Written Answers.

Traffic Management.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

57 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the strategy he has in place to curb traffic associated with the school run. [12664/07]

John Gormley

Ceist:

88 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport the safe routes to school projects that will be undertaken in 2007; the overall budget for this scheme; the schools that will be involved; and the outcomes expected from the projects that are undertaken. [12719/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 88 together.

Pilot programmes aimed at reducing the amount of car-based school traffic and the encouragement of walking, cycling, car-sharing, etc., have been in operation in the Greater Dublin Area for some time. Twenty nine schools are currently participating in the current programme. This represents the involvement of more than 10,000 students and more than 500 teachers.

The current "green schools" programme is operated by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO), with the support of An Taisce and with financial assistance from my Department through the DTO traffic management grants scheme.

I understand that the pilot programme is almost completed and a review of the programme with recommendations on next steps will be submitted to my Department by the DTO within the next few days. I will then give careful consideration to mainstreaming the programme.

Details of the costs and schools that will be involved in the 2007/8 programme will not be available until the DTO submits its report.

The schools participating in the pilot programme are as follows: Saint Clare's National School, Harold's Cross; Scoil Aine, Raheny; Our Lady of Victories National School, Ballymun; Saint Joseph's Boys National School, Terenure; Rathmichael Parish School, Shankill; Scoil Maelruain, Old Bawn, Tallaght; Scoil an Linbh Iosa, Prosperous, County Kildare; Scoil Mhuire, Stratford on Slaney, County Wicklow; Scoil Conghlas, Baltinglass; Sacred Heart National School, Aughrim; Saint Brigid's National School, Annacurra; Saint Michael's Girls National School, Arklow; Saint Mary's College, Arklow; Carysfort National School, Arklow; Saint Joseph's National School, Arklow; Colaiste Iosagain, Stillorgan; Saint Brigid's GNS, Cabinteely; Scoil Phadraic Cailini, Donabate; Scoil Neasain, Dublin 5; Saint Paul's, Walkinstown; Caragh National School, County Kildare; Saint Conleth's Infants' School, Newbridge, County Kildare; Scoil Bhride Naofa, Kildare; Scoil Eoin, Rathstewart; Scoil Mhuire, Rathstewart; Scoil Mhuire na nAird, Wicklow; Scoil Naofa Padraig, Avoca; Delgany National School, Wicklow; Kilcommon National School, Wicklow; Saint Laurence's National School, Wicklow; and Saint Cronan's Boys National School, Wicklow.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

58 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists; and the road safety research this policy is based upon. [12648/07]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

151 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his intentions to amend regulations to allow hackneys use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12649/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 151 together.

The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport and the use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also.

Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

Many representations have been received by my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes in relation to a wide range of other road users including hackneys. A review of the access issue was carried out in 2001 and took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access. The result of that review was to maintain the existing position.

Last year, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) carried out and presented to my Department some research in relation to motorcycle safety and proposed that the issue of allowing motorcyclists access to bus lanes on a pilot scheme basis be examined.

Following consultation with the other relevant agencies, work is now proceeding with regard to the detailed specification of pilot schemes permitting motorcyclists in bus lanes where all aspects of the RSA proposal, including any safety implications, will be taken into account. Subject to the evaluation of such pilot schemes, more widespread access to bus lanes for motorcyclists can be envisaged.

Rules of the Road.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

59 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements in place to update the Rules of the Road book in tandem with reform of the driver licensing system; the amount of funding set aside for this in 2007; the revenue that is expected to be raised from sales of the book in a full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12651/07]

Damien English

Ceist:

106 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the reason the new Rules of the Road is not downloadable in English on the RSA’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 106 together.

Following a two-year comprehensive review of the Rules of the Road by my Department, which culminated in a public consultation process last Summer and the redesign and printing of the publication by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I formally launched the new edition of Rules of the Road on 21 March 2007.

The Road Safety Authority has now taken over responsibility for the Rules of the Road, as part of its overall duties. The new Rules of the Road is available on the Road Safety Authority website and a link to the publication will be available on my Department's website shortly.

The new publication is an evolving document and will change as new initiatives come on stream. The intention is that an electronic version of the document will be up-dated by the RSA to clearly indicate information that issues in relation to any changes as they are made. Road users will in the future have access to an updated document on a regular basis.

Decisions regarding the allocation of specific funding as part of that process is a matter for the RSA. The expected revenues to be raised from the sale of the publication will depend on the demand for hard copies of the publication and is also a matter for that Authority.

Integrated Ticketing Project.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

60 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the integrated ticketing project; the timescale and budget this project is working to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12667/07]

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

67 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport the date when integrated ticketing will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12704/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 67 together.

The Integrated Ticketing Project Board has prepared a roadmap for the implementation of integrated ticketing within the Dublin area, based on smartcard technology. Subject to the formal approval of the approach by the relevant Boards of the transport operators, the Integrated Ticketing Project Board will proceed to the next phase of the project which is to go to public procurement.

The Board of the Railway Procurement Agency has sought clarity on a number of issues given that it is currently the statutory body responsible for delivery of integrated ticketing. My Department is involved in discussions with the RPA and the independent chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board with a view to providing the necessary clarifications.

A revised sanction for the project will also be required from the Department of Finance. My Department is in contact with the Department of Finance to finalise this. It is premature to comment on budget and precise timescale at this time pending approvals from the Boards and the necessary sanction from the Department of Finance.

In the interim, there are in place a range of integrated tickets that allow transfers between Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, LUAS and Irish Rail. There are also integrated tickets available between LUAS and the private bus operator, Morton's Coaches. Details of these are available from the operators. More products are being developed in line with market need.

Road Safety.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

61 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport his view on the recent report by the British Vehicle and Operator Services Agency that up to 55 per cent of Irish registered vehicles, including public service vehicles, travelling to the UK are in breach of safety regulations; the explanation for the discrepancy between the number of detections in Ireland and in the UK in view of the similarity of the regulatory standards; and the response he will make to VOSA’s report. [12715/07]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

69 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided to the Road Safety Authority for the enforcement of standards on heavy goods vehicles; his policy in respect of increasing this funding in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12640/07]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

105 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his views in relation to the situation where many Irish heavy goods vehicles inspected in the UK are failing to meet UK safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/07]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

107 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce primary or secondary legislation to set higher standards for the testing of HGVs in view of the very high percentage of Irish trucks found to be in breach of standards in the UK. [12639/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 69, 105 and 107 together.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my Department that while it has not been provided with the report in question by the UK authorities it is aware of the situation relating to the performance of Irish vehicles inspected by the UK Vehicle Operating Standards Agency (VOSA) for compliance with vehicle standards requirements.

Insofar as improving vehicles standards and enforcement in this State is concerned, the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 strengthens the institutional framework for improving enforcement levels for vehicle and driver legislation and for increasing cooperation with the Garda Síochána, which has responsibility for enforcement of road traffic law, including vehicle standards. The Road Safety Authority has now taken over responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, roadworthiness testing and enforcement of drivers hours, tachograph and licensing regulations. The Road Safety Authority is putting in place the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate and in that regard four (4) vehicle testers have been recruited. The addition of these testers will significantly strengthen the capacity of the Authority in relation to vehicle standards and it is the intention to provide further resources for that area. It is a priority for the Road Safety Authority in conjunction with the Garda Síochána to increase and enhance the arrangements for enforcement of vehicle standards.

In August 2006 the Road Safety Authority engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. My Department has been informed by the Authority that it has received the report from the consultants and that it is being examined by the Authority. I expect to receive the report and recommendations from the Road Safety Authority shortly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

62 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to enhance safety on the motorways with particular reference to procedures to be followed such as early warning in the event of accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12625/07]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

86 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the measures that are in place to deter the type of motorway pile-up that occurred on 27 March 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

485 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts made to enhance and improve motorway safety in bad driving conditions with particular reference to visibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13005/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 86 and 485 together.

I would like, at the outset, to extend my sympathy to the family of the person killed and to those who were injured during the incident on 27 March. Indeed, all victims of road traffic accidents and their families have our sympathy.

Unfortunately, driver behaviour, particularly in relation to inappropriate speeds in foggy conditions, has been suggested as one of the main contributors to the particular events of 27th March.

Drivers must take responsibility for their own behaviour on our roads. Notwithstanding any maximum speed limit that may be in force on any particular public road, the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 provide a general obligation on drivers to ensure that a vehicle is not driven at a speed exceeding that which will enable a driver to bring it to a halt within the distance which the driver can see to be clear. This includes the requirement that drivers should also maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them so as that they can pull up safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

The majority of offences committed on our roads relate primarily to the behaviour of drivers. Hence, the focus of the national Road Safety Strategy (2004-2006), which has just come to an end, was on changing attitudes and behaviour on our roads through a range of measures.

Significant initiatives identified in the Strategy that have been realised to date include the introduction of a new system of metric speed limits, the further extension of the operation of the penalty points and fixed charge systems from April 2006, the establishment of the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Traffic Corps. The Corps provides the basis for the achievement of the significant gains in road safety that emanate from consistent high levels of traffic law enforcement.

Other major proposals identified, such as the plans to establish a system of private sector operation of speed cameras under the auspices of the Gardaí, are well advanced by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Meanwhile the NRA is actively considering the deployment of ITS technology, including variable message signage, on the national roads network with a view to rolling it out on a phased basis.

The Road Traffic Act 2006 enacted a number of key measures. These include the provision to combat drink driving through enabling roadside Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) and a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. Since the commencement of the Act 30,000 MAT checkpoints are carried out monthly by the Gardaí and the number of road deaths and collisions have fallen significantly. Last year the number of road deaths was 368 – the second lowest rate in forty years. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently working on developing a new road safety strategy for the period 2007-2011.

Road Network.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

63 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the new tolling contract on the M50 represents best value for taxpayers money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12692/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As the Deputy is aware, 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 addition 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, 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).

It is therefore a matter for the National Roads Authority, in contracting an agent to carry out a function on its behalf, to secure value for money in line with the administrative and statutory requirements which apply in relation to public procurement.

Road Transport Legislation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

64 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the reasons he has not transposed Regulation (EC) No.561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No. 3821/85 and (EC) No. 2135/89 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85. [12655/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

EC Regulation No. 3820/85 is being repealed and replaced by Regulation No. 561/2006 on the harmonization of certain social legislation relating to road transport.

Regulation No. 561/2006 which has automatic legal effect in the State comes into force from 11th April 2007 with the exception of certain provisions relating to the fitment of digital tachographs, obligations in relation to record sheets and printouts and the downloading of data from digital tachograph units and driver cards which came into effect from 1 May 2006.

A Statutory Instrument dealing with certain enforcement issues and other enabling provisions relating to the EU Regulation is being prepared.

Rail Network.

Tom Hayes

Airport Development Projects.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

70 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the second terminal at Dublin Airport will be completed on time by 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/07]

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

124 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the cost benefit analysis his Department has received on the proposed Terminal 2 development at Dublin airport; the way funding will be provided for the project; the return expected on the development; the way charges at Dublin Airport will be raised to cover the cost of this project; and the powers that exist to compel airline operators to use a facility once it is built. [12713/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 124 together.

The Aviation Action Plan, adopted by Government in May 2005 mandated the building of the second terminal at Dublin airport by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). This decision was driven by the urgent need to provide for additional capacity at the airport in response to the significant growth in passenger numbers there in recent years.

Under the DAA Capital Investment Programme, provision is made for the delivery of Terminal Two and associated pier facilities (Pier E). Fingal County Council granted planning permission for the project in October 2006 and this is now under appeal to An Bord Pleanála. An oral hearing will be held by An Bord Pleanála into the planning permission for T2 on 16 April next. I am assured that the DAA is working to the Government deadline to have the terminal operational by 2009.

The DAA are required to take full account of the capital appraisal guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and responsibility for compliance with the guidelines rests with the board of the company.

I would point that, in line with the Government decision of May 2005 mandating the DAA to build Terminal Two, independent experts have since reported to me on the specification and cost of Terminal 2. The experts appointed by my Department concluded that the methodology, approach and execution of the planning objectives and considerations for passengers adopted by the DAA accords with best practice. They also found that the estimated cost of the new terminal is within industry norms for this type of project in a European capital city. The verification team report is available on my Department's website, (www.transport.ie). The Deputy will also be aware that the Commission for Aviation Regulation is currently reviewing Dublin Airport charges in the light of the DAA capital expenditure plans including Terminal 2.

Rail Services.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the assurances he can give that the North Esk freight facility and freight yard will remain connected to the Cork to Cobh line; and the details of the proposed location of the park and ride facility proposed under the Midleton plan. [12722/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

This is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that there are presently no rail freight activities at the North Esk rail freight depot. Iarnród Éireann have also informed me that while it is planned to disconnect the terminal as part of track and signalling upgrading on the Cork – Cobh line the depot can be re-connected at any stage in the future if viable rail freight traffic arises.

I also understand from Iarnród Éireann that three new stations are planned on the Cork – Midleton line at Midleton, Carrigtwohill and Dunkettle and that it is planned to provide 350, 220 and 400 car parking spaces at these stations respectively.

Departmental Agencies.

David Stanton

Ceist:

72 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the various bodies and organisation under the aegis of his Department; the responsibilities of each and the responsibilities that have been devolved to them from his Department since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12726/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The following table lists the bodies and organizations under the aegis of my Department and their responsibilities. Where responsibilities have been devolved to a body from my Department since 2002, this is indicated in the table in italics under the entry for the body concerned.

Table of Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport
Body	Function
Dublin Airport Authority	Dublin Airport Authority is responsible for the management and development of Dublin Airport. DAA Authority also remains responsible for Shannon and Cork airports pending the completion of the restructuring of the company (i.e. prior to the assets of Shannon and Cork Airports being vested in their respective Airport Authorities) as provided for in the State Airports Act 2004.
Shannon Airport Authority	Shannon Airport Authority will in due course, own and operate Shannon Airport. At present the board of Shannon Airport Authority is charged with preparing to assume responsibility for the management and development of Shannon Airport as well as being empowered to undertake any functions delegated to it by, and in agreement with, Dublin Airport Authority during the interim period.
Cork Airport Authority	Cork Airport Authority will in due course, own and operate Cork Airport. At present the board of Cork Airport Authority is charged with preparing to assume responsibility for the management and development of Cork Airport as well as being empowered to undertake any functions delegated to it by, and in agreement with, Dublin Airport Authority during the interim period.
Irish Aviation Authority	The Irish Aviation Authority carries out a range of operational and regulatory functions and services relating to the safety and technical aspects of civil aviation.The Authority ensures that the Irish Civil Aviation operates to international and European safety standards and systems in accordance with international agreements.
Commission for Aviation Regulation	The principal function of the Commission for Aviation Regulation is to regulate airport charges at Dublin Airport and to regulate aviation terminal services charges at Irish airports, which have an annual throughput in excess of one million passengers. The Commission also has responsibility for discharging Ireland’s responsibilities under EU legislation on slot allocation, the licensing of air carriers, the regulation of the groundhandling market and the enforcement of air passenger rights. Additionally, the Commission is the competent authority for the licensing of travel agents and tour operators.
C.I.E. Group	Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is charged with the provision of bus and rail public transport for passengers as well as rail freight transport within the state and the operation of Rosslare Europort and CIÉ Tours. CIÉ has three wholly owned subsidiary limited liability companies: Iarnród Eireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann.
Iarnród Éireann	Iarnród Éireann manages, maintains and develops the rail network infrastructure. It provides a railway service and a road freight service.
Dublin Bus	Dublin Bus provides bus services in Dublin city and county and contiguous areas.
Bus Éireann	Bus Éireann provides bus services throughout Ireland with the exception of Dublin City. Bus Éireann is also responsible for the operation and administration of the national school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.
Railway Procurement Agency	The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is responsible for the procurement of such light rail and metro infrastructure as may be determined from time to time by the Minister. It is also responsible for the delivery of integrated ticketing systems as may be determined by the Minister. The Agency may also exploit commercial opportunities arising from its functions.
The Railway Safety Commission	The Railway Safety Commission has responsibility for regulating the safety of railway systems carrying fare-paying passengers and commercial freight and of other railways where they interface with public roads. The Commission also has responsibility for safety approval of new and modified passenger carrying cable railways, cable cars and drag lifts.
Responsibilities Devolved	With effect from 1 January 2006, under the Railway Safety Act 2005 the Commission has taken over responsibility for railway safety and rail incident investigation which were previously dealt with by the Department of Transport.
The National Roads Authority	The National Roads Authority has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads, including. the management of the national roads programme and for the allocation of grants to specific projects on the national roads network.
Dublin Transportation Office	The Dublin Transportation Office was established to coordinate the implementation by relevant agencies of an agreed integrated transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, the Dublin Transportation Initiative. The DTO is also responsible for carrying out ongoing strategic transportation planning work, including the regular updating of the transport strategy. It also administers a traffic management grants scheme on behalf of the Department.
Medical Bureau of Road Safety	The Medical Bureau of Road Safety’s principal functions are to carry out analyses, for their drug or alcohol content, of specimens of blood and urine, provided for the Gardaí by people suspected of drink or drugs driving offences. The Bureau issues certificates in respect of the results of these analyses, which may be used as evidence in prosecutions for offences. The Bureau also participates in the Evidential Breath Testing Programme, providing Evidential Breath Testing instruments and training to Gardaí.
Commission for Taxi Regulation	The Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) and their drivers.
Responsibilities Devolved	As a consequence of the making of a commencement order under the 2003 Act, the Commission took over the regulatory role in relation to the licensing, control and operation of taxis, hackneys and limousines, and their drivers, from the Minister for Transport with effect from 26 September 2005.
Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation	The Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation is appointed by the Minister for Transport.The function of the Advisory Council is to advise the Commission and the Minister as appropriate on issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.
Road Safety Authority	The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for promotion of road safety including, driver testing and licensing, registration of driving instructors, driver vocational training, compulsory basic training for motorcyclists, accident and road safety research, vehicle standards and road haulage enforcement functions.
Responsibilities Devolved	With effect from the 1st of September 2006 all responsibilities listed under the Road Safety Authority Act (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 were transferred to the Road Safety Authority. These responsibilities relate to the areas of driver testing and licensing, vehicle testing and standards and road haulage enforcement. Responsibility for promoting public awareness of road safety and measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads was transferred to the Authority from the National Safety Council.
Marine Casualty Investigation Board	The function of the MCIB is to carry out investigations into marine casualties that take place in Irish waters or involve Irish registered vessels.
Responsibilities Devolved	With effect from 5 June, 2002, when the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was established, it took over certain marine casualty investigation functions from the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport.

Port Companies: Port of Cork Company, Drogheda Port Company, Dublin Port Company, Dundalk Port Company, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Galway Harbour Company, New Ross Port Company, Shannon/Foynes Port Company, Port of Waterford Company, Wicklow Port Company.	The port companies are State-owned companies established under the Harbours Act 1996. The Act provides that the principal objects of the companies include the provision of such facilities, services and lands in their harbours for ships, goods and passengers, as it considers necessary. The companies are required to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of their harbour.

Driving Instruction.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

73 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when driving instruction will become State regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12686/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 163 on Wednesday, 21st February, 2007.

On the 19 June last I launched a document entitled "Consultation on the Regulation of Driving Instruction in Ireland" which was prepared by my Department.

In the document it was proposed that from 1 July 2007 all new entrants to the driving instruction industry must be approved and registered before being allowed to instruct for reward and that existing driving instructors must be approved and registered by 1 July 2008.

This area is now the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I understand that the Road Safety Authority plan to commence the regulation process for new entrants to the industry starting on 1 July 2007.

Public Transport.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

74 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the measures he proposes to increase the use of public transport by all public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12696/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The range of measures that my Department funds through the Transport 21 Programme for the improvement of the transport infrastructure and the prioritisation of public transport apply to public service employees equally as to the general public alike.

A key recommendation of the Travel Demand Management Study that was produced in 2004 by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO), which is an agency of my Department, was that employers should introduce measures to encourage more staff to travel to work by alternative means to the car. The study recommended that such measures should be introduced in the first instance in large public sector organisations in the Greater Dublin Area. The DTO has recently introduced a Workplace Travel Plan for DTO staff.

The DTO intends to launch a sustainable transport public awareness campaign for the Greater Dublin Area in June 2007. One of the areas it will focus on is encouraging employers, particularly those in the public sector, to introduce Workplace Travel Plans that provide employees with sustainable travel information and incentives to drive less and consider car sharing, cycling, walking and public transport options. My own Department is committed to supporting and participating in this campaign.

There are already a number of provisions in place designed to facilitate and encourage the use of public transport, including its greater use by public service employees.

The Annual Travel Pass Tax Saver Scheme is extensively promoted across the public service and has a high level of take-up among public service employees. There has been a substantial increase in the sale of annual and monthly commuter tickets in recent years. Much of the growth can be attributed to the tax savings accruing to those who commit to purchasing annual tickets under the Tax Saver scheme, which comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. In 2006, for example, Dublin Bus had 1,700 employers, including employers across the Public Service, actively purchasing monthly and annual tickets directly from Dublin Bus for their employees.

John Perry

Ceist:

75 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when the DTA will be formally established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12738/07]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

81 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the legislation to establish the DTA will be published; the preparatory work conducted by its new chairperson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12684/07]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

98 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the way he will ensure that the proposed Dublin Transport Authority is fully accountable; and when he will publish legislation. [12675/07]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

140 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Transportation Authority will be established; when the necessary legislative changes will be in place to allow the authority to function; when new staff for the agency will be appointed; and the functions the authority will have from its inception. [12711/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 81, 98 and 140.

I refer to my reply to Priority Question No. 50 of today. Substantial progress has been made in preparing the legislation and it remains my intention to publish the Dublin Transport Authority Bill very shortly. The establishment of the Authority will ensure the full and effective delivery of an integrated transport system in the Greater Dublin Area under Transport 21.

In anticipation of the publication of the legislation and to commence the process of putting the necessary organisational arrangements in place, I recently appointed Mr. Tom Mulcahy as chairman designate of the Authority.

Pending the establishment of the Authority on a statutory basis I have asked Mr. Mulcahy, in his capacity as chairman designate, to give initial consideration to the management and organisational structure and to human resource and financial requirements of the proposed Authority and to engage with the key stakeholders and other interested parties as part of the preparatory process leading to the establishment of the Authority and its early discharge of its statutory functions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

76 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the supports provided by his Department, as part of its disability sectoral plan in relation to the provision of transport services for persons for whom existing public transport services are inaccessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12710/07]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

156 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the pace of the roll-out of fully accessible public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12709/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 156 together.

‘Transport Access for All', my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, along with those of five other Departments, was approved by the Oireachtas in Autumn 2006. The Department of Transport Plan addresses the accessibility needs of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments across all transport modes and contains time bound targets for the progressive realisation of accessible transport in Ireland. In general, the delivery of the various elements of the Plan is aligned with the timeframe of Transport 21, the Government's 10-year transport investment programme launched in November 2005. The Plan includes robust monitoring arrangements to ensure timely delivery of its targets and objectives.

Significant resources for accessibility are being provided under Transport 21 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to facilitate further progress. Accessibility is being built into new public transport infrastructure projects and funding is also being provided to continue the phased retrofit of existing infrastructure. I am satisfied that progress to date is in accordance with the Plan.

Light Rail Project.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

77 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the specific remit given to the RPA in relation to the design of the Metro North route; and the amount of funding set aside for the project. [12673/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Transport 21 includes a budget provision for the implementation of a Metro line from the City Centre to Swords via Dublin Airport to be completed by end 2012. The mandate to the RPA is to deliver the project within that budget provision and timescale. The design of the project is a matter for the RPA within that overall mandate. I am not in a position at present to release details of the cost of Metro North because the details are commercially sensitive from the point of view of protecting public funds and getting best value for money.

Rail Services.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

78 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing incentives to revive the rail freight sector in view of the need to reduce national levels of carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12689/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The rail freight market is fully liberalised and I will be glad to consider any proposals that will assist in expanding the use of rail freight but the business environment is such that no real opportunities have been identified.

It should be noted that the operation and upgrading of the railway service already benefits from substantial Exchequer capital and current funding – nearly €600m in 2007.

Road Safety.

Damien English

Ceist:

79 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of its road safety implications, he is satisfied with the robustness of the road worthiness tests operated by all public transport providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12735/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including vehicle testing, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

The framework at European level in relation to compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles is set down in EU Directive 96/96/EC. In accordance with that Directive, buses and taxis are required to undergo a roadworthiness test every year. The testing of buses is carried out by authorised testers appointed by local authorities in accordance with the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2004. In the case of taxis, testing is carried out by National Car Testing Service Limited in accordance with the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2003. The items to be tested, the method of testing and the reasons for failure of the roadworthiness test for a bus or a taxi are set down in the relevant Test Manual prepared and published by the Road Safety Authority.

In August 2006 the Road Safety Authority engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing for commercial vehicles. My Department has been informed by the Authority that it has received the report from the consultants and that it is being examined by the Authority.

State Airports.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

80 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Transport the basis of his decision to give Cork Airport responsibility for €100 million of its outstanding debt; if this decision contravenes with company law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12703/07]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

130 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene to resolve the ongoing dispute over the Cork Airport debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12681/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 130 together.

As part of the necessary preparatory work for the separation of Cork under the State Airports Act 2004, DAA have been advised by consultants on the financial aspects mentioned. In doing so these consultants worked with Cork airport management on business planning requirements. The firm also advised on an appropriate financing proposal, which would facilitate the statutory objective of airport separation in a timely manner, consistent with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004 and the Companies Acts. I understand that the outcome of this analysis was that Cork Airport could sustain a certain level of debt while remaining a very viable enterprise.

The Cork Airport Development Project, which was completed last year, is comprised not only of a new terminal, but also a fire station, car parks, a combined utility building and new roads and pathways and associated works. As I have said before, the funding of these developments will have to take account, not only of what is commercially and financially feasible for Cork Airport, but also what is commercially and financially feasible for Dublin Airport.

If the Cork Airport Authority is to achieve autonomy in the foreseeable future, it will have to accept responsibility for a reasonable portion of the outstanding debt, in return for the substantial assets to be transferred to it on separation. In deciding what level of debt is to be borne by Cork, it will have to be manifest to all concerned that it is a manageable debt burden that would not put at risk the airport's commercial future.

Responsibility for the production of the business plans rests with the authorities. My function, under the Act, is to consider the plans, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, once they have been submitted.

Question No. 81 answered with QuestionNo. 75.

Rail Network.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

82 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the view of An Taoiseach that the Phoenix Park rail tunnel should be reopened for use by commuter rail services; if he has requested Irish Rail to progress this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12706/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Phoenix Park Tunnel is an existing railway line connecting Heuston Station with Connolly Station and North Wall Freight Yard. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the railway line is not used for commuter services because it would not be possible to accommodate additional peak train services into Connolly Station. The lines into and out of Connolly Station are already at full capacity and any additional capacity created in the future will be needed to cater for growth on the DART, Northern Suburban and Maynooth lines. Connections between Heuston Station and Connolly Station are provided by LUAS and Dublin Bus services.

Iarnród Éireann regards the Interconnector tunnel as the best option for providing additional cross city capacity. Approval has been granted for design development for the Interconnector alignment and its proposed station locations and layouts. This is expected to be completed in mid 2007.

Tax Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

83 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has reached a decision in relation to a proposal to provide a subsidy for wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12728/07]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

119 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 21 February 2007, if he has made a decision in respect of the proposal by the Office of the Taxi Commissioner for the introduction of a subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. [12646/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 119 together.

The outline proposal for a draft subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys, which was received by my Department on 16 January 2007, is currently being considered. This proposal will require consultation with the Department of Finance. Pending completion of this examination, I am not in a position to make any further comment.

Driving Tests.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

84 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when compulsory basic training for motorcyclists will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 181 on Wednesday, 21st February, 2007.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system including the preparation of proposals for draft regulatory provisions relating to driver licensing and testing. In this context the Road Safety Authority is responsible for bringing forward proposals for the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists.

A consultation document seeking the views of stakeholders was published by the Road Safety Authority on 1 March 2007 and submissions may be made to the Road Safety Authority until 27 April 2007. Following this process a formal scheme of training for novice motorcyclists will be developed and rolled out.

State Airports.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

85 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the marketing and infrastructural support plans for the Shannon region in the context of Open Skies. [12653/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I announced my intention to prepare an Economic and Tourism Development Plan for Shannon Airport in the context of the EU-US negotiations on Open Skies when negotiators initially signed off on the text of a draft EU-US agreement in November 2005. That draft agreement provided for a transitional arrangements for Ireland, relating to the phasing out of the ‘Shannon Stop'.

In preparing the Plan, my Department has consulted with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance. A liaison group, established by the Mid West Regional Authority, has separately prepared a report on the future development of the Shannon region as an input to the Plan.

Following the endorsement of the EU-US Air Transport Agreement by the Council of Transport Ministers on 22 March I expect to be in a position to finalise the Tourism and Economic Development Plan for Shannon shortly.

Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 62.

Road Traffic Offences.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

87 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether drug driving is a major cause of road fatalities and injuries; if so, the proposals he will introduce to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The main contributory factors in road traffic fatalities and injuries are speeding, drink-driving and the non-wearing of seat belts. The influence of drugs on driving behaviour is an issue of increasing concern and has thus been given recognition in the previous Government Strategy on Road Safety.

Identification of the presence of drugs is however more complex than for alcohol. Consequently, considerably more work is needed to develop a more detailed regulatory regime in relation to drugs and driving.

The Road Traffic Acts provide that a member of the Garda Siochana may, where he or she is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.

The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) analyses blood and urine specimens received under the Road Traffic Acts for the presence of a drug or drugs.

At a meeting of the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in July 2006, representatives from all over Europe addressed the issue of random drug testing of drivers at the roadside in the light of the most up to date developments throughout this region.

The MBRS and An Garda Síochána participated in that seminar, which concluded that there is currently no device considered to be reliable enough in order to be recommended for roadside saliva screening of drivers for drugs. The Medical Bureau is keeping abreast of developments in this area.

Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 57.

Public Transport.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

89 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he continues to support a role for the private sector in the Dublin bus market; when he will introduce reforms to allow for greater private sector involvement in this market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12707/07]

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

126 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the significant delay in the reform of the Transport Act 1932; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12732/07]

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

131 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when the 100 private sector operated buses will be fully deployed and operating in Dublin; and the areas they will serve. [12669/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 126 and 131 together.

I am committed to modernizing the regulatory framework governing public transport, not just in Dublin, but nationally. As previously announced, the Government has decided that the regulation of the bus market in the Greater Dublin Area will be the responsibility of the Dublin Transport Authority and has decided to mandate the Dublin Transport Authority to procure 100 buses from the private sector to provide services on new routes. The precise arrangements for the awarding of franchises to private operators in the Dublin market will be dealt with in the context of replacing the Road Transport Act 1932.

The legislation in that regard is currently being prepared in my Department which will be applicable to all public coach and bus services within the State.

In the meantime, the licensing provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, will continue to be applied and all applications for bus licences from private operators will be considered on their merits subject to the provisions of the Act.

Cycle Facilities.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

90 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the way he will encourage and promote cycling. [12590/07]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

112 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the details of Government policy in relation to facilitating cyclists in Dublin City. [12586/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 112 together.

While the provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for local authorities, my Department provides funding to the local authorities for the development of such facilities, either as part of QBN programmes or as specific cycling projects. For example, the investment to date has resulted in some 300kms of cycle facilities being provided, as well as cycle parking facilities throughout the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

The main policy measures to encourage and promote cycling are set out in the regional transport strategy for the GDA, A Platform for Change. The policy measures outlined in A Platform for Change are being further developed through the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) Cycle Policy Working Group and the local authorities under the active support of the DTO.

I am satisfied that the arrangements outlined above are a substantive approach to the provision of cycle facilities and to the promotion and encouragement of cycling.

Road Safety.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

91 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the 2005 Road Collision Fact Book; and when he will lay it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [12650/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

482 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if statistics show the category of drivers with the worst road traffic accident rate; if this identifies persons on provisional licences or those within the first five years of achieving a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12999/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 482 together.

Statistics relating to road accidents are based on information provided by the Garda Siochana. They are published by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The most recent report, now entitled "Road Collision Facts", relates to 2004 and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website. The reports do not contain information on the driver licensing status of those involved in road traffic collisions.

Responsibility for the collection of structured information on road safety, including the publication of the annual Road Collision Facts Report, now lies with the Road Safety Authority. I understand that the statistics relating to 2005 are currently being analysed and authenticated in preparation for publication.

I expect to receive the 2005 Report from the Road Safety Authority towards the end of April 2007 and I will lay it before the Houses as soon as possible thereafter.

Departmental Reports.

David Stanton

Ceist:

92 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the reports that have been commissioned by his Department since 2002; the costs and publication dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12727/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him when complete.

Landing Rights.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

93 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s position on the landing slots at Heathrow Airport held by Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The slots held by Aer Lingus at London Heathrow Airport currently serve an important role in ensuring connectivity between Irish airports and the extensive network of international air services to and from Heathrow.

In preparation for the Aer Lingus IPO last year, consideration was given to the possible need for measures to prevent the disposal of landing slots at London Heathrow.

Arrangements to safeguard Heathrow slots are built into the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. The effect of these arrangements, at present, is that any disposal of Heathrow slots can be prevented by 30.4% of the votes cast at an Extraordinary General Meeting. 25.4% of the shares in the Company are held by the Minister for Finance on behalf of the State.

The Articles of Association of the Company state that I will set out the criteria by reference to which I intend to make recommendations to the Minister for Finance in relation to the exercise of his functions as a shareholder in regard to any possible disposal of Heathrow slots. Following is my statement of 2 October 2006 which sets out these criteria.

Statement by the Minister for Transport

2 October, 2006

Heathrow Airport, London serves a unique role in ensuring connectivity to/from Ireland. This connectivity is fundamental both to provide connections to and from Dublin as well as to and from the regions. This is the reason for the mechanism providing for a possible consideration of slot disposals by extraordinary general meeting as set out in the Articles of Association of Aer Lingus Group plc. The Minister for Transport will not recommend that the Minister for Finance seek to convene an extraordinary general meeting to approve a slot disposal unless the disposal would result in the slots at London Heathrow falling below the level that is critical to ensuring connectivity to and from Ireland. Such an assessment will be conducted on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the criteria set out below.

Criteria

The Minister for Transport considers that four London Heathrow slot pairs for services to and from Cork and that four (summer season) and three (winter season) for services to and from Shannon would each be critical to ensuring connectivity to these airports because this is the minimum necessary to ensure a spread of flights throughout the day. On this basis, the Minister for Finance as a shareholder in the Company, acting on the advice of the Minister for Transport, is unlikely to support a proposed disposal of any slot pair such that there would be less than the existing London Heathrow slot pairs that relate to services between London Heathrow and Cork or Shannon and is likely to request the convening of an extraordinary general meeting, as provided for in the Articles of Association, to consider such matter. In the event of a proposed disposal of a slot pair subject to the above requirements, the Minister for Transport, when deciding how to advise the Minister for Finance, would take into account the services operated by other carriers from Cork and Shannon to London Heathrow and any evolution of services to other connecting airports from Cork and Shannon. The Minister for Transport would also take account of any relevant direct long haul flights from Cork or Shannon (as the case may be).

The Minister for Transport considers that the level of slots relating to Dublin that are critical to connectivity is that which ensures passengers from and to Dublin can connect throughout the course of the day with key long-haul destination flights to and from London Heathrow. The Minister for Finance, as a shareholder in the Company, acting on the advice of the Minister for Transport, is unlikely to support a proposed disposal of any slot pair relating to services between London Heathrow and Dublin that would result in the interval between air services operated using slots on this route exceeding 90 minutes (not reckoning any time between the last slot on one night and the first slot on the following day) and is likely to request the convening of an extraordinary general meeting to consider such proposal. In the event of a proposed disposal of a slot pair subject to the above requirements, the Minister for Transport, when deciding how to advise the Minister for Finance, would take into account the services operated by other carriers between Dublin and London Heathrow. The Minister for Transport would also take into account services which could be provided via other connecting airports, provided that there is relevant available capacity both from Dublin to the other airport and from that airport to key long haul destinations, and any relevant direct long haul flights from Dublin.

Any new slot (not being part of a swap arrangement) that may be acquired by the Company after the Offer would only become subject to the potential constraints on disposal set out above if the Company decides that any such new slot should be included. Where the Company has decided that any new slot should not be so included then the Minister for Transport shall not have regard to any air services being provided using that slot in considering a proposed disposal of any other slot.

Extract from the Articles of Association of Aer Lingus plc

10. Disposal of a LHR Slot

In this Article the following expressions have the following meanings:

"Disposal Transaction"

A transaction pursuant to which any member of the Group proposes to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, lease, surrender, mortgage or otherwise alienate or encumber any Existing Slot(s) held by it or any of its subsidiaries. PROVIDED HOWEVER that each of the following shall be excluded from this definition of a Disposal Transaction:

a Short Term Lease except as otherwise provided below;

a Permitted Security; and

a transaction related to the pair of slots which are the subject of the agreement dated 29 July 2005 between the Aer Lingus Limited and British Airways plc including any renewal or extension of that agreement.

"ESOT Option Shares"

The shares which are the subject of an Option Deed entered into on or about 11 September 2006 between the Minister for Finance, Aer Lingus ESOP Trustee Limited and the Company under which shares held by the Minister for Finance are put under option in favour of the ESOT, but only to the extent that that option remains exercisable

"Existing Slot(s)"

any Slot(s) held by a member of the group at the date of adoption of these Articles or any alternative or corresponding Slot(s) allocated to the group by the airport co-ordinator at London Heathrow Airport by reason of the Historical Precedence of any Slot(s) held by the Group at the date of adoption of these Articles. PROVIDED THAT

If the Group swaps an Existing Slot for another Slot, that other Slot shall however be regarded for all purposes hereof as an Existing Slot. It is recognized that different numbers of Slots are held for the summer season and the winter season and that notwithstanding that these Articles are being adopted during the summer season, the Slots which will accrue for the next winter season after the date of adoption of these Articles by reason of Historical Precedence from the preceding winter season are for the avoidance of doubt to be Existing Slots for all purposes hereof. The Company may choose to designate any future acquired Slot as an Existing Slot, whereupon the provisions of these presents will apply to that Slot.

"Historical Precedence"

the entitlement of an air carrier which has been allocated a Slot to claim a corresponding Slot in the next equivalent scheduling period pursuant to the Regulations as same may be amended, revised, supplemented or substituted from time to time.

"Permitted Security"

Any fixed and/or floating debenture, given to a bank or financial institution or issued in connection with the securing of bonds, over a substantial part of the assets of the Group which are given as security for a funding advance to the Group.

"Regulations"

Council Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports, as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 793/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004.

"Short Term Lease"

A lease, temporary swap or temporary exchange (whether or not in return for consideration) of a Slot or a pair of Slots the term of which is no longer than 36 months; provided that a series of such leases (whether in favour of the same or different parties) in respect of [the same] Slot or pair of Slots shall not be regarded for purposes hereof as a Short Term Lease if in the aggregate they exceed 36 months over a 4 year period in respect of the relevant Slot. Provided further that if such a lease is to be put in place in relation to a Slot and there is already a Short Term Lease in place in relation to a pair of Slots, that lease should not be considered to be a Short Term Lease. A proposal to renew a Short Term Lease which has lasted for 36 months (whether continuous or discontinuous) shall be treated as a Disposal Transaction and subject to the provisions hereof. For the avoidance of doubt a lease of the slots referred to at © of the definition of "Disposal Transaction" shall not be taken into account for any purpose of this definition, in particular so that a lease of those Slots may be in place simultaneously with a Short Term Lease over another pair of Slots "Specified Percentage"

The Ordinary Shares at the date of the relevant meeting (or where a date is specified in the notice of the meeting for purposes of regulation 14 of the Companies Act 1990 (Uncertificated Securities) Regulations 1996, that date) held by the Minister for Finance (but excluding the ESOT Option Shares) expressed as a percentage of total issued Ordinary Shares plus 5% (thus if Ordinary Shares (excluding the ESOT Option Shares) held by the Minister for Finance represent 25.5% of total issued shares, the Specified Percentage is 30.5%).

"Slots"

The scheduled time of arrival or departure available or allocated by the co-ordinator to an aircraft movement on a specific date at London Heathrow Airport, being the permission to use the full range of airport infrastructure at such airport for purposes of landing or taking off.

If a member of the Group proposes to enter into a Disposal Transaction or enters into a Disposal Transaction conditional on the provisions of this Article, the Company shall notify all shareholders of the Company of its intention to do so or of the conditional Disposal Transaction. Such notification shall be by way of letter, explaining the details of the proposal to each shareholder who at the date of notification holds in excess of 10% of the issued Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company. Particulars of this notification shall also be notified to the Irish Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange via a Regulatory Information Service.

If within 28 days of the giving of the notification referred to in paragraph (b) (during which time the Disposal Transaction may not be effected), shareholders holding Ordinary Shares, amounting to at least 20% of the Ordinary Shares, so request in writing (such request can be in counterparts), the Company shall convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to consider the Disposal Transaction. Such extraordinary general meeting shall be convened for a date occurring within two months of receipt of the request in writing from the shareholders holding at least 20% of the Ordinary Shares. Such an extraordinary general meeting may also be convened by the Company of its own volition, provided that it is fixed for a date which is no sooner than 21 days from the giving of the notices referred to in paragraph (b). If such shareholders so request or if the Company so convenes a meeting, the Disposal Transaction may not be concluded until it is approved in accordance with the following paragraphs (d) and (e). If no such request in writing is made, the Disposal Transaction may thereafter be concluded within twelve months of the expiry of the period of 28 days aforesaid.

The Disposal Transaction may proceed if at the extraordinary general meeting convened to consider the Disposal Transaction the relevant resolution shall have been passed by not less than X% of the votes cast by such members as, being entitled so to do, vote in person or by corporate representative or by proxy in respect of such resolution.

Where X is [100 — the Specified Percentage]

provided that if the value of X by reason of the application of this formula is greater than 75, it shall be deemed to be 75.

If such majority is obtained for the resolution, the Disposal Transaction may be concluded within twelve months of the date of passing of the resolution.

The Disposal Transaction may also be concluded within twelve months of the Company obtaining the consent in writing to such Disposal Transaction from the holders of at least 75% of the voting rights attaching to Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company.

The exercise of any rights by the Minister for Finance under this article will be in accordance with the recommendations of the Minister for Transport. The Minister for Transport shall from time to time set out the criteria by reference to which he intends to make recommendations to the Minister for Finance as to whether to seek the convening of an extraordinary general meeting in respect of a Disposal Transaction and/or by reference to which he intends to make recommendations to the Minister for Finance concerning the casting of his votes on any such resolution. These criteria from time to time will be placed by the Company on the Company's website.

Car Pooling.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

94 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s policy on car pooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12591/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Travel Demand Management Study that was published in 2004 by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO), an agency of my Department, recommended a series of measures to reduce the demand for travel, particularly single occupant car travel in the peak period.

As part of a sustainable travel public awareness campaign planned to launch in June 2007, the DTO intends to fund the piloting of a car-share website for use in a group of larger workplaces, to facilitate car-sharing amongst employees in these organizations. The results of this pilot exercise will be examined and used as the basis for a possible wider roll out of the initiative within the Greater Dublin Area in 2008 and beyond.

Public Transport.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

95 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the current situation whereby many of the public buses and routes which serve main hospitals are not accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12748/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 146 of 21st February, 2007.

Road Traffic Act 2006.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

96 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the ongoing delay in commencing fully the Road Traffic Act 2006. [12672/07]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

145 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the aspects of the Road Traffic Bill 2006 which have not yet been implemented; the functions and implications of these unimplemented provisions; when each one will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12746/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 145 together.

All sections of the Road Traffic Act 2006 have now been commenced with the exception of Sections 5, 10, 11, 13 and 16. The provisions in relation to Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints were commenced last year, and approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Tests are being conducted by the Gardai every month.

Sections 5 and 16 which relate to Fixed Charge and Disqualification for certain drink driving offences and Penalty Point Offences (other than the offence of driving while holding a mobile phone), require a considerable amount of work to be carried out on Garda IT systems. Work is progressing in these areas.

Sections 10, 11 and 13 relate to driving licences, learner permits and certificates of competency and fitness requirement to carry a driving licence while driving a vehicle. These provisions will be commenced shortly, in the context of a phased transition from provisional licences to a completely different approach to driver training and licensing.

Public Transport.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

97 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the report regarding public transport subventions; the recommendations contained in this report; the actions he will take on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Expenditure Review on CIÉ Subvention is currently being finalised. It is expected that the final Report will be published shortly.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 75.

Road Traffic Offences.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

99 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the mutual recognition of penalty points between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; and the reason for the ongoing delay. [12677/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 88, 112 and 167 on 21 February, 2007.

In relation to driver disqualification a framework for the mutual recognition of disqualifications is contained in the European Union Convention on Driving Disqualifications (98/C 216/01). The Convention relates to disqualifications arising from a range of specified traffic offences including drink-driving, speeding and dangerous driving. Irish legislation to support the application of the Convention is contained in the Road Traffic Act, 2002.

In advance of the Convention fully coming into force and following a Ministerial meeting of the Transport Sectoral Group of the British-Irish Council on 9 February 2006, I have formally agreed with the UK Minister of State for Transport to enter into bilateral arrangements on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications as envisaged in the EU Convention.

The UK Minister for State for Transport wrote to me recently advising me that it is now likely to be later than the first half of 2007 when the UK and NI authorities will have the necessary legislative and consultative processes complete to enable mutual recognition to be put in place. Officials continue to work to ensure that the necessary administrative arrangements are in place to enable relevant administrations to recognise and take action on driving disqualifications occurring in the other jurisdiction.

In relation to lesser offences, the North South Work Programme, as agreed by the North South Ministerial Council, included a commitment to examine the mutual recognition of penalty points between the Republic of Ireland and the North. However, in addition to the fact that separate penalty point systems operate in the two jurisdictions on this island, the system that operates in Northern Ireland differs from that applying in Great Britain. For that reason, it was agreed that it would be more appropriate to pursue the question of mutual recognition of penalty points on the basis of the operation of the three systems and that it would also be more appropriate that it would be dealt with under the auspices of the British-Irish Council.

As Northern Ireland has the lead role for transport matters in the BIC, the authorities in that jurisdiction are taking the lead in considering this issue. It was agreed at the British-Irish Council meeting on the 9 February 2006 that officials should examine the prospects for greater co-operation in the treatment of road traffic infringements where the penalty falls short of disqualification. Arising from work in this area I have agreed with the UK Minister for State for Transport the terms of reference proposed for a study of the feasibility of greater co-operation between us in relation to lesser road traffic infringements with a view to our officials undertaking a study on this basis. Work on this study is ongoing.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

100 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport when he will bring the full list of penalty point categories into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12668/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The roll-out of the penalty points system to the range of offences set out in the Schedules to the Road Traffic Act 2002 was commenced in October 2002 in respect of speeding offences. It was progressed further in 2003 to cover driving without insurance and non-wearing of safety belt offences and extended in 2004 in respect of the offence of careless driving.

The range of penalty point offences was significantly extended from 3 April 2006 with the addition of 31 new offences. The most recent extension was in September 2006 to bring the offence of holding a mobile phone while driving within the ambit of the system. The total number of offences to which the penalty point system now applies is 36.

The focus of the roll-out of the penalty points system to date is on offences that relate primarily to the behaviour of drivers. This reflects the fact that 86% of all road deaths can be attributed to driver behaviour in its broadest sense.

The relevant support systems must be put in place to support the extension of the penalty points system, and where applicable, the fixed charge system. Discussions are held in advance with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and other agencies regarding the timing of each scheduled roll-out of new offences to ensure that the relevant interfaces are in place between the Garda Síochána and the Court Services IT systems, and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who holds and administers the National Driving File. The progressive extension of the penalty point system will continue to be pursued.

Light Rail Project.

John Deasy

Ceist:

101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the reason funding has not been provided for the linking of the two city centre Luas lines in his Department’s 2007 Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12741/07]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

143 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport his proposed timetable for the linking of the two existing LUAS lines in Dublin City centre; and if he has a preferred routing for such a connection. [12716/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 143 together.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) began a public consultation on five potential routes, A to E, for connecting the two existing Luas lines in November 2005. During public consultation a new option, F, was identified.

Options A and F emerged as the better options and RPA launched a second phase of public consultation in January 2007 involving an open-day, display days, newspaper notices and distribution of newsletters focusing on the selection of the best of these two route options.

I also understand that the RPA engaged in dialogue with Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus and the Dublin Transportation Office in relation to the implications of the potential routes for bus services and other road users. Arising from these discussions, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Transportation Office recommended that a traffic management plan for the city centre be initiated to facilitate light rail, bus and metro development. Dublin City Council will undertake the necessary traffic modelling and is committed to delivery of early results from this work, by Autumn of this year.

The Board of the RPA recently decided that its preferred route option for the cross-city Luas line is option F. The RPA now plan to commence detailed design work on the project based on this option. This will take account of the results of the City Council's traffic modelling results as they become available. Following completion of this design work, and subject to a satisfactory outcome to the city centre traffic management planning work, the RPA will submit a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The construction timescale will be dependent on the outcome of this statutory approval process.

A second stage of this project will extend the line to Liffey Junction via Grangegorman and Broadstone. The selection of an emerging preferred route for the cross-city link will facilitate the commencement of work on the route selection for the onward extension to Liffey Junction. Subject to an enforceable Railway Order, the scheduled completion date for the overall project is 2012.

It is untrue to say that funding has not been provided for the linking of the Luas lines in the 2007 Estimates. My Department has allocated €173m towards the advancement of all Luas and Metro projects, including funding for the continuing planning and design work on the cross-city link.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

103 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the reason for his decision not to provide a default speed limit on non-public roads in view of the fact that it means that no urban speed limit is applied to estates not yet taken in charge by its local authority. [12641/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Public roads are roads that are in the charge of a road authority. The legislative basis for the application of speed limits on public roads is set out in the Road Traffic Act 2004.

I have no authority to extend the application of the Road Traffic Acts to private property or apply a default speed limit to non-public roads in private residential developments or to provide that local authorities can make special speed limit bye-laws in respect of such private roads.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

104 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a grant to people having their cars modified to enable them to use low CO2 emission biofuels. [12678/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer to my reply to Question Reference No. 8659/07 on 6 March, 2007:

The Department of Transport has recently funded a scheme to convert 50 selected vehicles to run on pure plant oil (PPO), which is being carried out under the aegis of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The cost to the Department is €227,000 and provides for 75% of the cost of engine modification.

Decisions about successful applications are being made in April with the view to obtaining a diverse mix of transport operators. It is expected that this scheme will be complementary to the Minerals Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, which aims to place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market at a cost of €200 million, and will help develop a sustainable indigenous network of localized PPO supply chains in Ireland.

However, this scheme does not apply to private cars as it is targeted at hauliers or captive fleets maintained by local authorities or public organizations. In Budget 2006, the Minister for Finance provided for a 50% VRT relief on flexi-fuelled vehicles (FFV), which are capable of operating on 85% blend, for 2006 and 2007.

In addition, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) announced obligatory 5% fuel blending by 2009, which will help to achieve the indicative target of 5.75% set out in the Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC.

Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 61.

Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 59.

Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 61.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

108 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport his views in relation to its effect on road safety of the situation whereby it is not possible to issue fixed penalty notices on foot of detections under the MAT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12695/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006.

A Commencement Order in July brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, from Friday 21st July 2006. Approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints are being operated by the Gardai every month.

Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. The implementation of that section requires necessary administrative and enforcement preparations, including adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and the testing of those systems.

Although work is progressing on these matters, it is not possible to commence this section until the necessary arrangements as outlined above are finalised and in place.

National Roads Authority.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

109 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the directions he has made to the NRA under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 since coming into office. [12654/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I have not issued any directions to the National Roads Authority under this Section of the 1993 Act since I took up office in this Department.

Public Transport.

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

110 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether, as he has recently stated, all new vehicles procured by CIÉ from 2008 will be capable of operating on 30% biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12734/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As part of my overall objective of developing transportation in a sustainable manner I have requested CIE to plan to achieve a 30% bio-diesel blend in all new buses. Dublin Bus have secured a commitment from the relevant engine manufacturer, Volvo, that would allow new buses to be modified to operate on a 30% biofuel mix without affecting the warranty. My Department is working with CIE to establish how this target can be achieved for all new buses in the shortest time frame possible.

Pedestrian and Cycle Routes.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

111 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department has in the development of the Sutton to Sandycove pedestrian and cycle route along the Dublin coastline; if his Department supports the proposed development; the budget available for the project; and the approval process to be followed on such a project. [12712/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Sutton to Sandycove pedestrian and cycle route project is being developed by the local authorities and is funded from the Traffic Management Grants (TMG) Scheme, which is funded by my Department and administered by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO).

In 2007, funding of €270,000 has been requested by Dublin City Council for Phase 1 of the project (from Bull Island causeway to the Bull Wall (Wooden Bridge), to take this element from concept design to preliminary design. The funding requested has been approved.

I am advised that Phase 2 of the project (from Sean Moore Park to East Pier Dún Laoghaire) is being developed jointly by Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The Councils involved have not yet sought funding but, in the normal course, the funding necessary will be forthcoming.

The approval process for any DTO-funded scheme is as set down in the DTO TMG Terms and Conditions. The Phase 1 project (from Bull Island to Bull Wall) is covered under this process.

Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Parking Regulations.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

113 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in relation to changes to parking regulations in areas which cater for social, sporting or cultural events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The imposition of restrictions and prohibitions on parking on public roads is a complex matter and legal advice was sought in this regard from the Office of the Attorney General. I have included a section in the Roads Bill 2007, which is now before the Houses, to deal with this matter.

Airport Security Procedures.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

114 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the security situation at Ireland West Airport, Knock as there is concern that the cover is not sufficient due to the rapid growth of this airport and the increased passenger numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security has been in force since January 2003. This Regulation and a number of implementing regulations have been adopted into our National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).

A common position of the Transport Council on a Regulation to replace Regulation 2320/2002 was adopted on 11 December 2006 and is currently before the European Parliament for a second reading. The proposed new Regulation sets out to clarify, simplify and further harmonise requirements in relation to civil aviation security with the objective of enhancing overall levels of security.

I am satisfied that the aviation security practices and procedures implemented at Irish airports conform to the highest standards set down in the European Union common rules. These practices and procedures are subject to monitoring by my Department's Aviation Security Division and are also the subject of periodic reviews by international organisations, such as the EU Commission and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

It is not the practice to comment on specific security measures in place or that may be implemented at Irish airports. However, aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by my Department and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by a senior official from my Department. The Committee comprises representatives of Government Departments, State Airports, airlines, the Garda Siochána, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the Regional Airports.

On 21 February last I announced that the Government had given approval for capital grant allocations amounting to €86 million under a new scheme for the six regional airports. In the case of Ireland West Airport Knock, a total of up to €27.1 million is being allocated which includes €9.9 million for safety and security projects.

Taxi Regulations.

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

115 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the level of accessibility of wheelchair accessible taxis in Dublin; the measures he will take to improve such availability; and the reason the Government has failed to live up to the commitment that was made by the Government at the moment of liberalisation of the Dublin taxi market that by the end of 2003 all taxis in the capital would be wheelchair accessible. [12714/07]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

475 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the percentage and the amount of wheelchair accessible taxis which were operating in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005; and the reason deregulation of the taxi service was not made contingent on accessibility in taxis and other public service vehicles. [12495/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 475 together.

In line with its commitments in the Programme for Government, the Government approved the establishment of an Office of the National Taxi Regulator in November 2002 which led to the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and the establishment of the independent Commission for Taxi Regulation. The objectives of the Commission include to promote the development of high quality cost effective services by small public service vehicles and their drivers which meet a wide range of customer needs including those of passengers with mobility or sensory impairments, and to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities.

Since 26 September 2005, the independent Commission for Taxi Regulation has been responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of taxis, hackneys and limousines, including the licensing of such vehicles under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, as amended. The Commission for Taxi Regulation is reviewing the current wheelchair accessible taxi specification in the context of a consultation process on vehicle standards generally which took place recently. An outline proposal from the Commission for a draft subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys is also being examined in my Department.

The following table indicates the available data on the numbers of licensed wheelchair accessible taxis and their percentage of the total taxi fleet.

Date	Number of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis	Total Number of taxis including wheelchair accessible taxis	% of total fleet that are wheelchair accessible
			%
1990	Nil	Not available	Nil
1995	50	Not available	Not available
21.11.2000	840	3,934	21.35
31.12.2003	1,238	12,845	9.64
30.06.2004	1,297	13,563	9.56

I understand there are currently 1,341 wheelchair accessible taxis available.

Rail Network.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

116 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if he has signed the railway orders for rail projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12705/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I signed the Railway Order for the Luas extension from Sandyford to Cherrywood on 14 August 2006 and preliminary works have already commenced on this project.

I have decided to grant the Railway Order for the Glounthaune to Midleton Rail Project, in line with the recommendations of the Inspector who held the Public Inquiry into the project. The drafting of the Order is currently being finalised between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General.

When the Order has been prepared it will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to his consent for the provisions of the Order affecting roads. I will sign the Order immediately thereafter.

In accordance with the amendments of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 which were incorporated in the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, all future applications for Railway Orders by CIE and the RPA, including those in respect of the proposed linking of the Luas lines in the city centre and the Luas spur to Citywest, will be made to An Bord Pleanála.

Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 55.

Planning Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

118 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with the Dublin Transportation Office regarding their alleged suggestion that Dublin City Council should extend its plan to ban fast-food outlets and mobile phone shops on Grafton Street to include neighbouring areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12587/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I have not had any communication with the DTO regarding this matter. The issue in question relates to planning and development, and such issues fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 83.

EU Directives.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

120 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not transposed Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive 76/914/EEC. [12663/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for putting in place a scheme of training for drivers to comply with this Directive.

As part of this process I understand that the Road Safety Authority will publish a consultation document this month seeking views on the manner in which EU Directive 2003/59/EC should be implemented in Ireland. The Road Safety Authority will, following this process, prepare draft regulations to transpose the directive. In accordance with the Directive new rules relating to the training of vocational drivers will take effect in October 2008.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

121 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking through vehicle standards, road pricing, public transport provision or otherwise to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12665/07]

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

480 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will take to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector, which have risen by 7% in 2005 as outlined in the recent EPA report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7470/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 480 together.

A number of measures relating to transport are being included in the new Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include a rebalancing of motor taxes, a Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, a modal shift through Transport 21 and the achievement of a 5.75% biofuels blend in fuels by 2010. In all the transport sector will provide up to 13% in total national emission savings under that Strategy.

The completion of projects identified in Transport 21 will see public transport capacity in the Greater Dublin Area almost double over its ten-year implementation period and modelling of the impacts of Transport 21 in the Greater Dublin Area shows a reduction of 6% in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during rush hour in 2016. This will increase to 20% with the implementation of demand side management measures.

I have also announced the preparation of a Sustainable Transport Action Plan, which will support the revised National Climate Change Strategy and Energy White Paper. This Action Plan will set out a broad suite of policies and measures to help the transport sector progress along a more sustainable trajectory and make a critical contribution to reducing emissions to 2020.

The Action Plan will include consideration of measures such as:

Soft measures to reduce car use, including car sharing, flexible working, travel blending and individual or workplace travel plans with leadership being demonstrated by the public sector,

Additional initiatives such as public awareness campaigns on eco-driving as well as support for alternative fuels and technologies for public transport, haulage and taxi fleets,

Support for EU proposals to reduce CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to an average level of 130 g/km,

Support for a higher biofuels target of 10% by 2020,

Transformation of the public transport fleet to a more sustainable basis by mandating that existing buses and rail engines move to a 5% biodiesel blend with new vehicles to a higher blend of 30% biofuels in as short a time-frame as possible as well as the consideration of hybrid electric buses as part of fleet replacement,

Use of 100% pure plant oil (PPO) in captive fleets such as local authorities and public bodies,

Fiscal measures to reduce transport demand, including road pricing or congestion charges once sufficient infrastructure has been provided and public transport alternatives are in place, and

Support for measures to include the aviation and maritime sectors in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), as part of a multilateral commitment by Member States.

Tackling transport emissions requires a cross-Departmental approach and I am determined to ensure that my Department will continue to play its part in ensuring that the transport sector makes its contribution to the task of controlling national greenhouse gas emissions so that Ireland fulfils its international obligations relating to climate change

EU Directives.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

122 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not transposed Directive 2003/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2003 on occurrence reporting in civil aviation. [12661/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Drafting of the Statutory Instrument transposing this Directive into Irish law is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to sign the Regulations in the very near future.

Railway Stations.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

123 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the decision to close Cherry Orchard train station in Ballyfermot; and if he will ensure that this is immediately reviewed before the Kildare route project by-passes Ballyfermot. [12658/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Kildare Route Upgrade project provides for the replacement of the Cherry Orchard station by a new station at Parkwest to be constructed by developers at no cost to the taxpayer. This will be completed ahead of the main Kildare Route Project itself. The relocated station will be 900m west of the existing Cherry Orchard station.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the reasons for this relocation are that the timetable improvements that the project will deliver could not be achieved if the existing station locations in the area were used and that a number of technical difficulties would arise if the station is not relocated.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 70.

Departmental Estimates.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

125 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the projects that benefited from the diversion of the unspent surplus accruing from his Department’s 2006 Estimates; the criteria applied for the selection of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12660/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The capital carryover of €29.1m from 2006 to 2007 in my Department's Vote has been allocated as follows.

Subhead	Amount 000s
B.1 Road Improvements and Maintenance	24,100
B.3. Medical Bureau of Road Safety	55
E.1 Maritime Safety and Irish Coast Guard	1,645
E.2 Seaports and Shipping	3,300

No projects have benefited, as of yet, as the Ministerial order from the Department of Finance which provides for the spending of the capital carryover was approved by the Dail on 22nd March 2007 and signed by the Minister for Finance on 29th March 2007.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Integrated Transport Policy.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s policy on public transport integration; the principle issues of such a policy; the progress made since such a policy of integration was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12356/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Transport integration has, for a long time, been a cornerstone of Government policy on transport. The Programme for Government indicates that an integrated transport policy will be implemented, designed, as far as possible, to overcome existing delays, bottlenecks and congestion and to provide alternative choice by alternative modes of transport.

This commitment has guided my Department in developing transport policy. An integrated and sustainable approach to the development and delivery of public transport services is central to my Department's Mission Statement and is reflected in specific policy objectives outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy.

Transport 21 is perhaps the most striking example of the implementation of this integration policy in my Department. Transport 21 will create a transport network which connects roads, rail, ports and airports, facilitating ease of connection for people and goods.

Transport 21 will deliver a fully integrated transport network for the Greater Dublin Area, comprised of heavy and light rail, new Metro services, buses and strategically targeted park and ride facilities.

Transport 21 will improve integration in the provincial cities also by expanding public transport provision and by developing traffic management and park and ride facilitates to enable ease of interchange.

Rail Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association, to grant a disabled person's parking permit to a person who is suffering from a disability that is of a nature that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking.

A review of all aspects of the disabled person's parking permit is still ongoing in my Department.

Public Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

134 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline in each case the way the public service obligation payment for 2007 for Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus was arrived at; the specific routes, areas, passenger profile and other category on which the PSO applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12645/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Following publication of the 2007 Book of Estimates, which set out the overall provision available for compensation to CIÉ in respect of its public service obligation, my Department and CIE determined the allocation of the provision for each of the three CIÉ companies, taking into account the needs of each company and plans for the expansion of services. The compensation is not broken down by route, area or types of passenger traffic.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

138 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he has held discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in order to improve road safety in relation to the capacity of the Courts Service here to deal with the increased number of drivers being detected under the MAT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12691/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The capacity of the Courts Service is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Courts Service. However, following discussions with An Tánaiste, he has informed me that the levels and types of business coming before the courts are continually monitored to ensure that delays in hearing cases are kept to a minimum. Systems are reviewed to ensure that potential backlogs are detected early so that allocation of resources can be properly planned.

Rail Network.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

139 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the proposed timescale for the reopening of each of the sections of the Western Rail Corridor. [12662/07]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

142 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport when the Western Rail Corridor will be completely upgraded along its length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12747/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 142 together.

Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor between Ennis and Claremorris on a phased basis. The Ennis to Athenry section is to be completed in 2008, the Athenry to Tuam section in 2010 and the Tuam to Claremorris section in 2014. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that preparatory work is underway on the Ennis/Athenry section with a view to commencement of track upgrade work later this year and completion of the section in 2008.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 75.

Road Safety.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

141 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on recent meetings he has had with the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12585/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As part of the preparation of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2010 and ongoing briefing sessions on the various functions of the RSA my officials are in contact on a regular basis with the Executive of the Authority.

Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 139.

Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 101.

Rail Network.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

144 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport his position on the re-opening of the midlands rail line; if he supports this proposal; if he has held discussions with Irish Rail regarding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The re-opening of the Mullingar to Athlone rail line was considered as part of the Strategic Rail Review. The review did not recommend inclusion of the scheme in the list of new rail schemes. On this basis the project was not included in Transport 21. I have met representatives of the Midlands Railway Action Group on a number of occasions and a report prepared by the group is under consideration in my Department and in Iarnród Éireann. I understand that the group have also discussed their proposals with Iarnród Éireann.

Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 96.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Perry

Ceist:

146 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that 93% of those detected for driving carelessly did not have Irish driving licences; if he has discussed this problem with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; the measures he will introduce to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I assume the Deputy is referring to statistics on penalty points that show that, up to the end of February, of a total of 1,396 cases where penalty points have been applied for careless driving that 1,312 have no driver number. While no driver number may indicate either a person who has no driving licence or holds a foreign driving licence it is also possible that no driver number indicates that an Irish driving licence holder did not present his or her driving licence to the Courts. I therefore do not accept that 93% of drivers prosecuted for driving carelessly are foreign drivers.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for ensuring that penalty points are endorsed on a driving licence record. Data in relation to penalty points is held on the National Driver File, which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

All careless driving cases go to Court as the option of a fixed penalty payment does not apply. Notification of conviction is sent electronically by the Courts Service to the National Driver File. Where the notification includes the driver number the penalty points are applied to the appropriate driver record in the National Driver File.

It is a matter for the Courts Service to ensure that the driver number is included in the notification. I am not happy that in the vast majority of cases notifications sent by the Courts Service to the National Driver File, driver numbers are not included. Both my Department and the RSA have been in contact with the Courts Service with a view to ensuring that driver numbers are included in notifications. Under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 as substituted by section 21 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 a person is required to produce his or her driving licence to the Court and is guilty of an offence if they fail to produce the licence.

In my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2 on the 2 November last I indicated that I had asked the RSA to come back to me as soon as possible with a structured approach to a complete transition, with time lines, from the current regime of provisional licences to a regime of learner permits and restricted category drivers and related learner/drivers formation arrangements. The RSA has responded to this request and I am considering the detailed proposals submitted.

Air Services.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

150 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding the impact of increased baggage charges on the aviation sector by the two main airline carriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12694/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

This is entirely a commercial matter for the airlines in question.

Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 58.

Road Safety.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

152 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport when he will legislate for the compulsory fitting of cyclops mirrors on all heavy good vehicles. [12676/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Under The Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority is now responsible for vehicle standards.

In October 2006, the European Commission published a proposal for a directive to require existing HGVs to be retrofitted with enhanced mirrors on their passenger side to improve the lateral field of indirect vision of drivers. At a meeting of the EU Transport Ministers in December 2006 the Transport Council reached agreement on a general approach to the draft directive. Essentially, the approach involves requiring HGVs registered since 1 January 2000 to be retrofitted with the enhanced mirrors within three years of the directive coming into force. Also at the Council, in response to requests from a number of Member States, including Ireland, to include in the proposals measures to address the blind spot to the front of existing HGVs, the Transport Commissioner indicated that the European Commission would undertake a study of this particular matter.

I understand that the Road Safety Authority will await the outcome of the Commission's further consideration of this matter and that of the European Parliament in relation to the retrofitting proposals before proceeding further with the development of national measures in relation to the retrofitting of mirrors to existing HGVs. The Authority will be pressing for the Commission and the Parliament to conclude its work as quickly as possible.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

153 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his position on the compulsory testing for alcohol of all drivers who are involved in a road traffic collision. [12642/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Road Traffic Acts provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may require a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle to provide a preliminary breath specimen where the vehicle is involved in a road collision. Garda discretion in relation to the use of preliminary roadside tests in such circumstances is necessary, having regard to possible injuries sustained, and I do not propose to alter that position.

The Road Traffic Acts also place an obligation on a person to provide a blood or urine sample in a hospital. This applies where an event occurs involving a vehicle which results in a person being injured, or a person claiming or appearing to have been injured, where the person is admitted to or attends a hospital, and a member of the Garda is of the opinion that, at the time of the event, the person had consumed an intoxicant. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs or any combination of alcohol and drugs.

Rail Network.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

154 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the way he will accelerate the interconnector project as announced by the Taoiseach on 24 March 2007; and the timescale proposed. [12671/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 460 of today.

Road Safety.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

155 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the introduction of driver education and training at second level education; if he has requested the RSA to progress this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12745/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads.

A comprehensive road safety education programme "Streetwise" was piloted by the Road Safety Authority in 2006 and is being formally launched at the end of April. This programme will cover the junior cycle. The RSA is working in partnership with the Department for Education and Science on the development of a new programme for senior cycle students. This programme will be a significantly extended modular programme and this will include inputs from key public sector agencies. It is planned to pilot the new programme in September 2007 with a view to rolling it out nationally in the 2008 school year.

Question No. 156 answered with QuestionNo. 76.

Public Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

157 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the service performance standards he has set down for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus through the 2007 memorandum of understanding; and the way these have changed in the past year. [12644/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The 2007 Memoranda of Understanding with each of the CIÉ operating companies are currently being finalised. The Memoranda will build on those agreed in previous years which have included targets relating to the quantity and quality of services to be provided by each company.

Vehicle Standards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

158 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress to date on the reintroduction of maximum height limits for trucks. [12666/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards is now with the Road Safety Authority.

I announced on 25 January 2007 that I proposed to make a regulation to provide for a national maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres and asked the Road Safety Authority to prepare a draft regulation providing for this maximum vehicle height limit and to undertake the necessary consultation with the European Commission regarding its introduction. Before the regulation can come into force, it must first be referred to the European Commission for consideration by it and the other Member States in accordance with the EU Technical Standards and Regulations Directive — Directive 98/34/EC. In making the announcement, I confirmed that, subject to the outcome of the EU consultation, it would be my intention to implement the height limit at the earliest date possible and to provide a period of two years for the phasing out of existing vehicles that exceed the proposed height limit.

A draft regulation providing for the vehicle height limit has since been prepared by the Road Safety Authority, and was referred to the European Commission on 5 March 2007. We must now await the outcome of the three months mandatory EU consultation period.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

159 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13499/07]

The Taoiseach

One staff member of my Department has been on sick leave for a month or more. Given the small numbers in my Department, the Deputy will appreciate that giving salary details would identify that person.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

160 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department for whom two or more phone lines have been provided at their home; the number of lines provided in each case; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13053/07]

The Taoiseach

One member of staff in my Department (Press Officer) has two phone lines, one for remote access to the Department's network and one as a dedicated fax line provided at his home.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

161 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13068/07]

The Taoiseach

Since CMOD's relocation in July 2006, the Training Officer in the Department of the Taoiseach travelled to Tullamore on one occasion to attend a Training Officers Network Meeting held in their Offices. The travel and subsistence cost totalled €180.46.

The relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has not had an impact on the work of the Training Officer or on the work of those who attend courses there. It should be noted that there are still courses held in the Dublin Offices of which staff can avail.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

162 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13098/07]

The Taoiseach

There were no travel and subsistence allowances paid by the Department of the Taoiseach in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore. Staff nearing retirement attended retirement planning classes in the CMOD Offices in Dublin.

Since the relocation of the Office to Tullamore in July 2006, the total travel and subsistence allowance paid in respect of retirement planning courses has amounted to €287.95.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

163 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13113/07]

The Taoiseach

No staff who transferred to my Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes made further moves to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer.

The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Finance is responsible for the overall decentralisation programme. The Deputy will also be aware that there are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis.

Registration of Title.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

164 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, when a person is attempting to claim an unused piece of land for themselves, under a Section 49 all neighbouring farmers should be notified of same and not just an advertisement in a local paper; his views on the fact that often where landowners live outside the country they are not aware of this change; if he will change this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12366/07]

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

I am informed by the Property Registration Authority that Rules 17 and 18 of the Land Registration Rules 1972 deal with applications for registration based upon possession.

Rule 17 makes provision for applications for registration based on possession. Rule 18 provides that every title to property the subject of an application under Rule 17 shall be examined under the supervision of the Property Registration Authority (formerly the Registrar of Titles) and the Authority shall direct such searches, advertisements, notices and enquiries as it may deem necessary. I understand that the Authority's standard practice is to serve notice on the registered owner or the personal representative of registered owner and immediate next of kin if the registered owner died intestate. Normally, notice will also be served on all persons in occupation at the date of death of the registered owner, or their personal representatives if deceased. Other persons may also be considered for notice, e.g. adjoining owners, tenants under an oral tenancy, occupiers of other parts of folio lands, owners of charges, depending on the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case.

I am also informed that notices are usually published in a newspaper circulating in the area where the property is situated in all cases of doubt as to the identity or whereabouts of the owner or his successors, particularly in cases where the applicant asserts that he does not know the identity or whereabouts of the persons entitled or where it appears that the information furnished is incomplete. Where it is claimed that a person has left the jurisdiction, notices are published in a national or other appropriate newspaper and in certain circumstances notices are also served on the adjoining owners.

Pension Provisions.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

165 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he met recently with a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and the action he has taken on foot of their complaint that they were discriminated against in terms of their spouse’s pension. [12954/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

201 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been refused their spouse’s pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 201 together.

Under the Garda Síochána Pensions Orders, a widow's pension is payable on the death of a member or of a retired member of An Garda Síochána. While the person in question had been married to a member of An Garda Síochána, that marriage had been dissolved by decree of divorce. The member subsequently remarried. Since his death, a Garda widow's pension has been paid to his spouse at the time of his death.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

166 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13497/07]

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

Aside from staff availing of statutory entitlements or entitlements consistent with their conditions of service as Civil Servants (annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave, etc.), no staff in my Department are not working and in receipt of full wages.

In relation to staff availing of leave entitlements for the full month of March, the position is that as the month only ended on Saturday last, it is not possible at this stage to say how many staff were absent for the entire month, while on full pay. However, I can say that they would represent a relatively small proportion of the 1,900 staff working in my Department.

Finally, it would be relatively easy to draw incorrect conclusions from the absence of staff on leave with full pay. Take for example the case of a woman on Maternity Leave. In Budget 2006, the Government announced the extension of Maternity Leave to 26 weeks paid and 16 weeks unpaid. While there is a cost to the extension of this leave, the Government is firmly of the view that putting the needs of expectant and new mothers, their children and their families first is the right thing to do, both socially and economically.

Citizenship Applications.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

I am informed by the Garda authorities that crime incidents are recorded on the PULSE crime recording system in accordance with the Garda crime counting rules, which are published in the Annual Reports of An Garda Síochána. The Garda Assistant Commissioner, Crime and Security has responsibility for ensuring that all crime reported is recorded in accordance with these rules.

Since autumn 2006, civilian staff at the Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) in Castlebar record incidents on PULSE by taking reports from Gardaí using mobile telephony.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Perry

Ceist:

171 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to his correspondence of 6 February 2007 regarding mandatory breath testing for alcohol for all drivers at road traffic accidents scenes, he will clarify the difference between the Road Traffic Act 2003 and the new directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/07]

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

Section 12 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 (substituted by section 2 of the Road Traffic Act, 2003) provides that a member of An Garda Síochána may request the provision of a preliminary breath specimen or the provision of a blood or urine specimen from a person who the member is of the opinion has been involved in a collision. Section 15 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 provides a power to require the provision of a blood or urine specimen from the driver of vehicle who has been admitted to hospital following a collision, where an opinion has been formed by a member of An Garda Síochána that the driver has consumed an intoxicant.

The Headquarters Directive referred to sets out the Commissioner's policy for the enforcement by An Garda Síochána of this legislation. Members of An Garda Síochána have been directed that, as a matter of policy, section 12 should be exercised (i) in all instances where a Garda is of the opinion intoxicating liquor has been consumed or (ii) where a Garda is of the opinion that the person in charge of a vehicle is, or has, with the vehicle, been involved in a collision, unless that Garda is of the opinion that the person has not consumed intoxicating liquor, and unless circumstances, such as the need to render medical assistance, require otherwise. Members of An Garda Síochána have also been directed that section 15 should be exercised where the driver of a vehicle has been admitted to hospital following a collision and a Garda has formed the opinion that the driver has consumed an intoxicant.

Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the testing of drivers, without individual suspicion that the driver has consumed alcohol. Under the section a member of An Garda Síochána, who is on duty at a checkpoint established under an authorisation, may stop any mechanically propelled vehicle at the checkpoint and, without prejudice to any other powers (including the powers under section 12 of the Act of 1994) conferred on him or her by statue or at common law, may require a person in charge of the vehicle to undergo a breath test.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

172 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of expanding the use of closed circuit television to all major country towns. [12390/07]

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

There are two CCTV programmes in operation at present, the Garda CCTV programme and the Community-based CCTV scheme which I launched in June 2005.

In addition to the Garda CCTV systems already in operation, contracts for systems in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tullamore have been placed and implementation will be completed in a number of weeks. Tenders have issued for another nine locations (Castlebar, Drogheda, Ennis, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford) and requests for tender for a further five locations (Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel, Dungarvan and Kinsale) will issue in the near future.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the capital cost of providing one CCTV camera under the Garda CCTV programme is approximately €35,000. The number of cameras required to be installed in any town would vary according to the area required to be covered and the geographical layout of the town.

Under the Community-based CCTV scheme financial assistance may be provided to qualifying local organisations towards the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV schemes. The Scheme offers both pre-development grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal, and substantial grants of up to €100,000 from my Department to install a CCTV system in their area. In addition, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides successful applicants from RAPID areas with a further grant to a possible maximum of €100,000.

Pobal has been engaged to administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department. Grants pertain to capital expenditure only with responsibility for maintenance and running costs of the systems resting with the applicants.

I recently approved eleven proposals for substantive funding for CCTV schemes, as outlined as follows, at an estimated cost of €1m with a similar amount being provided by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in respect of applications from RAPID areas:

Blackpool, Cork;

New Ross Town;

Killorglin;

Cavan;

Carrick-on-Suir Town;

Lisduggan and Larchfield in County Waterford;

Jobstown;

North Clondalkin;

Killinarden;

Brookfield and Fettercairn; and

The Liberties in Dublin.

Garda Recruitment.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

173 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of recruiting and training 2,000 additional gardaí. [12391/07]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of recruiting and training 2,000 gardaí is estimated to be in the region of €193 million.

Garda Remuneration.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

174 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated annual salary costs for 2,000 gardaí. [12392/07]

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

The estimated annual salary costs including pay, allowances and employer's PRSI for 2,000 gardaí in their first year following qualification from the Garda College is €85.3 million.

Residency Permits.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

175 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 1 March 2007, when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12416/07]

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

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision on the residency application recently issued in writing to the persons concerned.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

176 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ascertain from the Land Registry Office the way persons (details supplied) in County Mayo can obtain a duplicate land certificate for a folio as the original land certificate has been mislaid. [12434/07]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

The two persons concerned arrived in the State on 29 August 2003 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The persons concerned were informed by separate letters dated 9 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and afforded them three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of deportation orders or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Their case is currently under consideration pursuant to Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration will be given to all representations received on their behalf for temporary leave to remain in the State, including those from the Refugee Legal Service.

Citizenship Applications.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

181 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of pending naturalisation applications that were filed in 2004; the number that were filed in 2003; and the number that were filed in any previous years. [12456/07]

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

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. There are no applications made prior to 2002 which are still outstanding.

Year	Naturalisation applications received	Naturalisation applications pending
2002	3,574	13
2003	3,580	132
2004	4,074	1,362

The Mountjoy Prison Complex comprises approximately 20 acres in size.

Refugee Status.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

186 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will assist a person (details supplied) who has lived here since 2001 but was refused asylum in 2005; if his Department will give leave to remain in Ireland in view of the fact that the person came here as a separated child and has no support systems outside of Ireland; the present circumstances of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/07]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that the person concerned was the subject matter of an Adjournment Debate in the Dáil on Thursday evening, 22 March 2007. During this debate it was indicated on my behalf that I had directed my officials to look again at the circumstances surrounding the proposed deportation. In the meantime an application for revocation of his deportation order was received from his legal representatives on 23 March 2007. This is currently being examined in my Department and a decision will issue to the applicant in due course.

Departmental Telecommunications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

187 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many people have difficulty in contacting officials in his Department by phone; the arrangements in place in this regard; and his proposals to improve same. [12600/07]

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

I can inform the Deputy that callers contacting my Department's Head Office during office hours are generally put immediately through to the relevant officials or Division requested.

Insofar as applicants for visas, citizenship, residency status and related immigration matters are concerned, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, which forms part of my Department, operates four separate help lines to handle their queries. Callers to the help lines are greeted by an automated answering service with recorded information messages and a menu option which effectively asks them which of the four help lines they wish to be connected to. When automatically put through to the help line they require, they speak to one of the staff assigned to the help line. I can also inform the Deputy that the maximum number of calls which are queued to each of the four help lines at any given time is ten.

I'm sure the Deputy will appreciate that there is a balance to be struck between the resources allocated to giving information about these applications and dealing with such applications and I can inform hin that the allocation of resources in this regard is kept under regular review.

Finally, it may also be of interest to the Deputy to note that the Department is in the process of replacing its current website with two new improved websites dealing with general Departmental matters and with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service respectively. These websites will be introduced within the next few months and will considerably enhance the Department's communications with its customers and with the public generally.

Citizenship Applications.

John Perry

Ceist:

188 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the citizenship anomaly that has been highlighted in three cases (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12603/07]

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

It appears that the Deputy's question relates to the entitlement to Irish citizenship of children born outside the State to Irish parents. As the information provided is insufficient to enable me to respond to the individual cases cited by the Deputy, I propose to answer the question in general terms.

The entitlement to Irish citizenship of a child born outside of the island of Ireland is dependant on the way the parent of the child obtained Irish citizenship. I have set out as follows the different circumstances that can arise in this regard:

Parent born in Ireland

Child automatically Irish from birth.

Parent born outside of Ireland but his or her parent (i.e. child's grandparent) born in Ireland

Child entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in Foreign Births Register maintained by Department of Foreign Affairs.

Parent naturalised or made a declaration of post-nuptial citizenship prior to child's birth

Child entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in Foreign Births Register maintained by Department of Foreign Affairs.

Parent obtained Irish citizenship after the birth of the child

Parent must apply for naturalisation on behalf of the child or the child must apply himself or herself if of full age.

The Citizenship section operates a telephone helpline every Tuesday and Thursday morning between 10.00 am and 12.30 pm. If the persons in question require any further information or assistance, they should contact the helpline at Lo-call 1890 551 500 or (01) 6167700.

His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 23 November 2005, I refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on 5 December 2005, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to present himself as required and was classified as evading his deportation. He should present himself to the GNIB without any further delay.

The effect of the deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State.

An application for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006, Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006, on behalf of the person concerned was made by his legal representatives and submitted by letter dated 29 October 2006. Said application was refused by my Department by letter dated 13 November 2006. The basis for the refusal was that the deportation order was signed by me on 23 November 2005, whereas the Regulations came into operation on 10 October 2006 and do not operate retrospectively.

The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Garda Operations.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

195 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason on 6 May 2004 the premises of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford were searched; the circumstances under which this search was carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12837/07]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are not aware of any search being carried out on the premises referred to on 6 May, 2004.

I understand however that a search of the home of the person referred to was carried out on 6 May, 1994 and that the person referred to requested and received a copy of the search warrant in 1995.

Garda Deployment.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

196 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to Garda stations (details supplied); the number of community gardaí included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12843/07]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 December, 2006, as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Store Street, Bridewell, Fitzgibbon Street, Mountjoy and Cabra Garda Stations on 3 April, 2007 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station	3/04/2007
Store Street	289
Bridewell	164
Fitzgibbon Street	117
Mountjoy	94
Cabra	68

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that, according to the most recent figures available at 28th February 2007, the personnel strength of each Community Policing Unit attached to Store Street, Bridewell, Fitzgibbon Street, Mountjoy and Cabra Garda Stations was as set out in the following table:

Station	28/02/07
Store Street	23
Bridewell	15
Fitzgibbon Street	13
Mountjoy	12
Cabra	5

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations and units may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Garda Operations.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

197 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons breathalysed since the beginning of 2006; the number of those persons who were male; the number who were female; the age profile each fell within; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12847/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 December 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The person concerned was informed by letter dated 23 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

His case is currently under consideration pursuant to Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration will be given to representations received on his behalf from the Refugee Legal Service for temporary leave to remain in the State.

The person concerned made an application for residency in the State pursuant to the revised arrangements announced by the Minister on 15 January 2005 for the processing of applications for permission to remain in the State from the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January 2005. The closing date for applications under the IBC '05 Scheme as it became known was 31 March 2005. As the application of the person concerned was received by my Department on 3 January 2006, which was after the date of expiry of the scheme, it was refused.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the circumstances of the application for residency by the person concerned under the IBC '05 Scheme are similar in nature to those of another individual whose case was heard before the High Court late last year and is now referred to as the Adio Judgement. This judgement challenged the power of the Minister to refuse applicants under the IBC '05 Scheme whose applications were lodged after the expiry date of the Scheme. Following the Adio Judgement, and several other judgements concerning various criteria for refusing applications under the scheme, my Department lodged an appeal of the various judgements to the Supreme Court.

No action will be undertaken by my Department in respect of the case of the person concerned until the decision of the Supreme Court in these matters is known.

Question No. 201 answered with QuestionNo. 165.

Legal Profession.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

202 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a group (details supplied); if he has met with them; if he will meet with them; if his attention has been drawn to their complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12955/07]

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

A group claiming to represent victims of the legal profession were in contact with my office some months ago. I agreed to meet them but my offer was not taken up and I have had no further contact from them since.

Citizenship Applications.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

203 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for naturalisation will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/07]

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

As stated in my reply to Question No. 250 of 10 October 2006 and to Question No. 294 of 31 January 2007, processing of this file has commenced.

However, I am informed by officials in the Citizenship section of my Department that they have been in touch with the person concerned requesting further documentation and to date this has not been received. As soon as this documentation is submitted they will be in a position to finalise processing of the case and submit same to me for a decision on the matter.

I will be in touch with the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the case.

Victims of Crime.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

204 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he will put in place to provide for the interests of the victim in criminal cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12968/07]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am fully committed to giving victims of crime a central place in the criminal justice system.

The Victims Charter entitled "Victims Charter and Guide to the Criminal Justice System" provides a written framework of rights and entitlements against which crime victims can measure the level and standard of treatment received in their dealings across all sections of the criminal justice system. It sets out, from the victim's perspective: a general description of the overall criminal justice system; a concise summary of the role and functions of each of the main bodies/agencies involved; and the entitlements of the victim in terms of standards of treatment, rights and complaints procedures in each area.

A guiding principle of the Victims Charter is a commitment to giving victims of crime a central place in the criminal justice system. As indicated in the Charter, victims of crime are entitled to dignity and compassion from all the services involved in supporting victims of crime.

Against a background of a need to review the mechanism and services put in place by specific agencies to assist victims, in the context of the criminal justice system as a whole as set out in the Victims Charter and in the wider context of Ireland's obligations under the EU Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims of Criminal Proceeding, I established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, CSVC, in March 2005. The members of the CSVC are: Mr Jim Mc Hugh, retired Assistant Commissioner, An Garda Síochána, Chairman; Ms Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Mr Sean Lowry, former head of the Probation and Welfare Service; Mr Michael Whelan, Gemini Consulting; and Ms Marian Finucane, broadcaster.

The CSVC has a three year remit to disburse funding for victim support measures and to develop a framework for victim services going forward. Its remit also includes the examination of all aspects of the provision of services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system. The CSVC is at present carrying out a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the Victims Charter as part of its work programme.

In its first two years, the CSVC concentrated mainly on funding non-governmental organisations that provide front-line services to victims of crime, in order to ensure continuity of services to victims on the ground To date, it has allocated close to €1.5million in funding to organisations engaged in providing support to victims of crime. Such funding ranges from €4,000 to the smaller voluntary groups to €100,000 to the large well established non-governmental organisations.

As I understand it the CSVC, has recognised that one of the primary functions that an organisation supporting victims of crime can provide to a victim, is their support by way of accompaniment, where the victim has to attend Court. Such support can make a real difference to the experience that victim has in court and of court processes. In this regard, the CSVC prioritised the funding of activities at ground level that provide supports for victims of crime, such as court accompaniment services.

In addition to the disbursement of funds to organisations that support victims of crime, the CSVC is required to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future. I am informed that the CSVC is currently actively engaged in this work.

The CSVC sees ongoing communication and co-operation between the organisations its funds and the criminal justice agencies as being essential to the provision of a successful support structure for victims of crime. Respect for the dignity, autonomy and rights of every victim are core values of those organisations and agencies. The CSVC works closely with them to ensure that the needs and concerns of victims of crime are addressed.

This greater focus on the importance of the victim is also reflected in the remit of the Commission on Restorative Justice, CRJ, which I announced on 11th March last. Restorative Justice is a victim and community orientated approach to criminal justice which puts the victim at the centre of the process, requiring the perpetrator to face up to the harm he or she has caused and repair or make good the damage done. The Commission on Restorative Justice is being chaired by Judge Mary Martin, a very experienced Judge of the District Court, and will report to me on how restorative justice can best be expanded in Ireland with appropriate structures and a sound funding base. In its terms of reference I have specifically asked the CRJ to seek out the views of victims and the potential impact for victims of the various restorative justice models under consideration. The CRJ has been charged to submit an interim report to me in 6 months and a final report before end 2008.

On the legislative side, I wish to inform the Deputy that Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for civil proceedings to address the anti-social behaviour by adults. Anti-social behaviour by children is addressed in Part 13 of the Act. This part empowers a senior officer of the Garda Síochána to apply to the District Court by way of civil procedure for a "civil order" which would prohibit a person from behaving in an anti-social manner. Prior to a senior officer applying for a civil order in respect of a person that individual must have been given a "behaviour warning" by a Member of the Garda Síochána. Section 113(2) defines anti social behaviour as behaviour that is likely to cause harassment, distress, intimidation, or fear to persons who are not of the same household. Effectively the anti-social behaviour is defined by the perspective of the victim, and it is the victim who initiates the process by complaining to the Gardaí.

Section 25 of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 which is currently before the Oireachtas provides for a Court to make a "crime prevention order" on an individual. Under 25(2)(a) that order may specify conditions that are necessary to ensure that persons who are likely to be adversely affected by the presence of the offender are protected.

The Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill, which is at present being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, contains several provisions protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual abuse and exploitation. In particular, it introduces a harassment order under which the court can prohibit a person convicted of a sexual offence from doing anything, or going anywhere, which the court is satisfied would cause the victim or any other person fear, distress or alarm or which would amount to intimidation.

The General Scheme of the Bill, as approved by Government for drafting, can be accessed on my Department's website.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

205 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13018/07]

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

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the Family Reunification application from the person in question was refused on 18 January 2007.

At present there is no Family Reunification application pending in respect of the above named.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

206 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is proposed to provide any part of the closed circuit television scheme for Finglas Village in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13034/07]

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

The Deputy will be aware that there are plans to provide a Garda Town Centre CCTV system for Finglas. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the selected contractors have been requested to commence the installation of all nine cameras that constitute the system. The completion date for installation will be subject to the planning process, permission for wayleaves and completion of civil works.

Until such time as the new Garda Station is built, which will provide state of the art monitoring facilities, the Garda authorities plan to install two monitors in the existing station. I would stress that the output from all cameras will be recorded from the outset and it will be possible for the operator to switch to any camera as required.

As I have indicated previously, the provision of the new Garda Station in Finglas is an urgent priority and I am advised by the Office of Public Works that tenders have issued for its construction with a planned completion date of mid-2008.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

207 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department for whom two or more phone lines have been provided at their home; the number of lines provided in each case; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13051/07]

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

I can inform the Deputy that one member of staff in my Department has been provided with two phone lines at his home, being separate phone and fax lines and warranted by the communications needs of his duties.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

208 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13066/07]

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

In 2006 my Department paid €1,300 in respect of travel and subsistence to officers engaged in training staff. To date in 2007 the Department has had no expenditure on travel and subsistence for officers engaged in training staff.

In 2006 training courses were conducted on 142.5 days. To date in 2007 training courses have been conducted on 44 days.

The move of the Civil Service Training & Development Centre has had no impact on the work of the officers engaged in organising and facilitating training in my Department or on the work of the staff who attended courses in Tullamore.

Departmental Transport.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

209 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he requested the provision of additional equipment in his State car, such as satellite navigation. [13081/07]

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

I can inform the Deputy that I requested no additional equipment, such as satellite navigation, in my official transport.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

210 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13096/07]

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

From January 2006 to date, nine people from my Department have attended pre-retirement courses organised by the Civil Service Training & Development Centre. Seven of these people attended the course at a Dublin location and as all of them were Dublin based there were no subsistence costs associated with the training.

Two people attended the pre-retirement course in Tullamore and the average cost in respect of subsistence was €700. One of those officers was travelling from a regional location and would have been entitled to subsistence whether the course was held in Dublin or Tullamore.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

211 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13111/07]

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

I can inform the Deputy that, under the Decentralisation Programme, no staff have been obliged to move to another section following their transfer to my Department.

Prison Education Service.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

212 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners with literacy or numeracy difficulties in each of the years 2002 to date in 2007. [13121/07]

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

The Irish Prison Service publication entitled "The Prison Adult Literacy Survey — Results and Implications" published in September 2003 is the most recent information available to my Department. The major results of the survey showed that a significant number of prisoners have virtually no literacy skills — 52% of them were at Level 1 or Pre-Level 1 literacy levels. In other words, more than twice as many prisoners are at the lowest level as compared with the population generally.

The definition of illiteracy as used by the Department of Education and Science in conjunction with the Vocational Education Committee literacy schemes is: Level 1 — knows alphabet but has difficulties with reading; Level 2 — can read but has difficulties with writing, spelling or grammar; Level 3 — can read and write but needs to improve those skills for other education or work.

A significant number of prisoners with literacy difficulties are at entry level (pre-level 1) and unable to read simple words but have the ability to write their names or know the alphabet. Most will have left school between the ages of 9 — 14 years and only some would have finished the junior cycle of education. This means that many of the students will already have a large deficit in general education, which often manifests itself in poor reading and writing skills.

Literacy work has been a strong element of the Prison Education curriculum since the early 1980's. The literacy curriculum concentrates on the needs of the individual and respects the adult status of the student, his/her prior knowledge, skills and life experience. It is also concerned with improving self-esteem and building confidence. A number of significant initiatives commenced or were strengthened since 2003 which paralleled efforts to address adult literacy in the community.

Among these are the fuller use of negotiated learning plans for all literacy students, introducing and supporting the new FETAC level 1 and level 2 courses, the introduction of the National Adult Literacy Agency's assessment framework, "Mapping the Learning Journey" in each Education Centre, devising and delivering the National Adult Literacy Agency and Waterford Institute of Technology 30 hour Initial Tutor Training course for teachers new to prison education and drawing up and rolling out a national Literacy Plan for Prison Education.

An Adult Basic Education Development Worker is employed by The Prison Education Service with specific responsibility for implementing and supporting developments and initiatives in the area of literacy, numeracy, English for Speakers of Other Languages and basic education. The need for such developments was highlighted in the 2002 Guidelines of Quality Literacy Work in Prisons, produced by the Prison Education Literacy Working Group, and also the findings and recommendations of the 2003 Prison Adult Literacy Survey.

Crime Levels.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

213 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions that have been obtained in respect of white-collar crime in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13122/07]

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

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

214 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of resources made available at local level to existing drugs units in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13123/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

222 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources, both financial and otherwise, allocated to the Garda National Drugs Unit for each year from 2002 to date in 2007. [13131/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 222 together.

The enforcement of the law relating to drugs and public order continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities as reflected in An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2007. The Gardaí continue to achieve considerable successes in reaching the drug seizure targets set down in the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001 — 2008.

The Garda National Drugs Unit co-ordinates large scale operations against drug dealing/trafficking and Unit personnel either investigate such cases themselves or assist local investigation teams. Additional assistance is also available from other specialised Garda support units, such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. A joint Garda National Drugs Unit/Criminal Assets Bureau initiative is now in place which targets local dealers.

Since the publication of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, Garda resources generally in the fight against illicit drugs have increased. This is particularly evident with the creation of Divisional Drug Units in areas of particular need. These Drugs Units operate in Divisions throughout the country with a primary focus on local drugs activities. The total financial resources allocated to the National Drugs Unit over the period 2002 to end of March, 2007 is as follows.

Year	Amount
	€m
2002	3.68
2003	3.89
2004	4.13
2005	4.3
2006	5.27
2007 to end March	1.47

I am advised by the Garda authorities that resources are allocated annually to the National Drugs Unit rather than to individual Drugs Units.

There is a total of 331 Gardaí dedicated to national and regional drugs units. These units are also supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. Of course all Gardaí have responsibility for dealing with drug related issues as they arise. I am further advised that the total personnel strength of the National Garda Drugs Unit for the periods in question were as set out in the table below.

Year
2002	50
2003	52
2004	49
2005	55
2006	48
2007	48

Garda Management have further advised that a process is currently underway to recruit an additional two Sergeants and ten Gardaí to the Garda National Drugs Unit thereby bringing the personnel strength of the unit to 60. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual units may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

There are 103 vehicles allocated to the local Drugs Units — a 12% increase on the 2002 figure. Other equipment is provided as required.

The Government decision to increase the overall strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 will assist in enabling additional Garda resources to be targeted at the areas of greatest need, with areas where there is a significant drug problem being deemed a particular priority.

The manner in which Gardaí are allocated to various specialist units is ultimately a matter for Garda Management to decide. I am informed by Garda Management that personnel levels in all areas are kept under constant review having due regard to operational needs and ensuring that optimum use is made of Garda Resources in order to provide the best possible service to the public. Also, Local Drug Task Force areas continue to be monitored by local Garda management in conjunction with the Garda National Drug Strategy Implementation Group.

Garda Deployment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

215 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of local drugs units established in areas of need in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13124/07]

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

I have asked to have the information compiled in the format sought by the Deputy and I will communicate with him in relation to this matter at the earliest opportunity.

Garda Communications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

216 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a coordinating framework has been drawn up in each Garda district in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002; and the liaison that has taken place with the local community on drug-related matters in each Garda district. [13125/07]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a co-ordinating framework linking Garda District, Divisional and National Drug Policing Plans is in place within An Garda Síochána.

Furthermore, the Garda Síochána Act 2005, makes provisions for Joint Policing Committees at local authority level and for the establishment of local policing fora in designated areas under the umbrella of such committees. Twenty two pilot joint policing committees with representation from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors are now in place in local authority administrative areas as the first phase of the implementation of this initiative.

These bodies are to act as fora where matters relating to local issues of policing and crime, including drug related issues, can be discussed and where strategies and recommendations for dealing with issues locally can be formulated.

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

217 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a drug policing plan has been produced in respect of every Garda district and sub-district in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13126/07]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána Policing Plan 2007 targets as a priority, action to target organised crime, including drug trafficking and the gun culture associated with it. This reflects the Government's policing priorities for 2007.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that in the development of the overall Policing Plan, each Garda District and Sub-District's input is now built into their relevant Garda Divisional Policing Plan which includes that Division's drug policing element.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

218 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the multi-agency actions that have been taken to target drug dealers in local communities in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13127/07]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that since the publication of the Government's National Drugs Strategy, Garda resources generally in the fight against illicit drugs have increased.

This is particularly evident with the creation of additional Divisional Drug Units in areas of particular need. These Drugs Units operate in Divisions throughout the country with a primary focus on local drugs activities.

Furthermore a joint Garda National Drugs Unit/Criminal Assets Bureau initiative is now in place which targets local dealers.

In addition, An Garda Síochána are represented on all Local and Regional Drug Task Forces who develop multi-agency Area Action Plans to address the problem of drug misuse within their areas.

Finally, I would refer the Deputy to the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which makes provision for Joint Policing Committees at local authority level and for the establishment of local policing fora in designated areas under the umbrella of such committees.

Twenty two pilot joint policing committees with representation from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors are now in place in local authority administrative areas as the first phase of the implementation of this initiative.

These bodies are to act as fora where matters relating to local issues of policing and crime, including drug related issues, can be discussed and where strategies and recommendations for dealing with issues locally can be formulated.

Criminal Assets Bureau.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

219 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of all assets of persons involved in drug dealing that have been targeted in each year from 2002 to date in 2007 in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002; the number of such persons targeted; the number of such persons successfully convicted; the number of such persons who have had assets confiscated; and the number of such persons who are middle-ranking criminals. [13128/07]

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

I am advised by the Garda authorities that for operational reasons it is not appropriate for proceedings being taken by the Criminal Assets Bureau to be linked to particular criminal groups or activities.

However, I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the majority of applications under the Proceeds of Crime legislation made by the Criminal Assets Bureau over the past five years have, in general, related to proceeds believed to be the result of drug related activities.

The Bureau also continues to apply its revenue powers under its statutory remit against persons involved in drug trafficking.

In carrying out its functions, the Criminal Assets Bureau works closely with the Garda National Drug Unit and liaises with the Divisional Criminal Assets Profilers in each Garda Division throughout the country.

A feature of this work is to ensure that assets derived from criminal conduct, and in particular drug related crime are subject to the following as deemed appropriate: post conviction confiscation pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 1994; civil restraint pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996/2005; and application of Revenue and Social Welfare legislative provision.

Statistics in relation to the monies seized and collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are available from the Annual Reports of the Bureau which are available in the Oireachtas library.

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

220 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the results of the review of the Community Warden Service in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002; and the number of trained police officers released to operational duties on foot of that review. [13129/07]

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

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

221 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money that has been grant aided to local communities for the provision of closed circuit television cameras in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002; and the number of CCTV cameras installed in each year from 2002 to date in 2007. [13130/07]

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

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to extend the use of CCTV and to also to grant aid communities to fund them. In tandem with the Garda based CCTV scheme, I launched the Community-based CCTV Scheme in June 2005, in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The Scheme offers both pre-development grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal, and substantial grants of up to €100,000 from my Department to install a CCTV system in their area. In addition, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides successful applicants from RAPID areas with a further grant to a possible maximum of €100,000. Pobal has been engaged to administer the Scheme on behalf of this Department and it carries carry out thorough assessments of all applications received.

Interest in the first round of the Scheme, which concluded in September 2005, was quite high with 24 successful groups receiving pre-development grants totalling €115,665 which were paid in 2006. A total of 13 successful groups were also approved to receive substantive grants totalling €1 million, to be matched in RAPID areas by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. Payment of these grants commenced in October 2006 and the supply, delivery and installation of cameras has recently begun and is currently in progress.

Pobal invited the 24 groups who received pre-development grants to submit Stage 2 proposals by 31st January 2007. Twenty of these groups submitted proposals and 11 groups were approved to receive grants totalling in excess of €1 million, again to be matched in RAPID areas by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. The final amounts involved will be determined subject to the finalisation of contracts.

The first of the Community-based schemes to receive funding is in the Moyross area of Limerick. To date five cameras have been delivered for this scheme; these are currently being installed and are expected to be up and running this week. These cameras complement an earlier community CCTV scheme which has been in operation in the Moyross area for some time.

In addition, a new round of funding under the Community Based CCTV Scheme was advertised in December 2006 with a closing date for receipt of applications of 28 February 2007. Interest in this second Round of the Scheme is also very high with 50 groups applying for pre-development grants and 27 groups applying directly for substantive funding. Pobal are currently evaluating these proposals and expect to be in a position to make their recommendations on successful pre-development applications by mid-April. The substantive proposals will take somewhat longer to evaluate and Pobal are expected to make recommendations on these by mid-May.

Question No. 222 answered with QuestionNo. 214.

Drug Seizures.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

223 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the work of An Garda Síochána in tackling the importation of illegal drugs into Ireland; the measures that have been put in place in this respect at airports, ports, in particular small ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13132/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

224 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of ports and harbours on the coast of Ireland not constantly monitored by An Garda Síochána with a view to preventing the illegal importation of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

The Government remains resolutely committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse through our National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.

Under the Strategy, it is the Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., which has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. The service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, specifically, at ports, airports (including licensed airfields) and on the land frontier.

In relation to my Department's remit and the role of An Garda Síochána in the area of drug supply reduction and drug law enforcement, I can advise the Deputy of the following.

Given its nature, tackling drug trafficking demands local, national and international responses and is primarily intelligence led.

An Garda Síochána invokes a number broad strategic responses in addressing the issue. These include the following; identifying, targeting and dismantling national and international drug trafficking networks which supply and distribute illegal drugs within this state; conducting intelligence driven operations focusing on all aspects of the illicit drugs trade including commodity, logistics, distribution and financing; working with other national and international law enforcement agencies on joint actions designed to reduce the availability of drugs and the proceeds derived from the drugs trade; working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary groups to reduce both the supply and demand for drugs within society.

An Garda Síochána liaises on an ongoing basis with other national and international enforcement services such as the Customs authorities (with whom there is a formal Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols in place to facilitate joint working), the Naval Service, the Air Corps, and foreign customs and police services.

The benefits brought about by all of these ongoing law enforcement efforts are demonstrated by the continuing high level of drug seizures being made by both An Garda Síochána and the Customs authorities and their continued success in bringing serious drug traffickers to book and putting them out of business.

The issue of drug trafficking is one which the Government, in conjunction with our law enforcement agencies, will continue to tackle as a priority under one of the main pillar headings of our overall National Drugs Strategy.

Garda Deployment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

225 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí currently assigned to the Garda National Drugs Unit; and the number assigned on each of 1 January 2006, 1 June 2006 and 1 January 2007. [13134/07]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 December, 2006, as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006.

There is a total of 331 Gardaí dedicated to national and regional drugs units. These units are also supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the National Drugs Unit on 29 March, 2007, 1 June, 2006, 31 December, 2006 and on 31 December, 2005 was as set out in the table hereunder:

	29/03/07	31/12/06	01/06/06	31/12/05
National Drugs Unit	48	48	55	55

Garda Management have further advised that a process is currently underway to recruit an additional two Sergeants and ten Gardaí to the Garda National Drugs Unit thereby bringing the personnel strength of the unit to 60. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual units may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed by Garda authorities. I am informed that such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

Garda Communications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

226 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the problems with the Garda PULSE system; the annual cost of running the system; the fees that have been paid in respect of consultancy services in 2006 and for each month in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13135/07]

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

I am advised by the Garda Authorities that Pulse, the primary IT system for An Garda Síochána, is operating very satisfactorily. Significant investment has been made to improve the availability and response times of the system and I am advised that as a result, over the course of the past year, there has been no unplanned downtime of the system.

The total development cost of the PULSE project was €61.3 million and covers the period up to 2001. The Garda authorities advise that the average annual maintenance and upgrade costs for PULSE from 2001 to the end of 2006 amounts to €12.88m This expenditure includes the cost of contract resources and there are no monthly expenditure on consultancy fees in relation to the system.

By way of background, the figure above includes replacement of the Pulse hardware and major upgrades to the Pulse software as part of the Garda Pulse stabilisation programme which was completed last year. In addition, a range of upgrades and modifications have been carried out to the system to support changes arising from new legislation, additional functionality etc. It also includes costs associated with the extension of the pulse system to new locations and to the set-up of the new Garda Information Services Centre in Castlebar and the new Vetting Unit in Thurles. PULSE is now available in 320 locations with 79 new locations added in 2006 alone. The figure also includes various software licence fees which over the period amounted to €14.25m. The full licence costs are included for completeness although the costs relate to user-based licences which are also used for other Garda systems such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Fixed Charge Processing systems.

Garda authorities also inform me that following the completion of PULSE stabilisation and a programme of maintenance and hardware upgrades in 2006, PULSE has now been amalgamated with the Garda National Immigration Bureau Information System, GNIB-IS, and the Fixed Charge processing System, FCPS, to form a new combined IT system referred to as the Garda Information System, GIS. Accordingly, specific figures relating to Pulse for 2007 are not available.

Identification Cards.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

227 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his view on the introduction of a national identity card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13136/07]

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

I can inform the Deputy that while I remain to be convinced of the necessity of the introduction of an identity card scheme, any final judgement in this regard must include a full assessment of the implications of a UK ID card scheme. Developments in the rest of the EU, where ID cards are a much more normal part of everyday life and are often used, for example, to access public services, will also continue to inform our thinking on this matter.

Garda Recruitment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

228 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of positions within An Garda Síochána that have been civilianised in 2007. [13137/07]

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

Under the Garda Síochána Act, the Commissioner became responsible for all civilians in An Garda Síochána in 2006. The Commissioner is now responsible for recruitment of all personnel to the force including civilians.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is currently a campaign underway to recruit 300 civilian support staff into An Garda Síochána. This process is well underway and interviews are currently being held by the Public Appointments Service to recruit these Clerical Officers. Since the beginning of 2007, 93 Clerical Officers have been appointed to An Garda Síochána. A further 46 have been offered a Clerical Officer post.

The Garda Information Services Centre employs over 160 civilians doing work which was previously done by operational gardaí. The success of the incident reporting and data quality review facilities available at the GISC encouraged the Garda authorities to seek opportunities for the devolution of further tasks to the Centre. One such initiative involves the reporting of the outcome of court cases to the GISC, which allows Gardaí to remain operational following completion of their court attendances. The call-taking function of Garda Traffic Watch has already transferred from six Regional Garda Communication Centres to the GISC. Under a further initiative, the logging of driving licence and insurance particulars, a function formerly carried out by Gardaí and civilian personnel in the Fixed Charge Processing System, is now undertaken at the GISC. All of these initiatives are contributing significantly to the release of Garda resources for visible, front-line policing across our communities. It is proposed to carry out a review of the GISC in the summer of 2007 and the outcome of this evaluation will inform future projects.

Preparations are at an advanced stage to commence the recruitment of a civilian Chief Administration Officer in An Garda Síochána, at a grade equivalent to Deputy Commissioner. An Garda Síochána is also in the process of recruiting senior civilian managers as Directors of Communications, Strategy, Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology. A dedicated Human Resource Directorate has been established within An Garda Síochána to serve the needs of approximately 2,000 clerical, administrative, professional, technical and industrial civilian staff already working in An Garda Síochána and to promote an extensive programme of civilianisation.

Significant progress is being made on recruitment to a range of key specialised civilian posts, including: 31 posts in the Garda Telecommunications area; 28 staff for the Professional Standards Unit, comprising statisticians, analysts and administrative staff; 10 posts in the new Internal Audit Unit; 14 additional teaching / training posts in the Garda College in Templemore; and 29 posts for the new civilian Crime Analysis Service.

The developments outlined above represent a major acceleration in the pace of civilianisation in An Garda Síochána. I remain committed to achieving the greatest level of civilianisation consistent with the effective and efficient functioning of An Garda Síochána and will continue to work with the Garda Commissioner to drive the civilianisation programme forward.

Garda Strength.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

229 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fully attested persons currently serving in the Garda Reserve. [13138/07]

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

The Garda Commissioner is proceeding with the recruitment and training of 1,500 members of the Garda Reserve. The first group of 36 Garda Reserves completed their training and were formally attested as members of An Garda Síochána on 15 December 2006.

A further 87 Reserve trainees are currently in training, some of whom will be attested next month. Recruitment and selection of trainees for the Reserve is continuing. The next group of trainees will commence training later this month.

While I am satisfied generally with the progress being made in the recruitment and training of Reserve members, I consider that the process of initial recruitment can be made more efficient if it is given a local dimension. In that context, I have asked the Garda Commissioner, and he has agreed, to involve local Garda Superintendents directly in local recruitment arrangements to attract suitable candidates from the local community. This will assist in ensuring that the 1,500 target is reached as soon as possible.

The Commissioner has also appointed a Chief Superintendent to oversee the Garda Reserve on a full-time basis. I will of course, in conjunction with the Commissioner, keep all procedures relating to the Garda Reserve under review to ensure that target figure of 1,500 is reached.

Pension Provisions.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

230 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the reason civil servants have to pay 1.7% of their annual salary under the child and spouse scheme main schedule in view of the fact that an applicant may never marry or have children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12834/07]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

231 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the amount of contributions a person has to make under the child and spouse scheme main schedule; if this payment is compulsory from a persons salary within the Civil Service; the lump sum a person will receive on early retirement or when they retire from service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12835/07]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

232 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the payment of the widows and orphans scheme by single people in the Public Service; the position in relation to their contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13355/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 to 232, inclusive, together.

The contribution rates for the Civil Service Spouses' and Children's Pensions Schemes are as follows: Scheme for Established Officers, 1.5% of Salary; Scheme for Unestablished Officers, 1.5% of net salary, i.e. salary less twice the rate of Old Age Contributory Pension, OACP.

Under current arrangements appointment to a pensionable post in the Civil Service is conditional on (i) membership of a Main Superannuation Scheme which provides for the member's own pension benefits and (ii) membership of an associated Spouses' and Children's Scheme which covers pensions for spouses and children. Compulsory membership of the Spouses' and Children's scheme is on foot of negotiated agreements between the Civil Service unions and management.

The Spouses' and Children's Schemes effectively provide insurance for contingency benefits. The schemes are designed on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rate is structured accordingly. The total cost of the schemes is borne, on a 50/50 basis, by the employer and employees. Scheme cover continues to be provided until the member's death, whether that occurs before or after retirement.

The Commission on Public Service Pensions considered the question of compulsory membership for single people and the non-refundable nature of the contributions paid by them and decided not to recommend any change in the foregoing scheme rules.

With regard to lump-sum entitlements, these benefits are paid under the main (occupational) pension schemes as opposed to the spouses' and children's schemes. Generally, entitlements are calculated as 3/80th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years reckonable service. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. ill-health retirement) officers retiring before the minimum retirement age may get additional notional years added to their actual service for pension purposes. Any outstanding contributions due to the relevant spouses' and children's scheme will, as a general rule, be deducted from the retirement lump-sum.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

233 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the relevant date which is applicable to the capital gains tax where a compulsory purchase order has been served to acquire agricultural land and entry has taken place by the National Roads Authority. [12311/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for capital gains tax, CGT, purposes, the time of disposal of land under a compulsory purchase order is the earlier of the time the authority enters on the land and the time at which the compensation is agreed. The CGT liability arises in the year of assessment (i.e. the calendar year) in which the disposal is treated as being made.

This general rule is disapplied, however, where the disposal is under a compulsory purchase order and is for the purposes of, or ancillary to, road construction, widening or extension, the person making the disposal is engaged in farming, and immediately before the disposal, the land was used for the purposes of farming.

Where these circumstances occur the CGT liability will not arise until the year of assessment in which the compensation is received.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

234 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a family who use the tenants in common method of farming which was used as a result of the death of their father and now wish to dissolve this method and equally divide the farm; the effect this will have in relation to the payment of capital gains tax and any other applicable taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the partition of a tenancy in common is a disposal for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes. Each party is treated as disposing of an interest in the undivided farm in exchange for an interest in a divided part. The chargeable gains are computed by reference to the respective market values of the farm at the date the father died and on partition. A family member who is aged 55 years or more might be entitled to relief from CGT (retirement relief).

I am further advised that a liability to stamp duty or gift tax does not arise in the case of the equal division of a farm between existing co-owners on the partition of a tenancy in common.

If the family are currently farming in partnership the income tax commencement and cessation provisions might be applicable if the partnership ceases when the farm is partitioned. These could give rise to a revision of profits for tax purposes for the final years of the ceasing farming partnership while the rules for assessing a start-up business would apply to the individuals in their new roles as sole farming traders.

The Deputy should contact the Revenue Commissioners if he would like further information on this matter.

Disabled Drivers.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

235 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has received a completed application for tax relief in respect of a vehicle purchased for use by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath with severe disabilities; the reason it has not been dealt with despite the application being made in August 2006; if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the information supplied they have been unable to trace any claim by the named person under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994.

A claim under the above regulations can only be considered from a person who has qualified for a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the Senior Area Medical Officer of their local Health Service Executive administrative area.

If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel. 01-2355279.

Tax Yield.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

236 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of reducing the standard rate of income tax from 20% to 18%, reducing the marginal rate from 41% to 40%, increasing tax credits and tax bands in line with wage inflation and doubling the credit where one spouse works in the home to care for children, the elderly or the disabled. [12388/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

By reference to the 2007 post-Budget income tax ready reckoner prepared by the Revenue Commissioners, the full year costs to the Exchequer of the Deputy's measures are as follows. Reduction in the standard rate of tax from 20% to 18% is estimated at €1,025 million. Reduction in the marginal, that is, higher rate of tax from 41% to 40% is estimated at €210 million. Increasing the home carer credit from €770 to €1,540 is estimated at €60 million.

In the absence of a specific figure being provided by the Deputy for wage inflation, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of increasing tax credits and tax bands in line with wages inflation. In order to avoid setting a headline, as a general rule, my Department does not publish forecast estimates of wages growth.

However, using the data in the income tax ready reckoner, each 1% increase in the value of the main personal credits (basic personal credit and employee credit) and the tax bands would cost about €120 million in a full year. If the Deputy wishes to estimate costs for future years, he could apply this indicative figure to the pay increases set out in Towards 2016 or to forecasts for wages growth published by the European Commission in its Autumn 2006 Economic Forecast or the Quarterly Economic Commentary published by the ESRI in March 2007.

The costs quoted are provisional, subject to revision and estimated to the nearest €5 million. The ready reckoner is available on my Department's website, at www.finance.gov.ie.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

237 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the increasing number of high net worth individuals avoiding capital acquisitions tax on multi-million euro house transfers due to children using the property as their residence for three years plus; if an audit of such transactions has been conducted by the Revenue Commissioners; the number of such transactions that have taken place for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006; if he will estimate the sum of capital acquisitions tax avoided in this manner for each of the above years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12475/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003, subject to conditions, grants exemption from Capital Acquisitions Tax in respect of a house comprised in a gift or inheritance. The conditions require that the donee or successor must occupy the house for the period of 3 years ending with the date of the gift or inheritance. Where that house has replaced other property, the beneficiary must have resided either in that house or in the other property for periods which, taken together, amounted to 3 years in the 4-year period prior to the date of the gift or inheritance. In addition, the donee or successor, if under the age of 55, must continue to occupy the house as his or her only or main residence for a further period of 6 years. However, there is provision to allow for a replacement house in that period and for situations where the individual concerned is not in occupation of the house because of work obligations abroad.

The total number of claims for relief under section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 which were made in each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 553, 542 and 680 respectively. Data is not captured in the Revenue database in a manner which would enable the values of properties subject to section 86 claims to be separately identified. However, on the basis of a recent once-off survey carried out by the Revenue Commissioners, it was established that the aggregate value of the 542 properties for which claims under section 86 were made in 2005 was some €140 million.

Claims for relief under section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 in respect of high-value houses are verified. Amendments to section 86 are being made in the current Finance Bill, which was passed by the Seanad last week. These amendments are as a result of Revenue's experience in administering claims under this section, including taking issues before the Appeal Commissioners.

Firstly, relief will not be available where a donee lives in the principal private residence of the donor, where that residence is gifted, unless the donor is compelled by reason of old age or infirmity to depend on the services of the donee. This is to counter, in particular, the argument that, where the donee, having until then lived in the parental home, is gifted a house by a parent, the 3 year period of occupancy of the gifted house is satisfied.

The second change will require that the gifted house be owned by the donor during the 3-year period even if they were not his or her principal private residence. This is to counter a claim for relief where an individual sells his principal private residence to his parent for full value and the house is then gifted back to that individual by his parent. It also counters the use of family trusts in gifting houses to children.

Decentralisation Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

238 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in tabular form awaiting transfer to locations such as Tullamore and Nenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12544/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

My Department has completed the transfer of 126 people to Tullamore. There remain a number of applications on the Central Applications Facility from civil servants for a transfer to my Department and the grade breakdown is as follows:

Grade	Number of Staff
Principal Officer	0
Assistant Principal	0
Higher Executive Officer/Administrative Officer	4
Executive Officer	2
Staff Officer	1
Clerical Officer	28
Service Officer	0
Total	35

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners there are a number of applications from civil servants (both internal and external) for a transfer to the existing Revenue offices in Tullamore and Nenagh. The grade breakdown is as follows:

Grade	Number of Staff — Tullamore	Number of Staff — Nenagh
Principal Officer	0	0
Assistant Principal	0	2
Higher Executive Officer/Administrative Officer	6	26
Higher Tax Officer	1	2
Executive Officer	16	25
Staff Officer	1	7
Tax Officer	1	6
Clerical Officer	27	70
Total	52	138

Tax Code.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

239 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if the provision of courtesy transport by publicans is an allowable expense for tax purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12578/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the running costs of providing courtesy transport by a publican would be allowed as a deduction for tax purposes where those costs are incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the publican's trade and where customers using the transport service are not charged for it. Any part of the running costs attributable to the private use of the vehicle would not be allowable.

I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that capital allowances would be available against the capital cost of providing a vehicle which belongs to a publican and which is to be used in the provision of such a transport service for the purposes of his or her trade. The amount of expenditure qualifying for allowances is subject to an upper limit or cap. This cap which stood at €23,000 for 2006 is increased to €24,000 for 2007. Subject to the cap, expenditure on a vehicle may be written off over 8 years at the rate of 12.5% per annum. Where a vehicle qualifies for capital allowances and is used both for business and private purposes, the allowances are not available for the element of private use and the expenditure on the vehicle must be apportioned between the business and private uses.

Disabled Drivers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

240 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the options highlighted in the report of the Interdepartmental Review Group in 2004 for the extension of the qualifying medical criteria for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Concession regulations; and the reason none of these options have been followed. [12582/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

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

The Group's Report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries.

The Report also outlines a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme. Changes in relation to the appeals process have been introduced.

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.

Garda Stations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

241 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if all documents, maps and contracts have been received by the Chief State Solicitor in relation to the Garda station at Dunmanway; and if he will confirm that contracts can be completed in order that the redevelopment of the existing Garda station can commence. [12583/07]

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

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No's. 319 & 276 dated 20th March, 2007. The position has not changed since that date.

Disabled Drivers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

242 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons presently qualifying for the Disabled Drivers and Passengers tax concessions scheme; the number of current applicants; and the number of those whose applications are under appeal. [12584/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Based on the most recent data available from the Revenue Commissioners, it is estimated that the number of claimants in the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994 Scheme in 2006, was approximately 11,000.

The initial application under the Scheme is made to the Senior Medical Officer for the relevant local Health Services Executive (HSE) administrative area and therefore falls under the remit of the HSE. Consequently, my Department is not in a position to outline the total number of applications received.

Appeals relating to the medical aspect of the Scheme are made to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. As at end February 2007, 358 appeals were with the Medical Board of Appeal.

Financial Services Regulation.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

243 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance if the group established to review the powers of credit unions in respect of loans and mortgages has reported to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Report of the Review Group on Longer-Term Lending Limits under Section 35 of the Credit Union Act, 1997, was published on my Department's website on 2 February 2007. The Review Group was comprised of representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association, the Registrar of Credit Unions and my Department.

The Report recommended that Section 35 lending limits should be increased for loans over five years from 20% to 40% and over ten years from 10% to 15%, for those credit unions approved by the Registrar as having the necessary controls and safeguards in place and which satisfy financial criteria in relation to arrears and reserves.

I consider that the recommendations in the Report strike an appropriate balance between the development needs of credit unions and the protection of members' savings and have undertaken to introduce the necessary Regulatory amendments in the coming months.

It should be noted that the focus of the review was on longer-term lending in general and not on any specific product type such as mortgages. I understand however, that a number of credit unions have been approved by the Registrar of Credit Unions to provide a mortgage referral service to their members, as a result of partnership arrangements they have entered into with specific banks/building societies.

Archaeological Sites.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

244 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance his views on increasing the opening periods for a castle (details supplied) in County Wexford in order to cater for school groups and tourists in the off season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12812/07]

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

The site to which the Deputy refers will be open to the public with a full guide service from 15 May to 4 October. Arrangements are also in place to accommodate school groups outside of this period. The question of extending the opening of the site to cover the period of the Wexford Opera Festival will be considered in 2008 when the festival returns to its normal October dates.

Health and Safety.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

245 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the steps that were taken to protect staff working in the basement of Leinster House in close proximity to asbestos; the further steps that were taken to protect staff during the removal of this asbestos; the follow up that was carried out in relation to a member of staff (details supplied) who contracted pleural plax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12859/07]

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

The Commissioners of Public Works have carried out a number of surveys in the basement area of Leinster House to determine the location, type, form and condition of any asbestos materials present and the steps required to manage the problem.

Works identified as necessary were carried out as soon as possible under strict supervision and controlled conditions, in accordance with all relevant safety provisions under national and E.U. legislation and in consultation with the Health & Safety Authority, local management and staff.

Insofar as the individual referred to is concerned I understand that he was employed directly by Tithe an Oireachtais and, in the circumstances, I have no information in relation thereto.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

246 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons claiming tax relief on pension contributions; the income category these individuals fall into; the value of the tax relief and the tax revenue foregone to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12860/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I assume the Deputy has in mind the estimated cost of tax relief on pension contributions by employers, employees and self-employed. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant figures available are in respect of the income tax year 2003. The total cost of tax relief on pensions contributions is tentatively estimated at approximately €1.456 billion. With the exception of the data on RACs and PRSAs below, the figures provided are not definitive costings and are based on various broad assumptions and parameters. The total figure is broken down as follows both in terms of numbers where available and in terms of costs.

Type of Pension Contributions	Numbers	2003 Costs
		€million
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes	724,300*	622
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes	Not available	564
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs)	109,500	264
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) **	2,400	6
Total	836,200	1,456

*Numbers sourced from annual Report of The Pensions Board for 2003.

**Figures for PRSAs reflect the relative early stage of the scheme which was introduced in 2002.

With regard to occupational pensions, that is approved superannuation schemes set up by the employer, it should be noted that the cost figures in respect of employee and employer contributions are available only in aggregate form on a tentative basis. It is not possible to provide a breakdown across income categories in respect of the tax relief for pension contributions by employers and employees to occupational schemes as the relevant data are not captured in such a way as to make this possible.

Provisions were included in Finance Act 2004 with a view to improving data quality and transparency without overburdening taxpayers or employers. The Act includes provisions that require employers to provide data on superannuation contributions in the P35 form to be filed by employers in February 2006. These changes will yield additional information regarding the overall cost of tax relief for pension contributions but as the returns will be aggregated at employer level they will not provide a precise basis for measuring the potential impact on the Exchequer of proposals for changes at individual level. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that work on developing the necessary technical enhancements to their computer system to enable this data to be captured is ongoing.

I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the only relevant information available by income category is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to "Retirement Annuity Contracts" for the income tax year 2003, which are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes. A distribution by income ranges of the number of cases, amount of deduction and reduction in tax for tax relief for Retirement Annuity Contracts is contained in the table that follows this reply.

The lower aggregate figures in the latter table (compared to the slightly higher figures for RACs in the opening table) are taken directly from filed income tax returns which represent about 98 per cent of all income tax returns expected for 2003. The higher figures in the initial table have, in accordance with normal practice, been grossed-up at aggregate level to adjust for this 2% incompleteness. A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Retirement Annuity 2003 — by range of Gross Income
Range of gross income €	Number of cases	Amount of deduction €	Reduction in tax €	Gross Tax*€	Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax %
0–9,000	1,311	2,258,341	141,112	1,220,083	11.6
9,000–10,000	396	520,767	56,739	145,733	38.9
10,000–12,000	960	1,390,966	182,028	325,681	55.9
12,000–15,000	2,117	3,294,103	476,424	1,123,382	42.4
15,000–17,000	1,839	2,916,457	440,441	1,433,123	30.7
17,000–20,000	3,562	5,982,637	1,057,797	3,925,339	26.9
20,000–25,000	7,437	13,264,657	2,509,060	11,424,694	22.0
25,000–27,000	3,456	6,636,168	1,288,242	6,761,114	19.1
27,000–30,000	5,185	10,416,281	2,236,258	12,281,820	18.2
30,000–35,000	8,760	19,577,391	5,322,680	28,319,511	18.8
35,000–40,000	8,310	21,125,491	6,176,678	35,540,978	17.4
40,000–50,000	14,146	42,851,406	13,602,269	83,706,273	16.2
50,000–60,000	11,495	43,082,859	13,969,983	95,014,387	14.7
60,000–75,000	11,870	57,063,627	21,767,071	139,128,001	15.6
75,000–100,000	9,855	69,066,748	28,384,806	179,694,549	15.8
100,000–150,000	7,164	90,203,134	37,714,062	221,977,076	17.0
150,000–200,000	2,978	61,979,607	25,965,403	151,200,057	17.2
200,000–250,000	1,699	46,772,306	19,609,506	116,963,786	16.8
Over 250,000	3,885	183,042,333	76,815,851	558,543,348	13.8
Totals	106,425	681,445,279	257,716,410	1,648,728,935	15.6

*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for retirement annuity deductions.

Garda Stations.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

247 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position of the new Garda station for Wexford Town; if the Rocklands site has been selected as the site for the new station to be located; when he expects a planning application to be submitted to Wexford County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12883/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Commissioners of Public Works expect to finalise the acquisition of a site at Rocksborough for Wexford Garda Station very soon. The OPW is scoping the works for this project to enable a design team to be placed under the new Standard Conditions of Engagement for Construction Consultants effective from the beginning of 2007. Planning Consultation under Part 9 will be initiated later on in the year.

Archaeological Sites.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

248 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance if he will develop Ormonde Castle, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary as a significant heritage site including the building of a visitor centre, bus and car parking facilities and a new entrance roadway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/07]

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

Built in the 1560's Ormonde Castle is perhaps the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland and as such is an important element in the Heritage Sites of Ireland programme presented by the Office of Public Works. The site is generally open to the public from mid June to mid September.

A number of initiatives have been put in place in recent times to increase the numbers of visitors to the site. In 2006 a decision was made to remove all admission charges to the site. This initiative led directly to visitors to the site increasing by 26% over 2005.

In January of this year my officials met with the representatives of the Carrick on Suir Tourism and Economic Development Committee. Following on from this meeting OPW has agreed to extend the 2007 visitor season at Ormonde Castle until the end of September. It was also agreed that should visitor numbers continue to increase that for the 2008 season consideration will be given to opening the site to visitors from early May. The meeting with the committee also discussed issues such as car and bus parking which are of concern to OPW but are matters which can only be addressed by the local authority.

I think the Deputy will accept that significant efforts have been made in recent times to increase visitor numbers to Ormonde Castle and while the efforts of OPW will continue in this regard there are no plans to provide a separate visitor centre at the site.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

249 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted a review of staffing complements in Departments which received large numbers of additional staff for specific purposes; his plans to reallocate such staff to deal with other work in different areas of the Civil Service; and the way the reallocation of these staff will impact on the CAF and DCAF processes. [13025/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Given the size of the public service pay and pension bill as a component of overall Government expenditure, Ministers are required to control and regulate public sector numbers within their respective areas. It is the responsibility of each Minister and his or her Department to ensure that staff employed in their areas of responsibility are deployed as effectively as possible to meet current work and service priorities. My Department becomes involved when significant changes in work patterns have led to staff becoming available for redeployment outside their own Department (e.g. my officials have been working with the Department of Agriculture & Food to redeploy staff from that Department following the successful introduction of the Single Payment Scheme).

Any such redeployment exercises will, of course, continue to be integrated with the operation of the CAF or Dublin arrangements, as appropriate, following appropriate consultation with staff and management interests.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

250 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted a review of staffing complements and staff duties in the Office of Public Works; if he plans to reallocate excess staff to deal with other work; and if so, the way the reallocation of these staff will impact on the CAF and DCAF processes. [13026/07]

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

There are no excess staff in the Office of Public Works (OPW). The staffing complement in the OPW operates within authorised staffing levels that are agreed on an on-going basis with the Department of Finance.

The Decentralisation Programme includes the relocation of OPW to three locations: Trim, Co. Meath, (OPW HQ); Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Kanturk, Co. Cork. OPW continues to review the staffing position with regard to the totality of its functions and the timeline applicable to moving the organisation to the three locations involved. The staff exchange process under the CAF and DCAF is on-going and it is not envisaged that an excess staff scenario will arise within OPW.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

251 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13027/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Aside from staff who availed of statutory/civil service leave entitlements (set out below), my Department had no staff who were in receipt of full salary and not working. A number of staff of my Department availed of the following leave in the past month: Annual leave — 2; maternity leave — 2; sick leave and maternity leave — 1; maternity leave and annual leave — 1; special leave for study (2 year programme) — 4. The total salary cost in respect of the staff above during this period was approximately €49,000.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

252 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has commissioned an independent assessment of the effects of the Government’s decentralisation programme on morale within the Civil Service or within the Public Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13028/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I have no plans to commission an assessment of the type referred to by the Deputy. The Government is aware that the decentralisation programme impacts on the staff in the organisations affected, on their career choices and their expectations. From the outset therefore, my Department has put in place a process to discuss the full range of staff issues with union representatives. An approach based on negotiations and agreement has enabled significant progress to be made in relation to civil service general service grades on issues relating to promotion arrangements, protocols for transfer of staff and arrangements for placing staff who wish to remain in Dublin. My Department will continue to work closely with union representatives throughout the transition phase of the Programme to ensure that these arrangements are operating effectively. My Department will also continue to seek to make progress on issues affecting the professional & technical staff and those working in State Agencies.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Decentralisation Programme is a voluntary programme. To date over 10,600 applications have been received on the Central Applications Facility (CAF) with over 2,400 staff had been assigned to decentralising posts. Approximately 800 of these are currently in place in 17 new locations while the remainder are being trained in advance of decentralisation to a new location, as soon as accommodation becomes available. It is envisaged that by the end of 2007 public services will be delivered from 36 of the decentralisation towns with approximately 2,000 staff transferred.

While much media coverage of the decentralisation programme has focussed on the negative impact of the Programme on staff, much less attention has been paid to the benefits of decentralisation. Existing Civil and Public Servants seeking to leave Dublin – for example, to return to family and friends back home, or to acquire an affordable and comfortable family home within easy reach of their workplace – will have a broader range of career options. Present and future Civil and Public Servants who aspire to senior management positions will now have options to work either in Dublin or in one of a number of regional locations.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

253 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have completed the IPA Masters degree course in policy analysis in each of the past five years; the average cost to the taxpayer of facilitating each member of staff in completing these courses; when the Government will have enough policy analysts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13029/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

In 2006, a total of €246 was paid to the training officers in the departmental training unit of my Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances and a total of €884 has been paid to date in 2007. The number of departmental training days organised in 2006 was 950 approximately. All participation in training is managed taking full account of work needs and the duration and venue of individual programmes. The relocation of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre to Tullamore has had no discernible impact on the work of the departmental training officers or on the work of those officers who attend courses there.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

257 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirment planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13093/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

No travel and subsistence allowances were paid by my Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore. A total of €777.54 has been paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

258 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13108/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

It is understood, following clarification by the Deputy, that the question refers to staff moves out of the Department/Office within six months of their transfer into the Department/Office. Ninety five (95) staff from other Departments/Offices transferred in to my Department under the rules that apply to the Central Applications Facility for decentralisation to Tullamore. One person opted to return to their parent Department within six months of their arrival.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that two officers who joined Revenue for decentralisation opted to return to their original Departments within six months of their arrival. I am informed by the Office of Public Works that no officer who joined the OPW for decentralisation has moved to any other Department or Office.

Child Care Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

259 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of providing 50,000 new childcare places by 2010. [12393/07]

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

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 Office of the Minister for Children.

The NCIP came into effect from 1 January 2006, with an allocation of €575 million for the 5 year period of 2006 to 2010. The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010, the aim of which is to deliver a more comprehensive approach to early years care and education. Unlike the EOCP, the NCIP is completely Exchequer funded. The NCIP is designed to deliver 50,000 additional childcare places, with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare. Childcare places are provided either through community based/not for profit childcare groups or by private providers.

Of the €575 million total budget for the NCIP, some €357 million is earmarked for capital investment and to provide for the cost of meeting the programme's target of 50,000 additional childcare places. Capital grant applications under the NCIP are assessed under a number of criteria; chiefly the nature and extent of the need locally for the service proposed, the applicant's capacity to deliver the project proposed and value for money. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare, and furthermore, community projects are expected to have a focus on disadvantage.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

260 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding sought by a service (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the reason this funding has not been provided since it was applied for in November 2006; if it will be provided; if it will be established that €60,000 and not €49,000 is required to sustain the crèche as a viable concern; if the remaining funding will be made available in order that the fees from the disadvantaged parents will not have to be raised for a second time in 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12960/07]

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

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 Office of the Minister for Children.

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP referred to in the question, I understand that this Group were approved an additional staffing grant of €49,375 in December 2006. This brought their staffing grant funding for the period of 15 months, October 2006 to December 2007, up to the maximum level of staffing funding allowed under EOCP, which is €172,500 per annum. To date, this Group has been approved a total of €920,219 in staffing grant assistance. I also understand that this Group recently made an application for capital grant assistance under the NCIP. This application is currently being assessed by Pobal, who I understand will be in contact with the Group shortly in this regard.

Hospital Accommodation.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

261 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the proposed hospitals co-location initiative is the most cost-executive way of providing 1000 extra public hospital beds; the cost of the co-location initiative to the Exchequer; the cost of providing 1000 new public beds by traditional means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13030/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I am convinced that the co-location initiative is the most cost effective way of providing an additional 1,000 public beds for public patients in public hospitals including in the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght.

There will be no capital cost to the Exchequer. The State already funds the nursing and support staff employed to provide acute hospital services in these beds. The State will have to replace the income which the public hospitals have been receiving in respect of the private and semi private beds whose activity will transfer across to the new co-located hospitals. These private and semi private beds are currently being subsidised, for private patients, by the state. Investors in the new co-located hospitals, like investors in all new private hospitals, may be eligible for capital allowances over a 7 years period in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Acts.

There will be a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and this will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax expenditure. Any transaction will be on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice.

The capital cost per bed for acute public hospitals differs depending on the scope of medical services provided and the consequential functional content of the hospital facility. Direct comparison, on a cost per bed basis, with private sector hospitals could be misleading without detailed information on the services being provided, functional content and floor areas of facilities.

Public acute hospitals have departments not normally provided in private facilities (A&E, Post Mortem, Teaching,) which will increase the cost per bed. The estimated average capital cost for an acute hospital bed in a major acute teaching hospital is €625,000. However, this figure does not include the cost of increasing numbers of single room accommodation being provided in public hospitals. The costs do not include the cost of land acquisition, future inflation financing costs, or cost of underground/overground car parking facilities.

The average revenue cost of an inpatient bed in a major acute teaching hospital in 2005 (the most recent year for which information is available) was approximately €300,000 per annum. This includes acute inpatient costs and inpatient activity only and excludes day cases, outpatients, longstay and psychiatric patients. The cost also excludes capital and depreciation costs.

Health Insurance.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

262 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the introduction of a universal health insurance system; the cost implications to the Exchequer of such a switch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13031/07]

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

356 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the introduction of a universal health insurance system; the cost implications of such a switch; her views on whether such a system would improve the standards of healthcare; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13033/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 356 together.

It is difficult to comment on and assess the costs of the general merits of universal health insurance system in Ireland. Such a system would move insurance from being voluntary to compulsory. Consideration of the many complex issues inherent in any such proposal would include whether a particular universal health insurance system would be more effective than present arrangements in terms of service delivery and quality and, also, whether it would lead to additional unnecessary costs. On a simplified basis, about 52% of the population pay for health insurance voluntarily at a cost of approximately €1.25 billion. On this basis, the cost of the State providing the same benefits to 48% of the population without private health insurance would be approximately €1.12 billion. However, this does not reflect the total cost of any change to universal coverage as there are many programmes, such as general medical services which will cost about €1.6 billion in 2007, that are not met by insurers.

I may add that the World Health Organisation commented in April 2005 in a paper "Social Health insurance" that "no specific health-financing mechanism is optimal and recommendable in all settings... Little advantage is discernible in one financing system over another in terms of impact on health outcomes, responsiveness to patients or efficiency."

This Government and the previous Government have provided, over the past ten years, unprecedented levels of investment for the health services. Ireland already has universal coverage for hospital services, funded through general taxation.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

263 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants in her Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13496/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Aside from staff who are availing of statutory/civil service leave entitlements (e.g. maternity leave, sick leave, annual leave, etc.), my Department had no staff who were in receipt of full salary and not working in the month of March 2007.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

266 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the necessary money will be made available to bring the proposed Ballinrobe Community Nursing Unit to the planning and development stage, taking into account the long delay in getting the necessary lands into the name of the Health Service Executive from Mayo County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12319/07]

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

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

267 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children her views regarding the adequacy of the ethical framework which applies to persons who have a consultancy relationship with the Health Service Executive; if she has discussed these arrangements with senior officials in the HSE or with the consultants involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12326/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act, 2004 sets out the HSE's responsibilities in relation to codes of standards of integrity, conduct and governance. Under section 35 of the Health Act 2004 the HSE is obliged to submit a Code of Governance for my approval. A draft code of governance was received from the Executive at the end of September. It comprises a suite of documents which make up a Framework for the Corporate and Financial Governance of the HSE. The contents of this Code are being assessed and considered by my officials and will be complete shortly.

However, as this question relates more specifically to the adequacy of the ethical framework which applies to persons who have a consultancy relationship with the HSE, I have 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.

Youth Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

268 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when the promised Government Strategy on Recreation for Teenagers will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12327/07]

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

A National Recreation Policy has been to the forefront of this Government's commitment to improving the lives of young people in Ireland. Accordingly, it is my intention to publish the National Recreation Policy for Young People at the earliest opportunity.

Hospital Charges.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

269 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if the residents of a hospital (details supplied) are liable for the bills which are beyond the ability of people on limited incomes to pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12331/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 have provided for two different classes of persons on whom charges may be levied. These regulations were signed by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children on 14 January 2005.

Class 1 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser.

Class 2 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. The HSE issued revised guidelines for the implementation of the charges in July 2006. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any. The HSE when assessing charges takes into account only that income attributable solely to the person in care.

As the information sought relates to a specific hospital which is within the area of responsibility of the Health Service Executive, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the mater investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

270 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to have a mould made for the proper fitting of an artificial leg in view of the fact that the current leg is causing huge discomfort, that this person is waiting for this appointment since June 2006 and that a re-assessment should be carried out every six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12337/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

Ceist:

274 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is fair that a Friedreichs ataxia sufferer (details supplied), confined to a wheelchair is unable to attend vital hospital appointments due to a lack of service and that this entire facility needs to be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12349/07]

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

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

The Vaccine Damage Steering Group has been established to examine the issue of vaccine damage. The Group met for the first time on 13 March 2007. The Group is due to meet again in mid April. The membership of the Group is as follows:

Organisation	Nominee	Position
DOHC	Mr Chris Fitzgerald (Chair)	Principal, Public Health Division
Health Service Executive	Dr Darina O’Flanagan,	Director of the HPSC
Health Service Executive	Dr Brenda Corcoran	Head of National Immunisation Office
Health Service Executive	Nominee to be confirmed	Head of Quality and Risk
Irish Medicines Board	Ms Rita Purcell	Director of Finance and Corporate Affairs
State Claims Agency	Ms Susan Moriarty	Solicitor and Deputy Head of Claims
UCD	Professor Denis Cusack	UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science
DOHC	Mr Brendan Phelan	Principal, Public Private Policy Issues and Health Insurance
DOHC	Dr Eibhlin Connolly	Deputy CMO
DOHC	Ms Caroline Sellars	Secretary to Group

The Group is committed to producing a preliminary report on its findings by July of this year.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

278 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing a scheme similar to the home care package which would enable the parents of severely disabled children to avail of same to care for children at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12367/07]

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

The Deputy may be aware that the HSE provides a range of services for children with disabilities such as home support, respite, day services, therapies, and residential services. The funding for these services has been augmented over the last three years through the Multi-annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 and Multi Disciplinary funding to underpin the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act.

The HSE strives to ensure that the combination of services afforded an individual maximises support for that person, and their family, giving recognition to this Department's Statement of Strategy of providing appropriate care in the most appropriate setting to people with disabilities. These initiatives can, and are, being targeted at children with disabilities and their families with the objective of sustaining such family units and it is a policy of the HSE to promote such supports to this cohort of children.

Medical Cards.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

279 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12375/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Adoption Services.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

280 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the south east, the waiting period for the pre-course required before the assessment procedure for international adoption applicants is in excess of eighteen months and that this delay is due to the inadequate number of social workers employed in the south-east; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that currently international adoptions can take as much as four years to complete; the steps she proposes to take to remedy this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12379/07]

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

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I welcome the Report on patterns of care and survival of cancer patients in Ireland between 1994 and 2001 which was published last week. This Report, funded by my Department, adds significantly to our understanding of survival patterns of care for four major causes of cancer viz breast, colorectal, lung and prostate.

This Government has invested substantially in all regions in the country to improve cancer survival. The improvements are evidenced in the Report which shows improvements in survival for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, but not lung cancers, at a national level in that time. At regional level, there were improvements in all regions for breast and prostate cancers and in most regions for colorectal and lung cancers.

We know there are regional variations in cancer survival rates. The Government's National Cancer Control Strategy, published last year, and welcomed by stakeholders, is designed to fundamentally change this, to improve outcomes for cancer patients in each region of the country. We are committed to investing significantly in the implementation of the Strategy. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 includes major investment in the cancer area. We have made available an additional €20.5m this year for cancer control (screening, acute services and research). This is an increase of 74% on the comparable 2006 investment and includes €3.5m to support the initial implementation of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme.

It is the my intention and that of the HSE to ensure that patients, regardless of location, have timely access to high quality, specialised care that will lead to further improvements in cancer mortality. The HSE Cancer Control Programme will manage, organise and deliver quality assured cancer services on a whole population basis, regardless of geography. The Service Plan for the HSE for this year sets out the detailed deliverables of the Programme.

The Deputy's specific question regarding the Mid-Western Region 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.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

287 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person with rheumatoid arthritis in Dublin who needed an occupational therapist was provided with this service within two weeks of being assessed by their district health nurse and another person in Mayo with the same condition is waiting nine months after assessment from their district nurse to be appointed an occupational therapist; the further reason there are such differences between east and west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12457/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multidisciplinary teams of occupational therapists, general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists and others. It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.

The HSE received funding totalling €32m in 2006 and 2007 for the establishment of 200 Primary Care Teams, which altogether will involve the appointment of some 600 additional front-line professionals, including a significant number of Occupational Therapists. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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:

288 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it currently takes an elderly person in County Mayo four to five months to obtain an appointment for a chiropodist to have a simple procedure of having a corn removed; if this situation will change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12463/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.

Pictorial warnings have been developed by the European Commission in conjunction with the Member States but their use is not mandatory; it is an option open to Member States. While a number of Member States, including Ireland, are currently considering their introduction, Belgium is the only Member State to introduce them so far. The tobacco industry has been informed that consideration is being given to the introduction of pictorial warnings.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

292 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the ratio of nurses to patients in relation to accident and emergency departments here; if she has satisfied herself that the ratio of nurses to patients in accident and emergency is sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12473/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Almost 120,000 people work full-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. 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.

Medical Cards.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

296 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the issue for families of children with downs syndrome and medical card entitlements; and if she will support the efforts of all families of children with a disability in their request for a full medical card. [12493/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on low and moderate incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed with the Health Service Executive a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

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

Revenue funding of €3 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 for the development of Neurology and Neurophysiology services. An additional €4m has been provided to the Executive in 2007 to support the ongoing development of neurosciences, including neurology services.

The HSE is currently conducting a national neurology needs assessment which is seeking to identify clearly the current provision and future requirements of the health system for neurology services. This group, which has multi-sectoral representation, has already identified key priorities for 2007 which reflect the recommendations of the 2003 Comhairle report on Neurology and Neurophysiology.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

300 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the matter. [12506/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on his behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to this case.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

301 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite approval under the housing aid for the elderly scheme of a grant for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12507/07]

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

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

302 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if €5 million was allocated to Waterford Regional Hospital in 2006 relative to services and staff dealing with cystic fibrosis; if the funding has been drawn down; if so, the areas in which it has been spent; if it has not been drawn down, the reason for same; and the plan for its spend. [12508/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010 and is effective from 1 January 2006. Unlike the existing EOCP, the NCIP is entirely Exchequer funded. The decision of the Government to create a major new 5 year investment programme immediately, rather than wait until the EOCP expired, is evidence of the Government's commitment to the provision of quality child care.

The NCIP aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care. supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. The Programme has a budget of €575 million for the 5 year period 2006-2010, with a target to create 50,000 additional child care. places with a greater focus on preschool places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age child care. The 50,000 new places will include 10,000 preschool education places aimed at 3 to 4 year olds. This commitment is a clear recognition by the Government of the value of preschool education, and it will assist parents to avail of the benefits of preschool education for their children.

As part of the process of closing the EOCP, the final date for reaching contract stage, for Groups applying for funding under this programme, was 31 December 2006. As the Deputy will be aware, the EOCP is co-funded by the European Union and timescales agreed with the Commission must be observed as financial penalties will accrue to the State if they are not. The Group in question submitted their application to Pobal, which is engaged to assess EOCP and NCIP grants on behalf of my Office, in October 2006. Final information required to complete the assessment was received by Pobal from the Group on 6 December 2006. As it was not possible at that stage for the application to be brought through the assessment and appraisal process and to contract stage by 31 December 2006, it was recommended by the Programme Appraisal Committee that the Group's application under that Programme be declined and that the application be considered in the context of the forthcoming NCIP staffing grant scheme. The Secretary General of the Department concurred with this recommendation.

In certain circumstances, including where an application is linked to a previous EOCP capital grant, applications for staffing grant assistance are continuing to be considered under the EOCP and, subject to the outcome of a review in each case, the applicants will be advised of the position as soon as possible. In the case of other Groups such as that referred to by the Deputy, which have been declined staffing grant funding under the EOCP as a result of being unable to meet the contractual deadlines of that Programme, and whose applications were not linked to a previous EOCP capital grant, the review of their applications for staffing grant funding will be undertaken as soon as the details of the new NCIP staffing grant scheme are announced. In each case, the review will be undertaken as quickly as possible to facilitate the Group concerned. Officials in my Office will be in contact with the Group in due course to inform them of the outcome of that review.

Medical Cards.

John Gormley

Ceist:

306 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of providing medical cards to under 18’s with Downs syndrome. [12518/07]

John Gormley

Ceist:

307 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of providing medical cards to under 18’s with a recognised disability. [12519/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

The number of persons aged under 18 and who have Down's Syndrome is not formally recorded by my Department. However it can be estimated that there are some 1,800 to 2,000 persons in this category. The number of persons aged under 18 and who are on either the National Intellectual Disability Database or the National Physical Sensory Disability Database is approximately 15,000. The Health Service Executive is not in a position to identify within its national medical card database the number of persons with full eligibility under section 45 of the Health Act 1970 who are also in either of the above categories.

It should also be noted also that under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions include mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism and conditions arising from thalidomide.

On the basis of the average cost to the General Medical Services of general practitioner services, prescription medicines and community dental and ophthalmic services for persons aged under 18, and assuming that 70% of the persons encompassed by the Deputy's questions are not currently covered by a medical card, the estimated annual direct cost, at 2007 prices, of providing medical cards to persons under 18 with Down's syndrome is approximately €0.5 million; the estimated annual direct cost, at 2007 prices, of providing medical cards to persons under 18 with a recognised disability is approximately €3.8m.

The Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 came into force on 14th July 2005 and provide for two different classes of persons on whom charges may be levied. Class 1 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser. Class 2 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any. The HSE when assessing charges takes into account only that income attributable solely to the person in care. The Health (Amendment) Act 2005 and the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 enabled the HSE to recommence the raising of charges for long stay in-patient services with effect from the 14th July 2005. The HSE established an Expert Group to develop a set of national guidelines to deal with the provisions of the legislation.

The national guidelines support a standardised approach to the implementation of Health (Charges for In-Patient) Regulations 2005 and take account of the persons residing in community residences. The guidelines have been implemented with effect from 1st August 2006, retrospective to 14th July 2005 where charges had not been raised while awaiting finalisation of the guidelines. Clients in community residences were informed in July 2005 that they might be liable for charges under the new regulations.

In regard to retrospection, charges were to be raised with effect from the 1st August 2006 based on the financial assessment for each of the clients. Arrears of charges due from 14th July 2005 were to be calculated and advised to the client. The clients were to be given the following options:

1. Pay the arrears in full or in instalments

2. Deduct the arrears from any monies due under the repayment scheme where applicable.

A National Working Group on Rents and Charges in HSE Mental Health Services was established in December 2006. The purpose of this Working Group is to develop and recommend a process for the collection of rents and charges in accordance with the statutory provisions outlined in Section 53 (2) (a) of the Health Act 1970 as amended by the Health (Amendment) Act 2005, Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 S.I No 276 of 2005. This process will be specific to mental health services, will safeguard both the individual and the staff member and will comply with financial probity and HSE governance requirements. To date the National Working Group on Rents & Charges has met on four occasions and I understand a draft report with specific recommendations will be presented in the near future.

In relation to children, the Deputy may wish to note that, under Section 4 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, charges are not payable where the in-patient services concerned are provided to a person under 18 years of age.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

312 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech and occupational therapists will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason neither essential speech nor occupational therapists have been provided to date as required by psychologists in this case; the action that will be taken to compensate or atone for this failure on her part; when same will occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12525/07]

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

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

315 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when her Department will publish an implementation plan, including timeframes, performance indicators and interim delivery targets, to ensure the full execution of the mental health policy, A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12528/07]

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

The Government is committed to the full implementation of "A Vision for Change" the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy and has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.

In March 2006, I appointed an independent monitoring group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations of "A Vision for Change". The group will monitor and assess progress on the implementation of all the recommendations including those which fall under the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), government departments and other relevant agencies. The Group is to submit its first annual report by mid 2007.

Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE established an implementation group in July 2006 to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country and to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in "A Vision for Change" a reality. Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner. I have been informed by the HSE that they plan to publish a Progress Report and outline the proposed implementation programme over the life of "A Vision for Change" in the near future.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was provided for the development of our mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change". A further sum of €25 million has been allocated for 2007 to continue this development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

316 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or her Department have received correspondence from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Dún Laoghaire in relation to the urgent need for investment and accelerated implementation of the dementia manifesto; her plans to address this issue in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12546/07]

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

My Department has received correspondence, including a copy of the Dementia Manifesto 2007-2009, from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. I met with the Society on 8th March 2007 to discuss, inter alia, the recommendations outlined in the Manifesto.

The development of Services for Older People, including the development of services for people with dementia, is a priority for the Government. This is reflected in the funding committed to Services for Older People in Budgets 2006 and 2007. Last year, the Government funded the largest ever expansion in Services for Older People with a full year cost of €150m. This year a full year package of €255m has been allocated for Services for Older People. This gives a total of over €400m added to services for older people over two years.

Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the latest partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The Action Plan for Dementia, published in 1999, describes a model of best practice for the provision and planning of dementia care in Ireland.

Ceist:

319 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence in her Department regarding fees for services under public community drug schemes from various individuals or pharmacies; her plans to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12549/07]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

326 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding Parliamentary Question Nos. 750 and 764 of 31 January 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12598/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 326 together.

My Department has received correspondence regarding fees for services under public community drug schemes from individuals and pharmacies. As the Deputies may already be aware, my Department and the HSE have been reviewing the pharmaceutical supply chain, with a view to seeking value for money in the State's drugs bill in order to better fund existing and innovative therapies without compromising continuity of supply or patient safety. The review of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland (APMI) Agreements, with the proprietary and generic supplier representative bodies, was completed in mid-2006 and the new agreements are in place.

Following completion of the manufacturer agreements and in line with the process agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health, the State entered talks with the wholesaler representative body, the Pharmaceutical Distributor's Federation (PDF). As wholesale margins are not addressed in the new IPHA and APMI Agreements, the State intended to negotiate, for the first time, direct formal arrangements with the wholesale sector, to address the cost of wholesale supply to hospital and community through fair, transparent and accountable cost structures.

In particular, the State wished to examine the high margin, relative to the EU, for wholesale supply to community pharmacy and the wholesalers' claim that they supply hospitals at a loss. However, while PDF was willing to negotiate new arrangements for hospital supply, it refused to negotiate a new margin for community supply. This refusal was based on legal advice that such negotiation would interfere with agreed trading terms of third parties, community pharmacists, and expose PDF to prosecution.

Subsequent advice to the HSE indicated that the PDF position was too narrow. As wholesalers and pharmacists are undertakings for the purposes of competition law, PDF and the IPU are associations of undertakings and collective negotiation of fees, prices or margins on behalf of their members breaches section 4.1 of the 2002 Competition Act. The position is as follows:

Section 4.1 prohibits all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which have the object or effect of restricting or distorting competition, including agreements to fix prices, unless the agreement, decision or concerted practice meets certain conditions. I have been advised that those conditions are not met in this case.

Wholesalers and pharmacy contractors are undertakings. Therefore, PDF and the IPU are associations of undertakings and come under Section 4.1 of the Act.

The coming together of wholesalers under PDF or pharmacy contractors under the IPU to negotiate prices would be a breach of Section 4.1.

Acting in contravention of Section 4.1 is a criminal offence and would expose those parties and their officials to the risk of criminal prosecution.

In light of the implications for GP and dental contract negotiations, the Department sought the Attorney General's views. The Attorney General and Senior Counsel engaged by the Attorney General confirmed the HSE advice. Given this position, it is not possible for the State to negotiate with PDF or the IPU on fees or margins and such negotiations places these bodies at risk of prosecution.

As for the rest of the supply chain, the State has been examining how to improve value for money and transparency and fairness in relation to the cost of service provision in community pharmacy. The State intended to address the review through negotiation with the IPU, as it had in the past. This is no longer possible for fees, although contractual matters other than fees may be negotiated. Accordingly, the negotiating team re-examined, in light of the legal position arising from the wholesaler legal advice, how best to address the review of pharmacy contractor services.

The HSE wrote to all community pharmacy contractors in January, setting out the situation in detail and stating that the HSE is constrained from negotiating fees with the IPU for the reasons outlined, and the IPU was fully briefed. A meeting was held on 21 February between the negotiating team and the IPU, to agree a procedure to examine available options for advancing contractual negotiations in compliance with Irish and EU competition law. Following that meeting, agreement was reached on talks to examine options for contract review that would comply fully with competition law. The talks will be chaired by Mr Bill Shipsey, SC. Both parties met Mr Shipsey yesterday, 2 April, to begin the process.

The State continues to recognise the IPU as the representative body for its members, but negotiations with the Union must comply with the law. The legal issues that emerged during the wholesale sector review were raised by the wholesaler representatives. Once the State became aware of these issues, it was no longer possible to continue as intended. There is, and will continue to be, ongoing dialogue with the IPU as the representative body for pharmacists, within the constraints of the competition legislation and the negotiating team will consider, in the context of competition law and in particular the relevant Competition Authority guidelines, all available options for advancing the process agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health. I am satisfied that the Cabinet Committee process for review of the supply of drugs to the State is progressing effectively, within the constraints of relevant legislation.

Youth Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

320 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons that the National Recreation Policy has been continually pushed back to later dates; when the Government plans to launch this instrument; if she is in receipt of correspondence from a centre (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to this centre’s calls for a café and drop-in centre; her views on this request; if such a request will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12550/07]

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

I welcome the valuable work being undertaken by the many groups and organisations around the country who are engaged in the provision of services and programmes for young people. I recently received correspondence from the Centre about the provision of facilities for teenagers in its locality and I will be responding over the coming days.

A National Recreation Policy has been to the forefront of this Government's commitment to improving the lives of young people in Ireland. Accordingly, it is my intention to publish the National Recreation Policy for Young People at the earliest opportunity. One of the key aspects of the policy is the provision of more recreational facilities and in particular, the establishment of youth cafés, identified by young people as their single biggest need. The policy recognises that youth cafés offer great potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people and that the provision of such services within these settings will require a cross-departmental and inter-agency collaborative approach through a formal partnership process.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

321 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of therapeutic services for children aged 6 to 12 years with a diagnosis of dyspraxia in County Galway; the average waiting time for a child in the county seeking treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12551/07]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75 million for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multidisciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with 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.

Nutrition Guidelines.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

322 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that international research indicates that hydrated fats present in many foods are a leading contributor to high cholesterol and cardiac related health problems, she has commissioned research on the effects of hydrated fat on cardiac health and cholesterol; if her attention has been drawn to international research on the matter; her views on limiting the use of hydrated fats in foodstuffs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12552/07]

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

325 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if home help will be approved as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, who was returned home having spent 14 months in hospital; and if she will expedite a positive response. [12597/07]

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

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 326 answered with QuestionNo. 319.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

331 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to ensure that there is no delay in the provision of ongoing funding for child care facilities previously funded by the equal opportunities child care programme; the further steps she is taking to make the child care facilities that were previously funded by EPOC aware of the new criteria for funding under the National Child Care Investment Programme; when application forms will be issued for funding under NCIP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12627/07]

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

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 Office of the Minister for Children.

A new programme of staffing grants under the NCIP is to be announced in 2007 and will be informed by the outcome of a Value for Money Review of the EOCP which is currently in progress. The Review is expected to be completed in the first half of 2007 following which the procedures and criteria governing the new grant scheme will be made available both generally and to existing staffing grant recipients, as will application forms for the new scheme. This will be done in good time to allow an orderly transition from the EOCP to the NCIP, on 1 January 2008.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

332 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the 11 acute hospitals where PACS is currently installed; the community hospitals linked to these as mentioned in Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 15 February 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12759/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Vaccination Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

333 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the lengthy waiting time for the BCG vaccination for newborn babies in the Cork area; her proposals to reduce this waiting time in view of the recent tuberculosis health scare in the Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12769/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Services 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. 334 answered with QuestionNo. 265.

Mental Health Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

335 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the action being taken to fully implement the Mental Health Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12779/07]

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

GP out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.

Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. Between 2000 and 2006 approximately €139 million was allocated to the HSE for out of hours GP co-operatives. In 2007, the HSE Vote includes almost €34 million in baseline funding for these services and a further €3 million to meet the full year cost of co-op developments commenced in 2006. These figures do not include the fees of the participating doctors.

As the development of further out-of-hours general practitioner services is a matter for the Health Service Executive in the first instance, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to consider the matter of the estimated cost of ensuring that every community has access to such a service and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

343 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of doubling the number of consultants to over 4,000. [12827/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Existing salaries for category I and II medical consultants range from €143,738 — €178,429. The implementation of Government policy regarding the provision of a consultant-provided service will require an estimated 1,500 additional medical consultants. The Deputy will be aware that negotiations are currently taking place regarding new contractual arrangements for medical consultants. At this stage, it is not possible to be specific regarding costs arising.

The creation of consultant posts also generates significant costs for support staff and other non-pay elements. The extent of these costs may vary according to speciality, service and geographical location.

Health Service Staff.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

344 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to the setting up of the Health Professionals Council and the recent submission from the Irish Association for Creative Arts Therapies, she is in a position to progress the recognition of the Creative Arts Therapists including music therapy to professional standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12861/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In relation to the recommendations contained in the Eleventh Report of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — "Defining Music Therapy" — in relation to the recognition of music therapy, the Deputy will appreciate that the development of the human resources of the health service must be dictated by service developments and strongly evidence-based decision making aligned closely to improved patient and client care. The creation of a new health service profession should only be considered in circumstances where there is a clearly identified service requirement for the provision of a new set of skills and competencies, knowledge and expertise which cannot be provided by existing health service staff/professions.

The establishment of new grades within the public health service is a human resource management matter for the Health Service Executive which, under Section 22 of the Health Act 2004, must have the approval of the Minister for Health and Children given with the consent of the Minister for Finance. My Department has advised the HSE that if it wishes to proceed with the establishment of a grade of music therapist in the health service, it must establish a business case for the introduction of the grade on the basis of service need and effective use of resources. My Department has given the HSE some guidance as to what information should be encompassed by such a business case and a response from the HSE is awaited.

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for health and social care professionals. The structure of the system of statutory registration comprises a registration board for each profession to be registered, a Health and Social Care Professionals Council with overall responsibility for the regulatory system and a committee structure to deal with disciplinary matters.

Music therapists or creative arts therapists are not one of the professions to be regulated from the outset. However, Section 4 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act provides for the inclusion by regulation of additional professions in the system of statutory registration. This section also sets out the criteria the Minister for Health and Children must have regard to in considering the designation of further professions under the legislation. The Deputy will appreciate that the future inclusion of any profession must be dependent upon its meeting this criteria.

As the Deputy may be aware, I launched the Health and Social Care Professionals Council on 26 March and the Council held its inaugural meeting on this date. I understand that the Council intends to make a recommendation to the Minister in relation to the establishment of registration boards for the twelve professions to be registered from the outset as soon as practicable. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the Council will need to undertake a considerable amount of work, as detailed in the legislation, before it will be in a position to recommend the establishment of registration boards.

Hospital Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

345 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a letter (details supplied) in relation to maximising cross border co-operation where capacity is available for heart surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12862/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

346 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen as a mater of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12877/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pharmacy Regulations.

John Deasy

Ceist:

347 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the requirements and procedures in place for Irish citizens who have qualified as pharmacists in the United States to gain recognition to practice as pharmacists here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12878/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.

Infectious Diseases.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

351 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy that exists in relation to hospitals telling patients and families that they have MRSA in view of the fact that a number of people would indicate they have been told they have an infection but the follow up procedures do not specify MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12899/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Tackling Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA, is a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive.

Recently-published studies show that in Ireland, the overall rate of HCAIs, which includes MRSA, is lower than our UK counterparts. However, it is generally accepted that MRSA infection rates in the UK and Ireland are higher than our European counterparts. Excessive antibiotic prescribing is a key cause of these higher rates.

The Health Service Executive has recently developed a National Infection Control Action Plan including governance and performance management. The plan includes a commitment to informing patients of HCAI/MRSA status and to ensuring that death certificates accurately reflect HCAI. The plan has clear targets for all hospitals, clear hygiene and infection control standards, an improved physical environment, initiatives on reducing antibiotic consumption and education of the public and of health professionals, including the current T.V. and media campaign.

Achieving these targets is a priority for the HSE so that patients can be assured that in the future their chances of contracting an infection will be reduced to the minimum level possible. To achieve this, there must be a corporate commitment throughout the HSE and services generally. Evidence-based guidelines, clear responsibility and accountability and the recognition that the public also has a role to play in improving HCAIs and MRSA are vital to achieving improvements.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

352 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to previous parliamentary questions regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, the reason this person has not had the emergency gastric bypass surgery they require; the further reason the surgeon concerned has informed the person that the funding for the surgery is not available; if she will insist on the surgery being carried out based on the appeal from their general practitioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12943/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

353 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if a severance package was agreed with Health Service Executive and a person (details supplied); if so, the details of same; if care centres were negotiated by the person while working for the HSE; the names and locations of such centres; if the person negotiated a role for caredoc at call centres; if so, the name and location of same; if they negotiated software packages; if so, the locations, and costs involved; the date they left the employment of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12946/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The person referred to by the Deputy was engaged by the HSE as an advisor. Section 24 of the Health Act, 2004 empowers the HSE to engage such advisors as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions.

I am advised by the HSE that this individual's engagement with the Executive concluded on 15 February 2007. No severance package was provided.

The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the other matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

354 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to address as a matter of extreme urgency the crisis in relation to the cataract surgery waiting list at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12972/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

355 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a domiciliary care allowance application will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13015/07]

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

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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. 356 answered with QuestionNo. 262.

Travel and subsistence amounting to €781 was paid to one officer in 2006 in respect of attendance at a pre-retirement planning course in Tullamore. No travel and subsistence claims were received in the preceding year in respect of attendance at such courses.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

360 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who have transferred to her Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13110/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments earmarked for decentralisation under the Civil Service Decentralisation Programme. However the Deputy may wish to note that under the decentralisation programme thirty civil servants have transferred to other Government Departments from my Department to date.

Energy Market.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

361 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent report by the EU Competition Directorate that found Ireland has the second least transparent electricity market in western Europe and which warned that the threat of market power abuse is high, in view of his role fostering competition in industry here; the steps he will take to ensure the market becomes more transparent and the threat of market power abuse is removed; his views on whether there is little hope of encouraging further independent investment and greater competition in the electricity market until such steps are taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12634/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

372 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent report by the EU Competition Directorate that found Ireland has the second least transparent electricity market in western Europe and warned that the threat of market power abuse is high; the steps he will take to ensure the market becomes more transparent and the threat of market power abuse is removed; his views on whether there is little hope of encouraging further independent investment and greater competition in the electricity market until such steps are taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12630/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 372 together.

I am aware of the European Commission's Final Report of the Energy Sector Inquiry 2005-2006, which was conducted by DG Competition and published by the Commission last January.

The Inquiry comprehensively investigated the barriers currently impeding the development of a fully functioning open and competitive EU-wide energy market. It examined the situation under a number of headings in each Member State.

The Commission's findings in essence are that while there is progress, a number of further measures are needed to achieve a complete internal energy market with open competition and effective regulation across Europe.

One of the areas highlighted by the Commission is the critical importance of transparency for the efficient working of wholesale electricity markets. All market players must have timely access to the information necessary to trade, particularly in relation to demand, supply and transmission network issues. This is endorsed by the European Regulators (including CER), the European Transmission System Operators and the European Electricity Industry and Trading Groups. The Inquiry found that there is still a lack of transparency in most Member States when measured against a range of information headings.

It is the case that Ireland scored low in terms of the league table on the number of issues for which information is published. It is also the case that CER and EirGrid are working to steadily improve the availability of information to all market participants. Addressing the transparency of information barrier, together with the other barriers to a fully level playing field in the electricity market is a key priority. An immediate objective is to ensure that the Single Electricity Market is fully transparent in all key respects. The Regulators North and South, together with EirGrid and SONI as the Transmission System Operators are working to put this in place.

The Commission's Energy Sector Inquiry further serves to underline the crucial importance of the comprehensive policy actions, set out in the Energy Policy White Paper, which we are taking in order to create an open, fair and competitive electricity sector which works in the interests of the consumer. The Government's decision to transfer the ownership of the transmission assets from ESB to EirGrid by the end of next year is critical in that context. The combining of the ownership and operation of transmission in EirGrid is proportionate, will create efficiencies, and is necessary for effective competition. It will instill confidence in all market players that the transmission system is operated independently of commercial interests in a strictly non-discriminatory manner. We will also ensure the progressive reduction in ESB's market share in power generation to around 40% in an all-island market context by 2010 through implementation of the CER-ESB Asset Strategy Agreement. EirGrid will be working with CER to develop a landbank of ESB owned sites by 2008 to facilitate independent power generation investment up to 2020. This will complement the release of ESB sites under the CER-ESB Agreement this year and incrementally up to 2010.

The White Paper also endorses the actions by CER to progressively reduce the dominance of ESB PES in competitive sectors of the retail electricity market which will see the delivery of real and effective competition in energy supply. The White Paper also commits to a comprehensive review of the Irish energy regulatory framework following the introduction of the Single Electricity Market. The review will take into account the further developments in the EU internal energy market.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

362 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/07]

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

In the past month my Department had one member of staff on sick leave with full pay, three staff on maternity leave with full pay, and two staff suspended on full pay as part of disciplinary investigations. The cost of employing these staff was €24,223.32.

Aquaculture Licences.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

363 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the changes that have taken place in relation to oyster fishing in 2007. [12441/07]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

364 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if people without tonnage will be allowed to fish for oysters in 2007. [12442/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.

The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General has informed me that in accordance with the provisions of the EU Common Fishery Policy a Sea-Fishing Boat Licence is required in respect of boats engaged in aquaculture activities, which include Oyster fisheries, where such activities include, at any time:

1. Having on-board fishing gear as specified in Table 3 of Annex 1 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 26/2004 of 30 December 2003 as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1799/2006 of 6 December 2006 on the Community fishing fleet register or

2. Engaging in commercial sea-fishing activities outside aquaculture areas.

The entitlement to engage in any of the activities outlined above depends on the segment of the fleet in which the boat is licensed and registered. Where a boat is licensed and registered within the Aquaculture Segment of the Irish fishing fleet, it is a condition of the licence that the boat shall be used solely for the management, development and servicing of aquaculture areas.

Rathmullen Pier, Co. Donegal is the property of Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for that local authority in the first instance.

The Department is currently preparing the 2007 Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Programme and has received an application for funding from Donegal County Council for design and repair works at Rathmullen, which is currently under consideration.

Funding for projects under the 2007 Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme will be allocated taking account of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward. I hope to be in a position to announce the 2007 Harbours & Coastal Development Programme shortly.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

369 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the roll-out of a service (details supplied) both in County Mayo and nationally. [12468/07]

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

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

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in over 120 towns and cities. These MANs will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. My Department has also provided grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme.

However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there are still some parts of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. A Steering Committee comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently finalising the proposed National Broadband Scheme, which will aim to provide broadband to these unserved areas. The scheme, when it is fully rolled out, should ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in unserved areas, including rural areas, are met. Work on the design of an appropriate public tender is underway and indicative maps are being prepared to help inform the tendering process.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

370 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action the Fisheries Boards will take in relation to an erosion problem at a river (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12532/07]

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

I am advised that the case referred to by the Deputy in relation to flood relief is a matter primarily for the relevant local authority and one in which I have no function.

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards is the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries. Any works on the banks of a river should be carried out following consultation with the relevant Regional Fisheries Board to ensure that damage to habitat, water quality and fish life is minimised.

Power Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

371 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether, following his recent comments to a magazine (details supplied) that the ESB Aghada plant will cost between €350 and €400 million, other companies have produced equivalent power stations, such as the two Huntstown power stations built for €250 million; if he has enquired of the ESB the reason their plant will cost much more than that amount to construct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12629/07]

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

The estimated cost of ESB's construction of a 430MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant at Aghada reflects a fundamental shift in worldwide market dynamics for CCGT plant, fuelled by rising commodity prices for speciality steels and other prefabricated materials, in addition to increasing labour costs. The availability of engineering resources is also becoming a limiting factor restricting suppliers' ability to scale up production to meet the increasing demand. This shift is a worldwide phenomenon and is not restricted to projects in this country.

Prior to granting my approval for the relevant capital expenditure on the Aghada project, I received clear assurances from ESB that it had independently validated this upward movement in commodity prices and labour costs as part of its contract negotiation process and that it had satisfied itself that the cost of the power plant in Aghada reflects current global market prices and represents the best value for money outcome in difficult power plant market circumstances.

With construction commencing in December 2000 and October 2005 respectively, the cost of constructing the two Huntstown power plants was reflective of more favourable market circumstances at the time the EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction) contracts were awarded.

Question No. 372 answered with QuestionNo. 361.

Fisheries Protection.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

373 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the by-laws he has introduced in the past twelve months in relation to all and any type of fishing or species of fish. [12761/07]

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

Over the last twelve months, I have introduced the following 16 Bye-laws:

Bye-laws

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. 803, 2006

Salmon and Trout Conservation Bye-law No. 804, 2006

Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 805, 2006

Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law No. 806, 2006

Conservation of Bass Fishing Bye-law No. 807, 2006

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (amendment) Bye-law No. 808, 2006

Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006

South Western Fisheries Region (Prohibition of the use of Prawns, Shrimp and other Crustacea) Bye-law No. 810, 2006

South Western Fisheries Region (River Lee) Bye-law No. 811, 2006

Western Fisheries Region Dawros (Kylemore) River Bye-law No. 812, 2006

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. 814, 2006

Shannon Fisheries Region (River Feale) Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. 816, 2007

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. 815, 2006

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. C.S. 287, 2006

Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. C.S. 288, 2006

Ceist:

379 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will amend a by-law (details supplied) by increasing the 25cm limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12799/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 to 377, inclusive, and 379 together.

The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law No. 806, 2006, which came into effect on 20 July 2006, introduced a series of controls to protect coarse fish stocks. The Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006, which came into effect on 3 August 2006, was primarily brought in to protect pike.

The impact of these bye-laws, which were introduced as a conservation measure, is being monitored by the Regional Fisheries Boards and their application will be reviewed over time. The suggested amendments by the Deputy would presume that reduced conservation effort is necessary. It is, I understand, too soon to make such a judgement.

I am not aware of any adverse impact on angling tourism for coarse fish in the area of the Great Western Lakes, which are primarily managed as a wild brown trout fishery and are, according to the fisheries board, attracting many thousands of tourist trout anglers to the West every year.

The bye-laws were introduced to prevent overexploitation of coarse fish and pike in rivers, canals and lakes where there may have been excessive exploitation taking place. I have received no reports that the bag limits applying adversely affect tourism angling.

Regional Fisheries Boards.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

378 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will instruct the WRFB to stop an activity whilst a by-law is in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12777/07]

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

The Western Regional Fisheries Board is charged with managing what I am advised are three of the top four wild brown trout fisheries in the country. Part of the Board's remit has been to maximise the wild brown trout populations in these lakes, which have been carefully managed over the past 50 years.

This management programme has necessitated, I understand, the removal of predator and competitor species from the lakes is carried out on scientific advice so that the wild brown trout populations can be maximised. As a consequence Loughs Corrib and Mask in particular are now renowned as the top wild brown trout fisheries and are attracting many thousands of tourist trout anglers to the West every year.

In addition Ireland also has a requirement to protect the indigenous species composition of these lakes under the Water Framework Directive so as a result introduced species such as pike, perch and roach are removed, on scientific advice, from the lake. I am informed that the Western Regional Fisheries Board is currently engaged in a public consultation process for the Great Western Lakes with a view to introducing conservation measures for wild brown trout.

The Deputy should be advised that it is only in these three lakes and their tributaries in the Western Fisheries Region where the coarse fish numbers are controlled and there remain numerous lakes in the region where pike are available for the local and tourist anglers to catch on a catch and release basis.

The Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006, to which the Deputy has referred, was primarily brought in as a conservation measure to protect pike nationally from overexploitation in rivers, canals and lakes where excessive exploitation was taking place. I have received no reports that the bag limits applying adversely affect tourism angling.

Question No. 379 answered with QuestionNo. 375.

Fishing Quotas.

Martin Ferris

I am advised by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board that, according to the available scientific data, there is a surplus of 971 spring fish available in the river Laune for 2007. However, this surplus may be over-exploited by commercial fishermen and anglers in the absence of a definite quota for spring salmon in 2007.

Since the primary management objective for 2007 is the conservation of salmon stocks, the precautionary approach dictates that additional risk should not be taken. I am considering the recommendation of the regional board in the context of additional advice to be obtained independent of the board. I will make a decision on this matter as soon as possible.

Fishing Quotas.

Ollie Wilkinson

Ceist:

384 Mr. Wilkinson asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the fishing quotas which were formerly associated with the Atlantic Dawn fishing vessel, which it is understood has been sold out of the Irish fishing fleet. [12937/07]

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

The MFV Atlantic Dawn has been deregistered from the Irish fleet and, I understand, sold to a foreign buyer. The vessel's pelagic capacity, in terms of gross tonnage and kilowatts, can be re-introduced onto the Irish register within 2 years. If the capacity is not re-introduced onto the Irish register within 2 years, the capacity will be lost to the owner and will revert to the National pool.

No such 2 year grace period applies in terms of quota allocations. Any quota allocated to Atlantic Dawn Ltd that was not caught by the date of deregistration of the MFV Atlantic Dawn reverted immediately to the National pool. Atlantic Dawn Ltd was allocated some 2,927 tonnes of mackerel quota and 706 tonnes of horse mackerel quota in respect of the MFV Atlantic Dawn. Some 343 tonnes of mackerel remained uncaught at the time of the Atlantic Dawn's deregistration. This 343 tonnes has now reverted to the National pool. There was no horse mackerel uncaught.

When a vessel is taken off the register mid-year, normal practice is, where possible, to facilitate the owners in transferring the unused allocation to any eligible replacement vessel they introduce onto the register before 7 December. If this does not happen, I will redistribute the unused quota in accordance with the usual criteria.

In response to Deputy Ferris's Question No. 79 of 27th March 2007, I made clear my policy on this matter. However, I may have caused some confusion by also inadvertently agreeing with the Deputy's assertion that the Atlantic Dawn's unused quota stays with the vessel for 2 years. I believe that I have clarified the matter today.

Coastal Erosion.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

388 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13057/07]

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

The table below sets out the position with regard to training carried out by my Department since 2005. My Department already has staff in many regional locations and training is often carried out locally. CSTDC's relocation to Tullamore has not had any impact on the delivery of training or its associated costs within my Department.

	Travel and Subsistence paid	Training days provided
	€
2007	Nil	380
2006	529	2,973
2005	2,287	5,960
2004	636	Not available

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

389 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13087/07]

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

The table below sets out the position regarding staff availing of pre-retirement courses in my Department prior to and since the relocation of the CSTDC to Tullamore in July 2006.

Departmental staff who have to travel to attend training courses are entitled to the rate of travel and subsistence appropriate to their grade. However, since the payment of travel and subsistence is a devolved function in my Department, I am unable to obtain specific data from the various line divisions on the amounts paid, in the time given.

	Pre-retirement courses attended
2007	0
24/07/2006–31/12/2006	1
01/01/2006–23/07/2006	6
2005	6
2004	7
2003	3

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

390 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13102/07]

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

Five staff members who transferred to my Department under the Central Applications Facility (CAF) system were reassigned to a new division within six months of joining. These reassignments were made in order to allow the five individuals concerned to participate in early decentralisation moves to Cavan.

The number of staff in this category is minimal when compared with the overall number of staff working in my Department and has had little impact or no impact.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

391 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13495/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The total number of sanctioned posts in my Department is 1,568.

A total of 21 staff in my Department were on statutory or civil service-related leave for the past four weeks, while in receipt of a full salary. The details relating to these staff are set out in the following table.

Nature of leave	Number of officers
Sick Leave	13
Maternity Leave	8

The Department has one staff member for whom two phone lines have been provided at their home. One phone line has been provided for urgent, out-of-hours telephone and fax communications. The second phone line has been provided for access to Departmental and web-based communications.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

396 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13064/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

A sum of €986 was spent in respect of travel and subsistence costs in 2006 relating to the training officers in my Department. In 2006, the Training Unit organised a total of 1,487 training days.

The relocation of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre (CST&DC) to Tullamore has not had any discernible impact on the work of my Department.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

397 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre (CST&DC) to Tullamore in 2006, seven officers of my Department attended "Planning for Retirement" courses in Dublin in that year. The average cost of the travel and subsistence relating to the attendance of each officer was €151.

Since the CST&DC was relocated, three officers have attended "Planning for Retirement" courses in Tullamore and the average cost of attendance per officer was €513. In the same period, four officers have attended "Planning for Retirement" courses in Dublin and the average cost of attendance per officer was €313.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

398 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13109/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs will decentralise to Limerick. This is scheduled to take place during the second half of 2007 and will involve the relocation to Limerick of 124 posts. Overall, personnel have at present either been assigned to, or identified for, some 92 posts or approximately 74% of the 124 posts scheduled to be decentralised.

At present, 57 posts in the Directorate are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. Forty-four of these officers accepted offers to decentralise following their application through the Central Applications Facility (CAF), of whom 32 transferred from other Departments. All 32 have remained in the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department.

One officer transferred to the Department under the Dublin CAF (DCAF) arrangements to fill an existing vacancy. This officer continues to work in the Passport Office to which she was assigned on transfer to my Department.

Departmental Correspondence.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

399 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will respond to an e-mail of 22 January 2007 from a person (details supplied) in England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12823/07]

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

An official of my Department, who represents my Department on the Cultural Affairs Working Group in Brussels has been in telephone contact with the person in question and has also issued an email response on this matter. As the matter relates to urban regeneration I understand that the email has also been passed to the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

400 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/07]

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

Four civil servants in my Department who are in receipt of full salary have not been available for work in the past month. Two of the officers in question are absent on certified sick leave and two on maternity leave. These arrangements are in line with well-established terms and conditions governing employment in the Civil Service.

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

401 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the sports capital programme 2007; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12364/07]

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

The 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 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Ministerial Appointments.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

402 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the membership, objectives and purpose of the expert group recently established by him (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12433/07]

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

The expert group in question was set up to address the needs of Kerry in key areas such as job creation, new enterprise development, road access to the county and broadband.

This group is made up of top executives from key Government Departments, including Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Arts, Sport and Tourism and Transport as well as key Government agencies such as IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development and joint chambers of commerce in Kerry.

The setting up of an expert group drawn from key Government Departments and agencies followed on a number of top level meetings between myself and Mr. Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as the Chief Executives of IDA and Enterprise Ireland and Kerry County Manager.

At these meetings issues such as the peripherality of Kerry and the urgent need for enterprise development in the county of Kerry were top of the agenda.

The expert group will address the distinct challenges facing Kerry and the prioritisation of Kerry in the implementation of the national Development Plan

The members of the group are:

Mr. Tom Curran, County Manager (Acting), Kerry County Council (Chairman)

Mr. Ray O'Connor, IDA

Mr. Myles Duffly, IDA

Mr. Brendan Flood, Enterprise Ireland

Mr. Brian Quinlan, Enterprise Ireland

Mr. Kieran Duffy, Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources

Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Mr. Andy Cullen, Department of Transport

Mr. Ogie Moran, Shannon Development

Mr. Michael Carmody, Institute of Technology, Tralee and

Ms Noreen O'Mahony, Kerry County Council

Mr. Jerry O'Grady, Killarney Chamber of Commerce

Mr. James Clifford, Tralee Chamber of Commerce

The Secretarial support for the group is being provided by Kerry County Council.

Tourism Industry.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

403 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the possible effect on the angling tourist industry due to the introduction of a by-law (details supplied). [12762/07]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

404 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the possible effect on the angling tourism market due to a by-law (details supplied). [12778/07]

Michael Ring

412 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason a request by way of a Freedom of Information request from a centre (details supplied) to the Arts Council with regard to a refused application for an arts application not been given a reply; the reason for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12901/07]

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

The Arts Council's obligations under the FOI Act, 1997 & 2003, are stipulated in that Act, as they are for any body that comes within the scope of the Acts remit. Any issues arising would be a matter for the Arts Council itself or, failing that, the Information Commissioner, as specified in the Act.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

413 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department for whom two or more phone lines have been provided at their home; the number of lines provided in each case; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13041/07]

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

The Dublin CAF is not used to transfer staff into Departments for the purpose of decentralising but to relocate staff who do not wish to decentralise to other Departments / offices in Dublin.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

417 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13493/07]

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

There are nine Civil Servants in my Department in receipt of a full salary and have not worked in the past month. Their absence is mainly due to Sick Leave, Maternity Leave and other statutory entitlements. The total cost of employing the staff concerned is €28,701. It is not possible to identify staff on Annual Leave for the period in question in the time frame allowed.

Work Permits.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

418 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an appeal seeking a work permit for a person (details supplied); if a decision has been made; if not, when it is due to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12325/07]

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

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that a letter of appeal was received in the Section on the 13th March 2007. Having heard the appeal, the original decision was upheld in this case. The employer has been notified of this decision in writing.

Industrial Development.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

419 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to towns (details supplied) in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/07]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

During the year 2006, there were thirteen site visits to Athlone and four site visits to Mullingar. There were no site visits to Longford.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), a key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. Counties Westmeath and Longford form part of the IDA Midlands Region together with counties Laois, Offaly and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in this region are the NSS Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the Agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. The region will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.

At present there are 3,320 people employed in twenty six IDA companies in Counties Westmeath and Longford. Competition for mobile FDI continues to intensify and Ireland is no longer a low labour cost environment. Companies seeking to invest in Ireland now are looking for a high quality urban environment with a critical mass in population and world-class access infrastructure. In addition, they are seeking third level educational infrastructure including Universities and Institutes of Technology that are located on, or close to, high quality Business and Technology Parks.

To meet this challenge, 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 FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill-sets needed by those already in the workforce.

I am confident that the policies and strategies in place will deliver the best results in terms of investment and jobs for the people of the Region.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

420 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties to Tullamore, County Offaly in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/07]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency. While I may give general policy directives to the agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

In the period January, 2006 to date, there have been a total of three site visit to Tullamore — one in March, 2006 and two in March, 2007.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), a key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. County Offaly forms part of the IDA Midlands Region together with Counties Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in this region are the NSS Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. The region will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.

Petroleum Storage.

David Stanton

Ceist:

421 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on fully automated unmanned filling stations as pertains in many parts of Europe; the impediments to establishing such filling stations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12377/07]

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

The primary legislation governing petrol storage and dispensing in Ireland is the Dangerous Substances Act of 1972 and the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations 1979 (S.I. No. 311 of 1979) as most recently amended by the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 630 of 2006).

The purpose of the 1979 Regulations as amended is to control retail stores (petrol filling stations) and private stores for the keeping of petroleum Class 1 (petroleum-spirit) through a system of licensing, in order to prevent risk of injury to persons or property in the storage, conveying, loading and unloading, and in dispensing operations carried on in connection with the stores. Under the Regulations, all sites storing petrol must hold a licence that is issued by a licensing authority — typically the relevant local authority.

The 1979 Regulations stipulate a number of requirements that would prohibit or restrict the operation of fully automated unmanned filling stations in Ireland, including the requirement that the dispensing of petroleum must be constantly supervised and controlled by an authorised person.

Petroleum Class 1 is a flammable liquid posing a much higher danger than diesel or kerosene due to its very low flash point (the temperature at which the vapour will ignite), hence the detailed and specific legislation controlling its storage and dispensing.

Economic Partnership Agreements.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

422 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of tariff lines that ACP countries export into Europe; the number of those tariff lines that are already set at 0% tax; the value of that trade; the proportion this represents of total EU imports; the value of revenue collected from these; the number of new tariff lines to be reduced to 0% tax under the new Economic Partnership Agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/07]

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

All 78 ACP countries come under the terms of the Cotonou Agreement, which includes provision for duty free access for most goods to the EU. Within the ACP group there are 41 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that benefit from the European Council Regulation of 1st of March 2001. That Regulation amended the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences so as to extend duty and quota free access to all products, except arms and ammunition, originating in LDCs. This Regulation is known as the Everything But Arms Initiative. Notwithstanding this initiative, tariffs continue to be levied for the sensitive products of rice and sugar. Rice is due to be fully liberalised by September 2009 and sugar is scheduled to be fully liberalised by July 2009.

All of the statistical information required by the Deputy, including the revenue collected from the EU's trade with the ACP countries, is not immediately available from the European Commission.

The best available information is that ACP countries exported € 36,033,520 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 3.05% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 29 tariff lines. Nearly 97% of ACP exports to the EU do not attract tariffs. The remaining 3% are subject to "Most Favoured Nation" duties.

Industrial Development.

John Perry

Ceist:

423 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will clarify the difficulties and resolve the situation with a community based company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12601/07]

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

Registration of Companies.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

427 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that companies can be formed on-line in Singapore, for example in under an hour, and that a similar regime exists in some Nordic countries; his plans to reform the process of company formation here in order to allow on-line formation in a short time frame; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12858/07]

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

I understand that in some jurisdictions it is possible to incorporate companies on-line and in a very short time frame.

Under our current system most applications are submitted electronically and are dealt with within 3 to 5 days. This system is not yet fully on-line. To introduce a fully on-line facility will require changes in legislation. I understand that proposals in this regard are contained in the Report of the Company Law Review Group which I expect to receive shortly. The proposal will allow certain registers and records to be kept in electronic format as opposed to on paper as currently required.

The Companies Registration Office will shortly introduce an on-line name reservation system which will speed up the registration process further.

Company Closures.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

428 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has met with farmers who are owed money following the collapse of a company (details supplied); if he has considered proposals to ensure that all creditors of the plant will be paid the moneys owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12864/07]

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

As the matter is in the hands of a High Court appointed liquidator I have not met with the farmers or considered any proposals to ensure that creditors will be paid.

A liquidator was appointed in January 2002 and in accordance with the obligations set out in section 56(1) of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, the liquidator subsequently submitted a report to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. As relief was not granted by that Office, the liquidator, in accordance with section 56(2), made an application to the Court under section 150 of the Companies Act 1990 to have the directors restricted.

The judgment of Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan was delivered on 20 July 2004 and the Court determined that all four directors should be restricted for a period of five years. In the case of one director a stay of execution applies to the restriction order pending the outcome of his appeal to the Supreme Court which is still awaited.

The appointment of a liquidator in January 2002 was preceded by the appointment of a receiver by Anglo Irish Bank PLC on 10 October 2001 who disposed of the principal assets of the company. As the company was insolvent, there were insufficient assets available to pay off all creditors. I understand that the latest liquidators report registered with the Companies Registration Office was in December 2006. I have no further information and have no function here as the matter is in the hands of a court appointed liquidator.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

429 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the Health and Safety Authority report that found inadequate health and safety procedures in most of the hospitals visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13024/07]

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

The Health and Safety Authority in 2006, as part of its ongoing day-to-day operations, promoted the occupational safety, health and welfare management system and the audit tool for the health sector, which was developed in partnership with that sector. During 2006 the Authority carried out inspections concentrating on health and safety management in the health services sector, following up on the 2005 campaign in accident and emergency departments of large hospitals. This programme also involved the review of procedures for ensuring better infection control in hospitals so that the health and safety of employees is protected.

The inspections highlighted problems and inadequacy of procedures in most of the hospitals in the following areas: risk assessments for manual handling and for ergonomics; procedures for dealing with violence and aggression in overcrowded departments; handling of chemical and biological agents; prevention of slips, trips and falls; overcrowding and congestion; and infection control.

I understand that the Authority has followed up on these inspections, where appropriate, with the Health Services Executive (HSE).

The Health and Safety Authority's 2007 programme of work commits it to again targeting existing health and safety management systems and practices in the sector, through a programme of 200 inspections. These inspections will focus on worker protection in general hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric institutions and will include risk assessments for work activities, maintenance/cleaning procedures, security/ violence procedures, manual handling and control of biological agents.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

430 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in his Department for whom two or more phone lines have been provided at their home; the number of lines provided in each case; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13046/07]

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

There is only one staff member in my Department who has been provided with two phone lines at their home. This person is a teleworker requiring both phone and data connectivity and for technical reasons was provided with a second phone line.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

431 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13061/07]

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

I understand that the Deputy wishes to have details of travel and subsistence paid to the Departmental Training Officer and training days organised within the main Department since 1st January 2004. Since that date up to 31st March 2007, travel and subsistence amounting to €796.56 in total was paid to the current and previous Departmental Training Officer. Records show that person training days organised by my Department amounted to 2,989 in 2004; 3,323 in 2005 and 2,600 in 2006.

The relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had no specific impact on the work of the Departmental Training Officer. Since the courses offered by CMOD in Tullamore are identical in content to those previously offered in Dublin, there is no difference in the impact the courses have on the work of officers attending in Tullamore, other than additional travel.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

432 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13091/07]

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

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The ‘at risk of poverty' indicator, also referred to as the rate of relative poverty, measures all those who fall below a certain income threshold, which in the EU has been set at 60 per cent of median income, adjusted for family size. The latest comparative figures from Eurostat refer to 2005 when Ireland had an ‘at risk of poverty' rate of 20 per cent compared to an average of 16 per cent for the EU 25. It should be noted that these figures are calculated using a methodology that differs from the one used by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to calculate the national rate of ‘at risk of poverty'. Using the CSO methodology shows an ‘at risk of poverty' rate of 18.5 per cent in 2005, down from 19.7 per cent in 2003.

It has been acknowledged that the ‘at risk of poverty' indicator is not suited to making comparisons between countries at different stages of economic development. The problems inherent in using the indicator for international comparisons have been stated on a number of occasions and in various expert journals.

It should also be noted that the indicator does not measure poverty as such, but rather the proportion of people below a certain income threshold who may be ‘at risk of poverty'. Whether persons below the 60 per cent threshold are actually experiencing poverty will depend on a number of factors, including the degree to which income is below the relevant thresholds; the length of time on this relatively low income and the possession and use of other assets, especially one's own home.

The ‘at risk of poverty' indicator has particular limitations as a measure of poverty in the case of Ireland in recent years. It takes no account of overall living standards and fails to reflect the fact that in Ireland the 60 per cent median income threshold increased by 104 per cent between 1997 and 2005. Over the same period, prices (CPI) increased by 30.6 per cent, average industrial earnings increased by 56.4 per cent and basic social welfare payments increased by 79.1 per cent. The high levels of economic growth led to an increase in the number of women in the workforce and, consequently, in the number of two income households. Incomes in these cases outpaced the incomes of those who were not in the workforce and of some single income families. All groups in society have benefited from economic growth, therefore the main value of the indicator is in identifying particular groups which may have difficulty keeping pace with living standards generally.

In order to establish the actual extent of poverty, Ireland has developed an indicator, known as consistent poverty, which identifies the proportion of people ‘at risk of poverty', who are also deprived of certain goods or services considered essential for a basic standard of living. The overall goal of the new National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016, published in February, is to make a decisive impact on remaining levels of consistent poverty. This is underlined by the fact that a new target has been set, using an updated set of indicators, which is more realistic and in keeping with living standards today. The new target is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty from the 2005 level of 7 per cent to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. I am confident that this new NAP inclusion will build on the achievements of the last decade and deliver greater social inclusion and a society in which remaining consistent poverty is eliminated.

Social Insurance.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

446 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the second actuarial review of the social insurance fund, provided for under section 17 of the Social Welfare Act, 1998 will be published. [12561/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The second actuarial review of the social insurance fund will address the position of the Fund at the end of 2005. The period covered by the review will be 55 years (from 2006 to 2061). Following an evaluation process during 2006, Mercer Human Resources Consulting was selected to carry out the actuarial review. Work on the review is on schedule and the report is expected to be submitted over the coming weeks. A copy of the report will be laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the legislation.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

447 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the living alone allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not increased from €7.70 for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12756/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The living alone increase 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 who are 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 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 and is subject to regular review. It was decided in the context of Budget 2007 to continue this policy with maximum increases of €16 and €18 per week granted on personal rates giving a maximum rate of the state pension (contributory) of €209.30 per week and a maximum non-contributory pension of €200 per week. Taking account of the increases in the Budget, since 1996 pensions have increased by almost 119% or about 57% in real terms. The person concerned is in receipt of State pension (contributory) at the maximum rate along with the living alone increase and has received the full benefit of the Budget increases.

Departmental Reports.

David Stanton

Ceist:

448 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reports that have been commissioned by his Department since 2002; the details of consultants or Department sections who conducted the reports; the costs and publication dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12766/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Family Support Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

449 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the launch of Being A Young Mother, a practical and personal guide by the young women’s education programme (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that funding by his Department is appreciated and that this guide would be of benefit to a wider audience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

In September 2006 my Department provided funding under the Family Services Project (FSP) for the first year of a personal development, parenting and pre-employment programme for young lone parents being developed by the group in question. As part of the programme the participants developed a useful local guide for young lone parents.

460 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the way he will accelerate the Interconnector project as announced by An Taoiseach on 24 March, 2007; and the timescale proposed. [12975/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Transport 21 provides for the completion of the inter-connector (and the associated electrification project) by 2015. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it expects to have preliminary design work on the inter-connector completed in August. The work includes verifying the proposed alignment, developing station designs and layouts, carrying out geotechnical ground investigations, establishing detailed cost estimates and liaising with landowners, local authorities and other key third parties.

At that stage, a detailed timetable for the further planning and design of the project and its implementation will be determined on foot of this report. I will be seeking to ensure that this project, which is critical for the development of railway services in the Dublin area is advanced to completion as quickly as possible. Iarnród Éireann have established a strong record for the implementation of projects on time and within budget. This experience will be of benefit in taking forward the inter-connector project.

Departmental Correspondence.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

461 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the reason a response did not issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12309/07]

Ceist:

490 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position in regard to the future of Dublin Airport and the development of air transport nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13010/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 490 together.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) intend investing €2bn in new facilities over the next decade to radically improve the passenger experience at Dublin Airport. More than €1bn will be spent between now and the end of 2009. As a result a new departures facility Pier D will open this autumn, the new passenger terminal T2 is scheduled to open in 2009 and an extension to the existing terminal will be completed by Autumn 2008.

The DAA is investing significantly to deliver a second parallel runway, as well as new aircraft parking stands and taxiways. DAA believe that these investments will allow Dublin Airport to comfortably handle up to 35 million passengers per year and will create a vibrant modern airport that will be an efficient gateway to the Ireland of the 21st century.

From the point of view of civil aviation policy generally, my view is that Dublin Airport has considerable scope to expand to cater for growth in air traffic for many years to come. Indeed the national spatial strategy has acknowledged that the expansion of the level of air services from Dublin Airport to a wider range of destinations is essential in the interests of underpinning Ireland's future international competitiveness.

The Government's objective with regard to aviation policy is to facilitate and encourage a wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services to maximise opportunities for Irish tourism, trade and industry. My Department's strategy is to promote, where possible, new air services and, where necessary, to put in place new or modified air transport agreements.

The Deputy will be aware that EU Transport Ministers recently approved a draft Open Skies Air Transport Agreement between the EU and the US. It is now expected that the agreement will be signed at the EU US summit on 30 April 2007. The benefits for Ireland will be very significant in terms of increased tourism and economic activity. It will give the freedom to Aer Lingus and other carriers to inaugurate new services potentially to any city in the US over time.

I firmly believe that the liberalisation of aviation markets across the globe generally would also have significant benefits to Ireland. My Department has recently commenced informal discussions with the Canadian authorities with a view to renegotiating a bilateral agreement with Canada on a more liberal basis.

Railway Stations.

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 to 471, inclusive, and 473 together.

As I have indicated previously I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information in relation to the cost of individual projects within Transport 21 until the public procurement processes are complete.

Road Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

472 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of completing the five inter-urban motorways to Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway and the border. [12404/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As Minister for Transport I have overall responsibility for policy and funding matters in relation to national roads. Under the Roads Act 1993 the National Roads Authority (NRA) are responsible for the detailed planning, design and implementation of the national roads programme including road scheme cost and value for money related matters. Major progress continues to be made towards the completion of the five major inter urban (MIU) routes linking Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and the Northern Ireland Border by 2010, in line with the targets set for the NRA in Transport 21 and the National Development Plan.

The overall position at the beginning of 2007, one year into Transport 21, is that, of the 738 km of mainline route involved, approximately 70% has been completed or is under construction. The remainder is expected to commence construction this year or in 2008. I do not intend to speculate on costs at this stage.

Question No. 473 answered with QuestionNo. 469.

Road Traffic Regulations.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

474 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether parking spaces should be provided for elderly persons similar to the mother and baby spaces currently available in many car parks here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12438/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The allocation of parking spaces on the public road and in a local authority car parks, in accordance with the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997 to 2006 and the Traffic Signs Manual, is a matter for each Local Authority under Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. There is no provision in the Signs Regulations or Manual for the parking spaces referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 475 answered with QuestionNo. 115.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

476 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the regulations made under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. [12529/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The following is a list of the Regulations made under Section 35 of The Road Traffic Act 1994:

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, S.I. No. 182 of 1997

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 1998, S.I. No. 274 of 1998

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No 2) 1998, S.I. No. 441 of 1998

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2003, S.I. No. 98 of 2003

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, S.I. No. 404 of 2004

Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, S.I. No. 11 of 2005

Rail Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

477 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport his views on the apparent removal of the potential for freight business in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12530/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

This is an operational matter for Iarnród Eireann and not one in which I have any role.

Question No. 478 withdrawn.

Harbours and Piers.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

479 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed merger of Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners with Shannon Foynes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12764/07]

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

The Ports Policy Statement, published in January 2005, states that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The Policy Statement reiterated the view that most of the these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership or, where this was not possible, the option of sale of the harbours would be considered. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists, consideration would be given to bringing them under the control of a port company.

With regard to Tralee and Fenit Harbour, my Department believes that the best way forward may be some form of amalgamation with Shannon Foynes Port Company. In that regard, Shannon Foynes Port Company has been asked by my Department to carry out a due diligence process in cooperation with Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners in order to progress the matter. The precise details of an amalgamation would have to be worked out in conjunction with the various parties in due course and would not be finalised without first consulting further with local interests.

Question No. 480 answered with QuestionNo. 121.

Rail Network.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

481 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if the decision to re-open an infrastructural project (details supplied) in County Galway is conditional on the carrying out of a feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12880/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

In the context of the approval of funding and opening for the Ennis/Athenry section of the Western Rail Corridor, the Government also approved funding for the development of the Athenry/Tuam section subject to the submission by Iarnród Éireann of an updated business plan based on the prior introduction of services on the Ennis/Athenry section.

Question No. 482 answered with QuestionNo. 91.

Rail Safety.

Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

487 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily commuter rail capacity in Dublin City and County and the immediately adjoining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13007/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The information sought by the Deputy has been provided by Irish Rail and is set out in the following table.

	Total Fleet Numbers	Total Capacity
DART	154	26,950
Suburban Rail	180	28,800

Air Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

488 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has evaluated the extent of the potential benefit of the open skies policy in respect of air travel to and from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13008/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

489 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects the open skies policy to impact positively or otherwise on Irish carriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13009/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.

A number of reports (the Brattle Report for the European Commission, the Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group to the Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism, and the Air Transport Users Council (ATUC) of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland Report into Open Skies) all supported moving to open skies with the US, and emphasised the significant benefits to Ireland when this happens.

The proposed Air Transport Agreement between the European Community and its Member States on the one hand and the Unites States on the other is now to be signed at the EU US Summit on 30 April. While it will not enter into effect until 30 March, 2008, the transitional arrangements relating to Ireland are already being applied.

From the perspective of air carriers the most immediate benefit is that Irish and other European carriers are permitted to launch services on three new US routes. Aer Lingus has moved quickly to avail of the new opportunities and has already announced that it proposes to commence new services to San Francisco, Orlando and Washington Dulles later this year.

From 30 March, 2008 it will be possible for Irish and European carriers to provide services between Ireland and any U.S. airport.

The benefits for Ireland will be very significant in terms of increased tourism and economic activity. The opportunity for increased tourism is obvious. The Irish Hotels Federation has estimated that the Open Skies deal could double the number of US visitors to 2 million within seven years, generating an extra €1 billion for the Irish economy.

From a business perspective new direct connections will open access to new markets and business linkages. This will provide a further impetus to the close economic relations that already exist between Ireland and the US.

In the two-year period prior to the decentralisation of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre (CSTDC) to Tullamore, the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by my Department in respect of attendance of staff at pre-retirement planning courses was €217.62 Since the relocation there has been no payments made to staff in respect of travel and subsistence for attending pre-retirement planning courses.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

497 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13114/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Staff that have transferred to my Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes have not had to make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer. Staff transferred to my department are assigned to the relevant division that is decentralising.

Care of the Elderly.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

498 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is considering a review of the charge levied on pensioners for a panic button in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12380/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

The provision of socially-monitored alarms to older people is managed by local community and voluntary groups, with the support of my Department under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People.

My Department provides a grant to community groups of up to €300 per individual per alarm in respect of the costs for the once-off installation of such alarms. I understand that this amount usually covers the full cost, or most of the cost, of the installation charge. Thereafter, ongoing monitoring costs are charged by the private commercial suppliers engaged by the community groups to monitor the alarms. I understand these costs are of the order of €60 to €80 per annum per individual.

My Department has no involvement in these ongoing monitoring costs. Given that the Scheme of Community Support for Older People has benefited as many as 100,000 older people, the cost of providing funding for such monitoring costs would be very considerable. It is my view that the available resources are better spent on continuing to improve the security of older people in their homes rather than paying for ongoing running costs.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Ceist:

499 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); if Údarás na Gaeltachta consulted him before making this decision; if he made any demands on behalf of the draft-net fishermen; if Údarás consulted with him before it bought the Musgrave Estate; if Údarás consulted with him as to the extent of commercial fishing licences in the area before it made this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12797/07]

John Perry

Ceist:

505 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); the reason no public meeting was held with the traditional fishermen; if Údarás consulted with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources as to the extent of commercial fishing licences in the area before it made this decision; the reason Údarás purchased the Musgrave Estate; the reason Údarás handed the fishing rights to the CISLT, who are not representative of the area; if there were conditions attached to the licence; if he can revoke that licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 505 together.

In the first instance, I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 264 on 22 Feabhra 2000 and to previous Questions on this matter, which point out that this is a day-to-day operational matter for Údarás na Gaeltachta.

In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, however, I have made further enquiries with Údarás na Gaeltachta and I understand that the fishery referred to by the Deputy was bought by Údarás in 1992 for the benefit of the local Gaeltacht area. Subsequently, Údarás granted a 35 year licence, with effect from 1 April 1993, to Comhlucht Iascaireachta Shliabh a' Liag Teo (CISLT), a company which was formed by a local anglers' society to manage the fishery. I am also informed that there was a disagreement between CISLT and a number of local fishermen from the outset and that extensive efforts to reach an agreement over the years, including the appointment of a mediator, were unsuccessful.

As the Deputy is aware, the Northern Regional Fisheries Board is charged with ensuring the observance of the Fishery Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders in the region. The fishery is also governed by the licence granted by Údarás na Gaeltachta to CISLT and by fishing licences issued to individuals by CISLT.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

500 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/07]

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

None, other than one staff member who is on sick leave for the past month and is currently in receipt of full salary in accordance with the sick leave regulations.

Rural Development.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

501 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the compensation package offered to the farmers in the Keem and Dooagh walkways area is not sufficient and that this needs to be reviewed and a satisfactory package offered to the farmers whose lands are being used in these areas and in all of County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/07]

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

None of the staff at my Department have 2 or more telephone lines provided in their homes.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

508 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money paid to the training officers in his Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances; the number of training days organised; and if the relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had an impact on the work of training officers or on the work of those who attend courses there. [13058/07]

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

In the year in question, 2006, during which CMOD relocated to Tullamore, a total amount of €3,427.29 was paid to training officers in my Department in respect of travel and subsistence allowances.

Our records indicate for the same period that approximately 90 separate training events were organised within the Department, ranging from half-day to 2 days in duration.

The relocation of CMOD to Tullamore has had a minimal impact on the work of my Department's training officers or on the work of staff as very few would attend CMOD courses in Tullamore.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

509 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the average amount of travel and subsistence allowances paid by his Department in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses prior to the relocation of the Civil Service Training Centre to Tullamore; the average amount paid in respect of attendance at the same course since the centre was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13088/07]

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

Our records would indicate that the following average amounts were paid to staff of my Department for travel and subsistence allowances in respect of attendance at pre-retirement planning courses:

Period prior to relocation of CMOD to Tullamore: €760.57

Period following relocation of CMOD to Tullamore: €867.73

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

510 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/07]

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

A total of 68 officers transferred into my Department and were assigned to various sections. None were required to move from those original sections within the period in question. The morale issue raised by the Deputy does not, therefore, arise.

I should add that my Department attempts to deploy its staff in such a way as to best meet its functions and responsibilities at any given time. In this context, the need for and desirability of transfers of staff can arise. No member of staff is exempt from such moves.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

511 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of civil servants in her Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13487/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

There are 36 staff in receipt of a full salary who have not undertaken work in the past month: For the most part, these staff are availing of maternity/adoptive leave or are on long-term sick leave. (The monthly salary amount for these staff is approximately €108,000).

Grant Payments.

Tom McEllistrim

Ceist:

512 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has not been granted a beef premium which is pending since 1996/1997 when an inspection took place in view of the fact that there appears to be €40,000 approximately outstanding to this farmer. [12320/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

While it is apparent from the computer records maintained that the person named submitted applications under the 1996 Special Beef Premium Scheme, it is necessary that the original files be extracted from the Department file archive in order to ascertain the position regarding the eligibility of the applications in question. Given the time lapse involved, it may take some time to locate the particular file. Ordinarily, my Department would not maintain files beyond seven years after the year of application. An official of my Department will be in direct contact with the person named in due course.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

513 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the payments granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in 2006; if this person has received all their payments; if not the amount they are due; the entitlements of the person; and the rate of same. [12336/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

An application under the Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Schemes was received from the person named on 5 April 2006. My Department issued full payment to the applicant amounting to €1,296.57 under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 10 January 2007.

There are Single Payment Scheme entitlements of the order of €2,300 held in the name of the person's late mother. My Department has been in contact with the person named to arrange for the transfer of these entitlements to him if appropriate. If the transfer of the entitlements is in order, the application will be processed without delay.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

514 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12373/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Payment dated 23 March 2007 has issued to the person named, in line with the targets agreed with the farming bodies.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

515 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12374/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The application for payment in this case was received on 12 February 2007 and is being processed in line with the targets agreed with the farming bodies.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

516 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved entitlements as a new entrant. [12381/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under categories A and 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 to 2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as the land was not leased out to a third party during the reference years.

Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as he did not fulfil the educational qualifications required to be eligible under Category D.

A formal letter outlining my Department's position issued to the person named in September 2006 in which he was offered the opportunity to appeal to the Independent Appeals Committee. To date no appeal has been received in my Department.

Veterinary Council.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

517 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received a submission from the Veterinary Council regarding its proposed increase in the retirement age for vets; if, under the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, the Veterinary Council must seek her approval regarding changes to the retirement age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12426/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Veterinary Practice Act 2005, which regulates the veterinary profession, does not contain any provision in relation to the retirement age for veterinary practitioners. On that basis, the need for the Veterinary Council to seek my approval regarding any changes to the retirement age of veterinary practitioners does not arise. In any event, I have not received a submission from the Veterinary Council in relation to the matter.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

518 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason it is taking over eighteen months to identify if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is due payments under the special beef premium scheme for 2001 and 2003, the suckler cow premium for 2001, the slaughter premium for 2002 and the extensification premium for 2001 and 2003. [12440/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

This case was the subject of a protracted investigation by officials of my Department, the conclusion of which was that the herd of the person named and that of his son were intermixed, that serious breaches of the animal identification system had been perpetrated and that the identities of significant numbers of animals could not be confirmed. As indicated in response to various previous enquiries about this case, as a result of the investigation conducted, the records of the animals from the herd number of the person named, submitted under the 2001 and 2003 Special Beef Premium Schemes, the 2001 Suckler Cow Premium Scheme, the 2002 Slaughter Premium Scheme and the Extensification Premium Schemes for 2001 and 2003, required to be examined with a view to identifying what animals, if any, might be eligible for payment. Eligibility under these Schemes required, inter alia, that the animals concerned comply with the relevant identification and registration requirements. This examination has now been completed and the person named is being written to formally, outlining the results of these enquiries. The person named will be entitled to appeal this decision, should he be dissatisfied with the outcome.

Animal Welfare.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

519 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the standards that apply for putting down animals and in particular dogs and cats in County Mayo; the efforts made to find homes for these domestic animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12474/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984, and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2006 (SI No 705 of 2006). It does not have statutory responsibility for the care and welfare of other animals such as dogs and cats.

Responsibility for dogs and cats at county level is a matter for the relevant local authority under the Control of Dogs Acts, 1986 and 1992, which come under the remit of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

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

Bord Bia.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

520 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the names of the directors of Bord Bia; the length of service of all members of the board of Bord Bia; the number of appointments to Bord Bia in 2006 and 2007; and if a board member was re-appointed in 2006 or 2007. [12504/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form hereunder. The normal term of office is three years with outgoing members eligible for re-appointment. In the event of a casual vacancy arising, a new member will be appointed for the unexpired term of office of the outgoing member. The convention is that presidents of farming organisations are appointed for the duration of their presidential terms.

An Bord Bia Main Board Members at 3 April 2007
Name	Date of Appointment	Term
Ms. Angela Kennedy (Chairman)	2 February 2005	1st term
Dr. Noel Cawley	5 September 2006	4th term
Ms. Brid Rodgers	15 February 2007	2nd term
Mr. Dan Browne	15 February 2007	3rd term
Mr. Joseph Hyland,	2 February 2005	1st term
Mr. Ray Carolan,	2 February 2005	1st term
Ms. Mary J. Byrne	1 February 2006	2nd term
Mr. Padraig Walshe	1 February 2006	1st term
Mel O’Rourke	1 February 2006	1st term
Mr. John Malone,	2 February 2005	1st term
Mr Jackie Cahill	15 February 2007	2nd term
Michael Kilcoyne (1)	1 February 2006	3rd term
Frank Hayes	15 February 2007	1st term
Kieran Dunne	14 September 2004	1st term
Mrs Katherine O’Leary, (2)	15 September 2004	1st term

Bovine Diseases.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

521 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of statutory levies paid in 2006 by Irish farmers on the sale of sheep, pigs, cattle and other commodities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12505/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The total amount of statutory levies paid by Irish farmers in 2006 was €15.8m.

The Bovine Disease (Levies) Act, 1979 provides for disease levies to be applied to milk delivered for processing and on bovine animals slaughtered or exported live. The levies were introduced under the 1979 Act to require the farming community to make a financial contribution towards the cost of compensation paid under the TB/Brucellosis Eradication Schemes. In view of the improvement in the incidence of both diseases in recent years the levies have been reduced by 25% in 2004, 33% in 2005 and a further 50% in 2007. The current rate of levy is €1.27 per animal slaughtered/exported live and 0.06 cent per litre of milk for processing.

Section 37 of the An Bord Bia Act 1994 provides for a levy on all cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered within the State or exported live from the State. The rates of the statutory levies are €1.90, €0.25 and €0.25 on bovines, sheep and pigs respectively

Grant Payments.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

522 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason single farm payment entitlements were not allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the matter will be reconsidered in view of the circumstances; if additional entitlements will be allocated to the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12531/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Single Payment entitlements were allocated to the person named.

Entitlements were generally established for farmers who were farming during the three reference years 2000-2002 and in receipt of direct payments under one or more of the livestock and/or arable aid schemes. These Single Payment entitlements are based on the premia and/or arable aid payments made to a person during the reference years. In cases where lands were leased during the reference period, the Single Payment entitlements are payable to the person who was farming the land in the reference period.

The person named submitted an application under the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme on 15 November 2004. Having assessed the application, my Department informed her that the application was successful and that the reference year 2002 would be omitted from the calculation of Single Payment entitlements. This is the most beneficial position for the person named as the omission of other reference years or the use of the alternate reference period 1997-99 would have resulted in a decreased payment.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

523 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will expedite a positive response to an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny relative to their single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12592/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

This appeal was received in the Agriculture Appeals Office on 26th September 2006, assigned to an Appeals Officer on 23rd October 2006 and the Appeals Officer issued a decision on 9th February 2007 to disallow the appeal. The decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive, except in the following circumstances:

An Appeals Officer may change a decision where there is new evidence, new facts or a relevant change in circumstances. The Appeals Officer considers that no new evidence has been provided that would warrant a change in the decision.

The Director of Agriculture Appeals may revise a decision where there has been a mistake in relation to the law or the facts of the case. The Acting Director has reviewed the file and is satisfied that there are no grounds for revising the decision of the Appeals Officer.

If the appellant feels he has been unfairly treated by this Office he may contact the Office of the Ombudsman, 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin.

A case may be appealed to the High Court on a point of law.

Milk Quota.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

524 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review an application to the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal in view of additional information submitted recently by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [12620/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system.

The application in question was examined by the Tribunal at the final meeting of the 2006/07 quota year last week. The results of that meeting are being processed and notification of the outcome will issue to the person and his co-op shortly.

The Central Applications Facility (CAF) was established by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to allow civil servants apply for decentralisation. Transfers to Portlaoise are now processed through the CAF and the following table sets out the current position, based on the latest information supplied by PAS to the Department.

Grade	1st preference applicants awaiting transfer to DAF	1st preference applicants in DAF awaiting transfer to Portlaoise	2-10 Applicants awaiting transfer to DAF*	2-10 applicants in DAF awaiting transfer to Portlaoise
AP	0	0	3.5	0
HEO	1	0	Trawl scheduled for April 2007
HEO IT	1	0	2	0
EO	3	0	Trawl currently underway
SO	0	0	Trawl not scheduled
CO	0	0	Trawl to be scheduled
Service Officer	0	0	0	0

*A 2-10 trawl involves PAS canvassing applicants who have expressed interest in additional locations (ranked from 2 to 10), whether they wish to switch their first preference.

The recruitment process has begun in all of these cases and is at an advanced stage in most. The table does not include a number of applicants who have indicated that they wish to defer their move to the Department or Portlaoise or those on long-term absences (e.g. career breaks).

Company Closures.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

531 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has met with farmers who are owed money following the collapse of a company (details supplied); if she has considered proposals to ensure that all creditors of the plant will be paid the moneys owed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12863/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The Deputy will be aware that this company went into receivership in October 2001, and a liquidator was appointed early in 2002. The issue has been raised by farmers with me, on a number of occasions, however, as the payment of monies owed is a matter to be resolved between creditors and the liquidator it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the matter.

Grant Payments.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

532 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when issues relating to outstanding payments under the single farm payment scheme will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12874/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 5 April 2006; the person named had established 38.03 entitlements, to a total value of €2,605.06, during the reference period. The application was fully processed and payments issued as follows:

First instalment: 16 October 2006, €1,250.43. Payment cashed on 24 October 2006.

The method chosen for disposal of carcasses and other infective material will be in accordance with the requirements for Category 2 animal by-product laid down in Council Regulation 2002/1774/EC ie to a Category 1 (there are currently no Category 2 plants in Ireland) rendering plant followed by incineration. There are four category 1 plants in Ireland. The processing temperatures required for approval of category 1 plants are greatly in excess of temperatures required to inactivate AI virus, and therefore eliminate any risk to human or avian health. The distances over which the carcasses will be transported will be determined by the location of the outbreak and the proximity of the nearest rendering plant. Detailed guidelines are in place for the safe transport of carcasses from infected farms to rendering plants.

My Department is satisfied that there is adequate rendering capacity to deal with an outbreak of avian flu in commercial poultry and arrangements have been made with the rendering plants to ensure that all appropriate public health measures are taken to protect staff in such plants who may come in contact with any untreated infected material.

There will be no requirement to export carcasses for disposal, whether by incineration or otherwise. The final product of the rendering process — meat and bonemeal and tallow — will be exported for incineration, as is the existing practice in view of the lack of incineration facilities in Ireland.

Departmental Correspondence.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

541 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the response given to correspondence (details supplied); if assistance was given; her views on the situation outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12765/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Section 14(1) of the Education Act 1998 states "It shall be the duty of a patron, for the purposes of ensuring that a recognised school is managed in a spirit of partnership, to appoint where practicable a board of management the composition of which is agreed between patrons of schools, national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and the Minister." Section 16 provides that, subject to the consent of the Minister, the patron may, if satisfied that the functions of a board are not being effectively discharged, dissolve a Board of Management following the issue in writing of notice of the proposed dissolution to board members and consideration of representations, if any received from those same members within a one month period following the date of such notice. In the specific case referred to by the Deputy, I have been advised that the Patron gave the board of management members an opportunity to present their case both orally and in writing following notification by the Patron of the proposed dissolution. I understand that the Patron gave due consideration to the representations made by all board members in accordance with the requirements set out in the Education Act. The Patron, having considered the representations, remained of the view that the board should be dissolved. I wish to assure the Deputy that I gave careful consideration to the application from the Patron for my approval to dissolve the board before acceding to the request. I am satisfied that the dissolution has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I approved the appointment of joint managers to manage the school. The procedures for the selection of candidates for teaching posts are agreed by the Education Partners and the Department and are set out in Appendix D of the handbook for boards of management "Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure". This handbook issued from my Department to all boards of management at the beginning of the term of office of current boards. Section 5(viii) of the Appendix advises that "having interviewed such applicants as present themselves, the Selection Board shall submit a written report to the Board of Management, nominating the applicant whom it considers most suitable for appointment". Section 5(x) clearly states "The Board of Management shall appoint the teacher so nominated unless it has good and sufficient reason not to do so, in which instance the matter shall be referred to the Patron, whose decision in this matter shall be accepted by the Board". The methods employed during the marking process for selected candidates is entirely a matter for the Selection Board and the Board of Management of the individual school concerned. Section 5(xi) of Appendix D of the handbook states "The Chairperson shall seek the approval of the Patron for the appointment".

With regard to the composition of the independent committee appointed in this instance, this is entirely a matter for the Patron. However, I have no reason to believe, that the committee did not act in a proper fashion. The correspondence referred to by the Deputy was referred to my Department by the Office of An Taoiseach and a reply setting out the position has been issued to the correspondent in question.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

542 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants in her Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13492/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Staff in my Department in receipt of full salary, who have not worked in the past month, are either on sick leave or availing of a range of approved absences including annual leave, maternity leave etc.

School Transport.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

543 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, which has 69 pupils enrolled, is not currently able to meet the minimum criteria of at least seven children living beyond 3.2 kilometres to attain a Department of Education bus and, therefore, all children must be taken to school by car; if, in line with best environmental practices she will consider reducing the mileage ratio down to 1 mile or even 1 kilometre in rural areas in order to minimise car use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12304/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

The Deputy will be aware that, in recent years, the enhancement of the safety of school transport operations has been a priority and substantial funding has been provided for that purpose. As a consequence, the "3 for 2" seating arrangement has been phased out and all children travelling on buses in the school transport scheme now have a seat of their own. Bus Éireann has acquired additional vehicles and hired in extra private vehicles to offset the consequential capacity shortfall. The enhancement of safety both on and in the vicinity of school buses will continue to be afforded high priority. The allocation for school transport in 2007 is €165 million, an increase of 62% on the 2003 financial outturn. Any move as suggested by the Deputy to reduce the qualifying distance for establishing eligibility for transport will further increase operating costs. At present, over 134,000 children are carried each day to primary and post-primary schools, including in the region of 8,000 children with special educational needs. Children with special educational needs may be eligible for transport from home to school, depending on the nature of their disability. While I have no immediate plans to reduce the qualifying distance of 3.2 kilometres for the purpose of establishing a pupil's eligibility for school transport at primary level, I will keep the matter under review.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

544 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has been in touch with South Dublin County Council regarding the action plan for the Killinarden parish area in Tallaght that includes 2,500 new housing developments but no provision for a new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12313/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

548 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide a new access road to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to replace the existing arrangement where traffic enters and exits the school via an estate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12324/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The issue of an access road to the school to which the Deputy refers is a matter for the local authority, in this case Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Psychological Service.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

549 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if the National Educational Psychological Service has been extended to all of Clare’s primary and post primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12352/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I assume the Deputy is enquiring about primary teachers. There are currently 1,780 students graduating from primary teacher training courses each year. The main drivers of vacancies in schools are retirements and the creation of new posts. The expenditure in 2006 on the Colleges of Education is set out below. The other two Colleges of Education are funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). My Department does not fund Hibernia College.

Froebel College of Education €2,862,988

Colaiste Mhuire €4,148,408

Church of Ireland College of Education €2,121,576

The estimated cost of 4,000 primary teachers at €60,000 per post is €240 million. Provision of accommodation to cater for these additional teachers would cost in the order of €500m. This does not include provision for the additional costs which would arise if teacher numbers increased in terms of services and training for the additional teachers in the system. This would include the cost of additional inspectors required to carry out inspections (including probation), provision of additional in-service training and the additional administrative costs for the Department of Education and Science associated with processing payment of salary, pension etc for extra teachers. Neither does it include the additional costs on the capital side in terms of ongoing maintenance of any additional classroom accommodation provided. The salary cost given does not include provision for the necessary pension costs which would increase the salary cost by approximately 25%-30% per annum. Extra costs would also arise if a decision was made to provide additional teacher training places in the teacher education colleges.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

555 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual salary costs for 4,000 primary teachers. [12398/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The cost of an individual primary teacher is dependent on qualifications, salary scale, post of responsibilities and other allowances. It is estimated that currently, the average annual cost of a teacher in the primary sector is €60,000. This cost excludes the cost of pension benefits.

Special Educational Needs.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

556 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if home tuition will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [12408/07]

Ceist:

635 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve incremental credit and pension rights for substitute service undertaken by qualified Bachelor of Education and national teachers between the years 1985 to 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12956/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 635 together.

The criteria for the award of incremental credit are outlined in Primary Circular 10/01 – Amendments to the Scheme for the Award of Incremental Credit, which is available from Primary Payments Section of my Department or on my Department's website. The scheme provides that all permanent teachers appointed or re-appointed after 1 September 1998, who have given service as substitute teachers in primary schools within the Republic of Ireland since 1 September 1985 are awarded incremental credit subject to a maximum of 2 years. Only substitute service given after the date of probation may be considered. The forum for dealing with claims for improvements to conditions of service for teachers is the Teachers Conciliation Council. I understand that a claim for improvements in the arrangements for the award of incremental credit is currently before the Council. Pending the outcome of consideration of that claim, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter. Provision exists for the reckoning for pension purposes of substitute service given as a qualified teacher where that service reaches specific thresholds. This provision applies to substitute service given since 1991. The service may be reckoned following appointment to a permanent teaching post and is subject to the payment of appropriate pension contributions. Revised arrangements for reckoning substitute service for pension purposes, arising from recent pension reforms, are being finalised. These arrangements will apply to substitute service given at any time prior to 1 September 2001 in the case of teachers in service on or after that date. A circular outlining the detailed arrangements is in course of preparation and it is expected that it will be issued to schools later this year.

Educational Disadvantage.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

562 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to extend the early start programme to a school (details supplied) in Cork City; if this school was included in the survey to warrant their inclusion in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12423/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy may be aware, the vast majority of support for child care, including preschool education, is not provided by my Department, but is now provided by the Office of the Minister for Children under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 and its successor programme, the National Childcare Investment Programme. Under the EOCP programme, close to €500 million has been expended on child care and places created will be in the region of 41,000 by the time the programme has been exhausted. Investment of €575 million under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 aims to create an additional 50,000 places. 10,000 of these places will be for preschool children. My Department's main role in the area of early years education encompasses targeted preschool provision for children from disadvantaged areas, for Traveller children and for those with special needs.

The Early Start Programme is a one-year preventative intervention scheme offered in selected schools in designated disadvantaged areas in Ireland. The objective of the programme is to tackle educational disadvantage by targeting children who are at risk of not reaching their potential within the school system. The programme currently provides some 1,680 places in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. Targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. While there are no immediate plans to expand the Early Start programme in its current format, it is intended that the interventions in the area of early childhood education provision are subsumed into the DEIS action plan and form part of an integrated package of supports for schools identified through the Educational Research Council as experiencing a concentrated level of disadvantage. St Patrick's Primary school is one of the Primary Schools identified by the ERC as experiencing a concentrated level of disadvantage and it does mean that the school is included in any additional educational supports which are available under DEIS.

Schools Building Projects.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

563 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway where pupils are in overcrowded classrooms and the school is catering for 135 students with a projected increase to 157 in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12427/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The assessment of the long term projected staffing, on which the schools accommodation needs are based is under way at present in the Department. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multiannual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

564 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Carlow for grant aid for major capital works; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that their original submission was sent in 2000 and that since then the staff numbers in the school have grown from seven to 17 and that enrolment figures have continued to grow; and when she expects to make a decision on their application. [12439/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. This application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale works and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Staffing.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

565 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to meet the job-share need of a person (details supplied) teaching in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12443/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Question No. 572 answered with QuestionNo. 570.

Vocational Education.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

573 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support and approve additional new courses for a college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12499/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

Applications for PLC provision for 2007-2008 have been received from all 33 Vocational Education Committees. These applications are being reviewed at present.

In order to approve additional courses the providers have to prove that there will be a demand in the locality and, in addition to this, all aspects of each course will have to meet the Conditions of Approval as set out in the criteria of the programme. At present a total of 30,188 places have been allocated to the PLC programme nationally. My Department endeavours to assist providers in developing the variety of courses available to best suit the learners, the economy and the community. My Department monitors enrolment figures to see where these places can be utilised to achieve the greatest results. In making a decision on applications for existing and additional courses and the support of these, my Department will review all the relevant information before making a final decision.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

574 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make financial provision for the erection of a canopy or roof covering on the proposed new school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 in order that the children can play in all weathers in their rooftop playground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12512/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction has commenced on the building project referred to. The tendered project did not provide for a rooftop canopy in view of the significant additional cost involved.

School Transport.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

575 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare are not facilitated with school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

Primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the School Transport Scheme.

The family referred to by the Deputy are considered eligible for school transport and may avail of a transport service with a pick up point 2.4 kilometres from their home. The provision of a payable extension to this service was offered to, but not availed of by, the family in question. The family should contact the local Bus Éireann office should they wish to avail of a school transport service.

School Services Staff.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

576 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has proposals to improve the position of school secretaries employed in national schools; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many other workers in schools such as special needs assistants are now in permanent pensionable and recognised positions with an incremental scale, and that many secretaries working for long periods in school have no recognition, no permanent structure of employment and no access to increments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12517/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978/79 scheme for the employment of full-time secretaries in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. This scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. This scheme has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the Ancillary Services grant.

The standard rate of grant per pupil under the Ancillary Services scheme has been increased substantially in recent years — from €102 in 2002 to €145.50 from 1st January, 2007. The amount of grant paid to an individual school is determined by the enrolment in the school.

The Ancillary Services grant scheme is flexible in nature, giving Boards of Management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial services are provided. The grants paid are not directly linked to any objective pay scales. The level and extent of services provided is a matter for the school authorities who, through the discretion afforded by the scheme, apply diverse arrangements for secretarial services as resources permit. As the secretaries are employees of individual schools, my Department does not have any role in determining the pay and conditions under which they are engaged. These are matters to be agreed between the staff concerned and the school authorities. There are no proposals at present to change this position.

School Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

577 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason parents of children with special needs that are attending a school (details supplied) in North Tipperary are experiencing such difficulties in being granted transport grant aid; the further reason each case is not being assessed individually rather than the current process of having to be within certain criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12524/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

My Department has been informed by the local Special Education Needs Organiser that the pupil referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy is not attending the nearest school to the pupil's residence in which resources can be allocated to support the child's educational needs. In these circumstances, the question of my Department allocating grant-aid towards transport costs does not arise.

School Enrolments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

578 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school place at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered to a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12534/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools on this issue. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.

Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to my Department. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, my Department may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of. The existence of an appeals procedure serves to ensure that schools abide by their enrolment policies. Details on appealing decisions on enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Alternatively, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

School Transport.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

579 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will be in a position to reply to a parliamentary question as outlined in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 11 October 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12535/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

The Deputy will be aware that the pupil referred to, in the details supplied, was the subject of Parliamentary Question No. 839 on 20th March 2007. The position remains the same i.e. the School Transport Section of my Department has no record of receiving an application for transport through the appropriate channels for this pupil. Therefore, the question of paying a grant does not arise.

School Enrolments.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

580 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children that are on waiting lists to begin primary school in Dublin 15 in September 2007. [12536/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.

There is spare capacity at two post primary schools in the Dublin 15 area, I am satisfied that there are sufficient places to cater for current demand, even though every pupil may not secure a place in the school of first choice. However, I am conscious of the significant on-going housing developments in the area and to cater for the increasing numbers of children who will be seeking post-primary school places in the coming years, I have given the go ahead for a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Dublin 15. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate and Laytown under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money.

The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design for these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. The Department is working closely with the relevant local authorities on the delivery of these projects. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases it is envisaged that the schools will be completed as close as possible to the 2009/2010 school year.

Sites have been reserved for further post primary schools in both Tyrrelstown and Hansfield and consideration is being given to the development of a further post primary school in Castleknock.

Schools Amalgamation.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

584 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expedite a site inspection of the two schools in Callan, County Kilkenny where agreement has been reached with her Department to amalgamate the schools concerned ; if she will set a date for the inspection and the appointment of a design team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12540/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A date for a technical inspection of the schools to which the Deputy refers will be arranged as soon as possible in the context of competing priorities under the school Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

585 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in approving the construction of a new vocational school at Kilkenny Road, Carlow; and when a decision is expected in the case. [12541/07]

John McGuinness

Ceist:

586 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application to construct a new vocational school on the existing school site, Kilkenny Road, Carlow; if the project will be given priority in view of its urgent need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12542/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 585 and 586 together.

I can confirm that the School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital works from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers.

This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

587 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the special needs of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if she has taken into consideration the case’s circumstances in enabling this person access to the special language classes; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this person has been diagnosed with a language disorder; the guidelines around criteria for children with specific speech and language disorders that have been applied to this case; if she is satisfied with the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 839 of 20 March 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12566/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

591 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to update her website in order to make available to the general public a copy of the Rules for National Schools, more up to date than a photocopy of the rules as published in 1965; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12581/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 591 together.

For about 80 years prior to 1922, the administration of the primary education system was governed by a set of Rules, the Rules for National Schools made by the Commissioners. The Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, a body corporate created by Royal Charter in1845.

Section 1 of the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 assigned the administration of the Commissioners for National Education in Ireland in the Department of Education. By order of the Executive Council dated 16th August, 1923 (pursuant to its power under section 7 of the Adaptation of Enactments Act 1922) all the jurisdictions, powers and duties of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland were transferred to a new board called the National Education Commissioners. That new board, in turn, was dissolved by order of the Executive Council dated 2nd August, 1935, whereupon all the jurisdictions, powers, duties and functions formerly exercised by it were expressly transferred to the Minister for Education.

A revised code of "Rules and Regulations for National Schools under the Department of Education" was issued in 1932. The position, accordingly, when the Constitution of Ireland came into force in December, 1937 was that primary education was directly regulated by the Minister by the revised regulatory code introduced in 1932.

At the beginning of 1965 new rules entitled "Rules for National Schools under the Department of Education" were introduced by the Minister for Education with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance. This version of the Rules for National Schools has subsequently been updated, amended and supplemented by circular letters. The Rules for National Schools, together with Department Circulars constitute administrative measures governing the recognition operation, management and conduct of national schools. While the Rules for National Schools and associated circulars are non-statutory they are lawful measures which have been judicially considered and accorded the imprimatur of the Irish Courts on a number of occasions.

The Education Act 1998 provides the Minister with the power to make regulations relating to a range of issues concerning the provision of education by schools. Rather than engage in an exercise to revise the existing rules I favour the incremental use of those regulatory powers where appropriate to replace existing rules and circulars.

The procedures for the operation of Boards of Management are agreed by the Education Partners and the Department and are set out in the handbook "Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure". This handbook issued from my Department to all boards of management at the beginning of the term of office of current boards. In addition, the Catholic Primary School Management Association, which represents the management authorities of the vast majority of primary schools, has produced a handbook for the information and advice of management board members which sets out the responsibilities of boards and gives details of relevant circulars.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

592 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for a new gym made by a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [12593/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for a PE Hall from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 4 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Transport.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

593 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the changes to the school bus service from Goresbridge, County Kilkenny to schools in Kilkenny City to ensure that the arrangements which were in place and which suited parents are re-instated; if in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny the arrangement whereby both travelled on the same bus will be re-instated; if she will expedite a positive resolution to the issues raised by parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12594/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

The Transport Liaison Officer (TLO) for County Kilkenny informed my Department that the pupils referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy reside in the Goresbridge/Borris catchment area. Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for school transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which s/he resides.

The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area is which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area – otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their own post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children will have to make their own way either to the catchment boundary or to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.

The parents of the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied should liaise with the TLO for County Kilkenny regarding eligibility for school transport to the post-primary centre mentioned in the details.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Perry

Ceist:

594 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the average class size in a school in County Leitrim for 2007 and 2008 will be 29.6 pupils; the plans in place to redress same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12604/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 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 to all primary schools each year.

Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 134 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year is a Principal and 4 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 138 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which will be issued to all primary schools shortly, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year will be a Principal and 4 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, 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.

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 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website. Hard copies of this circular will issue to primary schools as soon as possible.

It is proposed that the first meeting of the Appeal Board will be held in May, 2007. Further meetings will be held in July and October, 2007. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 11 May, 22 June and 12 October respectively. 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 my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and my 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 operation of the independent Appeal Board.

Capitation Grants.

John Perry

Ceist:

595 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to address issues (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12605/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Significant improvements in the levels of direct funding to second level schools have been made in recent years. The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding. There are however significant differences in the approaches to insurance cover. In my view it is important to consider these issues in the wider context of the equalisation of funding arrangements across the second level system.

My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2007, the standard per capita grant was increased by €18 per pupil and now amounts to €316 per pupil. In addition, Voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €30 per pupil in 2007 in the support services grant bringing that overall grant to €189 per pupil.

The cumulative increase of €48 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000. Budget allocations for schools in the VEC and C&C sectors are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant.

With regard to special needs resource allocation, my Department provides a range of supports to second level schools. 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 1,878 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 534 whole time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,441 whole time equivalent special needs assistants (SNA's) in our second level schools.

The Deputy will also be aware that 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 the Department of Education and Science 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.

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. Students attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.

The NCSE, 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.

With regard to pupil teacher ratios, the Deputy will be aware that significant improvements have been made in the staffing of our second level schools in recent years. In the 2001/2002 school year, there were approximately 24,477 wholetime equivalent teaching posts allocated to second level schools. For 2006/2007, the corresponding figure is 25,484 wholetime equivalent posts. This increase in staffing has dramatically improved the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The pupil teacher ratio has fallen from 13.9:1 in the 2001/2002 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/2006 school year. And with regard to non- national students, I can assure the Deputy that it is a major priority for this Government to ensure that all children get the support that they need to do well at school. In order to ensure that children with low levels of competence in the English language 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. Guidelines have also been produced for teachers on teaching English as an additional language and these guidelines are available on the NCCA website.

The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of non-English speaking students enrolled. Each school management can decide on the structure of the support to be provided in its own school. Between extra language support posts and grant aid, the level of support provided to schools to meet the needs of children whose first language is not English has increased dramatically in recent years. Nonetheless I am very conscious of the pressures on schools that have large numbers of non-English speaking children enrolled. I am determined to provide greater support for these schools. To that end, provision has been made for an extra 200 language support teachers in 2007. A further 350 posts will be provided under the Towards 2016 partnership agreement between 2008 and 2009.

All of the above is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools. I can assure the Deputy that resources will continue to be targeted at those areas where they are most needed.

Schools Building Projects.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

596 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when facilities will be upgraded at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some children at the school are being educated in a converted bike shed and a prefab; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12610/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The building project for the school referred to by the deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The long term projected enrolment has recently been re-assessed for this school. Accordingly, the brief for the project has been amended to provide adequate accommodation for a Principal + 7 Classroom Teachers + 1.5 Learning Support/ Resource teachers.

My Department's technical team are currently assessing how best to progress this project. A number of options are being considered. When this assessment is completed, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities as to the next steps involved in progressing this building project. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Refurbishment.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

597 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans to upgrade facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; when such improvements will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12611/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In November 2006, I announced details of 80 schools to start architectural planning. The school referred to by the Deputy was included in this announcement. The school will commence architectural planning to design and build an extension which will allow it to cater for a long-term projected staffing of a Principal plus 8 Mainstream Assistants with appropriate ancillary accommodation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

598 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of new facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12612/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Department is in receipt of an application for improved accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy. The Department recently visited the school to examine and determine the capacity of the existing site to facilitate the building project. The building project required to deliver the school accommodation is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

599 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the average size of primary school classes when non-teaching staff are excluded from the calculation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12613/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In determining the pupil teacher ratio at primary level, all teachers in primary schools are counted. In determining the average class size in primary schools, class teachers are counted. Ancillary staff are not included in either of these calculations.

Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The details for the current school year (2006/2007) are currently being compiled by my Department and the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

Major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years.

There are now 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and 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. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.

As the Deputy knows all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 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 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce to 27 children per classroom teacher.

School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned in the 2006/07 school year compared with 170 in 2005/06.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

School Accommodation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

600 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding she allocated to primary schools and secondary schools in 2006 for temporary accommodation facilities such as prefabs; the number of primary and secondary schools which were in receipt of such support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12614/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Expenditure on rental of temporary school premises for approximately 550 schools which includes the cost of renting prefabricated buildings in 2006 was €24.5m. To put this into context this represents less than 4.7% of the total expenditure on school buildings (some €525m) incurred in 2006.

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 and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

The provision of rented accommodation provides an immediate solution to a deficit of school accommodation, and is often the only available option where extra accommodation is needed at short notice. However, the current focus within the Department is to empower schools to resolve their accommodation needs, wherever possible by way of permanent accommodation. In order to reduce the amount of temporary accommodation at primary level a new devolved initiative was launched in 2003. In this regard, I recently announced an allocation of over €87m for building projects to over 250 schools to allow these schools to deliver additional capacity in both mainstream and special education rooms.

Adult Education.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

601 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the reduction in the academic year for the back to education adult education programme for Travellers in Rathkeale, County Limerick. [12621/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

Under the Back to Education Initiative (part- time) a programme may be offered for as little as one hour per week or as much as 17 hours per week, depending on the needs and demands of the prospective learners. It is recommended that programme duration for individual learners (class contact hours) not exceed 400 hours per annum i.e. 400 hours over a twelve month period.

BTEI (Part-time) provision is offered by Co. Limerick VEC at Rathkeale Community Centre. In 2006, Co. Limerick VEC applied for in excess of 400 hours for provision of a programme at this centre and were informed that 400 hours per annum was the maximum permitted under the part-time option. They subsequently submitted an amended application proposing to offer a programme of 400 tuition hours. This was sanctioned and the programme was undertaken.

Co. Limerick VEC has submitted an application for 2007 which proposes working with two groups in Rathkeale for 400 hours each. This application has been sanctioned by my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

602 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools currently awaiting technical inspections; the way it is decided which schools are inspected and when the schools are inspected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12628/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Generally speaking the Department in assessing applications for building projects under the mainstream building programme would as a matter of course conduct a technical inspection of the building and the site involved in order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs into the future.

Of the 142 projects announced since January 2006 to enter into architectural planning and which require a site visit, there are 19 schools awaiting inspections with dates for a further 21 having been arranged with the school authorities.

School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

603 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when school transport will be restored for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12631/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

In this regard my Department has established:

186 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

14 Stand alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

I wish to advise the Deputy that approximately €7.6 million was spent by my Department in 2006 to cover the costs of the 12 ABA stand-alone facilities, which were established on a pilot basis. My Department is currently considering 11 applications for inclusion in the scheme. Estimated costs associated with expanding the scheme would be subject to numbers and circumstances involved.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

610 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will make a decision on an application for recognition of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick which caters for children with autism in the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12801/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

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.

In this regard my Department has established:

186 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

14 Stand alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

An application received from the group referred to by the Deputy to participate in the pilot scheme, which has facilitated the establishment of a number of ABA-specific units nationwide, is under consideration by officials in my Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

611 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have asked for autistic units to be located at their schools; the type of autistic units available at these schools; the location of the units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12805/07]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

612 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way he selects the location of autistic units if a school does not apply to have such a unit at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12806/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.

My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

As the Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. The NCSE has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism or units which comprise 2-3 classes and establishing provision where necessary. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required.

In this regard my Department, in conjunction with the NCSE, has established:

186 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

14 Stand alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

Psychological Service.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

613 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no increase has happened with regard to fees paid to psychologists who offer services to schools under the scheme for commissioning psychological assessment since 2001; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12807/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). The SCPA was established, pending the expansion to all schools of the service provided by NEPS psychologists, specifically to undertake assessments with individual children and young people. Schools are allowed annual access the scheme at a level commensurate with 2% of school enrolment. A panel of private psychologists was established and has been refreshed annually and currently has 149 psychologists listed. A number of applicants for inclusion on the panel is currently being considered within NEPS.

Since its establishment over 20,000 assessments have been commissioned under the scheme at a cost of some €6.8m. In 2006 some 4,250 assessments were provided in this regard and to date in 2007 almost 800 assessments have been billed to NEPS, which is up to par with the same period last year. NEPS has reviewed the operation of the scheme and schools generally have expressed a high level of satisfaction with it. I can confirm to the Deputy that the fee paid for this service, €330 per assessment has remained static since 2001 and that the level and pace of assessment has remained consistent in this time. More recently however questions have been raised by some practitioners from the panel in relation to its level and my Department's NEPS service is currently examining the matter.

Physical Education Facilities.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

614 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will sanction a physical education hall and extension for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has been awaiting such an extension for many years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12808/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers.

This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Irish Language.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

615 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will elaborate on her announcement with regard to the support and development unit for the teaching of Irish at a centre (details supplied) in County Cork; the proposed time-frame for the project; the remit of the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12809/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The new resource to be located at Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Bhuirne is aimed at supporting and enhancing an integrated spectrum of services to promote Irish as a living language throughout the education system and in Irish language communities, particularly in the Gaeltacht.

The resource will be under the aegis of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), the body responsible for planning and co-ordinating the provision of textbooks and aids for learning and teaching through Irish. Údarás na Gaeltachta will meet the cost of providing the required accommodation in Coláiste Íosagáin for the new COGG resource, in line with a specification to be provided by the Department of Education and Science. COGG will receive an additional €1 million over the next three years and four additional staff will be assigned by COGG to the Baile Bhúirne resource in Coláiste Íosagáin.

The main priority of the new resource will be the coordinating and commissioning of Irish language editions of existing Leaving Certificate texts and designing new teaching and learning aids for the full range of leaving certificate subjects.

Other functions under the remit of COGG to be carried out at Baile Bhúirne include, assisting with the planning and delivery of specialised teacher in-service and curriculum support relating to Irish as a first language, commissioning, analysing and disseminating research on the teaching and learning of Irish at all levels of the education system, contributing in cooperation with third level providers to the development of pre-service training opportunities for student teachers on developing their Irish language proficiency; and assisting national/regional support teams with the design of general in-service programmes for teachers in Irish.

It is intended that COGG and Údarás na Gaeltachta, in addition to discharging their respective remits, will, where appropriate, collaborate with various Irish language groups and support services and this process will be supported by Foras na Gaeilge.

Relevant support services in this context would be the primary Curriculum Support Programme, (PCSP), the Second Level Support Service, (SLSS), the School Development Planning Initiative, (SDP) and the education centre network.

All three bodies will have representatives on a coordinating committee which will advise on cooperative elements of the overall work to be carried out at the Baile Bhúirne resource.

Údarás na Gaeltachta will also relocate its Cork regional office to Baile Mhuirne and establish small enterprise units there. Údarás also plan to bring forward discussions with Iontaobhas Fódhla, who are formulating a proposal to establish a traditional Music Education and Research Centre based on the Séan Ó Riada legacy. It is also planned by Údarás to develop discussions with interested parties regarding the possible provision of further and/or higher education facilities in Coláiste Íosagáin.

Schools Building Projects.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

616 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with respect to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for a new school; the stage this is at; the actions taken to date, to include a list of all meetings between officials of her Department and representatives from the school; the plans, designs and so on that have been submitted to date; if these are in order; if not the situation with same; the official in her Department on the project; if she will meet with a delegation from the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12810/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

This project referred to by the Deputy was listed on the 2005 School Building Programme to go to tender and construction for a new 10 classroom school building, when the architectural planning was completed.

As this is a special school the brief for the project has evolved over time with input from the school, my Department's Technical staff and Inspectorate. My Department is anxious that the facilities to be provided will be of a very high standard and suitable for use by pupils with special needs.

In June 2006 a meeting was held between the Board of Management, the project's Design Team and officials from my Department. The purpose of the meeting was to agree the brief for the project. It was also decided at that meeting that once the Board and the Design Team have indicated that the stage 3 documentation was ready for examination a round table meeting will be held, the main aim of which will be to try and approve the submission. In December 2006 the Design Team forwarded some revised drawings to my Department for review. A reply issued to the Design team on the 18th December 2006 instructing them to proceed on the basis of their submission and incorporating the comments of my Department's Technical Staff. My Department is currently awaiting a revised stage 3 submission. When this is received a meeting will be arranged with a view to getting the submission cleared.

My Department's main role is concentrated on ensuring that the design solution presented at stage 3 meets the requirements of the brief and complies with my Department's technical documents. Once the formal stage 3 submission is received, it will be appraised to ensure it meets these criteria and thereafter devolved approval will be given to the school authorities to deliver the project to planning permission, tender and construction.

School Transport.

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

617 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be considered for school transport. [12849/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

The parent of the student referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy should liaise, in the first instance, with the local Bus Éireann office for the purpose of establishing their eligibility for school transport.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

618 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction the transport costs incurred by families of children with autism in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare during the children’s transition period of being mainstreamed from the school to the mainstream school in the local area. [12850/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

School transport for children referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied is generally provided to the school nearest to the pupil's residence in which resources can or may already have been allocated to support the child's educational needs.

Decentralisation Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

619 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants awaiting transfer to Athlone and Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12544/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The following table contains the information requested by the Deputy.

	Principal Officer	Assistant Principal	Higher Executive Officer	Executive Officer	Staff Officer	Clerical Officer	Total
Mullingar
Applicant assigned to post with which s/he will decentralise	2.00	10.00	16.90	16.90	15.50	11.00	72.30
Applicant has accepted offer, to be assigned to decentralising post	3.00	8.00	24.00	23.00	8.00	38.00	104.00
Reply awaited from applicant in response to offer of decentralising post	1.00	2.00	5.00	5.00	1.00	5.00	19.00
Offer to be made to applicant	1.00	3.00	7.50	9.00	3.00	7.00	30.50
Total	7.00	23.00	53.40	53.90	27.50	61.00	225.80
Athlone
Applicant assigned to post with which s/he will decentralise	3.00	7.00	9.00	11.00	0.00		30.00
Applicant has accepted offer, to be assigned to decentralising post	2.00	2.00	11.00	21.00	0.00		36.00
Reply awaited from applicant in response to offer of decentralising post	1.00	0.00	1.00	1.00	0.00		3.00
Offer to be made to applicant	0.00	1.00	1.00	2.00	0.00		4.00
Total	6.00	10.00	22.00	35.00	0.00	25.10	98.10

Notes

Both Athlone and Mullingar are over-subscribed at Clerical Officer level, so the numbers shown are made up of those applicants with a sufficiently high priority under CAF protocols to be accommodated within these decentralisations.

In addition to the grades shown in tabular form, there are 8 people in service grades (Service Officer/Cleaner) awaiting relocation, 6 of whom are assigned to decentralising posts at present. There are 7 people in professional/technical grades (Inspector/Statistician) awaiting relocation.

Many of those applicants who have accepted offers to decentralise but who have not been assigned to a decentralising post to date are either based outside of Dublin, or are unavailable for assignment at present for a variety of reasons. Assignments to decentralising posts are being made on an on-going basis wherever this is possible.

Offers will be made shortly to a number of recent CAF applicants.

Legal Costs.

The number of permanent teaching posts available in individual schools at any one time is determined in accordance with the agreed criteria relating to the application of the pupil teacher ratio. It is a matter for the individual school authority, as employer, to determine whether any particular post when vacated may be filled on a permanent basis.

School Management.

In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I approved the appointment of joint managers to manage the school. The procedures for the selection of candidates for teaching posts are agreed by the Education Partners and the Department and are set out in Appendix D of the handbook for boards of management "Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure". This handbook issued from my Department to all boards of management at the beginning of the term of office of current boards.

Section 5(viii) of the Appendix advises that "having interviewed such applicants as present themselves, the Selection Board shall submit a written report to the Board of Management, nominating the applicant whom it considers most suitable for appointment".

Section 5(x) clearly states "The Board of Management shall appoint the teacher so nominated unless it has good and sufficient reason not to do so, in which instance the matter shall be referred to the Patron, whose decision in this matter shall be accepted by the Board". The methods employed during the marking process for selected candidates is entirely a matter for the Selection Board and the Board of Management of the individual school concerned. Section 5(xi) of Appendix D of the handbook states "The Chairperson shall seek the approval of the Patron for the appointment".

With regard to the composition of the independent committee appointed in this instance, this is entirely a matter for the Patron. However, I have no reason to believe, that the committee did not act in a proper fashion.

School Staffing.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

626 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce a whistle-blowers’ charter for schools when they are aware that interview procedures have not been adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12868/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The procedures for the interviewing and selection of candidates for teaching posts in primary schools are agreed by the Education Partners and the Department and are set out in Appendix D of the handbook for boards of management "Constitution of Boards and Rules of Rules of Procedure". This handbook issued from my Department to all boards of management at the beginning of the term of office of current boards.

Where interview procedures have not been adhered to, it is a matter for the Board of Management to bring the individual case to the attention of the Patron of the school. Section 5(x) of Appendix D of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure for Boards of Management clearly states "The Board of Management shall appoint the teacher so nominated unless it has good and sufficient reason not to do so, in which instance the matter shall be referred to the Patron, whose decision in this matter shall be accepted by the Board". I have no plans to amend this position.

Question No. 627 answered with QuestionNo. 623.

Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

628 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has refused to sanction the extension for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if approval will be given without further unnecessary procrastination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12871/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is on the Department's Capital Programme. The Department held a meeting last February with the school authority and its Design Team to resolve difficulties with the Stage 3 submission. Further information is awaited from the school and its Design Team as a result of this meeting.

Social Inclusion.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

629 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the new contribution her Department will make to the Government’s activation strategy for persons most removed from the labour market; the contacts and the content of same, she or representatives of her Department have had with the Department of Social and Family Affairs or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the strategy; the contacts planned with the other two Departments to discuss the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12887/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. Haughey)

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 introduces an active case management approach that will support those on long term social welfare into education, training and employment. The target is to support 50,000 such people, including lone parents and the long term unemployed, with an overall aim of reducing by 20% the number of those whose total income is derived from long term social welfare payments by 2016. This target will be reviewed in the light of experience.

Increases in the provision for Further Education have been a significant feature of every budget. The 2007 Estimates of nearly €169m for further education represents an increase in funding of 12%, over last year. Hence, there has never been a better opportunity to return to education, be it in a part-time or full-time capacity. Any adult who wishes to return to education and/ or who wishes to further their education has the chance now to participate in the many opportunities and options that are available in the further education sector. Education and training programmes in the Further Education sector, include part time provision e.g. Adult Literacy, Community Education and the Back to Education Initiative along with full time provision e.g. Youthreach, Senior Traveller Training, Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme and Post Leaving Certificate programmes.

The NDP 2007-2013 has given as its top priorities in the Working Age Education Programme the need to address the low literacy levels of the Irish adult population and also the large numbers of Irish adults who have not completed upper second level education. Adult literacy, has been the top priority in adult education in my Department for some years now. Great efforts have been made to promote equality of access to education, especially for people whose initial experiences may have been negative.

I welcome the Report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), "Tomorrow's Skills: Towards A National Skills Strategy". A senior official of my Department was a member of the sub-group that was established to prepare the report. The EGFSN report complements and reinforces policy for upskilling not only those most removed from the labour market but also the workforce in accordance with the recommendations of a number of policy reports including the White Paper on Adult Education, "Learning for Life" (2000), the Report of the Task Force on Lifelong Learning (2002), the OECD Report, "Promoting Adult Learning" (2005) and more recently Towards 2016 — Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, the NDP 2007-2013 and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. Policy on further education is based on the premise that raising the basic skills of all individuals can have a larger impact on economic growth than investing in improving the skills of a select group of high-skilled individuals.

I believe that increased participation in Lifelong Learning through enhanced opportunities to access education and training, the development of new skills, the acquisition of recognised qualifications and progression to higher level qualifications equip all individuals with the skills, capacity and potential to participate fully in the knowledge-based society and progress to better quality jobs. The new contributions of Further Education, which have been outlined in "Towards 2016" and in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, over the next 10 years will:

Prioritise adult literacy in the area of adult education, including workplace literacy. The proportion of the population aged 16-64 with restricted literacy will be reduced to between 10%-15% by 2016, from the level of 25% found in 1997. Vocational Education Committees will provide an additional 7,000 places in literacy by 2009, from the current level of 35,000 participants annually. There will be a particular focus on increasing the number of migrants receiving an English language service;

provide an additional 1,000 Youthreach places by 2009. €574 m. is being made available for Youthreach over the period 2007-2013;

provide guidance/counselling to literacy and language learners;

expand the Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) by 2,000 places by 2009;

maximise the opportunities for older people to participate in education, employment and other aspects of economic and social life;

continue to invest in the post-leaving certificate sector, where a total of €1 billion will be made available over the period 2007-2013. This will enable participants to acquire specific vocational skills to enhance their prospects of securing employment and support their progression to other studies;

Further Education policy will continue to work towards engaging those persons who are most removed from the labour market. Officials from my Department will continue to be in contact with other Government Departments in the promotion of this policy.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school. According to the information available to my Department, the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied is not eligible for free transport on distance grounds.

However, children who are not eligible free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel on the school bus as concessionary fare-payers subject to spare seats being available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra State cost involved. The parents of the pupil referred to in the details supplied should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats on the school bus.

Educational Disadvantage.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

634 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the extra educational and student supports and staff granted to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on the inclusion of the school in the DEIS programme, which it did not enjoy prior to the inclusion; if an extra teacher and learning support teacher will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12951/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The SSP 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 DEIS 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 and review process, 873 schools have been included under the DEIS action plan. These comprise 670 primary schools and 203 second-level schools. The school referred to by the Deputy is among the schools identified for inclusion in Band 2 of DEIS. During the roll out of the DEIS initiative, schools included in Band 2 of the new programme will benefit from the following range of measures:

allocation of administrative principals on lower enrolment and staffing figures than apply in primary schools generally;

additional non-pay/capitation allocation based on level of disadvantage;

additional funding under school books grant scheme targeted primarily at supporting the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes; access to the School Meals Programme;

access to a literacy/numeracy support service and to specific literacy/numeracy measures such as Reading Recovery, Maths Recovery and First Steps;

access to Home/School/Community Liaison services;

access to a range of supports (both academic and non-academic, and including after-school and holiday-time supports) for young people, based on best practice identified through the School Completion Programme;

access to transfer programmes supporting progression from primary to second-level;

access to planning supports;

access to a range of professional development supports and

eligibility for teachers/principals to apply for sabbatical leave scheme.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department implemented a General Allocation system of learning support/resource teachers to mainstream primary schools in September 2005. The system is intended to cater for children with high-incidence special education needs such as mild general learning disability and those with learning support needs. My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.

Schools considered as most disadvantaged when the model was introduced were those eligible for additional staffing under the urban dimension of the Giving Children an Even Break Scheme. Those schools have a preferential pupil/teacher allocation ratio of 80:1 for their general allocation. That remains the case. The school referred to here does not qualify for an increase in general allocation under the DEIS programme. However, as stated in my Department's circular 0036/2006, schools may qualify for an increase in general allocation where they have been given a developing post. I can confirm that the school in question was awarded a developing post for the current school year. It does not appear, however, to have submitted a request for its general allocation to be reviewed on this basis.

It is open to the school to submit details of its enrolment at 30th September 2006, together with a copy of my Department's letter granting developing status, to General Allocations Section in Athlone where the matter will be considered.

Question No. 635 answered with QuestionNo. 561.

Teaching Qualifications.

David Stanton

Ceist:

636 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with respect to the recognition by her Department of an MA degree in relation the a person (details supplied) and any resulting pension entitlements and salary payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13019/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In July 2006, my Department sought information from the person referred to by the Deputy. When the information is provided my officials will consider the matter.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

637 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to correspondence in 1996 between her Department and the Garda authorities relating to the investigation of concerns regarding possible abuse in a children’s detention centre (details supplied); the date on which the correspondence was provided to the child abuse commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13022/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 616 dated 21 February, 2006 in which I confirmed that I was aware of the correspondence referred to. As I pointed out in that reply, there was substantial correspondence from the person concerned outlining a range of concerns and allegations regarding the centre in question and related matters.

On receipt of the correspondence in 1996, the matter was referred by my Department to the Gardaí for investigation. In addition to this investigation, the Gardaí, in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, my Department and local management conducted a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse at the centre. Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the centre. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Gardaí and made available all relevant records in this regard.

In addition, I again confirm that relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in industrial and reformatory schools, including the centre referred to by the Deputy, was forwarded to the Commission to enquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a Discovery Order from the Commission in June, 2003.

Schools Building Projects.

David Stanton

Ceist:

638 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress with regard to provision of a new building to house a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13023/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Department is currently finalising the long term projected enrolment for the school and the building project required to deliver the new accommodation is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

As the Deputy has not specified a period in the question tabled I assume he is referring to the 2006 financial year. In 2006 four officials at my Department attended pre-retirement courses administered by the Centre for Management & Organisation Development (C.M.O.D.). The total amount of travel and subsistence expenses amounted to €626 prior to July 2006. One person has attended the course since the decentralisation of CMOD to Tullamore. No expenses in respect of travel and subsistence have been received to date.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

642 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff who have transferred to her Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13105/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

To date 2 members of staff who transferred into my Department under the CAF scheme have transferred to a second section within my Department within 6 months of the original transfer. In one case, this happened because a combination of circumstances made it possible to offer the officer a move to their first preference location under the CAF in advance of the relocation of the section to which they were initially assigned. In the other case, the officer was transferred to a second section within three months of the initial transfer in response to business needs, this second assignment has now been in place for over a year.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

643 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13491/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Aside from staff who are availing of statutory/civil service leave entitlements (maternity leave, sick leave, annual leave, etc.) my Department has no staff who are in receipt of full salary and not working.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

644 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) can obtain a job as a civilian employee within his Department in the Curragh; if he will confirm receipt of an application following an advertisement of two positions; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has applied on a number of occasions for a position in the Defence Forces training centre; if they are being considered for this position or if they will be considered for this position; if he will look into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12533/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I understand that the person concerned has applied through FÁS, the Training and Employment Authority, for positions of Storekeeper Clerk and General Operative in the Logistics Base, the Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. The applications will be considered in due course along with the many other applications received for these posts.

Defence Forces Strength.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

645 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Force; the strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the number of Civil Defence volunteers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12947/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 28 February 2007, the latest date for which detailed figures are available, as advised by the military authorities was 10,370. A detailed breakdown of the numbers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank are in the Tables. The Tables also provide the comparable details for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 8,426 for the Army, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 930 for the Air Corps. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to all aspects of recruiting. The Permanent Defence Force manages recruit intakes to keep its annualised monthly average strength at or around 10,500.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force (Second Line) was 8,929 as at 28 February 2007, the last date for which figures are available. This figure comprises 8,566 in the Army Reserve and 363 in the Naval Service Reserve. In addition, there were 375 personnel in the First Line Reserve comprising 155 Officers, 31 Non-Commissioned Officers and 189 Privates. Since May 2003, the Civil Defence Board has responsibility for the management and development of the Civil Defence organisation at national level. At local level, Civil Defence is administered by each Local/City Authority. At present there are 4,500 trained volunteers in the organisation.

Strength of the Defence Force 31 December, 2006
Permanent Defence Force
	Lt Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Offrs	SM	BQMs	CS	CQMs	SGTs	CPLs	Total NCOs	Ptes	Cadets	Total
Army	1	2	6	39	128	324	292	299	1091	31	38	132	240	1038	1532	3011	4299	38	8439
Air Corps	0	0	1	2	14	30	55	39	141	7	3	48	15	130	190	393	312	21	867
Naval Service	0	0	1	2	12	46	47	56	164	6	7	78	15	200	199	505	380	15	1,064
Total	1	2	8	43	154	400	394	394	1,396	44	48	258	270	1,368	1,921	3,909	4,991	74	10,370

Rank titles are for Army ranks — Naval Service and Air Corps equivalent rank titles apply in the Naval Service and Air Corps respectively.

Reserve Defence Force
	Lt Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Offrs	SM	BQMs	CS	CQMs	SGTs	CPLs	Total NCOs	Ptes	Cadets	Total
Army Reserve	0	0	0	0	4	97	191	361	653	19	20	114	102	851	1,326	2,432	5,481	0	8,566
Naval Reserve	0	0	0	0	0	3	10	11	24	0	4	13	1	21	34	73	266	0	363
Total	0	0	0	0	4	100	201	372	677	19	24	127	103	872	1,360	2,505	5,747	0	8,929

Rank titles are for Army ranks — Naval Service equivalent rank titles apply in the Naval Service.

When the Civil Service Training Centre was based in Dublin, only staff based outside of Dublin were eligible for travel and subsistence expenses in respect of attendance at courses at the Centre. In the period from 1 January 2005 up to the re-location of the Centre to Tullamore in July, 2006 only one member of my Department's staff based outside Dublin attended a pre-retirement course in Dublin. The travel and subsistence cost was €400.65. The average cost of travel and subsistence paid to 4 members of staff (3 based in Galway and 1 based in Dublin) since the relocation is €422.12.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

649 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Of the 41 staff who transferred into this Department one has moved to another section in the Department within a short space of time. I am not aware of any implications for staff morale.

Departmental Correspondence.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

650 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to an e-mail of 22 January 2007 from a person (details supplied) in England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12823/07]

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

My office has informed the person concerned that his inquiry concerning cultural regeneration would appear to be primarily a matter for the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, whose mission is, among other things, to contribute to the cultural progress of Irish society through promoting excellence in artistic achievement, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. That Department has, I understand, received a copy of the inquiry, and has been in contact with the person concerned.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

651 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13494/07]

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

Apart from staff who are availing of statutory or civil service leave entitlements such as maternity leave, sick leave, annual leave, etc., my Department has no staff who are in receipt of full salary and not working.

National Monuments.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

652 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the poor condition, lack of maintenance and in particular the difficulty in accessing the neolithic portal tomb at Woodtown in south County Dublin; and if he will take steps to ensure its general environs are maintained in a way which facilitates access to interested parties. [12369/07]

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

The portal tomb monument at Woodtown, which is listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places for County Dublin, is in private ownership. There are currently over 120,000 sites listed on the Record of Monuments and Places nationally. The State has direct responsibility for over 700 national monuments but the conservation and maintenance of other monuments not in State care remains a matter for their owners subject to the necessary consent and notification requirements for any proposed works to such monuments as required under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.

Arrangements have been made for an archaeologist from my Department to inspect the Woodtown monument to assess its general condition with a view to advising the owner as to its future conservation. Public access to recorded monuments situated on private lands is at the discretion of the individual landowner.

Litter Pollution.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

653 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the number of drinking cans and bottles left on the River Dargle in Bray, County Wicklow after St. Patrick’s Day 2007, he will introduce a refundable deposit on all cans, plastic containers and glass bottles as is the case in many other EU countries which obliges the retailers and manufacturers to recycle them appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/07]

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

Ireland has an excellent record in recovering and recycling packaging waste. Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005. Practical implementation of the Directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully.

The EPA has reported in its National Waste Report 2005 — published in January 2007 — that packaging waste recovery increased to 59.6% in that year, indicating that Ireland exceeded its 50% end 2005 target by 10% and has, in effect, reached the new 2011 target. This compares with a recovery rate of 14.8% in 1998. In addition, the 2005 Report indicates that Ireland is achieving specific recovery targets for different materials used in 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. Account would also have to be taken of the possible impact on existing compliance arrangements. Given that these arrangements are rapidly achieving the desired result in relation to meeting the recycling targets, the introduction of deposit and refund schemes is not under consideration.

Notwithstanding the above, the Government has adopted a range of measures to prevent and reduce littering. The Government launched its Litter Action Plan, as the national anti-litter strategy, in February 2001. The Plan is based on extensive consultation with the public and private sectors, and, in particular, places emphasis on broadly based local partnerships involving local authorities, businesses, commercial interests, residents associations and schools.

While the primary responsibility for management of and enforcement responses to litter pollution, generally, lies with the local authorities, the Plan recognises that local authorities working alone will not solve our litter problems. My Department funds and is actively involved in a number of anti-litter initiatives that support local authority efforts and raise awareness of the problem of litter pollution. These initiatives include National Spring Clean, Tidy Towns, the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) League, and annual grants to local authorities for community based awareness measures.

My Department funds the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, which measures the extent of litter pollution in each local authority area. The data provided by the surveys further enables each local authority to assess the effectiveness of its litter management and ensure the optimum allocation of its resources to tackle litter.

Data provided by the System shows that nationally, year-on-year since 2003, there is a slight but steady increase in litter-free areas and the number of litter black-spots is declining. The emerging pattern is of a gradual but steady improvement in the extent of litter pollution countrywide. This positive data is supported by the findings of the IBAL League, which shows that cleanliness levels are improving generally in the towns participating in the League.

Road Network.

David Stanton

Ceist:

654 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the applications submitted to his Department for consideration under the specific improvement grants scheme by Cork County Council in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the amount of funding applied for in each case; the decisions made by him in each case; if his Department selects and prioritises the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12378/07]

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

The improvement of non-national roads in County Cork is a matter for Cork County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department.

The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be considered for funding under my Department's Specific Improvements Grant scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority. All applications submitted by local authorities for consideration for funding under the scheme are then considered in my Department, having regard to compliance with eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the scheme.

Details of applications submitted by Cork County Council and the initial allocations for specific projects under the Specific Improvements Grants scheme for the period 2005-2007 are outlined in the following Tables:

Table 1 – 2005
Scheme	Application Amount	Approved for Funding Yes/No	Initial Allocation
	€		€
R619 Dromahane – Beenalaught	700,000	Yes	300,000
R582 Junction Realignment at Millstreet	150,000	Yes	200,000
Duntahane Relief Road	300,000	Yes	300,000
R581 Newtwopothouse to Doneraile	100,000	Yes	100,000
R513 New Bridge on Limerick County Bounds at Ballaghaderg	50,000	Yes	50,000
R580/R576/R579 Kanturk Relief Road & Bridge	200,000	No	—
R572 Castletownbere Road (Lehill-Trafrask)	700,000	Yes	700,000
R595 Skibbereen – Baltimore Road (Rathmore & Baltimore)	300,000	Yes	300,000
R586 Bandon – Kilnascarta (Ilenbridge)	275,000	Yes	400,000
R617 Blarney Relief Road	400,000	Yes	800,000
R624 Cobh Road – Phase 1	50,000	Yes	50,000
R619 Farnanes – Coachford – Donoughmore – Mannings Cross Road	650,000	Yes	500,000
R618 Leemount Cross – Coachford – Macroom Road	400,000	Yes	400,000
R579 Leemount Cross – Creans Cross – Barrahaurin Road	502,800	Yes	400,000
R586 Bandon – Enniskeane – Dunmanway – Bantry Road	300,000	Yes	300,000
R600 Kinsale – Pewter Hole X – Belgooly – Riverstick – Fivemilebridge – Airport Road	900,000	Yes	800,000
R589 Crossbarry Re-alignment	500,000	Yes	500,000
Kinsale Road Culvert	25,000	No	—

Table 2 – 2006
Scheme	Application Amount	Approved for Funding Yes/No	Initial Allocation
	€		€
R617 Blarney Relief Road	400,000	Yes	400,000
R624 Cobh Road – Phase 1	25,000	Yes	25,000
R619 Farnanes – Coachford – Donoughmore – Mannings Cross Road	900,000	Yes	900,000
R618 Leemount Cross – Coachford – Macroom Road	400,000	Yes	400,000
R579 Leemount Cross – Creans Cross – Barrahaurin Road	200,000	Yes	200,000
R586 Bandon – Enniskeane – Dunmanway – Bantry Road	300,000	No	—
R600 Kinsale – Pewter Hole X – Belgooly – Riverstick – Fivemilebridge – Airport Road	1,000,000	Yes	1,000,000
R589 Crossbarry Re-alignment	300,000	Yes	300,000
Kinsale Road Culvert	25,000	Yes	25,000
L2470 Maryborough Hill, Douglas Road Improvement Scheme	630,000	Yes	630,000
LP2019 Baxters Bridge to Blacksticks	320,000	Yes	320,000
R619 Dromahane – Beenalaught	300,000	Yes	300,000
Duntahane Relief Road	300,000	Yes	300,000
R581 Newtwopothouse to Doneraile	300,000	Yes	300,000
R513 New Bridge on Limerick County Bounds at Ballaghaderg	50,000	Yes	50,000
R580/R576/R579 Kanturk Relief Road & Bridge	100,000	No	—
R582 Millstreet Relief Road	90,000	No	—
R595 Baltimore Relief Road	380,000	Yes	380,000
R572 Trafask	1,000,000	Yes	1,000,000
R586 Bandon – Kilnascarta (Ilenbridge)	300,000	Yes	300,000

Table 3 – 2007
Scheme	Application Amount	Approved for Funding Yes/No	Initial Allocation
	€		€
R619 Dromahane – Beenalaught	300,000	Yes	300,000
Duntahane Relief Road	200,000	Yes	50,000
R581 Newtwopothouse to Doneraile	350,000	Yes	350,000
R513 New Bridge on Limerick County Bounds at Ballaghaderg	50,000	Yes	50,000
R580/R576/R579 Kanturk Relief Road & Bridge	200,000	Yes	200,000
R582 Millstreet Relief Road	100,000	Yes	100,000
R617 Blarney Relief Road	50,000	Yes	50,000
R624 Cobh Road – Phase 1	300,000	Yes	300,000
R619 Farnanes – Coachford – Donoughmore – Mannings Cross Road	1,225,000	Yes	1,225,000
R618 Leemount Cross – Coachford – Macroom Road	400,000	Yes	300,000
R579 Leemount Cross – Creans Cross – Barrahaurin Road	400,000	Yes	400,000
R586 Bandon – Enniskeane – Dunmanway – Bantry Road	340,000	Yes	300,000
R600 Kinsale – Pewter Hole X – Belgooly – Riverstick – Fivemilebridge – Airport Road	635,000	Yes	635,000
R589 Crossbarry Re-alignment	420,000	Yes	420,000
Kinsale Road Culvert	950,000	Yes	400,000
L2470 Maryborough Hill, Douglas Road Improvement Scheme	300,000	Yes	50,000
R595 Baltimore Relief Road	456,000	Yes	400,000
R572 Trafask	1,200,000	Yes	1,000,000
R586 Bandon – Kilnascarta (Ilenbridge)	360,000	Yes	300,000

Planning Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

655 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual income received by the State from third party appeals to An Bórd Pleanala between 2000 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12414/07]

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

The amount collected by An Bórd Pleanala in third party appeals in the years 2000 to 2006 is set out in the table below:

Year	Amount of 3rd PartyAppeal Fees Received
	€
2000	561,636
2001	569,711
2002	456,150
2003	555,400
2004	687,800
2005	837,080
2006	841,890
Total	4,509,667

The total fees revenue collected by the Board is applied in full towards meeting its ongoing operational costs.

Election Management System.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

656 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on renaming the electoral wards currently known as Crumlin A and Crumlin B as Drimnagh A and Drimnagh B in recognition of the area’s proper title. [12429/07]

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

There are no proposals along the lines referred to in the Question.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

657 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the next review of the local electoral areas and district electoral divisions is to be carried out by his Department, in view of the fact that the previous review was in 1998 and the one before that in 1985. [12430/07]

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

Unlike for Dáil constituencies, there are no constitutional or statutory requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area reviews. The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998. The June 2004 local elections took place on the basis of the existing local electoral areas.

The next local elections are due to take place in 2009. Consideration can be given to reviewing the local electoral areas in the light of the final results from Census 2006 when they become available and other relevant factors.

Water Pollution.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

658 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures in place in Mayo to handle a cryptosporidium outbreak in the water sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12478/07]

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

Contamination of drinking water by cryptosporidium is an ongoing risk in relation to which water authorities in Ireland and other countries must exercise constant precaution and vigilance. Management of public drinking water supplies is the responsibility of the relevant local authority and information on the specific procedures put in place by Mayo County Council to safeguard against cryptosporidium in their water supplies would be available from the Council.

In 1998, my Department published detailed guidelines for local authorities on Minimising the Risk of Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies. These guidelines were prepared in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide clear advice to local authorities on preventing cryptosporidium getting into water supply systems. The guidelines cover all aspects of water supply management, including source protection, monitoring, treatment processes, storage and distribution as well as responding to an outbreak.

In November 2004, the National Disease Surveillance Centre published a report on waterborne cryptosporidiosis. This was circulated to all local authorities by the EPA with the request that they update their risk assessments based on the revised methodology of the report. Almost 400 such updated risk assessments were carried out by local authorities in response to this request.

Explicit requirements in relation to monitoring of drinking water for clostridium perfringens — an indicator of possible contamination of the water by cryptosporidium — are now set out in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2007. My Department's Water Services Investment Programme provides full capital funding for improvements of the water infrastructure of local authorities. Identified deficiencies posing relatively greater risk to human health or the environment would be prioritised in this context.

Housing Grants.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

659 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the income limit of €40,000 which applies for the qualification of a person with a disability seeking to improve their home to make it more accessible in view of the commensurate rise in house values and mortgages and taking into account that the figure of €40,000 is inadequate and low as a percentage of current house prices. [12494/07]

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

The administration of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme is delegated to local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations; as far as is practicable, this is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. In the light of substantially increased demand for grant assistance, the majority of local authorities have reviewed their schemes in recent years in order to streamline their operation and have introduced a variety of mechanisms to ensure that the available resources are targeted to those in most need, including medical prioritisation, means testing and/or cost control. The issue of means testing has been considered in the context of the review of the operation of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme which has been completed within my Department.

A revised scheme to be known as the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will be introduced later this year and will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The revised scheme is designed to ensure that available funding is targeted at lower income households and those whose need is greatest. Prioritisation of eligibility will be on the basis of medical and financial need with 95% of the approved cost of works available to those with annual household incomes of less than €30,000 tapering to 30% for those with annual incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.

The revised scheme will come into operation during 2007 and the income bands for the purposes of means testing will be amended annually in line with the amount of wage inflation in the preceding year. I will be issuing guidance to the local authorities on the operation of the revised scheme in due course.

Development Levies.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

660 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy with regard to the collection, use and distribution of development levies by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12615/07]

Joe Callanan

Ceist:

666 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures that have been introduced and are planned to be introduced by his Department to ensure that development levies collected by each Local Authority are administered in an open and transparent way ensuring that elected local authority members are in a position to see where the money collected is spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12811/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 666 together. Sections 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 set out the framework within which planning authorities must draw up a development contribution scheme in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of the local authority that benefit development in the area. The Act provides for three types of development contribution that can be attached as conditions to planning permissions granted under Section 34 of the 2000 Act.

In addition to the above legal framework, my Department has also issued policy guidance on development contributions to planning authorities in the form of circular letter PD 4/2003. The advice given in the guidance relates to the different types of development contribution that can be attached as a condition to planning permissions granted, the types of public infrastructure and facilities that can be funded by this mechanism, and the level of contribution. The legislation also requires planning authorities to base the contributions on the actual cost of providing the infrastructure in question. On the issue of actual moneys collected and spent, local authority annual reports must contain details of monies paid or owing to it under section 50 of the Local Government Act 1991 and must indicate how such monies paid to it have been applied. This includes charges under sections 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

In addition, Annual Financial Statements of local authorities in respect of 2005 and future years are required to include details of opening and closing balances on the development levies account together with the extent of movement in and out of the account during the year.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 662, 663 and 665 together. I understand that the European Commission at their meeting of 21 March decided to refer to the European Court of Justice a case against Ireland that will include issues regarding protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. However, my Department has yet to receive official notification in that regard.

The Guidelines to which the Question refers are being prepared by the Forestry Service, Department of Agriculture and Food. My Department is, however, finalising a species action plan for the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel and this plan will be released for public consultation later this year.

Since the 1970s, the EPA has operated a system of classification of river quality, based on biological criteria. Under this classification system, river waters are attributed a Q score and the highest rating that may be attributed to river waters generally is Q5. As part of work towards implementation of the Water Framework Directive, a new classification system in relation to water quality status is being developed by the EPA. This water status classification system will cover a broad range of parameters and will apply in relation to waters generally. Sites requiring special protection, including those inhabited by the Pearl Mussel, may require particularly high water quantity standards and consideration will be given to the appropriate standards that must be applied to such sites.

Water Quality.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

664 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the Environmental Protection Agency with extra resources to fulfil the role outlined in S.I. No. 106 of 2007, European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations making it an offence if a local authority fails to comply with a direction from the Environmental Protection Agency to take specified measures to provide safe drinking water and in view of the fact that the agency’s role in monitoring compliance with the integrated pollution prevention and control licensing system will increase substantially on 31 October 2007 when large industrial establishments operating before 1999 will come under its remit and that the annual report 2007 shows a fall in IPCC audits of 68% in the past two years. [12754/07]

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

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

To address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided on a temporary, once-off basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm film plastic and silage wrap. These special arrangements operated on a pilot basis in the first instance in counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford during June and July of last year. The service was provided free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities is being made available from my Department through the Environment Fund.

The collections were well supported by farmers in the counties participating in the pilot phase, leading to large quantities of plastic being deposited at designated sites. A significant finding from the pilot scheme was that it is not possible to operate collections in a large number of counties at the same time due to capacity constraints on the part of recovery operators. Accordingly, it was necessary to roll out the scheme to other areas on a staggered basis. Arising from a comprehensive examination of the information available, I approved further collections of waste silage / bale wrap by Carlow, Leitrim, Longford, North Tipperary, Roscommon and Wicklow County Councils which concluded in January of this year. It is estimated that in excess of 15,000 tonnes of plastics were recovered by the eleven local authorities that have operated collections to date.

Following a review of the outcome of the second round of collections, I have recently announced that collections of waste silage / bale wrap will now be put in place in a further 18 county council areas over the next 6 months. When the final phase is completed, collections will have taken place in all 29 county council areas. This arrangement allows for phased collections while at the same time creating certainty in the minds of farmers as to when their backlog will be cleared. It also allows local authorities and local farming organisations sufficient notice to agree and put in place the necessary arrangements for collections in their areas.

The collections will now be rolled out as follows:

	Dates	Counties
Phase One	April 2007	Donegal, Cork (West), Cavan, Sligo, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Meath
Phase Two	June/July 2007	Kerry, Limerick, Cork (East), Westmeath, Monaghan, Wexford, Laois
Phase Three	September/October 2007	Fingal, South Dublin, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Kildare, Louth

Local authorities engaged in providing collections must ensure that the farm plastic collected under these arrangements is recycled. The choice of facility is a matter for the local authority concerned and I have no function in this matter. These materials are a sought after resource which is freely traded under EU and international law. I understand that much of the waste recovered thus far has been recycled in facilities in the UK and the Netherlands. The export of waste is regulated by local authorities, in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of waste within, into and out of, the European Community.

National Monuments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

670 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the penalties applicable to landowners if a protected monument (details supplied) is destroyed; the persons who should enforce those penalties; if he will intervene in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/07]

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

Section 12 (3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 provides for the protection of monuments and places listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places. Two months notification in writing of any works proposed at or in relation to a listed monument is required to be given to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Contravention of this requirement is an offence under the Act. The penalties upon summary conviction of such an offence is a maximum fine of €1,269 or, at the discretion of the court, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both; the penalty upon conviction on indictment is a maximum fine of €63,486 or, at the discretion of the court, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both. Prosecutions are taken in any specific case by the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the State. The monument at Gortnafolla, Co. Mayo, which is in private ownership, is listed as a ringfort in the statutory Records and Monuments and Places for Co. Mayo. Notification of quarrying works at this location was referred to the Department by Mayo County Council in November 2006. In 2005 the relevant landowner had commissioned archaeological test excavations at the monument. The findings of the subsequent report were submitted to the Department in 2006. The report concluded from the results of the excavations and from cartographic evidence that there was evidence to suggest the monument was not archaeological in nature but was instead a "tree-ring", constructed in the nineteenth century within the demesne associated with nearby Turlough Park House. In the circumstances no further action is envisaged by the Department in this matter.

Planning Issues.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

671 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines issued by his Department governing the requirement that planning permission be sought by house holders who wish to provide off street parking at their residences and that this application for planning has to comply with all the requirements of large applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12941/07]

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

In the first instance, the maintenance and improvement of public roads, including modifications to associated public footpaths, would normally be a matter for the relevant roads authority and not for private householders.

Under class 6, schedule 2, Part 1 of the 2001 Regulations, the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of a house is exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, subject to certain conditions. Specifically, the exemption is for the provision, inter alia, to the front or side of the house of a hard surface for the parking of not more than 2 motor vehicles used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house. The exemption is subject to the condition that the level of the ground shall not be altered by more than 1 metre above or below the level of the adjoining ground.

Works outside the above parameters relating to private roads or footpaths, or to public footpaths in the context of private development, would require planning permission. Given the potential implications of such works for road safety, neighbouring properties or the appearance of a street, the requirements of the current Regulations, which have been endorsed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, are considered reasonable and appropriate.

Local Authority Housing.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

672 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the Ballylynch, Carrick-on-Suir regeneration scheme currently being discussed by his Department and the officials of Carrick-on-Suir Town Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12948/07]

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

The proposal as submitted was discussed with the County Council at the recent Housing Action Plan meeting. Arising from those discussions, my Department has recently written to the Council, requesting clarification on a number of issues. My Department will further consider the project on receipt of the Council's revised proposals.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

673 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of funding made available to provide skate board facilities for young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12957/07]

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

In May 2005, I introduced a new initiative for the provision of skateboard facilities by local authorities. Each City and County Council was invited to submit expressions of interest for grant assistance towards the provision of a skateboard park in its area. Applications were assessed in my Department in conjunction with the National Children's Office and some 21 projects in 21 different local authority areas were recommended for grant aid. A sum of €1 million had initially been earmarked for the scheme in 2005 but, in light of the number and quality of submissions received, I approved all 21 projects in November 2005 and increased the funding allocation to over €2 million which is expected to be spent over the two year period 2006 and 2007.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

674 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding made available to each local authority here to provide playgrounds for children in the years 2003 to 2007 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12958/07]

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

Prior to 2004, my Department did not operate a specific scheme of grants for playground projects. Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provided a new 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 has allocated funding of over €8 million to city and county councils for the development of new, or refurbishment of existing, playgrounds over the period 2004-2006.

Details of the grants allocated to each city and county council in each of the years 2004 to 2006 are set out in the following Table.

Grants for Playgrounds 2004, 2005 and 2006
Local Authority	2004	2005	2006
	€	€	€
Carlow County Council	40,000	60,000	120,000
Cavan County Council	50,000	60,000	120,000
Clare County Council	50,000	60,000	120,000
Cork County Council	42,000	60,000	120,000
Donegal County Council	50,000	60,000	120,000
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council	84,000	60,000	120,000
Fingal County Council	140,000	60,000	120,000
Galway County Council	100,000	60,000	120,000
Kerry County Council	80,000	60,000	120,000
Kildare County Council	72,000	60,000	120,000
Kilkenny County Council		60,000	120,000
Laois County Council	65,000	60,000	120,000
Leitrim County Council	41,000	60,000	120,000
Limerick County Council		60,000	120,000
Longford County Council	49,000	60,000	120,000
Louth County Council	72,000	60,000	120,000
Mayo County Council	60,000	60,000	120,000
Meath County Council	50,000	60,000	120,000
Monaghan County Council	17,000	60,000	120,000
Offaly County Council	70,000	60,000	120,000
Roscommon County Council	90,000	60,000	120,000
Sligo County Council	54,000	60,000	120,000
South Dublin County Council	115,000	60,000	120,000
Tipperary (North) County Council	47,000	60,000	120,000
Tipperary (South) County Council	63,000	60,000	120,000
Waterford County Council	40,000	60,000	120,000
Westmeath County Council	40,000	60,000	120,000
Wexford County Council	45,000	60,000	120,000
Wicklow County Council	57,000	60,000	120,000
Cork City Council	70,000	60,000	120,000
Dublin City Council	88,000	60,000	120,000
Galway City Council	64,000	60,000	120,000
Limerick City Council	89,000	60,000	120,000
Waterford City Council	80,000	60,000	120,000
Total	2,074,000	2,040,000	4,080,000

Local Authority Housing.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

675 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the Wilderness/Carrigeen regeneration scheme in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12963/07]

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

The proposal as submitted was discussed with Tipperary (S.R) County Council at the recent Housing Action Plan meeting. Arising from this it was agreed that the Council would carry out and submit a feasibility study, setting out the overall objectives of the regeneration project, the strategic and social plans for the area and a schedule of specific works. My Department is due to meet with the local authority in the coming week to further consider the proposed regeneration project.

Road Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

676 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has reduced the capital allocation for non-national roads to Kildare County Council in 2007 having particular regard to his recent reply to parliamentary questions on the issue and the necessity for an upgrade of the network of non-national roads throughout the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/07]

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

The provision, improvement and maintenance of non-national roads is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department.

In 2007, the grant allocation by my Department to Kildare County Council for the improvement and maintenance of non-national roads is €23,685,337. This is over three and a half times the funding provided when this Government came into office in 1997 and seven and a half times the 1994 State grant provision. The 2007 allocation also represents an increase of 3% on the 2006 grant payment to the Council.

When comparing the 2007 allocation to previous years, account must be taken of the special once off payments made to Kildare County Council from 2004 to 2006 to facilitate the staging of the Ryder Cup in 2006. If these grants are discounted, the 2007 allocation represents a 16% increase on the 2006 grant payment to the Council.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

680 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13107/07]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 562 of 20 February 2007. To date 124 people have transferred to or joined my Department to decentralise to Wexford, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. Of this group, three staff members were assigned different work duties within 6 months of joining the Department. Such reassignments are commonplace in an organisation as large and diverse as my Department and would not be expected to have any implications for staff morale.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Tuesday, 3 Apr 2007

Traffic Management.

Willie Penrose

John Gormley

Ruairí Quinn

Kathleen Lynch

Rules of the Road.

Joe Sherlock

Damien English

Integrated Ticketing Project.

Joe Costello

Michael Noonan

Road Safety.

Ciarán Cuffe

Eamon Gilmore

Dinny McGinley

Eamon Gilmore

Bernard J. Durkan

Trevor Sargent

Bernard J. Durkan

Road Network.

Jim O'Keeffe

Road Transport Legislation.

Brian O'Shea

Rail Network.

Tom Hayes

Olivia Mitchell

Railway Stations.

Liz McManus

Road Safety.

Pádraic McCormack

Airport Development Projects.

Gay Mitchell

Dan Boyle

Rail Services.

Trevor Sargent

Departmental Agencies.

David Stanton

Driving Instruction.

Gerard Murphy

Public Transport.

Paul Connaughton

John Perry

Richard Bruton

Joan Burton

Eamon Ryan

Fergus O'Dowd

Denis Naughten

Light Rail Project.

Róisín Shortall

Rail Services.

Simon Coveney

Road Safety.

Damien English

State Airports.

Liam Twomey

Bernard Allen

Rail Network.

Dan Neville

Tax Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Joe Costello

Driving Tests.

Phil Hogan

State Airports.

Jan O'Sullivan

Road Traffic Offences.

Pádraic McCormack

Public Transport.

Dan Neville

Seymour Crawford

Pat Rabbitte

Cycle Facilities.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2007