrants to higher education divided by the population at typical age of entry to higher education (i.e. 17 to 19 years)."

Rates of Admission (%) to Higher Education by County and Type of College 2004

All Colleges

Universities

Institutes of Technology

Colleges of Education

Other Colleges

%

%

%

%

%

Carlow

60.3

22.7

30.4

3.2

4.1

Cavan

52.5

19.4

27.9

3.7

1.5

Clare

59.3

30.1

23.4

5.2

0.6

Cork

58.1

32.6

22.7

2.4

0.4

Donegal

46.3

15.1

27.9

2.7

0.5

Dublin

50.8

26.4

17.9

1.4

5.2

Galway

67.4

34.2

28.5

3.9

0.7

Kerry

67.0

27.1

35.0

4.3

0.6

Kildare

54.0

28.0

20.3

1.3

4.4

Kilkenny

51.1

20.9

25.0

2.8

2.4

Laois

52.2

23.2

23.7

2.4

2.9

Leitrim

64.2

23.0

35.3

4.2

1.6

Limerick

53.2

26.9

20.6

5.0

0.7

Longford

60.3

26.2

28.4

4.3

1.4

Louth

53.9

16.2

33.7

1.7

2.2

Mayo

66.8

27.0

34.8

3.8

1.3

Meath

60.7

25.6

28.5

2.4

4.2

Monaghan

44.5

14.9

25.4

2.8

1.4

Offaly

47.1

18.3

24.5

2.0

2.3

Roscommon

57.8

23.4

30.6

2.9

0.9

Sligo

70.5

26.5

38.5

4.2

1.2

Tipperary

56.3

24.4

23.0

4.5

4.4

Waterford

48.7

20.6

25.3

1.7

1.2

Westmeath

40.8

13.0

23.7

1.9

2.0

Wexford

54.1

17.6

31.9

2.8

1.8

Wicklow

49.6

23.5

21.0

1.1

4.0

State

55.0

25.4

24.3

2.6

2.6

Rates of Admission (%) to Higher Education by County in 2004 with Comparative Data for 1998

County

Admission Rate

Admission Rate

%

%

2004

1998

Carlow

60.3

44.4

Cavan

52.5

45.3

Clare

59.3

50.0

Cork

58.1

48.9

Donegal

46.3

35.1

Dublin

50.8

37.7

Galway

67.4

56.7

Kerry

67.0

52.7

Kildare

54.0

41.1

Kilkenny

51.1

40.9

Laois

52.2

38.5

Leitrim

64.2

52.8

Limerick

53.2

50.3

Longford

60.3

49.1

Louth

53.9

42.6

Mayo

66.8

55.7

Meath

60.7

45.4

Monaghan

44.5

40.7

Offaly

47.1

37.8

Roscommon

57.8

50.2

Sligo

70.5

55.6

Tipperary

56.3

48.6

Waterford

48.7

41.2

Westmeath

40.8

48.9

Wexford

54.1

43.8

Wicklow

49.6

41.0

State

55.0

44.4

Trend in Admission Rates to Higher Education by Dublin Postal District 1998-2004

Postal District

Rate in 2004

Rate in 1998

Change in rate 1998-2004 (% Points)

% change in new entrants 1998-2004

% change in pop. cohort 1998-2004

%

%

%

%

%

14 (Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Churchtown, Clonskeagh)

86.5

68.4

18.1

17.1

-13.9

9 (Whitehall Drumcondra, Santry, Beaumont)

55.3

40.1

15.2

7.7

-27.5

6 (Rathmines, Rathgar, Sandymount, Harolds Cross)

85.5

70.4

15.1

6.7

-18.4

15 (Castleknock, Clonee, Clonsilla, Blanchardstown)

55.5

40.5

15.0

47.9

0.4

24 (Tallaght, Oldbawn, Jobstown, Firhouse)

40.0

26.1

13.9

15.5

-30.0

11 (Finglas, Cremore, Wadelai, Ballymun)

27.6

14.2

13.4

28.6

-38.7

1 North Inner City

22.0

8.9

13.9

135.3

-11.2

8 (Kilmainham, Dolphins Barn, Portobello, Inchicore)

32.6

21.2

11.4

54.2

-7.1

3 (Clontarf, Dollymount, East Wall, Marino)

65.6

54.4

11.2

16.3

-10.4

4 (Ballsbridge, Ringsend, Sandymount, Donnybrook)

69.9

59.3

10.6

23.7

-2.5

22 (Clondalkin, Bawnogue, Neilstown)

22.8

12.7

10.1

71.1

-11.5

2 South Inner City

29.5

19.5

10.0

33.3

-18.1

12 (Crumlin, Walkinstown, Drimnagh, Kimmage)

29.3

19.9

9.4

30.0

-17.7

5 (Raheny, Artane, Harmonstown)

47.0

38.3

8.7

20.9

-8.4

7 (Cabra, Phibsboro, Four Courts, Arran Quay)

28.0

19.8

8.2

30.0

-14.4

17 (Priorswood, Balgriffin, Clonshaugh, Darndale)

16.6

8.4

8.2

57.1

-26.1

16 (Ballyboden-Ballinteer)

63.7

55.5

8.2

-0.2

-19.1

20 (Palmerstown, Chapelizod)

24.4

17.3

7.1

38.4

-9.0

18 (Foxrock, Sandyford, Cabinteely, Glencullen)

83.2

77.1

6.1

1.8

-12.4

10 (Ballyfermot)

11.7

7.1

4.6

76.0

-0.5

13 (Howth, Donaghmede, Baldoyle, Sutton)

42.1

39.8

2.3

-19.3

-29.1

1. Caution is needed in interpreting county admission rates due to the small numbers involved.

Departmental Expenditure.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

696 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under her Department. [27791/06]

I wish to refer the Deputy to the 2006 Revised Estimates for Public Services and in particular to Vote 26: Education and Science which contains the 2006 budgetary allocations for the various bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department.

However, I would be glad to provide information on any specific bodies or agencies in which the Deputy has a particular interest.

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

697 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of her Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27805/06]

There are no positions in State bodies under the aegis of my Department affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees of State bodies recently announced by the Government.

Departmental Task Forces.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

698 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of taskforces which have been created by her Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27819/06]

The information requested is not readily available in my Department. However, I will arrange for the information to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Schools Refurbishment.

John Deasy

Ceist:

699 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to upgrade primary schools in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27836/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

700 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to upgrade secondary schools in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27837/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.

The information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. If the Deputy has a query on a particular school, my Department will be happy to provide the details.

Third Level Grants.

John Deasy

Ceist:

701 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated to her Department for the third level maintenance grants scheme in County Waterford for 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of students in receipt of such grants for 2006, itemised as full, 75 per cent, 50 per cent of 25 per cent recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27839/06]

The statistical information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available in my Department. The information requested is being compiled, in so far as it is available, and will be issued directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

John Deasy

Ceist:

702 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers and assistants that have been recruited nationally since 1998; the number that have been placed in positions in the City and County of Waterford since 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27865/06]

The specific information requested by the Deputy relating to the level of special needs teachers at primary level in the City and County of Waterford is not readily available in my Department. I can confirm however that there are currently 189.89 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants (SNAs) employed in schools in Waterford and a total of 7,241.02 whole-time equivalent SNAs employed nationwide, up from 300 in 1998.

I can confirm also that at primary level there are now approximately 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. Indeed, one out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special educational needs.

At second level approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are currently in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. Of these 1,654 teachers, 35.87 whole time equivalents are based in second level schools in Waterford. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers in our second level schools nationwide.

Applications for special educational needs supports for the 2006/2007 school year are now being processed by the special educational needs organisers (SENOs). The SENOs will convey their decisions on the applications directly to the schools as soon as this process has been completed. Responsibility for the recruitment and employment of the relevant staff rests with the individual school authorities and will be determined by the level of need.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

703 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in each class in primary schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the number of main stream teachers in each school; her views on the class sizes as calculated using main stream teachers only in these schools; the measures she will take to reduce class sizes in these schools;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27901/06]

My Department is examining the practicalities of providing such information in relation to individual classes in specified numbers of schools. A reply will be forwarded to the Deputy on completion of that examination.

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 why 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.

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.

Speech Therapy Services.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

704 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in schools due to the long delays in accessing speech and language therapy for primary and post-primary students; her proposals to tackle this year long waiting list;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27902/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second level school management to enable schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports in question include remedial and additional teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.

As the Deputy is aware, there has been enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs.

At second level, approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,102 whole time equivalent special needs assistants (SNAs) in our second level schools.

The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some pupils are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios. Pupils attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has taken over key functions from my Department in relation to special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on the 1st October 2005 under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2005. The Council acts under the broad policy direction of my Department but has the resources and the remit to play the leading role in the delivery of education services to children with disabilities/ special needs.

The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities/special needs.

The responsibilities of the NCSE include the following:

•Deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level;

•Deciding on applications for special needs assistant (SNA) hours;

•Processing applications for school placement in respect of children with disabilities with special education needs.

Under the new arrangements, the Council, through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on additional teaching and SNA support, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.

I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require, when and where they require it. My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of all children including those with special needs.

The provision of speech and language therapists and other health related supports is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

705 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the problems in accessing support services for post-primary pupils such as speech and language therapy, psychologists, behavioural therapists, social workers and so on; the measures she intends to take to ensure that these services can be accessed in the shortest possible time by all schools;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27903/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second level school management to enable schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports in question include remedial and additional teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.

There has been enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs.

At second level, approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,102 whole time equivalent special needs assistants (SNAs) in our second level schools.

The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some pupils are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios. Pupils attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has taken over key functions from my Department in relation to special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on the 1st October 2005 under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2005. The Council acts under the broad policy direction of my Department but has the resources and the remit to play the leading role in the delivery of education services to children with disabilities/special needs.

The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities/ special needs.

The responsibilities of the NCSE include the following:

•Deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level;

•Deciding on applications for special needs assistant (SNA) hours;

•Processing applications for school placement in respect of children with disabilities with special education needs.

Under the new arrangements, the Council, through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on additional teaching and SNA support, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.

In addition, my Department's Teacher Education Section has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of personnel working with children with special educational needs. This involves a major expansion of the range of post-graduate professional training programmes available to teachers in the special needs area and the ongoing development of the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to support schools staff locally.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides direct contact and services to children and young adults who need the support of an Educational Psychologist.

NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.

My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of children with special needs. I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require, when and where they require it.

The provision of speech and language therapists and other health related supports is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

Psychological Service.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

706 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of assessments carried out in each county each year by the National Education Psychological Service since its establishment; the number of private assessments carried out in the same period; the number and grades of professional staff employed by NEPS; the average number of schools each individual NEPS psychologist caters for; the amount of funding provided by her Department to NEPS each year since establishment;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27904/06]

The information sought in relation to numbers of assessments is not readily available on a per county basis from the records of my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). However, this information is being collated at present as part of a general review of information systems in NEPS and I shall provide the Deputy with a copy of the information when it becomes available.

Meanwhile, according to existing information, the following is the total number of assessments, by school year, carried out by NEPS psychologists for the years in question:

Year

Number

1999/00

3,051

2000/01

2,978

2001/02

4,536

2002/03

4,837

2003/2004

5,024

2004/2005

5,986

Not all assessments involved full cognitive 1Q assessments. The figures relating to the period 2002/2003 to 2004/2005 may be subject to some changes in the context of the information review exercise to which I have referred.

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.

In addition to the above figures, in excess of 15,000 children were assessed under the SCPA scheme since its inception in 2001 to the end of the calendar year 2005.

The numbers and grades of professional staff currently employed in NEPS is as follows:

Acting Director — 1

Regional Director — 8

Senior Psychologist — 50

Educational Psychologist — 60

Ex National Rehabilitation Board (NRB), 1

Principal Psychologist and 2 Senior

Psychologists — 3

Total — 122.

This total includes 1 psychologist serving with another Section in my Department. Also, a number of these posts are filled on a work-sharing basis. The Public Appointments Service recently 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. It is expected that a further 9 psychologists will be in place before the end of 2006.

NEPS 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.

The financial outturn for NEPS for each year since its establishment was:

Year

€ million

1999

1.3

2000

3.6

2001

6.2

2002

11.1

2003

13.4

2004

13.4

2005

14.0

The financial provision for 2006 for NEPS in my Department's Estimates is €15.425 million.

School Enrolments.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

707 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the intervention she proposes to make in a school dispute where due to particular circumstances enrolment for September 2006 has dropped from approximately 80 to less than 20; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the mediation process in this particular case (details supplied) has not succeeded; if her attention has further been drawn to the urgency of taking action now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27956/06]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

713 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans in relation to a school dispute where enrolment for September 2006 has dropped from approximately 80 to less than 20; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the mediation process in this particular case (details supplied) has not succeeded; if her attention has further been drawn to the urgency of taking action now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28027/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 707 and 713 together.

Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively and also has responsibilities in relation to the action of its employees.

The board, as manager of the school must manage the staff in the school and intervene when it considers necessary to resolve matters relating to the actions of its employees. The Board of Management is the employer and has similar powers to any other employer. I should clarify that my Department is not the employer of teachers and therefore does not have an employer/employee relationship with the teachers in a school. My Department cannot therefore perform functions which are proper to the Board in relation to the management of the teaching staff of theschool.

With regard to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that, on 13th March, 2006, the Patron of the school dissolved the Board of Management and, with my approval, appointed a single manager to manage the school for a period of six months in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Education Act 1998. I am aware that the single manager in this instance is making strenuous efforts to address the difficulties at the school.

A meeting has been arranged for Thursday 6th July between the single manager and a senior official in my Department to discuss the current position in the school and to explore ways of resolving the situation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

708 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount which was spent in her Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for each of the previous three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27969/06]

The cumulative value of advertising placed by my Department in print media in each of the years sinces 2002 was as follows:

Year

2006 (to end June)

426,000

2005

504,000

2004

790,000

2003

416,000

2002

1,007,000

A breakdown of the type of advertising placed is not readily available in my Department.

Additionally my Department spent the following sums on media services which principally relate to expenditure on electronic press clipping services and news alerts:

Year

2006 (to end June)

19,000

2005

64,000

In the timeframe available my Department is unable to provide expenditure figures for media services prior to 2005.

Teaching Qualifications.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

709 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review a determination by her Department in relation to the post-primary teaching qualifications of a person (details supplied) in County Laois in view of a letter from a professor of mathematics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27975/06]

The position in the case to which the Deputy refers is as set out in my reply on this same matter to the Deputy on 25 April 2006. I am not in a position to alter the decision of an independent statutory body, the Registration Council.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

710 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 8 June 2006, the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27979/06]

The proposed refurbishment and extension project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.

Additional Stage 2 (Sketch Scheme) documentation was requested from the school authorities and is currently being examined by the Technical Staff in my Department.

Department officials will be in contact with the school authorities when this examination has been completed.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

711 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve additional funding for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27980/06]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €150,000 was sanctioned in March 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 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 management of school in question recently submitted an appeal to my Department for additional funding which was considered by the Appeals Board. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the funding allocated to the School was increased and the School informed of the decision.

Schools Refurbishment.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

712 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a schedule of works has been decided for the refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; when the works will be completed. [27997/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department intends to permanently accommodate the school to which he refers in a building which it expects to be vacated post an amalgamation of three other schools.

The Boards of Management of these schools recently sent a proposal to my Department in relation to its requirements to effect the amalgamation. This is being examined in School Planning Section and a response will issue the Boards as soon as possible. The outcome of this matter will dictate the timeframe for advancing any capital project.

Question No. 713 answered with Question No. 707.

Physical Education Facilities.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

714 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to make the sports facilities at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20 available to the community. [28041/06]

My Department has provided nine dual use halls with enhanced facilities, attached to post-primary schools. Eight of the halls, including the hall referred to by the Deputy, are in Dublin and one is in Cork.

The halls in question have been built as part of a joint programme to develop community sports facilities in drugs task force areas. At present, issues relating to the funding, management and staffing of the halls to facilitate community usage are being considered by my Department with a view to making the facilities more widely available. My Department will be in contact with the individual school authorities as soon as these issues have been resolved.

School Enrolments.

David Stanton

Ceist:

715 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to ensure that there will be sufficient primary school places for children in Carrigtwohill, County Cork in the coming years, in view of the recent increases in population in the area and that this rapid population increase is set to continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28048/06]

There are two primary school in the Carrigtwohill area — a boys' and a girls' primary school. The Patron of both schools has advised that both boards of management have agreed to amalgamate the schools. In order to determine the accommodation requirements of the amalgamated school the long term projected staffing on which the accommodation needs will be based, has to be determined. Officials in the School Planning Section are engaged in this process at present and will consult with the school authorities before a final determination is made. Factors which will be considered in arriving at the long term projected staffing include current and projected enrolment, demographic trends and the likely impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments in the area.

When this assessment is complete a decision will then be made on how best to provide for the accommodation needs of the amalgamated school. As the Deputy will appreciate, in the interest of obtaining best value for money, my Department must give due consideration to the possibility of utilising one of the existing buildings before pursuing a greenfield site option. In order to inform this decision a technical inspection of both existing school sites and buildings will be undertaken by my Department to establish which, if either, building would be suitable as a host for an amalgamated school.

As part of my Department's ongoing liaison with local authorities in order to plan for educational provision, Cork County Council was requested, in the context of the Special Local Area Plan for Carrigtwohill to reserve a three acre site for a primary school in the area. While there are no immediate plans to acquire a site, it is likely that it will be required for the provision of a primary school in the coming years. The situation is being monitored on an on-going basis, having regard to existing overall provision in the area.

My Department is aware that an association under the auspices of Educate Together is planning to seek recognition for a new multi-denominational school in the area in the coming years. There are established criteria and procedures for groups seeking recognition for new primary schools and any application from the patron body concerned will be considered in that regard.

I am satisfied that adequate primary education provision is being planned for the area over the coming years.

After School Care.

David Stanton

Ceist:

716 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to facilitate making school facilities available for after-school care of school-going children; the action she has taken or intends to take to improve after-school care provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28052/06]

I believe that school facilities should be available to the community outside of school hours — whether for childcare, for adult education courses or as somewhere for local community groups to meet — provided this is feasible.

Indeed, my Department issued a circular to the trustees, boards of management and principals of primary and voluntary secondary schools in March 2005 encouraging them to make their facilities available to local community groups outside of school hours.

It should be borne in mind, however, that the State does not in fact own the vast majority (more than 95%) of our schools. Most would be owned by the religious. They are owned by their trustees and managed by their boards of management, whose right it is to decide on the use of school facilities outside of school time, subject to the terms of any existing lease on the property.

Many schools already make their premises available to the local community outside of school hours and schools profit from the improved relationship with the wider community. Good relations between the school and the community can be beneficial when it comes to seeking placements for work experience, outlets for community service or when schools seek to access local services and expertise.

While my Department does not operate a specific national scheme for the provision of after-school projects, it supports a range of programmes which target additional resources at pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to facilitate their full participation in the education system.

82 projects (108 Post Primary schools and 302 Primary schools) participate in the School Completion Programme, which aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people of school going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. Each project site must devise a collaborative programme of in-school and out-of-school actions, which provide after-school, holiday time, home, family and community supports to enhance the young person's readiness to benefit from education.

Measures under DEIS the new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants, measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools, serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage, have been invited to participate in the new School Support Programme. These comprise 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

School Completion Programme services will be extended to all 320 urban/town primary schools and 200 second level schools participating in the SSP not already benefiting from these services.

Early School Leavers.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

717 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the funding crisis in a programme (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in view of the considerable success of this project; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a shortfall of €35,000 for the group involved for a number of years, and that while this has been made up by the local drugs task force, this body is no longer in a position to provide this funding; if, in view of the fact that the group provides education services for a high risk group, all of whom have been in trouble with the law, she will make arrangements to fully fund this project and guarantee this funding on an ongoing basis. [28066/06]

As I indicated to the Deputy in the Dáil last night the School Completion Programme is a very successful programme targeted at children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. It is targeted at those in danger of dropping out of the education system or those who may have already dropped out. It is a broadly based programme which is cross-community and cross-sectoral. It works between the primary schools and the second level schools and involves the community to ensure the maximum participation by as many people as possible. It generally targets four to 18 year olds who are both in and out of school to ensure the best outcome for them.

There are currently 82 School Completion Programme (SCP) sites in 21 counties (108 post primary schools and primary schools) with 53 second level schools in the Stay in School Retention Strand (SSR) of the School Completion Proramme in 17 counties. The sites for participation were selected on the basis of a detailed analysis of the pupil retention rates at second level using the Department's post primary pupil database. This analysis also identified their main feeder primary schools.

€24.7 million has been allocated to the School Completion Programme for 2006.

The programme referred to by the Deputy provides general support for almost 1,600 primary students and approximately 600 post primary students. Intensive targeted supports are provided for 201 primary students and 52 post primary students. In addition it also caters for 6 pupils who are out of school in ‘the School Group'.

The Local Management Committee has submitted its Retention Plan for 2006-2007 to my Department. The Retention Plan outlines all of its proposed activities for the coming year including the estimated cost of retaining the support for the six pupils who are out of school.

€402,000 was allocated to the programme in 2005/2006. In addition to this a further €35,000 was allocated by the Drug Task Force on a once off basis. That is on top of extra supports which the schools in the programme avail of such as home school, community liaison, resource teachers, as well as additional capitation and lower pupil teacher ratios.

The programme's funding allocation for 2006/2007 is currently being considered in my Department in the context of available resources for the rest of the programmes around the country. The local management committee will be notified directly on the matter.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

718 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided to the school completion programme for each year since its inception, with a breakdown on the allocation to each school; if it is her policy to index link this funding in line with inflation; if not, how these projects can survive without progressively reducing the level of service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28067/06]

The objective of the School Completion Programme is to provide a range of interventions in areas of disadvantage that support the retention of young people in education. It is based on the project model of an integrated approach involving primary and post primary schools, parents, relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies.

The programme is funded on a multi-annual basis under the National Development Plan (NDP) with assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF). The funding allocation to the Programme since 2003 is as follows:

Year

€ million

2003

23

2004

23.5

2005

24

2006

24.7

There are currently 82 School Completion Programme (SCP) sites in 21 counties (108 post primary schools and 302 primary schools) with 53 second level schools in the Stay in School Retention Strand (SSR) of the School Completion Programme in 17 counties. The sites for participation were selected on the basis of a detailed analysis of the pupil retention rates at second level using the Department's post primary pupil database. This analysis also identified their main feeder primary schools. As funding allocations are made on a site basis it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the allocation to each school. The 2005/2006 funding allocation to each project site represented an increase of 4% in the 2004/2005 allocation. It is anticipated that there will be an additional increase of 4% in the 2006/2007 allocation.

Schools Refurbishment.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

719 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9, for fencing to protect neighbours from anti-social activity in the school yard; if this funding will include the cost of netting as well as fencing; and if she will ensure that this work is completed without further delay. [28068/06]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

721 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding has been provided to a school in Dublin 9 (details supplied) for fencing to protect neighbours from anti-social activity in the school yard; if this funding includes the cost of netting as well as fencing; and will she ensure that this work is completed without any further delay. [28083/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 721 together.

An application for palisade fencing to secure the sports area of the school to which the Deputy refers has been approved for funding and the works are due to commence shortly. The provision of netting was not included.

Disadvantaged Status.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

720 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has been excluded from the DEIS Programme, in view of the fact that all other 11 disadvantaged schools in the local area have been included; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that staff in the school feel they are being penalised because of the success of their work to date; and if she will agree to review this decision on the grounds of fairness to the pupils and staff concerned. [28069/06]

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 pre-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 process has been put in place for both primary and second-level schools. 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. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday, 31st March, 2006. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a review application. The review process is nearing completion and the review group will shortly be making recommendations to my Department in the case of each school that has sought a review after which each school will be written to as regards the outcome of their application.

Question No. 721 answered with Question No. 719.

School Staffing.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

722 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of males entering primary level teaching; the numbers entering primary teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28091/06]

In the current school year, of the 1749 permanent and temporary qualified teachers appointed for the first time at primary level, 189 are male. I am aware of the decreasing numbers of males entering the teaching profession, and it is an issue that is of concern to me. I believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools. During the current school year I launched a promotional campaign aimed at encouraging more men to consider primary teaching as a career choice. Studies have shown that decreasing numbers of men are applying to become primary school teachers, both in Ireland and across the developed world. The first phase of the Men As Teachers and Educators campaign has seen newspaper and radio advertisements highlighting the key attributes and strengths of primary school teachers. The campaign is seeking to remind parents, students, teachers, guidance counsellors and all those thinking about career options about the valuable and rewarding work undertaken each day in our primary schools. I hope this campaign will make young men take a look at the valuable contribution they can make through a career as a primary school teacher.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

723 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans for the rebuilding of a secondary school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28092/06]

Following a fire at the school to which the Deputy refers, the insurance proceeds were used by the management authority for the rental and installation of a significant amount of temporary accommodation, re-instatement works and for the upgrading of external areas. The temporary accommodation in question is of a very high quality and has a long life span. Consequently, the Department purchased it outright. It was made clear to the school's management authority at that time that this accommodation, combined with the re-instatement works, would be expected to meet the schools accommodation needs for the foreseeable future. Since the fire in 2001, my Department has invested almost €1m in the school buildings for roof repairs, an upgrade of its gas system and for certain demolition works for health and safety reasons. Notwithstanding this level of investment, I stated publicly on a number of occasions that the provision of a new building for the school is not off the agenda. This project has been assigned a Band 2 rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

724 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used by her Department for the sanction of new primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the need for a new primary school in Edenderry, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28093/06]

There is an open and transparent process in place for the recognition of new primary schools. As part of the process, the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), which is an independent body, assesses all applications for recognition against published criteria. These criteria include: There must be evidence that: The proposed school meets a need that cannot reasonably be met within existing provision.

The local community is consulted in advance.

The patron has been registered as such by the Minister for Education and Science.

A board of management will be appointed in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Science.

The Rules for National Schools will be complied with.

The proposed school has a minimum initial enrolment of 17 junior infants and a minimum projected enrolment of 51 pupils for the third year of operation.

All pupils are at least four years of age on 30th September of the year in which the school is due to commence operation.

In accordance with section 10(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998, Proposed interim school accommodation must comply with the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the Planning and Development Regulations: 2001, the Building Regulations 1991 to 1997 (including the Building Control Regulations) and the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations: 2001 and any modifications, statutory instruments or orders made in accordance with these Acts.

The school will follow the Primary School Curriculum of the Department of Education and Science.

The school will employ recognised primary school teachers. The NSAC's annual programme of work culminates in a report to the Minister with recommendations on the granting or otherwise of recognition in individual cases. Appeals against a refusal to grant recognition can be made to an independent Appeals Board.

With regard to the application for the recognition of a new school for Edenderry for next September, this application was processed through the independent process which I have outlined. Having assessed the application, the NSAC recommended that recognition be refused and this decision was upheld by the Independent Appeals Board. My Department acknowledges the need for extra primary provision in Edenderry and it will be assessing this need within the framework of the recommendation of the N4/M4 Area Development Plan which was published last year following widespread public consultation.

Youthreach Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

725 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has any plans to review her decision not to approve funding for a new Youthreach Centre in Birr; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28098/06]

At present, my Department has approved 109 training places in Co. Offaly. These places are distributed by Co. Offaly Vocational Educational Committee as follows:

Youthreach

Clara — 25 places

Edenderry — 25 places

Senior Traveller Training Centres

Tullamore — 35 places

Birr — 24 places.

In addition, there are 60 Youthreach training places approved in Roscrea which is situated 19.6 kilometres from Birr. Training, travel and meal allowances are payable, as necessary, to participants. My Department has no plans at present to approve further funding for Youthreach in Co. Offaly.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

726 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the non-Governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27392/06]

In general my Department does not provide funding of the kind envisaged in the Question. However, a grant-in-aid is paid each year from the Defence Vote to the Irish Red Cross Society. The amounts paid in 2004 and 2005 were €866,000 and €880,000 respectively. The amount provided in this year's Estimate is €910,000. The Department also bears the cost of military personnel seconded to the Defence Forces Representative Associations as well as the cost of office accommodation and postal and telecommunications services.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

727 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and taskforces operating under his Department. [27793/06]

The budgetary allocation for each of the bodies operating under my Department are outlined in the following table:

Name of Body

2006 Budgetary Allocation

Civil Defence Board

5,928,000

Irish Red Cross Society

910,000

Coiste an Asgard

749,000

Army Pensions Board

102,000

The Defence Forces Ombudsman

350,000

Defence Forces Canteen Board

445,000

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

728 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27807/06]

There are currently no positions in State bodies under the aegis of my Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons' fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

729 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the number of taskforces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27817/06]

The taskforces that have been created within my Department since 1997 are as follows:

Taskforce

1.

Interdepartmental Task Force on the Future Management and Development of the Curragh of Kildare.

Function: The primary function of the Task Force was to report and make recommendations on the future management and development of the Curragh.

Size: 12 Members

Membership: The Task Force was Chaired by the former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Major-General P. Nowlan, officials of the Department of Defence (both civilian and military) and the following Departments/State Agencies were represented on the Task Force: Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Department of the Environment & Local Government Department of Finance Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Kildare County Council Midlands East Regional Tourism Authority

Reporting Mechanism: Report submitted to the Minister for Defence.

Period of Existence: The Task Force was established, following Government approval, in July 1998 and completed its report in May 1999.

2.

Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.

Function: The primary function of the Task Force was to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Government Departments that lead and support the State’s response in an emergency.

Size: See membership.

Membership: The Task Force is Chaired by myself and membership includes Ministers, Senior Officials of Government Departments, Senior Officers of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, and Officials of other key public authorities.

Reporting Mechanism: Not applicable.

Period of Existence: The Task Force was established, in October 2001.

3.

Steering Group to Review the Reserve Defence Forces.

Function: The purpose of the Group was to set out an approach for the future development of the Reserve Defence Force

Size: 8 Members

Membership: Mr Dermot Rochford (Chairman), officials of the Department of Defence (civilian and military), and an officer of the FCA

Reporting Mechanism: Report submitted to the Minister for Defence

Period of Existence: Established in January 1998 by the Minister for Defence and report submitted on 31 August 1999

4.

External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces.

Function: An External Advisory Committee was established to report on the nature and extent of any harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

Size: 6 Members

Membership: Dr. Eileen Doyle (Chairman) Liam Kelly (Employee Relations Specialist) Marie Rock (Employee Relations Manager) Major General James Sreenan (Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), Defence Forces) Commandant Maureen McEnrey (Curragh Training Camp)

Reporting Mechanism: Report titled “The Challenge of a Workplace” submitted to the Minister for Defence

Period of Existence: The Advisory Group was established in October 2001 and reported in March 2002.

5.

Independent Monitoring Group.

Function: The Monitoring Group was established to co-ordinate and manage the implementation of the recommendations of the “Doyle Report” concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces.

Size: 5 Members.

Membership: Dr. Eileen Doyle (Chairman)

Mr. Michael Howard (Assistant Secretary General Department of Defence) Major General James Sreenan (Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) — later succeeded by Major General Dermot Earley Mr. Brian O’Keeffe General Secretary RACO Mr. Gerry Rooney General Secretary PDFORRA

Reporting Mechanism: Reportsubmitted to Minister for Defence

Period of Existence: The Independent Monitoring Group was established in May 2002 and submitted its report “Response to the Challenge of a Workplace (2004) to the Minister of Defence in September 2004.

6.

Interdepartmental Committee on the Military Archives.

Function: The Committee’s functions are to examine and advise upon the best means of protecting and safeguarding the national Military Archives by way of securing their removal from Cathal Brugha Barracks to new premises.

Size: 7 Members.

Membership: Membership of the Committee is drawn from the Department of Defence (civilian and military), the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Office of Public Works, the National Archives, the National Museum and the Military Heritage Trust.

Reporting Mechanism: Report to be submitted to Minister for Defence

Period of Existence: The Committee was established in early 2003 and is still in existence as its work has not yet concluded.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

730 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27970/06]

The amount spent by my Department and by the Defence Forces for media purposes and advertising in 2005 and in 2006 (to date) is set out in the following table.

Year

National Newspapers

Provincial Newspapers

Other publications (periodicals, journals)

TV/Radio

Total Yearly Expenditure

2006

89,005

20,099

40,477

110,273

259,854

2005

335,800

27,580

32,180

60,220

455,780

The amounts spent on a yearly basis for the previous three years is as follows:

Year

Total amounts spent

2004

296,827

2003

183,655

2002

243,367

An informational training film about the Department of Defence was produced in 2003. The film is used for the induction of new staff and is available for staff to view on my Department's Intranet. The total cost of the film was €52,831.47 and the project was partly funded by the Department of Finance through the Change Management Fund.

A video of the recent Stand Down Parade of the Civil Defence Board at Ratra House, Phoenix Park was professionally recorded. The total cost involved was €3,412. The video was recorded for historical reasons rather than for promotional, educational or advertising assistance. €28,294 was spent by the Defence Forces in relation to Promotional Recruitment material in 2005 and 2006.

Road Network.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

731 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress on rolling out a high standard sign posting system for the network of non-national roads; and the number of years it will take before a satisfactory integrated system is in place. [27882/06]

Local authorities are responsible for the provision of road traffic signs on non-national roads. However, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government to put in place a new 5 year plan to ensure that non-national roads are properly signposted, my Department introduced a new Regional Roads Signposting Programme for non-national roads in 2003. It is proposed that directional signposts on all significant junctions on all regional roads in county council areas will be upgraded under the programme. To the end of 2005, grants totalling €2,767,800 were paid to local authorities under the Programme and in 2006 a sum of €6.64 million has been allocated under the Programme. Progress under the scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority. Local authorities may also use discretionary improvement and block grants provided by my Department towards the cost of providing signposting on non-national roads. In 2006, the discretionary improvement grant allocation to county councils is €24.27 million and the block grant allocation to City, Borough and Town Councils is €15.51 million.

Housing Grants.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

732 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial supports available from his Department directly or indirectly to assist a physically disabled person build their first home in a rural area; if no supports are available his views on introducing such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27899/06]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

812 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial supports available from his Department directly or indirectly to assist a physically disabled person build their first home; if no support are available his view on introducing such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27906/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 732 and 812 together.

Under the disabled persons grant scheme, a local authority may pay a new house grant of up €12,700 towards the additional cost of providing a new dwelling specifically to meet the needs of a disabled person. The administration of the scheme, and decisions on individual applications, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

Local Authority Housing.

John Perry

Ceist:

733 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directive he has made on the proposal submitted by Sligo County Council for the regeneration of an estate (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will give a commitment that it will be sanctioned; the money that will be allocated; the timescale involved; when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27260/06]

My Department approved proposals in April, 2006 from Sligo County Council for the first phase of the regeneration of the estate in question involving the construction of 20 new dwellings. I understand that the Part 8 planning approval process has been completed and the Council are preparing tender documentation to seek tenders with a view to commencing construction on site by end 2006. An initial capital allocation of €200,000 has been provided to the Council for the project under the Remedial Works Scheme in 2006 and further capital funding will be provided in 2007.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

734 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 13 June 2006 he has received a review statement from Galway City Council in relation to the action plan for housing for the period 2004 to 2008; and if he will provide the information sought in that question and Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 13 June 2006. [27261/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

735 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 13 June 2006, the proposals his Department have received in relation to social and affordable housing from Galway City Council in the past three years; the number currently at his Department; the number awaiting sanction; the projected dates for sanction; and the number of social housing units expected to be provided in 2006, 2007, and 2008. [27262/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 734 and 735 together.

As indicated in reply to Question No. 438 of 13 June 2006, my Department has recently met with Galway City Council to discuss their Action Plan for Social and Affordable Housing. A Review Statement is currently being finalised by Galway City Council: this will update detailed targets for numbers of social housing units to be provided by the local authority over the coming years. In relation to Question No. 437 of 13 June 2006, the information promised on the number of local authority housing schemes sanctioned and under consideration by my Department from the beginning of 2004 has been supplied to the Deputy by letter of 22 June 2006. In addition to the local authority projects, my Department has 14 projects under the voluntary and cooperative sector social housing programme for Galway City over the above period, with 50 units to be yielded by these projects. Proposals for the acquisition or construction of affordable housing do not require to be submitted to my Department for specific prior approval; consequently the question of awaiting my Department's sanction for these proposals does not arise. Information on activity, including units in progress and proposed, under the various social and affordable housing schemes in each local authority area is published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

736 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding information provided under Parliamentary Question No. 582 of 4 April 2006, regarding the number of housing estates which are expected to be taken in charge by local authorities in 2006 and so on; the most recent information on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27334/06]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

1

2

3

4

Number of housing estates to be taken in charge in 2006

Number of houses in estates in answer to Q.1

Number of housing estates not yet taken in charge for which planning permission expired more than 2 years ago

Number of houses in estates in answer to Q.3

County Councils

Carlow County Council

13

564

11

456

Cavan County Council

8

320

25

684

Clare County Council

9

360

100

3,250

Cork County Council

40

2,000

210

6,769

Donegal County Council

20

410

201

3,700

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

10

Not supplied

42

2,500

Fingal County Council

Information not available

Information Not available

Information not available

Information not available

Galway County Council

6

Not available

163

2,720

Kerry County Council

Not supplied

Not supplied

200

Not available

Kildare County Council

49

5,534

109

5,666

Kilkenny County Council

18

744

Information not available

Information not available

Laois County Council

16

1,174

19

863

Leitrim County Council

6

131

15

Not available

Limerick County Council

47

1,216

62

2,748

Longford County Council

5

Not supplied

28

223

Louth County Council

12

Not supplied

51

Not supplied

Mayo County Council

10

222

78

Not available

Meath County Council

15

907

112

4,187

Monaghan County Council

7

190

18

190

Offaly County Council

3

258

30

621

Roscommon County Council

6

109

6

Not supplied

Sligo County Council

20

233

25

507

South Dublin County Council

16

2,046

35

4,000

Tipperary North County Council

0

Not available

Not available

Not available

Tipperary South County Council

15

280

11

0

Waterford County Council

8

360

3

160

Westmeath County Council

18

1,096

26

1,824

Wexford County Council

8

160

150

3,000

Wicklow County Council

19

402

62

1,459

City Councils

Cork City Council

16

835

30

1,147

Dublin City Council

1

325

121

5,039

Galway City Council

15

647

47

2,198

Limerick City Council

16

950

70

800

Waterford City Council

11

919

16

882

Borough Councils

Clonmel Borough Council

10

422

14

309

Drogheda Borough Council

8

655

24

Not supplied

Kilkenny Borough Council

2

20

8

158

Sligo Borough Council

6

281

13

517

Wexford Borough Council

5

166

19

Not supplied

Town Councils

Ballina Town Council

8

340

9

360

Ballinasloe Town Council

3

14

287

Birr Town Council

1

Not supplied

3

Not supplied

Bray Town Council

Not known

5

542

Carlow Town Council

4

140

0

0

Carrickmacross Town Council

4

190

1

49

Castlebar Town Council

3

Not supplied

25

Not supplied

Castleblaney Town Council

0

0

0

0

Clonakilty Town Council

5

121

10

157

Clones Town Council

1

9

1

Not supplied

Dundalk Town Council

5

350

33

2,517

Ennis Town Council

5

219

28

2,228

Listowel Town Council

6

111

8

112

Longford Town Council

4

211

2

22

Macroom Town Council

3

100

2

80

Monaghan Town Council

3

282

6

141

Nenagh Town Council

3

160

11

560

New Ross Town Council

0

0

1

8

Skibbereen Town Council

2

50

1

20

Templemore Town Council

2

83

2

Not available

Thurles Town Council

1

122

8

501

Tipperary Town Council

0

0

6

149

Tullamore Town Council

2

40

13

Not available

Westport Town Council

2

28

16

384

Wicklow Town Council

24

928

16

618

Youghal Town Council

2

29

12

378

Total

587

27,449

2,387

65,690

Regional Road Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

737 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding allocated to the low cost safety improvement works scheme of grants for non-national roads for each year from 2000 to date in 2006; the number of locations which benefitted from this funding in each of the stated years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/06]

The Low Cost Safety Improvement Works scheme of grants for non-national roads was introduced by my Department in 2000 as an extension of the scheme operated on national roads under the auspices of the National Roads Authority (NRA). The NRA assesses applications for grant assistance under the non-national roads scheme on behalf of my Department. The criteria for grant approval are based on accident data, inspection of sites, locations showing demonstrable hazard and discussions between the local authority and the NRA.

The following table gives details of grant payments from 2000 to 2005, and allocations for 2006, to local authorities under the scheme and details of the number of projects in receipt of funding:

Year

Grant Payments

Number of schemes which received funding

2000

666,243

55

2001

1,971,621

135

2002

2,276,550

146

2003

2,335,640

157

2004

2,480,011

168

2005

2,703,900

197

2006 (Allocation)

3,560,399

199 (Estimated)

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

738 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the non-governmental agencies or organisations his Department has provided funding to in 2004, 2005, and 2006; the amount of funding provided to each in each year; the number of applications for funding submitted to his Department in total; the number of these applications which were refused; the reason for same; the percentage of his Department’s overall annual budget such funding equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27393/06]

The following table details the funding by my Department to non-governmental agencies or organisations in 2004, 2005 and 2006. For 2005, the most recent full year, the total funding provided was €3,448,018, which comprised 0.45% of my Department's current budget for the year. The data does not include substantial capital and other funding provided by my Department under schemes which are administered by local authorities with involvement of voluntary bodies, e.g. voluntary housing projects.

To date my Department has received 234 applications for funding for the 3 year period. 9 of these have been refused of which 6 have been redirected to other Departments where funding may be available. Of the other 3 that were refused, 1 was on the basis of there being no funds available under the Environment Fund for that particular initiative in 2005 and the other 2 refusals where as a result of the organisations failing to meet the required criteria.

Agency/Organisation

Funding Received (to date)

2004

2005

2006

I.S.P.C.A.

40,000.00

40,000.00

42,500.00

(Ecological) NGOs Core Funding Limited

253,946.00

235,832.00

100,000.00

An Taisce

177,710.09

91,093.82

50,000.00

An Taisce (National Spring Clean)

280,000.00

324,448.00

Arlington Novas Ireland

8,000.00

Bat Conservation Ireland

1,000.00

Birdwatch

12,760.00

11,100.78

1,300.00

Birdwatch Ireland

10,000.00

British Trust for Ornithology

8,000.00

8,000.00

8,000.00

CARA

30,000.00

40,000.00

Carbery

10,000.00

8,000.00

Cashin Printing Services Ltd. for NGO

720

Circle VHA

10,000.00

15,000.00

City Housing Initiative

30,000.00

35,000.00

Coastwatch

500

6,000.00

Coastwatch Ireland

4,000.00

1,000.00

Cobh (Great Island) Community Centre Ltd.

450,000.00

Cope

12,000.00

20,000.00

Cork Environmental Forum

15,000.00

12,500.00

Crann

1,200.00

400

Deer Alliance Development Committee

1,500.00

5,000.00

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce

9,000.00

9,000.00

Eco-Unesco

38,863.00

33,796.75

1,620.00

Focus Ireland

90,000.00

95,000.00

Fold Ireland

15,000.00

Greenland White-fronted Goose Study

500

Grian

9,331.00

Groundwork — Irish Wildlife Trust

11,564.00

12,789.00

Habitat for Humanity

35,000.00

IBAL (Anti-Litter League)

75,000.00

100,000.00

Irish Council for Social Housing

370,000.00

395,000.00

Institute of Public Administration

63,000.00

Irish Biogeographical Society

635

2,000.00

3,000.00

Irish Blue Cross

12,000.00

13,000.00

12,500.00

Irish Peatland Conservation Council

4,400.00

6,617.63

Irish Peatland Conservation Council (applied for in 2003 not paid until 2004)

6,500.00

Irish Raptor Group

800

900

Irish Seed Saver Association

200

684

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

10,563.00

15,000.00

2,000.00

Irish Wildlife Trust

3,419.34

Leave No Trace Ireland

10,000.00

Mulranny Day Care

10,000.00

National Association of Building Co-operatives

180,000.00

192,000.00

National Association of Regional Game Councils

1,575.00

Networks for Nature

1,077.00

Newgrove

4,000.00

North & East Housing

25,000.00

North & West Housing

11,000.00

Organic Centre

786.5

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

73,723.80

Royal Irish Academy

160,000.00

165,000.00

Rural Resettlement Ireland

135,000.00

145,000.00

89,138.00

Safe Home

60,000.00

62,000.00

Sea Turtle Trust

605

Sherkin Island Marine Station

44,226.00

85,955.60

53,300.00

Simon Communities

60,000.00

67,000.00

Slí Eile HA

10,000.00

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

80,000.00

Sonas

20,000.00

25,000.00

Sustainable Ireland

26,499.00

26,245.00

20,980.00

Threshold

270,000.00

300,000.00

Tír an Droichead

10,000.00

Tree Council

14,990.71

Wader Study Group

10,000.00

Waterford Chamber of Commerce

5,000.00

Woodlands of Ireland

30,100.00

31,600.00

Zoological Society of Ireland

6,000.00

100

Agri Aware

2,540.00

2,540.00

ESAT BT Young Scientist

3,630.00

3,630.00

UCD (for MSc in Meteorology)

43,719.00

134,983.00

Totals

2,529,575.89

3,448,018.13

606,543.00

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

739 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has approved the contract documents for the Lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme; and the details of the scheme. [27419/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

746 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage of development the expansion of the Leixlip waste water plant is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

753 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage the Lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme is at; if construction has commenced; when he anticipates the relevant works will be completed and the problem of persistent sewage odour in Leixlip will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27477/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 739, 746 and 753 together.

The Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €31 million. The scheme, which includes the expansion of the Leixlip waste water treatment plant and the upgrading and improvement of the wastewater collection systems in Leixlip, Kilcock, Straffan, Celbridge and Maynooth, also includes measures to eliminate odours from the existing collection system in Leixlip's main street.

In May 2005 I approved Kildare County Council's proposals to proceed with work on an advance section of the scheme at Straffan, which I understand is now completed. Kildare County Council's Contract Documents for the major elements of the scheme are under examination in my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the Council shortly. Approval of the Contract Documents will enable the Council to invite tenders for the carrying out of the works.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

740 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the Upper Liffey Valley sewerage Scheme; and the details of the scheme. [27420/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 440 of 13 June 2006.

Town Councils.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

741 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the timeframe for the conclusion of consultations with local government interests regarding the creation of new town councils under the Local Government Act 2001. [27423/06]

I am considering the steps necessary to commence the provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils. The creation of new town councils and their prospective functional responsibilities under the Act also feature in my discussions with local government interests as the opportunity arises. I will continue to keep the position under review, in tandem with consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.

Local Authority Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

742 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious anomaly in the ratio of local authority staff to population in Counties Kildare and Meath in the Great Dublin Area which respectively have one local authority staff member for every 200 people in County Kildare and one local authority staff member for every 215 people in County Meath; his views on whether these counties saw the largest growth in population in the State between 1996 and 2002 at 21.4 per cent and 22.1 per cent respectively compared to the State growth in population of 8 per cent; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in counties such as Kerry there is a local authority staff member for every 124 people, Cavan a local authority staff member for 124 people, Clare a local authority staff member for every 123 people; his views on whether the pressures of population growth in County Kildare and County Meath require him to lift the public service recruitment embargo in these local authority areas in view of the demands from the public for services; and if he will discuss this matter with the Department of Finance. [27424/06]

Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is a matter for the manager of each local authority to make such staffing and organisational arrangements as may be necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he/she is responsible. However, managers must have regard to Government policy on the control and regulation of numbers in the public sector, including local authorities, which was announced in the Minister for Finance's Budget statement of 7 December 2005. Local authority staffing overall increased by over 25% in the period 1997 to 2003, and there were significantly higher percentage increases in Kildare and Meath County Council staffing levels over the same period. I am keeping the overall position in the local government sector under regular review, in consultation with the Minister for Finance.

Housing Grants.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

743 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects the review of the disabled persons grant scheme to be concluded. [27426/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

769 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the disabled persons housing grant to cover 100 per cent of the actual cost of building work; if he will put in place standard qualification criteria to apply throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27637/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 769 together.

The level of grant available and the issue of qualifying criteria have been considered in the context of the overall review of the disabled persons grant scheme which was recently finalised. Proposals for the future operation of the scheme are being prepared in my Department and I hope to be in a position to announce these shortly.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

744 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken by his Department to ensure a sewerage scheme is installed in the Achill Sound area of County Mayo which will serve the full community, which will be affordable to the community and which will serve future generations; his views on whether these steps are necessary in view of the fact that it is on the cards for 15 years and in view of the fact that the polluter pays principle means that it is making the scheme economically impossible; if he will examine the situation; his views on meeting with the group to outline the possibilities available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 250 of 29 June 2006.

My Department is in discussions with Mayo County Council in relation to the scheme and will consider urgently revised proposals which the Council has undertaken to submit within the next few weeks.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

745 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the proposed increase in abstraction levels at Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27469/06]

The Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant Expansion Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction this year.

Dublin City Council's tender recommendations for both the civil and mechanical and electrical contracts for the scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Question No. 746 answered with Question No. 739.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

747 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for works which have been made to his Department in the context of the water services investment programme; the number of these which were granted, refused, commenced and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27471/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

748 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of counties which have applied for the construction or expansion of water and waste water treatment plants each year since 2000; the number of these applications which have been granted; the extent of funding allocated for such works; the number of these projects which have been completed; if there were unsuccessful applications; if so, the reason for their failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27472/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

749 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to any county experiencing water shortages due to increased demand for service; the way in which such shortages are to be resolved; the measures he has taken to ensure that such shortages are prevented from occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27473/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

750 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households approximately which derive their water supplies from each local authority's water supply network at present; the water services infrastructural upgrades which have been made in each county since 1996; the increases in the volume of water abstracted from sources which have occurred in each county since 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27474/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

751 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, regarding the water services investment programme, census figures pertaining to population increases will be taken into account when planning for development of the water services system; if the national level of housing construction has been taken into account when devising the investment programme; if the programme is sufficiently flexible to accommodate significant fluctuations in housing construction which may affect the level of water supply required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27475/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

752 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an established minimum level of service pertaining to water provision that must be provided to households who source their water via local government mains supply; if so, the way in which this level of service is guaranteed; if he has satisfied himself that it is maintained; if not, his views on introducing guidelines in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27476/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 747 to 752, inclusive, together.

Management of public drinking water supplies is the responsibility of the local authorities, which have a range of instruments and measures available to them to produce and conserve sufficient stocks to meet anticipated needs. New infrastructure projects including water conservation works, are approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme mainly on the basis of priorities identified in regular assessments of needs undertaken by local authorities, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting public water supply and waste water requirements. The latest assessments were carried out in 2003 and the resulting priorities have been taken into account in the framing of subsequent phases of the Water Services Investment Programme. The current phase of the Programme, which sets out my Department's investment strategy for the years 2005 to 2007, including details of all approved schemes and the associated funding, is available in the Oireachtas Library. Information in relation to other scheme proposals may appropriately be sought from individual local authorities.

Local authorities have recently been asked by my Department to produce updated water services needs assessments and to review their infrastructural priorities in light of economic, demographic and other developments, including housing, that have taken place since the previous assessments were completed in 2003. These assessments will identify requirements for additional water production, treatment, storage or distribution capacity and will inform future phases of the Water Services Investment Programme. In addition, should there be an urgent need to expedite an individual proposal in response to particular circumstances new schemes may be added to the Programme at any time.

Some €3.7 billion will be spent under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 on the provision of water services infrastructure. A total of 334 water services schemes were completed under the Water Services Investment Programme in the period 2000 to 2005.

Information regarding households whose water supplies are provided by local authorities is available in Table 13 of Volume 13 of the 2002 Census of Population published by the Central Statistics Office, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Details of public water supply schemes completed in the period 1996 to 2005, which have produced additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of 1.1 million, are set out in the following tabular statement. The increase in storage capacity over the same period was sufficient to meet the requirements of a population of over 1.6 million.

Table: Water Supply Schemes completed 1996-2005

County

Scheme

1996

Cork

Macroom Water Supply

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire Water Supply

Fingal

Blanchardstown Water Supply Phase 2

Kerry

Dingle Water Supply

Leitrim

South Leitrim Regional Water Supply Stage 4 Phase 1

Limerick City

Limerick City Water Contract 9

Mayo

Lough Mask RWS Stage 2 (Ballinrobe/Claremorris)

Tipperary South

Tipperary Town Water Supply Augmentation (Reservoir)

Wicklow

Roundwood (Vartry) Water Works

1997

Clare

Kilkee Water

Galway

Tuam Regional Water Scheme

Galway

Inish Oirr Water

Meath

East Meath (Kiltrough Tower) Water

Kildare

Naas Water

Sligo

Lough Talt Water

Mayo

Westport Water (Leakage Control)

Mayo

Westport Water

Meath

Trim Water

Roscommon

Boyle/Ardcarne Water

Tipperary

Nenagh Water

Wicklow

Arklow Water (Goldmines)

1998

Galway

Spiddal/Rossaveal Water

Mayo

Erris (Ext. to Bangor) Water

Limerick

Askeaton/Pallaskenry (Phase 1) Water

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

Ballyboden/Stillorgan Water

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire Water Phase II

Fingal

Howth Water

Kildare

Castledermot Water

Kildare

Leixlip NE Kildare Water

Donegal

Buncrana (Pollan Dam) Water

Laois

Portlaoise Water

Kilkenny

Gowran/Paulstown Water (Source Protection)

Meath

Ashbourne/Dunshaughlin Water

Offaly

Clara Water

Tipperary South

Galtee Water

Westmeath

Tyrellspass Water

Cork City

Chetwynd Water

1999

Cork City

Glen/Bride/Kiln River — Phase 3 & 4

Cork

Cork City Water — Chetwynd Main

Meath

East Meath Regional Water Scheme

Meath

East Meath Regional Water Scheme (Kiltrough Water Tower)

Monaghan

Castleblayney Water Supply Improvement Scheme

Monaghan

Monaghan Water Contract 1 — Pipelines

Roscommon

North East Roscommon Water Ext. to Ballagh/Ballybeg

Roscommon

North East Roscommon Water Ext. to Tarmonbarry

Roscommon

North Roscommon Water Supply Scheme Intake

Sligo

North Sligo Regional Water Scheme

Tipperary

Ardfinnan Water Supply Scheme

Waterford

East Waterford Water Supply Scheme — Contract 5, 6 &7

Waterford

East Waterford Water — Emergency Contract (Civil Works)

Waterford

East Waterford Water — Emergency Contract (M & E)

Wexford

Fardystown Water Supply Scheme Contract 2

2000

Cork

Blarney Water

Cork

Fermoy Water

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire Water Supply Contract 7 Telemetry

Fingal

Leixlip Water (Phase II) (4,5,6,7,& 9)

Galway

Oughterard Sludge Facilities (Water Scheme)

Kildare

Monasterevin Water

Limerick

Limerick Trunk Mains Rosbrien

North Tipperary

Templemore Water

Waterford

East Waterford Water Supply Stage 2 Phase 1

Cork

Ballincollig Water Supply

Cork

Ballyvinter Water Scheme

Cork

Glanmire Water Supply, Castlejane

Cork

Glashaboy Water Supply, Caherlag

Cork

Kinsale Water Supply Ardbrack

Kerry

Caherciveen Water Supply Ext. Water

Kildare

Castlecomer Road to Glendine WS

Kildare

Kildare/Rathangan Water Supply

Laois

Water Supply Mains Knockmay

Longford

Ardnacassa

Louth

Clogherhead Water/Sewerage

Mayo

Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe

Meath

Kilmessan Water Supply SLI

Offaly

Cloncollig WSS

Offaly

Kilcormac (W+S)

Offaly

Silver River (Collins Lane/Arden)WSS

2001

Cavan

Bailieborough RWS St. 1

Galway

Tuam RWS (Phase III) W

Galway

Tuam RWS Ext. to Athenry

Louth

Drogheda WS

Limerick

Limerick Environs & Shannon Estuary WSS Phase 1

Mayo

Ballina RWS (Wherrew)

Mayo

Erris RWS ext. to Mullet Peninsula

Mayo

Lough Mask Sludge Treatment (dewatering @ Tourmakeady )

Monaghan

Monaghan Water

North Tipperary

Roscrea Water

Roscommon

Roscommon North RWSS (Fairymount/Loughlynn)

Sligo

Sligo & Environs Water

Westmeath

Mullingar Water (Taughmon)

Donegal

Dungloe Water Supply SLI

Kerry

Brosna/Knocknagoshel WS

Kerry

Cahermoneen & Knocknacuig W& S SLI

Kildare

Kildare Planning and Dev. of Phases 1A and 1B of Water Supply Strategy

Louth

Greenhills W&S SLI

Mayo

Killala Water SLI

Mayo

Newport/Mulranny Water Augmentation SLI

Sligo

Curry WS RTVI (Rhue/Curry/Bellaghy WSS)

2002

Galway

Ballinasloe (Laurencetown) Water

Meath

Longwood Water

Offaly

Ferbane Water

Cavan

Tanderagee/Curkish Water & Sewerage

Cork

Blarney — Water supply and Sewerage at Station

Cork

Buttevant WS — RTVI

Galway

Inishmore Water

Kildare

Kilcock Water Improvement

Kildare

Kilcullen Water

Kildare

Nurney Water

Mayo

Westport Rd., Louisburgh — Water Ext

2003

Wexford

Fardystown Water Supply

Clare

Newmarket-on-Fergus (Advance)

Cavan

Bailieboro R W S S — Stage 2

Mayo

Lough Mask RWS (Knock — Ballyhaunis)

Meath

Navan Water (Interim Works)

Limerick

Foynes Water Supply

Galway

Galway Water (Phase 3) Ext of Tuam Regional Water to Galway)

Waterford

East Waterford Water Supply Contracts 17A&B 1**

Westmeath

South Westmeath Regional Water Supply Scheme Advance Works Augmentation of Supply to Moate

Westmeath

Mullingar Regional Water Supply Scheme — Treatment (Lough Owel)

Monaghan

Clones Water Scheme

Carlow

Hacketstown WS RTVI

Mayo

Ballycastle Water. SLI

Meath

Longwood Water Supply Scheme

2004

Dublin City

Water Source Dev Planning Short Term Sources

Leitrim

North Leitrim Rural Water Supply Scheme

Louth

Dunleer/Mid-Louth RWSS Advance Works

Limerick

Southern Ring Watermain

Mayo

Lough Mask RWSS — Extension Balla to Ballyheane

Galway

Gort RWSS Advance Works

Kildare

Castledermot Water Stage 2 RTVI

Wicklow

Baltinglass Water Supply

Tipperary NR

N52 Outer Ring Watermain SLI

2005

Westmeath

Mullingar RWSS Sth Western High Level Area

Dublin City

Bohernabreena Spillways

South Dublin

Lucan High Level WSS

Mayo

Achill 4C

Kildare

South Kildare Water Supply Scheme RTVI

Dubin

Pelletstown W&S Scheme SLI

Notes

WS = Water Supply

SLI = Serviced Land Initiative

RTVI = Rural Towns & Villages Initiative

Question No. 753 answered with Question No. 739.

Women’s Refuges.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

754 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of women’s refuges which have received funding from his Department; if he will provide funding for the establishment of a refuge in County Kildare; if such funding has been allocated, when same occurred; the extent of the funding; the stage of development of the refuge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27478/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

755 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for the establishment of a women’s refuge in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27479/06]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

794 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of women’s refuges which have received funding from his Department; if he will provide funding for the establishment of a refuge in County Kildare; if such funding has been allocated, when same occurred; the extent of the funding; the stage of development of the refuge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27662/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 754, 755 and 794 together.

Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet special housing needs, such as elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities and may include accommodation for victims of domestic violence. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds for eligible projects. To date 4 projects have been approved under the scheme for victims of domestic violence.

The administration of the scheme and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme is the responsibility of the appropriate local authority. An application for funding for such a project has not yet been received by my Department from Kildare County Council.

Noise Regulations.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

756 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce regulations which incorporate environmental noise resulting from movements into and out of small airfields and aerodromes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27481/06]

In the case of a small airfield or aerodrome which is located in an agglomeration to which the provisions EU Directive 2002/49/EC (concerning assessment and management of environmental noise) apply, it is a matter for the local authority concerned to consider any noise issues in the context of its noise mapping functions under the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006.

Social Inclusion.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

757 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which have signed the Barcelona Declaration and which have action plans in place to implement the declaration in their administrative areas. [27482/06]

The 101 local authorities which have adopted the Barcelona Declaration, as advised to my Department by the National Disability Authority (NDA), are included in the table below. The NDA intends to write to each of the outstanding local authorities to determine whether further adoptions of the Declaration have taken place. Implementation measures are a matter for the individual local authorities.

As required under the Disability Act 2005, my Department's sectoral plan will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas no later than 28 July 2006. It will set out national objectives and guidelines for access to local authority public buildings, services, facilities, amenities, and information. Each local authority will be required to draw up an implementation plan within nine months of the statutory approval of the sectoral plans by the Houses of the Oireachtas, on the basis of a detailed accessibility audit. The implementation plans, drawn up in consultation with organisations representing people with disabilities, will set out a programme of actions to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the 2005 Act, in order to promote and pro-actively encourage equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the economic, social and cultural life of the community.

County Councils

Carlow

Cavan

Clare

Cork

Donegal

Dún Laoghaire

Rathdown

Fingal

Galway

Laois

Leitrim

Limerick

Longford

Louth

Kerry

Kildare

Kilkenny

Mayo

Meath

Monaghan

North Tipperary

Offaly

Roscommon

Sligo

South Dublin

South Tipperary

Waterford

Westmeath

Wexford

Wicklow

City Councils

Cork

Dublin

Galway

Limerick

Waterford

Borough Councils

Clonmel

Drogheda

Kilkenny

Sligo

Wexford

Town Councils

Ardee

Arklow

Athlone

Athy

Balbriggan

Ballina

Ballinasloe

Ballybay

Ballyshannon

Bandon

Bantry

Birr

Boyle

Bray

Buncrana

Bundoran

Carlow

Carrickmacross

Carrick on Suir

Castlebar

Castleblaney

Cavan

Clonakilty

Clones

Dundalk

Dungarvan

Edenderry

Ennis

Enniscorthy

Fermoy

Gorey

Granard

Killarney

Kilkee

Kilrush

Kinsale

Leixlip

Letterkenny

Lismore

Listowel

Longford

Macroom

Mallow

Mountmellick

Muinebheag

Mullingar

Naas

Nenagh

New Ross

Passage West

Portlaoise

Shannon

Tipperary

Tralee

Tramore

Trim

Tuam

Tullamore

Skibbereen

Westport

Wicklow

Planning Issues.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

758 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; if documentation has been received recently from Galway County Council in relation to same; and when the project will be allowed to proceed. [27483/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 607 of 30 May 2006. Further documentation relating to this scheme has not been received from Galway County Council in the meantime.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

759 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received all the documentation required from Galway County Council for a project (details supplied) in County Galway to proceed; when he will approve the project; and when the construction work will proceed. [27484/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No 557 of 16 May 2006. The information received from Galway County Council on 12 May, 2006, was incomplete in some respects and my Department is in touch with the Council regarding the outstanding information.

Development Plans.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

760 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the submission made by his Department to variation number three of the Wicklow County Development Plan in recent weeks took into consideration the guidelines on one-off rural housing; if so, if a rural area is defined as a town or village with a population of under 1,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27520/06]

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is a prescribed body for the giving of notice by planning authorities of the preparation of draft development plans and proposed variations to development plans.

On 16 May 2006, my Department sent comments for consideration by Wicklow County Council in relation to Proposed Variation No. 3 to the Wicklow County Development Plan 2004-2010. The Proposed Variation deals with revisions and amendments to Chapter 3 of the Development Plan — Population/Settlement Strategy. My Department's comments included that the Proposed Variation generally accords with the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities which issued in April 2005. For the purposes of these Guidelines, rural areas are defined as those areas outside of urban areas with a population of 1,500 or over.

Election Management System.

John Deasy

Ceist:

761 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the security and risk assessment of all aspects of the electronic voting system; the additional hardware and software which will be required to address the issues raised by the Commission on Electronic Voting; if he will indicate the cost of such additional hardware and software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27553/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

762 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he proposes to undertake to reduce the annual cost of storing the electronic voting machines; the cost of buying out lease agreements operational in each constituency for their storage in order that they could be moved to a central location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27554/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 762 together.

The Commission on Electronic Voting concludes in its Second Report on the Secrecy, Accuracy and Testing of the Chosen Electronic Voting System, which was presented and published on 4 July and circulated to members of the House, that it can recommend the voting and counting equipment for use at elections in Ireland, subject to further work it has recommended, but that it is unable to recommend the election management software. The Commission makes it clear that many of its recommendations involve only relatively minor modifications or additions to the system and that it is likely that alternative election management software could be developed at a reasonable relative cost; however, the report does not provide specific costings in this regard.

In response to the report, I have indicated that I intend to propose to Government the establishment of a Cabinet Committee, which I will chair and which will consider the report and other assessment work in detail; report to the Government on the full implications of the Commission recommendations; consider the composition of a peer review group (drawn from international electoral reform bodies and the IT industry) to supervise any software redesign work; report to the Government on confidence building measures; and identify any other improvements that might be built into the system.

I welcome the Commission's view regarding local storage arrangements for the electronic voting equipment. Now that the Commission has examined the issue and reached its conclusion, work will be advanced to bring the voting machines to a central location. It would not be appropriate to comment at this stage on detailed costs that might be involved in the buy-out of leases given the commercial considerations involved.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John Deasy

Ceist:

763 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Waterford grouped towns and villages sewerage scheme; when the sewage scheme in each of the towns and villages concerned will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27555/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 244 of 29 June 2006.

Recreational Facilities.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

764 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of playgrounds here; and his plans to increase their number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/06]

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

Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland, with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. As part of the implementation of this policy, my Department provided over €2 million in grant aid to County and City Councils in respect of 32 new or refurbished playground projects under the Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme 2004. In 2005, a further €2 million was allocated to local authorities for the development of playground facilities, in particular to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment. I expect to announce details of further funding for such facilities in 2006 in the near future.

Local Authority Housing.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

765 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward amending legislation to change the provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in order that developers may be required to construct purpose built childcare facilities within large-scale housing developments and sell them to the local authorities at cost price thus introducing a system whereby community childcare providers can reduce cost and pass these savings on to young families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27633/06]

Planning authorities currently require the provision of at least one childcare facility for each 75 dwellings in a new housing area, in accordance with the Childcare Guidelines for Planning Authorities published in April 2001. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities have extensive powers to provide or facilitate the provision of childcare facilities in their functional area, through appropriate strategic planning through the development plan, the setting of appropriate conditions on planning permissions and the use of development contributions to pay for the capital cost of community facilities. I am satisfied that these powers, used proactively, will facilitate an adequate supply of childcare places through the planning process. Accordingly, I do not propose to amend the Act in this respect.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

766 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is undertaking to redress the predicament whereby single persons, in particular single men, find it virtually impossible to secure social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27634/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

770 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to address the housing waiting lists with particular reference to the families on local authority lists and a further number who are disqualified from such lists on income grounds but do not qualify for an adequate mortgage from financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27638/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

776 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the issue of the long waiting lists for local authority houses; if he has issued directions to the local authorities with a view to tackling this housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27644/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 766, 770 and 776 together.

Single persons who are unable to provide housing for themselves from their own resources are entitled to apply for social housing which is provided by either a local authority or a voluntary housing body. While it is a matter for individual local authorities to decide on the allocation of houses to single persons and other categories on their waiting lists in accordance with their Schemes of Letting Priorities, my Department continues to advise local authorities of the need to provide a reasonable mix of dwellings suited to the different kinds of households already on waiting lists and to plan their future programmes taking account of the estimated size and type of households likely to be seeking housing in the future.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework amounting to close to €4 billion in Exchequer capital spending over the period 2006 to 2008. The Government have committed in the draft social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to further additional investment in social housing with 27,000 new units to be started or acquired over the period 2007 to 2009. It is envisaged that these new units will be delivered through a combination of local authority social housing, voluntary and co-operative sector social housing programme and long-term contracts for new supply under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Further households will benefit from the full implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme involving contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from rent supplement. Over the same period it is expected that some 17,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered.

As a result of the various social and affordable housing measures the needs of some 60,000 new households will be met over the period 2007-2009. The housing policy framework also proposes a package of reforms to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility. The overall impact of these measures will impact positively on waiting lists for social and affordable housing.

The affordable and shared ownership schemes benefit low income house purchasers and those households having difficulties securing loans from financial institutions. Last year some 2,700 transactions were completed under these initiatives and it is anticipated that increased output levels will be achieved in 2006.

Housing Grants.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

767 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take in view of the alarmingly high levels of radon in homes here; and if he will reintroduce a grant system to assist those wishing to fit radon barriers to their homes. [27635/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

775 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce free testing for radon gas in areas of high radon. [27643/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 767 and 775 together.

During the period 1992 to 1999, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) carried out a nationwide survey of radon gas in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement of radon in some 11,000 houses nationwide. Based on the results of this survey, the RPII estimated that some 91,000 houses nationally, equivalent to about 7% of the national housing stock, have radon concentration levels in excess of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). This is the National Reference Level adopted by Government in respect of houses, and is the level above which it is recommended that radon remediation works should be considered.

The RPII's website —www.rpii.ie — contains a comprehensive map which shows the location of High Radon Areas throughout the country, i.e., areas where 10% or more of the houses are estimated to have radon levels in excess of the National reference Level. County radon maps and survey results can be viewed also on that web-site by clicking on the county by name.

Of the approximately 30,000 houses tested to date by the RPII for radon, some 200, or about 1%, had radon concentrations in excess of 800 Bq/m3, a level considered by RPII as extremely high. Such householders are strongly urged by the RPII to undertake immediate radon remediation measures on their house.

The Government, largely through the RPII, has for many years now committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to highlighting public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options and which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The RPII has also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders’ Guide. This is available on the RPII website, as is a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

In June 1997, my Department introduced upgraded building regulations which required all new buildings, including new houses, which commenced construction on or after 1 July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004, my Department published an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that the 1997 radon protection measures are carried out more effectively.

On the question of grant assistance, and as stated in reply to Questions Nos. 82 and 98 of 13 June 2006, increasing the awareness of the public is considered to be a more effective approach than the provision of State financial assistance schemes to householders for radon testing of their homes or for radon remediation works. Such schemes of assistance are not operated by the majority of EU Member States. It would be difficult for a demand-led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Furthermore, such a scheme could require very significant public expenditure and administrative resources. The testing of houses for radon is a relatively straightforward, non-invasive and inexpensive (approximately €50) process.

As is clear from the above, considerable resources are being expended by Government on promoting public awareness of radon. Government efforts and resources, together with the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders and employers so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

House Prices.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

768 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assessment his Department has undertaken of the potential impact on house prices as a result of the development levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27636/06]

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

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

Question No. 769 answered with Question No. 743.
Question No. 770 answered with Question No. 766.

Housing Grants.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

771 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant scheme to encourage the upgrading of septic tanks in areas in which it has been shown that the qualify of ground water is deteriorating. [27639/06]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 448 and 449 of 13 June, 2006.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

772 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of social housing which have been built on State land since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27640/06]

Details in relation to the number of social houses built each year are set out in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library, and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. The majority of these units are built on land in the ownership of the local authority. Social housing units are now also being acquired by local authority from development through arrangements under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004. The bulletins also provide information on activity by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. Some of these developments would be on land provided by the local authority, but it is not possible to specify the extent of such arrangements.

A number of State lands have been identified as part of the Affordable Housing Initiative. While the primary objective is to deliver increased output of affordable housing on the State lands provided to the Affordable Housing Initiative, the development of the lands may also include a mix of private, social and voluntary and co-operative housing to ensure good integration of tenures. The exact mix is a matter for the relevant local authorities in developing the land, and I understand, for example, that the plan for the Clonakilty and former Magee Barracks (Kildare) sites envisage such a mix.

Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

773 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to establish a national waiver scheme for low income households to coincide with the increased waste charges expected with the implementation of the EU Waste Management Directive; the progress made to date in regard to his discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding difficulties faced by those on low incomes in paying service charges, especially in cases in which there is no waiver scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27641/06]

In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and the provision of any waivers in respect of those charges, is a matter for the relevant local authority where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. My Department has no statutory function in the determination of waste charges and waivers and it is not proposed to establish a national waiver scheme in respect of waste collection charges.

However, in order to assist low income households, I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors with a view to agreeing on a scheduling of payments, that is a pay-as-you-go system, rather than a periodic lump sum payment.

The issue of waste charges has been raised in the context of social partnership. In this context, my Department engaged last year with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to explore the issues involved. However, these discussions did not identify a role for the social welfare system in providing income support in relation to waste charges.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

774 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action plan he has to increase the output of local authority social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27642/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

782 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to ensure that local authorities construct more social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27650/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 774 and 782 together.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework amounting to close to €4 billion in Exchequer capital spending over the period 2006 to 2008.

The Government has committed in the draft social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to further additional investment in social housing with 27,000 new units to be started or acquired over the period 2007 to 2009. It is envisaged that these new units will be delivered through a combination of local authority social housing, voluntary and co-operative sector social housing and long-term contracts for new supply under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Further households will benefit from the full implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme involving contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from rent supplement. Over the same period it is expected that some 17,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered. As a result of the various social and affordable housing measures the needs of some 60,000 new households will be met over the period 2007-2009.

The main strategy for delivery of the Governments social and affordable housing programme is through the local authority 5-year Action Plans for social and affordable housing. The Action Plans, now at their midway stage, are currently being reviewed. The reviews are focussing on examining how targets have been met in the first two years of the plan and on incorporating any adjustments required for the remaining years of the plan, in light of performance including expected 2006 outputs, and the results of the recent Housing Needs Assessment.

The outcome of the reviews will ensure that local authorities continue to have a framework for the integrated and cohesive planning and delivery over the coming years of specific social and affordable housing measures based on their relevant housing strategy.

Question No. 775 answered with Question No. 767.
Question No. 776 answered with Question No. 766.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

777 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers employed by the Private Residential Tenancies Board; its annual budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27645/06]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

784 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports he has received from the Private Residential Tenancies Board on registration of landlords since the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27652/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 777 and 784 together.

There is currently a total of 43.5 staff working in the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which also receives support from staff in my Department but is currently in the process of a transition to a fully stand-alone operation. The PRTB has also engaged a panel of 175 mediators and adjudicators to assist with its dispute resolution functions. An increased provision of €3.707 million is available to fund the PRTB's administration and services in 2006, compared with an outturn of €1.737 million in 2005.

Statutory responsibility for the registration of tenancies and the provision of information relating to this and other aspects of the private rented sector rests with the PRTB under the Act. Requests for information relating to the PRTB's business may appropriately be directed to the Board at Canal House, Canal Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. My Department maintains close ongoing contact with the PRTB regarding progress on the implementation generally of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. An update on the number of registration applications processed by the PRTB is provided to my Department generally on a monthly basis.

Land Registry.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

778 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in compiling a comprehensive register of land owned by local authorities as recommended by the Committee of Public Accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27646/06]

There are no plans to produce a register of all local authority lands, and there was no formal recommendation by the Public Accounts Committee to undertake such a task. Given the range of purposes for which local authorities may own land, and the continuous changes in their land holdings which arise through, acquisitions, disposals or development, it would be impractical for my Department to establish and keep updated a comprehensive register of land owned by each local authority. However, the new accounting and financial management system in place in local authorities provides for the creation of asset registers for this purpose.

I am conscious of the crucial importance of local authorities planning ahead to ensure that they have sufficient land available to meet the requirements of their Social and Affordable Housing Action Plans. In that regard, my Department has written to local authorities emphasising the importance of engaging in a process of active land management on an ongoing basis. Information received as part of that exercise, although not fully complete, indicates that, at end-2005, local authorities had access to land capable of supporting the delivery of some 43,000 social and affordable housing units.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

779 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority units which do not have either hot water or central heating; and the funding which is and which will be made available to address this issue. [27647/06]

It is estimated that at the end of 2005 the number of local authority rented dwellings without central heating has been reduced to less than 30,000 units as a result of the central heating programme introduced by my Department in 2004, which provides funding for the installation of central heating in existing local authority dwellings which lack such a facility. I notified local authorities of their 2006 capital allocations under this programme of almost €32 million in January, 2006, which will enable central heating facilities to be installed in more than 6,000 local authority dwellings in 2006. My Department will continue to support this important programme with capital funding.

Cases of households without a hot water facility have not been brought to the attention of my Department. However, any such cases will be dealt with through the implementation of the central heating programme.

Local Authority Staff.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

780 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers employed by each local authority for the years 2002 to 2005; the category under which they were employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27648/06]

Based on the information supplied by local authorities, the numbers of staff, expressed in whole time equivalents, employed by each local authority (including town councils) for the years 2002 to 2005 and the categories are set out in the following tables:

2002

Local Authority

Managerial/Admin./Clerical

Professional/Technical

Outdoor

Overall Total

County Councils 1

Carlow

114

47

216

377

Cavan

168.5

47.4

330

545.9

Clare

290

114

487

891

Cork

782

426

1,282

2,490

Donegal

358.5

201

706

1,265.5

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

507

238

670

1,415

Fingal

577

336

711

1,624

Galway

315

126

758

1,199

Kerry

416

173

660

1,249

Kildare

350

185

530

1,065

Kilkenny

199

72

346

617

Laois

167.5

66.5

255

489

Leitrim

137

59

208

404

Limerick

277

113

545

935

Longford

138

49

137

324

Louth

263

79

380

722

Mayo

301

89

916

1,306

Meath

273

113.5

339

725.5

Monaghan

172

63

121

356

Offaly

159.5

77

223

459.5

Roscommon

132

59.5

276

467.5

Sligo

228

85

278

591

South Dublin

663

160

619

1,442

North Tipperary

171

55

239

465

South Tipperary

228

97

459

784

Waterford

166

68

397.5

631.5

Westmeath

185.5

64.5

280

530

Wexford

334

94

357

785

Wicklow

288

114

523

925

City Councils

Cork

382

146

914

1,442

Dublin

2,752

*

3,906

6,658

Galway

149

53

269

471

Limerick

185

41

324

550

Waterford

174

48

256

478

*Dublin City figure for Man./Admin includes Prof./Tech.

1 includes urban authorities.

2003

Local Authority 1

Managerial/Admin/ Clerical

Professional/Technical

Outdoor

†Other

Overall Total

County Councils

Carlow

112

47

144

27

330

Cavan

160.6

56

215.5

17

449.1

Clare

279

111.5

428

144

962.5

Cork

744.74

360

1,172.91

130

2,407.65

Donegal

338

145

492.5

132

1,107.5

Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown

471

232

584

102

1,389

Fingal

595

260

640

68

1,563

Galway

304.82

125.8

471.55

75.5

977.67

Kerry

378.5

136.4

533

144.6

1,192.5

Kildare

322

110

361

146.33

939.33

Kilkenny

167

76

312

38

593

Laois

167.5

71

153

20

411.5

Leitrim

113.5

47

126.5

22

309

Limerick

255

109

366

76

806

Longford

140.9

45

142.2

9

337.1

Louth

228.47

94.5

305.57

76

704.54

Mayo

229

167

613.5

176

1,185.5

Meath

206.5

109

269

143

727.5

Monaghan

157.4

63.6

179.63

24.1

424.73

Offaly

160

59.5

221

40

480.5

Roscommon

137

59

281

79

556

Sligo

200.66

78

218.03

30

526.69

South Dublin

620.9

144.8

522

43

1,330.7

North Tipperary

152

52

219

76

499

South Tipperary

216

85

372

27

700

Waterford

170

64

289

28

551

Westmeath

167.5

66

227

83.5

544

Wexford

299

80

363.45

92

834.45

Wicklow

258.5

114

373.5

69.83

815.83

City Councils

Cork

366

143

907

172

1,588

Dublin

1,958.4

509.8

3,866.5

233

6,567.7

Galway

126.5

52

244

33

455.5

Limerick

184.5

45.6

316

76

622.1

Waterford

141

39

201

34

415

†Includes certain contract posts, temporary & seasonal workers (not separately collected in 2002)

1 includes urban authorities

2004

Local Authority 1

Managerial/ Admin/ Clerical

Professional/ Technical

Outdoor

Other*

Overall Total

County Councils

Carlow

114

45

145

23

327.00

Cavan

165.6

59

215.5

27

467.10

Clare

279

113.5

428

144

964.50

Cork

764.89

359.4

1,145.27

193

2,462.56

Donegal

339

141

503

191

1,174.00

Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown

475

232

581

100

1,388.00

Fingal

517

334

605

27

1,483.00

Galway

321.21

122.5

456.67

101.92

1,002.30

Kerry

403.2

149.4

519.66

145.04

1,217.30

Kildare

329

127

335.5

154

945.50

Kilkenny

169

77

295

45

586.00

Laois

160.1

66

158

19

403.10

Leitrim

118

48

125

20

311.00

Limerick

255

109

366

60.5

790.50

Longford

145

45

126.2

13

329.20

Louth

234.77

98.5

289.49

58.3

681.06

Mayo

229

164

613

209

1,215.00

Meath

237

117.1

273

73

700.10

Monaghan

161.2

62.6

177.63

43

444.43

Offaly

153.8

56

204

56

469.80

Roscommon

141

63

275

79

558.00

Sligo

198.16

78

221.97

51

549.13

South Dublin

662.46

143.6

527.5

32

1,365.50

North Tipperary

161

50

212

116

539.00

South Tipperary

221

89

372

21

703.00

Waterford

170

64

289

45

568.00

Westmeath

181

70

218.5

92.5

562.00

Wexford

294.5

80

370.35

87

831.85

Wicklow

274.75

112

377.9

91.3

855.95

City Councils

Cork

366

145

905

119

1,535.00

Dublin

1,993.8

445.1

3,841.15

314.25

6,594.30

Galway

131.5

53

254

18

456.50

Limerick

169.7

40.6

287

61

558.30

Waterford

139

38

198

56

431.00*

*Includes certain contract posts, temporary & seasonal workers (not separately collected in 2002).

1 includes urban authorities

2005

Local Authority 1

Managerial/ Administrative/ Clerical

Professional/ Technical

Outdoor

Other*

Total

County Councils

Carlow

120

45

139

33

337.00

Cavan

180.6

69

215.5

30

495.10

Clare

279

113.5

433

172

997.50

Cork

783.52

359.35

1,145.98

253

2,541.85

Donegal

339.5

150.5

456

235

1,181.00

Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown

454

227

564

59

1,304.00

Fingal

539

300

626

113

1,578.00

Galway

328.99

117.3

461.3

125.53

1,033.12

Kerry

407.2

151.4

512.88

151.22

1,222.70

Kildare

337.5

141

337.5

207.5

1,023.50

Kilkenny

167

84

301

59

611.00

Laois

166.9

70

155.2

15.5

407.60

Leitrim

125.25

51

116.75

30

323.00

Limerick

260

113

361

39.5

773.50

Longford

151.6

54

127.8

31

364.40

Louth

230.23

104.5

291.97

84.3

711.00

Mayo

288.4

145.2

629.6

137.8

1,201.00

Meath

253.7

107.4

247.56

139.34

748.00

Monaghan

162.8

67.6

177.78

34

442.18

Offaly

160

59.5

204

67.5

491.00

Roscommon

155.5

66.5

279

80

581.00

Sligo

206.66

76

219.03

57

558.69

South Dublin

670.8

127.8

527.5

44

1,370.10

North Tipperary

168

58

204

83

513.00

South Tipperary

217.5

85

358

45

705.50

Waterford

170

63

288.5

63

584.50

Westmeath

183

66

220.5

109.5

579.00

Wexford

304.5

85

372.46

98.06

860.02

Wicklow

274.75

107

373.9

78.25

833.90

City Councils

Cork

371

154

894

92

1,511.00

Dublin

2,082.1

488.4

3,701.95

463

6735.45

Galway

136.5

49.5

236.5

35

457.50

Limerick

159.8

40.3

295.5

59

554.60

Waterford

136

38

206

56

436.00*

*Includes certain contract posts, temporary & seasonal workers (not separately collected in 2002).

1 Includes urban authorities

Planning Issues.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

781 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to introduce legislation to ensure that a fairer system is available to all planning applicants. [27649/06]

Policy as regards development on national roads has been consistent for many years; it was developed in consideration of the need to protect the safety of road users, as well as the substantial investment in national roads. The policy was restated recently in my Department's Draft Development Management Guidelines, which are expected to be issued in final form before the end of this year.

These Guidelines state that, as a general policy, the location of new means of access to national primary roads, or residential, commercial, industrial or other development dependent on such means of access should not be permitted except in areas where a speed limit of 30-40 m.p.h. applies or in case of infilling, in the existing built-up areas. It is also stated that the same considerations apply to national secondary roads.

Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, the National Roads Authority must be consulted in relation to all planning applications where the proposed development would involve the formation or widening of an access to a national road — except in a built up area — or where it might give rise to a significant increase in the volume of traffic using a national road.

Any submissions made by the NRA on a planning application must, as with all submissions, be taken into account by the planning authority in making its decision. It is open to the NRA, as it is to any person or body who made a submission, to appeal the decision of a planning authority to An Bord Pleanála.

The system in place as regards development on national roads is fair and transparent. It is not proposed to introduce amending legislation in this area.

Question No. 782 answered with Question No. 774.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

783 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households in the rental accommodation scheme; the cost of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27651/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

809 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have been housed to date in Waterford City and County under the rental accommodation scheme in the past five years to 2005. [27867/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 809 together.

Under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), local authorities are providing accommodation for certain recipients of SWA rent supplement who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need. The RAS is an additional housing option and eligible persons can indicate their preference to be accommodated by local authorities under the RAS or social housing, or to be considered under both.

Over 1,200 cases have been transferred to RAS since the initial transfers in September 2005. Of these cases some 160 cases have been transferred in Waterford City and County. A further 770 households which were recipients of Rent Supplement have been provided with local authority housing.

In addition, 6,000 prospective RAS households have had their cases reviewed. Work is ongoing on interviewing tenants, the inspection of properties and meeting and negotiating with accommodation providers. The aim is to have 5,000 cases transferred to the RAS by the end of the year. The total cost of the scheme to date is €2.48m of which €1,592,000 has been spent in the current year. Some €19 million has been provided to support the implementation of the scheme in 2006.

Implementation of the scheme will accelerate as local authorities procure new accommodation through the development of new public private partnership (PPP) arrangements and through partnering arrangements with the Voluntary and Cooperative Housing sector.

Question No. 784 answered with Question No. 777.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

785 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of consultants or public relations personnel appointed by his Department in each of the past three years; the details of the tender process for each project; the costs of the consultants; the number of consultants currently advising his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27653/06]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

786 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of dwellings delivered to date under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the number of such units which were for social housing and for affordable housing; the number of private house completions since the commencement date of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27654/06]

Information on the number of private house completions and the number of housing units provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2004 is published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

In the first quarter of 2006 under Part V, 184 affordable and 167 social houses were acquired. In the same period, there were 21,894 private house completions, many of which would not have been subject to Part V e.g. of this total over 5,600 were one-off units and exempted from Part V. Other exemptions include social and affordable schemes or smaller developments of 4 units or less or built on unzoned land or with planning permissions granted prior to the introduction of Part V.

Total output under Part V amounted to 1,371 units in 2005 compared to 591 units in 2004. I am satisfied that Part V is operational in all planning authorities and that output is gathering momentum as evidenced by the statistics.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

787 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of sewerage schemes in Milltown and Boolteens, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27655/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 536 of 3 May, 2006, in relation to the Boolteens scheme. Milltown is part of Phase 1 of Kerry County Council's proposal to refurbish a number of village sewerage schemes which has been included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

I understand that the Council is currently assessing tenders received for the sewage collection system for Milltown and has advertised for expressions of interest from prospective tenderers for the treatment plant which is part of a grouped Design/Build/Operate project.

Planning Issues.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

788 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will permit a golf course to be developed at Inch, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27656/06]

Outline proposals for the development of a golf course at Inch, Co Kerry were presented to my predecessor in 2003, against the background that this development would need ministerial consent under the Habitats Regulations 1997; the area in question forms part of a candidate Special Area of Conservation.

On the basis of the outline proposals then submitted and of a detailed assessment of these by my Department, my predecessor declined to grant consent for the development.

While I understand that the promoters of a golf course development at Inch may be considering the preparation of a revised proposal, no such proposal has been submitted to my Department or to the planning authority concerned.

Property Register.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

789 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of lands entered on the national public property register as property suitable for housing development. [27657/06]

My Department is not in a position to supply the information requested, as the updating of a national property register is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

Proposed Legislation.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

790 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has issued a directive to local authorities to stop the practice of establishing management companies in respect of standard houses and confine them only to multiple unit buildings; and when he intends to publish a legislative framework for these companies. [27658/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

824 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to regulate housing management companies through the Planning Process or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28014/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 790 and 824 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 549 of 5 July 2006. The position is unchanged. With regard to the attachment of planning conditions requiring management companies in housing developments, a survey in late 2005 showed that planning authorities do not generally attach planning conditions regarding management companies in the case of conventional housing estates, that is, estates of houses with their own gardens. They might do so only in exceptional circumstances, for example to maintain shared private facilities such as sewage treatment. The 2000 Planning Act contains explicit provisions regarding the responsibility of planning authorities for the taking in charge of such estates.

My Department has advised planning authorities that it is not appropriate to attach planning conditions requiring management companies to maintain the roads, services, etc., in the case of traditional type housing estates. However, as I have stated previously, the related issues of planning conditions regarding management companies and taking in charge can be complex, particularly in the newer mixed estates which contain apartments, duplex houses and terraced houses, with shared facilities such as car-parking and gardens exclusively for the development. Genuine questions arise as to whether it is appropriate that all facilities on these estates, which may include high specification paving and landscaping, should be taken in charge and maintained at public expense. Many of these facilities are replacing the traditional gardens, which, in a conventional housing estate, would fall to be maintained by the residents rather than the local authority.

My Department is at present updating the residential density guidelines following on the publication of the Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, last December. It will be appropriate to examine further the issues of taking in charge and management companies in this context.

Waste Management.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

791 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the areas to which the producer responsibility initiative for waste recovery has been put in place. [27659/06]

A key component of waste management policy in Ireland in recent years has been the development of producer responsibility initiatives (PRIs). Such initiatives are in line with EU and national policy on waste management which is firmly grounded on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy which prioritises respectively waste prevention and minimisation: increased levels of reuse, recycling and biological treatment; energy recovery; and finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered. This approach is reflected in my Department's policy statements Changing Our Ways (1998), Delivering Change (2002), and Taking Stock and Moving Forward (2004).

Successful PRIs are already operating in Ireland in the areas of packaging, farm plastics, and waste electrical and electronic equipment. I recently signed regulations for a further producer responsibility initiative in relation to an EU Directive on end-of-life vehicles and work is ongoing in developing a producer responsibility initiative for waste tyres.

While the concept of producer responsibility is well embedded in waste management policy and practice there is a need to build on this experience with regard to the contribution which it can make to waste prevention and the reduction of negative environmental impacts. Extended Producer Responsibility involves the assignment of increased responsibility to the producer and provides producers with a direct financial incentive to incorporate environmental considerations in the design of products. It deals not just with the waste phase, but addresses upstream issues in relation to resource selection and productdesign.

This focus on design is already incorporated in EU legislation on End-of-Life Vehicles and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directives, all of which are now transposed in Irish law.

Also relevant is the overall National Waste Prevention Programme currently being developed and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and which involves the development of waste prevention and minimisation strategies aimed at reducing negative environmental impacts. The EPA have been allocated an initial budget of €2m to fund the Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

792 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the national waste prevention targets he has set. [27660/06]

An effective basis for addressing our waste management responsibilities has been put in place through my Department's policy statements Changing Our Ways, Delivering Change (1998), and Taking Stock Moving Forward (2004); through statutory waste management plans (largely prepared on a regional basis), and the comprehensive regulatory framework now in place in relation to waste.

The Government's approach is based on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy of prevention/minimisation, significantly increased levels of recycling, energy recovery and, finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered.

A key priority currently is the development and roll out of a National Waste Prevention Programme. A Core Prevention Team was established in 2004 in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and drive the Programme. The Core Prevention Team is in the process of developing baseline studies as part of the initial phase of the Programme. The five-year programme also envisages mandatory waste and material audits, waste prevention pilot schemes etc. The initial budget for the National Waste Prevention Programme is €2m.

A key component of the waste management system in Ireland has been the development of producer responsibility initiatives. In recent years, successful producer responsibility initiatives have been introduced in the areas of packaging waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment and farm plastics.

I recently made regulations for a further producer responsibility initiative in relation to an EU Directive on end-of-life vehicles. These initiatives are based on the promotion of waste prevention and minimisation objectives. Work is also underway in developing producer responsibility initiatives for waste tyres and for newsprint.

Waste prevention and minimisation has also been actively promoted in the Race Against Waste campaign. The media campaign has focused on the prevention of waste and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle and aims to turn awareness on waste issues into action to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

The campaign has also worked closely with Environmental Awareness Officers in all of the local authorities, who work locally with householders, schools, businesses and community groups. It has encouraged communities to minimise, recycle and compost their waste through the national Tidy Towns competition's Race Against Waste module.

In addition, waste prevention targets for biodegradable waste were recently set out in the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste. The projections of biodegradable waste arising in future years in the Strategy are based on an expectation that the waste prevention initiatives outlined above will yield benefits in reducing the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste which would be generated in their absence.

They are a:

•3% reduction factor in projected Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) generation each year from 2005 to 2007;

•4% reduction factor in projected BMW generation in the period 2008 to 2010,

•5% reduction factor in projected BMW generation from 2011 to 2013, and a

•6% reduction factor in projected BMW generation in the period 2014 to 2016.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

793 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a waste water plan for all towns and population over 1,000 has been put in place. [27661/06]

All population centres over 1,000 either already have in place secondary wastewater treatment facilities or have schemes included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

Question No. 794 answered with Question No. 754.

Animal Breeding Regulations.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

795 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reasons he ignored the minority report submitted by the Irish Kennel Club on breeding establishments; the further reason it was not available on the Government website when two other minority reports were available to those wishing to take part in the public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27663/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

796 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he ignored the minority report submitted by the Irish Kennel Club as they are the principal organisation for pedigree dogs in this country and the dogs produced by puppy farms are generally pedigree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27664/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 796 together.

The report of the Working Group which was established to review the management of dog breeding establishments was submitted to me on 7 September 2005. The report contained a number of recommendations, including in relation to the introduction of statutorily enforceable standards for the dog breeding industry in Ireland, and proposed the introduction of a registration system for dog breeding establishments. However, three of the members of the Working Group disagreed with the main recommendations and submitted three separate minority reports.

On 30 May, I announced my intention to proceed with implementation of the majority recommendations of the Working Group. This decision followed consideration by me of the majority report and all three minority reports and the conclusion of an extensive public consultation process on the matter which showed that, while there is some opposition to the majority recommendations, there is general support for regulation in this area.

The Working Group report, including all three minority reports, is available on my Department's website and copies are posted to members of the public on request. In addition, a copy of the report, including the three minority reports, and the public advertisement inviting submissions were sent to every individual or organisation who had made a submission when the Working Group was initially set up in 2004.

Animal Identification Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

797 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to introduce universal micro-chipping for all dogs as most local authorities and veterinary surgeons would support this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/06]

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 require the owner or other person in charge of a dog to ensure that the dog at all times wears a collar bearing the name and address of the owner on an attached plate, badge or disc. The regulations contain penalties for non-compliance with this requirement or for defacing or rendering illegible the above particulars. These arrangements followed consideration of all practicable options for ensuring identification of dogs, including that of micro-chipping, and are being kept under review.

Environmental Policy.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

798 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department’s submission in respect of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013, which is currently being prepared, contains proposals in relation to the establishment of an all-Ireland environmental protection agency; and if such a proposal was not included, if he would support such a body. [27666/06]

As the inclusion of proposals in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will be a matter for decision by Government immediately prior to publication it would not be appropriate to comment on any such proposals which have been made or which could be made in advance of the Government decision.

Departmental Bodies.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

799 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he appointed no women to the working group which he established to examine breeding establishments and puppy farms as there are a large number of women involved in the breeding and rearing of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27667/06]

The Working Group which was established to review the management of dog breeding establishments comprised representatives from a cross section of relevant organisations. Regrettably, no woman was among the representatives nominated by these organisations, and in view of the urgency of advancing the work the group as constituted was mandated to proceed.

There were two separate public consultation processes associated with the review. As part of its deliberations, the working group itself invited submissions from interested persons and bodies by way of public notice in the national newspapers. In addition, following receipt of the group's report, an advertisement inviting submissions was also placed in the national newspapers by my Department. The responses received included many submissions from women and I am satisfied that all interested persons had adequate opportunity to make their views known to me.

Register of Electors.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

800 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the preparations in hand to correct and update the voters register; when he expects the process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27668/06]

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

I recently announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting local authorities to improve the Register. The measures include the use of Census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register. I am also prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register.

In order to facilitate an early start to the local authority campaigns in respect of the 2007/8 Register, my Department has distributed stocks of registration forms to the authorities and they have been asked to proceed with their campaigns as soon as possible. The Electoral Act 1992 requires that the draft Register is published not later than 1 November each year.

Local Authority Housing.

John Deasy

Ceist:

801 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on housing waiting lists in each local authority area in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27771/06]

Local authorities undertake statutory assessments of housing need every three years. The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005 indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority waiting lists compared with 48,413 in March 2002 — a decrease of almost 10%. The previous assessment of housing need undertaken in March 1999 indicated that there were 39,176 households on local authority waiting lists. A breakdown of the 2005 assessments by local authority is available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie while the 2002 and 1999 assessments are available in the September Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins for the respective years, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library.

Departmental Expenditure.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

802 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budgetary allocation for each of the public bodies, executive agencies, advisory bodies and task forces operating under his Department. [27787/06]

The details requested in relation to the budgetary allocation in 2006 for the organisations operating under the aegis of my Department and which receive all or a significant part of their funding from the Exchequer are set out in the following table. Some further and more detailed information is contained in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2006 published by the Department of Finance.

Information on the funding of organisations under my Department which do not receive budgetary allocations from the Exchequer, e.g. the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Housing Finance Agency, the Local Government Computer Services Board, the Local Government Management Services Board and the National Building Agency are contained in the Annual Reports and Audited Accounts of such bodies which are in the Oireachtas Library or available directly from the organisations concerned.

Local authorities receive substantial funding from the Department under a wide range of programmes. Payments are made to local authorities in some cases on the basis of definitive allocations for the year or in some cases on the basis of claims for recoupment having regard to indicative allocations notified to them. Many payments are made on the basis of claims for recoupment on approved projects independent of any system of annual allocations. Details of adopted revenue budgets of local authorities are available from the local authorities and are collated retrospectively and published by my Department. The most recent publication "Local Authority Budgets 2004" is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Organisation

Budgetary Allocation 2006

€000

Affordable Homes Partnership

2,051

An Bord Pleanála

13,609

An Chomhairle Leabharlanna

1,006

Building Regulations Advisory Body

20

Environmental Protection Agency

15,670

Fire Services Council

379

Heritage Council

10,970

Irish Heritage Trust

5,500

Irish Water Safety Association

582

Private Residential Tenancies Board

3,707

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

4,662

Rent Tribunal

52

Departmental Bodies.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

803 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of positions in State bodies under the aegis of his Department which are affected by the increase in non-executive chairpersons’ fees of State bodies recently sanctioned by the Government. [27801/06]

The increase in fees for non-executive chairpersons of State bodies approved by the Government on 20 June 2006 applies, with effect from 1 January 2006, to the chairpersons of eleven of the bodies which comes under the aegis of my Department.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

804 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of task forces which have been created by his Department and their function, size, membership, reporting mechanism and period of existence since 1997. [27823/06]

Some 34 task forces have been created in connection with the business of my Department since 1997. Details are set out in the following table.

Taskforce Name

Chairing Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms and the Environment

Commission on the Private Rented Residential Sector

EU Water Framework Directive Implementation Group

Expert Panel on Pollution of Groundwater by Nitrates

Expert Steering Group on Dangerous Substances in Water

Fixed Asset Working Group

Forum for the Construction Industry

General Accounting Working Group

Gum Litter Taskforce

High level implementation group

Irish Heritage Trust Steering Group

Market Development Group

National Rural Water Monitoring Committee

National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling

National Waste Prevention Committee

North South Co-ordination Group for the Water Framework Directive

North South Technical Advisory Group on Water Quality

North South Working Group on Water Quality

Review Group on Rating Law

Shannon Callows Task force

Steering Group for the implementation of the recommendations of Branching Out — A New Public Library Service

Task Force on the Review of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997

Taskforce on EU Environmental Infringement

The Interdepartmental Task Force on the Integration of Local Government and Local Development Systems

The Lagarosiphon Task Force

Water Framework Directive Co-ordination Group

WEEE Taskforce

Working Group on Role of Local Authority Finance Function

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John Deasy

Ceist:

805 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects the waste treatment works to be completed in Tramore, County Waterford; when the new sewage system is expected to be operational in Tramore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27838/06]

The Tramore Sewerage Scheme is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. I approved Waterford County Council's tender recommendations for the mechanical/electrical contract and the civil works contract associated with the collection system and for the wastewater treatment plant contract in September 2003, November 2003 and June 2005 respectively. It is a matter for the Council to arrange for the commencement and advancement of works with the successful tenderers.

Housing Grants.

John Deasy

Ceist:

806 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of essential repair grants supplied to people in Waterford city and county for every year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27853/06]

John Deasy

Ceist:

807 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of disabled persons grants supplied to people in Waterford city and county for every year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27854/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 and 807 together.

Details of the number of disabled persons grants and essential repairs grants paid by Waterford County Council and Waterford City Council from 2000 to 2005 are set out in the following table. The equivalent figures for 2006 will not be available until early 2007.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Waterford County Council

DPG

48

77

131

124

188

87

ERG

3

3

8

16

37

24

Waterford City Council

DPG

43

46

80

55

41

63

ERG

0

0

0

0

2

4

At 31 December 2005 Waterford County Council had 49 disabled persons grants and 37 essential repairs grants applications on hands. Waterford City Council had 37 disabled persons grants and 1 essential repairs grants application on hands.

Capital allocations of €954,000 and €410,000 were made to Waterford County Council and Waterford City Council respectively for funding of disabled persons and essential repairs grants schemes in 2006.

Following an application for additional funding from Waterford County Council, that authority's capital allocation was increased by €446,000 to give a total capital allocation of €1.4m for 2006.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John Deasy

Ceist:

808 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and names of applications in his Department for sewage schemes in the city and county of Waterford; the position of each application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27857/06]

I am arranging to forward to the Deputy details of the water and sewerage schemes identified by Waterford City and County Councils in response to my Department's request to local authorities in 2003 to produce updated assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. These assessments are the Councils' most up to date and complete statements to my Department of their water and sewerage infrastructure proposals.

The assessments were taken into account in the framing of subsequent phases of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, including the most recently published Programme for 2005 to 2007 which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Local authorities have recently been asked by my Department to produce new assessments of needs and to submit the results to the Department by 31 July 2006. This will afford Waterford County and City Councils an opportunity to identify any additional infrastructural needs in their areas as an input to future phases of the Water Services Investment Programme.

Question No. 809 answered with Question No. 783.

Departmental Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

810 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the major projects or programmes funded under the national development plan; the physical indicators of the output of these projects and programmes; and the way in which these outputs compare to the original targets. [27888/06]

Under the NDP 2000-2006, my Department is responsible for the following measures:

Economic and Social Infrastructure OP (ESIOP)

All measures under the Housing Priority; and Water Services measures under the Environmental Infrastructure Priority.

Regional Operational Programmes (S&E OP and BMW OP)

Non-national roads; Rural water supply; Waste management; Urban and village renewal; and Heritage conservation and habitats protection and conservation.

Output under these measures to end December 2005 was the subject of the meetings of the relevant monitoring committees in April/May 2006 and the progress reports sought by the Deputy are available on the websites of the relevant managing authorities —www.transport.ie, www.seregassembly.ie and www.bmwassembly.ie.

Farm Waste Management.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

811 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to ensure the back-log of farm plastics is collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27905/06]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

822 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the local authorities pilot scheme for the collection of farmyard plastic; the volume of plastic collected in the pilot areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27986/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 822 together.

To address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided this year on a temporary basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm film plastic and silage wrap. This is operating on a pilot basis in the first instance in counties Galway, Clare, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford. This service is free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities is being made available from my Department through the Environment Fund. As collections under the Pilot scheme are still under way in a number of pilot areas data on the volume collected is not yet available in my Department. It is planned to roll out this service to other areas after the initial trial, which will assist in determining the quantities of plastic likely to be recovered for recycling under this initiative.

Question No. 812 answered with Question No. 732.

Recycling Policy.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

813 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the incentives he will introduce to promote the use of refill packaging for consumer goods; the level of refill use by comparison with other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27907/06]

Article 9 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste provides that packaging may not be placed on the market within the European Union unless it satisfies the provisions of the Directive i.e. it complies with the essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging as provided for in Annex II of that Directive. In this regard, Annex II of the Directive explicitly provides that packaging shall be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling and composting.

Under article 18 of the Directive, Member States are prohibited from impeding the placing on the market of packaging which satisfies these essential requirements. The essential requirements of packaging are transposed into national law under the combined provisions of article 24, and the Third Schedule, of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which provides that a person may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with essential requirements as to its nature and composition.

The regulations impose obligations in relation to the recycling of backdoor waste on all producers participating in the placing of packaging on the Irish market. In addition, major producers i.e. those who have an annual turnover in excess of €1 million and who place more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the Irish market, have additional responsibilities with regard to the recovery of packaging waste from their customers. Major producers are required to take steps individually to recover their packaging waste (i.e. self-compliance) or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes set up to recover packaging waste.

Repak Limited was established by Irish industry in 1997 to promote, co-ordinate and finance the collection and recovery of packaging waste with a view to achieving Ireland's packaging waste recovery and recycling targets under the Directive and is the only such approved compliance scheme in Ireland. Repak membership income is used to subsidise the collection of packaging waste from both the household and commercial sectors.

While Repak's primary role is to support the recycling of packaging waste, the fee structure applicable to its members — which is related to the type and amount of packaging placed on the market — reflects the polluter pays principle and directly incentivises the minimisation and reuse of packaging by producers. In addition, article 4(5) of the regulations expressly provides that account shall not be taken of packaging destined for reuse for the purpose of determining whether or not a producer is a major producer — this similarly provides a direct incentive for producers to introduce systems to promote the reuse of packaging.

In the light of the comprehensive regulatory regime in place for packaging waste, Ireland has enjoyed considerable success in recent years in meeting targets for the recovery and recycling of this significant waste stream. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows that the 25% target for 2001 set under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste was achieved and also that, with 56% recovery of packaging waste in 2004, Ireland has exceeded the 2005 recovery target of 50% set under the Directive.

Typically, deposit and refund schemes have been used in a number of countries as a vehicle to promote the use of refillable / reusable packaging. Successful deposit and refund schemes operating internationally are generally located in those countries where there has been no break in the continuity and cultural tradition of deposit and refund arrangements. This is not the case in Ireland and there would now quite likely be significant costs involved in re-establishing deposit and refund arrangements here. The cost of storage for returned items either by retail outlets or in automated reverse vending machines (which redeem refunds to consumers based on the type and number or weight of containers deposited in the receptacles concerned), the additional transport movements and the costs associated with collecting returned items from the substantial number of authorised collection points that would be required, together with other ancillary costs and demands associated with operating deposit and refund systems, are issues that would have to be taken into account in assessing the adoption of such an approach in Ireland.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

814 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of subsidies towards repayments paid to persons on shared ownership and on affordable housing; and the number of persons receiving them. [27946/06]

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Shared Ownership/Affordable Housing

Year

No. of Cases

Recoupments to Local Authorities

1992

48

10,124

1993

366

107,192

1994

826

253,845

1995

1,171

380,164

1996

2,480

822,231

1997

2,201

793,552

1998

3,840

1,710,832

1999

3,967

1,576,865

2000

2,072

1,097,376

2001

2,163

1,468,803

2002

2,731

2,666,216

2003

2,389

2,038,876

2004

4,706

3,855,132

2005

5,082

4,031,244

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

815 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of the discount on the site value for persons getting affordable houses; and the numbers receiving it. [27947/06]

All units disposed of under the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme, Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2004 and the Affordable Housing initiative are sold at less than market value to eligible applicants. My Department does not compile data on the value of the discount applying to these units.

Information on the number of units provided under the various affordable housing schemes is published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Litter Pollution.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

816 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the system in place for receiving reports from local authorities on litter blackspots in their areas; the latest findings from these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27948/06]

Under the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, full details of which are available on www.litter.ie, local authorities carry out surveys to determine the extent, main causes and composition of litter pollution in their areas. The data obtained provides a picture of national pollution levels and measures progress in tackling litter pollution. The data also enables local authorities to provide more effective litter management planning for their areas and ensure optimum allocation of resources to tackle litter pollution.

Under the system, the extent and severity of litter pollution is measured using a Litter Pollution Index (LPI), of 1 to 5 as follows:

1. Unpolluted or litter free

2. Slightly polluted

3. Moderately polluted

4. Significantly polluted

5. Grossly polluted.

Those areas designated as "grossly polluted" equate to litter blackspots.

In recent years, the trends emerging from the monitoring system in regard to litter pollution levels are generally positive. The emerging pattern is of gradual but steady improvement in regard to the extent of litter pollution countrywide. Litter free areas are increasing and littered areas, including litter blackspots, are decreasing.

My Department is at present assessing the findings for 2005, and these will be published shortly.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

817 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 5 April 2006, the status of these regional water schemes; when he will approve funding for the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27973/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 557 of 5 July 2006.

Community Development.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

818 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 8 June 2006, if he will approve the project in County Roscommon under the social and community facilities capital scheme 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27976/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 889 of 4 July 2006. I will be announcing the allocations under the Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme this week.

Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

819 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to put measures in place to assist the elderly with the cost of bin charges; if it is acceptable that those who are in employment can claim tax relief but those on old age pensions get no assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27978/06]

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. I do not consider it appropriate to propose a departure from the existing statutory provisions which recognise the local nature of waste management services.

However, in order to assist the elderly and other households with lower incomes, I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors with a view to agreeing on a scheduling of payments (i.e. a phased pay-as-you-go system) rather than a periodic lump sum payment.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

820 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific funding allocated to Roscommon County Council for the Creagh sewerage scheme; the reason it is not part of the first bundle to be fast tracked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27982/06]

Creagh is part of the Roscommon Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme which is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated overall cost of €24.5m.

I have given approval to Roscommon County Council to prepare Tender Documents for the thirteen treatment plants included in the scheme. Ten of the locations involved, including Creagh, will be procured under a single Design/Build/ Operate contract. At the request of Roscommon County Council, my Department has agreed to the treatment plants for the other three locations being procured separately as a Design/Build project in light of evidence from the Council of particular development pressures in these locations. It is envisaged that the operation of all thirteen plants will ultimately be incorporated into the operational contract.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

821 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 31 May 2006, if a survey has been carried out on plots; when the person will be issued with their top-up payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27984/06]

My Department is in the process of appointing a person to survey the plot referred to in the Question. Payment of any outstanding monies will be arranged on completion of the survey, which should not involve undue delay.

Question No. 822 answered with Question No. 811.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

823 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds collected to date under the WEEE scheme on a monthly basis since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27987/06]

The EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) allows producers to show the cost of recovering and recycling "historic" waste i.e. waste arising from electric and electronic products put on the market before 13 August 2005. These costs are referred to as Environmental Management Costs — or EMCs. They are not imposed by, or remitted to, the Government, but are paid by producers to the two collective compliance schemes operating in Ireland, WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform. As schemes are operating under the responsibility of the producers, information on the revenue collected to date is not available in my Department.

Question No. 824 answered with Question No. 790.

Environmental Policy.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

825 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide for the mandatory or discretionary use of solar water heaters on new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28015/06]

It is not proposed at this stage to make solar water heating systems mandatory in new houses. However, I intend to keep this option under review in the light of growing experience with the voluntary use of this technology in Ireland. To date, over 1,000 applications for grant assistance towards installation of solar water heating have been approved by SEI under the "Greener Homes" and "House of Tomorrow" schemes.

The amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations set a maximum permitted CO 2 emission rate, for new dwellings. Achievement of compliance with the requirement can of course be facilitated through the installation of solar water heating at the construction stage.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

826 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide for the mandatory or discretionary collection and use of rainwater from the roofs of new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28016/06]

It is not proposed at this stage to introduce a mandatory provision, in the Building Regulations, for the collection and use of rainwater from the roofs of new dwellings.

Rainwater recovery systems have been put in place or are planned for specific social housing projects — for example, certain new dwellings included in the Ballymun regeneration scheme and in the redevelopment of York Street, Dublin. As experience of these systems increases, it will be appropriate to consider further the possibility of extending their application through use of the Building Regulations.

EU Directives.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

827 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he will calculate the rating system required for homes and other buildings under the European Performance of Buildings Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28017/06]

I refer to the May 2006 edition of Technical Guidance Document (TGD) L on how to comply with the amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) Building Regulations 2005, a copy of which has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.

Section 1.1. of TGD L provides for the use of a revised energy performance assessment methodology for new dwellings — the Dwellings Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP). Full details of DEAP were published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) on 29 June 2006 and can be viewed on the website for implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive —www.sei.epbd.ie/deap.

Under DEAP, the energy performance of a dwelling will be expressed in terms of — (1) Carbon Dioxide emissions generated by space heating, ventilation, water heating and lighting- kgCO 2 /m 2 per annum; and (2) Energy required to provide space heating, ventilation, water heating and lighting — kWh/m 2 per annum.

New dwellings will, with effect from 1 January 2007, be required to have a building energy rating (BER) which will reflect the energy performance of the dwelling. The precise scale is still being developed. The proposed BER Certificate will be finalized and published by the end of August.

The Non-Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP) to assess the energy performance and rating of more complex new Non-Domestic Buildings will be developed and published by the end of 2007.

Local Authority Meetings.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

828 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of formal meetings held with Oireachtas Members, as indicated in the Statutes, following the abolition of the dual mandate, by each local authority in each year since such a requirement came into effect. [28065/06]

In accordance with regulations which came into operation on 1 August 2003, the Cathaoirleach and manager of each city/county council is obliged to meet at least once every year with the relevant Parliamentary representatives as a group. It is a matter for each local authority concerned to make the arrangements for such meetings.

The following table outlines the information supplied by each city and county council in respect of meetings held in accordance with the above requirements. I further understand that arrangements are in place in a number of authorities to hold a further round of group meetings with the relevant Parliamentary representatives over the next few months, and that many managers continue, as a matter of course, to meet regularly on an informal basis with Oireachtas members to keep them updated on local developments.

My officials have just completed a review of the practical operation of these arrangements at local authority level, and I will be studying the findings of the Review with a view to issuing supplementary guidance to local authorities if required.

Local Authority

Number of meetings of the city/county manager and Cathaoirleach, with local Parliamentary representatives as provided for in Article 12 of SI 274 of 2003 for the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 (to date)

2003/4

2005

2006

Counties

Carlow

1

Cavan

1

Clare

1 (2003), 2 (2004)

2

1

Cork

1

1

Donegal

1

1

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown

1

Fingal

1

2

1

Galway

1

1

Kerry

1

1

1

Kildare

1

1

Kilkenny

2

1

Laois

1

1

Leitrim

1

Limerick

2

1

Longford

2

Louth

1

1

Mayo

Meath

2

Monaghan

1

Nth. Tipperary

1

1

1

Offaly

2

1

Roscommon

1

1

Sligo

2

1

1

Sth. Dublin

2

Sth. Tipperary

1

Waterford

1

Westmeath

2 in 2003, 3 in 2004

6

3

Wexford

1

1

Wicklow

1

1

Cities

Cork

1

2

1

Dublin

2 (2003), 1 (2004)

2

1

Galway

1

Limerick

1

Waterford

1

1

Barr
Roinn