Vol. 650 No. 1
86 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress with Eircom’s proposal for structural separation; the consultation processes or advisory forums that have been held; if he and his Department are in favour of the proposal; if regulatory changes have been considered or agreed to facilitate such separation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10683/08]
121 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the merits of functional or structural separation of Eircom; his preference in relation to same; the position regarding the local loop unbundling situation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10557/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 121 together.
Eircom is a private company and is entitled to implement the corporate structure that best meets its needs provided that appropriate engagement takes place with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) on any regulatory issues that might arise in a separated company. I understand ComReg has engaged consultants to assist in the review of eircom's proposals for structural separation and this work is already underway. I have no specific role in relation to any form of restructuring of eircom.
However, as the roll out of high quality, competitive broadband infrastructure is a key priority for Government and as eircom operates an extensive network in this regard, their investment and organisational plans are of major interest to me. I have met the Chairman and Senior Executives of eircom since taking up office and Eircom's plans for the future, including the possibility of structural separation, have been discussed. At that meeting, and in a follow up letter from me, Eircom's commitment to investment was welcomed, and Eircom was advised about the Government's draft policy paper on Next Generation Networks which will set out the Government's policy framework in this area. Eircom was invited to contribute to the consultation process that will follow on this policy paper shortly. It was also made clear to Eircom, that regulatory issues arising from their proposals were a matter for ComReg, who are independent.
The Deputy may be aware that EU Commission's proposals for reform of the legislative framework for the sector, which were published in November, include adding functional separation to the remedy tool-box of national regulators. Such a remedy would be used only where there is clear evidence that the usual remedies have been tried and failed. There is some debate around whether customers would be best served by functional opening of the network or by a structural split between the retail and network divisions of the business, but I think the key issue is the implementation of the operational model that provides the optimum competitive environment and promotes investment and innovation by all telecoms providers.
87 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has reservations regarding Ireland’s commitment to the biofuels directive in view of ethical concerns regarding land use for biofuels, particularly in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, on the 23rd January 2008 the Energy Commission published its proposals for a new Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, which include the minimum mandatory target of 10% market penetration of biofuels in transport, in all Member States by 2020. In establishing these targets, the Commission recognises that while biofuels could offer opportunities for developing countries, sustainability in the production and use of biofuels would be critical. The Commission's proposals set out a range of environmental sustainability criteria, which would be mandatory and subject to verification.
The Slovenian Presidency has set up an ad hoc group to coordinate a position on the sustainability criteria for biofuels. Ireland is represented on this Group by my Department and in close consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The first meeting of the Group was held on 29 February 2008. The group will continue to meet on a regular basis with the aim of having a final position by April. Our objective is to ensure that the conclusions reached by this group will strike a careful balance to ensure the optimum outcome in terms of reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in transport, providing real opportunities for developing countries based on robust sustainability criteria and at the same time minimising risks in terms of food production and increasing our security of fuel supplies.
Ireland's national biofuels obligation will take full account of EU developments in relation to biofuels and related sustainability concerns and I have no reservations regarding Ireland's commitment to the Biofuels Directive in this regard. Ireland will be working closely with other Member States in the negotiation of the Directive to ensure that all biofuels placed on the European and Irish market are produced in line with all appropriate sustainability criteria.
88 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has in place to deal with the situation where there are almost 8000 MW of wind energy projects in the queue for the gate three connection process; his views on whether it will be necessary to prioritise some of these projects over others in order to maximise the benefit to the country; his further views on the criteria on which he will grant some projects priority over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10673/08]
111 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the changes in financial arrangements or tariffs to the onshore wind sector in recent months; if, in view of recent announcements, offshore is the preferred option for wind energy; his views on the 8000 MW of wind applications to the grid at the present time; the position regarding these applications; if the onshore providers awaiting access to the grid will be given less favourable status than offshore wind applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10564/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 111 together.
The processing of applications for connections to the electricity network is a matter for ESB Networks or EirGrid in the first instance. Any dispute in relation to connection requests and decisions, including the processing of Gate Three applications, are matters for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in the matter.
Projects which have secured a connections offer and planning permission can apply to my Department's Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) programme. The programme offers guaranteed prices to projects across a variety of renewable energy technologies. As the Deputy is aware, I have added a number of technologies to REFIT in recent weeks. The different prices under the various REFIT categories do not indicate any preference or priority for any technology over another. The REFIT programme does not favour any one technology or category over another. It does not set out to pick winners in that sense but does aim to reflect the differing investment costs for the various technologies.
The provision of a higher price in any category over another is indicative of the higher average production costs in that category and the level of payments required to ensure the completion of projects in the higher cost technologies. My recent announcement of a higher price for offshore wind projects reflects both the higher investment costs and operating costs in that category.
89 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the EU 27 energy Ministers meeting on 27 February 2008 which discussed the Commission’s controversial proposal to split up energy firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10584/08]
The EU Commission published its third internal energy market legislative package in September 2007, which aims to further liberalise EU electricity and gas markets. A fundamental feature of this package is the Commission proposal for the full and effective separation of supply and production activities from transmission ownership and operations in both the electricity and gas sectors. At the recent EU Energy Council my Ministerial colleagues from all Member States and I discussed progress to date with Commissioner Piebalgs and the Slovenian Presidency. There are still differing opinions among Member States on the most effective model for achieving meaningful unbundling.
A bloc of Member States including the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain and Ireland support the Commission's proposals. A bloc of other Member States including France, Germany and Austria are still pressing for a further compromise. Minister Andrei Vizjak as President of the Council fairly reflected the views around the table in concluding that there had been progress but that there was still much work to be done and that negotiations should continue intensively with a view to reaching political agreement on the package by June. Ireland will cooperate fully with the Presidency, the Commission and Member States to achieve that outcome, taking full account of the Spring 2007 European Council Conclusions.
91 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on his intention to transfer the ownership of the transmission assets from ESB to EirGrid; the timeframe for publication of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10558/08]
108 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed timetable of the steps which will lead to the transfer of ownership of electricity transmission assets from the ESB to EirGrid by the end of 2008 as stated in the programme for Government; if a complete transfer of ownership of all assets is still planned; the plans he has in place to ensure the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable semi-State entities as stated in a previous reply; the factors he sees as possibly affecting the strategic future in the case of the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10684/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 108 together.
The Programme for Government reaffirms the commitment in the Energy Policy White Paper to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to EirGrid by end 2008. The Government has also reaffirmed that we will keep the electricity and gas networks as strategic national assets in state ownership and these assets will never be privatised. Transfer to EirGrid, the State's Transmission System Operator, of ownership of the assets will have a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, and also involves a comprehensive process of consultation and engagement with ESB and EirGrid management and unions.
The drafting and publication of the necessary legislation will be a key step in the process and will be the subject of a full Regulatory Impact Analysis. The legislation is also likely to include a range of amendments to existing electricity legislation to fully reflect the new arrangement. The advice of the Attorney General on the precise parameters of the legislation will determine the scoping of legislation, as will the outcome of the Regulatory Impact Analysis. In line with successive Partnership Agreements, I am firmly committed to a full process of transparent and meaningful engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on all issues inherent in implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function. This process is ongoing and will also include engagement on legitimate concerns of the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT). These direct stakeholders all have pivotal roles to play in the process of engagement and in achieving outcomes, which are satisfactory for all parties concerned and in the interests of the economy and consumers.
Government policy is clear in relation to ensuring the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable Semi State entities with key roles to play in delivering national objectives for emissions reduction, renewables and energy efficiency as well as security of supply and competitiveness.
92 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will set ambitious targets on average speeds, availability and penetration rates to be achieved within set time-frames in the short and medium term; if he will report in detail to the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources every six months on these targets; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10645/08]
Broadband services are provided in the Irish market by the private sector, with appropriate regulation from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The role of Government is to ensure that the appropriate regulatory regime is in place and to also invest directly in the case of market failure such as the proposed National Broadband Scheme. The latest figures from the OECD show that Ireland experienced the fastest growth in broadband take-up in the OECD and had a penetration rate per capita of over 18%. ComReg has found that 40% of Irish households had a broadband connection at the end of September 2007. I expect that ComReg data for the current quarter will confirm that we are now at the 50% household penetration mark.
The broadband challenge is now moving to ensuring more widespread access becomes available to provide quality services over ever increasing bandwidth. Internationally, telecommunications is moving to next generation broadband to deliver greater quality, speed and service to the consumer. This is happening where there is strong competition and incentives to innovate. There is evidence on the supply side of greater band width being made available at lower prices such as the recent offerings by two companies of 12Mbps and 15Mbp's at €40 and €45 per month. Our ambition is for Ireland to make a quantum leap forward in this new digital communications environment. The development of faster and cheaper broadband products will be an important part of that change.
An advantage may also come to those countries which adapt their telecoms infrastructure to the fast changing computer and media industries. These industries are evolving rapidly as new network formats such as "cloud computing" and new mobile platforms become available. While bandwidth speed is important the crucial development in adapting to this new ICT world may be the widespread availability of access through wireless, mobile, fixed line, cable and fibre. Such ubiquitous access should provide the right environment for existing broadband applications to thrive and newer, better applications to evolve. The accumulation of such new applications can then help the commercial development of faster broadband connections. As a country with a very dispersed rural population it will be hard for us to overtake other countries that are already rolling out fixed fibre connections to the home.
However, as a location of many leading global technology companies and with a very active software and digital media industry we could get a real head start in adapting to this fast changing digital world. Our next generation policy paper will be published shortly, setting out the regulatory, investment, demand stimulation and other measures that the Government will consider in an attempt to assist such a progressive development.
93 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to supply ComReg with powers to fine Eircom for line faults, in the context of that company’s universal service obligation and the continuing high levels of faults and problems with data being supplied to ComReg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10686/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), already has enforcement powers under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003, as amended, concerning eircom's performance in relation to the provision of its universal service obligations. ComReg may specify parameters for the provision of universal service obligations, including repair of line faults and require the designated universal service provider to publish information concerning same. ComReg may also set performance targets to be met in respect of certain universal services, as it deems appropriate from time to time. The Regulations permit enforcement action in the event of failure to comply with a direction issued by ComReg following persistent failure to meet performance targets.
94 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available to businesses and domestic users who provide renewable energy through private wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10561/08]
I am firmly committed to the development of micro-generation in line with the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy White Paper. Work is ongoing to provide for a distributed grid connection system to encourage the development of micro-scale renewable power supplies and the introduction of smart electricity meters which can facilitate exports of electricity to the network from micro-scale plants. A successful micro-scale support programme requires a soundly based operational and regulatory environment and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is working in conjunction with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to deliver this environment with the objective of launching a micro generation support programme in the coming months.
In addition to cooperating with the CER, ESB Networks and the suppliers, to roll out the national smart-metering programme, SEI will be implementing a number of micro-scale electricity generation projects as part of its Dundalk Sustainable Energy Zone programme, which will deliver real time data to assist in the design and delivery of the wider micro-scale support programme.
95 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Broadcasting Bill is due to be published; if he will provide further detail on what will be contained in the Bill; if he will elaborate on his comments in the media recently in which he referred to the need for RTÉ not just to chase ratings and to broadcast less foreign programming at prime time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10641/08]
In September 2006 the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative. The essential elements of the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill included:
The establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters to be known as the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) which would encompass the existing regulatory functions of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and the RTÉ Authority.
The provision of a statutory mechanism for the oversight of public funding of RTÉ and TG4, and
The amendment of the existing public service remits of RTÉ and TG4 to allow them use public funding for the purposes of developing new broadcasting services using web-based technologies.
It is proposed to publish the consequent Broadcasting Bill in April 2008 in the light of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's conclusions on the outcome of the eConsultation process and the recent agreement with the European Commission in respect of mechanisms for the oversight of public funding of RTÉ and TG4.
In relation to RTÉ's remit, it is my intention that they would continue to inform, educate and entertain by showing a broad range of programmes. The Joint Oireachtas Committee published its conclusions on the draft general scheme in April 2007. The Broadcasting Bill has been prepared with a view to ensuring the appropriate regulatory and organisational structures for the growth and development of public service, commercial and community broadcasting in Ireland.
96 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on threats by ESB unions to impede roll out of smart meters; if the roll out will be funded by the ESB as originally planned; if he will change his position on the transfer of ownership of electricity transmission assets from the ESB to EirGrid in response to the threats; if he is still committed to such complete transfer by the end of 2008 as stated in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10620/08]
Management of industrial relations within ESB is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of the company. I am aware of the ballot undertaken by a number of the unions within ESB last November. I am also aware of recent comments from a representative of one of the constituent unions with regard to Smart Metering. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation closely. The roll out of smart meters, as committed to in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government, is a central component of our strategy to improve management of demand for electricity and to achieve greater energy efficiency through use of the latest technology.
The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. That is why I have made it a priority for my Department to work intensively as part of the Steering Group overseeing the roll out. The group is chaired by the CER and consists of Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers. There are also four working groups examining the complex technical aspects of smart metering including, Tariffs, Billing/Data Services, Networks and Customer Behaviour. It remains the position that the smart meter programme will be financed under the ESB Networks Investment Programme. The recognised potential of smart metering in terms of increased energy efficiency, reduced costs, reduced harmful emissions, facilitation of micro and distributed generation and improved customer service, will deliver tangible benefits to all consumers of electricity.
In relation to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to EirGrid, the Programme for Government reaffirms the commitments in the Energy Policy White Paper. As I have stated before, and in line with successive Partnership Agreements, there is an ongoing process of engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on all issues inherent in implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function.
97 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fact that of the total of 24 measures with specific 2007 deadlines in the energy White Paper, 15 have not been done, and only six were done on time; his further views on whether this is an acceptable level of achievement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/08]
The Energy White Paper sets out over 200 policy actions, measures, goals and targets that are designed to deliver on security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness over the period to 2020. We are making fundamental changes to the way we provide and use energy. Ireland's sustainable energy future depends on it. The Programme for Government underlines the imperative to secure long term energy security and sustainability and a low carbon future for Ireland. The urgent and massive challenge of climate change underscores this imperative. The comprehensive policy actions under way in the White Paper, together with the additional commitments in the Programme for Government, will result in a transformed landscape for the Irish energy sector.
The ambitious policy actions and measures in the White Paper have different timelines and challenges. We are working to deliver on them all in a timely manner. I am working in partnership with my Government colleagues and with all stakeholders to deliver that change. Action is already under way across all the key deliverables. I have launched a range of initiatives in relation to accelerating delivery of renewable energy targets, energy efficiency, distributed generation and demand side management including the National Smart Meters Programme. The review of the all-island energy market development framework is underway with Northern Ireland colleagues and we successfully launched the Single Electricity Market in November 2007. I am satisfied that very significant progress is being made across the measures in the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government.
98 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in 2006, the last year for which figures are available, over 90% of Ireland’s total energy requirement was imported, and 66% was imported from the UK; the consequences this would have in the event of an energy crisis affecting the UK in particular; the detail of the contingency plans he has in place to deal with such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10672/08]
The statistics in relation to reliance on energy imports underline the imperative for contingency planning but crucially underline the imperative need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The Government is committed to delivering on our targets for the accelerated development of renewable energy in the electricity, heating and transport sectors which will progressively reduce our dependence on imported oil and gas.
The Government's Energy Policy Framework identifies the need to develop longer term strategies to reduce over-reliance on gas imports from the UK. The actions set out in the Framework include long term strategic planning by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in relation to security of gas supply and working within the European Union to deliver fully integrated regional gas markets for Northern Europe and diversification of supply. The CER has granted a gas storage licence to Marathon Oil Ireland Ltd to make available to third parties the full capability of its depleted Kinsale facility, which has a capacity of 7 billion cubic feet (bcf). This is the first such storage facility in Ireland and BGÉ has contracted to use over 5 bcf of it. At current levels, BGÉ's Kinsale reserves can supply 50% of non-daily metered customer requirements, that is, small business and domestic, for up to 50 days.
Shannon LNG, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of Hess LNG Ltd is planning the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal near Tarbert on the Shannon Estuary. The project is being considered from a planning perspective under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act. The project could potentially provide up to 40% of Ireland's gas requirements and may also have a positive impact on the security of our gas supply by improving our connectivity to the global gas market. The All-Island Energy Market Development Framework identified the need for a North/South approach to natural gas storage and LNG. My Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland, jointly commissioned a study last year to assess the medium to long-term position with regard to security of natural gas supply on an All-Island basis and the scope for an all-island approach to natural gas storage and LNG. The outcome of the study, which has recently been completed, is currently being assessed by both Departments. The connection of the Corrib gas field will also reduce our dependence on gas imports over its lifespan.
The robustness of existing gas interconnection and the planned electricity interconnection between Ireland and Britain, are critical for Ireland's security of energy supply. The current interconnection capacity with the UK Grid (through Northern Ireland) of 300 MW, will be increased by 500 MW with the delivery of the new East West electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales by 2012. Enhanced interconnection, in both electricity and gas, will also integrate Ireland into the wider EU regional energy market.
In 2006, the latest year for which figures are available 66% of Ireland's oil imports were sourced from the UK with crude accounting for 8% and products accounting for 92% of these imports. In the same year Norway accounted for 28% of our oil imports, of which crude accounted for 91% and products 9%. The Irish downstream industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. My Department has commissioned a strategic review of the security of Ireland's access to commercial oil supplies. My Department has in place contingency arrangements to deal with oil supply disruptions. As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ireland would be entitled to its share of available IEA oil stock in the event of a significant oil supply disruption.
In relation to contingency planning, Bord Gáis Networks, as National Emergency Manager for the gas network, has detailed arrangements in place to maintain supplies in the event of a shortage of gas imports from the UK. Bord Gáis also works closely with the ESB and EirGrid, under the direction of the CER, to ensure coordination between the emergency arrangements for both the gas and electricity networks. My Department is working to finalise implementation of EU Directive 2004/67 on measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply. This will clearly define the roles and responsibilities of gas market players relative to security of supply in the context of the liberalised natural gas market. Bord Gáis participates in the UK arrangements for gas emergencies, which ensures that we are informed of both the procedures in place in the UK and the potential impact that any curtailment of gas supply in the UK could have on Ireland.
99 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that, as he said in a speech to the Dáil, if an area is not covered by 1 July 2008, it will get broadband under the national broadband scheme; his views that this will not be the case because of State aid problems; his further views on whether the scheme will fall far short of achieving 100% coverage; the other plans he has to achieve 100% coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10694/08]
109 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the data on broadband coverage is adequate; his further views on a recent programme (details supplied) that found many areas that appear to have broadband in the Government’s coverage map do not have sufficient coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10566/08]
129 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the tendering process for the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10576/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 109 and 129 together.
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In order to address this issue the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is currently under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
A complex mapping exercise was undertaken in order to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. My Department and ComReg contacted service providers and requested details of their current and planned broadband coverage. The decision with respect to areas that are not currently served but are expected to be served in the near future will be made in July 2008. Any area not served by 1 July 2008, will fall under the scope of the NBS. Entering in to an area already covered by the private sector would result in Ireland being in breach of the EU Commission's State Aid decision. The procurement process is being undertaken pursuant to the European Communities, (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts), Regulations 2006, using a competitive dialogue procurement process.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate, the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
100 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for developing and delivering a new tougher regulatory system with regard to mobile texting costs; his views on incorporating RegTel into ComReg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10574/08]
I intend for RegTel to be under the aegis of ComReg and details of this will be outlined in the Broadcasting Bill which I will present to the House in the coming months.
101 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to make the regulators in his brief more accountable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10689/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to instigate a Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment. An Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and including a representative from my Department, has been tasked by the Government with advancing work in this area. An independent review is being commissioned by that Group to address the need for stronger international data and benchmarks in order to assess the comparative effectiveness of key Irish economic Regulators. The Review is expected to make recommendations on improving regulatory structures in Ireland, drawing on international models of regulation. Tenders for the Review are currently being assessed and it is anticipated that the Review will commence shortly and last approximately six to 9 months.
The Interdepartmental Group is also currently examining a range of measures to enhance accountability and the transparency of Regulators' operations and arising from its recommendations, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs was recently established. The Committee's terms of reference focus on the operational efficiency of Regulators in key economic sectors such as: Energy; Communications; Transport; Health and Safety; and Financial Services. The Committee has already been briefed by officials of my Department on the Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment. The Committee have also met with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in pursuance of its Terms of Reference. More generally both ComReg and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) meet from time to time with the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy & Natural Resources.
A continuing balance must be struck to insure that our regulatory bodies remain accountable to our democratically elected political system while at the same time maintaining their necessary independence in the carrying out of their regulatory functions. I expect that the work of the Interdepartmental group and the new Oireachtas committee will help keep that balance in place.
102 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will extend the universal services obligation to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/08]
I have no plans to extend the universal services obligation to broadband. However, the widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the National Broadband Scheme procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008 and that implementation of services will commence as soon as possible thereafter.
103 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the effects of the closedown of analogue television in Wales on Counties Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow and Dublin; the timescale of this impact; his views on the consequences of this signal shutdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10565/08]
The UK Government is planning to close down analogue broadcasting services in Wales in 2009 and replace them with digital broadcasting services. When the analogue services are switched off, TV viewers in the South East of Ireland who currently receive UK channels through overspill, will lose reception of these analogue channels. TV viewers will, of course, continue to receive the Irish analogue terrestrial TV channels after this date. The decision to cease analogue broadcasting in Wales is a matter for the UK government. It is expected that there may be some overspill of the digital broadcasting services but this is likely to be less than analogue overspill.
The closure of analogue terrestrial broadcasting services is happening all over Europe and it is expected that by 2012, all analogue terrestrial broadcasting services throughout Europe will have ceased. These services are being replaced by digital broadcasting services which are more efficient and which provide opportunities for more services. The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 has provided for the introduction of Digital Terrestrial Television in Ireland. Under this legislation RTE must provide Digital Terrestrial Television services throughout Ireland with space to carry RTE, TG4 and TV3. The BCI has been given the authority to provide for commercial Digital Terrestrial Television services. The RTE development of Digital terrestrial services is underway and it is anticipated that by 2009, Digital Terrestrial Services will have started to roll out in Ireland.
104 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of times he has met with the Department of Transport to discuss the increasing level of emissions associated with the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10571/08]
I hold regular meetings with the Minister for Transport and his department officials at which various issues are discussed including those related to the impact of energy on climate change policy.
105 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the implementation of postcodes; if he has the results of any cost benefit analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10562/08]
119 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress to date on implementing a postcode system here with a detailed timescale for the next few months that will lead to implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10690/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 119 together.
The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) presented its recommendation as to the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation, promotion and maintenance plan. A proposal concerning the introduction of postcodes went to Government in May 2007 and Government decided that, prior to the introduction of postcodes, further analysis to quantify the wider economic and societal benefits should be carried out. My Department is currently carrying out this analysis, in order to establish the wider costs and benefits. This work will be completed shortly following which I intend to revert to Government.
106 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he envisages that County Kerry will have full broadband access. [10393/08]
125 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to provide broadband access outside the main urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 125 together.
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by fixed line, wireless, cable, satellite, and more recently, mobile in many areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers. The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage experienced by both business and domestic users. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, including any unserved areas in County Kerry, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
107 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans for extra provision of storage facilities similar to Turlough Hill; his views on whether additional storage would permit far higher levels of generation from renewable sources; if he will commission a study that considers increased storage as a mechanism for facilitating greater generation from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10568/08]
Any future decisions in relation to the development of additional energy storage will be informed by analysis by EirGrid and ESB, research and development as necessary and the views of the Commission for Energy Regulation, taking into account the findings of the All-Island Grid Study and the needs of the energy sector.
110 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fact that Northern Ireland has achieved 100% broadband penetration; the lessons to be learned from its example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10556/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In order to address this issue the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is currently under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
The Northern Ireland model was examined along with the methods used in other jurisdictions to address gaps in coverage during the planning phase of the scheme. Department officials met with their Northern Ireland counterparts to explore the approach in detail. The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
112 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will undertake an immediate audit of all broadband telecommunications infrastructure under public and private ownership nationwide, in particular an audit of all ducting infrastructure capable of carrying fibre-optic cable; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10695/08]
My Department has prepared a draft Policy Paper on Next Generation Broadband and has recently completed a successful meeting of the expert International Advisory Forum to examine the issues, options and recommendations for future policy. There are a number of options available to Government which are considered in the policy paper, including how to make the optimum use of state infrastructure, such as ducting, to facilitate the private sector investment. The Forum has critiqued the paper and provided robust commentary on the approach the Irish Government should adopt. My Department will incorporate the advice of the Forum and I intend to publish the paper shortly for consultation with all stakeholders. I would encourage and welcome the views of all interested parties on the paper.
113 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department’s readiness for the digital terrestrial television switch over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10581/08]
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is progressing on a number of fronts. The 2007 Broadcasting (Amendment) Act introduces a framework for the licensing of DTT in Ireland and assigns responsibilities to ComReg, RTE and the BCI. ComReg is responsible for ensuring there is sufficient spectrum for DTT broadcasting. RTE is responsible for developing a national DTT service with capacity for RTE, TG4 and TV3 as a matter of priority. The BCI is responsible for the development of commercial DTT services and is presently holding a competition to award contracts to commercial broadcasters.
My Department has made it clear to all stakeholders involved in the development of Digital Terrestrial Television that 2012 is the date by which switch-over from the analogue to digital terrestrial services should be achieved. ComReg, RTE and the BCI are aware that they each have a role to play in providing for this. The BCI process is due to be finalised during the summer and at this time there will be additional clarity around the development of both national and commercial DTT services.
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he has taken directly or in conjunction with his EU colleagues to improve Ireland’s standing in the field of information technology with particular reference to the immediate availability of high speed broadband and general state of the art communications technology here with particular reference to the critical requirements of industry, commerce, education and medicine; if his attention has been drawn to deficiencies in these areas at present; the degree to which Ireland has fallen behind its EU colleagues in this regard; if he will address the underlying cause or causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10699/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The latest OECD statistics show Ireland in first place in terms of per-capita subscriber growth over the year to end of June 2007, with Ireland adding 6.6 subscribers per 100 inhabitants during the past year, far ahead of the OECD average of 3.65 per 100 inhabitants.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme, investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and the Broadband for Schools Programme. Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the Country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
My attention is now firmly fixed on next generation broadband networks. My Department has prepared a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks which considers the optimum role for Government in facilitating the roll out of high speed broadband networks. Both in Europe and internationally, there are varying views about the optimum approach to next generation broadband roll-out and the technologies to be employed. This is a challenge for all concerned and Ireland is not lagging in tackling these challenges.
115 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the greener homes schemes; the number of applicants waiting to receive grants; his views on the recent problems with wood pellet boilers in County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn to similar problems elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10559/08]
118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to promote the use of domestic renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7470/08]
122 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the greener homes scheme will have sufficient funding in 2008; if he has plans to increase the funding available over the course of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10691/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 118 and 122 together.
The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006. On foot of the achievement of the scheme targets a full three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007. Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007.
The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. Continuing the scheme will help secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is administering the scheme on behalf of my Department. I understand that there are approximately 500 applicants awaiting grant approval at any one time. Applications are processed and decisions issued within a matter of weeks of receipt. The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review and will continue to evolve in light of maturing technologies and market developments. I am satisfied that sufficient funding is available to meet the commitments under the scheme in 2008.
The Wexford County Council development at Oylegate is one of the 128 developments which received funding support through SEI's House of Tomorrow Programme. SEI contributed funding of €140,000 for the sustainable energy design and technology features in this development and Wexford County Council in conjunction with its contractors managed the design, construction and installation of all elements of the development. The SEI funding contributed to the cost of the sustainable energy measures incorporated in the houses, including superior insulation, glazing, solar water heating system and a wood pellet stove heating system.
I am aware that certain difficulties subsequently arose in relation to a small number of wood pellet stove installations in the development and I am advised that Wexford County Council has taken action to resolve these issues. As SEI had no operational role in the construction of the houses, the installation of the energy technology features or any subsequent actions, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific actions taken by Wexford County Council. I understand that the development is continuing to achieve the target of energy savings in excess of 40% when compared to similar houses built to the Building Regulations applicable at the time the development was constructed.
One of the objectives of the Greener Homes Scheme is to accelerate the development of a previously immature market/supply chain and to promote best practice and professional behaviour. SEI has received approximately 30 complaints from dissatisfied householders relating to either poor installation biomass boilers and stoves or disappointment with system performance versus expectations. Such instances, while very unsatisfactory, are diminishing and the quality of installations, nearly two years on, has improved. This reflects the quality assurance and training initiatives put in place by SEI.
116 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the assessment of the prospects for geological storage of carbon here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10586/08]
The assessment of the prospects for geological storage of carbon in Ireland is at a relatively early stage. A study, due in September 2008, by Sustainable Energy Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is examining the potential for such storage on the island of Ireland. In addition, an EPA–GSI project in the next two years, due in January 2010, will evaluate the prospect for potentially favourable sites in the Moneypoint region. Research under the Griffith Geoscience Research Awards has just begun, which will document the subsurface characteristics of potential sites in this region.
However, we are some considerable distance from implementing any storage solution, even if all these studies have positive results. GSI intends to affiliate to an active European network on geological storage of carbon to ensure we are fully aware of best practice on technical options relevant to Ireland. The Department is also participating in other EU and international fora where the potential for carbon capture and storage is being progressed. The question of legislative underpinning for geological storage of carbon will be kept under review in light of developments.
117 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the publication date of the joint study on natural gas storage and liquefied natural gas on an all-island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10585/08]
In February 2007, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland (DETINI), commissioned a joint study on a common approach to All-Island natural gas storage and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The report was completed and submitted to both Departments in December.
The study assesses the medium to long-term position with regard to security of natural gas supply on an all-island basis, considers the scope for a common approach on natural gas storage and LNG with a view to optimising that position and makes recommendations accordingly. The recommendations of the study are currently being jointly examined by both Departments, North and South, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation. A date for joint publications will be agreed between us shortly.
123 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for publication of the Broadcasting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10572/08]
280 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred option for the development of the broadcasting industry; the discussions he has had with service providers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10987/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 280 together.
The draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill, submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in September 2006 for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative, is intended to ensure the establishment of the appropriate regulatory and organisational structures for the growth and development of public service, commercial and community broadcasting in Ireland. The Joint Oireachtas Committee published its conclusions on the draft general scheme in April 2007. It is proposed to publish the consequent Broadcasting Bill in April 2008 having considered the Joint Oireachtas Committee's conclusions on the outcome of the eConsultation process.
In the context of the development of broadcasting policy my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.
124 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for publication of the findings of the Fuel Poverty Action Research Project; the most recent figure for the number living in fuel poverty; the number of people who benefited from the warmer homes scheme; the budget available for that scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10569/08]
I am advised that the final report of the Fuel Poverty Action Research Project is scheduled for publication in mid 2008. There are currently no national statistics available on the number of people experiencing fuel poverty in Ireland. The EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions which is carried out by the Central Statistics Office each year, measures the number of households that have gone without heating at least once over the previous year due to lack of money. The most recent figures available from this survey indicate that in 2006 some 5.7% of households in Ireland went without heat at some stage during the year, a slight reduction on 2005.
Sustainable Energy Ireland's Warmer Homes Scheme was introduced in 2003. Up to the end of 2007, some 7,652 people on low incomes benefited from substantial energy efficiency improvements to their homes under the Warmer Homes Scheme. The number of beneficiaries has been rising steadily each year. SEI's Low Income Housing Programme was in operation for many years previous to the Warmer Homes Scheme and aided many vulnerable households. I have made available some €2.5m to SEI in 2008 to continue the very valuable work of the Warmer Homes Scheme. In the first two months of this year a further 600 families had the energy performance and comfort conditions of their homes permanently improved under the Scheme.
126 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on providing a channel dedicated to the democratic discussions in Dáil Éireann and making it available on terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10567/08]
I am in favour of the establishment of a new Oireachtas channel which could provide for extended free-to-air television coverage of the proceedings which take place in the Houses of the Oireachtas and in other democratic fora. The programme for Government contains a commitment in this regard.
I have attended meetings with the Ceann Comhairle and the Joint Oireachtas Committee for the administration of the Houses where the details required for the establishment of such a channel were discussed. I believe that the establishment of a new Digital Terrestrial Television transmission system, which is being co-ordinated by my department, should provide for the Oireachtas channel, commencing in the second half of 2009. I believe the transmission and editing and production costs involved in such a channel are a matter for the Oireachtas commission in the first place.
127 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the value for money and policy review on phase one of the MANs programme; when he will decide on the progression of a further phase of MANs; the position in relation to the current status of MANs; the number of towns it has been delivered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10579/08]
The provision of broadband services is a priority for the Government. In this context, the primary role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers. The broadband market in Ireland is fully liberalised and regulated, where appropriate, by ComReg, the independent Commission for Communications Regulation.
However, where markets fail in the telecommunications and broadband sectors, Government must act. Government infrastructure policy addresses market failure through investment in international connectivity and regional backhaul, the construction of the open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), part-funding rural broadband access networks under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and under the upcoming National Broadband Scheme. The MANs Programme involves the construction of high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in towns and cities nationwide in partnership with local and regional authorities. Phase I of the MANs Programme saw the construction of open access duct and fibre networks in 27 cities and towns that are now offered to telecommunication service providers on a wholesale basis to allow them to provide services without the need to build their own networks.
A total of 94 towns were selected for investment under Phase II. There have been a number of developments since the decision to proceed with Phase II was made. All towns selected for investment under the MANs Programme now have at least one broadband provider competing over multiple technology platforms — DSL, wireless, mobile and satellite. In addition, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commenced a Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme last year. This report is almost complete and will be published in the coming weeks.
The Department has also prepared a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks, which will review current communications infrastructure policy and will provide options on the optimum future role for Government in facilitating the roll out of high speed broadband networks. An International Advisory Forum, made up of international experts in the electronic communications sector, met two weeks ago to critique the draft policy paper. The paper will soon be published for public consultation. In these circumstances, I decided that it would be prudent to delay the signing of contracts for the construction of new networks, until I have had an opportunity to consider and assess the implications of the value for money report and the outcome of the consultation on the Next Generation Broadband policy paper. In the meantime, the MANs that are under construction in 66 towns are proceeding as planned.
128 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to give more powers to ComReg to enforce LLU; his views on whether the powers given to OfCom in the UK in this regard, especially in terms of the levels of the fines it can impose, could be used as a model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10688/08]
130 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to enhance ComReg’s enforcement powers; if he is satisfied that the regulator is empowered to regulate the broadband sector effectively at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10573/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 130 together.
The provision of electronic communications services, including broadband is primarily a matter for private sector operators. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of electronic communications service providers and the implementation of local loop unbundling rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Open access for service providers is critically important and ComReg's recent resolution of outstanding issues around Local Loop unbundling is a very welcome development. I understand that a fit-for-purpose LLU product range is now available to alternative operators who wish to avail of the services.
In relation to ComReg's enforcement powers, the Deputy may be aware that these were substantially enhanced by the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007 including:
The creation of new summary, indictable and continuing offences for breaches by operators of obligations imposed by ComReg;
Conferring on ComReg, competition law powers, to allow it to investigate and prosecute anti-competitive behaviour or abuse of dominance in the electronic communications sector; and
Providing ComReg with increased information gathering powers and power to investigate overcharging.
I have no further plans in this regard.
132 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the time frame for funding Leader companies under his Department’s new scheme; the criteria for drawing down funding; the way the scheme will benefit coastal community groups; the way this scheme will directly benefit fishermen who have signed up to the hardship scheme following the banning of drift net fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5463/08]
I published details of the Community Support Scheme on Friday 7 March 2008, details of which can be viewed on the Department's website at www.dcenr.gov.ie The Community Support Scheme, amounting to €5 million, will be made available to those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery in 16 fishery districts through 15 LEADER companies and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta, in respect of the Gaeltacht areas.
This Scheme is not ordinarily directed at commercial salmon fishing licence holders, who have had the opportunity to avail of payments from the €25 million Salmon Hardship Scheme but rather at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in the communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example Gaeltacht areas.
The scheme is to be administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Available funds will be allocated to those affected fishery districts, proportionately to the impact of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery. It will focus on retraining of the affected labour force, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity and projects to promote the quality of the local environment. The closing date for receipt of applications by the LEADER companies is 31 December 2008 and all projects must be complete by November 2009.
133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals for banning junk food advertising aimed at young people; his timeframe for this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10582/08]
Section 19(1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland shall, upon being directed by the Minister to do so, prepare a code specifying standards to be complied with, and rules and practices to be observed, in respect of advertising, tele-shopping material, sponsorship and other forms of commercial promotion employed in any broadcasting service or sound broadcasting service which relate to matters likely to be of direct or indirect interest to children. The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is an independent statutory organisation responsible inter alia, for the development of codes.
Under the newly adopted Audiovisual Media Services Directive, Member States and the European Commission are required to encourage media service providers to develop codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communication, accompanying or included in children's programmes, of foods and beverages containing nutrients and substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, in particular those such as fat, trans-fatty acids, salt/sodium and sugars, excessive intakes of which in the overall diet are not recommended. While Member States have until December 2009 to tranpose this requirement I propose to consider the opportunity afforded by the forthcoming Broadcasting Act 2008 to bring forward proposals in this regard.
134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fact that only €13.2 million of the €150 million provided in the national development plan for energy research was allocated in budget 2008; his further views on whether this is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10589/08]
The National Development Plan makes provision for an envelope of €149m in the Energy Research sub-programme over the period 2007-2013. This subprogramme includes energy research capacity building and applied sustainable energy research, development and demonstration projects including the fields of ocean energy and the building environment. It will also address further priorities which will arise from the Energy Research Strategy. This Strategy is due to be finalised at the end of March. Actual annual allocations in respect of Energy Research, as with any other spending programme, are determined in the Annual Estimates process in the normal way.
The conduct of energy research, like all research, essentially takes place over the long-term. Accordingly, associated funding is usually provided for in a multi-annual context. For instance, in the area of energy research capacity building, the first major tranche of the total spend of c. €20m on the Charles Parsons Awards was paid out in 2006. The second and third major elements of expenditure on the awards are due in 2010 and 2013 respectively, subject to the contractual arrangements in place being fully and satisfactorily met. In much the same way, the investment of €26m in Ocean Energy which I recently announced is due to be spent in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The capacity building element of energy research will be augmented by the announced expansion of the remit of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to include energy, as provided for in the Programme for Government. This will bring the SFI's considerable experience and track record in building world class research teams and developing Strategic Research Clusters and Centres to capacity building in the energy area.
135 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position of Ireland in relation to each one of the targets on energy commitments (details supplied); the targets set out for the year 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10577/08]
The Government has set targets for the development of renewable energy resources which mirror or exceed existing targets set by the EU. In the electricity market we will increase the contribution by renewable energy sources to at least 15% by 2010 and 33% by 2020 of electricity consumed and work towards the higher level of renewables indicated as being possible in our all island grid study. Between 2003 and 2006 the contribution doubled from 4.3% to 8.6% and is expected to have increased to 10% when data is available for 2007.
In Biofuels for transport we have committed to sustainable delivery of a target of 5.75% by 2010 and to a further target of 10% by 2020. Delivery of these targets will be underpinned by the Biofuels Obligation which will be introduced in 2009. In the heat sector, targets of 5% and 12% market penetration by 2010 and 2020 respectively are being delivered through the Greener Homes, ReHeat and Combined Heat and Power grants programmes, as well as measures put in place by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to encourage the growing and processing of energy crops.
136 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has occurred in preparation for the transposition of the forthcoming third postal directive into Irish law by 31 December 2010; if he will undertake a comprehensive review and consolidation of all legislation affecting the postal sector as part of this process; if so, the time scale involved; the impediments he envisages as affecting the prospects of achieving end-to-end competition in the postal market here; and the action he will take to address them. [10560/08]
140 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed timescale for implementation of the third postal directive, including the length of time the public consultation will last; if it will include strict deadlines; when he expects the directive to be transposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10685/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 140 together.
The Third Postal Directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 20 February 2008 and is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department. I intend to hold, shortly, a public consultation process examining the key issues arising from the Directive. I anticipate that the consultation will be held over an eight-week period, with a definite deadline for receipt of submissions in place. The results of this process will assist my thinking with respect to the transposition of the directive into Irish law, including any possible consolidation of existing postal legislation, which is currently under consideration. The deadline for transposition of the Directive is 31 December 2010 and, at this time, I am not aware of any reason that would delay transposition.
With respect to the development of competition, Ireland's dispersed population pattern means that even in the event of market opening, competition will not necessarily develop immediately. It is unlikely that a competitor would establish an end-to-end solution to compete directly with An Post on a nationwide basis, a view that is supported by a number of international studies. However, this issue, will be examined in full in the context of the transposition of the postal directive.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he anticipates Ireland to generate electricity by alternative means in the next five years; the methods of generation most favoured; the extent to which he expects the use of fossil fuels for such purposes to be reduced in the next five years; the European country he expects to emulate in this regard in terms of total electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10698/08]
The Government's targets for electricity generated from alternative and renewable energy sources in Ireland are 15% of electricity consumed in 2010 and 33% in 2020. The dominant technology providing the required new capacity will be wind powered both onshore and offshore with additional capacity provided by biomass, small hydro and wave and tidal projects. We are also committed to accelerating delivery on the potential for ocean energy in an ambitious timeframe.
Our targets and underpinning programmes reflect the specific challenges and opportunities for Ireland in energy terms which are different in many key respects to other EU Member States; where we can adapt and learn from other European experiences we are doing so. Sustainable Energy Ireland estimates a displacement of approximately 13,500 GWh of fossil energy in 2012 based on a prediction of 6,500 GWh of renewable energy sourced electricity generating at that time.
138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason, in view of the publication of the All Ireland Grid Study, he has not set a target of 42% of electricity to be obtained by renewable sources by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10587/08]
The All-Island Grid Study concluded that it is feasible to generate 42% of electricity on the island of Ireland from renewable energy sources by 2020. The study shows that we have the potential to do more than reach the Government target of 33% renewables which should be considered as the base rather than the limit of our ambitions. Achieving existing targets and aiming higher again is our central objective therefore. This is a complex challenge requiring major investment in our electricity transmission network and very significant investment from the renewables sector itself.
I have announced a range of initiatives since publication of the Grid Study to further support and underpin delivery of our renewable energy targets. We are putting in place the necessary strategies to deliver on our national and EU targets as well as crucially looking beyond those in terms of ambition. We will also be continuing to work closely with Northern colleagues as we both work to fulfil renewable energy ambitions for our respective systems.
141 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that sufficient funding is provided in 2008 to meet Government commitments in relation to the remediation works at Silvermines, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10591/08]
The funding provided in 2008, is sufficient to allow works to commence at the Tailings Management Facility at Gortmore; the first site in the rehabilitation project. I am advised that tenders will be invited from a shortlist of suitable contractors for this phase of the project in the very near future with a view to work commencing on site in quarter two of this year. Given the phased nature of the project, work is scheduled to take place at the Gortmore site in 2009 and 2010. Work is continuing on finalising the detailed designs for the other old mine sites to be rehabilitated at Silvermines.
142 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposal in the programme for Government to remove regulatory barriers to combined heat and power and district heating systems; the position in relation to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10583/08]
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland are in discussion with the Commission for Energy Regulation with a view to identifying and removing barriers including regulatory barriers, to the deployment of high efficiency CHP and district heating. I hope to be in a position to publish proposals in April.
143 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a joint initiative has been set up between Ireland and England regarding the imposition of credit card stamp duty (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10753/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that stamp duty of €30 (reduced from €40 in Budget 2008) is chargeable in respect of credit card accounts maintained by a financial institution at any time during the twelve month period ending on 1 April. The financial institution is entitled to pass the charge on to the account holder (section 124 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act, 1999). A credit card issued by a foreign financial institution to an individual with an address in the State is liable to stamp duty. The location of the card issuer is irrelevant. The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that their officials have been in direct contact with a number of financial institutions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere regarding their obligations in this area.
144 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to the continuation of a pilot project for remedial work such as the removal of blockages on the Shannon river near Meelick, County Galway, to help minimise the risk of localised flooding; if funding has been earmarked for this project in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10789/08]
Potential measures to further reduce the risk of summer flooding in the area concerned are currently being pursued. Funding will be made available in 2008 for any measures that are deemed socially, economically and environmentally acceptable.
145 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to reduce VAT rate from the current level of 21% to 13.5% on defibrillators as many of these are purchased by community, sporting and voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10808/08]
The position is that in matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In this regard, I would point out that the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service depends on the nature of the good or service and not on the status of the consumer. In this case, there is no provision in EU law that would permit the removal or reduction of VAT based on the social or economic status of the consumer.
In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate. In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot be applied to the supply of defibrillators. Therefore the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.
146 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of revenue received from the construction industry each year over the past ten years reflecting the amount of VAT, site, labour and profit taxes. [10815/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as the information furnished on tax returns does not generally require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of economic activity to be identified, the precise figures of net yield of tax revenues from the construction industry cannot be readily identified. Information in relation to VAT, Income Tax and Corporation Tax can, however, be provided as to the estimated gross amounts of taxes paid (i.e. before allowing for repayments) by taxpayers in the construction industry.
In considering this data, it is important to bear in mind the specific assumptions that have been made and are set out in the notes under the table below. Also, it is important to bear in mind that the figures provided are estimates. Finally, the figures given below are revisions to figures provided in reply to earlier Parliamentary Questions. The revisions are as a result of the updating of tax records, such as amending relevant codes, having a retrospective effect on historical figures for tax yields. The gross yield of VAT (not including VAT on imports), PAYE/PRSI, Income tax non-PAYE and Corporation tax from taxpayers in the construction industry within the tax head is estimated as follows:
|
Tax head |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
VAT |
2,041 |
2,465 |
2,977 |
3,043 |
|
PAYE/PRSI |
1,878 |
2,161 |
2,378 |
2,610 |
|
Income Tax non-PAYE |
244 |
341 |
469 |
445 |
|
Corporation Tax |
404 |
496 |
610 |
582 |
The figures for 2007 are preliminary and subject to revision. Data for previous years is not readily available.
Notes:
These figures are gross receipts as provided by the Revenue Commissioners and differ slightly from the Exchequer receipts.
"Income Tax (non-PAYE)" includes direct Income Tax and PRSI payments received from self-assessed taxpayers and the estimated Relevant Contracts Tax not offset to other taxes, attributable to the construction industry but excludes certain "deduction" taxes such as Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Withholding Tax on professional fees, Dividend Withholding Tax as well as yields from audit and other back duty settlements. The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4 digit "NACE code (Rev. 1)" which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. The NACE codes are not essential for the assessment and collection of taxes and duties and the correct allocation and maintenance of these codes is subject to the limit of available resources. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided. The figure provided for the estimated gross yield from the construction industry has been expanded to include the yield from activities and businesses which are related, either in whole or in part, to the construction sector. An example of these would be architecture, engineering and the manufacture of products used in construction, but not real estate activities.
Stamp Duty
The breakdown of yield from Stamp Duty on residential and non-residential property for the years 1998-2007 is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Residential Property |
Non-Residential Property |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
1998 |
213 |
174 |
|
1999 |
263 |
288 |
|
2000 |
282 |
392 |
|
2001 |
265 |
406 |
|
2002 |
349 |
317 |
|
2003 |
528 |
547 |
|
2004 |
752 |
709 |
|
2005 |
945 |
1,056 |
|
2006 |
1,311 |
1,679 |
|
2007 |
1,018 |
1,363 |
147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will allow women who were taxed while receiving maternity benefit to claim an income tax rebate in respect of maternity periods which occurred more than four years ago (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10863/08]
148 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will quantify the number of women who received maternity benefit in each of the past six years but did not get an income tax rebate in respect of that income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10864/08]
149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans he has to make it easier for employees to claim an income tax rebate (details supplied). [10865/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that maternity benefit is not subject to income tax, so that the question of a tax rebate in respect of such income should not normally arise. I am further advised that payroll arrangements in operation while an employee is on maternity leave and in receipt of maternity benefit may vary depending on particular circumstances and different contracts of employment. Revenue has given guidance to employers (in Chapter 7 of the Employer's Guide to PAYE) on the different payment/recovery scenarios involved, including where the employer recovers maternity benefit and continues to pay wages, and the appropriate PAYE treatment to be applied in each set of circumstances.
Revenue became aware last year that some employers have been treating maternity benefit incorrectly for taxation purposes. Revenue wrote to the employers concerned (as well as others that may have been in the same situation): (a) reminding them of the correct PAYE treatment; and (b) requesting details of any employees affected for the years 2003 to 2007 (the years for which, at that stage, a rebate claim was still in time in accordance with section 865 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997). I am advised that the replies received from these employers are still being examined by Revenue to try to identify the cases of apparent incorrect tax treatment and to determine the best approach to carrying out reviews of the cases concerned. However, it will be necessary for Revenue to seek further details from some of these employers before a full picture of the numbers affected can be established. I am assured by Revenue that this work will be completed in the shortest time possible.
In relation to the four-year time limit on tax rebate claims, the background is that provisions introduced in the Finance Act 2003 (which amended section 865 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) gave taxpayers for the first time a general right to repayment of tax overpaid, subject to a four-year claim limitation period. This became effective for all claims received on or after 1 January 2005. At the same time, the right of the Revenue Commissioners to raise assessments and make enquiries was also reduced to a four-year period, apart from cases where fraud or neglect is suspected. The Finance Act 2003 scheme was devised after careful and detailed consideration. It was designed to achieve the necessary balance between establishing a fair and uniform system for taxpayers, including parity of treatment between PAYE and self-employed taxpayers, while, at the same time, providing the necessary protection for the Exchequer from exposure to claims going back many years.
150 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that phase 3C of Naas General Hospital is added to the Health Service Executive draft capital plan for 2008 which is with her Department for approval, in view of the shortage of beds at the hospital, the large number of patients regularly left on trolleys at the hospital and the fact that the tender process was completed in 2007 and a preferred contractor was recommended. [11099/08]
177 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Health and Children the programme to complete phase 3C and phase 3D of the development at Naas Hospital, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10870/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 177 together.
Over recent years, considerable funding has been made available for the completion of capital projects at Naas General Hospital. In drawing up its capital plan, the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation. The HSE has been finalising its capital plan over recent weeks on this basis. A revised draft of the plan has been completed and has been made available to the Department, for consideration and approval in the normal way. The draft capital plan reflects the HSE's commitments and priorities. The HSE is currently reviewing a number of options to enable it to progress further capital projects over the coming years and proposals in this regard are awaited by the Department. The capital plan will be published as a whole upon approval. It is not productive to release information about the status of individual projects in advance.
151 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women on the waiting list for mammograms at Limerick Regional Hospital; the length of time those women are on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10732/08]
152 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of mammograms carried out at Ennis General Hospital for the years 2005, 2006 and up to 3 July 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10733/08]
153 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women from County Clare who are awaiting mammograms at Limerick General Hospital; the length of time those women are on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10734/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.
The HSE has designated Limerick Regional Hospital and University College Hospital Galway as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region. Waiting times for routine investigations can, and will be, reduced by making better use of the existing capacity. The National Cancer Control Director, Prof. Tom Keane has said that there are many unnecessary follow-up visits for breast cancer patients after treatment. Resources could be better used for initial investigations for new patients. He plans to eliminate such unnecessary follow-ups in developing clinical practice norms. Significant work has also been undertaken in the area of symptomatic breast disease services, supported by the Irish College of General Practitioners, in relation to referral criteria and the development of appropriate referral forms to allow for appropriate triage of urgent and non-urgent cases.
The HSE National Hospitals Office will transfer full responsibility for all symptomatic breast services to the National Cancer Control Programme by the end of this month. The Programme recently completed a detailed review of resource requirements to create capacity for the progressive transfer of all symptomatic breast cancer services to the eight designated cancer centres with the objective of completing 60% transfer by the end of this year and 90% by the end of 2009. Funding of €5.8 million has been allocated from the Programme across the eight centres, including Limerick Regional Hospital, to support additional staff, including Consultant, Radiography, Nursing and clerical posts. Funding has also been allocated for some necessary additional equipment. In parallel with progress under the National Cancer Control Programme, national roll-out of BreastCheck will significantly reduce the number of patients being referred to the symptomatic services as routine referrals. BreastCheck screening commenced in the Western Region last May and in the Southern Region last October.
The Deputy's specific questions in relation to mammography at Ennis General Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
154 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the review of breast cancer services at Barrington’s Hospital in Limerick will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10735/08]
Following disclosures about the provision of breast cancer services at Barrington's Hospital and Medical Centre, it was agreed to commission an independent review of patients' files in the Hospital during the period 1 September, 2003 to 10 August, 2007. The Chairperson of the review team is Dr. Henrietta Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of the All-Ireland Cancer Foundation and former Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland. Barrington's Hospital is co-operating in full with the process. Dr. Campbell expects to finalise a draft report shortly. Following the completion of the necessary legal formalities, the Report will be submitted to me and to Barrington's Hospital.
155 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children when the redevelopment of Ennis General Hospital will take place; the amount of money set aside to finance this project; what the upgrading works will provide in terms of facilities and services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10756/08]
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.
156 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the ambulance cover available in County Clare in terms of personnel and their qualifications; the plans in place to upskill staff; the budget set aside for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10757/08]
157 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of major trauma cases the ambulance service in County Clare attended to in the years 2003 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10758/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
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 issues 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.
158 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take on the query from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10760/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
159 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children her views regarding the mixing of male and female patients in bedded wards in public hospitals; and the policy in place on this particular issue. [10762/08]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to public acute hospitals. My Department has been informed by the Health Service Executive in relation to public acute hospital services that gender mixing occurs in high dependency units such as intensive care, coronary care and accident and emergency departments as well as in small geriatric assessment units. Outside of these areas, gender mixing may occur as a result of emergency medical need where no alternative accommodation can be found at the time of admission. Therefore, it may not be possible to re-organise the accommodation arrangements for male and female patients on a day to day basis to correspond with the varied demand for male and female beds as some flexibility is occasionally required in order to ensure patient admission. In such circumstances patients are usually only mixed for short periods until alternative accommodation can be found. On such occasions it would be normal practice that patients would be screened off by the use of curtains etc. to ensure that a degree of privacy can be maintained.
160 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given a bed in a hospital in Galway; and if the matter will be expedited in view of their age and medical condition. [10780/08]
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.
161 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of single bed rooms available to patients as a percentage of the total beds in acute hospitals; the number of single bed rooms available to patients as a percentage of the total beds available in community hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10785/08]
162 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of single bed rooms in acute and community hospitals as a percentage of the total beds available in the UK and any other EU country that such statistics are available for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10786/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
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.
163 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that all community hospitals caring for the elderly meet current fire safety standards; if her attention has been drawn to the gross overcrowding in some such institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10787/08]
As the Deputy will be aware the age profile of older person in-patient facilities spans from the mid 1800s to the present day. The Health Service Executive has advised me that existing facilities are under continual review, and a programme of fire safety improvements has been on-going for many years. The HSE has further advised that all such facilities are regularly inspected for Fire Safety purposes. Fire safety training and evacuation exercises are part of the on-going fire safety provisions, and all have fire safety arrangements in place.
164 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans in train to expand the number of beds at the Galway hospice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10788/08]
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.
165 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an application for grant aid towards the development of a crèche (details supplied) in County Galway has not been successful in view of the fact that the crèche has developed extensively since the original application for grant aid was submitted in 2006; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this crèche has created four new staff positions and 23 new child care places since the first application was submitted, that the crèche facilities are going to be increased by 67% due to the huge demand for child care places, and that from a value for money point of view the project with its revised increased child care places should be eligible for grant aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10790/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Child care Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP) which will invest €575 million over 5 years in developing child care services. I understand that the application in question for capital grant funding under the NCIP was not successful as it did not meet the value for money benchmark set under the NCIP. A request for a review of this decision has been received by my Office and has been forwarded to Pobal, which administers the day to day operation of the Programme on behalf of my Office. Following a further assessment, a recommendation will be made by the Programme Appraisal Committee chaired by my Office prior to a decision being made. The applicant will be notified of the decision as soon as possible thereafter. I understand that the applicant in question was previously approved capital funding for this facility of €49,210 under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP).
166 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the criticism of Judge David Anderson who questioned if the Health Service Executive was fit for purpose after a two year delay in providing psychiatric care for a person (details supplied) facing 27 charges and who cannot access services at the Central Mental Hospital; her views on his describing the HSE as dysfunctional after it failed to send a representative to explain this to the court; the reason the CEO did not turn up to the scheduled court appearance. [10805/08]
Given the division of powers under the Constitution, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any remarks made in court by a member of the judiciary. 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. The Executive, therefore, 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.
167 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a 19-month wait for speech therapy and that infant check-ups are being scheduled due to staff shortage at a health centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the steps being taken to address these problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10809/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
168 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve health concessions for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10812/08]
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.
169 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a bed will be made available for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10813/08]
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.
170 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the health problem of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be dealt with. [10814/08]
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. 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 their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
171 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take on a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [10854/08]
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on a project (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [10855/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
My Department is unable to identify the agency responsible from the information supplied by the Deputy. However, the HSE has confirmed that it is not aware of this premises being used for such services nor have individuals been referred there by the Executive.
173 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time frame for processing applications under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10862/08]
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 the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The 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.
174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment of their claim under health repayment scheme. [10866/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
175 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that arrangements are made in order that a person (details supplied) in County Meath can be seen by a consultant at an earlier date in view of the fact that the person is in considerable pain. [10867/08]
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.
176 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a new unit for eight intellectually disabled people is still idle for the want of staff at Milltown in Monaghan town and that a new building intended for six handicapped people is also idle at Billis, County Monaghan; if she will investigate the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10868/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
178 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the approval of posts (details supplied) for the Health Service Executive west area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10875/08]
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-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.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the 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 to the Deputy.
179 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck mobile digital screen units will be rolled out in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10882/08]
BreastCheck commenced the screening process in the Western Region last May, with the provision of a mobile unit on the grounds of Roscommon County Hospital. I officially opened the BreastCheck static unit for the Western Region at University College Hospital Galway last December. An additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided for the construction of two new static units, eight additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. A total of €15 million additional revenue funding has been allocated to cater for national roll-out of the programme. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved and recruitment is underway. The screening sequence for roll out to individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's operational considerations such as maximising uptake, most efficient use of mobile and static units and radiographic personnel. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.
The Deputy's specific question in relation to the timeframe for roll-out of the programme to Co. Clare is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
180 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of the €6.78 million ring-fenced in 2007 toward the provision of services for people with cystic fibrosis that has been spent; and the way it was spent. [10896/08]
181 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultants appointed for the provision of services for cystic fibrosis patients in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10897/08]
182 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the way the €6.78 million ring-fenced in 2007 for cystic fibrosis was spent. [10898/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 to 182, inclusive, together.
My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive that 44 additional staff have been recruited to date arising from the provision of additional revenue funding of €6.78m for the development of cystic fibrosis services. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on detailed application of this funding.
183 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report from the Health Service Executive cystic fibrosis working group will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10903/08]
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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
184 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a recommendation to the Health Service Executive to ensure that people with cystic fibrosis are automatically issued with a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10904/08]
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. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. This provision also entitles qualifying dependants to avail of a medical card. The HSE may also grant a person full eligibility for a particular service where the person would be unable, without undue hardship, to provide that service for themselves or their dependants.
In assessing an application for a medical card on behalf of a child, the HSE uses guidelines based on the means of the child's parent(s)/guardian(s), which includes their income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this general review, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of economic/financial, medical and social need is being undertaken with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card, and is expected to be completed by Autumn, 2008.
185 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will detail what is available for a sector of people (details supplied) under the home care package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10905/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social service 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.
186 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which output targets (details supplied) for 2007 were delivered. [11005/08]
Under Section 31 of the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive must prepare and submit its National Service Plan (NSP) for the coming year to the Minister for approval. The NSP must, amongst other things, indicate the type and volume of health and personal services to be provided by the Executive for the resources provided in its Vote. The National Service Plan is focused on providing quantifiable measurement data for the planned service outputs anticipated in respect of the inputs/resources being used. The NSP is regularly monitored through a series of monthly and quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports submitted by the HSE and which are examined by the Department.
The HSE National Service Plan 2008 was approved by the Minister on 10 December 2007 and subsequently laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 20 December, 2007. The NSP 2008 is also available on the HSE website (www.hse.ie) and contains provisional data (as of November 2007) on the outputs achieved during 2007. In addition to the NSP, the Department is also required to produce an Annual Output Statement which is a document which matches outputs and strategic impacts to financial and staffing resources for the financial year in relation to Votes 39, 40 and 41. This statement also reports on the finalised outputs achieved for 2007. The Annual Output Statement will be examined by the Select Committee on Health and Children as part of its consideration of the Estimates of the Health Group of Votes.
Under the National Childcare Investment Programme and the previous Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, some 9,000 additional child care places were approved in 2007. Approximately 2,250 Mental Health Tribunal hearings were held during 2007. The further detailed information requested by the Deputy is a matter solely for the HSE as a corporate body. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to respond directly to the Deputy.
187 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the nature of the legal and constitutional difficulties which have arisen with the nursing home payment legislation to which the Minister for Finance recently referred on the Order of Business; and when she expects to be in a position to present the legislation. [11006/08]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the legislation providing for the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal. In the course of progressing the legislation, the Department has obtained legal advice in relation to a number of matters. Some of these matters are still the subject of consideration in the context of finalising the Bill. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the Bill has been brought before the Government for approval. Finally, my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, hopes to be in a position to bring the legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval.
188 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatient discharges, day case discharges, outpatient attendances and accident and emergency attendances in 2006 and in 2007. [11007/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social service 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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
189 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of National Treatment Purchase Fund inpatient treatments, day case treatments and consultant appointments in 2006 and 2007. [11008/08]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
190 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of a new maritime station; the number of staff that will become redundant as a result of the closure of Valentia and Malin Head stations; the provisions or plans he has to relocate such staff if necessary; the discussions he has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to replacement employment for such staff, if necessary; the meetings he has had or is proposing to have with his EU counterparts in relation to such a decision; if the cost of the new station is to be funded by the national Exchequer or if funding is available from the EU in view of the international dimension of the new project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10794/08]
It is my intention that the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be strengthened to meet the needs of this country well in the 21st century. In relation to the west coast I have not finalised where that location should be but expect to be in a position to do so shortly. The review of locations is currently underway and the possibilities have narrowed to a choice between a site in the Limerick/Shannon area or Malin or Valentia. I want to stress that no officer will be forced to move or lose their jobs. Should the decision be to move from Malin or Valentia the possibility of keeping existing staff running their current watches from their existing stations is also under evaluation.
The Deputy will understand that the Coast Guard restructuring that is being worked on is aimed at improving the overall quality and efficiency of a key public service. The proposals will be considered in the context of the many comments I have received and also taking account of the Tánaiste's Budget Day request to each Department to undertake an efficiency review of expenditure. I have also met Government and Opposition representatives and members of local communities to discuss the issue. I have not discussed the question of the location of a station with my EU counterparts, however any new station should be capable of meeting our international obligations well into the future and these aspects are discussed at EU level. I expect costs to be met by national exchequer funding. Synergies with the UK Coast Guard are currently under discussion. I can assure the Deputy that all views expressed will be taken into account before final decisions are taken.
191 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the Equality Tribunal’s recent ruling finding the decision of the taxi hardship scheme to refuse a driver compensation based on their age discriminatory; the steps he will take to pay those who were refused payment under the scheme on the same grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/08]
I am aware of the recent Equality Tribunal decision referred to by the Deputy. The decision in question will be the subject of an appeal to the Circuit Court.
192 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the time-span for the construction of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Tuam to Claremorris; the expenditure that will be used on this particular part of the project in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10791/08]
The phased re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor is being progressed by Iarnród Éireann with the Ennis to Athenry section to be completed in 2009, and subject to statutory requirements and requirements relating to approval of capital projects, the Athenry to Tuam section in 2011 and the Tuam to Claremorris section in 2014. My Department has allocated €60 million to Iarnród Éireann for expenditure this year on Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that, apart from planning expenses, there will be no capital expenditure in 2008 on the Athenry to Claremorris sections.
193 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the importance of the proposed new Coolnamuck Bridge and link road in Carrick-on-Suir to the development of local infrastructure and to the local economy and the difficulties for the local town council in introducing a supplementary levy scheme to fund this critical project, his Department will provide the necessary funds for the proposed new bridge or if he will direct the National Roads Authority under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 to fund his key project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/08]
Under Sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the National Roads Authority (NRA) is responsible for the funding, design, construction and maintenance of the national roads network. I understand that the bridge and link road in question are not part of this network and therefore the issue of NRA funding is not relevant in this case. The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for each local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In August 2007, my Department invited applications from local authorities for consideration for funding in 2008 under the regional and local roads specific improvements grants scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is solely a matter for local authorities. The proposals submitted by South Tipperary County Council did not include an application for grant aid for Coolnamuck Bridge or a link road in Carrick-on-Suir. All road grants for regional and local roads in 2008 have now been fully allocated to local authorities.
194 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of units and the passenger capacity on mainline rail, on Bus Éireann and in private passenger bus fleets with licences to operate scheduled services at the end of 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11010/08]
195 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the mileage traversed by the fleets on mainline rail, on Bus Éireann and on private licensed bus fleets operating scheduled services in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11011/08]
196 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the total passengers carried and fare collected by mainline rail, Bus Éireann and private licensed bus fleets operating scheduled services in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11012/08]
197 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the operational losses or profits and the cost of interest and depreciation in respect of mainline rail and Bus Éireann in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11013/08]
198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of units and passenger capacity of each Luas line, the DART system, the Arrow and other suburban rail and the Dublin Bus fleet at the end of 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11014/08]
199 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the mileage traversed by the fleet on each Luas line, the DART, the Arrow and other suburban rail and the Dublin Bus fleet in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11015/08]
200 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the total passengers carried and fares collected by each of the Luas lines, the DART, the Arrow and other suburban rail and by the Dublin Bus fleet in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11016/08]
201 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the operational losses or profits and the cost of interest and depreciation in respect of each of the Luas lines, the DART, the Arrow and other suburban rail and of Dublin Bus in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11017/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 201, inclusive, together.
My Department has asked Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and the Railway Procurement Agency to compile the information sought and forward it directly to the Deputy. My Department does not have the data sought in relation to private passenger bus fleets. I would also refer the Deputy to Transport 2006 published by the CSO.
202 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason his Department refused to help persons (details supplied). [10766/08]
203 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he refused to meet the family of a person (details supplied); and if he has since requested a meeting with the family to offer further help. [10767/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to him of 14 February 2008 and previous replies, my Department has provided wide ranging, sensitive and, in many ways, exceptional consular assistance to the family of the person concerned since his tragic death in Lanzarote on 1 August 2007. This assistance included: extensive efforts to expedite the repatriation of the person's remains and personal belongings; a contribution towards the costs of travel expenses incurred by the family; the translation without charge of several complex Spanish legal documents; updating and obtaining sensitive information for the family on the Spanish police investigation; and the provision of assistance with complex legal matters in Lanzarote.
My Department also arranged, as an exceptional additional measure, for the services of a local lawyer to be provided on a pro bono basis for the family over a period of several months. As the Deputy is aware, the conduct of the investigation into this tragic death is clearly a matter for the Spanish authorities. On 13 February, the investigating magistrate decided to provisionally close the investigation into the case on the grounds that there was no evidence that the person’s death was caused by a crime. Based on the autopsy and extensive toxicological tests, the judge concluded that the death was the result of natural causes. My Department communicated this information to the family within minutes of becoming aware of it. My Department also advised that any appeal would have to be made by the family within three working days.
On my instructions, senior officials from my Department have met on my behalf with the family of the person concerned on several occasions. As a result, I have been kept fully informed of developments in the case and am satisfied that every possible assistance has been provided, and if requested, will continue to be provided.
204 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in issuing a passport to a person (details supplied) who applied some months ago to replace a previous passport; and if he will confirm that same is being issued forthwith. [10793/08]
Processing of this application was delayed for two reasons. Firstly the applicant, who originally was on her first husband's passport and then applied for a passport in her new married name, initially submitted a photocopy of her marriage certificate rather than the original. She also failed to include her birth certificate and her certificate of Post Nuptial Citizenship. These original certificates were subsequently submitted on 6 December 2007.
Secondly, the original certificate of Post Nuptial Citizenship was issued in 1975 in a format that is, I am afraid, no longer in use. The authenticity of this certificate had to be confirmed with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This has now, I am glad to say, taken place. The application has been approved and arrangements are being made for the prompt issue of the passport. The above delay, which was outside our control, is quite unusual and is regretted.
205 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the renewal of a passport for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [10885/08]
The Passport Office has no record of issuing an Irish passport to the person in question, nor has it any record of a current application.
206 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of times the interdepartmental group on improving the economic situation in Donegal has met; if it is still continuing its deliberations; the recommendations being made; if such recommendations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/08]
Following a Government decision in 2005, I established an interdepartmental Group on Donegal. This Group, which was chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, focused on the progress being made or planned on infrastructure developments, which would assist in improving the attractiveness of County Donegal as a location for enterprise development. In July 2006, I launched the report of the Group. My Department is currently reviewing the progress that has been made since the launch of the report and it is my intention, when that work is completed, to make the findings public.
207 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts that have been made to create and bring employment to County Donegal, that has experienced the highest unemployment rate of any county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10803/08]
Donegal is a target location for the IDA with the County now competing for a different type of business to labour intensive manufacturing, which IDA so successfully won over the past four decades. The overseas investor is now seeking locations for more advanced manufacturing or office based solutions, to a great extent depending on high skill and high value work. While this has required a significant change of strategy by the IDA, progress has been made in securing new high value investments from Pacificare, Pramerica, SITA and Abbott Diabetes with some 1,200 new jobs being added in the County by overseas firms over the last five years. These companies continue to recruit and are actively seeking new staff.
As regards Enterprise Ireland, which serves the indigenous sector, it provides a wide range of supports for high potential start up companies including, financial supports, business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development etc. As part of its infrastructural support for start-up companies, Enterprise Ireland has approved some €3.5m in recent years for developments at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, which is an important aspect of supporting and attracting business to the region. Between 2004 and 2006, Enterprise Ireland client companies created 1,156 jobs as against 980 jobs lost with Enterprise Ireland also approving some €15m in support to its Donegal client companies.
Enterprise Ireland has also been very active in supporting the development of community enterprise centres in the North West Region, which are critical to continued enterprise development in rural areas and to the development of an entrepreneurial culture. Nine Community Enterprise Centres in County Donegal have received funding of approx. €2m under the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme to date.
The role of the Donegal County Enterprise Board is to provide support to micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. Through the provision of both financial and non-financial support, the Board supports individuals, firms and community groups, provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. Financial support is available in the form of Capital Grants, Employment Grants and Feasibility Study grants. In relation to non-financial support, Donegal CEB engages in a range of activities to stimulate enterprise and to support small businesses.
Despite past difficulties in County Donegal, due to the demise of traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing and textiles, there is clear evidence that the county is successfully engaged in a transition to the new economy. I can assure the Deputy that funding support and initiatives for enterprises in County Donegal is, and will remain, a priority for the State development agencies under the auspices of my Department.
208 Deputy Denis 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 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10776/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.
209 Deputy Denis 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 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10777/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.
210 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Roscommon under the sports capital programme 2008; the value of grant aid sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. The Deputy will appreciate that given the large volume of applications received and the complexity of processing and evaluating the information required, it is not possible at this early stage to provide an exact number of applications received or the level of grant aid sought by applicants from County Roscommon.
211 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Leitrim under the sports capital programme 2008; the value of grant aid sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10779/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. The Deputy will appreciate that given the large volume of applications received and the complexity of processing and evaluating the information required, it is not possible at this early stage to provide an exact number of applications received or the level of grant aid sought by applicants from County Leitrim.
212 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will look favourably on applications for sports capital funding for a centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10792/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.
213 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10890/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. Accordingly, applications for this year's Programme are no longer being received as the deadline has passed. All applications received under the 2008 Programme will be assessed in accordance with the assessment criteria outlined in the Guidelines, terms and conditions of the Programme and allocations will be made when that process has been finalised.
If the organisation in question has not applied under the current round, it is open to them, should they have a project which satisfies the Terms and Conditions of the Programme, to submit an application for the next round of the Programme. I should point out to the Deputy that applications must be sporting in content to qualify for funding under the Programme.
214 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will reopen the local authority swimming pool programme. [10991/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ No. 310 on Tuesday 11 March 2008. The position remains the same.
215 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take in relation to the query from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10761/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Health Service Executive. The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced One-Parent Family Payment (OFP). The CWS has advised that she also has a maintenance payment in addition to her OFP. Consequently, rent supplement is being paid at a reduced rate, taking account of her overall financial circumstances. The CWS has advised that a review of the rate of rent supplement payable to the person concerned will be undertaken to ensure that she is receiving her correct entitlement.
Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. I intend to have the current rent limits reviewed this year with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. In the meantime, under existing arrangements the CWS may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons; where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period; and where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard in the assessment of means and has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case.
The review of rent supplement, payable to the person concerned, will include an assessment of any exceptional circumstances, as outlined above, which would warrant payment of the supplement at a rate above the current rent limits.
216 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the request by an organisation (details supplied) made in a letter to him dated 6 March 2008 that he refer to the Attorney General the possibility of amending the criteria attached to the habitual residence condition in order that the applicant’s centre of interest could be based, inter alia, on the place that the person was born and raised as opposed to their nationality; if he will make such a request of the Attorney General to establish if such an amendment could be consistent with EU requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10884/08]
There is no discrimination on grounds of nationality in social welfare legislation and to introduce such a provision would be contrary to the equality principles that Ireland has adopted in our own equality legislation, the Treaties of the European Community and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and other international conventions.
The criteria that have been incorporated into the social welfare legislation to guide a deciding officer in determination of the habitual residence condition have been drawn from judgments of the European Court of Justice and are therefore soundly grounded in case-law. The proposal that an applicant's current "centre of interest" should take account of where he/she was historically "born and raised" does not accord with the interpretation of this matter by the European Court of Justice, which places the emphasis on the current location of important elements such as, inter alia, an applicant’s home, employment and close family members. To introduce the place of birth and upbringing of the person as a factor to be considered in determining a person’s centre of interest has no warrant in case-law.
On the contrary it would be found to be introducing indirect discrimination on the grounds of nationality as the vast majority of persons born in Ireland are Irish nationals. If applied similarly to persons born and raised outside Ireland, it would make it harder for such a person to show that their current centre of interest is now Ireland. The concept of indirect discrimination has been determined many times in national and international courts. Our own legislation describes it succinctly in Section 3(1) of the Equal Status Act 2000, (as amended by Section 48 of the Equality Act 2004): "where an apparently neutral provision puts a person referred to in any paragraph of section 3(2) at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons, unless the provision is objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary."
The extension of social assistance and child benefit payments to persons who would not otherwise satisfy the habitual residence condition, on the basis that they were born and raised in Ireland, obviously falls within such a definition and cannot be justified by a legitimate aim as it is an obvious attempt to get around the equality legislation. I see no need to refer this question to the Attorney General. His opinion has been obtained in the context of relatively comparable situations where the issue of direct or indirect discrimination on grounds of nationality has arisen, and there is no reasonable doubt as to the advice which would be received in this case if I did so refer it.
It is alleged that Irish persons who have returned to live permanently in Ireland have been refused assistance on the grounds of the habitual residence condition. My Department has been unable to trace any such cases, and has offered to review any cases that are brought to its attention. I understand that so far this offer has not been taken up by the organisation to which the Deputy has referred.
217 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will assist on a matter (details supplied). [10889/08]
I understand that Dublin City Council and Donnycarney Community & Youth Centre (which is funded through the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund operated by my Department) have a current lease agreement for a term of 4 years and 9 months. The lease is due to expire on 22nd November 2008 at which point the City Council proposes to offer the group a long-term 22 year lease agreement.
218 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in respect of funding or grants to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to a house (details supplied); if funding or grants are available from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10749/08]
My Department does not operate a funding scheme specifically for the type of project to which the Deputy refers. However, a number of programmes and schemes operated by my Department would cover, in certain circumstances, repairs and improvements to buildings. Each of the schemes and programmes are governed by rules, which projects must meet in order to qualify for funding. Details of all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie
219 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding for an agency (detail supplied) in County Louth is to be withdrawn; if so, when and the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10997/08]
The Community Development Programme provides financial assistance to some 180 Projects nationally. These projects operate local resource centres or provide services aimed at addressing the problems faced by communities caused by poverty and disadvantage. Funded Projects meet the needs of women and children, those with disabilities, the homeless, lone parent families, the elderly, the unemployed, young people at risk, Travellers and other disadvantaged groups.
As part of the current programme support, the Department publicly tendered for the provision of support services to Projects in 2004. Six companies, including the agency referred to by the Deputy, were contracted following a public tender process to provide services on a regional basis for the period June 2004 to end May 2007. These contracts were extended, initially, to the end of 2007, and then, to the end of May 2008, in order to complete a consultation process with Projects on the future of the Programme. The Department is considering the results of this consultation process and developments under other Government programmes targeting disadvantaged people.
Some improvements identified by Projects have already been implemented, including allowing Projects to have a greater say on procuring support and training appropriate to their own needs. As part of the development of a new Programme, arrangements for the provision of future support services for Projects are under consideration. My Department recognises the value of support services and is considering the best way to enable Projects, at this stage of their development, to access support services that best meet their needs.
220 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [10754/08]
The person named applied for REPS 4 on 28 January 2008. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission about the payment arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts starting in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.
221 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the person under whose instructions Coillte was operating when issuing trespass orders on protestors at an endangered national monument and adjoining lands and esker at Rath Lugh, County Meath, recently, when in fact Coillte no longer owns the land, it having been purchased by Meath County Council and the National Roads Authority; if her attention has been drawn to the decision of such orders being issued; and if she has given an instruction to her Department official or to Coillte, a wholly State-owned company, to withdraw the orders. [10784/08]
Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters are the responsibility of the company. I understand that, while 3.86 hectares in the area in question were acquired by Meath County Council, just over 21 hectares at that location remain in the ownership of Coillte. I also understand that the request to vacate the property, issued by Coillte to those encamped on its lands, referred specifically to Coillte lands.
222 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in respect of a project (detail supplied). [10858/08]
An application from Dublin Port Company for approval under the Foreshore Acts for the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares of foreshore was made to the Department in March 2002. Since then, Departmental officials have held periodic discussions with Dublin Port Company's management regarding issues arising from the application. This is a regular occurrence in most major foreshore applications. The application is being considered in accordance with the appropriate procedures. These include a process of public consultation in which it will be open to interested persons to make submissions on the proposal. Developments of this nature require planning permission before any determination can be made on the foreshore application.
223 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she had involvement with the 85 growers who were supplying turkeys to a company (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if she has plans to provide funding to help these growers to transform their houses for other use, such as production of chickens or to compensate them in any way for their loss of income through no fault of their own other than the fact they are competing with imports that can be sold as Irish products because of the failure to bring in proper labelling legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11000/08]
The decision by Grove Turkeys to rationalise was a commercial one for the company itself, but I fully understand the difficulties these growers are now faced with. There is no scope under EU Common Market Regulations to give financial support or aid to these producers and it would not be possible under State Aid rules. If any producer decides that they wish to consider free range chicken production, my officials will be pleased to offer advice. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require an indication of country of origin on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat. The draft regulations were notified to the European Commission in December. I have written to Commissioner Fischer-Boel emphasising the importance of better origin labelling.
224 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a pupil (details supplied) in County Kildare attending a school in Dublin 7 is not picked up and dropped off at their home in line with other pupils attending this school. [10764/08]
My Department has received an application for a change in the transport arrangements for the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied. A report has been requested from Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme. When this report is received and considered, my Department will be in contact with the family.
225 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the situation where primary school secretaries have no fixity of tenure and have no right to a pension; if she or her Department have had discussions on same; her proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10799/08]
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.
Funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in new primary schools is provided under the Ancillary Services grant scheme. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from €102 in 2002 to €127, to the current rate of €151.50 per pupil. 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.
226 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a decision on the acquisition of a site for a school (detail supplied) in County Kerry as a matter of urgency as Kerry County Council is agreeable in principle to selling sites at Lohercannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10802/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. This will then determine the size of the site required. The required building project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
227 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application made by a school (detail supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10806/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for additional accommodation. The application is currently under consideration and a decision will be communicated to the school authorities as soon as possible.
228 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department has taken to actively seek to ensure that every child at both primary and senior cycle is involved in sporting activity in view of the fact that a study published in 2007 (details supplied) has shown that social disadvantage begins to reduce participation in sport at primary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10816/08]
Physical education is a core part of the curriculum at primary level, and at post primary level all schools are required to offer physical education. A revised Junior Cycle Physical Education syllabus was introduced in 2003, and the Leaving Certificate syllabus in PE and the Health and Leisure module of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme are also available. In addition, Social Personal and Health Education which is mandatory at primary and junior cycle level stresses the importance of regular exercise, and the need for a balanced diet as essential to physical and mental well being.
Schools also play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for schools to participate in sport. The Irish Sports Council, in co-operation with bodies such as the FAI and Local Sports Partnerships, has developed a national Buntús Primary Schools Initiative through which additional supports — training, resource cards and equipment — are provided to support teachers and others in introducing young people to sport, and to complement the Physical Education curriculum. The initiative aims to raise the profile of physical activity and sport, improve inservice training opportunities for teachers, assist governing bodies of sport to develop and deliver appropriate supports for teachers, and provide enjoyable and meaningful activity for children which supports the delivery of the curriculum.
For practising teachers, curriculum support services at primary and second level provide training and school based support for teachers. School-based support is a very rich form of support and allows the teacher explore the possibilities and limitations of the environment in which they teach. Through modelling of lessons and professional dialogue, the quality of teaching is enhanced and teachers are further enabled to develop their teaching skills. Teachers must also aim to include all students in PE lessons — irrespective of gender, or physical and/or learning deficits. The Irish Primary PE Association and the PE Association of Ireland (Subject Associations) have been active in organising conferences where teachers can avail of an opportunity to witness the latest thinking in physical education, and my Department also funds programmes on PE through the network of education centres.
The Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) and the School Development Planning Support (SDPS) have prepared planning templates (with prompts) for schools to assist them in school planning for the implementation of the PE Curriculum and the wider aspects of physical activity and school sport. A key element of this approach is aimed at ensuring that gender and intercultural issues are addressed, and that PE is accessible to all, irrespective of gender or physical or learning abilities.
This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design. Between 2000 and 2006 a total of 516 large-scale projects were delivered in primary and post-primary schools by the Department as part of a record overall investment of €2.6 billion in modernising primary and post-primary school facilities throughout the country. Many more large-scale projects are under construction or due to go to construction in the near future. New PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme. The Department also provided €6.5m in 2006 and €3m in 2007 for primary and post primary schools respectively, for replacement and updating of PE equipment.
So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active. Indeed, the ‘State of the Nation's Children' report published by the Minister for Children recently, found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking second across the 32 WHO countries in being physically active for at least 4 hours per week.
229 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take in respect of a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10857/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy should contact the Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department regarding funding for works to the school building.
230 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision has been made on the appeal sent by this Deputy to her office dated 5 February 2008 to increase resource hours for a pupil (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [10861/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my Department that the special educational needs of the child in question were considered by the Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO). The child's needs fall to be catered for from within the school's general allocation model of teaching resources rather than through the provision of additional teaching hours. I am informed by the NCSE that the local SENO will be in contact with the parents before the school re-opens after the Easter holidays to discuss the child's special educational needs.
231 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 18 December 2007, the contact she has had with the Teaching Council and the advice that she has received in respect of the provision and supply of Irish teachers; the advice that she has received from the Teaching Council in regard to the recruitment of Irish teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10871/08]
My Department keeps such matters generally under review and maintains contact with the Teaching Council in this regard. The Teaching Council is not involved with the recruitment or employment of teachers, however, the Deputy may be aware that the Teaching Council's database of registered teachers will be able to provide a range of different information on the numbers of registered teachers in various disciplines and on their qualifications. This information will provide valuable input into my Department's examination of issues around supply and demand for teachers of various subjects, and we will make plans accordingly.
232 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the extent of pupil numbers who received dispensations from taking Irish in the leaving certificate in 2007; her further views on the fact that 50% approximately of those who received dispensation sat the leaving certificate in French or German; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10872/08]
Exemptions from learning Irish are granted in accordance with the provisions of Circular M10/94. The criteria provide that exemptions may be granted by school authorities for (a) students whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland (b) students who were previously enrolled as recognised students in a primary school or post-primary school who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least 3 years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State and the student is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment and (c) certain categories of students with special educational needs as set out in Circular M10/94 or (d) students from abroad, who have no understanding of English, when enrolled. The scheme devolves decision making to school authorities who are required to operate strictly within the clear criteria.
233 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools, both primary and post-primary, in County Clare which have applied in 2008 for an additional teacher; if these appointments will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10876/08]
234 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has plans to reduce the number of teachers currently employed in primary and post-primary schools in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10877/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
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 school Boards of Management each year. Accordingly, all Boards are aware of the staffing position for their school in any school year. The staffing schedule for the 2008/2009 school year (Circular 0010/2008) was recently published on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy is in the process of issue to all primary schools.
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. Application for such posts can be made to my Department on or before 10 October, 2008.
An independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria for appeal are also set out in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 18:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on established Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, repeat Leaving Certificate and Transition Year Programmes and a ratio of 16:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Post leaving Cert courses and Leaving Cert Applied.
Each second level school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. The rules for allocating second level teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support. An independent Appeals Committee is available to second level school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.
235 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s plans to achieve the commitments on class size outlined in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10878/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.
Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children. A further initiative in recent years 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 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.
The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. The Government is committed to providing more teachers to our primary schools over the next five years in order to reduce class sizes. 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.
236 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 394 of 3 July 2007, the status of a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10879/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 27 new schools to be provided under my Department's Public Private Partnership Programme (PPP) 2006 to 2010. The first bundle consists of four post-primary, two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly is in procurement and is likely to go to construction this year. The second bundle consists of six schools, 5 post-primary and 1 primary school in counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are in pre-procurement and will be offered to the market shortly.
A suitable site for the project mentioned in the Deputy's question has been identified. It consists of lands acquired under the Residential Institutions Redress Act (Redress site) and an additional piece of land located adjacent to the Redress site. The redress site has been secured and my Department is currently in negotiations on the acquisition of the adjacent piece of land. I intend announcing further PPP project bundles during the year and the school in question will be considered in this context.
237 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 3 July 2007, if a technical assessment has been carried out for a school (details supplied) in County Clare. [10880/08]
A technical assessment has not yet been carried out for the school in question. A re-assessment of project enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area is required in order to assist in determining the long term projected enrolment for the school on which the school's long term accommodation needs will be based. The outcome of the technical assessment will help to determine whether or not the proposed project will be an extension of existing buildings on the current school site or a new school on a new greenfield site. The progression of this project as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
238 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 3 July 2007, the status of the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10881/08]
The additional information from the school referred to by the Deputy has been received. The progression of this project as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
239 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the refurbishment project of a school (details supplied) going to tender, in the view of the fact that funding was announced prior to the general election in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10887/08]
The proposed project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. Further progression of the project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
240 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has to wait for payment for the home tuition payment for their child, despite being sanctioned the 20 hours for same; the action being taken to reduce the waiting time for this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10888/08]
Officials from my Department have recently been in contact with the home tutor referred to by the Deputy. The tutor has been informed that payment in respect of the home tuition grant for the month of January issued on the 10th March 2008 and payment for the month of February will issue on the 12th March 2008.
241 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 27 February 2008, the specific allocation made in 2007 in euro and cent by her Department for the specific function of purchase of computers for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [10891/08]
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 162 answered on 27th February last the school referred to by the Deputy did not receive direct ICT funding in 2007. The school did however receive the annual Minor Works Grant which allows schools, inter alia, to purchase IT related equipment without referring back to my Department. The value of the minor works grant has increased by nearly 50% over the past two years and €27 million in such grants issued to primary schools in 2007. As the Deputy will be aware I have received the report of the Strategy Planning Group to advise on the prioritisation of measures under the planned investment of €252m over the period of the National Development Plan. I will shortly be publishing the report together with my implementation plan.
242 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 31 January 2008, the level of funding available to each sub-programme in her Department’s remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10892/08]
Approximately €586 million has been allocated for school buildings in 2008. At this point, this has been provisionally assigned to the various constituent parts of the building programme as follows—
€155m on large scale and devolved projects under construction at 1 January 2008;
€85m on devolved projects proceeding to construction during 2008;
€55m on large scale projects commencing construction this year;
€47m on contractual balances carried forward from 2007;
€56m on 2008 programmes such as permanent accommodation, remediation, contingency, the purchase of prefabs, non project related furniture and equipment applications and design team fees; and
€188m on the purchase of sites and delivery of school facilities in developing areas.
I should emphasise that, depending on the rate of progress of the various components of the programme, adjustments may be made to the above figures throughout the course of 2008. These adjustments may arise in the context of the on-going monitoring of the programme undertaken by my Department in the normal course of events. It is intended that the Minor Works Grant for the 2008/2009 school year will be paid in the early part of 2009.
243 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is in negotiation with a secondary school (detail supplied) in County Cork with regard to a proposed change in status. [10992/08]
My Department is currently in negotiation with the school to which the Deputy refers with regard to a proposed change in status.
244 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the planned extension to a primary school (detail supplied) in County Cork. [10993/08]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The scope of the proposed project has been recently expanded to accommodate additional classrooms. My Department are awaiting a date from the school's Board of Management indicating receipt of a revised stage 2A (Developed Sketch Scheme). The further progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
245 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the planned extension to a primary school (detail supplied) in County Cork. [10994/08]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The further progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
246 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the summer works scheme projects for 2008; if applications have been received from schools in County Clare for funding for this scheme; if funding will be provided by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10996/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004. Since then, over 3,000 projects in primary and post-primary schools costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, I intend to focus on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008. The emphasis will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. There will not, therefore, be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the building programme this year. Applications for funding under the Scheme were received from all counties including Clare.
247 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern of parents regarding the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will give assurances to the local community that everything is being done to deal with the matter; her plans in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11001/08]
The project for the school to which the Deputy refers will consist of the construction of a new 24 classroom school of approximately 3,562sq. m. with 3 new ball courts and 2 junior play areas. It is currently at stage 3 of architectural planning. Following on from a review of a revised stage 3 submission, additional Mechanical and Electrical information was requested from the Design Team. When a response to this has been received, officials in my Department will evaluate the documentation.
The project attracts a band 2 rating and, as with all large scale building projects, progression through to the construction phase will considered on an on-going basis both in the context of the band rating assigned to the project and in the context of the Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
248 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations of schools at primary level and at secondary level and the number of subject evaluations which have been completed in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11002/08]
The Inspectorate of my Department conducted 253, 228 and 241 whole-school evaluations in primary schools in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. The number of whole-school evaluations in primary schools given for 2005 includes 90 Tuairiscí Scoile, a former model of inspection which has been replaced by whole-school evaluation. At post-primary level, 53, 57 and 59 whole-school evaluations were conducted in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Also at post-primary level, 676, 730 and 757 subject inspections were conducted in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
249 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of individual services delivered by the National Educational Psychological Service and the NEWB in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11003/08]
As the Deputy will be aware 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). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. It is assumed that by individual services the Deputy is referring to intervention with individual pupils. In this regard my Departments NEPS service processed payment under the SCPA in the order of 3,470 (2005), 4,246 (2006) and 4,561 (2007) in the calendar years in question.
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
NEPS psychologists dealt with referrals in respect of specific named pupils in the relevant calendar years, including the processing of applications under the Reasonable Accommodation for Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme on behalf of the State Examinations Commission, as follows 7,307 (2005), 8,135 (2006) and 7,279 (2007). These counts, presented as requested in a calendar year format, are affected by the date of update of the database concerned rather then reflecting the true workflow/timing of the interventions. In addition it is estimated that NEPS psychologists provide consultations, advice and assistance to teachers and school authorities in respect of an additional 5,000 unnamed pupils in each of these years.
The National Educational Welfare Board was established in 2002 and has a statutory function to ensure that every child either attends school or otherwise receives an education. In this regard, the individual services delivered by the NEWB are as follows:
Individual Service 1: Case Activity
The number of cases handled by the Board at Dec 2005 = 7,734
The number of cases handled by the Board in 2006 = 5,708
The number of cases handled by the Board in 2007 = 4,800
The NEWB has confirmed that the apparent decline in the number of cases handled year on year is exclusively due to revised practices deployed by Welfare Officers to resolve issues locally before cases are formally opened by the Board. The reduction in the formal caseload is therefore indicative of the relative success of this strategy.
Individual Service 2: Education outside recognised schools
The Board also has particular responsibility under the Act in terms of children who are educated in settings outside of a recognised school. Under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, parents of such children must apply to the Board to have their child registered and an assessment is then carried out. The aim of the assessment is to ensure that each child receives at least "a certain minimum education" in the alternative educational environment. At present, 419 children are registered with the Board as being home educated. 31 Private Schools have been registered with the Board and in total 5,484 children are registered with the Board under this category.
Individual Service 3:
The Education Helpline Service was established to provide guidance to both Parents and Schools in relation to children's education.In 2005-2006 2,823 calls were received by the Schools Educational Helpline. In 2006-2007 2,598 calls were received by the Schools Educational Helpline. To date, 6000 queries have been dealt with by the Parents Educational Helpline. Educational Welfare Officers provide the services of the Board at local level and a significant part of the service delivery involves informal preventative work through extensive engagement and interaction with Schools, Parents, School Personnel and Other Professionals working in schools and communities to improve the outcomes for children experiencing difficulty with school attendance.
250 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children dropping out of school who were identified with serious literacy problems and failing to achieve any qualifications at the time of leaving school in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. [11004/08]
The specific data requested by the Deputy are not available to my Department. Survey work undertaken by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) in 2007 includes an assessment of literacy levels in over 400 schools at primary level in mainly disadvantaged areas. The results from this research will feed into policy planning and programme evaluation in the area of social inclusion. A circular also issued from my Department to all primary schools in December 2006 asking them to implement standardised testing in English reading and Mathematics beginning in the calendar year 2007 for all pupils at the end of first class or the beginning of second class, and at the end of fourth class or the beginning of fifth class.
Schools have also been asked to ensure that, with effect from the current school year, the results of testing are reported to parents in respect of their own children in accordance with a broader reporting template, designed to report progress on children's learning to parents. This template is being finalised by the NCCA and will be available very shortly. The latest data published by my Department on retention rates in second-level schools relate to the cohort of entrants to the first year of junior cycle in 1996. Students in this cohort would have sat the Leaving Certificate in either 2001 or 2002, depending on whether they took the Transition Year Programme. The published data for the 1996 cohort indicates that the national adjusted retention rate to completion of the Junior Certificate examination is 94.6% and the national adjusted retention rate to completion of the Leaving Certificate examination is 81.3%.
As regards those who depart from second-level education prior to the Leaving Certificate, the available statistical evidence indicates that the increasing range of further education and training opportunities available for these students is having a positive impact. CSO data show that the educational profile of 20-24 year olds in Ireland has improved steadily over the last five years, as increasing opportunities have been made available in the further education and training sector. By 2005, 85.8% of 20-24 year olds had attained upper second-level education or equivalent, up from 82.6% in 2000 and putting Ireland ahead of the EU average of 77.5%.
My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school leaving. We established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. We have widened the range of curricula available to students by promoting the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in addition to the traditional Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula. We have also put preventative measures in place such as the School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL).
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present. The action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.
In relation to second chance educational opportunities for young people who left school early, this Government has shown a sustained commitment to providing greater opportunities in the adult and further education sectors. Many such young people take up places in Youthreach centres, while others pursue options such as FAS apprenticeships. I would like to assure the Deputy that we have greatly intensified our efforts in recent years both to keep more young people in school and to provide increased educational opportunities for those who left school early. I will continue to prioritise further progress in this area.
251 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for citizenship of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10800/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in December 2005. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
252 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department received correspondence in relation to a promotion to the High Court (details supplied); if his Department’s attention has been drawn to such correspondence or if his Department is investigating where such correspondence could now be. [10801/08]
I am unable to be of assistance in the matter other than to indicate generally that my Department does not comment on confidential personal correspondence between membership of the Judiciary and the Department.
253 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take in relation to a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [10856/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is within Whitehall Garda Sub-District. It is located in a private estate managed by a property management company. Local Garda management is aware of the issue raised as a complaint was made on 8 March, 2008. The matter is under investigation by An Garda Síochána at Whitehall in conjunction with the DMR North Traffic Corps.
254 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects a decision to be made regarding an application for long-term residency made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [10859/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 25th April 2007. I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
255 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the targets which his Department and agencies acting under his Department set for 2007 in respect of the overall or crime specific rate of headline offences; the overall or crime specific rate of detection as a percentage of crimes reported; the reductions in the rate of reoffending; and the progress made against targets during the year. [11009/08]
The strategy of An Garda Síochána for reducing the incidence of crime and criminal behaviour is set out in its Corporate Strategy Document for 2007-2009, A Time for Change. The priorities for An Garda Síochána for 2007 which my predecessor as Minister determined under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 are set out on page two of the Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2007.
The Garda Policing Plan 2007 set out a series of performance indicators. Taking the increase in the population into account, the level of crime reduced from 24.3 crimes per 1,000 population in 2006 to 24.2 in 2007. I have been informed that the overall Garda detection rate for headline offences for 2007 was 41%, up from 40.4% at the end of 2006. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the Policing Plan performance indicators set for specific crimes in 2007 and the outcome.
|
Offence Type |
Performance Indicator |
Outcome |
|
% |
% |
|
|
Burglary |
- 2 |
- 5 |
|
Theft from MPV |
- 2 |
+ 9 |
|
Theft from Shop |
- 2 |
+ 2 |
|
Theft (Other) |
- 2 |
- 2 |
|
Criminal Damage |
- 2 |
- 2 |
|
Seizure of Drugs* |
+ 3 |
+ 27 |
*Possession of drugs for sale/supply and simple possession.
Information relating to other Policing Plan targets is currently being compiled. While the outcomes for burglaries, theft (other), criminal damage and seizure of drugs equalled or exceeded their indicators, those for theft from an MPV and theft from a shop are a matter for concern. The Garda Policing Plan for 2008 sets therefore a performance indicator of a 2% reduction in high volume crime. The Policing Plan for 2008 maps out the key objectives and actions required for the effective policing of our towns, cities and communities, the protection of the security of the State and the ongoing modernisation and development of An Garda Síochána.
The policing priorities which I have determined for An Garda Síochána for 2008 highlight the need to address gun crime, organised crime, drugs and public order. These priorities set clear objectives for An Garda Síochána which the Garda Commissioner has taken into account in drawing up his Policing Plan for 2008. They show the focus of this Government in addressing these important areas of policing and crime prevention and detection, and they are backed up by the substantial resources which the Government is continuing to provide to An Garda Síochána. In 2008, the Force's budget is over €1.6 billion — an increase of 11% on the 2007 figure.
The Irish Prison Service facilitated the first major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology. The study found that 27.4% of released prisoners were serving a new prison sentence within one year. This rose to 39.2% after two years, 45.1% after three years, and 49.2% after four years. This research is ongoing and will provide further information on rates of re-offending.
The Irish Youth Justice Service is committed to developing information and data on youth offending and this will be one of the objectives in the forthcoming National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. The Irish Youth Justice Service is committed to developing information and data on youth offending, and this will be one of the objectives in the forthcoming National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. The Service is currently contributing to a research project on recidivism and young offenders. This study is a continuation of the UCD study and will focus on young offenders. It will be a valuable addition to the research available on recidivism, in particular in respect of young offenders.
256 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding that has been allocated to the Health Service Executive for the housing aid for the elderly scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10862/08]
The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme is currently administered by a Task Force under the aegis of my Department and operated at a local level by the Health Service Executive. In 2007 a total of €19.132 million was allocated to the HSE for the operation of the scheme nationally. The allocation for 2008 will be determined shortly in the light of the number of applications and the existing level of grant commitments within the HSE regions.
257 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to funding or grants to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to a house (details supplied); if funding or grants are available from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10750/08]
There are no funds available in my Department for a project of this nature.
258 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department is taking to remove asbestos from buildings and so on here in view of the continuing danger of asbestos; and if it has encouraged or grant-aided local authorities to remove asbestos free of charge from buildings in their council area. [10769/08]
There are no grants available from my Department or local authorities for the removal of asbestos in buildings. There is a general ban on the use of asbestos under Directive 76/769/EEC as amended, which was transposed in Ireland through the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 220 of 2003).
The prevention of exposure is the focus of occupational safety and health legislation concerning asbestos in the workplace. Specific worker protection Regulations regarding the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos fibres while at work have been in place since 1989. The most up-to-date Regulations are the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006), which are enforced by the Health and Safety Authority. The Authority comes under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Insofar as the management of asbestos as a waste is concerned, the Waste Management Acts 1996-2007 prohibit any person from holding, transporting, recovering or disposing of waste in a manner which causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution, defined in Section 5 to include action which would to a significant extent endanger human health.
259 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to encourage research to make CFL bulbs brighter initially and more aesthetic in order to encourage more people to switch from less energy efficient products. [10770/08]
260 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to encourage local light bulb manufacturers to produce enough CFLs for the market here in order to prevent increases to the carbon footprint resulting from having to import them from, for example, China, thus defeating the environmentally friendly label being associated with them. [10771/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
As stated in the reply to Question No. 311 of 5 March 2008, my intention is to propose an energy efficiency standard for lighting that does not prescribe the type of lamp technology to be used. It will be a matter for individual manufacturers to decide the type and quality of lighting products that they make available on the Irish market within the standard to be prescribed. .
261 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that every CFL purchaser understands the way and the locations to dispose of them. [10772/08]
262 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to warn the public of the action to take if a CFL is broken; his views on the British Department of the Environment direction that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls and breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10773/08]
263 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to draw up guidelines for people in the likely event of breakage of CFLs; when he asked same; and when the public will receive them in view of the fact that CFLs are common. [10774/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together.
The disposal of CFLs is currently governed by the WEEE Directive. Retailers are required by law to take back waste CFLs and fluorescent lamps free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis from householders. Where replacement fluorescent tubes and CFLs are bought over the counter, retailers must take back the old product in-store, either at the time of sale or within a maximum of 15 days of the date of sale. Each local authority must also accept household waste CFLs and fluorescent tubes free of charge at its civic amenity facilities. Retailers can have their premises designated as ‘WEEE collection points' or deposit household WEEE free of charge at local authority civic amenity facilities. There are currently in excess of 600 ‘WEEE collection points' including both retail outlets and civic amenity facilities. Retailers are obliged to notify purchasers of these take back arrangements. Information on the WEEE take back system is available on my Department's web site —www.environ.ie.
My Department is working with the EPA and industry stakeholders in developing guidance on best practice for the proper handling and safe disposal of CFLs either at end-of-life or where breakages occur. This process will be finalised shortly and a leaflet will be published and made available to members of the public. Any guidance that is issued will take cognisance of best practice and measures suggested by other appropriate agencies or authorities. The risk to human health arising from accidental CFL breakage is minimal as CFLs containing more than 5mg of mercury are prohibited from being placed on the market in the European Community in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management (Restrictions of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005, which transpose Directive 2002/95/EC.
264 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that Carrickboy, an area within the town boundaries of Ballyshannon, County Donegal will be connected to the proposed Ballyshannon sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/08]
The Ballyshannon Sewerage Scheme is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 and I understand that construction of the scheme is substantially complete. Details of individual areas served by the scheme may be obtained from Donegal County Council.
265 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding his Department provides to the library service, specifically funding to support outreach programmes in isolated and disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10817/08]
The Department provides funding to library authorities in respect of a number of projects including new buildings, fittings and furniture, new book stock and improved ICT facilities, mobile libraries and delivery vans, rental subsidies, training and local authority archives. Funding of almost €18m was awarded in 2007 with almost €19m being provided in 2008. 21 mobile libraries and 18 delivery vans attracting 100% grant aid from the Department have been purchased by library authorities since 1998 allowing them to provide a regular library service in isolated areas and to provide services to nursing homes, schools and other institutions throughout their areas.
In addition the Department has grant aided a number of initiatives and projects aimed at improving access to public library services, including the Taobh Tíre project in Co. Donegal which piloted the provision of library services in 14 service points in isolated rural and urban areas in partnership with the local community. The Department also funded a DVD, Pictureogs, produced for the traveller community. This is a public library initiative by Kildare County Library Services that celebrates Irish Traveller Culture and history through song, story and participatory arts.
Specific ICT based resources have been introduced to allow for on-line access at home or school to all public library catalogues and to local studies collections and information held in libraries. In addition, the student zone of www.askaboutireland.ie is designed to support schools’ curricula by providing highly interactive material which can be accessed from any location.
Public libraries continue to play a major role in promoting and enabling access to libraries by all members of the community regardless of age, background or nationality in respect of cultural, socially inclusive, leisure and lifelong learning activities. These services will continue to be developed further in the coming years.
266 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the linkages that exist between his Department and local arts offices to which his Department indirectly provides most of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10818/08]
Local authority arts officers are employed by, and operate under the direction of, local authorities. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government participates in a Public Art Inter-Departmental Group, which is chaired by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and issues guidance to local authorities from time to time, where appropriate. Local authorities have relationships with a number of different Government Departments and Agencies depending on the function involved. In the case of the arts, local authority arts officers work in partnership with the Arts Council and other relevant Departments and bodies.
267 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are planning regulations for the establishment of dog kennels, particularly regarding noise levels; if he will advise this Deputy accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10869/08]
Under the Planning Acts 2000-2006, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 enables a planning authority to grant a planning permission subject to or without conditions as appropriate. In making a determination on any planning application, planning authorities must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant Ministerial or Government policies. I have no plans at present to introduce specific planning regulations for the establishment of dog kennels.
Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 provides a mechanism for making a complaint in relation to excessive dog barking. Where a complaint under this section is upheld, the District Court can make an order requiring:
the occupier of the premises in which the dog is kept to abate the nuisance by exercising due control over the dog;
the number of dogs kept by the occupier to be limited for such period as may be specified in the order; or
the dog to be delivered to a dog warden.
268 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to grant aid for a sector of people (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10906/08]
My Department operates a number of adaptation grant schemes to assist people with a disability or with mobility issues with their accommodation needs. The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability Scheme, which is administered by local authorities, assists in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. Under the Scheme the effective maximum grant is €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the cost of works. The types of work grant aided under the Scheme may include the provision of access ramps, grab rails, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions etc. Prioritisation of eligibility is on the basis of medical and financial need with 95% of the approved cost of work available to those with annual household incomes of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, which is also administered by local authorities, provides grants to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily but not exclusively, associated with ageing. The Scheme fast tracks grant aid to people on lower incomes (maximum annual household income threshold €30,000). The effective maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of works. The types of works grant aided under the Scheme may include grab-rails, access ramps, level access showers and stair-lifts.
273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason pure plant oil or other alternative fuels are being exported to other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10979/08]
It is a commercial decision for producers of pure plant oil or other alternative fuels as to whether or not they export to other EU Member States. Under the Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes, which were competitive calls for proposals from producers meeting the criteria, preference could not be given to any applicants by virtue of the origin of biofuels feed stocks. This is a requirement of EU State Aids Rules. The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation next year will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. By moving to an obligation market players will be given the long-term certainty to make appropriate investment decisions.
274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to meet the challenge of knowledge-based economies throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10981/08]
275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plan to bring the quality, availability, speed and cost of broadband or other information communications technology up to the best in Europe; when he expects to reach such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10982/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 275 together.
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision, by competing private sector service providers, of high quality telecommunications services, including broadband as a key enabler of the knowledge economy.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter, subject to agreement with the chosen candidate.
Additionally, my Department has prepared a Draft Policy Paper on Next Generation Broadband. The Paper reviews current communications infrastructure policy and analyses policy options in light of industry developments in relation to the optimum role for the Government in the planning and roll out of next generation broadband. Next Generation Broadband networks will be fundamental to meeting the challenges of knowledge based economies.
Two weeks ago I convened a meeting of the expert International Advisory Forum to examine the Paper. The Forum critiqued draft options and recommendations on how to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The key challenge is getting higher speed broadband at lower cost to more subscribers. The Forum members have provided valuable feedback. They supported the broad trust of the document. They offered some additional recommendations and advice on the future trends of the telecommunications and ICT industries and proposed that certain suggestions be explored further. The draft paper is currently being updated to reflect the Forum's contribution. It will then be published for public consultation.
276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions with the communications industry with a view to the provision of state-of-the-art technology throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10983/08]
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome and level of discussion he has had with the regulator with a view to improving the standard and availability of information telecommunications throughout the country, comparable with the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10986/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 279 together.
Responsibility for the provision of electronic communications services is a matter for the service providers concerned. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding the quality of services rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which acts independently in its function. I have overall responsibility for communications policy and regularly meet with ComReg and service providers.
277 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of the north/south and east/west electricity interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10984/08]
The Government's Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020, underlines the Government's commitment to ensuring completion of the ongoing capital investment programme by EirGrid and ESB in the transmission and distribution network by 2010 and overseeing further extensive investment in strategic energy infrastructure. The Government is giving particular priority to the delivery of the second North South electricity interconnector by 2011 and the East-West interconnector by 2012. Enhanced interconnection is critical for the island of Ireland in terms of security of supply, competition and integration with regional energy markets.
As part of its ongoing transmission development plan, and in line with the Government's Energy White Paper, EirGrid is currently undertaking the planning, construction and reinforcement of a number of transmission lines as well as the second North-South Interconnector and the East-West interconnector. The North South Interconnector project, which is being undertaken jointly with the Northern Ireland Transmission Operator will underpin the All Island Single Electricity Market and will enhance security of supply. Concerns about overhead transmission lines have been raised in public consultation under the planning process. In order to assist and inform public debate on the issue I have asked my Department to commission an independent study in relation to overhead and underground transmission lines. The study is due for completion by end April.
The East West Interconnector will integrate Ireland more closely into the UK and wider European energy market in line with EU objectives for a fully Internal Energy Market will enhance security of supply and underpin the continued development, and export potential, of renewables. EirGrid has commenced preparatory work for the purposes of building the East West interconnector in the context of the planning process under the Strategic Infrastructure Act. I will shortly publish legislation enabling EirGrid to own and operate the East West interconnector.
278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent, location and commercial value of recent or expected oil, gas or other mineral finds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 420 on 19 December 2007, in which I outlined that during 2007, two finds were made in the North Celtic Sea Basin off the south coast. Providence Resources Limited identified an oil accumulation at the Hook Head prospect in block 50/11 while Island Oil and Gas Limited encountered gas at the Schull prospect in block 57/2. In addition, Island Oil and Gas Limited successfully appraised its 2006 Old Head gas discovery in block 49/23. In all three cases further studies are continuing in order to determine whether these accumulations can be progressed to commercial developments.
No new economic deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in recent years. There have been some encouraging results, however. Exploration adjacent to the existing base metal mine at Navan, County Meath (Boliden Tara Mines Ltd), discovered additional resources with the potential to extend the life of that mine, while diamond drilling in north-east County Limerick by Minco and Xstrata Zinc, near Pallas Green, has encountered high grade intersections of zinc and lead. However, although these results are encouraging, it is much too early to say whether an economic mineral deposit occurs in the area.
