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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2008

Vol. 654 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 4 to 77, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 78 to 86, inclusive, answered orally.

Arts Funding.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

87 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support he provides towards newly established youth art projects; if his Department supplies advice on best practice for developing youth art initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17674/08]

My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of all facets of national life. It is my belief that the arts are critical to the health of society, to enhancing the life of local communities and to giving expression to place and identity.

I recognise that the benefits of the arts for the individual are greatly increased if exposure to the arts takes place during a person's most formative years and, for that reason, it is important that the arts be embedded in our education system. For this reason also it is important that initiatives aimed at involving children and young people are prioritised.

The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts.

Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:

to stimulate public interest in the arts;

to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; and

to assist in improving standards in the arts.

In 2008 the budget for the Arts Council is €82.102 million. The Council will disburse €4.6million of these funds to young people, children and to education — in and out of school. €3.9m of this is allocated to organisations and projects that focus on work exclusively with children and young people. A further €700,000 will be provided to festivals, venues, local authorities and to education programmes of the Arts Council's clients that offer programmes to children and young people as part of a wider remit. Taken together these figures represent a 26% increase on 2007.

In addition the Department has provided funding for the Creative Engagement arts projects in schools. The initiative is run by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals.

Last year, a special sub-committee of the Arts Council produced the Arts in Education Report. I have yet to study this report in fine detail and when I have received a report from the Interagency Group on Implementing the proposals in it, I will pursue the issue as a matter of priority.

In recent years, the Ark Cultural Centre for Children has been awarded €1,387,738 in Capital funding by the Department. In 2001, a grant of €1,269,738 was made towards the project, in 2007, the Ark was awarded €118k towards the purchase of equipment for the theatre, workshop, gallery and office, and front of house works.

In addition current funding of €100,000 was awarded in 2006 towards the 2007 EU Year of the Child, and a further €100,000 was awarded in 2008 towards the 2008 EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Arts Policy.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

88 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has put in place an implementation body to implement the recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum report on the Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18209/08]

The Report on The Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion, to which the Deputy refers, from the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) is a substantial and comprehensive document. It recommends a series of initiatives aimed at supporting increased participation in the arts and on creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Such complex and cross-cutting proposals require to be dealt within an imaginative and robust manner. I am aware that plans have been formulated to implement the Government decision on the formation of a high-level implementation group. As part of this procedure, the Cultural Institutions within my Department's remit have been asked to comment on the recommendations of the Report and on how they could assist in their implementation. When these comments have been received I will examine the best way to progress the recommendations of the report including the establishment of the implementation Committee.

Sports Capital Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

89 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support given to shared ownership schemes as evidenced by the joint bid by the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union to develop Lansdowne Road; if Government support systems such as the sports capital programme prioritise shared ownership schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17669/08]

The decision by the Government to provide financial assistance for the development of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road was in response to a joint proposal from the IRFU and the FAI. As the ownership of the stadium was not, and is not, jointly shared between the IRFU and the FAI, that particular aspect did not form part of the Government's consideration of the proposal.

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.

Since 1998 the Programme has allocated over €675 million to over 6,700 projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports.

While the Sports Capital Programme does not give any priority to jointly owned facilities, the Programme has given very generous funding to multi-sports facilities that accommodate a number of different sports in one integrated venue. Under the 2007 programme, over €5m was allocated to large municipal multi-sport facilities. When the amount allocated to community based local multi-sport facilities is added to this, over €15m was allocated last year alone to multi-sport facilities. This is against a backdrop of sustained sports capital investment in this sector since 1998. In the period 1998-2007, sports capital funding of over €126 million was allocated to community and municipal multi-sport projects. These projects include sports facilities built by local authorities, community sports facilities and multi-sport clubs.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

90 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of local sports partnerships that are currently active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/08]

The Agreed Programme for Government commits to the roll out of the Local Sports Partnership programme on a nationwide basis to provide for the development of sport at local level. The Irish Sports Council has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the Local Sports Partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and coordinated.

The Local Sports Partnerships are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring that local resources are used to best effect and making sure that the experiences of participants in sport are positive.

Following an independent review of the LSPs by Fitzpatrick Associates in 2005, the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, gave approval to the ISC to extend the LSP network from 2006 on a national basis. Accordingly, funding has been provided to the ISC to facilitate continued extension of the network.

The ISC has informed me that there are currently 29 LSPs fully operational, with coordinators in place, and the remaining four sites are finalising recruitment arrangements. All 33 LSPs should be fully operational by July 2008.

The Irish Sports Council provides support and advice to the LSPs and is working to create productive relationships with the local sports coordinators, including the creation of a coordinators network. The ISC has provided training to the LSPs and will continue to provide regular information and training updates. The ISC is also involved in the development of specific programmes, courses and resource materials for the LSPs.

National Drugs Strategy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

91 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make a submission to the next round of the National Drugs Strategy to highlight the vital role youth participation in sport and the arts can have as a deterrent on youth substance abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17671/08]

I am well aware of the positive role which participation in sport and the arts can have on young people, including in drugs prevention. Such participation has a positive impact on character formation and development and acts as an antidote to social misbehaviour.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by the Department, has a statutory role in increasing participation in recreational sport. The ISC's basic philosophy is, therefore, one of inclusion and its Statement of Strategy recognises the potential of sport to be a driver for social change dealing with issues such as exclusion and social inequality.

The increased funding provided to the ISC, from €13 million in 2000 to more than €57 million in 2008, has enabled a number of significant interventions for the benefit of children and young people. Examples include the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) network, the Buntús programmes for pre-schools and primary schools in LSP areas (involving children in sport from a very young age) and the Youth Field Sports Initiative.

In particular relation to young people and sport, the ISC, through the LSPs, continues to roll out the Buntús programme in primary schools and child day care centres. The Programme aims to support the primary PE curriculum by providing equipment, resource cards and training to primary school teachers and childcare workers and allows them introduce sport to children in a safe and fun way. In addition, there are five sport specific Buntús programmes currently available to primary schools: soccer, rugby, golf, basketball and badminton.

Furthermore, with the support and cooperation of the Department and Pobal, additional funding has been allocated to the ISC to support various grant schemes including the funding programme "Sports for Disadvantaged Youth". This programme, with funding amounting to almost €2 million, is administered by the ISC and delivered through the existing LSP structures and local authorities where an LSP is not yet in place. Its aim is to increase participation in sport among 12-19 year olds in disadvantaged areas.

Funding is also made available, under the Youth Field Sports Initiative, by the ISC to increase participation among young people in the three main field sports: Gaelic games, rugby and soccer. Separate funding allocations are made to the GAA, IRFU and FAI in this regard.

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, sports projects that are located in and endorsed by the Local Drugs Task Force are prioritised in a number of ways during the assessment of applications.

These applicants are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available (10% as against the normal 30%) towards their project, and extra marks are also awarded to such projects during the assessment process under the level of socio-economic disadvantage criterion.

Last year, €12.78 million was provisionally allocated to projects based in Local Drugs Task Force areas under the Sports Capital Programme.

In relation to the arts, my policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The general functions of the Council include stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts and assisting in improving standards in the arts.

The underpinning rationale for Arts Council policy in relation to young people extends to considering the specific needs of children and young people, as part of a contemporary and future public, so as to ensure their entitlement to access and respond to high quality artistic and aesthetic experiences.

I look forward to the opportunity to put forward the observations of the Department as part of the review of the National Drugs Strategy.

National Library.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

92 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans and funding in place for the upgrading of the National Library facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18480/08]

Recognising the inadequacy of the premises occupied by the Library, the State has, since the mid 1990s, supported a major redevelopment programme of those premises. This programme which is being overseen by the Office of Public Works comprises 9 separate phases and includes the upgrading of the security and sprinkler systems in various buildings, the refurbishment of the former National College of Art and Design and the redevelopment of No. 4 Kildare Street as the Library's administrative offices. The proposed new Repository will contain the Library's valuable book collection and manuscripts. The Repository will house active collections that the public use and require access to every day from the Library's reading rooms. The new Repository will act as a Book Store and also as "a bridge" as it will link the disparate buildings of the NLI.

Funding of the Repository for the National Library of Ireland falls within the funding allocated to the National Development Plan. Under this Plan €470 million capital funding has been allocated to the Cultural Sub-Programme in respect of capital projects for the non-commercial National Cultural Institutions. The annual capital funding for these institutions, which is provided to my Department under the Estimates process, is subsumed into the NDP.

The NDP programme for the non-commercial National Cultural Institutions seeks to provide improved/redeveloped facilities that will enhance the display and safe storage of the valuable paintings, artefacts and documents of national importance held in the Collections of these bodies. The badly needed improvements proposed under the NDP will provide a valuable national resource, which will enable Ireland to celebrate its history, to foster its literary and cultural legacies and to enhance the lives of its citizens through access to the national cultural collections held in care by these bodies and they will assist in the establishment of Ireland in the international cultural tourism market. The National Library of Ireland is a vital component of this programme.

National Aquatic Centre.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

93 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the benchmarking review of the National Aquatic Centre has been completed; if it is to be made publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18493/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

287 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the National Aquatic Centre will not require an operational subsidy in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18519/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 287 together.

The National Aquatic Centre reverted to the control of Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd, now the National Sports Campus Development Authority, on 1 December 2006 following High Court proceedings against the previous operators for failure to comply with the terms of their lease. As part of the contingency planning for the repossession of the Centre, the Authority established a subsidiary company, NSCDA (Operations) Ltd., to operate the Centre.

To date it has been necessary to provide both operational and capital subsidies to meet the costs of a comprehensive "health check" carried out on the Centre following repossession from the previous operators together with a maintenance programme required to bring the facility back to standard.

Following the first full year of operation under the new arrangements, a clearer picture of the operational needs of the Centre is emerging. I am encouraged by the significant increase in both visitor numbers and income which have already been achieved.

The Authority has arranged for a financial assessment study, which will benchmark the National Aquatic Centre against other equivalent facilities, to be carried out. This work is now nearing completion. When the consultants report comes to hand it will be evaluated by the Authority who will advise me on the issues involved. This exercise, together with the Centre's performance since it reverted to the direct control of the Authority, will inform my decisions on the funding requirements of the Centre in the longer term.

Arts Reports.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

94 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will publish the report which was commissioned on the Arts in Education and which was presented to him by the Arts Council in May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18208/08]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

101 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will publish and act on the Arts in Education Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18487/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 101 together.

I am aware that the draft report prepared by the Special Committee on Arts and Education, jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Education and Science, has been under consideration by our two Departments with the Arts Council in recent months. I should point out however, that the publication of the report is in fact a matter for the Arts Council.

The Committee's remit was to advise the Council on how best to align the Council's strategies for the promotion and encouragement of the arts with the priorities of the formal education system. This draft report represents the first study of this nature and deserves a practical and reasoned approach in considering its recommendations, which reflect the result of the wide-ranging and in-depth research that was conducted by the Committee and for which they are to be congratulated.

In this context, officials of my Department have organised a series of meetings with the Department of Education and Science and the Arts Council to consider the recommendations of the report. This interagency work group is currently in the process of identifying ways of giving practical effect to the crucial recommendations of the draft report and is drawing up specific actions designed to respond effectively and efficiently to its conclusions.

I would also like to point out that it is due in no small measure to the massive investments made in recent years by this Government to the capital and everyday costs of the worthwhile various arts entities throughout the country that we are in a position to have had such a study carried out.

In the past five years, for instance, my Department has allocated a total of €86 million towards the cost of providing vital arts and cultural infrastructure and venues for communities to present the arts in all its forms. Complementary to this the Arts Council has seen its resources increase exponentially from €47.67 million in 2002 to its present allocation of over €82 million in 2008, an increase of over 72%. The Arts Council in turn has at all times pursued a policy of engaging with young people, whether through its specific programmes or by its support of existing organisations that specialise in arts in education interventions, such as The Ark and Team in Dublin, Graffiti Theatre in Cork and Cups and Crowns Educational Theatre in Galway. These are signs of a maturity in our arts role and the integration of the arts into every aspect of our society.

The outcome of the Special Committee on Arts and Education will be a further piece in the jigsaw of this exciting and wide-ranging arts and education spectrum. I look forward to realising, as far as practicable, the conclusions of this work. This is an issue with which I will be familiarising myself over the coming weeks to form an approach in dealing with the recommendations of the report.

Departmental Reviews.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

95 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the findings of the review by his Department of the operation of the Heritage Fund; the course of action envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18473/08]

I refer the Deputy to my predecessor's reply to Parliamentary Question reference number 31505/07 on the 29th November, 2007, and Parliamentary Question reference number 10973/08 on the 13th March, 2008, which outlined the background to the Heritage Fund.

A very positive review of the governance and operation of the Heritage Fund, which is now virtually depleted, has been completed.

As the existing legislation does not allow for the replenishment of the Fund, new primary legislation will be necessary to enable a new Fund to be established. Preparatory work in relation to this legislation has been undertaken in the Department. I intend to progress this legislation in 2008.

Sports Funding.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

96 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the additional funding made available to the Sports Council towards the summer 2008 Olympics in Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18395/08]

The amount of funding available for spending on sport in 2008 is €336 million which demonstrates a clear and substantial commitment to investment in sport by this Government. In 2008 my Department has allocated €57.631 million to the Irish Sports Council, an increase since the last Olympic year of €26.9 million, or 87%.

One of the ISC's primary functions is to encourage the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport. In this regard the ISC works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant governing bodies of sport in the preparation of Irish athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am informed by the ISC that significant progress has been made to date by all the agencies in preparation for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Olympic and Paralympic Councils of Ireland are the agencies responsible for the organisation and participation of the Irish teams at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Irish Sports Council provides annual funding to both Councils for administration and programme costs aimed specifically at preparation for the Games. The OCI and PCI have responsibility for a number of areas including:

(i) team selection (following nominations from governing bodies of athletes that have reached qualification standards);

(ii) selection of support personnel;

(iii) team manager training programmes;

(iv) preparation visits to Beijing by key personnel;

(v) heat and acclimatisation strategy;

(vi) the organisation of multi-sport camps in advance of the Games;

(vii) all logistics at Games time: and

(viii) liaison with the organising committee and the International Olympic Committee.

Primary responsibility for the preparation and performance of individual athletes rests with the relevant National Governing Body or, in the case of Paralympic sports, the Paralympic Council of Ireland.

I am assured by the ISC that planning has been comprehensive and well funded, with plans implemented by top quality professionals at every step. The ISC has defined success as meeting its target of six finalists at the Olympics. This target is still in place and I hope it will be achieved.

In February 2008, the ISC announced the allocation of €9 million in High Performance Support. 15 focus sports received over €5.9 million for their high performance plans, athletes and teams received over €2.2 million under the International Carding Scheme and the Institute of Irish Sport received €935,000. This brought the total to €30.06 million invested in this Olympic and Paralympic cycle.

Departmental Funding.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

97 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the likelihood of the introduction of multi-annual funding in Budget 2009 for the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17663/08]

The funding of the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council, as with all Departments and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual Budget and Estimates process. Under this process, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society. My Department, like all other Departments, is provided with its annual expenditure budget through the Estimates process.

Since 2002, when my Department was founded, funding for the Arts Council has increased by 72% from €47.7 million in 2002 to €82.1 million in 2008. Over the same period funding for the Irish Sports Council has increased by over 100% from €28.7 million in 2002 to €57.6 million in 2008. The Government's commitment to both arts and sport is evidenced by these substantial increases in funding.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

98 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the recommendations issued by the report the Effectiveness of Investment in Sport and the Arts as a Deterrent Against Youth Substance Abuse presented to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in April 2004 that have been implemented by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17672/08]

The Deputy will be aware that the Report in question contained a number of recommendations. While some of these recommendations were relevant to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism (and Agencies under the Department's remit), there were a number of recommendations which come under the remit of other Government Departments, including the Department of Education and Science.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC) has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and coordinated.

The LSPs are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring that local resources are used to best effect and making sure that the experiences of participants in sport are positive.

I understand that recently the Irish Sports Council has announced that the national LSP network is complete and will be fully operational by July 2008. In relation to Buntús, the ISC have indicated that the number of primary schools involved in the Buntús programme should be increased when the roll out of the national network of LSPs is completed.

With regard to the recommendations in relation to the Arts, I should point out that responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:

to stimulate public interest in the arts;

to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; and

to assist in improving standards in the arts.

The Arts Council has consulted with the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NCCA) in relation to the arts curriculum in schools and has also prepared guidelines for people in the arts working with children and young people — "Guidelines for the protection and welfare of children and young people in the arts sector".

Much work has been done by the Arts Council to develop the arts at a local level, not necessarily based on the Local Sports Partnerships, which are a specific model of practice. The Council has worked strategically with local authorities for 23 years in developing the arts at local level and the focus was more on embedding arts expertise at the heart of the local authority service. Each of the 34 local authorities in Ireland employs a full-time Arts Officer. In many instances local authorities lead in providing a broader Arts Service, employing several specialist arts staff in addition to the Arts Officer.

Throughout this time the Arts Council has enjoyed a unique partnership with local authorities in developing the arts and cultural landscape at local level throughout the country. Originating in 1985 with a strategy to place professional arts expertise directly within the local authority, this has been an area of exponential growth and development over the past two decades.

In 2007 Local Authorities, spent in excess of €36m on the arts, demonstrating the huge commitment that is being made at local level to arts development. Under a provision of the Arts Act 2003, local authorities are required to prepare and implement plans for the development of the arts within their functional areas, and in so doing to take account of government policies on the arts. Many local authorities had already established a track record in planning for the arts and, in several cases, are now on their third such strategy.

Tourism Industry.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

99 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on proposals to introduce a tourist tax on a per bed basis by Dublin City Council; his views on whether this is a positive step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17677/08]

I understand that a levy of €1 per bed per night is among a number of measures considered by Dublin City Council to raise revenue in the context of a submission to the Commission on Taxation and that this has been included in the Council's proposals to the Commission on Taxation, which falls under the aegis of the Minister for Finance.

The tourism industry, including hotels, already contributes very significantly to the funding of local authorities through commercial rates, as well as through local charges for water and for waste disposal. Hotels also contribute to the overall tax base, and hence indirectly to local authorities, through corporation profits tax, VAT and income taxes.

Recent turmoil in financial markets and international economic difficulties will increase the challenges facing the tourism industry. The strengthening of the euro against the dollar and sterling gives rise to additional challenges in two of our key markets — the United States and Britain. In my view any measure that drives up costs to tourists visiting Ireland and threatens the competitiveness of Ireland as a tourist destination should be avoided, if possible.

I do not believe that additional taxes or other costs should be imposed without full consideration of the implications for a key sector of the economy, such as tourism.

National Museum.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

100 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of the National Museum can be implemented; the timescale in which the necessary funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18402/08]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

104 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the report issued by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the National Museum of Ireland; the action he has taken or plans to take to rectify some of the problems identified in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17664/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 104 together.

Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection and I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, do not have a statutory function in respect of operational matters.

This Department is in discussion with the Museum regarding the resources which are required to implement the recommendations in the Comptroller and Auditor General's Special Report on the National Museum of Ireland.

In 2008, this Department provided the National Museum with a funding allocation of in excess of €19 million. Within the overall allocation, funding was specifically provided to commence the establishment of an inventory control system and the introduction of extended opening hours, which were two key recommendations in the report.

A number of key issues relating to the storage of the national collection held by the Museum are to be addressed in the context of the funding provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to meet storage requirements for the national cultural collecting institutions and in the context of the development of the new Centre Block galleries in Collins Barracks, which will offer significant options for the display and storage of key elements of the national collection held by the Museum.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 94.

Arts Funding.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

102 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the implications for his policy of wider access to the arts of reduced Arts Council funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18443/08]

Funding for the Arts Council has increased by over 72% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €82.102 million in 2008. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and have transformed the arts sector, increasing access to and participation in the arts for all our citizens. The Government's commitment to the arts is evidenced by these substantial increases in funding.

This level of funding has enabled the Arts Council to dramatically increase the number of organisations it supports and the level of funding it provides.

The funding of the Arts Council, as with all Government Departments and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual budget and Estimates' process. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society.

Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 85.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 100.

Sports Capital Programme.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

105 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the sports capital programme; if he is satisfied with the fact that several studies have shown that while it is the primary method for delivering funding to sporting organisations it may not be as successful at increasing participation as initially thought; if he has considered shifting the direction of the sports capital programme from capital to current expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17661/08]

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 Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for the development of sports facilities across the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.

Since 1998 over 6,700 projects have been allocated over €675 million under the Programme, including over €107 million for the development of Croke Park. In this regard, demand for funding under the Programme continues to be very strong, for example, in 2008 funding totalling €292 million is being sought by over 1,450 projects.

This funding must be seen in the context of the equally significant levels of current funding being provided through the Irish Sports Council. The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, has a statutory role in encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and for increasing participation in recreational sport.

All sports organisations funded by the ISC, including National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, are encouraged to target all sections of society in seeking to increase participation in sport.

The funding provided to the ISC, which has increased from €13m in 2000 to more than €57m this year, has enabled a number of significant interventions to increase participation in sport. In this regard, examples include the Local Sports Partnerships network and the Buntús programme for primary schools in LSP areas involving children in sport from a very young age.

The Government is making very significant investment in addressing participation in sport through both current and capital funding streams.

Arts Promotion.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

106 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if local arts partnerships have been piloted here running similar to local sports partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/08]

It is my belief that the arts are critical to the well-being of society, enhancing the life of local communities, and giving artistic expression to place and identity. Much work has been done to develop the arts at a local level, not necessarily based on the Local Sports Partnerships, which are a specific model of practice. The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, which is funded by the Department, has worked strategically with local authorities for 23 years in developing the arts at local level and the focus was more on embedding arts expertise at the heart of the local authority service. Each of the 34 local authorities in Ireland employs a full-time Arts Officer. In many instances local authorities lead in providing a broader Arts Service, employing several specialist arts staff in addition to the Arts Officer.

Throughout this time the Arts Council has enjoyed a unique partnership with local authorities in developing the arts and cultural landscape at local level throughout the country. Originating in 1985 with a strategy to place professional arts expertise directly within the local authority, this has been an area of exponential growth and development over the past two decades.

In 2007 Local Authorities, spent in excess of €36m on the arts, demonstrating the huge commitment that is being made at local level to arts development. Under a provision of the Arts Act 2003, local authorities are required to prepare and implement plans for the development of the arts within their functional areas and, in so doing, to take account of government policies on the arts. Many local authorities had already established a track record in planning for the arts and, in several cases, are now on their third such strategy.

Decentralisation Programme.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

107 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of the three assistant secretaries in his Department who have indicated their desire to transfer to Killarney as part of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18438/08]

Two of the three Assistant Secretaries serving in the Department have agreed to serve in Killarney in due course under the Government's programme of decentralisation.

Cultural Institutions.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

108 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if consideration has been given to the creation of a museum quarter where all of the cultural institutions could be clustered on a green field site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18458/08]

Consideration is not currently being given to a proposal to create a museum quarter on a green field site as referred to by the Deputy. The national cultural institutions currently occupy buildings and locations, which are of great aesthetic, historical and cultural significance. The State has invested considerably in the development of these locations and is continuing to do so. The National Development Plan 2007-2013, includes an extensive programme of major capital developments in the national cultural institutions. This programme includes the development of the Centre Block exhibition galleries at the National Museum in Collins Barracks and the redevelopment of the Natural History Museum, the development of a new National Concert Hall and a new National Theatre, the major extension of facilities at the National Library, the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty Library, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the redevelopment of the National Archives.

Arts Funding.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

109 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has a policy or proposals for policy initiatives to increase business investment in the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17670/08]

In the Arts and Culture Plan 2008 the Department has indicated that it aims to undertake a programme to encourage philanthropic support of the arts, and the Arts Council, funded by the Department, has completed a position paper on the subject. This paper is currently under active internal discussion and once this has been completed it is intended to develop a more precise strategy in relation to encouraging philanthropic support of the arts.

Sport Facilities Audit.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

110 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in the relation to the national audit of sports facilities; when he expects to finalise the national sports facility strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17629/08]

The nationwide audit of sports facilities has commenced and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase one, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. Phase two of the audit, which is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identifying the need for future provision, will be undertaken during 2008 with the assistance of Local Authorities. Guidelines have now been issued to Local Authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit.

The audit is part of a wider exercise to put in place a more strategic approach to the provision of sports facilities in Ireland. Work on the National Sports Facility Strategy is currently underway in my Department. An inter-agency steering group was established to oversee the development of the strategy and consultants, involving both national and international experts in the area of sports facilities, were engaged to assist in the preparation of the strategy. The consultants report is being finalised at present and will then be appraised by the steering group.

The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at a reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.

Arts Schemes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

111 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is a system to promote internships for second level students in Government funded arts organisations and cultural institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/08]

While responsibility for any system to promote internships would come within the remit of the Boards and management of the individual Institutions, I will bring the Deputy's interest in this matter to their attention.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 85.

National Stadium.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

113 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown; the estimated completion date; the estimated cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17679/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

300 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals in respect of the completion of the National Campus Stadium Ireland project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 300 together.

The Government has provided an amount of €149m in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 for the development of a National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. In November 2005 the Government approved the commencement of Phase One of the development of the National Sports Campus on the basis of a Development Control Plan prepared by Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Company Ltd. — the predecessor of the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA). These facilities will be designed to meet the indoor and outdoor training needs of Irish elite sportspersons who compete at national and international levels and will also provide for the needs of the local community.

The Government decision for this stage of development also included agreement to relocate the headquarters of the Football Association of Ireland to the former State Laboratory building at Abbotstown. Work on the building has been completed and the FAI took possession of the building in December last year.

It is also intended to provide a headquarters for the Irish Institute for Sport by refurbishing the former Central Meat Control Laboratory building on the site. Planning permission for the refurbishment has been secured and it is expected that this work will be completed by end year.

The NSCDA recently completed the signing of contracts with a Project Management team and a Design Team. These teams have already commenced a consultation process with the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport on their detailed requirements on the Campus. It will be the task of these teams to prepare the planning applications and it is anticipated that planning permission will be sought by end year. With a projected construction period of 3 to 4 years, the first phase of the project is expected to be completed in late 2011.

The Abbotstown facilities, when completed, will provide a much needed range of training and competitive facilities for our finest sportspersons.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

114 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the independent evaluation of the local authority swimming pool programme to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/08]

A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme has been completed by my Department. The Report examined, among other things, how the programme has worked to date, and what changes are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery in the future. The recommendations in the report will be used to assist in formulating future policy in this area and will be incorporated into any new round of the programme. The Report will be published shortly.

Arts Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will take particular initiatives to encourage and promote the arts at community level with particular reference to the development of a nationwide network of theatres around which local community based groups can develop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18207/08]

The Department supports the provision of new arts facilities around the country through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). The ACCESS scheme is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved participation in the arts for large numbers of people, including community groups, nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces.

Under the scheme, funding is provided towards integrated community art centres, theatres and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of which were community based arts groups. All of the available funds under the current round of the ACCESS scheme have been fully allocated. The Department is currently examining the option of a third round of ACCESS.

Applications for any new round would be invited by public advertisement. Applications are assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council. Any group, including community based arts organisations, that meets the eligibility criteria, will be welcome to submit an application under any new scheme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Ceist:

116 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17383/08]

The average number of days taken by my Department to process payments to outside contractors for each year from 2004 to date in 2008 (end of April) is detailed in the table below.

This information is based on payments made in respect of Departmental expenditure and, in addition, payments processed on behalf of the following bodies which are funded from the Department's Vote: National Forum on Europe, Ireland Newfoundland Partnership, Active Citizenship Office, Tribunal of Inquiry (Moriarty) and National Economic and Social Development Office (up to the end of December 2006).

Payments processed by Department of the Taoiseach

Year

Average time for payment*

2004

47.9

2005

45.1

2006

30.5

2007

21.2

2008 (end of April)

23.5

*The above details are based on the average number of days between date of invoice and date of payment by this Department.

In relation to the Law Reform Commission and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) (from January 2007), I can confirm that both agencies process all payments to outside contractors within a 10 day period.

In relation to the Central Statistics Office, it is their policy to settle all invoices promptly with due regard to contractual terms, where applicable, to good financial and cash management practices and the provisions of the Prompt Payments Act, 1997 as amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002. In addition to compliance with the terms of the above legislation, there is an obligation on the CSO to take advantage of the available credit terms. The Office's Financial Management System monitors compliance with late payment legislation but it is not possible to extract average times for payment that are made within the thirty day deadline.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

117 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17569/08]

Discussions are held each year between my Department and the Department of Finance in preparation of the annual estimate for the Department. These discussions take place over the period of preparation and finalisation of the estimate provision between officials from the Departments who are involved in the day-to-day management of the Estimate process. There is no requirement, nor is it usual, for these discussions to be minuted.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Ceist:

118 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17721/08]

My Department outsourced its payroll administration to the Department of Finance in each of the years 2004 to January 2008, thus availing of capacity on that Department's payroll systems at no cost to my Department. Any implementation cost associated with the systems used by Department of Finance was met by that Department.

In February 2008, the Department outsourced its payroll administration to the Financial Shared Services Centre in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform as part of a move to avail of efficiencies afforded by shared services and the opportunity to integrate systems and services through the use of the existing Department of Justice core pay system. There was no expenditure by my Department associated with the implementation of this system.

The cost of implementing the Central Statistic's Office payroll system is outlined in the table below. These costs include purchase and maintenance costs associated with software licences and reporting tools. They also include the costs associated with upgrades and modifications to the system.

Cost of implementing the CSO's payroll system 2004 to 2008 (May)

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (January to May)

€69,474.79

€75,724.63

€105,243.77

€98,975.25

€6,738.71

Official Engagements.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

119 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the persons who travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation for the visit in connection with his predecessor’s address to the US Congress; and the estimated cost to the Exchequer. [18102/08]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

122 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the members of the official delegation who travelled with, and attended the address by An Taoiseach to the Joint Houses of the US Congress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18232/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 122 together.

The following people travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation:

Taoiseach

Gerry Hickey, Taoiseach's Adviser

Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary

Mandy Johnston, Taoiseach's Adviser

Brian Murphy, Taoiseach's Adviser

Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant

David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Nick Reddy, Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach

Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary

Paul McGarry, Principal Officer

John Byrne, Security Officer

Minister Dermot Ahern

Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General

Pat Hennessy, Director, Anglo-Irish Division

Sinead Ryan, Private Secretary to the Minister

Michael Lonergan, Press Officer

Ciaran O'Cuinn, Minister's Adviser

The cost arising to my Department for the visit has not yet been finalised. Costs discharged in relation to this trip currently stand at €7,466.

Migrant Statistics.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach if a nationality question will be included in the quarterly national household survey in order that reliable estimates of the number of Irish and non-Irish emigrants can be identified and the number of migrants returning to their countries of origin can be approximated; if his attention has been drawn to the specific requests on this issue that have been made by a national organisation (details supplied) working in this area to the Central Statistics Office; and when the request will be responded to. [18103/08]

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) includes a question on the nationality of the usual residents of the households selected. Based on the responses to the question, the results can distinguish the labour force characteristics of Irish and non-Irish nationals. This is done in Tables A1 and A2 of the QNHS release.

The QNHS also allows immigrant and emigrant flows to be distinguished. Immigrants are analysed by sex, broad age group, country of origin and nationality while emigrants are analysed by sex, broad age group and country of destination. The results are contained in the annual population and migration release.

Capturing the details of emigrants gives rise to greater difficulty than reporting on immigrants because the former have already departed and therefore reliance has to be placed on some of those remaining in the household to report the details.

Complete households emigrating pose a particular difficulty. Because of this and the level of uncertainty surrounding the measurement of migration flows the published net migration figures are preliminary and subject to amendment once the results of the next census become available.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, the CSO accepts that the nationality of those who have emigrated needs to be distinguished and advises me that it is currently examining what additional measures might be possible to strengthen the available data in this respect.

The CSO regrets that the correspondence addressed to it by the national organisation (details supplied) was not replied to in a timely manner. This arose because the correspondence was addressed to an officer who is on long-term sick leave. I understand that a reply has since issued addressing the points raised and that the organisation is happy to accept the CSO's apology in respect of the unintentional oversight.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 1.
Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 119.

Commemorative Events.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

123 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Taoiseach his plans to organise an annual famine victims and emigrants memorial day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18580/08]

Following on the initiative last year, an official commemorative event of the Famine will take place on the last Sunday in May. This is being organised to complement the community event in Dublin arranged for that date.

Tax Code.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

124 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to use the taxation system to promote low alcohol or alcohol free products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18300/08]

As the Deputy may be aware a commitment was made in Budget 2008 to examine this matter and to bring forward measures in this area in Budget 2009.

Disabled Drivers.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

125 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if persons (details supplied) in County Cork who have applied for the drivers and passengers with disability tax relief scheme will be approved for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18685/08]

The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area.

If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

National Monuments.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

126 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the agency that has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of a historical monument (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18694/08]

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the historical monument in question. This incorporates the carrying out of minor maintenance works, such as weeding, twice a year. Litter bins are provided by the local Tidy Towns group.

Tax Collection.

James Bannon

Ceist:

127 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford who feels they have paid their dues in full to the Revenue Commissioners, is still being asked for a sum of almost a quarter of a million euro. [18644/08]

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts due in this case are based on tax returns submitted by the taxpayer. These returns indicate liabilities as well as credits due to the taxpayer. Contact is being made with the person concerned, through his agent, to clarify the situation regarding these liabilities.

Tax Code.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

128 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has plans to give the tidy towns groups, charitable status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18645/08]

The position is that the activities of tidy towns organisations may be regarded as being established for charitable purpose under the category of benefit to the broader community. The other categories of charitable purpose are the advancement of religion, the relief of poverty and the advancement of education.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a number of tidy town organisations already enjoy charitable tax exempt status.

There are two key requirements which have to be satisfied for a body to attain charitable status for tax purposes. The first is that the body must be established solely for charitable purposes. This would normally be stated in the body's governing instrument. Secondly, the body must apply its funds solely for charitable purposes. This means that on an ongoing basis, the body must conduct itself in accordance with its governing principles and failure to do so will result in a removal of charitable tax exempt status and access to the associated tax exemptions.

Full details in relation to the application process (including the application form) are contained in information booklet CHY1 "Applying for Relief from Tax on the Income and Property of Charities" and can be obtained online at www.revenue.ie or by ringing Lo call 1890 666 333.

National Pensions Reserve Fund.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to directing part of the National Pensions Reserve Fund to the provision of micro-loans in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18646/08]

Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls and manages the National Pensions Reserve Fund. The Commission has discretionary authority to determine the Fund's investment strategy in accordance with the Fund's statutory investment policy of securing the optimal total financial return provided the level of risk to the moneys held or invested is acceptable to the Commission. This framework has given the Commission the freedom to develop, outside of the political process, a long-term investment strategy primarily based on a diversified portfolio of real assets.

Given this commercial investment mandate, the investment portfolio of the National Pensions Reserve Fund does not include financing for micro-credit schemes in the developing world. However, the Deputy will be interested to know that a number of Non-Governmental Organisations funded by Irish Aid — which is responsible for Ireland's official overseas aid programme — are active in the area of micro-credit. In 2007, Concern Worldwide directed over €1.1 million of Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) funding towards micro-credit schemes.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

130 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost of introducing a new tax band of 10% for the first €5,000 earned for single people and €10,000 earned for couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18647/08]

If what the Deputy has in mind is the taxation at 10 per cent of portions of the bands currently taxable at 20 per cent, the full-year cost to the Exchequer, by reference to the income tax year 2008, is estimated by the Revenue Commissioners to be about €690 million. This cost is estimated on the basis that the thresholds for the proposed new tax bands would not alter the existing standard rate cut-off point applying to single and widowed persons, lone parents and married couples.

If, however, the existing 20 per cent bands were to apply in addition to the 10 per cent bands suggested by the Deputy, the cost would be substantially higher, and is estimated by Revenue to be in excess of €1.5 billion in a full year.

Given the current band structures, there would be major issues to be worked out as to how, in practice, such a new rate could be integrated into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners. These figures are provisional and subject to revision.

Parliamentary Questions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

131 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the reported cost of €200 to answer a parliamentary question, he views this figure as accurate; if so, the measures he is taking to introduce efficiencies within the system to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18648/08]

The cost of answering a Parliamentary Question will vary according to the nature, and phraseology of the question asked and this inevitably involves differences in the costs among Departments and indeed within a Department from time to time. Replies to such questions are treated with the utmost seriousness by Departments and Ministers and accordingly considerable care is taken with the replies. Regulation of the manner in which questions are submitted and answered is a matter for the House itself. I would be happy to consider any proposals the Oireachtas Commission may consider in this context.

I would suggest that some information sought in Parliamentary Questions could be obtained less expensively if Deputies made fuller use of the information already available, requested it directly through the information offices of the Departments and other bodies concerned and exploited more fully the research facilities provided by the Oireachtas Commission through the Oireachtas Library and Research Services.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the failure to close off the stamp duty loophole, whereby developers could avoid paying stamp duty by making licensing agreements with owners selling land, for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/08]

Section 110 of the Finance Act 2007 made provision for a charge to stamp duty where license agreements and other such arrangements are used when land is purchased for development without conveyance or transfer. The provision ensured that these arrangements will incur a Stamp Duty charge where a landowner receives a payment amounting to 25% or more of the market value or consideration concerned. Section 110 is subject to a commencement order on the basis that it would be prudent to consider the state of the housing and property market before the provision is put into place.

For this reason, an independent study of the potential effects that such a provision may have on the market was commissioned. The Report is available for download on my Department's website at http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/reports/2008/S110Report.pdf.

As these transactions, under current law, do not involve a liability to Stamp Duty, there is no requirement to present any documentation to the Revenue Commissioners for stamping and there is therefore no specific data on which to accurately estimate any revenue gains from commencing the provisions.

The Report also makes the point that there are no official data sources on the value of development land sales; therefore, it gives an indicative estimate of the total value of the development land market in 2006 at c. €7bn to €8bn. Based on a technical assumption of 40% of land transactions using these arrangements, the Report estimated a potential revenue gain in 2006 of c. €251m if the provisions had been in place at that time. However, this estimate is based on the historic levels of activity in 2006 and is not indicative of the revenue gain that would occur following commencement of the provisions at a later date. A more realistic figure for the revenue accruing from the provisions is in the order of €50m per annum.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of reducing the commercial stamp duty rate from 9% to 8%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18650/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of reducing the current 9% rate of stamp duty on commercial property to 8% is estimated at €133 million, based on Budget 2008 projections. As this cost is a function of the actual and estimated number of transactions, and the price levels at which these transactions take place, it is therefore sensitive to cyclical changes in the commercial property market.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

134 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on reviewing the level of excise duty on diesel for licensed and own account operators in the haulage industry; if he will conduct a general review of the level of VAT and excise duties on diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/08]

While the increase in the price of fuel and in particular the disproportionate increase in the price of auto-diesel compared to petrol is not tax driven, the Government continues to monitor price developments. I understand that the current increase in the price of auto-diesel is evident throughout the EU and some explanations that have been put forward include:

shortage of diesel at European refineries; European diesel demand has far outgrown production,

stock levels of petrol in the US are higher than anticipated which has contributed to the disproportionate increase in the price of diesel, and

increased demand for aviation fuel has also had a limiting effect on diesel production.

Excise duty rates in Ireland for both auto-diesel and petrol are €368.05 and €442.68 per 1,000 litres of fuel respectively. These rates are around the EU average and are less than our main trading partners particularly our nearest neighbour, the UK. I would point out that the excise rates for both diesel and petrol have not been increased in the last four Budgets.

It should be noted that the VAT content of purchases of auto-diesel is a deductible credit for businesses in the Irish VAT system.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

135 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of homeowners who do not benefit fully from mortgage interest relief due to the fact that they do not earn enough to pay income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18652/08]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost of replacing mortgage interest tax relief with a tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.

The position is that all homeowners who hold a qualifying loan with a qualifying lender may fully benefit from mortgage interest relief.

Tax relief at source in respect of mortgage interest was introduced with effect from 1 January 2002. Since that date a borrower is not required to be earning a taxable income to be eligible for mortgage interest relief.

It is not clear what the Deputy has in mind regarding the cost of replacing mortgage interest relief with a tax credit. The position is that, subject to limits, mortgage interest relief at the standard rate is granted on a qualifying loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of a principal private residence. Tax relief at the standard rate is effectively operated in the same manner as a tax credit.

The increased first-time buyer's limits of €10,000 for a single person and €20,000 for a married couple, announced in Budget 2008, equate to tax relief of up to €2,000 for a single person and €4,000 for a married couple that can be offset against qualifying interest.

Tax Collection.

John Deasy

Ceist:

137 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have paid preliminary tax in each of the past five years; the number of people who were charged interest as a result of non-payment; and the number of prosecutions brought by the Revenue Commissioners for non-payment of same. [18654/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the data requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of people who have paid preliminary tax and the number who have been charged interest as a result of non-payment in the last five years could not be compiled within the timeframe available. Information on the lines requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him by Revenue as soon as it is available.

I am further advised by Revenue that prosecutions have not been taken for failure to pay preliminary tax in the past five years. Where a person fails to pay the correct amount of preliminary tax by the due date, the full tax debt for the year becomes due on that date, and all subsequent late payments will be subject to an interest charge. Revenue has focused its actions in response to preliminary tax non-compliance on the charging of interest as a more effective remedy in getting customers to become compliant.

Community Development.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if a strategy steering group has been set up on foot of the recommendation for such a body in the Towards a Liffey Valley Park document; if so, when the group first met; the membership of the group; the number of meetings of the group; the dates of those meetings; the terms of reference of the group; if not, if there is body overseeing the implementation of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18681/08]

An implementation steering group has not been established. However, many of the Study's objectives can be pursued by the Local Authorities from within their own resources. Progress at a national level is dependent on provision of funding through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Positive Ageing Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

139 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to develop in conjunction with the recognised voluntary groups, a new national positive ageing strategy. [18586/08]

As the Deputy may be aware the new Office for Older People was established on 30th January 2008. The resources of the new Office, which is currently staffed by officials from the Department of Health and Children, will be strengthened by the addition of staff of the National Council on Ageing and Older People. Legislation to disestablish the Council is being prepared.

A key function of the new Office is to develop a new Strategy for Positive Ageing. The initial preparatory work for the Strategy has commenced.

Care of the Elderly.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

140 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the slán abhaile programme. [18589/08]

The Slán Abhaile Scheme, now known as the Home Care Package Programme, formally commenced in 2006, following a pilot programme in 2005. Home Care Packages are an additional support over and above existing mainstream community services and are used to maintain an older person at home via additional supports and therapy services. They are designed to be flexible and are particularly targeted at those at risk of admission to long-term care, inappropriate admission to acute hospital or requiring discharge home from acute hospital.

Very significant funding of €110 million was provided over the years 2006 and 2007 to develop Home Care Packages. In 2007, the Health Service Executive had put in place 4,350 packages, which benefitted in excess of 10,500 clients.

In Budget 2008, an additional €10 million was allocated to provide 360 extra packages this year, which should benefit in the region of 800 additional people. The Government specifically highlighted community based services for older people, and the expansion of Home Care Packages in particular, as a priority for development funding in the Budget. The total projected provision by the HSE is over 4,700 packages for this year, benefiting approximately 11,000 people.

Medical Cards.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

141 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to allow people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after three years. [18663/08]

In accordance with the Health Service Executive's Medical Card/GP Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines, persons in receipt of the following allowances/benefits for a period of 12 months or more can retain their medical card for a period of three years from the date of taking up full-time employment:

Job Seekers Allowance;

Job Seekers Benefit;

One Parent Family Payment;

Illness Benefit;

Disability Allowance;

Blind Pension;

Employment Incentive Schemes or Educational Opportunity Schemes.

Such persons taking up part-time employment can retain their medical card for a period of three years from the date their income exceeds the relevant medical card guideline figure.

Persons participating on the following Government Schemes retain eligibility for a medical card for the duration of the scheme:

Back to Work Allowance;

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance;

Back to Education Allowance;

Revenue Job Assist;

Community Employment;

VTOS;

Job Initiative;

Rural Social Scheme;

Education, Training and Development Option;

Community Services Programme;

Part-time Job Incentive;

Part-time education Option;

FÁS (Non-craft courses);

Youthreach;

Local Employment Services Courses;

Fáilte and Teagasc Courses;

Wage Subsidy Scheme.

A person moving from one scheme to another will retain eligibility to a medical card as long as they remain on one of the above schemes.

Adult and child dependants of persons who retain their medical card either through receipt of specified allowances/benefits or participation on the above Government Schemes are also eligible for a medical card.

The Programme for Government commits to allowing people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after 3 years. My Department is at present considering the most appropriate approach to the implementation of this commitment.

Mental Health Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

142 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount allocated in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the implementation of the commitments contained in A Vision for Change; the amount of the allocation of the €25 million additional investment in 2006 and 2007 that has been spent on mental health services to date; the outcome of same; the plans for any unspent amount of the allocations in 2006 and 2007; the reason no additional funding has been allocated in 2008 for implementation of A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18023/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

215 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to invest in and fully implement the Vision for Change Strategy and provide further additional funding to support the recovery model of mental health service provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18333/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 215 together.

The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150m over 7-10 years. A total of €51.2 million has been allocated since 2006 which represents over a third of the overall requirement. In addition to the extra funding required to finance ‘A Vision for Change', existing resources need to be remodelled and reallocated. It is clear that the implementation of the report is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources, than on new additional funding. It is also clear that additional investment must be phased in parallel with the reorganisation of mental health services and resources. In view of the significant additional investment in 2006 and 2007, it is necessary to pause and review the situation in 2008, to ensure consolidation of the investment to date.

Substantial resources have been invested in mental health services. Estimated expenditure in 2006 and 2007 was €984 million and €1 billion, respectively. It is also important to bear in mind that some 90% of mental health services are provided at primary care level. Expenditure on these services is not captured in the above figures.

The Department of Health and Children has been advised by the HSE that €24 million of the €51.2 million development funding was not used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its overall Vote. As a result, some of the planned developments in mental health services have been delayed; however, some of the mental health services funded in 2006 and 2007 will be put in place in 2008. These include:

the provision of 8 additional child and adolescent mental health teams; and

the provision of 18 additional beds for children and adolescents at St. Anne's, Galway, St. Vincent's, Fairview, and St. Stephen's Hospital, Cork, to increase the bed complement from the current provision of 12 to 30 during 2008.

The implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' will be a key priority for the recently established Office for Disability and Mental Health.

Cancer Treatment Strategy.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

143 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people diagnosed and deaths per annum from prostate, breast and cervical cancer; the prevalence of each cancer; the strategy employed by her Department to address each cancer; the funding provided on an annual basis over the past five years by Cancer Research Ireland for research into each of these cancers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18028/08]

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

Statistics in relation to cancer deaths are collated by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). My Department has asked the CSO to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Last September, the Government endorsed the establishment by the HSE of a National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to manage, organise and deliver a national programme for the entire population, in line with the National Cancer Control Strategy approved by Government in June 2006. Prof. Keane took up his post as National Cancer Control Director on 19 November 2007. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. This will involve significant realignment of services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control. The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Professor Tom Keane is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations.

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) was established on 1 January 2007 and will deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October.

The roll out of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The NCSS is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis and is in the final stages of preparations.

The National Cancer Control Strategy does not recommend the introduction of a population based screening programme for prostate cancer as there is currently insufficient evidence available. This position is consistent with the Recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for healthcare resources. The EU proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer. My Department and the National Cancer Screening Service will keep emerging international evidence under review including the results of randomised trials that are currently being conducted internationally.

Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns in relation to prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.

Cancer Research Ireland is an autonomous body within the framework of the Irish Cancer Society. My Department does not have details of funding provided by Cancer Research Ireland. However, I have been informed by the Health Research Board (HRB) that it co-funds a number of projects with the Irish Cancer Society as part of the Medical Research Council's co-funded research scheme. In 2007 the HRB provided funding of over €800,000 to the Irish Cancer Society for nine projects, including two projects specific to prostate cancer.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

144 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to roll-out a nationwide bowel cancer screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18029/08]

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) established an Expert Group on Colorectal Screening to prepare advice on the introduction of a national colorectal cancer programme, specifically on the population to be screened, at what intervals screening should take place, the type of test required and the requirements for a quality assured and well organised cost effective symptomatic service.

The Expert Group was informed by screening programmes in place or planned in other countries, including the UK and Northern Ireland. The Board has received this report and has commissioned a second report on options for service delivery, clinical cost effectiveness and the elements of a well organised and quality assured treatment service. The Service has also requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to conduct a Health Technology Assessment on a colorectal screening programme.

When the Board has assessed all of this advice it will report to me before the end of the year, at which stage I will consider the matter further.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

145 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to roll-out a nationwide cervical screening programme; the reason for the ongoing delay in extending the scheme nationwide; her plans to regulate and monitor cervical screening in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18030/08]

The roll out of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis and is in the final stages of preparations. The service will be available free of charge to all eligible women in Ireland aged 25-60. A national programme will provide screening in a primary care setting every three years for all women aged 25-44 years and screening every five years for women aged 45-60 years. The priority is to establish a national quality assured, organised cervical screening programme and it will be implemented in line with best international practice.

All elements of the programme will be quality assured — call and recall, laboratory testing, colposcopy and will be managed to deliver a single integrated national service. A cytology procurement process is underway. This process commenced in December 2007 and the outcome of this will be finalised shortly.

The vital emphasis of the procurement process has been and will be on quality of the national programme and the necessary entry criteria in choosing a cytology partner included accreditation status and a laboratory dealing with a volume of a minimum of 25,000 smears per annum. These criteria were chosen in line with international acceptable criteria for cervical screening programmes. The NCSS will ensure that the laboratory elements will be delivered in an efficient and cost effective manner and with high quality and acceptable turn-around time for results and so avoid unacceptably long delays for routine cervical smear test results as a priority.

In advance of offering contracts to medical practitioners in primary care settings, the NCSS published a draft NCSS/Smeartaker contract and invited views and feedback concerning the contract on a non-privileged basis by the end of February 2008. Many GPs, Smeartakers and representative bodies participated in this process and provided feedback. The NCSS is in the final stages of discussions on agreement of this contract.

Child Protection Services.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

146 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address the lack of resources for dealing with children as highlighted in a recent Health Service Executive report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18043/08]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

147 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if increased payment of subvention will be made in each of the cases of persons (details supplied). [18078/08]

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 cases raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

148 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to expedite a positive response regarding the applications submitted by persons (details supplied) in County Carlow for hearing aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18079/08]

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the Community Audiology Service, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the details supplied regarding his earlier queries investigated and I understand that replies issued directly to the Deputy — PAD 08/189 and 08/190 on the 17th April, and 08/220 on the 1st May last.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

149 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason home visits from a psychiatrist at Cherry Orchard Hospital to a patient (details supplied) in Dublin 20 have not taken place since 28 February 2008; if there is a reason for the ending of these home visits; and if these home visits will be restarted as the patient is in need of urgent care. [18084/08]

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. 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.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

150 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the provision of a new health centre at Bunmahon, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18101/08]

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

151 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children between the ages of 14 to 16 years who are entitled to dental treatment are restricted to emergency treatment only; the reason for these restrictions; when she expects the full service to be extended to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18104/08]

Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school dental programme. The children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary; the programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.

Hospital Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

152 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reinvestigate the provision of long-term care at a hospital in County Cork in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18123/08]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

153 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an ambulance service for an area (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the location has been secured for same; and the funding that has been provided. [18133/08]

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 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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the issues raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied). [18164/08]

The roll out of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis and is in the final stages of preparations. The service will be available free of charge to all eligible women in Ireland aged 25-60. A national programme will provide screening in a primary care setting every three years for women aged 25-44 years and screening every five years for women aged 45-60 years. The priority is to establish a national quality assured, organised cervical screening programme and it will be implemented in line with best international practice.

All elements of the programme will be quality assured — call and recall, laboratory testing, colposcopy and will be managed to deliver a single integrated national service. A cytology procurement process is underway. This process commenced in December 2007 and the outcome of this will be finalised shortly.

The vital emphasis of the procurement process has been and will be on quality of the national programme and the necessary entry criteria in choosing a cytology partner included accreditation status and a laboratory dealing with a volume of a minimum of 25000 smears per annum. These criteria were chosen in line with international acceptable criteria for cervical screening programmes. The NCSS will ensure that the laboratory elements will be delivered in an efficient and cost effective manner and with high quality and acceptable turn-around time for results and so avoid unacceptably long delays for routine cervical smear test results as a priority.

In advance of offering contracts to medical practitioners in primary care settings, the NCSS published a draft NCSS/Smeartaker contract and invited views and feedback concerning the contract on a non privileged basis by the end of February 2008. Many GPs, Smeartakers and representative bodies participated in this process and provided feedback. The NCSS is in the final stages of discussions on this contract.

The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) has expressed concern about the impact on its members employed in the public health service if cytology services for the screening programme are outsourced to private operators. The National Hospitals Office (NHO) has a commitment to the 70 staff currently employed in these services. The NHO has met with the Staff Representative of these employees and a decision with regard to reassignment of these employees cannot be made until the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

155 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will be in a position to provide enhanced nursing home subvention payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18167/08]

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.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Ceist:

156 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford who suffered three brain haemorrhages is not facilitated with nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18170/08]

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.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

157 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a kidney dialysis unit will be operational in the mid-west region; if her attention has been drawn to plans to provide a kidney dialysis service in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18175/08]

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.

Assisted Human Reproduction.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

158 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the regulation for fertility treatment, she will indicate the regulations that apply here; if fertility units are inspected by the Irish Medicines Board to ensure compliance to the EU directive on quality and safety of cells and tissues; her views, in respect of ethical issues, on the inclusion in these inspections of standards specific to the fertility area similar to the HFEA in the UK; if she will have the IMB or another organisation check on compliance in this regard at no extra cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18181/08]

At present there is no legislation in Ireland governing the intervention in the natural process of creating human life; instead, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. My Department is developing an appropriate regulatory framework for Assisted Human Reproduction services. This work involves, inter alia, examining the approaches to regulation in other jurisdictions — including the one mentioned by the Deputy — and considering the ethical and legal issues that arise. It will also take into account the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on this area — when completed — and any judgment of the Supreme Court in the RvR (frozen embryo) case.

In addition, the European Communities (Quality and Safety of Human Tissues and Cells) Regulations (Statutory Instrument No.158 of 2006) came into law on 7 April, 2006. The Regulations apply to tissues establishments that are involved in the donation, procurement, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells intended for human applications. Further Regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 598 of 2007) were signed on 31st August 2007 in respect of human tissues and cells traceability requirements, notification of serious adverse reactions and events and certain technical requirements.

The aim of the Regulations is to ensure a high level of protection of human health. The Regulations include criteria for assessing the status of prospective donors, inspection and control measures, traceability of donations and qualifications and training for persons working in tissue establishments.

Fertility clinics are tissue establishments under the Regulations. They must be inspected and authorised by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), which is the competent authority under the Regulations, to ensure that they meet quality and safety standards. The Regulations, which were made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972, gave effect to EU Directives 2004/23/EC, 2006/17/EC and 2006/86/EC. Regulations made under the 1972 Act cannot materially exceed the scope of the relevant Directives: the extension of the IMB's remit to include inspection of ethical or other matters similar to those which come within the remit of the United Kingdom's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) would require primary legislation.

Health Service Reports.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

159 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the report, commissioned by the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board, into the number of individual organisations regulating the quality and safety of acute care hospitals; the number of these individual organisations that are State funded; the results being achieved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18182/08]

The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board was subsumed into the Health Information and Quality Authority on the establishment of the Authority in May 2007. I understand that the report referred to by the Deputy was presented as a draft to the Board of the interim Authority in late 2006 to inform their deliberations on the state of regulatory bodies. I have asked HIQA to submit the report together with their observations to me as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

160 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange a new form of assessment for miners from the Sliabh-Arda coalfields and the Arigna coalfields in respect of their claims of the work related disease pneumonoconiosis; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that miners in these locations have suffered other diseases, including bronchitis, asthma, white finger syndrome, arthritis and heart disease, which were caused in part by working conditions over the years; if her attention has been further drawn to the small number of miners suffering from this type of ailment and of their concern at being treated unfairly by the Irish State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18183/08]

The prevention of occupational injuries at work would fall under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, I understand, in relation to pneumonoconiosis, that under the Occupational Injuries Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of workers affected.

Health Services.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

161 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the circumstances of a child (details supplied) in County Kildare suffering from Eagle-Barrett syndrome; if in view of this child’s needs, the services of a speech therapist will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18191/08]

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

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of a matter (details supplied). [18196/08]

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

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

163 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18197/08]

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.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

164 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [18198/08]

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.

Hospital Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

165 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the announced closure of St. Catherine’s ward at the Mercy Hospital, which will have a seriously negative effect on the quality of service for those who require the services of a female surgical ward. [18217/08]

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 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.

Hospital Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

166 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical director has been appointed to the development board of the National Children’s Hospital; the projected timescale for the appointment; and the progress of the governance issue. [18221/08]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

170 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical director has been appointed to the development board of the new children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital; the amount of progress made to date on the issue of governance for the hospital; if all existing children’s hospitals in Dublin have appointed members to the development board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18249/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 170 together.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new national paediatric hospital. The Board shall consist of 13 members. At present, there are twelve members appointed, including representatives from the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght and two representatives from the Health Service Executive which is working closely with the Development Board in progressing the project. My Department is advised that the Development Board hopes to be in a position to appoint a Medical Director shortly. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies on the specific issues raised.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

167 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork, in respect of their deceased brother, especially in view of the fact that they were informed on 21 November 2007 that they were entitled under law to get a grant of representation and that they would be contacted shortly; the reason the letter they received dated 21 November 2007 was unsigned; and if she will instruct all public officials to sign their names to official letters. [18225/08]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. The HSE has advised my Department that the scheme administrator issue correspondence to applicants in relation to their applications for repayment under the scheme. The scheme administrator has established a national help line — 1890 886 886 — to allow applicants seek information with regard to their individual application.

The specific 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.

Health Services.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

168 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the director of the Health Service Executive replies to a letter (details supplied) sent to him; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18243/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.

Hospital Services.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

169 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of throughput of public patients for orthopaedic surgery in the public ward of a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork for each year since 2002; the reason throughput of public patients has been steadily declining in this public ward while simultaneously the National Treatment Purchase Fund is treating a significant number of patients from the region elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18244/08]

The National Treatment Purchase Fund was established as a statutory body in May 2004 to treat public patients who are longest on surgical in-patient waiting lists. Access to treatment under the auspices of the NTPF is open to patients who are waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list and who may qualify for treatment through it. In general, non-surgical treatment does not qualify for consideration under the Fund. It is open to the patient, or anyone acting on his/her behalf, to contact the Fund directly in relation to each case. The NTPF operate a nationwide lo-call line for this purpose. A person may also be referred to the Fund through the NTPF Liaison Officer attached to the hospital.

he NTPF to date has arranged treatment for 100,000 people. The 100,000 patients are a combination of approximately 78,000 in-patients and 22,000 out-patients. The NTPF has consistently increased the numbers of patients for whom it has arranged treatment annually and is on target to do so again in 2008.

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

Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 166.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

171 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for orthodontics for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18256/08]

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

172 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the action the Health Service Executive is taking to reduce the waiting list for occupational therapy services in County Kilkenny; the number on the list; the projected waiting time for persons; if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be examined and expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18259/08]

John McGuinness

Ceist:

177 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the action the Health Service Executive is taking to reduce the waiting list for occupational therapy services in County Kilkenny the number on the list; the projected waiting time for individuals; if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be examined and expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18264/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 177 together.

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

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

173 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request an early appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at the eye department in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; if she will further request the Health Service Executive to provide more accurate information on urgent cases such as this and in a timely fashion in view of the fact that queries to date have been met with inefficiency and misinformation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18260/08]

John McGuinness

Ceist:

178 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will insist on an early appointment for a person (details supplied) at the eye department Mater Hospital Dublin as they are going blind and requires urgent attention; if she will insist on the Health Service Executive providing more accurate information on urgent cases like this and in a timely fashion in view of the fact that queriers to date have met with inefficiency and misinformation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18265/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 178 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 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.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

174 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive cannot give a date to admit a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire; if the matter will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18261/08]

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

175 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will give an early appointment to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18262/08]

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.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

176 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request for the Health Service Executive to expedite an application for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if a home care package will be put in place for them prior to discharge from hospital as they need 24/7 care. [18263/08]

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.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 172.
Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 173.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

179 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason home help has not been approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18289/08]

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.

Departmental Funding.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

180 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has been provided by her Department to child contact centres (details supplied); if so, the amount of funding given to same since their inception. [18291/08]

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.

Health Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

181 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that there have been only 15 new day service places made available at a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for 2008; if she will provide funding to make more places available at this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18294/08]

As part of the Multi-annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75 million 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 €50 million 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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Promotion Strategy.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

182 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expedite the delivery of a national strategy for tackling obesity, with a cross-departmental group to ensure implementation, with regular reports to Cabinet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18297/08]

The Government has agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) which will facilitate intersectoral collaboration on the prevention of chronic diseases. It is intended that measures to tackle obesity and to promote good health will be advanced through the IDG. My Department will be publishing our first National Nutrition Policy later this year. Recommendations will focus, primarily, on the nutrition needs of the 0-18 year age group.

My Department and the Department of Education and Science have been involved in developing healthy eating guidelines for schools. Guidelines for preschools and primary schools are already developed and appropriate healthy eating training by community dieticians with preschool and primary school staff is currently underway. Post-primary school guidelines will be launched in the coming weeks. Guidelines on levels of physical activity are currently being devised by the Population Health Directorate of the Health Service Executive.

The Chronic Disease Framework, which I launched on the 10th April 2008, acknowledges the burden of chronic disease and the need for an integrated approach on prevention to tackle lifestyle factors including obesity. The Cardiovascular Health Policy Group, due to report this summer, will also be advising on measures to tackle lifestyle issues like obesity, at population level as well as in the primary care setting.

The Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement the recommendations of The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, for which it has the lead responsibility. A sum of €3 million was allocated for this purpose in 2006. This in addition to the annual spend of €25 million on health promotion activities, €5 million of which is utilised in anti-obesity initiatives.

Addiction Treatment Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

183 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise and intensify measures to tackle alcohol and drug misuse among all sections of the population and in particular among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18298/08]

The government is taking a twin-track approach to tackling alcohol related harm, involving policies and interventions targeted at vulnerable populations and policies targeted at the population at large to reduce the overall level of alcohol misuse in society. In this regard, initiatives are being taken by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to licensing laws with a view to reducing public disorder and further restrictions on advertising and marketing are also being introduced. In addition, a working group, which includes the social partners, has been established to progress Action 80 of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 in relation to potential synergies between the alcohol and drug areas; it is anticipated that the working group will complete its report during the summer.

In regard to drug misuse, the HSE is identified as the lead co-ordination agency for the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation published by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in May 2007. The HSE's addiction service prioritises those under 18 years of age and, as resources permit, the HSE is implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Treatment for Under 18 year Olds Presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems.

In recent times, the HSE has re-oriented its addiction services to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. poly drug use — including cocaine use. While the Programme for Government indicated that two cocaine specific treatment centres would be opened, the available evidence indicates that many approaches already in use in general addiction services work well with cocaine misusers; accordingly, further consideration is being given to this issue.

The HSE is also involved in developing community based stand-alone stimulant intervention services which includes additional training for its staff on issues such as cocaine and it is also re-engineering existing addiction services to meet emerging needs.

The HSE is committed to implementing the rehabilitation strategy and will proceed this year to create and fill one post of senior co-ordinator for drugs rehabilitation. This will enable the National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee to be established and other preliminary work to commence which will build on existing drugs rehabilitation initiatives.

The planning and development of a minimum of 25 detox. residential beds recommended in the Drugs Rehabilitation report will be addressed in conjunction with the recommendations contained in the HSE Report of the Working Group on Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Services which addressed the needs for addiction and alcohol services on a national basis. The planning for these beds, as revenue and staff are made available, will be carried out in the context of the mapping and analysis of existing services; prevalence data/trends; the phased priority planning of future service needs including taking account of the capacity of the voluntary sector and in the context of the HSE transformation programme.

The HSE currently makes €91 million available for its drugs services overall: this includes an additional €6 million which was allocated for key priorities in Budget 2007. In addition, the government also makes significant funding available through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for addiction-related initiatives of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and for the Young Person's Services and Facilities Fund. This year approximately €64 million has been made available — an increase of 25% on the revised 2007 allocation. The Young Persons Facilities and Services Fund, which has recently been expanded to include four additional urban areas (Dundalk, Arklow, Wexford and Athlone), has received an allocation of €24 million in 2008.

Youth Cafés.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

184 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to put in place a fund for the provision of a countrywide network of youth cafes where young people can meet in a safe, legal, alcohol-free and healthy environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18299/08]

The launch of the National Recreation Policy last September highlighted Government's commitment to the development of youth cafés.

As the Deputy will be aware there are already a number of youth cafés in operation around the country. Funding for these existing initiatives is provided through a number of bodies including local City/County Council and Health Service Executive. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs also operate a number of relevant funding programmes aimed at supporting community development, locally based community and voluntary groups as well as programmes aimed specifically at supporting projects for disadvantaged youth.

At this stage, my focus is to bring better coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identifying an appropriate model(s) for youth cafés for future developments. Since September my office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people. It also requested the National Children's Advisory Council's advice on the development of a youth café model and research work has been commissioned by the Council in this regard. I am anticipating the Council will be in a position to report to me shortly. This work will guide government in ensuring that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs identified by young people themselves. Discussions are also underway with my Cabinet colleagues regarding a youth café programme and appropriate funding mechanisms. I am considering which agency could best lead on the programme and how to ensure any funding which might be made available augments, without displacing, the existing inter-agency resources.

Alcohol Abuse.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

185 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendations of the working group on alcohol abuse established under Sustaining Progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18301/08]

In 2006 a Working Group established as a Special Initiative under Sustaining Progress published a report entitled "Working Together to Reduce the Harms caused by Alcohol Misuse". In November 2006 my Department established an Implementation Group in order to progress implementation of the 29 actions, across a range of sectors, identified in this Report. The purpose of the Implementation Group was to monitor and report on progress on the implementation of the actions identified in the Working Group's Report. The Implementation Group met throughout 2007 and in early 2008 and its Report is due to be published shortly. The Report of the Implementation Group will outline the progress made to date and identify where continued progress is needed in order to deliver on the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

186 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide early intervention programmes in all social, health and justice services to ensure early detection and appropriate responses to high risk drinking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18303/08]

The Government is committed to tackling the problems of alcohol misuse in society. Insofar as the Health Sector is concerned, the Health Service Executive is developing protocols for the roll out of brief intervention programmes to detect high risk and harmful drinking in individuals before or shortly after the early signs of alcohol related problems on a pilot basis in the acute hospital services. The HSE is also working with the Irish College of General Practitioners in building capacity for general practitioners to use brief intervention programmes.

Water Fluoridation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

187 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government that the Health Service Executive will carry out a national study of total fluoride intake in the population and will bring its conclusions to Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18305/08]

The Expert Body on Fluorides and Health has recently awarded a contract to UCC to carry out a baseline study to monitor specific effects of amending the level of fluoride in water supplies in Ireland which occurred in July 2007. (The Regulations reduced the level of fluoride in public water supplies to between 0.6 parts per million (ppm) and 0.8 ppm). This baseline study, which will be carried out with the assistance of the HSE, will facilitate the undertaking of the study which is referred to in the Programme for Government.

Regulation of Complementary Therapists.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

188 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to promote greater regulation of complementary health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18306/08]

The Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists in 2006 made recommendations on strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists including voluntary self-regulation for the majority of therapists and statutory regulation for Acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners and Herbal practitioners.

To support the development of robust voluntary self-regulation, the Report of the National Working Group outlined guidance for professional associations and provided examples of codes of ethics and good practice, including grievance and disciplinary procedures. In addition, this Department has facilitated the provision of work days. The purpose of these days is for different therapists to come together to undertake a process of harmonisation and development with regard to common basic standards of practice, education and training. In addition, these facilitated work days provide a forum for greater cohesion within each therapy. Work days were organised in 2007 for a number of the higher risk therapies as categorised in the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists i.e. acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and homeopathy.

In addition to the above, an Information Guide for the Public has been produced offering guidance for members of the public when choosing to see a complementary therapist.

The certification of complementary therapy training courses was also recommended in the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists. In this regard, I understand that the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) are developing standards for complementary therapy education courses.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

189 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to continue to encourage breast-feeding to achieve higher levels of the practice from continuing low levels of uptake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18307/08]

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

Mental Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

190 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to run a media campaign to help remove the stigma of mental illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

219 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement, as a matter of urgency, the recommendation of Reach Out, the national strategy for action for suicide prevention, and the recommendations of the Sub-committee on the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18337/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

220 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve services and supports for marginalised groups, particularly those with mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18338/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

221 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to collate accurate data on suicide and conduct and fund research on prevention methods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18339/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 219 to 221, inclusive, together.

In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The strategy provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The actions identified in this strategy are consistent with the commitments in the Programme for Government.

The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy and has taken on board the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society" which are consistent with the actions identified in "Reach Out".

One of the key components of the overall strategy aimed at reducing suicide include the implementation of measures aimed at high risk groups, provision of information and training on suicide prevention to relevant professionals and organisations, research on suicide prevention and the improvement of services which would benefit those at risk of suicide and those who attempt suicide.

Additional funding of €1.85 million was provided in 2007 for the implementation of the Strategy bringing the overall funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.

Initiatives funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention include developing and implementing national training programmes, completing the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services, eleven dedicated suicide officers, supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns.

The promotion of positive mental health contributes significantly to combating ignorance and stigma which often surrounds mental illness. In 2007, two national mental health awareness campaigns were launched. In October 2007, Minister Devins launched the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention's Mental Health Awareness Campaign "Your Mental Health". The main aim of this campaign is to influence public attitudes to mental health and is specifically designed to alter negative attitudes and to promote positive attitudes and a greater understanding of mental health. In addition, in December 2007, Minister Devins launched the National Disability Authority's advertising campaign "Challenging Attitudes to Mental Health", which is designed to challenge negative perceptions about people with mental health problems.

The NOSP Annual Report includes details on initiatives and statistics etc. including research activities funded.

Health Promotion Guidelines.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

191 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the date, in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government, on which the expert group to develop guidelines for a personal health check was established; if the commitment to report by mid-2008 will be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18309/08]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to the development of a freely available and personalised national programme to provide for the prevention and early detection of illnesses for both men and women.

The Programme intends that guidelines should be developed for the Personal Health Check based on best available national and international evidence of what works well, with structured call and recall arrangements during a person's life and provision for appropriate clinical follow-up where required.

My Department is at present examining a range of issues which need to be addressed in order to decide how best to proceed in relation to this commitment, in the context of international best practice, our own national health policy and the many competing priorities for heath service development.

Patient Safety.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

192 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to initiate a periodic review of legislation to improve patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18310/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

193 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the implementation of an advisory charter of patients’ rights similar to the European charter of patient rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18311/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

194 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to progressively introduce patient guarantees of what people can expect from their health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18312/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

195 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to bring forward and implement recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18313/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 195, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I established a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance in January last year. The overall objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure the quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. The Commission has been asked to develop proposals for ensuring clear responsibility among senior management and clinical leaders within the health system for performance in relation to quality and patient safety. In addition, one of its terms of reference is to specifically examine and make recommendations in relation to a statutory system of licensing for public and private health care providers and services.

Membership of the Commission is made up of medical and nursing representatives, management representatives and representatives of patients and carers. The Commission is due to report on its proposals by July 2008.

As part of the process involved in considering the proposals of the Commission, a legislative review of the area of patient safety and quality will be undertaken to establish what changes may be necessary to give effect to the Commission's recommendations. The Commission is also examining and making recommendations on the participation of patients and carers and support staff in engaging with health care providers on health services planning and the quality of care received. In line with this engagement with patients and carers I intend to ensure that the safety of patients and the delivery of high quality in healthcare services will be at the forefront of any legislative change.

General Practitioner Co-operatives.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

196 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to extend the general practitioner out-of-hours service nationwide to ensure that patients can be seen within one hour of their calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18314/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

199 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce improved supports for general practitioners who work in remote and disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18317/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

226 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the compulsory retirement age of 65 for GMS contract holders in the context of social partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18345/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 199 and 226 together.

Out-of-hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.

Out-of-hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. The HSE, which has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, has advised that almost €37 million is available to fund the operation of GP out-of-hours services in 2008. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.

A review of the GMS and other publicly funded schemes involving general practitioners is being conducted by the HSE. The review will have regard to the relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

197 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve general practitioner cover by developing primary health centres in socially deprived areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18315/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

198 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that there is a primary care team serving every community, with particular reference to new and rapidly growing areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18316/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the establishment of Primary Care Teams. 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.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 196.

Medical Cards.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

200 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to index the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18318/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

201 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to double the income limit eligibility for parents of children under six years of age and treble them for parents of children with an intellectual disability under 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18319/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.

The Programme for Government commits to the following:

Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage;

Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability.

In conjunction with the development of a new legislative framework to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility for health and personal social services, my Department is reviewing the assessment criteria in the context of financial, medical and social need in line with the commitment in Towards 2016. A Steering Group has been established which is expected to complete this work in autumn 2008. It is my intention to then consider how best to progress the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to medical card eligibility.

Hospital Accommodation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

202 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of dedicated public only hospital beds by 1,500; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18320/08]

In 2001 the average number of in-patient beds and day places available in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145, based on returns to the Department (11,374 in-patient beds and 771 day places). The provisional number of acute hospital beds recorded by the Health Service Executive for 2006 was 13,771(12,574 in-patient beds and 1,197 day places) based on a total bed complement.

This represents an increase of over 1,600, an average of some 325 new bed and day places per year, a very high level of annual increase by historic standards. The figures indicate the number of in-patient beds alone has increased by 1,200, an average of 240 per year over five years.

The Government in 2001 made a commitment, in the context of the Health Strategy Quality and Fairness, to increase public acute hospital bed numbers by 3,000 over ten years. This commitment included both acute in-patient beds and day places. With current plans and developments since 2001, it is substantially on target to be met.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide an additional 1,500 public acute hospital beds. About 1,000 of these will be provided through the co-location initiative and the balance through the HSE's capital plan. The co-location initiative aims to make available additional acute beds for public patients through the transfer of private activity from public hospitals to co-located private hospitals.

The Board of the HSE has approved successful bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at the following six hospitals:

Waterford Regional Hospital;

Cork University Hospital;

Limerick Regional Hospital;

Sligo Regional Hospital;

Beaumont Hospital;

St James's Hospital.

The Project Agreements for Beaumont, Cork and Limerick Hospitals have recently been signed.

It is expected that the signing of the Project Agreements for the other three sites (Waterford, Sligo and St. James's ) will be concluded shortly.

Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co-location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. A tender in relation to Connolly Hospital is under consideration and it is expected that the invitation to tender (ITT) for Tallaght Hospital will issue in the near future.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to provide detailed information to the Deputy regarding the provision of the additional acute beds under the Executive's capital plan.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

203 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that the patient treatment register is operated for all inpatient and outpatient referrals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18321/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

204 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement a proactive system whereby every person who is waiting for treatment for three months automatically receives a written offer of treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18322/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

The National Patient Treatment Register is an online register of patients on in-patient and day cases, compiled and maintained by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Patients, general practitioners and hospitals can access up-to-date information on the waiting-time for some 7,500 procedures through the PTR website www.ptr.ie. The NTPF has informed me that it will be undertaking further work in 2008 to develop and manage this information source.

The NTPF has made significant inroads into lowering waiting-times. For the most common procedures, the median waiting-time is now down to 2 to 4 months for adults and 2 to 5 months for children. The overall median wait time for all specialties is 3.5 months. The NTPF continues to work to reduce the waiting-time for surgery and a particular objective in 2008 is to eliminate the cohort of patients waiting longer than 12 months.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

205 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further increase the number of accident and emergency consultants available around the clock in accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18323/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

206 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further develop chest pain and respiratory clinics to ease pressure on accident and emergency services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18324/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

207 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish a national network of local injury clinics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18325/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together.

Improving the delivery of Accident and Emergency services continues to be a high priority for this Government.

There has been considerable improvement made in the delivery of services in Emergency Departments over the past two years. The average monthly number of patients awaiting admission fell from 179 in 2005 to 92 in 2007. While there has been some increase in the figures to date in 2008 it should be stressed that the remaining difficulties are largely confined to a number of major hospitals. The HSE is working closely with these hospitals to bring about further improvements. The HSE focus is on improving and streamlining hospital processes and patient pathways to ensure that care is provided in a more timely, appropriate and efficient manner.

The Programme for Government contains a number of new commitments designed to further improve the delivery of Accident & Emergency services. These are to:

Increase the number of A and E consultants available around the clock in A and E departments;

Further develop chest pain and respiratory clinics to ease pressure on A and E;

Establish a national network of Local Injury Clinics.

The 100 + Scheme was introduced last year by the HSE to reward hospitals with Emergency Departments operating in line with established performance targets. Phase 1 of the Scheme involved the announcement last August of 60 consultant posts to be distributed across 24 hospitals and including posts in emergency medicine, radiology, general medicine, general surgery and geriatric medicine. An additional 20 Consultants in Emergency Medicine have been approved to support the delivery of A and E services since 2003. This represents an increase of 61% over the past five years in the emergency consultant numbers. A further 2 posts were advertised in April and the Health Service Executive expects to progress more emergency consultant posts during 2008 in the context of the 100 + Scheme.

In addition, the proposed new Consultant Contract provides for greater flexibility in the rostering of Consultants in Emergency Medicine and the consequent availability of consultant-provided services in line with clinical need. The new Contract includes provision for an extended working day to 12 hours Monday to Friday (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), provision for rostering on-site at weekends and public holidays and by agreement, more flexible arrangements, including 24/7 rostering.

Significant capital provision has been included by the HSE within its Draft Capital Plan 2008-2013 for the enhancement of A and E facilities in line with the recommendations of the Emergency Task Force. The funding will be targeted at upgrading and extending existing departments and will also include provision for new departments.

Chest pain assessment and respiratory services are provided at existing Emergency Departments. However, there are dedicated practice examples where GP referrals are assessed by cardiology services in units such as the chest pain assessment units in the Mater Hospital, Connolly Hospital, Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary. Dedicated respiratory clinics are, for example, conducted at the Mater Hospital and Connolly.

A number of the new A and E Departments have provision for minor injury clinics, including Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Cork University Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital, St. James's Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital.

Outside of Dublin, funding was provided for the expansion of minor injuries services at St. John's Limerick, and the provision of a minor injuries unit at Waterford Regional Hospital. These services are fully operational.

In line with the recommendations of the Teamwork Report "Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards", the HSE is also committed to the development of Minor Injury Units in local hospitals in the North East. The first of these units is to be developed at Monaghan Hospital. Other units are to open at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan and Louth County Hospital, Dundalk.

Infectious Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

208 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide additional staffing to deal with health care acquired infections, in particular MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18326/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

209 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure the Health Information and Quality Authority sets and enforces a clear standard on health care acquired infections and that the new system of licensing will put a strong emphasis on all infection control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18327/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

210 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to significantly reduce health care acquired infections in hospitals and take into account the need to guard against infection in the refurbishment of existing hospitals and the construction of new hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18328/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish a specific financial incentive which will reward hospitals that achieve excellence in hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18329/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

212 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce measures to help reduce the prescribing of antibiotics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18330/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 to 212, inclusive, together.

Tackling all Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next three to five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. These targets will be achieved through the development of national and local level action plans to reduce the potential for spread of infections between persons in healthcare settings, and, in addition, will focus on reducing antibiotic use in Ireland. Work has already been advanced on producing and promoting guidelines on antibiotic prescribing in hospitals and it is planned that this will be extended, in due course, to community and primary care settings. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

At a European level, the European Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) was established in 1999 in response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Europe. EARSS comprises a network of over 800 microbiological laboratories serving some 1,200 hospitals in 30 countries that collects routinely generated antimicrobial susceptibility testing data on invasive infections caused by seven important bacterial pathogens. As of final quarter of 2007, 44 Irish laboratories serving 65 acute hospitals (public and private) participate in EARSS representing 100% coverage of the Irish population.

In quarter 4 of 2007, 28.8% of Staphylococcus Aureus isolates were Methicillin resistant compared to 40% in quarter 3 of 2007. This is a statistically significant difference. The annual trends indicate that the portion of MRSA in Ireland levelled off at approximately 42% between 2002 and 2006. In 2007, preliminary data indicate that this has dropped to 38.5%.

If the trend for 2008 remains downwards, it will indicate that our policies relating to control of healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in Ireland are having a positive impact.

In 2006, 52 posts were approved by the HSE to enhance infection control in the country's hospitals. These posts included Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists. To date, a total of 34.5 WTE (whole-time equivalent) positions have been filled. Efforts are being made to fill the remaining 17.5 infection control staff posts as soon as possible but the availability of suitably qualified people for specific locations is proving somewhat more difficult.

A new National Surveillance System has recently been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our health system:

1. Staphylococcus bacteraemia (blood stream infections);

2. Antibiotic consumption;

3. Alcohol gel use;

4. MRSA Surveillance in Intensive Care Units.

The HSE intend to publish available data on the above for 2006 and 2007 in the near future and then quarterly thereafter.

The availability of isolation facilities is another important factor in the overall solution to the issue of reducing incidence of infection. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used where isolation facilities are required for patients who contract HCAIs and this policy has been adopted by the HSE. New environmental building guidelines have also been prepared by the HSE to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments. It is expected that these guidelines will be published in June.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook a comprehensive review of hygiene in our acute hospitals in 2007. The report represents a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in 51 HSE-funded acute care hospitals. The review provided a detailed assessment of performance across the entire range of areas that impact hygiene. This allows individual hospitals identify strengths and areas for improvement. Hospitals generally performed well on hygiene in the service delivery area, however the results on governance were poor. While good hygiene practice of front-line staff highlighted in the report is vital, real improvement in this whole area also depends heavily on good leadership and a system of governance to ensure that efforts at identifying, managing and reducing infection are sustained and successful over time. HIQA is following up on this review to ensure that deficits identified during that process are rectified and the Authority will be undertaking a further national review this Autumn.

In addition, HIQA, in conjunction with major stakeholders, is currently in the process of producing infection prevention and control standards. It is hoped that these standards will be ready for publication by mid-2008. When completed these, along with the national hygiene standards, will provide a comprehensive framework to help reduce the spread of infection and improve the quality of our health care.

In relation to financial incentives for achieving excellence, while it is a matter for the Health Service Executive to decide on funding priorities, I favour, of course, the allocation by the Executive of resources to best ensure the delivery of high quality services.

I expect to receive the report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance in July which will comment on, amongst other matters, licensing. It will be appreciated that I am not in a position to comment on the report until I receive its recommendations.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

213 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the national roll-out of the BreastCheck service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18331/08]

BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static units in Galway and Cork last December. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Southern region covers counties Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary South Riding. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the West covers counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary North Riding.

An additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided for the construction of the two new clinical 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.

Cancer Treatment Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

214 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to significantly invest in diagnostic equipment and facilities for cancer patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18332/08]

A capital sum in excess of €500m has been provided for the implementation of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology, through a mix of traditional procurement and Public Private Partnership.

The implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme is a key priority for Government. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. This will involve significant realignment of services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.

Rapid developments are taking place in the field of Health Technology particularly in relation to diagnostic imaging which provides a better biological and molecular understanding of diseases including cancers. The HSE allocates capital funding targeted at providing new equipment such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners and additional MRI and CT scanners as identified by need assessments. In addition, capital funding is also provided to upgrade and replace diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scanners, radiology equipment etc. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with further details relating to individual capital projects.

In relation to the BreastCheck breast screening programme, an additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided for the construction of the two new clinical static units, eight additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. There are now 4 static units, 2 in Dublin, with the others in Galway and Cork.

A key part of the National Cancer Control Programme is the National Radiation Oncology Project, which consists of: four large centres at St James's Hospital and Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Cork University Hospital and Galway University Hospital and two integrated satellite centres in Waterford and Limerick to be managed by the Cork and Galway Hospitals respectively.

Question No. 215 answered with Question No. 142.

Mental Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

216 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ring-fence funds from the sale of existing mental hospitals, estimated to be approximately €800 million, to fund community based services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18334/08]

The commitment in the Programme for Government to ringfence funds from the sale of psychiatric hospitals is consistent with the recommendation in ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be protected for reinvestment in the mental health service.

The identification and disposal of assets which may be in excess of known HSE requirements is the responsibility of the HSE National Director of Estates. 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.

Psychological Service.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

217 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of postgraduate training places for clinical psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18335/08]

To qualify as a clinical psychologist, a post-graduate qualification in clinical psychology must be completed after an initial undergraduate degree in psychology.

Post-graduate students are sponsored by health agencies and spend time over three years in clinical placements in different specialities; course work and a thesis must be also satisfactorily completed.

For some years the Health Service Executive has been committed to developing the number of postgraduate training places for clinical psychology nationally. In 2003, the total training places available nationally was 54. At that time, clinical psychology training opportunities were available at UCD and TCD only. Since then, facilitated through a partnership initiative involving the HSE and four National Universities — TCD, UCD, UL and NUIG — the number of clinical psychologists in training has doubled to 110 training places.

Within the HSE, a Working Group continues to examine the issue of training places and I am advised that the Executive aims to bring the total number nationally to 150 by the year 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

218 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide community alternatives to psychiatric in-patient care for young people with special education needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18336/08]

A Vision for Change — the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. Recommendations in the Report are consistent with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recognises that responding to children's mental health needs can be conceptualised at different levels, ranging from early intervention and health promotion programmes, to primary and community care services and specialist mental heath services for the treatment of complex disorders.

Implementation of A Vision for Change is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). A total of €11.2 million funding has been provided to the HSE in 2006 and 2007 for the development of child and adolescent mental health services. It is noted that the HSE has prioritised the development of child and adolescent services in 2008; these developments include the recruitment of 8 additional Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health teams.

Questions Nos. 219 to 221, inclusive, answered with Question No. 190.

Care of the Elderly.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

222 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a community led pilot scheme to counter the social isolation of the elderly in rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18340/08]

The scheme referred to by the Deputy would not fall under the direct remit of my Department. However, the National Development Plan which gives effect to many of the commitments contained in ‘Towards 2016' recognised older people as one of the main groups at risk from social exclusion.

The supports for minimising social exclusion among older people relates to a wide range of measures in the National Development Plan, including for example the Social Inclusion, Social Infrastructure and Human Capital Chapters. The key initiatives insofar as my Department is concerned relates to the Living at Home Sub Programme which provides for some €4.7 billion investment over the period of the Plan. In this regard, the recent Budget provided €22 million for a range of expanded community-based services this year including Home Care Packages, Home Helps and Respite Care.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with the current position in relation to these measures.

The recently established Office for Older People intends to progress the Strategy on Positive Ageing and would be prepared to assist in whatever way appropriate on issues relating to combating social isolation.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

223 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the fair deal for nursing home care costs from the start of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18341/08]

The Bill providing for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General and will be published, as normal, when it has been approved by the Government. The legislation is complex and requires careful drafting in order to ensure that the interests of older people requiring residential care are fully protected. In the course of progressing the legislation, the Department has received 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.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

224 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that the needs of all people who require palliative care are met, whether this is needed at home, in the community or in a specialised hospice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18342/08]

Under the Programme for Government, the Government has committed to removing the regional disparities in the provision and funding of palliative care, and to ensuring that the needs of all those who require palliative care are met. Funding is being used to improve palliative care services in consultation with the newly established Regional Development Committees and in line with the recommendations made in the report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (October 2001).

Additional funding totalling €18 million was provided by the Government in Budgets 2006 and 2007. Budget 2008 provided a further €3m for enhanced service provision covering Multi-Disciplinary Teams; Specialist Palliative Care Beds; Home Care; Day Care; Acute Palliative Care Services, etc. Particular emphasis will be placed by the HSE on addressing parts of the country where services need most improvement (South East; Midlands; North East; West).

On the 14th September 2007, officials from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive met with representatives of the Irish Hospice Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Association for Palliative Care. At that meeting it was agreed to develop a five year implementation framework for the delivery of palliative care services. Work towards developing this framework is currently being progressed by the HSE with significant involvement from the voluntary sector. It is intended that it will be complete by the middle of the year.

Medical Education.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

225 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the restructuring of medical education including an increase in training places and post-graduate medical degrees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18343/08]

The provision of third-level medical education, including undergraduate medical school places, is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D., advised by the Higher Education Authority.

Government policy, based on the Report of the Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training (Fottrell) and the Report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Group (Buttimer), published in February 2006, provides for the number of medical school places for EU students to be increased from 305 to 725. This will be made up of a new graduate entry stream, which will provide an additional 240 EU medical school places per annum on the basis of 60 per year over a 4 year period, and increasing the number of EU undergraduate places to 485 on the basis of substitution of 180 non-EU places.

A total of 170 extra medical school places have been provided between 2006 and 2007 for Irish/EU students in the existing undergraduate courses and in the new graduate entry programme (110 undergraduate places and 60 graduate entry places). A further 95 places (35 undergraduate places and 60 graduate entry places) will be made available in 2008 with the remaining 155 places (35 undergraduate places and 120 graduate entry places) coming on stream over the next 2 years.

The reforms in medical education which have been agreed with the universities and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland include a new entry mechanism to undergraduate medical education to be introduced from 2009 to replace the current selection system.

The plan, approved by Government, provides for an expansion of intern posts from 2011 to accommodate an eventual 240 EU places from the new graduate entry stream. There are currently sufficient numbers of intern posts in the health service to place any Irish/EU students graduating in the next 3 years.

The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides the statutory basis for many of the reforms proposed in the Buttimer Report including phasing out non-consultant hospital doctors posts of limited training value.

The Health Service Executive Medical Education, Training and Research Unit (HSE-METR) has been co-ordinating the funding flow and implementation of the Buttimer Report recommendations in the area of postgraduate medical education and training since 2006.

Progress on the reform of postgraduate medical education and training includes: two research scholarships awarded by the HSE in 2007 to medical trainees; eight scholarships under the HSE's newly established programme of training abroad for specialist registrars and senior registrars (the "HSE-Dr. Richard Steevens Scholarship"); the 13 postgraduate Training Bodies have begun the process of developing generic modules and team working in a multidisciplinary context; the postgraduate Training Bodies are investigating international best practice to develop competency-based assessment, as opposed to time-based progression. This will assist in addressing the duration of training as well as affording greater opportunities to those in posts with limited training value; a capital audit of medical education and training facilities has recommended that any investment in facilities should provide for appropriate multidisciplinary use of on-site and off-site facilities, to maximise value-for-money.

Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 196.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

227 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, in relation to the number of people who successfully appealed their offer under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006, they were initially offered a lower amount if they had an clear entitlement to a higher payment as proven by their successful appeal. [18348/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald.

The HSE has advised my Department that there are a number of reasons for successful appeals where initially a lower amount had been offered and a higher amount was issued on appeal.

The HSE has advised my Department that in some cases it is because applicants bring forward additional relevant information during the appeals process which would not have been in the possession of the scheme administrator when processing the original claim. In other cases either the records contained information in relation to the payee rather than the patient. In a very small number of cases, the absence of official records with regard to patient stays which created challenges for the processing of claims have been resolved through the appeals mechanism.

As of 2 May, 11,108 claimants are deemed to be outside the scope of the repayment scheme and of these, 2,285 have appealed the decision of the scheme administrator. 13,578 offers of payment have issued under the scheme and of these, 650 have appealed the amount offered. A total of 2,935 appeals have been lodged, which represents approximately 12% of processed claims.

Of the 1,293 appeals dealt with to 9 May, 122 of the decisions issued by the appeals office disagree with the scheme administrator's decision to reject the claim and 171 disagree with the amount offered by the scheme administrator.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

228 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the expected time frame for the repayment of moneys due under the terms of the Health Repayment Act 2006; if individual enquiries can be made regarding repayments; and the office available for enquiries on this issue. [18374/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald.

The HSE has advised my Department that the scheme administrator has given assurances that the vast majority of claims submitted by the public will be dealt with within the two year timeframe allotted for the scheme which is due to end in June 2008.

The HSE has advised my Department that if there are any outstanding claims at the end of June 2008, such claims will be kept to an absolute minimum and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Inquiries can be made by phoning 1890 886 886 or any correspondence should be addressed to Health Repayment Scheme, PO Box 330, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Foster Care.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

229 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 423 of 2 April 2008 regarding a number of foster children in the Laois/Offaly area without the services of an allocated social worker and in particular to the reply to a parliamentary question which stated that two vacancies exist in the service in the Laois/Offaly area; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are in effect five unfilled social work posts in the Laois/Offaly area, three being maternity locums and the other two permanent vacancies; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that of the five posts unfilled one is the long term leader post for the Portlaoise area, two are on the long term team in Portlaoise and two are on the fostering team for the Laois/Offaly area; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that her Department has only issued approval for two of the posts under recent Human Resource Policy Directives from her Department; the steps, having regard to the fact that there are no replacements for social workers in the Laois/Offaly area, she proposes to take, to allocate unallocated children in care in Laois/Offaly to an appropriate social worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18526/08]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

230 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to commence by June 2007, the provision for an independent assessment of need for all children with disabilities under five years of age as a legal right. [18527/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

231 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to build on this by providing a legal right to independent assessment for all persons with disabilities. [18528/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The national disability strategy, which was launched in September 2004, provides for a framework of new supports for people with disabilities. The Strategy builds on a strong equality framework, which is reflected in several pieces of equality legislation. The main elements of the Strategy are: The Disability Act 2005; The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004; Six Outline Sectoral Plans published by Government Departments; The Citizens Information Act 2007; A Multi-Annual Investment Package, totalling some €900 million over the period 2006-2009.

The Disability Act 2005 is one of the central elements of the Strategy. Part 2 of the Act sets down a range of statutory entitlements which are designed to underscore the engagement of people with disabilities with everyday life. In particular, Part 2 provides a statutory entitlement to: An independent assessment of health and education needs; A statement of services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide; Pursue a complaint through the Health Service Executive complaints process if necessary; Make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1 June 2007. This prioritisation reflects the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. The arrangements for Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 cannot be considered in isolation from the arrangements for the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004, which is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science, and which provides for educational services for people with disabilities.

The Department of Education and Science has informed the Department that it is envisaged that all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented over a five year timeframe, with the assessment process as provided for in the EPSEN Act 2004 due to commence in 2010. It is proposed that Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004. In preparation for its implementation, health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 and adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the Health Service Executive to meet needs identified for this group.

The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be extended to adults as soon as possible, but no later than 2011.

A Cross-Sectoral team comprising the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education was established and meets on a regular basis and continues to address issues arising in relation to the implementation of both Acts. A sub-group of this team was set up in January 2008, in order to plan for the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the relevant sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 in respect of children aged 5 to 18 and adults.

Hospital Accommodation.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

232 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the existing rehabilitation bed capacity in addition to redeveloping the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire. [18529/08]

The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) is currently a 120 bed hospital which provides treatment and rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injuries, head injuries, amputation, traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, strokes and neurological disorders. It also provides assessments for wheelchair and mobility aids and vocational training programmes involving a wide range of social, personal and work related skills. In addition, the hospital has a 12 bed hostel which enables patients from outside the Dublin area to access day services at the hospital and attend the vocational training unit.

The Programme for Government committed to increasing the existing rehabilitation capacity in addition to redeveloping the NRH. I understand that a Project Team is working with an appointed Design Team to develop the new hospital. The design will be submitted for planning in mid 2008 with an expected completion date for the hospital of 2012. When built, the new hospital will provide additional treatment and diagnostic capacity.

In addition the Health Service Executive has also informed my Department that plans have been prepared to develop a satellite unit of the National Rehabilitation Hospital attached to Beaumont Hospital, linking the rehabilitation expertise of NRH with the neurological services in Beaumont. This new proposed unit will provide acute medical rehabilitation services and early rehabilitation for those suffering from brain injury who access the National Neurosciences Unit at Beaumont Hospital and who currently have to access services at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

A key Government initiative in the area of rehabilitation is the commitment by the Department of Health & Children and the HSE to the development of a national strategy for the provision of medical rehabilitation services. A number of issues will be considered as part of this including: an assessment of the need; the structure and location of facilities and services; and the nature of the rehabilitation facilities, that is, whether they should be hospital type, step down, or preparation for independent living.

Preliminary meetings in relation to this strategy will be held in the coming weeks.

Hospital Services.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

233 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for an appointment with each specialist located at a hospital (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18544/08]

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 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.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

234 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for an appointment with each specialist located at a hospital (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18545/08]

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 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.

Medical Education.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

235 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the graduate medical school at University Limerick, and the progress on other graduate medical schools; her plans to integrate those graduates to the health system here on their qualification as doctors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18557/08]

The provision of third-level medical education, including undergraduate medical school places, is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keefe T.D., advised by the Higher Education Authority.

Government policy, based on the Report of the Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training (Fottrell) and the Report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Group (Buttimer), published in February 2006, provides for the number of medical school places for EU students to be increased from 305 to 725. This will be made up of a new graduate entry stream, which will provide an additional 240 EU medical school places per annum on the basis of 60 per year over a 4 year period, and increasing the number of EU undergraduate places to 485 on the basis of substitution of 180 non-EU places.

A total of 170 extra medical school places have been provided between 2006 and 2007 for Irish/EU students in the existing undergraduate courses and in the new graduate entry programme (110 undergraduate places and 60 graduate entry places). A further 95 places (35 undergraduate places and 60 graduate entry places) will be made available in 2008 with the remaining 155 places (35 undergraduate places and 120 graduate entry places) coming on stream over the next 2 years.

A new medical school has been established at the University of Limerick, bringing the total number of medical schools to six. The programme of graduate entry to medicine, which commenced in 2007, has provided 30 EU graduate entry places at the University of Limerick. An additional 20 EU graduate entry places will be provided in 2008 with a further 45 EU graduate entry places planned over the next 2 years. This will bring the total number of EU graduate entry places that will be available in the University of Limerick to 95.

The plan, approved by Government, provides for an expansion of intern posts from 2011 to accommodate an eventual 240 EU places from the new graduate entry stream. There are currently sufficient numbers of intern posts in the health service to place any Irish/EU students graduating in the next 3 years.

Appointments of doctors to work in the Irish health service are made by the Health Service Executive and the public voluntary hospitals concerned. Vacancies for medical personnel are advertised in the public press and in the appropriate medical journals, including the classified section of the British Medical Journal.

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

236 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 22 April 2008, the persons who are the key stakeholders that the Health Service Executive south has met with on a one to one basis to discuss the future of Mallow General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18562/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

237 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 22 April 2008, the persons with whom, when and where meetings to explore concerns, expectations, a vision for the future and developments at Mallow General Hospital took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18563/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

238 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 22 April 2008, the areas in which the executive management board was not effective and the way it was not successful in leading the change agenda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18564/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

239 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 22 April 2008, the proposals in place to enhance the management structure of both the Cork University Hospital group and Mallow General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18565/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 239, inclusive, 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 issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

240 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a programme (details supplied) in County Dublin has been refused funding and staff are on protective notice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18576/08]

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.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

241 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason children who are receiving speech therapy in a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 20 have to rejoin a general waiting list for speech therapy when they begin attending mainstream school; if this policy will be changed in view of the detrimental effect that this often lengthy interruption of service has on young children who are in need of ongoing speech therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18577/08]

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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

242 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to deal with the waiting lists for speech therapy in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18578/08]

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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

243 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is an eight week delay for approval for GMS patients in County Roscommon to attend an optician; the steps which are being taken to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18635/08]

The provision of optometric services for GMS patients is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

244 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be admitted for surgery; the reason for the delay in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18636/08]

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.

Men’s Health Policy.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

245 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the national men’s health policy; and when it is expected that the report will be published. [18637/08]

My Department is continuing to work towards the publication of the Men's Health Policy. The target publication date is September 2008.

Health Service Expenditure.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

246 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the portion, leaving aside fixed costs such as payroll, of the Health Service Executive budget she regards as being dedicated or ring-fenced, in that it is directed towards the meeting of statutory entitlements under the Health Acts; the portion she regards as being discretionary, in that service provision is not underpinned by statutory entitlement; if the HSE budgetary process is designed in order to enable a clear distinction to be made between the funding of services that it is by statute obliged to provide and other services; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18638/08]

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 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.

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

247 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will review the guidelines for medical cards in view of the increasing costs of inflation since the last review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18639/08]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

248 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a review of the guidelines for medical cards last took place. [18640/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

Since the beginning of 2005, the qualification guidelines for medical card eligibility have increased by a cumulative 29% (7.5% and 20% in January and October 2005 respectively).

The Programme for Government commits to the following: Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage; Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability.

In conjunction with the development of a new legislative framework to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility for health and personal social services, my Department is reviewing the assessment criteria in the context of financial, medical and social need in line with the commitment in Towards 2016. A Steering Group has been established which is expected to complete this work in autumn 2008. It is my intention to then consider how best to progress the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to medical card eligibility.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

249 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason old age pensioners with medical cards have to pay for a medical certificate in order to renew their driving licences; and if she will revise this policy. [18643/08]

The contract between the HSE and General Practitioners for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme stipulates that fees are not paid to GPs by the HSE in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences". There are no proposals to alter this provision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18674/08]

Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

251 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason patients from County Carlow who require X-rays are not being accommodated in County Carlow; if she will request the Health Service Executive to manage this service more efficiently; if X-rays will be arranged for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18675/08]

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.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

252 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who is the holder of a medical card was refused hospital transport to attend Beaumont Hospital for an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18680/08]

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.

Health Service Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

253 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community care social workers employed by the Health Service Executive in children and family services dealing with children at risk in each community care area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18725/08]

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

Road Signage.

David Stanton

Ceist:

254 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has made or will make funding available to local authorities to clean, maintain, replace and put in place road signs across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18190/08]

The allocation of funding in relation to the construction and maintenance of national roads, including the provision and maintenance of road signage, is a matter for the National Roads Authority.

As regards regional and local roads, statutory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of road traffic signs is a matter for each local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants provided by my Department.

In 2003, a Regional Road Signposting Programme was introduced with the aim of upgrading directional signposts on all significant junctions on all regional roads in county council areas. In 2008, State road grants totalling €7.55 million have been provided for this programme.

Local authorities may also use discretionary improvement and block grants towards the cost of providing signposting on regional and local roads. In 2008, the discretionary improvement grant allocation to County Councils is €24.998 million, and the block grant allocation to City, Borough and Town Councils is €16.133 million.

Marine Accident Investigations.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

255 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that all appropriate investigative procedures were followed by the relevant authorities after the drowning of persons (details supplied) on 14 March 2008. [18560/08]

I would at the outset like to convey my sympathies to the family on their tragic losses.

I understand that the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has initiated an investigation to find out what may have caused the incident. MCIB investigations do not apportion blame for incidents but seek to make recommendations that will prevent such incidents occurring in the future. As the MCIB are independent of me in the exercise of their functions it is inappropriate to comment on their investigation.

I also wish to advise that officials from my Department have reviewed this casualty to determine if there was a breach of any statutory regulations or requirements. I am satisfied that the relevant authorities under my remit have initiated the appropriate investigation procedures in this case.

Learner Drivers.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

256 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed new laws for provisional drivers will come in during 2008; if he will clarify the effect these laws will have on learner drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18037/08]

The Regulations introducing changes to driver licensing, including the new learner permit, have been in place since October last year. I take it that the Deputy is referring to the fact that the period in which the holder of a second provisional licence for category B (car) may drive unaccompanied expires on 29 June 2008.

I confirm that with effect from 30 June 2008, all holders of provisional licences or learner permits for this category must be accompanied by a person who holds a full driving licence for at least two years.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

257 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered meeting with his Northern counterpart to discuss the issue of an all-Ireland learner’s permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18038/08]

Arrangements for the mutual recognition of driving licences within the EU are governed by Directive 91/439, which relates to full driving licences but not to learner permits or provisional licences.

The learner permit issued in this State and the provisional licence issued in Northern Ireland only have effect in the jurisdiction in which they are issued. While I have no plans at present to put forward changes in this area, co-operation between both administrations on road safety matters may see issues such as this examined in the future.

Rail Network.

Michael Kennedy

Ceist:

258 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the DASH2 project; when completion is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/08]

The design and implementation of this project, which provides for re-signalling in the city centre area, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand from the company that it is expected that initial works will start this year and that the project will be completed in 2011. The project will increase the numbers of trains from the Northern Line through the city centre from 12 trains per hour at present to 17.

Light Rail Project.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

259 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision in relation to the Luas D line; his views on securing one railway order for the Luas BX and Luas D lines; the time scale and procedures for the development of the Luas BX and Luas D lines; when the BX route will be finalised and when the route for Luas D will be selected; when the public consultation will commence; and whether Luas BX and Luas D will be treated as one project and constructed concurrently. [18176/08]

Transport 21 provides for the development of a Luas line from St. Stephen's Green to Liffey Junction (Lines BX, D), using the old Broadstone railway alignment. Luas Line BX runs from St. Stephen's Green to O'Connell St., while Luas Line D is the onward extension of the line from O'Connell St. to Liffey Junction.

I recently mandated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with planning the delivery of Line BX/D, based on the Agency's preferred route for Line BX and the use of the Old Broadstone railway alignment for Line D.

It will not be possible to fully construct Luas Line BX at the same time as construction of Metro North because of the traffic management implications which would arise in the city centre. The RPA is developing a construction strategy for Luas Line BX, in close co-operation with Dublin City Council, which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre.

In addition, the RPA is currently exploring the options for optimising the design of the connection of the two lines. This is being done on the basis that Line D will be developed contemporaneously with Line BX. The RPA is engaging with Dublin City Council on the basis that it is its intention to make a single railway order application for the combined Line BX — D to An Bord Pleanála in the latter part of next year.

I understand from the RPA that public consultation on Line D route options will commence this summer, with identification of a preferred route option likely later this year.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

260 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will include Riverside and Clonshaugh in new proposals for light rail/Metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18179/08]

While Transport 21 involves a very large commitment of financial resources, those resources are also finite. Transport 21 provides funding for the delivery of an extensive prioritised rail based network in the ten-year period to 2015. This programme does not include a light rail or metro line to Riverside and Clonshaugh.

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to commence the preparation of a successor to Transport 21 in 2011. It is in the context of any successor to Transport 21 that consideration will be given to proposals for new light rail/metro lines.

Airport Landing Slots.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

261 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he is supporting the new European Commission communication adopted on 30 April 2008 that will allow the potential trading of airport slots; the impact this development will have on the allocation of slots for Irish airports and for routes between Irish airports and foreign destinations; his views on measures that will safeguard Irish airport slots and protect strategic Irish air connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18235/08]

The European Commission Communication that the Deputy refers to sets out the European Commission's views on how the Community rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports which are set down in Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93, as amended, should be interpreted based on experience with the application of the Regulation to date.

The aim of Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93 is to ensure that where airport capacity is scarce, available landing and take-off slots are used efficiently and distributed in an equitable, non-discriminatory and transparent way.

Under the rules set down in Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93, airports in the community are designated as either ‘co-ordinated' or ‘schedules facilitated' by Member States. Generally, congested airports will be designated as ‘co-ordinated' which means that a carrier cannot operate a landing or a take-off at such an airport without being allocated a slot. A more flexible regime can be operated at ‘schedules facilitated' airports where capacity is not so constrained.

The key point is that slots are allocated to carriers and carriers are free to decide what routes to operate using the slots which have been allocated to them in accordance with the Regulation except in the specific case where slots are assigned for the purpose of operating a route which is the subject of public service obligation.

The application of Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93 in Ireland is concerned only with the allocation of slots to carriers at Irish airports and Dublin airport is the only airport in the State that has been designated as a ‘co-ordinated' airport by the Commission for Aviation Regulation which is the competent authority for the Regulation in Ireland. The slot allocation process at airports in other Member States is entirely a matter for the authorities of each individual Member State.

One of the most substantive clarifications in the European Commission's Communication is that secondary trading of slots between air carriers is acceptable under the Regulation. This clarification is based on an acknowledgement that secondary trading in slots has been taking place at a number of congested airports in the Community and the Commission has stated that if it becomes apparent that, for competition or other reasons, revision of the existing legislation is required, they will make an appropriate proposal.

When Aer Lingus was publicly floated, specific measures were introduced into the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company to make provision for shareholders to have a role in any proposed disposal of slots at Heathrow airport. In effect these provisions provide for the possibility that a sale of Heathrow slots can be blocked. The operation of these provisions is not changed as a result of the Commission's communication.

Rail Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

262 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when planning applications for the Dublin rail interconnector will be submitted; if this project will be progressed under the Strategic Infrastructure Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18236/08]

The implementation of the Interconnector, including the submission of an application for a Railway Order, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. Transport 21 provides for completion of the Interconnector by 2015. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it has completed the preliminary design of the project, and is now proceeding to detailed design and the preparation of an application for a railway order. The company aims to submit the application to An Bord Pleanála in 2009 under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, with a view to the commencement of work in 2010, subject to an enforceable Railway Order.

Light Rail Project.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

263 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the capacity for Metro North; the way this figure compares to the total capacity on the DART and Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18237/08]

The maximum capacity of each of the three modes mentioned in the Deputy's question and the basis for each calculation are provided below.

Luas

Current capacity on the Green line is approximately 4,340 passengers per direction per hour. This is based on 14 x 40 metre trams per hour, each with a capacity of 310 passengers. The ultimate capacity of the line is 8,100 passengers per hour.

Metro

The initial capacity will be 10,000 passengers per direction per hour. This is based on a frequency of 15 x 90 metre trains per hour, each train having a capacity of 667 passengers. The ultimate capacity will be 20,000 passengers per hour based on 30 trains per hour.

DART

Following refurbishment of the fleet later this year, the capacity of the DART will be 9,800 passengers per hour northbound and 8,400 per hour southbound. The northbound figure is based on 7 trains per hour, each train having a capacity of 1,400 passengers. The southbound figure is based on 6 services per hour. Following completion of the Interconnector project, the capacity southbound will increase to 22,400 passengers per hour based on 16 trains per hour and the northbound capacity will increase to 14,000 passengers per hour based on 10 trains per hour.

In comparing the capacity of each mode, it is important to recognise their different characteristics. For example, the DART's capacity is constrained by the fact that it is sharing line capacity with intercity and outer suburban services. The Luas capacity is constrained by on street operation with other traffic. Metro North, on the other hand, is completely separated from other road and rail traffic and can therefore currently provide a higher capacity than the other two modes.

Departmental Expenditure.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

264 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount being spent on transport by the State per head of population in comparison with EU and OECD partner states; the figure for transport spending by the State per head of population every year since 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18238/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Aviation Safety.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

265 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if the document entitled Statement on the Need for Safe Operation and Development of Air Traffic at Dublin Airport represents current departmental policy on all development within the approach cones at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/08]

The statement the Deputy refers to was issued by the Secretary General of the then Department of Transport, Energy and Communications when it had the responsibility for the safety oversight of aviation. This function was transferred to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) on its establishment in December 1993.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has advised me that they assess applications for planning permission in order to protect the safe operation of aircraft. In the event of any development impinging on air navigation safety, the IAA would recommend to the relevant planning authority against the granting of planning permission.

Public Transport.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

266 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money under Transport 21 that has been spent in Donegal on public transport projects since its launch. [18524/08]

Under the Rural Transport Programme, which runs in conjunction with Transport 21, two community transport groups, Seirbhís Iompair Tuaithe Teoranta (South West Donegal) and Síob Teo (An Gaeltacht Lár and the islands of Arranmore and Tory), are operational in County Donegal. Funding provided to these groups in 2006 totalled €239,000, while a total of €304,000 was provided in 2007.

As part of a process to extend the Rural Transport Programme on a phased basis funding has also been provided to the Inishowen Partnership to support them to develop a transport project plan for the Inishowen Peninsula.

Under Transport 21, Donegal regional airport will receive €3.8 million for projects aimed at providing enhanced levels of safety and security. In addition, major investment has also been made in the national roads programme in the county including the N15 Ballyshannon — Bundoran Bypass, which forms part of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and the N56 Mountaintop to Illistrin.

However, under Section 19 of the Roads Act 1993 allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is a matter for the NRA.

Further investment in road improvements on other parts of the N15 and the N56 will be made during Transport 21.

Departmental Funding.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

267 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the funding of the transport service provided by an organisation (details supplied) in County Clare; his plans to augment this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18553/08]

Matters concerned with the provision of specialised transport services for people with disabilities, such as that provided by the Disabled People of Clare organisation, are for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Road Network.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

268 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the non-national road allocations for each local authority on a per kilometre basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18686/08]

The total grant allocated to each local authority in 2008 for regional and local roads is set out in Table 1 below.

The only grant categories which are calculated by reference to length of road are the discretionary improvement and maintenance and restoration maintenance categories. The grants allocated per kilometre to each county council under these categories in 2008 are set out in Table 2 below.

Separate grants are allocated to urban authorities, none of which is calculated by reference to length of roads in their areas.

Table 1: Regional and Local Road Grant Allocation 2008

Local Authority

2008 Allocation

Carlow County Council

7,689,650

Cavan County Council

18,169,531

Clare County Council

21,565,750

Cork County Council

64,994,744

Donegal County Council

42,849,300

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

9,384,150

Fingal County Council

9,853,556

Galway County Council

31,518,625

Kerry County Council

24,032,813

Kildare County Council

28,178,630

Kilkenny County Council

15,086,764

Laois County Council

12,621,642

Leitrim County Council

12,512,650

Limerick County Council

18,487,200

Longford County Council

8,976,100

Louth County Council

10,045,750

Mayo County Council

30,092,304

Meath County Council

28,377,945

Monaghan County Council

16,972,650

North Tipperary County Council

12,905,200

Offaly County Council

11,458,649

Roscommon County Council

18,345,200

Sligo County Council

14,779,702

South Dublin County Council

10,702,000

South Tipperary County Council

14,943,200

Waterford County Council

16,276,650

Westmeath County Council

21,273,314

Wexford County Council

17,742,026

Wicklow County Council

23,958,866

Cork City Council

7,544,000

Dublin City Council

14,934,061

Galway City Council

3,305,000

Limerick City Council

4,150,000

Waterford City Council

7,300,075

Clonmel Borough Council

702,500

Drogheda Borough Council

644,000

Kilkenny Borough Council

625,000

Sligo Borough Council

3,300,000

Wexford Borough Council

715,000

Arklow Town Council

287,000

Athlone Town Council

581,000

Athy Town Council

287,000

Ballina Town Council

287,000

Ballinasloe Town Council

287,000

Birr Town Council

287,000

Bray Town Council

624,000

Buncrana Town Council

287,000

Bundoran Town Council

204,000

Carlow Town Council

605,000

Carrickmacross Town Council

287,000

Carrick-on-Suir Town Council

287,000

Cashel Town Council

204,000

Castlebar Town Council

287,000

Castleblaney Town Council

204,000

Cavan Town Council

287,000

Clonakilty Town Council

287,000

Clones Town Council

204,000

Cobh Town Council

287,000

Dundalk Town Council

624,000

Dungarvan Town Council

287,000

Ennis Town Council

605,000

Enniscorthy Town Council

287,000

Fermoy Town Council

287,000

Kells Town Council

287,000

Killarney Town Council

287,000

Kilrush Town Council

204,000

Kinsale Town Council

287,000

Letterkenny Town Council

581,000

Listowel Town Council

287,000

Longford Town Council

287,000

Macroom Town Council

204,000

Mallow Town Council

287,000

Midleton Town Council

287,000

Monaghan Town Council

287,000

Naas Town Council

605,000

Navan Town Council

605,000

Nenagh Town Council

287,000

New Ross Town Council

287,000

Skibbereen Town Council

204,000

Templemore Town Council

204,000

Thurles Town Council

287,000

Tipperary Town Council

287,000

Tralee Town Council

605,000

Trim Town Council

287,000

Tullamore Town Council

287,000

Westport Town Council

287,000

Wicklow Town Council

287,000

Youghal Town Council

287,000

Table 2: Allocation per km under discretionary improvement and maintenance and restoration maintenance 2008

Local Authority

2008 Allocation per km

Carlow County Council

1,568.08

Cavan County Council

1,568.15

Clare County Council

1,568.27

Cork County Council

1,567.91

Donegal County Council

1,567.75

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

3,133.44

Fingal County Council

2,352.25

Galway County Council

1,568.02

Kerry County Council

1,567.95

Kildare County Council

1,567.94

Kilkenny County Council

1,567.72

Laois County Council

1,567.66

Leitrim County Council

1,568.44

Limerick County Council

1,567.86

Longford County Council

1,568.21

Louth County Council

1,567.57

Mayo County Council

1,568.05

Meath County Council

1,568.55

Monaghan County Council

1,567.82

North Tipperary County Council

1,567.67

Offaly County Council

1,567.68

Roscommon County Council

1,568.28

Sligo County Council

1,567.83

South Dublin County Council

2,351.01

South Tipperary County Council

1,567.98

Waterford County Council

1,567.77

Westmeath County Council

1,567.37

Wexford County Council

1,567.75

Wicklow County Council

1,568.04

Emigrant Support Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

269 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress in respect of the undocumented Irish issue following his visit to Washington in April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18126/08]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

270 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings he has had during his latest trip to the United States with political personnel and other organisations regarding the status of undocumented young Irish people in the United States; the organisations and people he has met; the progress achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18128/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.

The Government continues to attach the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. The former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., strongly emphasised this commitment during his address to the US Congress on 30 April.

During the visit of the former Taoiseach to Washington, my predecessor, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., participated in his meetings with President Bush, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Edward Kennedy. On 1 May, Minister Ahern had a further series of meetings with key Congressional and Administration figures to press the case for finding a solution for our undocumented. Among those he met were: Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the House Sub-Committee on Immigration; Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Congressman Jim Walsh and Ms Paula Dobriansky, Under-Secretary of State and Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.

My predecessor also had a constructive and forward looking meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I look forward to working closely with ILIR on this important issue.

Following the failure of the US Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation last June, despite the strong endorsement and encouragement of President Bush, the Government immediately set about exploring with key US Administration and Congressional contacts possible alternative options.

However, achieving progress on immigration reform at this time, in the middle of a Presidential campaign, is exceptionally difficult. The political reality in the United States is that immigration has become a divisive political issue. Our many friends in Congress have emphasised this, including the difficulty of passing legislation specifically for our citizens separate from the other 12 million undocumented.

Despite these considerable political challenges, the Government will continue to press for change. We will work closely with our friends in Congress, with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, and with the many organisations who have worked hard on behalf of the undocumented in the Irish community, with a view to trying to find a way forward which would remedy the very difficult situation in which our undocumented find themselves.

Miami Five Case.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

271 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of the Miami Five following the recent riot in the prison in Colorado, USA. [18199/08]

I am aware of the reports of recent prison riots in Colorado, U.S.A. According to media reports, guards at a high-security penitentiary in Florence, Colorado, shot and killed two inmates at a federal prison on 20 April 2008 after up to 200 inmates battled with homemade weapons in a fight that appeared to be racially motivated. One of the group known as the Miami 5 is detained in this prison. However, he was not involved in the riots.

The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban citizens who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. A panel of three judges from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta overturned the 2001 convictions on 9th August 2005 and ordered a retrial based on new evidence. The Miami District Attorney duly filed an appeal against the decision of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Following an appellate hearing on 14 February 2006, a 10-2 decision to uphold the 2001 convictions was issued on 9 August 2006.

It is my understanding that a number of appeals lodged on behalf of the defendants remain under active judicial review within the framework of the US domestic legal system. As the Deputy has been advised previously, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to pursue this matter.

Humanitarian Assistance.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

272 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to use his influence within the international community to exert pressure on the Burmese military junta to allow foreign aid workers in; the level of funding the Government is contributing to the crisis in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18295/08]

I am deeply concerned by the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis in Burma/Myanmar on 2 and 3 May. The scale of destruction is almost unimaginable. Completely accurate figures are not available, but there are estimates that more than 100,000 people have perished, with tens of thousands more missing. One and a half million people are without adequate shelter and are facing shortages of basic foodstuffs and water.

The Government of Burma/Myanmar has requested international assistance to deal with this catastrophe. The international community has moved quickly, with UN agencies on the ground, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a number of NGOs.

However, this positive international response has been severely hampered by restrictions imposed by the Burmese government. I am deeply concerned at the delays this has caused in the receipt of aid where it is most needed. I would strongly urge the Burmese Government quickly to facilitate access for international relief agencies, to ensure that all the people affected by this catastrophe can receive the assistance they urgently require. I would also appeal to those countries which have influence on the Burmese Government to urgently make this case. In this regard, Ireland has urged concerted action within the EU vis-à-vis Burma’s neighbours.

The Government has made an initial pledge of up to €1 million for emergency relief in Burma/Myanmar. This will be channelled through established partners in emergency response, such as NGOs, UN Agencies and the Red Cross. It is important to work through agencies that are already on the ground as they have the experience, contacts and local information to be most effective. Clearly, we are ready to respond further and quickly.

In addition to the pledged funding, Irish Aid humanitarian supplies — plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, mosquito nets, kitchen sets and blankets — to the value of over €62,000 sent from our pre-positioned supplies in Brindisi, Italy, landed in Yangon on 11 May. We stand ready to provide more supplies, if requested by our partners on the ground and if access arrangements permit. Our Rapid Response Corps has also been put on stand-by for deployment.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Red Cross Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). Both Funds have released money to facilitate a speedy response to the current crisis in Burma/Myanmar. In 2008, Ireland contributed €22.6 million to the CERF and €2 million to the DREF.

Officials from my Department are in ongoing contact with our partners who have a presence on the ground in Burma in order to obtain regularly updated information on the extent of the crisis and the needs of affected communities, and to keep me fully briefed on the developing situation.

Departmental Funding.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

273 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding has been provided by her Department to child contact centres (details supplied); if so, the amount of funding given to same since their inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18290/08]

FÁS provides funding for the employment of a number of staff on a Community Employment Scheme in a centre (details supplied) which, inter alia, provides child contact facilities. Funding supplied for the 12 months to February this year amounted to just over €280,000 and approximately €290,000 has been allocated for 2008.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

274 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on adding extra incentives for people thinking about taking up FÁS courses, in view of the rise in unemployment, and with a view to providing an alternative to social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18655/08]

Unemployment has increased by only 15,200 in the three-year period since 2004 and must be seen in the context of the substantial increase in employment by 242,500 in the same period. The number of people currently in employment is 2,138,900. It is generally accepted that the strong rate of growth experienced over the past few years could not continue and the economy is now entering a period of adjustment.

Over the period of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, the Government will invest €7.7 billion in public funds to support training and skills development. This is a significant increase when compared with the level of spending over the previous seven year period (2000-2006) of €5.9 billion. The current level of investment reflects the importance the Government attaches to developing and maintaining an educated, skilled and adaptable work force in Ireland.

As part of this strategy, FÁS provides a range of services to the unemployed with particular emphasis on those who may have difficulty in accessing the labour market such as people with disabilities, women returnees and early school leavers. The focus is on the provision of training and employment programmes, which will assist these groups to enter or re-enter the labour market or progress to further job-related training.

In addition, FÁS provides an integrated support service for anyone made redundant. This involves information sessions, skills analysis, training/retraining courses and job placement. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. FÁS also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.

Unemployment Levels.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

275 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on meeting with her Northern counterpart to discuss the issue of unemployment in the north west with a view to finding a solution on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18656/08]

I am committed to working with my counterparts in Northern Ireland to implement North/South initiatives where there is mutual economic benefit. The North/South Ministerial Council provides the opportunity to work with my counterparts in Northern Ireland to advance initiatives for the North West and the all-island economy.

There is well-established co-operation between my Department and its agencies with their Northern counterparts to enhance economic development. The North West Gateway Initiative is a major joint response to the development needs of the region, which includes enhancing the skills and infrastructure to attract inward investment and foster the growth of the indigenous enterprise sector. A significant joint initiative between IDA Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland is the North-West Business and Technology Zone, which is receiving substantial INTERREG funding to develop a world-class environment for technology-oriented enterprises in Letterkenny and Derry. Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are also jointly running a Cross Border Enterprise Incubation Programme known as the Transform- Ideas into Businesses Programme.

FÁS and the Northern Ireland Department for Employment and Learning have developed ongoing cooperation at both official and project levels through a variety of cross-border initiatives. For example, these initiatives include the North West Workforce Development Forum, which was set up to examine the skills needs of the North West's economy, identify growth sectors and develop a strategy for the region. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Northern Ireland Skills Expert Group intend to produce an All-Island Statement of Skills Demand and to organise an All-Island skills conference this year. I understand that work is progressing well on both these initiatives.

A ‘Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy', which was completed in 2006, identified a number of areas where co-ordinated North/South policy intervention would prove beneficial to both jurisdictions on this island. The areas identified included co-operation on trade and investment promotion, research and development and the development of the knowledge economy, education and training systems to enhance human capital, and co-ordinated provision of key transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out a detailed and specific agenda for progressing such co-operation. Work is underway to progress these initiatives, which will also enhance economic development in the Border counties.

The North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Plenary Format on the 17 July 2007 noted the Irish Government's intention to make available a contribution of €580 million to help fund major roads programmes providing dual carriageway standard on routes within Northern Ireland including the route serving the North West Gateway. This is a very significant development for the North West and will help enhance the region's vital transport infrastructure.

Work Permits.

John Cregan

Ceist:

276 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when an additional year on a work permit will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18657/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have checked out the application form in this case and that the duration of the permit applied for was one year.

Accordingly, if the above named requires a permit for another 12 months a renewal application will have to be submitted with the appropriate fee.

Compliance Costs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

277 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the baseline compliance cost base across different Departments, against which the Government has set the target of a reduction of 25% in the regulatory cost for business; if she has identified separate targets in respect of different areas of compliance cost; if a standard 25% reduction across all areas of business interfaces with the public sector is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18658/08]

In March 2008, the Government decided to reduce the administrative burden of domestic regulation on business by 25% by 2012. Administrative burdens include the cost of e.g. form filling, returns, applications, retaining records etc as required on foot of regulations.

This target was set in response to the invitation to Member States by the European Council to set national targets in line with the European Commission's 25% target reduction in the burden of EU regulations.

My Department is responsible for devising the methodology to be used across Government, for coordinating the work across Government Departments and Agencies and for reporting to Government on progress.

Initially, all Government Departments will be required to list the Information Obligations which their regulations impose on business. From that listing, Departments will assess which requirements are the most burdensome and will then measure the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements. At that point the most appropriate approach to achieving the overall 25% target will be re-examined, including the appropriate target for individual Departments and Agencies.

Work Permits.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

278 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will give an employment permit or allow an employer to apply for an employment permit for a person (details supplied) who has a stamp three visa and waiting for a decision on a stamp four visa petition on the basis that other persons who are in the same situation have been allowed to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18659/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it is current Government policy to only issue new employment permits either for highly skilled, highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits.

However, if the above named wishes to submit an application it will be considered on its merits.

Unemployment Levels.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

279 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, given that the most recent figures released from the Central Statistics Office show an 84% increase in unemployment in Portlaoise over the past year, there is an urgent need for FÁS and local agencies to commence upskilling and re-training programmes in Portlaoise, to ensure that those who have recently been made unemployed in the county, particularly those in the building and construction sector, can be retrained and prepared for re-entry into the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18660/08]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs maintains the Live Register. The total number of people recorded on the Live Register for April 2008 is 195,598. The number of people signing on the live register in Portlaoise in April 2007 was 935 while the number signing on had increased to 1,593 in April 2008, a year-on-year increase of 70.4%. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.

Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, collated and published by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 4, 2007 (September-November) indicates that employment has increased by 66,800 in the year. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.5%.

The increase in the live register figures, while unwelcome, must be seen in the context of the major increase in employment over the last number of years, with the anticipated period of adjustment now being experienced. The predictions for the medium term are for continued employment growth, albeit at a slower pace than that experienced to date.

FÁS, as the national training and employment authority, has the remit to provide a range of proactive job-related services, supports and programmes, to assist individuals remain in and return to the labour market. The Agency also promotes workforce development by upgrading the competencies and qualifications of individuals and by providing and facilitating targeted training programmes and services to both employers and employees. FÁS provides its services in Co. Laois through the FÁS Employment Services Office in Portlaoise and Clinics in Portarlington, Mountmellick and Rathdowney. The estimated FÁS expenditure on services in Co. Laois during 2008 is €9.05m.

FÁS has a fast track redundancy notification system in place with my Department, to ensure a speedy and appropriate response is provided to redundant workers. Each response is tailored on a case-by-case basis. Since January 2008, FÁS has been advised of two collective redundancies in Co. Laois — one in the construction sector and the other in the services sector.

On receipt of official notification, FÁS made contact with the HR Manager of both companies and offered the full range of services including; intensive interviews, individually and/or in groups, with affected workers. These interviews outlined the range of supports and services available. Ongoing support and action is provided by FÁS to keep redundant workers in touch with the Labour Market. Preparation of a ‘Skills Analysis Report' based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities. Referral of redundant workers to jobs, upskilling/retraining courses/training courses or where necessary FÁS established special or customised courses. FÁS also liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.

FÁS is currently developing a strategy in response to the current slowdown in the construction sector and any anticipated future redundancies. This strategy will contain a number of initiatives/measures such as working in close collaboration with the Construction Industry Federation and other key stakeholders to encourage redundant construction workers to seek retraining in skills that are in short supply in the economy.

The Laois County Enterprise Board provide a source of support for micro-enterprise 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. The Board supports individuals, firms and community groups provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. Such supports include business related training courses for owner-managers and their staff, one-to-one mentoring provided by business specialists, in company training and start your own business courses. In 2007 194 people availed of such training programmes run by the Laois CEB. During 2008 Laois CEB will continue to support enterprise development throughout the county and will continue to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximize entrepreneurial development in the region.

Finally, the IDA is investing in the physical infrastructure required to attract new FDI to County Laois, this includes investing €3.2m in a quality flagship Business Park in Portlaoise which is now an integral part of the agency's international marketing programme. The Park has a modern 17,000 sq ft advance office building, which is available for marketing to inward investors. The necessary infrastructure, including ducting for broadband. IDA has received planning permission for 2 x 25,000 sq ft advance technology buildings. In addition, the OPW on behalf of the Department of Agriculture & Food approached IDA Ireland to provide 9 acres of land for the development of the Departments new National Headquarters on the IDA flagship Park in Portlaoise. These developments will help to absorb some of the excess capacity that is emerging from the new house building sector.

While the slowdown in new house building has resulted in an increase in unemployment, overall employment is forecast to continue to grow, albeit at a reduced rate than heretofore, thereby providing new job opportunities.

Employment Support Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

280 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to put in place a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities which will help people into work in all sectors. [18661/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

281 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to accessible vocational training. [18664/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.

Under the Programme for Government, A Blueprint for Ireland's Future 2007-2012, my Department is committed to putting in place a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities which will help people into work in all sectors. This strategy is a key component of the sectoral plan for my Department, which was published in 2006 pursuant to the Disability Act 2005. The most significant elements of this plan are as follows:

The enhancement of the effectiveness of employment programmes and vocational training for people with disabilities;

Further developing supports to the open market employment of people with disabilities; and

Increasing the participation rates of people with disabilities on Community Employment over the period of the plan. Significant progress has been made in implementing the sectoral plan to date.

FÁS offers a number of schemes and programmes aimed at assisting people with disabilities such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Supported Employment Programme, the Job Interviewer Interpreter Grant Scheme, the Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant Scheme, and the Personal Reader Grant. Reviews of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Supported Employment Programme are currently being carried out. The findings of these reviews, which are expected to be finalised shortly, will inform future actions that might enhance these programmes.

With regard to the commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to accessible vocational training, this is currently being progressed as part of the policy of mainstreaming labour market services provided by FÁS for people with disabilities in line with best practice internationally. In this context, people with disabilities who are interested in exploring training options to prepare them for open employment are encouraged to register with their local FÁS Employment Services Office and meet with an Employment Services Officer who will provide them with information and occupational guidance on alternatives in their area. The Employment Services Office is the access point or gateway for all FÁS training courses and employment programmes.

All FÁS Training Centres are accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, FÁS will endeavour to put in place any additional support or assistive technology that a trainee with a disability might require to assist him/her to complete their training successfully once prior notice has been given at registration. While FÁS encourages people with disabilities to consider mainstream training options wherever possible, specialist training programmes are also available for people with disabilities should they require a greater level of support than might be available in a mainstream setting. These programmes have similar FETAC certification as mainstream training programmes.

The participation limits for persons eligible for Community Employment based on a Social Welfare disability-linked payment have been increased by 1 year. The participation limit for people with disabilities under 55 years of age is now 4 years while the limit for people with disabilities over 55 years is now 7 years. These measures were introduced in order to provide additional training to assist progression to employment.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

282 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to further boost disability employment by providing more funding to programmes such as the FÁS wage subsidy scheme and the workplace equipment adaptation grant. [18665/08]

The Wage Subsidy Scheme provides financial incentives to employers outside the public sector to compensate the employer for any deficit in productivity occasioned by an employee's disability. The FÁS budget for the Wage Subsidy Scheme in 2007 was €10.5m and the actual spend was €7.6m. Just under €7m was spent in 2006. There are currently 522 people with disabilities in open employment being supported by the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Considerable efforts have been made to date to increase the take-up of this programme by both employers and jobseekers with disabilities. My Department has commissioned Goodbody Economic Consultants to carry out a review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the findings of this review, which is due shortly, will inform future actions that might enhance this programme.

The Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant Scheme is available to employers and employees who require premises or equipment to be adapted or for the purchase of specialist equipment to assist employees with disabilities to carry out their employment tasks. The budget for the Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant Scheme in 2007 was €234,000 of which €142,000 was actually spent. The actual spend in 2007 represents a decrease on the €217,000 spent under the Scheme in 2006. The issue in relation to these Schemes is not the lack of budget but rather the low take-up by both employers and people with disabilities, despite considerable awareness raising and promotional activities.

These programmes represent just two of the employment supports that FÁS has developed for people with disabilities. Others are the Job Interview Interpreter Grant Scheme; Personal Reader Grant; Employment Retention Grant Scheme and the Supported Employment Programme. FÁS promotes these supports in line with its mainstreaming agenda and to ensure that people with disabilities can access employment opportunities on an equal footing with their peers.

Any person with a disability with any queries about these supports or who is interested in exploring avenues that would help them to access employment is encouraged to register at their local FÁS office and meet an Employment Services Officer. These officers are highly experienced in career guidance and have undertaken disability awareness training.

Employment Rights.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

283 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department will consider a detailed investigation into the issue of construction industry pensions, insurance and sick pay, particularly in relation to the level of notification that has been adopted by the various unions involved and by the construction monitoring agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18666/08]

I do not believe that an investigation along the lines suggested by the Deputy is necessary. There are two Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) in place for the construction industry; one of which deals specifically with the issues raised by the Deputy, namely pension, assurance and sick pay. Separately, there is also a Registered Employment Agreement in place for the electrical contracting industry covering all terms and conditions of employment in that sector, including pension and sick pay.

Information in relation to these REAs is disseminated to employers and workers via a wide range of structures and organisations, all of whom have an important role to play in ensuring compliance by employers with the pay and conditions requirements in those sectors. To begin with the Labour Court publishes notification of the registration of such agreements in the National newspapers and on its website.

NERA, the National Employment Rights Authority, provides information to employers and employees on its website and through its call centre in relation to employment rights and responsibilities generally, and this would include responsibilities arising under REAs. This would include providing detailed advice if requested. Other bodies that play an important role in disseminating information on the terms of the REAs to employers and employees include the trade unions representing workers in the sectors, the Construction Industry Federation and IBEC.

There are specific mechanisms in place in the construction and electrical sectors to monitor compliance and disseminate information in relation to the relevant REAs. In the construction sector, the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency's (CIMA) role is to ensure that employers in the construction industry register their employees in the Construction Workers Pension Scheme, and pay the weekly contributions on their behalf. For the electrical sector, EPACE advises electrical contractors of their responsibilities under, and ensures compliance with, the REA.

Having regard to the foregoing, I am satisfied that there are sufficient mechanisms currently in place to ensure adequate notification to interested parties of the respective entitlements and obligations of both workers and employers under the REAs in question.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

284 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to introduce a compensation scheme similar to one in place in the United States and United Kingdom for employees who are experiencing ill health as a result of working with asbestos who have no avenue to pursue their former employers or their insurers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18679/08]

The focus of occupational safety and health legislation concerning asbestos in the workplace is on the prevention of exposure. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006), which is enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, places obligations on employers and employees to ensure that the risk of exposure to asbestos is eliminated or reduced to a minimum and that any remaining residual risk is adequately controlled in accordance with the legislation.

I understand that under the Occupational Injuries Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of insured workers affected by contact with asbestos.

Sports Capital Programme.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

285 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will amend the sports capital programme to ensure that it supports the increased participation of persons who are currently not active in sport; his views on whether the funding for the sports capital programme is regressive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17681/08]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

The Programme aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the country. In particular, its objectives are to:

assist voluntary and community organisations to develop high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities in appropriate locations to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation;

prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities;

encourage the multi-purpose use of local, regional and national sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport.

Since 1998 the Programme has allocated over €675 million to over 6,700 projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports. The level of funding available for spending on sport in 2008 is €336 million, which will serve to further enhance and develop the sports sector. Furthermore the National Development Plan 2007-2013 includes a commitment to provide €991 million for sport infrastructure during the period up to 2013.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, has a statutory role in encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and in increasing participation in recreational sport. The ISC's basic philosophy is, therefore, one of inclusion and its Statement of Strategy recognises the potential of sport to be a driver for social change dealing with issues such as exclusion and social inequality. All sports organisations funded by the ISC, including National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), are encouraged to target all sections of society in seeking to increase participation in sport. The increased funding provided to the ISC from €13 million in 2000 to more than €57 million this year has enabled a number of significant interventions for the benefit of all groups, including those not traditionally involved in sport.

National Archives.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

286 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he is taking to ensure that the genealogical on-line research service is made available free of charge to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18518/08]

In November 2007, the National Archives of Ireland launched the on-line version of the 1901 & 1911 National Census. Access to this service is available free of charge and has proven to be very popular already with up to 17 million hits on the web site in its first month of operation.

In relation to the availability of the pre-1900 Church Birth, Marriage and Death records, in 2006 an Advisory Group was established by this Department to examine the computerisation of these records and their eventual availability through an on-line web site. Officials from this Department have been working towards the implementation of the report's recommendations.

A key recommendation in this report was that priority should be given to computerisation of the Dublin City records. In 2007, Dublin City Public Libraries, with funding and support provided by this Department, completed the computerisation of almost all transcribed (i.e. on index cards) church records (totalling approximately 730,000 records) relevant to the Dublin City area. Consideration is being given at present to how the un-transcribed Dublin City Records (estimated to be in the order of 800,000 records) can be computerised most effectively and in the most financially advantageous way. Discussions have also taken place between this Department and a number of local genealogical centres with a view to securing a copy of their computerised records in the context of future Departmental funding.

A copy of all the computerised Dublin City records, together with those of other centres to which this Department provides funding, will be lodged with the National Archives of Ireland. This Department intends to develop an on-line research service to provide free of charge access to this genealogical data and initial discussions with the National Archives have taken place to achieve this.

The Irish Family History Foundation (IFHF), a private umbrella organisation for the majority of local genealogy centres throughout the island of Ireland, launched its own on-line genealogical research service recently, full access to which is subject to a charge. The IFHF does not receive any direct subvention from my Department. However, my Department have informed the IFHF that potential future funding to complete the computerisation of the outstanding Church Birth, Marriage and Death records from pre-1900 will be subject to compliance with the Advisory Group report including the placing of a copy of the computerised records in a single web site repository and that a guarantee must be given that free public access will be given to the data on this web site.

Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 93.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

288 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will advise on a case (details supplied). [18025/08]

In 2007, funding of almost €2 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund through my Department for projects to increase participation in sports and recreation in disadvantaged areas. In total 781 worthwhile projects throughout the country, including a number of GAA clubs, are benefiting from grants ranging from €500 to €10,000. A variety of sporting and recreation activities for disadvantaged young people are being supported including funding for coaching, training, purchase of equipment, hire of facilities and outings to activity centres.

My colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has overall responsibility for dormant accounts spending and the funding through my Department is an element of a larger set of economic and social disadvantage funding measures. My Department also provides significant funding for sports in disadvantaged areas through the Irish Sports Council and the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programmes in addition to these special measures under the dormant accounts funds.

Tourism Promotion.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

289 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish, through Fáilte Ireland, an innovation fund to promote and support the development of tourism products that are new to the market here and to promote best practice, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and accessibility for tourists with disabilities. [18086/08]

I am informed that Fáilte Ireland have launched an innovation fund which offers assistance towards the production of feasibility studies for innovative tourism products. Details of the scheme can be found on the Fáilte Ireland website www.failteireland.ie. This fund complements a range of other product development schemes which have been launched over the past year to support tourism infrastructure, attractions and activity projects, with an emphasis on innovation and environmental sustainability.

Fáilte Ireland also have brought tourism suppliers together on a pilot basis in the Southeast region to innovate "Family Fun" products, and will be rolling out further initiatives elsewhere nationally for product offerings based on Adventure and Celtic Culture.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

290 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop a rolling programme of national culture, musical and literary festivals to enhance the tourism product here, in particular through the establishment of a new fund of €28 million for the creation of a small number of major annual events over the period to 2013. [18087/08]

Fáilte Ireland is committed to continued support for a number of key festivals in 2008 and following years under the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative, the primary aim of which is to encourage the spatial spread of visitors throughout the country by strategically investing in attractive and sustainable festivals and cultural events that enhance the local tourism product and in turn expand regional tourism. The Initiative operates by supporting existing and new festivals and cultural events throughout the regions which can best assist in achieving Fáilte Ireland's objective of providing new and enhanced attractions for visitors both from overseas and from within Ireland.

Under the Festivals & Events programme, Fáilte Ireland has introduced a tiered investment model that enables it to offer multi-annual funding to key festivals across many regions of the country. After the acclaimed success of the re-Joyce and Beckett Festivals, in 2007 the Department supported the 50th anniversary of the Dublin Theatre Festival. This year it is supporting the centenary of the Hugh Lane Gallery, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Gate Theatre, the quadcentenary of the Flight of the Earls, and the Bicentenary of Thomas Moores' Melodies.

In light of their value to cultural tourism I propose to continue funding appropriate and commemorative cultural initiatives in the future. For instance, the Department is currently providing seed funding for a major visual arts festival in Dublin in 2010 under the broad aegis of IMMA.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

291 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to undertake a strategic review of new and developing markets to identify the investment and actions needed to realise their potential. [18088/08]

Tourism Ireland, the North South body with responsibility for the overseas marketing of the island of Ireland as a holiday destination, completed and published its review of New and Developing Markets in December last year. The Review includes a range of measures and initiatives to grow tourism business from these markets and confirms that visitors from the Asia-Pacific region will be increasingly important for Irish tourism. The Review sets out ambitious targets for both visitor numbers and revenue earnings over the period to 2013.

Work on the implementation of the measures proposed in the Review is progressing. In this regard, I am scheduled to meet the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, Nigel Dodds MP at a North South Ministerial Council meeting in Tourism Sectoral format at the end of this month in which progress on the Tourism Ireland Business Plan for 2008 will be discussed.

National Conference Centre.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

292 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to put in place a strong promotional programme for the new National Conference Centre in Dublin with a view to doubling the level of business tourism to Ireland from €400 million to €800 million per year over the next ten years. [18089/08]

As is the case in public private partnership projects, facilitating the success of the Centre, which has the title The Convention Centre Dublin, is primarily a matter for the promoters, Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. However, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Convention Bureau are working closely with the operators in marketing the Centre to secure booking for 2010, when the Centre is scheduled to open, and beyond. Even already, according to the operators of the Centre, seven conferences have been secured, with a further forty provisional bookings made.

The Business Tourism Section of Fáilte Ireland working with Tourism Ireland and the industry in Ireland via the Business Tourism Forum is implementing co-ordinated marketing strategies to grow high yield conference and incentive business from key overseas source markets to Ireland.

Regional Conference Centres.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

293 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to investigate the feasibility of a regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area. [18090/08]

Working under the direction of a Steering Group chaired by Fáilte Ireland, consultants were appointed in March to examine the feasibility of the proposed Conference Centre. It is expected that the results of this study will be available in June 2008.

Tourism Promotion.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

294 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to encourage the tourism agencies to highlight national games here to a greater degree in their promotional activities and continue the policy of attracting suitable major sporting events to Ireland. [18091/08]

Fáilte Ireland's International Sports Tourism Initiative is designed to attract major sporting events that can showcase Ireland as a major tourism destination. The events targeted must have the ability to generate significant international media coverage for Ireland and to deliver economic benefits in terms of tourism revenue. Recent major events supported under the initiative include the Ryder Cup Matches, Rally Ireland, the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race and the Solheim Cup.

The issue of Gaelic Games and Tourism has been discussed between GAA and Fáilte Ireland. The GAA from its most senior administrative level and throughout the regions and local areas, will be encouraged to become more aware of the tourism potential of our national games and work with the Tourism agencies on issues of information and access. Fáilte Ireland, in association with the Heritage Council, has also been engaged in discussions with the GAA in connection with the future development of the GAA museum.

Tourism Industry.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

295 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to implement in full the Fáilte Ireland Competing Through People Programme. [18092/08]

The Fáilte Ireland Human Resource Development Strategy for Irish Tourism 2005-2010 ‘Competing through People' looks to people working in the tourism industry as a principal source of competitive advantage, and their skills as a key variable in delivering strong business results.

I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the following progress has been made in implementing the strategy since the publication of the Programme for Government:

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 includes a Training and Human Resources sub-programme of €149m. €20m was provided in the 2007 estimates for the programme and a further €19m is being provided in the 2008 estimates.

Fáilte Ireland is broadening the skills development options available to both existing tourism industry team members and those wishing to join the team through innovative delivery methods and dedicated development centres combined with practical work experience. Two new programmes of accelerated training for chefs have recently been introduced.

To support the quality of the customer experience when engaging with front-line staff, a new programme in customer care has been designed and piloted across 30 tourism enterprises in the west of Ireland, and will be rolled-out nationally in 2008.

Agreement has been reached between Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) in relation to the design and introduction of a new tour guide programme which will support the recruitment of multilingual tour guides to work in the coach tourism sector.

The Strategy made sixteen specific recommendations which were to be actioned by Fáilte Ireland in the period to 2010. To date thirteen of these have been fully implemented and a fourteenth is currently underway and will be concluded by the end of 2008. The remaining two (which relate principally to research programmes in the labour market) will be actioned in 2009.

An independent mid-term evaluation of progress against the targets set out in ‘Competing Through People' was completed at the end of 2007. The review is being used by Fáilte Ireland to identify areas of best practice and areas where significant progress has been made in the implementation of the strategy together with areas where further progress is required.

Tourism Promotion.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

296 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to develop, with Fáilte Ireland, rural based package style holidays through which bed and breakfast owners and farm holiday operators can offer activities such as walking, angling, golfing and cycling in addition to the provision of accommodation and quality home-cooked meals. [18093/08]

I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that a partnership of the Town and County Homes Association (TCHA) and Irish Farm Holidays (IFH) has come together, with the encouragement of Fáilte Ireland, to develop a number of theme-based holiday packages. Over 30 B&B owners in 14 counties have been selected and have agreed their specialist areas. The owners participated in a series of workshops between November 2007 and March 2008.

Following an evaluation of the concept, Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with the sector to encourage all operators to develop specialist packages as part of the Irish Home experience. I understand that a national steering group will be convened in June 2008 to develop this initiative further and roll it out nationally. This will be underpinned by a market communications and promotions campaign for 2009. Irish Home Operators are being encouraged to become members of regional activity hubs. To date an adventure hub has been established in Cork/Kerry, a family-friendly hub in the South East, and a rural activity hub in the Glen of Aherlow.

Fáilte Ireland has, as part of its support service to the wider Irish tourism sector, developed ebusiness seminars and workshops. Emphasis is placed on motivating and convincing operators that doing business on-line is not only desirable but increasingly essential to remain viable. The focus is on allocation management and e-distribution, so that the participants are aware of and capable of using various options for selling accommodation and specialist packages on-line. I further understand that ebusiness programmes are currently being implemented on a regional basis to encourage operators in this sector to seek more on-line business. A further set of ebusiness programmes will take place in Autumn of 2008. A number of workshops designed to encourage operators to provide quality evening meals for tourists are taking place throughout the country at present. These are the latest in a series of such workshops.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications received by his Department from the various organisations throughout County Kildare for grant aid for capital, major and minor projects in 2008; the projected costs in total; the extent to which he expects to positively respond to such applications before the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17990/08]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the 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.

Prior to the deadline for the 2008 Sports Capital Programme a total of 44 applications were received from County Kildare seeking a total of €8,295,720 for projects totalling €13,542,722. 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. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to ensure the competitiveness of the tourism industry here for the future having particular regard to currency and economic fluctuations worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17991/08]

Maintaining and enhancing competitiveness is a major issue for Irish tourism as it is for the economy as a whole. In addressing that issue, it is important to bear in mind that competitiveness is about more than price and costs. It is generally agreed that Ireland cannot and, indeed, should not attempt to compete on the basis of costs with mass tourism destinations.

In considering the competitiveness of any industry, a key measure is the extent to which it can maintain and increase market share. We have been fortunate in recent years to enjoy record growth in numbers of overseas visitors and associated revenue. The Central Statistics Office figures for 2007 show that we welcomed over 8 million overseas visitors to the Republic of Ireland, with associated foreign revenue earnings of almost €5 billion.

With regard to the future, I am pleased that the tourism agencies are forecasting that the Irish tourism industry will show further growth. Tourism Ireland's Corporate Plan for 2008-10 contains ambitious and challenging targets for tourism growth for the island of Ireland over the next three years. It aims to increase overseas visitor numbers by between 4.2% and 5.1% per year, which, if achieved, would mean total overseas visitors to the island of Ireland of over 10.5 million in 2010. The plan also sets tourism revenue annual growth targets of between 6.6% and 7.1%, which, if achieved, would mean that overseas tourism would generate up to €16 billion in tourism revenues for the island of Ireland in the three-year period.

While the targets are ambitious, there is little doubt that global economic factors such as currency and oil prices are likely to impact on the number of outward travellers from some of our most important markets such as North America and Great Britain. Whereas we have little influence in relation to such global economic factors, our agencies monitor market performance during the year and adjust their marketing campaigns as appropriate.

The tourism agencies will continue to monitor Ireland's competitiveness as a tourism destination and will assist the industry in responding to changing conditions through a variety of programmes in marketing, human resource development, quality enhancement, product development and productivity improvement. By doing this I am confident that the ambitious targets can be met.

Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

299 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department have achieved targets set in respect of decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/08]

Following the announcement of the Government's decentralisation programme in the 2004 budget, the Department, which has a staff of 130, excluding the National Archives which is part of the Department, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG). The original date set by the DIG for the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney was the 2nd quarter of 2007. As there was some delay in securing a suitable site for the new offices of the Department, it was decided to send an advance group of staff to temporary offices in Fossa, Killarney, Co Kerry.

To date, 70 staff have relocated to temporary accommodation in two tranches, 45 staff in September 2006 and 25 staff in July 2007. It is expected that a further 14 staff currently in the Department's Dublin Offices will transfer to Killarney towards the end of this year. The objective is to complete the decentralisation process early in 2009 by which time the Department will be operating from the Department's new purpose built offices in Killarney.

Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 113.

Arts Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

301 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to promote, increase awareness and develop the arts at local community level here with particular reference to youth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

303 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he or bodies, groups or others under the aegis of his Department have offered capital grants towards local community based groups involved in musical or drama productions towards the provision of buildings such as theatres or other venues; if it is expected to continue with this procedure in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

304 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department directly or indirectly in the course of the promotion of the arts has funded, from whatever source, the costs of musical or drama productions here in the past five years; the extent to which it is expected to continue in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

305 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, from the capital budget available to him or from the proceeds of the national lottery, he will accept applications for capital grants by various community based drama or musical groups throughout County Kildare with particular reference to the provision of buildings or assistance towards the cost of specific production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 303 to 305, inclusive, together.

The Department supports the provision of new arts facilities around the country through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). The ACCESS scheme is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved participation in the arts for large numbers of people, of all ages, nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces. Under the scheme, funding is provided towards integrated community art centres, theatres and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of whom were community based arts groups. All of the available funds under the current ACCESS round have been fully allocated. The Department is currently examining the option of a further round of the ACCESS programme.

Applications for any new scheme would be invited by public advertisement. Applications are assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council. Any group, including community based arts organisations, that meets the eligibility criteria, will be welcome to submit an application under any new scheme.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

302 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he or other bodies under his aegis will consider offering a capital grant towards the restoration and refurbishment of a hall (details supplied) in County Kildare, a listed building; if grant aid available to his Department from the proceeds of the national lottery will be used for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/08]

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 in the national press 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. It is open to any sporting organisation to apply under future rounds of the programme, should they wish to do so and should they have a suitable sporting project which satisfies the terms and conditions of the programme.

My Department's ACCESS scheme provides capital grants for arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Details of allocations made under the ACCESS II scheme 2007-2009 are on my Department's website. Facilities that have been funded to date under ACCESS include integrated arts centres, theatres and galleries, as well as arts studios and creative and performance spaces. Funding of €81m in total is available for the ACCESS scheme over the life of the National Development Plan, 2007 to 2013. Approximately €50m of this is already committed under ACCESS I and II and the intention is to launch a further round of the scheme in due course.

Questions Nos. 303 to 305, inclusive, answered with Question No. 301.

Road Signage.

David Stanton

Ceist:

306 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has made funding available to local authorities to enable them to clean and to maintain, put in place or replace roadsigns across the country to facilitate tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18189/08]

The provision of road signs generally, whether directional or providing other information, regulatory or warning, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA), in relation to National Roads, and the relevant local authority in relation to Non-National Roads. The provision of funding in this regard is a matter for the Department of Transport and the responsible authorities in the first instance.

The cost of providing white-on-brown tourist signage is generally borne by the operator of the tourist attraction or facility, although I understand that, in certain circumstances, the relevant authority may assume such costs, in whole or in part. I refer the Deputy to the NRA's "Policy on the Provision of Tourist & Leisure Signage on National Roads" of March 2007.

National Lottery Funding.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

307 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grants available to groups (details supplied) from National Lottery funding; and the type of grant and deadline for making an application. [18226/08]

The Department supports the provision of new arts facilities around the country through the Arts and Cultural Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS).

The ACCESS scheme is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved participation in the arts for large numbers of people, nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces. Under the scheme, capital funding is provided towards integrated community art centres, theatres and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of which are community based arts groups. All of the available funds under the current ACCESS scheme have been fully allocated. The Department is currently examining the option of a successor to the ACCESS scheme.

Applications for any new scheme would be invited by public advertisement. Applications are assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council. Any group, including community based arts organisations, that meets the eligibility criteria, will be welcome to submit an application under any new scheme.

The Department does not provide current, or running costs for arts facilities. This is a matter for the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the State's main channel for revenue, or current funding to the arts. The Arts Council is operating on a budget of €82.102m in 2008 an increase of some 72% since 2002.

Sports Capital Programme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

308 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve an application for funding under the 2008 sports capital grant for a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18255/08]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

309 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when his Department expect to be in a position to allocate capital grants to sporting organisations under the scheme assistance funded by the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18520/08]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

310 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18556/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 to 310, inclusive, together.

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, 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 online applications.

All applications received before the deadline, including the ones in question, will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Social Welfare Schemes.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

311 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to provide extra incentives for persons who have recently become unemployed to undertake courses, which will provide them with the necessary skills to gain employment; if she has discussed the issue with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in order to ascertain a need for such incentives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18046/08]

My Department provides a wide range of second chance education opportunities to facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

The back to education allowance (BTEA) is one of these second chance education opportunities schemes. It is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €400 cost of education allowance is payable. This will be increased to €500 from the beginning of the academic year 2008/2009.

To qualify for participation an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. However, lone parents and persons in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they are out of formal education for at least 2 years. In general, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment for 6 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course.

However, people who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the BTEA scheme immediately provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition, people who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process may qualify where a FÁS Employment Services Officer recommends that pursuance of a third level course of study is essential to the enhancement of the individuals employment prospects.

Under the NEAP, people aged 18 and under 64 who are approaching certain durations on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or offer of training. All new claimants are currently selected for referral on reaching 3 months on the Live Register. They remain on the Live Register while engaged with FÁS under the NEAP until they take up offers of employment or training. If they do not attend for interview or with FÁS or, having engaged with FÁS, decline offers of employment or training, their cases are referred back to the social welfare local office for review to determine if they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of unemployment payments.

The National Development Plan (NDP) provides for the Social and Economic Participation Programme involving an investment of €50m in an Activation sub-programme over the lifetime of the plan. The objective of the sub-programme is to promote participation and social inclusion through activation measures aimed at people of working age. The aim is to facilitate progression regardless of the circumstances that led the person to require income maintenance. This wider activation programme will build on my Department's existing experiences in cooperation with other relevant agencies such as FÁS, VECs, HSE and other local agencies. At present there are some 40 facilitators engaged locally in the activation process across the department's eight regional areas. An additional 30 Facilitators are being recruited to support the Activation process.

My Department and FÁS operate under a memorandum of understanding which is updated periodically and is currently under review. Senior department officials hold regular joint meetings with FÁS and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment on policy and operational matters. There are also regular meetings between the Department and FÁS at regional and local level.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

312 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding persons (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18178/08]

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.

In this case the person concerned is over 66 and has a free travel pass. As he has a married person's pass his wife may travel on the same journey with him at no cost to them. The person's wife is under 66 and is not in receipt of a qualifying payment, so she does not qualify for a free travel pass in her own right. She must be accompanied by her husband in order to avail of free travel. The main objective of the free travel scheme is to encourage older people and people with disabilities to remain independent and active in the community, thereby reducing the need for institutional care. The purpose of allowing pass holders to be accompanied while travelling is to facilitate further this mobility. The extension of the scheme to allow the pass holder's spouse to travel alone would not be in keeping with this objective.

The operation of the free travel scheme will continue to be reviewed with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

313 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18032/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If she wishes to make an application for rent supplement she should contact the local community welfare officer so that her entitlement can be examined.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

314 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason jobseekers allowance was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a two week period; and when they can expect to receive this money. [18060/08]

The person concerned was paid jobseeker's allowance for the maximum two-week holiday period while he was in the United Kingdom. However, he remained outside the state for a further period and sustained a loss of 8 days jobseeker's allowance from 22 April to 30 April 2008 inclusive. He contacted his local Social Welfare office on 1 May 2008 and is in receipt of the allowance from that date.

Pension Provisions.

Seán Connick

Ceist:

315 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on a review of contributory and non-contributory pension schemes for farmers who were not in a position prior to retirement to make sufficient social welfare contributions to allow them to claim a full contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18062/08]

It is a fundamental principle of the social insurance system that those qualifying for benefits must satisfy a range of contribution and other conditions. In the case of contributory pensions, this involves commencing payment of contributions 10 years before pension age, payment of a minimum number of contributions at an appropriate rate and reaching a minimum average annual contribution rate. The state pension (contributory) is a valuable benefit and the conditions are designed to ensure that those qualifying have had a sufficient and ongoing attachment to the social insurance system.

In 1999 provision was made to enable people who were over age 56 at the time of the introduction of PRSI for the self-employed in 1988, and who could not therefore meet the standard qualifying conditions, to receive a contributory pension. The pension is paid at half the maximum rate and the person must have paid a minimum of 260 contributions to qualify for it.

The objective of this measure was to provide pensions for people who could not receive payments under standard qualifying conditions, while having due regard to the contributory principle underpinning entitlement to social welfare payments generally.

In 2006 a number of improvements in relation to the means test for the state pension (non-contributory) were introduced. These included an increase in the amount of capital disregarded and an increase in the general means disregard from €7.60 to €20 per week. This general disregard was subsequently increased to €30 with effect from January 2007. The effect of this is that the first €30 per week of all means is not taken into account. Budget 2008 provided for an increase of €12 per week (6%) in the rate of all non-contributory pensions, bringing the weekly rate of pension to €212 per week with effect from January 2008. These measures are of considerable benefit to many thousands of non-contributory pensioners.

Increases in rates and other improvements in pensions over many years have been among the major achievements of the Government. Since 2002, the level of the state pension (non-contributory) has increased by over 58% from €134 to €212. This improvement has had a marked impact on the living standards of older people enabling them to face the future with a greater sense of security and dignity. The Government is determined to maintain and improve on the progress we have made in improving pensioners' incomes. It is committed to achieving a pension of at least €300 per week by 2012.

With regard to pensions generally, the Green Paper on Pensions, which was published in October 2007, includes a discussion on a range of issues affecting social welfare pensions, including the position of people receiving reduced rate payments, or no payment. The Green Paper is at present open for consultation and will remain so until the end of this month. Submissions are welcome on all aspects of the system. Submissions can be made through the Green Paper website ( www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie ), by email: pensionsgreenpaper@welfare.ie, by fax: 01-7043457 or by post. Submissions received are published on the Green Paper website.

The Government is committed to developing the framework for future pensions policy by the end of 2008.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

316 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she plans to introduce compensation for people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in underground mines in the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18166/08]

My Department currently operates the occupational injuries scheme which provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment.

Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed in relation to that disease. In addition, benefits may be payable if the claimant can show that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed in relation to that disease.

Employment under a contract of service as a miner is insurable for occupational injuries benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. Miners who are unable to work due to an accident arising from their employment may be entitled to occupational injury benefit for the first 26 weeks of their claim. If their incapacity extends beyond that period they may receive illness benefit or invalidity pension, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions for these payments.

Miners may also be entitled to disablement benefit under the occupational injuries scheme. Disablement benefit is a compensation payment specifically for those who suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty as a result of an accident at work or a disease prescribed in legislation that they contracted at work. Medical assessments are undertaken in all such cases to determine the degree of disablement, which is calculated by comparison of the state of health of the applicant with a person of the same age and gender.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

317 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for carer's allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18201/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of my Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of this response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

318 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused jobseeker's benefit, despite an appeal, in view of the fact that they are genuinely available for full-time work and are genuinely seeking work on a sustained and consistent basis; and if this case will be reviewed again. [18224/08]

A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's benefit claim of the person concerned from 25 January 2008, on the grounds that she was not available for, or genuinely seeking work. She appealed this decision. However, the Appeals Officer was not satisfied that she was available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work on a sustained and consistent basis and accordingly upheld the Deciding Officer's decision. An Appeals Officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts, or fresh evidence.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

319 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent subsidiary has been reduced for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18257/08]

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

The Executive has advised that, following a review of the rent supplement in payment, it was noted that the rent charged by the landlord to the person concerned, had been reduced. As a consequence, the rent supplement payment was reduced. If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision of the community welfare officer, it is open to her to lodge an appeal against the decision.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

320 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason, despite the existence of incontrovertible medical evidence from two family doctors, a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused the respite care grant; if this decision is in accordance with the views expressed at the introduction of the scheme; if she will re-examine this case, refer it back for a further oral hearing and make the necessary arrangements for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18296/08]

The main conditions for receipt of Respite Care Grant are that the person or persons in respect of whom the application is made must require full-time care and attention and that the applicant must be providing that care. The legislation provides that a person is regarded as requiring full-time care and attention where they require continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or to avoid danger to themselves.

The person to whom the Deputy refers submitted an application for a Respite Care Grant in respect of his mother and his brother. In relation to the applicant's brother, the Deciding Officer refused the application on the grounds that the care being given is in the nature of help around the house and farm which does not constitute the care and attention envisaged by the legislation.

In relation to the applicant's mother, the application was refused on the grounds that the Deciding Officer was not satisfied that the level of care he was providing was consistent with that envisaged in the Respite Care Grant legislation. Also the Deciding Officer was not satisfied that her condition is not such that she requires the level of care envisaged by the legislation. The Deciding Officer in coming to this decision had regard to the advice of the Department's medical assessors, who reviewed all the medical evidence submitted by her General Practitioner.

The above decisions were appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Appeals Officer, who is independent in coming to a decision, examined all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at an oral hearing, and upheld the decision of the Deciding Officer. The decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive under the legislation and may only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence not already presented.

The provision of full time care and attention to a person in need of such care is the fundamental qualifying condition for the scheme. Unfortunately, the person to whom the Deputy refers was deemed not to satisfy that condition and was therefore not eligible for the Respite Care Grant. It is open to the person concerned to make an application for the 2008 Respite Care Grant, if he feels that he may qualify.

Social Welfare Schemes.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

321 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to offer people with disabilities further improved pathways to participation in employment or education, avoiding the benefits trap. [18543/08]

My Department provides a number of employment and training incentives to encourage and facilitate people, including people with a disability, to take up available work or training options. These include the back to work and back to education allowances.

The back to work allowance provides a monetary incentive for people who are long term dependant on social welfare payments, including illness or disability related payments, designed to make return to work financially attractive and viable. The scheme is designed to support people who would not otherwise be able to return to the workforce.

The back to education allowance is an educational opportunities scheme for long term unemployed, lone parents and people with disabilities in receipt of particular social welfare payments. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of groups who are distant from the labour market.

There are also certain exemptions applying to the qualifying conditions for illness benefit and invalidity pension schemes to facilitate people to undertake employment of a rehabilitative nature. In the case of disability allowance and blind pension, prescribed levels of income from employment are disregarded in the assessment of means for those schemes.

The National Development Plan 2007-13 provides for a Social and Economic Participation Programme aimed at promoting participation and social inclusion through activation measures aimed at all people of working age including people on illness or disability related payments. Engagement with customers will have progression to employment as the desired outcome. The programme will build on the existing experience and income maintenance relationship with the people concerned, in co-operation with other relevant service providers such as FÁS, VEC, HSE and other local agencies.

An additional 30 facilitators will be assigned during 2008 to enhance the existing network of 40 facilitators who operate locally across the department's 8 regions.

The Department has also secured funding under the European Social Fund Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007 -13 to undertake an activation programme in the Border Midlands and Western (BMW) region aimed specifically a people with disabilities. A high level objective of the programme is to develop and test a comprehensive employment strategy based on individual case management of people with disabilities. The project will bring together key organisations such as FÁS, the VEC and HSE in providing support for people with disabilities to enable them access education and training programmes. It is anticipated that the project, to be located in Mullingar, will be operational by mid summer 2008.

I regard these measures as positively addressing the need to engage with people with disabilities in pursuing real opportunities to progress to training and employment.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

322 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the rising cost of living and the serious difficulties families have trying to cope, it would be possible to pay the children’s allowance twice monthly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18548/08]

Child benefit (CB) is the principal means of providing support to families with children. It is neutral vis-à-vis the employment status of the child’s parents and maximizes choice for parents. Child benefit is paid monthly in advance to 582,600 families is respect of over 1,118,000 children.

At present there are no plans to move child benefit to a twice monthly payment. It should be noted that CB is paid in advance and if payments were made on a twice monthly basis the recipient would receive some payments at a later date than is now the case. A move to twice monthly payments would also have significant administrative implications, including additional costs.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

323 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the age allowance to qualified adults over 80 years old. [18581/08]

There are two main commitments in the Agreed Programme for Government, which relate to pensioner qualified adults. These are as follows:

i. Complete the scheme introduced in Budget 2007 to provide a personal pension payment for pensioner spouses in receipt of the Qualified Adult Allowance. The payment will be set at the level of a full rate Non-Contributory State Pension and the income limits will be improved to enable more people to qualify for it.:

ii. Extend the Age Allowance to Qualified Adults over 80 years old.

In Budget 2008, the first of these commitments was prioritised and significant progress was made in this regard. The pensioner qualified adult payment increased by €27 (15.6%) per week, bringing the payment to €200 per week, or just €12 short of the level of the State Pension Non-Contributory. This measure will cost approximately €52.8 million in 2008 and ensures that we are well on the way to completing this Government commitment. Beneficiaries of this special increase include contributory pensioner qualified adults aged 80 or over.

This is the first year of the Programme for Government and good progress has been made in addressing a wide range of issues set out in the programme. Any further progression of these commitments will be considered over the lifetime of the programme.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

324 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure women are treated fairly in pension provision. [18582/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

337 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if consideration will be given to allowing social welfare contribution credits in cases where one parent takes time off from work during the children’s formative years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18671/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 337 together.

The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the Homemaker's scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. However, the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension.

The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied. These conditions are designed to ensure that those qualifying for pensions have had an adequate and sustained commitment to the social insurance system as well as to uphold the contributory principle that underpins the qualifying conditions for all social insurance payments.

The operation of the homemakers scheme is subject to review in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, with particular regard being paid to the operative date of the scheme and the use of credits for pension purposes rather than the current system of disregards.

A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will remain open until 31 May 2008. Once the consultation process is completed, work on developing the framework for future policy will commence, and I expect to have the framework completed by the end of 2008.

It should also be noted that people of working age who are no longer liable for PRSI contributions may opt to protect their pension entitlements by applying to become a voluntary contributor. In order to be admitted to the voluntary contributions scheme, a person must have a minimum of 260 weeks of PRSI paid in either employment or self-employment and apply within 12 months of the end of the tax year during which they last paid PRSI or had a PRSI credited contribution. The requirement to have 260 paid contributions to gain access to the scheme is essential in that it ensures that the requisite minimum number of paid contributions required is in place to establish a contributory pension entitlement.

Improvements in the area of qualified adult payments are also helping to improve the pension position of women. A qualified adult increase is payable in respect of a spouse or partner who is wholly or mainly maintained by a claimant. Since 2002, pensioner couples can opt for a payment to be made to a spouse or partner by requesting that the qualified adult portion of the pension be paid direct to the spouse or partner. Many spouse partners without their own pension entitlement have received a direct payment in this way.

These arrangements were further enhanced from the 24th September 2007 when direct payment of the qualified adult allowance was made mandatory in respect of all new pension claims. Couples may opt to receive a single payment but only where the qualified adult indicates that she/he does not wish to receive a direct payment. The Government has committed itself to complete the process, begun in Budget 2007, to bring payments to qualified adults up to the level of the State pension (non-contributory) over a period of three years. In Budget 2008, an increase of up to €27 per week in the qualified adult rate was granted where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over. This brings the maximum rate to €200 per week which represents 94% of the target. It is my intention to complete the process of aligning the rates in question.

The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to extend payment of the over 80 allowance to qualified adults, which will benefit some 4,500 people who are receiving support as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner and improvements in this regard will be considered in a Budgetary context. Further reforms and improvements will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions and the framework for future pensions policy which will follow later this year.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

325 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce phased retirement which allows workers a greater say in their retirement age. [18583/08]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

327 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to guard against age-related discrimination in the workplace. [18585/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 327 together.

It important that those who wish to continue in employment after normal retirement age should, as far as is possible, be facilitated and supported. Longer working can play an important role in ensuring that our pensions system is sustainable in the future and can be beneficial to the individual. The Green Paper on pensions includes an examination of the issues surrounding retirement age and the barriers faced by older workers who wish to remain in employment.

In the context of the Green Paper on pensions and the Agreed Programme for Government, I will be seeking to introduce flexibilities into the social welfare pensions and social insurance systems to encourage and facilitate longer working. However, changes to social welfare pensions represent only one aspect of the responses which will be needed in this area. In order for changes in the pensions area to have an impact we require a change in attitudes in relation to longer working from both employers and employees. At the workplace level employers must seek to retain older employees and create the working conditions which will make longer working both attractive and feasible for older workers.

These issues, together with the questions of allowing employees choices in relation to the age at which they retire, and issues of age discrimination in the workplace, are matters for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

326 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the amount persons in receipt of the State non-contributory pension are allowed to earn. [18584/08]

An earnings disregard of €100 per week was introduced in September 2006 where the non-contributory pensioner and/or spouse or partner is in employment. The disregard was intended as an incentive to facilitate non-contributory pensioners who wish to continue working, or to re-enter the workforce. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government the disregard was increased to €200 per week with effect from January 2007. Any further improvements will have to be considered in a Budgetary context, having regard to available resources and other measures for pensioners.

Question No. 327 answered with Question No. 325.

National Carers Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

328 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure a national carers strategy focusing on supporting informal and family carers in the community will be developed by the end of 2007. [18592/08]

The development of a National Carers' Strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" and the Programme for Government. A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, has begun work on developing the strategy. My Department provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. To date the working group has held three meetings, in February March and April.

Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Disability Authority. A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers in early March. The closing date for submissions was Friday 18 April 2008. There was a good response from individuals and organisations and the submissions received are currently being examined.

"Towards 2016" commits the DSFA to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 government departments and bodies attended. The theme was the National Carers' Strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy. It is intended that a further meeting with carer groups will be held in early summer.

The commitment to the development of a National Carers' Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was held on 8 May 2008. Key issues raised were recognition for carers and their work, access to suitable health services, income support, training, gender issues and balancing employment and care. It is intended to publish the strategy later this year.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

329 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement a range of reforms to income support, including removal of the cohabitation restriction, replacing lone parents allowance with a new and improved family friendly allowance and relaxing restrictions on work while retaining the social welfare payment. [18593/08]

The Government discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income. This new payment is currently being developed in my Department, taking into account the various issues raised in the consultation process which has and continues to take place. Any proposed new payment scheme can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other relevant Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of childcare, education, training and activation measures.

The non-income recommendations contained in the discussion paper were examined in two areas: Coolock and Kilkenny. These studies focused on identifying and resolving any practical and administrative issues that may arise in advance of the scheme being introduced. These studies took place between November 2007 and February 2008. The studies allow for operational and logistical co-ordination between the relevant Departments and Agencies to be considered and facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme and accompanying supports.

The outcome of the process is currently being considered in the Department. This will inform the further development of the proposals which I hope to bring to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in the coming months.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

330 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement significant improvements to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the school meals programme. [18594/08]

The Programme for Government commits to implementing significant improvements in both the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the School Meals schemes. There have been significant improvements to both schemes in recent years.

The rates of back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) have been increased significantly. Since 2005, the allowance has increased from €80 to €200 in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years and from €150 to €305 for those aged from 12 to 22 years. These are increases of 150% and 103%, respectively. In 2006, the income limits for BSCFA were increased by €50 to €100 above the state pension (contributory) rate. The numbers of children benefiting from the allowance increased from 161,000 in 2006 to over 180,000 in 2007.

These improvements provide a major boost to families in meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance. The improvements in BSCFA are also very significant when viewed in the context of clothing and footwear price trends. According to the Consumer Price Index for April 2008, the overall cost of clothing and footwear has fallen by almost 3% over the past twelve months.

Further improvements in the scheme will be considered in the context of next December's Budget in light of the resources available to me for improvements in Social Welfare generally.

The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes, the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme and the school meals local projects programme.

The implementation of improvements in the school meals programme is well underway. Expenditure on the programme increased from €13.6m in 2006 to €27.16m in 2007, and is expected to be in the region of €32m in 2008. A large number of disadvantaged school children have been included in the programme in recent years. In 2006, some 1,394 schools with over 145,000 pupils benefited, and this increased to over 185,000 pupils in over 1,900 schools in 2007.

The Department of Education and Science have identified a total of 875 disadvantaged schools under its ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS) action plan. These DEIS schools have been targeted for inclusion in the school meals local projects scheme and, to date, pupils from over 700 DEIS schools have benefited from the scheme. More DEIS schools will be included in the school meals local projects scheme during 2008.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

331 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to urgently examine the development of a mortgage support system for people on low incomes in order to reduce long term reliance on rent supplement. [18595/08]

The commitment in the programme for Government to which the Deputy refers is being advanced in the context of housing policy. Housing supports in general are provided by local authorities but the Department provides income maintenance support where required in particular circumstances.

Mortgage interest supplement provides income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. At the end of April 2008 over 62,025 people were in receipt of a supplement. The scheme has also witnessed an increase in the duration of entitlement with almost 32,000 recipients now getting a supplement for 18 months or more. The scheme was not designed to meet long-term ongoing housing needs.

One of the measures introduced to address the issue of long-term rent supplementation is the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) which among other things gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the long-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for eighteen months or more. Under RAS, housing needs are met through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector, and in particular, a new public/private partnership arrangement to provide rental housing for households with long-term housing needs. Almost 13,000 tenants have been transferred from rent supplement scheme to RAS since 2005.

Significant changes to the means test for rent supplement were implemented in 2007 specifically to facilitate people returning to work and those accepted as eligible for accommodation under RAS. These measures are positive steps in assisting tenants in achieving a long-term housing solution for their needs while also increasing the financial return from employment for those returning to work or moving to full-time employment.

I am anxious that all avenues are explored as regards ways of providing support for those on long-term rent supplementation including options to support them in securing home ownership. This is being considered in the context of overall housing policy, which comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. That Department already provides a range of housing supports through local government initiatives, including traditional social housing and RAS, both of which provide tenants with the benefit of Differential Rent. They also include shared ownership and affordable housing schemes. Any further initiatives in relation to mortgage support will be framed by that Department in the context of its "Delivering Homes — Sustaining Communities" housing policy statement and "Increasing Affordable Housing Supply" published in 2007. A public consultation on enhancement of the existing affordable housing mechanisms is now under way. I consider that it would be preferable to deploy resources directly in the housing support system rather than through the social welfare system.

Overall, I consider that the current range of housing supports, together with the enhancements that may emerge from the current public consultation in relation to affordable housing, provide the potential to meet long-term housing needs in an appropriate and sustainable manner.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

332 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to examine the introduction of free travel for Irish citizens of pension age particularly those resident in the UK when visiting Ireland, and press the European Commission to examine a similar EU wide scheme. [18597/08]

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over and to people receiving certain disability or care payments.

Following extension of the free travel scheme on an "all Island" basis proposals were put forward to extend the scheme to Irish born people living abroad and those receiving pensions from my Department. Officials of the Department have been examining the proposal and, in this regard, have engaged in discussions with EU Commission officials. However, at this stage, it has not been possible to progress the matter as, under EU legislation discrimination on grounds of nationality is prohibited.

More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

333 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to further enhance the Money Advice and Budgeting Service by the establishment, under legislation, of a new structure with national leadership for the 21st century. [18598/08]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

334 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to give the Money Advice and Budgeting Service a central role in increasing access to affordable credit for low income earners and social welfare customers. [18599/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems.

The MABS has a unique and expert contribution to make in meeting the needs of people with debt difficulties in today's society. This includes promoting greater awareness about household budgeting and shaping the strategies especially those of services providers, such as the banks and the credit unions, to ensure greater financial inclusion in Ireland. The MABS continues to work closely with the Financial Regulator in developing initiatives in this regard. For example the MABS and the Financial Regulator have developed an education programme on money management for Transition Year students which will be rolled out to 120 schools from September 2008.

My Department is currently considering how best to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

335 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted disability allowance. [18641/08]

Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66 years. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both a medical examination and a means test.

The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on the 17 April 2008. The Medical Assessor determined that an examination would be necessary in order to establish the person's medical suitability to the disability allowance criteria. The person concerned will be notified directly of the time and place fixed for this examination.

In addition a Social Welfare Inspector in the person's area has been asked to arrange an interview with him in order to establish his weekly means. Upon receipt of the reports from the Social Welfare Inspector and Medical Assessor, a decision will be made on the person's application for Disability Allowance. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

336 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in respect of a social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18669/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is in direct provision accommodation provided by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. People in direct provision are not regarded as being habitually resident in the state and are not entitled to any social welfare payment which is subject to the habitual residence condition.

Question No. 337 answered with Question No. 324.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

338 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to incentivise motherhood as is the case in a number of other European countries with particular regard to the falling birth rate throughout Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18672/08]

My Department provides a range of supports to parenting. Child Benefit and Maternity Benefit are the most direct financial provisions within the remit of my Department in this regard.

Child Benefit, a universal payment, is paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years — and it continues to be paid in respect of children up to the age of 19 years who are either in full-time education or who have a physical or mental disability.

Maternity Benefit is an income maintenance payment awarded by this Department to eligible women for a 26-week period on foot of a confinement. Entitlement to this benefit for employees is contingent on entitlement to statutory Maternity Leave — which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Maternity Leave legislation also provides an option for a woman to take an additional 16-week period of Maternity Leave that does not attract a benefit payment.

The Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting parenthood through the significant enhancements made to the child benefit scheme in recent years — with increases of 266% for the monthly higher rate and of 300% for the monthly lower rate since 2001. This compares with consumer price index growth of 43.4% over the same period.

In addition, the introduction of a €1,000 per annum Early Child care Supplement in 2006 in respect of all children up to the age of 6 years has increased the overall level of child income support to all qualifying families — and proportionately more in the case of low-income families. This supplement was increased to €1,100 in Budget 2008.

Likewise, Maternity Benefit rates have increased substantially from some €219 in 2001 to €280 currently. Furthermore, the duration for Maternity Benefit has been extended from 18 to 26 weeks in recent years. The period of weeks that must be taken before the baby is due has been reduced from 4 to 2 weeks and the final 4 weeks can be postponed in the event of the child being hospitalised.

It should be noted that the Programme for Government contains the following commitment in relation to ‘Giving Parents More Time with Their Children': Over the next five years we will:

Increase paid maternity leave by five weeks and make all leave after the first 26 weeks available to either parent.

Work with the social partners to promote the greater availability of family-friendly work practices.

Examine the possibility of introducing paternity benefit.

Examine the possibility of shared parental leave.

Progression of this commitment is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the first instance.

Rural Development.

David Stanton

Ceist:

339 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the situation regarding the Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/08]

My Department has responsibility for implementing Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. Total funding allocated to these axes amounts to €425m, almost treble the amount available under the LEADER Programmes 2000-2006.

I expect to be in a position to commence the process of selection of Local Action Groups to deliver Axes 3 & 4 on behalf of my Department in the immediate future.

Marine Accidents.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

340 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps which Waterways Ireland will take on foot of the recommendation of the MCIB into the grounding and flooding of a cruiser on Lough Derg on 1 July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18188/08]

I wish to advise the Deputy that five recommendations were made in the report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the incident in question. One of these recommendations refers to Waterways Ireland, viz:

Waterways Ireland should, in consultation with the Maritime Safety Directorate, establish a buoyage system for inland waterways, which is internationally recognised by all users of the waterways both national and foreign.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are two separate systems in use on the inland navigation system within its remit. The one in this jurisdiction is that used on the Shannon Navigation and is referred to in the Report. The system used on Lough Erne is entirely different to that on the Shannon and is also different to that recommended in the Report.

I am advised that changing from the existing system on the waterways under Waterways Ireland's remit would be a considerable financial and logistical burden. On the Shannon alone over 500 aids to navigation would have to be altered. It would also require the agreement of the authorities in Northern Ireland, where no issues have been raised in relation to the suitability of the system presently in use on the Erne. I understand that Waterways Ireland has stated that it will be happy to meet the Maritime Safety Directorate to initiate discussion on a review of the Shannon Navigation buoyage system.

I have asked that these discussions be pursued as a priority and that an implementation plan be prepared to give effect to any agreed changes as quickly as possible thereafter.

Offshore Islands.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

341 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the different projects on Cape Clear Island in west Cork that his Department has provided funding to over the period 2004 to date in 2008; the amount of funding provided in each case; the name of the companies or persons who received the funding in each case; if he is satisfied that all of the projects concerned have met planning and health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18270/08]

The information sought by the Deputy in regard to projects funded by my Department on Cléire is provided in the table below. It is my understanding that the relevant statutory requirements have been complied with. I understand from Cork County Council, who are grant-aided by my Department to carry out road improvements and other public works, that one particular project, an accommodation road, may be the subject of an application for retention of the development.

If, however, the Deputy had any particular project in mind in framing her Question, I would be glad to supply any further information possible if the relevant details are supplied.

Projects funded 2004-08 by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on Cléire, Co Cork

Name of Grantee

Details of grants provided

Amount sanctioned

Cork County Council

Road improvement grants

290,300

Cork County Council

Erection of helipad

114,500

Comharchumann Chléire Teo

Irish Language Summer College development

39,610

Comharchumann Chléire Teo

Community Centre/Irish Language Summer College development

551,382

Cumann Iascairí Chléire

Purchase of refrigeration unit and crane

14,400

Tír na nÓg

Development of Irish Language Summer College (Halla Innear)

60,480

Naomh Ciarán 11

Maintenance and repairs to boat

69,327

Naomh Ciarán 11

Purchase of life rafts for Naomh Ciarán 11

7,700

Harbours and Piers.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

342 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to the major infrastructure projects in Cromane and Greencastle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/08]

Funding has been provided by my Department under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for the above two locations.

In 2007, my Department approved agreed to provide funding of €500,000 to Kerry County Council towards the development of the pier at Cromane, Co. Kerry. The project involves the construction of a pier, breakwater, access road and dredging of the entrance channel. In order to progress the project Kerry County Council need to secure the acquisition of certain portions of land at Cromane. They were however, unable to secure the necessary compulsory purchase order in 2007 and the project failed to progress in that year.

€750,000 has been allocated by my Department to this project in 2008 and Kerry County Council are hopeful of securing the necessary compulsory purchase order this year which will enable works to proceed.

Greencastle harbour is under the control of Donegal County Council and has a very significant congestion / safety problem. The recommended development option for Greencastle consists of four phases, which will provide a rock breakwater, fuel berth and mussel berth, new deep-water berths and additional berths to the inner harbour, estimated to cost in excess of €35 million (phase 1 which involves the construction of a breakwater is estimated to cost €16.8 million).

This project is being co-financed by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Food, the Department of Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, and Donegal County Council. The development at Greencastle commenced in 2007 and funding of €1,158 million was provided in that year.

€3.6 million has been allocated by my Department to this project in 2008 under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Fishing Industry Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

343 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure the full potential of each of the fisheries harbours to be a unique and internationally recognised brand by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, working with the fishermans’ co-operatives, developing branded seafood products from those ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18276/08]

Significant progress has been made in delivering on this commitment in the Programme for Government.

BIM have assisted in the strategy whereby four of the main Fishing Co-operatives (Foyle, Clogherhead, Galway & Aran and Union Hall) joined forces, under a single brand name called "Passion on a Plate". These co-operatives are also working on taking a consumer brand, called Cashelmara, to the food service and retail market. The Cashelmara brand builds on the unique provenance of Irish seafood with specific branded products from Malin Head, Greencastle, Galway, West Cork and Clogherhead.

BIM have and continue to be involved in the process of developing quality schemes for products and encouraging the co-operation among industry partners. The BIM stand at the Brussels seafood show in April provided the opportunity for these co-operatives to meet buyers from all key international markets. The reaction from these buyers was, from initial feedback, extremely encouraging.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

344 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure the complete work of fleet restructuring, to create a world class fleet ideally suited to the stocks, species and sustainable practices of the modern fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18277/08]

Substantial progress has been made in the area of fleet restructuring with a new Decommissioning scheme launched in February of this year. This scheme will to deliver on the commitments for fleet restructuring contained in the Programme for Government with €42 million committed to fund this scheme in 2008 and 2009.

The scheme is a voluntary scheme which will permanently remove fishing vessels from Ireland's fishing fleet particularly the older and larger vessels. The removal of these vessels will increase the quotas available to the more modern competitive fishing vessels and to smaller vessels and will ensure a more sustainable and profitable fleet.

Further decommissioning will be considered as necessary over the period of the National Development Programme 2007-2013.

Fishing Industry Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

345 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to improve the marine environment by implementing environmental and inshore management systems and supporting efficient waste management, environmentally friendly fishing gear and technical innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18278/08]

BIM continues to be involved in many local and international collaborative projects that cover issues related to the marine and coastal environment, responsible fishing and aquaculture, and the sustainability of seafood supplies.

Of prime importance is BIM's Position Statement on Responsible Fishing and Aquaculture, which is a blueprint of BIM's themes of responsibility, and sets out a direction for ensuring responsible and sustainable development of stocks from fisheries and aquaculture.

With specific reference to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in the catching sector, BIM is currently undertaking a pilot project entitled Seafood EMS — Green Chooser, which is helping four co-operatives to assess and improve their environmental and business performance. Similar projects undertaken in Australia have won several environmental awards and the EMS project is run with assistance from Seafood Services Australia. Foyle, Clogherhead, Malin Head and Union Hall co-operatives are involved in the scheme, which aims to improve quality of the product, of services, and of business relationships; to introduce provenance to buyers and create an advantage in the marketplace; and to ensure responsible practices are put in place. These include waste management, energy management, fuel efficiency, responsible fishing, use of environmentally friendly fishing gear, and development of corporate social responsibility, all of which can ultimately be incorporated into a Seafood EMS. This is an ongoing process that allows companies to constantly review and manage risks related to the environment, fish quality, profitability and public perception.

80 per cent of Ireland's fishing fleet works in the inshore fishery, catching crustaceans such as crab, lobster and shrimp, and molluscs including scallop, whelk, clams and cockles. Sustainable management of this resource is thus vital, both from a fisheries and a community perspective. BIM in consultation with the Marine Institute and industry has prepared a Management Framework for Shellfisheries, which sets out a structure to deliver a sustainable and viable shellfish industry. It is based on the preparation of long-term management plans for individual species, with achievable biological, economic and social targets and goals.

Several important measures are already under way that have had a major impact. Most recently a discussion document was launched on 28th April entitled "Managing access to the lobster fishery". This document is designed to be the basis for discussion and agreement with industry on a long-term viable and sustainable management plan(s) for the Lobster Fishery.

Management of waste fishing gear is a vital part of caring for the environment and until recently landfill sites presented the only option for fishermen to dispose of old netting. To address these problems, BIM has looked at ways to recycle monofilament netting and undertaken a thorough analysis of the practicalities, logistics and costs of providing a waste management system for industry.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

346 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase supports to assist fishermen to make the changeover to more environmentally friendly fishing gear and more fuel efficient equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18279/08]

I am happy to state that in meeting the commitment in the Programme for Government, the "Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear and Fuel Monitoring Equipment Grant Aid Scheme" continues to be implemented and promoted by BIM. This scheme provided co-funded (ie. exchequer and EU funds) grants of up to 40% to improve efficiency and conservation methods on board fishing vessels.

Public aid for the use of more selective fishing techniques and/or methods is only offered on the basis that the measures proposed are consistent with Community (EC) and National regulations, guidelines and policy.

As of May 2008 34 projects have received monies with a further 29 projects approved, underway with expected completion dates no later that July 2008.

Aquaculture Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

347 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase grant funding to the aquaculture sector to develop technological innovation and environmentally sustainable techniques, including organic farming, and diversification into new species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18280/08]

Seafood Development will benefit from an investment of €216 million under the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013. A further €118 million may be made available over the life of the plan for the proposals set out in "STEERING A NEW COURSE — Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013"( the Cawley Report) on the basis of verified progressive change as set out in the Cawley Report. A Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG), chaired by Dr Noel Cawley, has been established. This group is actively supporting and driving the delivery of the recommendations, including those specific to the aquaculture sector, over the lifetime of the NDP.

Marine Research.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

348 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further develop Ireland’s reputation as a centre of excellence for marine research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18281/08]

Sea Change: A Marine Knowledge, Research & Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 has been approved by Government and represents the most ambitious marine RTDI strategy in the history of the state. The Strategy builds on the vision and strategy outlined in the 2006 National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) published by the Government. Sea Change aims to drive the development of the marine sector as a dynamic element of Ireland's knowledge economy; bringing about a transformation of the sector from a traditional one which is primarily associated with food harvesting to one which is multifaceted and embraces a range of new, high value, knowledge intensive, commercial opportunities developed in a sustainablemanner.

The overall aim of the Sea Change Strategy is to contribute to the knowledge economy, to the achievement of key national strategic objectives (Competitiveness and Growth, Innovation, Regional and North-South Development, Environmental Sustainability) and to enhance Ireland's profile as an international leader in marine research and innovation. The strategy provides a clear and realistic picture of future opportunities and challenges and a roadmap for selective and managed investment in marine research and innovation In 2007 A commitment of €43.8m in research funding over a 1-7 year timeframe was made as follows:

NDP 2007-2013 Marine Research Sub-Programme (€10.4m)

Beaufort Marine Research Awards (€20m)

SSTI Award (€7.4m)

ERDF Infrastructure Funding (€6m)

Additionally, €21.6m was successfully secured via other national and international funding sources, for programmes/projects spanning over a 1-7 year period. This included an investment of €2.66m from the DAFF Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) as a matching contribution for a joint Marine Institute SSTI/FIRM Marine Functional Foods Research Initiative (MFFRI). This total investment of €65.5m from multiple competitive research funding sources will result in the creation of new capacity and knowledge generation — with some 80 new research positions and 76 PhD scholarships being created. Overall, in 2007, 60 research groups across 23 research institutions and 21 industry performers have received funding to carry out marine-related research and innovation projects/initiatives.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

349 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to instigate a national marine biotechnology initiative to make Ireland a world leader in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18282/08]

A National Marine Biodiscovery Programme was initiated by the Marine Institute in 2007. This was managed by the Marine Institute, in partnership with a range of national and international centres of expertise. This programme is driven by the strategic objectives of Sea Change, the National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy for the period 2007-2013. The underlying objective of the National Marine Biodiscovery Programme is to assess the biological diversity of the flora and fauna of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone with a view to developing natural products as the basis for novel applications in areas such as drug discovery, functional food ingredients, and biomaterials.

The principal aims of the Marine Biodiscovery Programme are to:

develop and enhance interdisciplinary knowledge of Ireland's marine biota;

manage and benefit from marine resources, through a more comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Ireland's marine biocomplexity;

benefit human health by contributing to the development of new ethical drugs and therapies;

develop new, and enhance existing, industries, through high-value commercial ventures based on bioactive substances, biomaterials and biochemical mechanisms; and

make Ireland a leader and respected international partner in niche areas of research, training development and commercialisation of high-value marine bioproducts.

Following an international benchmarking exercise undertaken in 2006 the Marine Institute supported a limited Proof-of-Concept project to establish methodologies and partnerships. The allocation, in 2007, of research funds through the Beaufort Marine Research Awards has significantly enhanced activities in this programme. €7.3m was awarded to three Higher Education Institutions (NUIG, UCC and QUB), supporting seven new research positions, 12 PhD scholarships and 38 student placements. This investment will develop core interdisciplinary research teams with capabilities to isolate and identify novel chemical compounds or proteins from marine organisms for use by the biopharma sector and the medical device industry.

The Marine Institute has established an initial capability, funded via the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI), to aid with the collection of samples for the Biodiscovery Programme via surveys taking place onboard the national research vessel fleet (RV Celtic Voyager and RV Celtic Explorer). In addition, the Marine Institute are in the process of establishing a Biodiscovery Lab in it's Oranmore laboratory facilities, for the preparation and initial processing of marine samples prior to dissemination to research groups. Two further initiatives have helped to increase capacity in this area:

Through the HEA's 2006 Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), two new Professorships have been established in marine biodiversity (NUIG) and marine microbial diversity (UCC); and

During 2007, the Marine Institute funded three PhD scholarships, located in DCU and UCD, through IRCSET's PhD Scholarship Programme in the areas of biodiscovery.

In addition to this investment in the Marine Biodiscovery programme, €5.3m was committed in 2007 to a Marine Functional Foods Research Initiative. This initiative is a major flagship project linked to the implementation of the SSTI, Sea Change and the Seafood Development Strategy ‘Steering a New Course'. It aims to develop new research capabilities and additional research capacity in marine functional foods research, focusing research efforts to identify marine origin food ingredients for use by Ireland's expanding food ingredients and marine foods industries, thus supporting the future needs of these sectors.

Fishing Industry Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

350 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that voluntary fishing vessel decommissioning on the scale envisaged in the Cawley report will be fully implemented and will be focused on the larger whitefish vessels over 18 meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/08]

The Launch of the Decommissioning scheme in February of this year is a key component in the delivery of the commitment for a voluntary fishing vessel Decommissioning scheme contained in the Programme for Government. This voluntary scheme will remove older and larger fishing vessels with mixed catches of fish such as cod, haddock, monkfish mackerel and herring. The removal of these vessels will increase the quotas available to the more modern competitive fishing vessels and to smaller vessels and will ensure a more sustainable and profitable fleet. The scheme is open to vessels owners in respect of fishing vessels 10 years or more in age and 18 metres or more in overall length. Vessels must be operational at the time of decommissioning and have a recent track record of fishing. Funding to the value of €42 million has been committed to fund this scheme in 2008 and 2009. A total of 69 applications have been received for the scheme, which closed on the 30 April. Applications will now be assessed and prioritised in line with the requirements of the scheme and available funding. Further decommissioning will be considered as necessary over the period of the National Development Programme 2007-2013.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

351 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement an observer programme on Irish fishing vessels involved in fisheries which carry a high risk of cetacean by-catches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18284/08]

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) monitors cetacean by-catches in fisheries in line with the EU Regulations which requires all Member States to implement observer schemes onboard their fishing vessels in order to monitor and gather data on incidental catches of cetaceans. The programme targets, in particular, fisheries where problems with cetacean by-catches are perceived to exist — such as gillnet fisheries and the pair fishery for albacore tuna — although all relevant fisheries are being monitored. Ireland has supplied observer data for 2005 and 2006 to the European Commission. The Irish data for 2007 is due to be submitted in the near future.

Food Industry.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

352 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to encourage and support the development of high value added branded seafood exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18285/08]

Irish seafood is in high demand; it is a healthy low fat, nutritious food source, which is in high demand both here and elsewhere in the EU and other markets. The Government approved strategy for development of the Irish Seafood Industry, Steering a New Course (the Cawley Report), contains a number of provisions set-out for encouraging and supporting the development of high value seafood exports. A Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG), chaired by Dr Noel Cawley, has been established. This group is actively supporting and driving the delivery of the recommendations in the report. BIM promotes seafood on both the Irish market and core EU markets (France, UK, Spain, Germany and Italy). Market Development initiatives undertaken at BIM include increased investment in market intelligence and expanding trade development staff so as to exploit buoyant consumer markets in the core EU countries. Recently a seafood industry group visited Italy with a view to assessing and further developing sales of high value seafood there. Other markets outside EU are dealt with on a case by case cost benefit basis. Furthermore, BIM offer a co-funded Marketing Investment Programme (MIP) with seafood companies focussing on seafood marketing activities in the EU.

BIM have also recently developed a business plan — Developing Market-led innovation in the Irish Seafood Sector, which is intended to boost the valued-adding potential of seafood exports from Ireland. It is intended that seafood innovation would be supported by the development of a State of the art Innovation Centre in a new facility in Clonakilty and the deployment of food technologists and business development staff regionally. It is important to note that Article 40 (2) of Council Regulation (EC) 1198/2006 which refers to the development of new markets and promotional campaigns states that "The operations may not be aimed at commercial brands or make reference to specific countries or geographical areas, . . . ". This prohibits promotional activity on "Irish Seafood" specifically.

Fishing Industry Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

353 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement a system of instant electronic logging of all catches and landings made by fishing vessels in Irish waters in line with relevant EU provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18286/08]

In November 2006, agreement was reached at the Fisheries Council on an EU Regulation on Electronic Recording and Reporting of fishing activity and on a means of remote sensing of fishing vessels. The new measures oblige fishing vessels to record and submit their logbook by electronic means at least once a day to the control authorities. Following strong pressure from Ireland, including a bilateral meeting in the autumn between Minister Coughlan and Commissioner Borg, it was agreed that the implementation rules would ensure that each Coastal Member State would have full on-line access in real time to the electronic logbook and landing declaration data of all vessels operating in its waters. This measure will substantially strengthen Ireland's controls at sea. The Regulation also allows remote sensing to be used to detect and track fishing vessels. The Commission Management Committee for Fisheries agreed the Regulations on Electronic Logbooks on 6 December 2007. The electronic logbook will be mandatory for all vessels over 24 metres in length from 1 January 2010 and it will be applied to vessels over 15 m in length from 1 July 2011.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

354 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to fully implement a comprehensive electronic traceability system for fish sales to ensure all fish being sold or transported can be traced back to the trawler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18287/08]

A new web based electronic system for the recording of sales of fish in Ireland has been developed. It is now a requirement that all, auction centres and buyers of first sale fish be registered under the terms of this regime, and submit sales notes electronically within 48 hours of the first sale of fish. Sales notes detail the size, weight, price and date of first sale fish, as well as information about the seller and vessel of origin. In keeping with the Governments policy of developing Ireland's knowledge economy, this web based system was designed and commissioned to accommodate the registration and the subsequent submission of sales notes via the web portal www.fishingnet.ie. Buyers now have to register via www.fishingnet.ie and have to complete sales notes using a secure username and password on www.fishingnet.ie. This system compliments the requirement on masters of fishing vessels to complete standard log books and landing declarations. The log-book records what type of species of fish was caught, which area there were caught in, when they were caught, the quantity caught, and the method used to catch them. Cross-referencing sales notes with landings data i.e. logbooks (as mentioned above), improves the monitoring and control of fish landings into Ireland, and the traceability of that fish.

Aquaculture Licences.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

355 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application (details supplied) which was applied under the aquaculture licence under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and for a foreshore licence under the Foreshore Act 1993 will be processed and granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18292/08]

Aquaculture licensing is regulated under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and a companion foreshore licence is issued under the Foreshore Act 1933 where aquaculture sites are located in coastal sites below the high water mark. The applications in question are at a very advanced stage of processing. It is important that I place the timeframe for aquaculture licensing in context. The licensing procedure is lengthy and complex, involving a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case. I should also point out that the process has become considerably more complex since the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 was enacted, due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and the consequent need to take an ever greater account of the:

the potential impacts on safety and navigation,

the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,

the suitability of the waters,

the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,

the likely effects on the economy of the area, and

the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.

I expect my Department to be in a position to make a determination on the applications referred to by the Deputy in the very near future.

Milk Quota.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

356 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to review the age limit restriction to new applicants wishing to enter the milk quota system for the first time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/08]

The allocation of milk quota to new entrants has been a feature of the milk quota regime for a number of years. New entrants under 35 years of age received preferential access to milk quota from a specially created priority pool under the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme until 2007, and the same priority pool arrangement continued into the Milk Quota Trading Scheme. It facilitates the acquisition by new entrants of up to 350,000 litres of quota (500,000 litres if farming in partnership with a parent) before they must pay the exchange, or market, price. Indeed, the quantities of quota available to new entrants in their own right, and to new entrants farming in partnership with parents, have been considerably increased as a result of the introduction of the Trading Scheme in 2007. The Trading Scheme in respect of quota allocations for the 2008/2009 milk quota year was completed in March, and the Scheme is currently undergoing a review in consultation with the farming organisations and ICOS. Among other issues, the review is considering whether new entrants over 35 years of age should be allowed access to milk quota under the Scheme.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

357 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded his single farm entitlements and other related payments due to him for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18134/08]

An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 3 May 2007. The position is that no Single Payment is due as the person named had not established any Single Payment entitlements as he did not benefit from any Livestock and/ or arable Premia payments during the 2000 to 2002 reference period.

With regard to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, processing of the application revealed that another applicant also claimed two of the land parcels declared by the person named. In response to correspondence from my Department in relation to this issue, the person named confirmed that he did not have the right to claim these parcels. Consequently, the regulatory Scheme penalties were applied; as the total over-claim exceeded 50%, no Disadvantaged Area payment was due for the year of application and an administrative fine, equivalent to the amount of aid payable on the difference between the area declared and area found, will be deducted from any payments under Direct Aid Schemes due to the person named in the subsequent three years.

Agriculture Schemes.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

358 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to significantly reduce the regulatory burdens faced by farmers. [18136/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

379 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to minimise and streamline the financial and regulatory issues facing small farms and farm businesses. [18157/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 379 together.

The introduction of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005 has dramatically reduced the paperwork for farmers in applying for Direct Payments when compared to the previous system of submitting multiple applications under the Livestock Premia and Arable Aid Schemes. In addition, the Department is currently introducing an on-line application system for the Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme PS and the DAS scheme for 2007 to facilitate and streamline the application process, which supports Schemes worth in excess of €1.6 billion per annum to farmers in Ireland. Over 7,500 farmers availed of this facility in its first year of operation in 2007. I am confident that in excess of 20,000 farmers will utilise the facility, which is regarded by all users as very efficient and effective, to apply for these Schemes in 2008. By mid April this year over 8,000 farmers had applied on-line. It is expected that the number of electronic applications will double in 2008.

Following a Commission review in 2007 on the operation of cross compliance, some legislative changes have been made which set rules for the non imposition of sanctions for minor breaches of the cross compliance requirements in addition to the possibility for a de minimus provision where sanctions up to €100 may be waived. The review also introduced resulted in the replacement of the existing 10-month rule and a one-day availability rule for land and clarified the cross compliance responsibilities in the context of the one-day land availability requirements. My Department has also carried out a full review of the inspection arrangements and checklists for the Single Payment Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements.

The issue of further rationalisation of the cross-compliance arrangements will be further pursued in the context of the CAP Health Check discussions. My Department is also working closely with the European Commission in relation to its stated objective of simplifying the operation of the Common Agricultural Policy. A number of submissions have been made to the Commission. I intend to continue the work with the Commissioner with a view to simplifying the CAP with particular reference to the Single Payment Scheme.

Food Industry.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

359 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish a high-level strategic interdepartmental group whose role will be to, on an ongoing basis, identify and work to ease access and fully exploit new overseas markets for Irish food and drink products. [18137/08]

A high level interdepartmental group has been established and has met twice to discuss issues of a cross departmental nature such as CAP/WTO, energy costs, waste management, regulation and market access. The composition of a high-level strategic market access group and its terms of reference have also been agreed. The group will comprise representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Foreign Affairs and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara will also be represented. In addition, a meat market access group comprising of my Department, Bord Bia and the Meat Industry was established and has met on 6 occasions. In this context significant progress has been made regarding access to markets such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and a number of emerging markets.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

360 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase funding to An Bord Bia for overseas promotion of Irish food and agricultural produce. [18138/08]

Bord Bia's budget was increased by a Supplementary Estimate of €1.2 million in 2007 to enable it inter alia to expand promotional activity for beef and the increased funding level was maintained in this year's Estimates. 2007 was the third year of Bord Bia's pan European Autumn Beef Promotion which involved promotion of beef in 13 export markets, covering the UK and Continental Europe. Thirty-eight European retailers participated throughout 10,000 supermarket stores with a potential reach of over 100 million consumers. The success of the promotional strategy can be measured by the fact that 97% of Irish beef exports are now destined for the higher-value EU market, compared to 50% as recently as 2000. The Government's Asia strategy includes a target to double food and drink exports over the years 2005-2009 to €400 million. Irish food and drink exports to Asia increased by 50% in 2007, with strong progress made on dairy ingredients and alcoholic beverages contributing to the target being achieved two years ahead of schedule.

On-Farm Investment Schemes.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

361 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce a new on-farm investment scheme, which will include aid for investment in housing, handling and related facilities. [18139/08]

The Farm Improvement Scheme, introduced in July 2007 following receipt of EU approval for the 2007-2013 RDP, provided grant-aid for the areas mentioned. Under the Scheme, grant-aid is available up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €120,000 with a separate ceiling of €120,000 being applicable in the case of dairy hygiene measures. The standard grant-rate for animal housing and related storage facilities and for dairy hygiene investments is 40%. All farmers are eligible to participate in the Scheme due to the removal of all income unit requirements from the Scheme. New eligible items included in the Scheme are (a) rubber mats on slats, (b) installation of water retention equipment on farms, (c) mobile sheep handling facilities, and (d) out-wintering pads. Funding of €79 million was agreed for the Scheme under Towards 2016, as part of an overall programme of investment of €350m for farm waste and other on-farm investment measures. The terms and conditions of the Scheme specifically provide for its termination when this financial ceiling was reached. The Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 when 12,675 applications had been received. Applications received before that date are currently being processed up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under Towards 2016.

Rural Development Programme.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

362 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to fully implement the rural development programme in order that farmers benefit fully from the increased payments and new schemes. [18140/08]

Following an extensive consultation process, the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP) was formally approved by the Commission in September 2007. The overall package provides funding of almost €6 billion over a seven-year period for farming measures and includes schemes for early retirement, farm investment, agri-environmental supports, installation aid and the disadvantaged areas. An amount of €2.3bn. of the overall RDP package will be funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The Programme includes a 17% increase for REPS, an 8% increase in disadvantaged areas payments and improved levels of support for the early retirement and installation aid schemes. The various RDP Schemes commenced during 2007 and by the end of the year the total DAFF related RDP expenditure was €615 million.

Animal Welfare.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

363 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a new Animal Health Bill to consolidate and amend previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of the nation’s animals. [18141/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

369 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill, updating existing legislation. [18147/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 369 together.

Significant progress has been made on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill and I intend shortly, to initiate a process of public consultation by publishing a consultation paper and inviting submissions from interested parties and other stakeholders.

The Bill will give effect to a number of important commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government. It is a comprehensive piece of legislation, which will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill also contains provision for repealing and revoking a number of pieces of existing legislation as some of the principal Acts in this area date to 1911. Drafting of the Bill will continue after the consultation process, having regard to the various submissions received.

Animal Diseases.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

364 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish Biosecurity Ireland as a division within his Department with a remit to ensure the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by diseases and pests to the economy, the environment and to human and animal health. [18142/08]

My Department's responsibilities extend to animal and plant health and it works closely with the Department of Health & Children and the Health Services Executive in relation to any such diseases that may have potential implications for human health, for example in relation to avian 'flu'.

I am acutely conscious of the threats of various animal disease outbreaks and my Department continually reassesses such threats. On the basis of such risk assessments, I and my officials review the adequacy of our control measures aimed at mitigating the risk of the introduction of such diseases to this country.

My Department within its own internal competency operates a wide range of controls, systems and processes which regulate, monitor and manage the risks posed by diseases and pests. This encompasses veterinary, scientific, epidemiological, administrative and legal expertise, all of which contribute, as appropriate, to the process. My Department's state of the art veterinary and agriculture laboratories at Backweston also continue to develop as centres of excellence increasing their range of diagnostic services to underpin any challenges posed to animal, plant health or food safety.

In addition, my Department is able to avail of extensive external expertise, some of which comes from other State agencies, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Met Eireann, as well as organisations such as Birdwatch Ireland and academic expertise, including that provided by the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in UCD and the Department of Zoology at NUI, Galway.

Based on various increased disease outbreak threats, my Department has offered and continues to offer biosecurity to farmers in relation to diseases as foot-and-mouth, avian ‘flu' and bluetongue. This advise is updated as appropriate and made available in leaflet form, through the national newspapers or on my Department's website.

I am satisfied that my Department has available to it all the relevant expertise to ensure that the necessary biosecurity controls and precautions are exercised and taken both at points of import and at the farm gate. Nonetheless, I am anxious to bring a greater focus to and place a greater emphasis on the need for constant vigilance in the area of biosecurity and, for that reason, I have decided to establish, as a division within my Department, "Biosecurity Ireland" with a remit to ensure the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by diseases and pests to the economy, the environment as well as to human and animal health.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

365 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to seek to negotiate the establishment of an all-Ireland genetically modified free zone. [18143/08]

Several Government Departments have responsibility for aspects of GM Policy and these are:

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which has responsibility for the deliberate release of GM's into the environment including for crop cultivation;

Department of Health and Children which has responsibility for GM food safety and consumer protection;

Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment has responsibility for developments in the biotechnology industry and R&D; and

Department, Agriculture Fisheries and Food which has responsibility for the regulation of GM seeds, including the co-existence of GM crops to ensure compliance with GM labelling regulations and matters relating to GM feed.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment "to seek to negotiate the establishment of an all-Ireland genetically modified free zone". A process has now begun, involving the relevant Departments, to elaborate this commitment and tease out its policy implications. As part of this process it has been clarified that the commitment relates to the growing of GM crops, and is not, for example, about banning imported GM feed.

Food Labelling.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

366 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend mandatory country of origin food labelling to sheep, pig and poultry meat. [18144/08]

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require an indication of country of origin on sheep, pig and poultry meat. The draft regulations were notified to the European Commission in December 2008. While the Commission has adopted a negative opinion on the proposal, it has afforded us the opportunity to provide further information in support of the draft legislation. This will be provided in the coming weeks.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

367 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase nutritional awareness as part of our food advertising and marketing through the development of nutritional and calorific labelling. [18145/08]

Food advertising issues are primarily the remit of the Minister for Health and Children. At EU level, Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims came into force in July 2007. The main aim of the Regulation is to allow consumers to make informed food choices, by ensuring that they receive accurate information and are not misled. Claims for health benefits will have to be adequately substantiated by scientific evidence. Food business operators are responsible for ensuring that claims they make on food labelling, presentation and advertising are authorised.

My Department has encouraged the food industry to provide more nutritional information as a general principle. A number of food companies have shown an interested in labelling based on Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) and a recent IBEC survey showed that GDAs were increasingly used by multiples. One area of concern to the FSAI is the salt content of certain foods. My Department has also funded research into reduced sodium breads and prepared meals and food companies have made commitments to the FSAI on reducing the salt content of foods.

Health Promotion Strategy.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

368 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expedite the delivery of a national strategy for tackling obesity. [18146/08]

Obesity is, I believe, an immensely important issue for the health of our society and requires a multi-faceted response as indicated in the Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity. The recommendations relevant to my Department have been addressed by way of specific healthy food initiatives such as the enhanced promotion of school milk and a new national initiative to promote the consumption by schoolchildren of fruit and vegetables.

The National Food Dude programme, which was launched in 2007 and is managed by Bord Bia, will be implemented in over 600 primary schools this year. The programme has reached more than 100,000 children so far and the response from parents and teachers has been very positive. Over 3 million pieces of fruit and vegetables have been distributed in the measure, which uses repeat tasting, rewards and peer models to effect attitudinal and behavioural change. An amount of €4 million has been allocated for the programme in the Estimates for 2008. The EU Commission is working on proposals for an EU school fruit scheme and will publish these shortly. Ireland has been supportive in the Council of Ministers of an EU initiative in this area. The School Milk Scheme, which was launched in 2006, promotes a positive nutritional message, underlining again the importance of forming and reinforcing healthy eating habits early on.

My Department also funds research under the FIRM programme to establish food consumption databases for the information of the food sector and policy makers in this area. The Scientific Study on Children's Diet by IUNA, the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance established that intakes of fruit and vegetables, milk and fresh meat by primary schoolchildren were below recommended levels. My Department and the FSAI have also funded an IUNA Teen Study benchmarking the dietary intake of a nationally representative sample of Irish teenagers. Findings were presented at a workshop in Dublin on 24 January. Funding was also awarded in December 2007 under a Food for Health Initiative by my Department and the Health Research Board for further development of food consumption databases.

Question No. 369 answered with Question No. 363.

Food Industry.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

370 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase research and development funding for projects in the sector to fully exploit its potential for new products. [18148/08]

My Department has consistently promoted food research through direct funding of public good research under the FIRM, the Food Institutional Research Measure, and encouragement of cross Departmental and agency initiatives. In November 2007 an amount of €5.5m was awarded to a Teagasc led research consortium in the area of marine functional foods. This followed a joint call for research proposals by my Department and the Marine Institute. The aim of the initiative is to optimise the research capacity and capabilities in functional foods/ingredients so as to realise the scientific and economic potential of the functional foods sector.

In February 2008 proposals for funding under the Food Institutional Research Measure were invited from research institutions under the following theme areas:

Food Manufacturing & Processing Technologies:

New uses for Food and Drink By-Products

New and Innovative Food Ingredients and Products

Food Quality & Safety

Frontiers Research

The innovative food ingredients theme included elements specific to the dairy sector:

a. Novel and/or biofunctional ingredients — their delivery and application in the meat, beverages, cheese and snack food sectors.

b. Development of healthy snack products for the cereal and vegetable sector.

c. Diversification of the cheese product portfolio including new and innovative applications for cheese and ingredient-type cheese

In 2007 the Government approved grant assistance of €6.5 million provided by Enterprise Ireland to support investment of €21 million by Glanbia in a major expansion to their Innovation Centre in Kilkenny. The investment will see 23 additional highly qualified R&D jobs at the Centre on top of the 25 already in place, making it the largest dedicated R&D centre for a dairy food company in Ireland. This type of investment meets national objectives under my Department's Agri Vision 2015 Plan of Action, which encourages companies to move towards higher value added products.

I was also pleased that Teagasc Moorepark have been awarded funding under the European Framework Programme (FP7) in relation to participation in a programme to develop innovative and practical breeding tools for improved dairy products from more robust dairy cattle.

Dairy Sector.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

371 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to enhance the dairy hygiene scheme to include feeding systems and increased thresholds for milking equipment and milk tanks. [18149/08]

The Farm Improvement Scheme (FIS) introduced in 2007 extended grant-aid to feeding systems and increased the specific investment ceilings for milking machines and bulk milk tanks from €16,000 to €40,000 for milking machines and to €25,000 for bulk milk tanks.

Animal Diseases.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

372 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a new herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases. [18150/08]

My Department is actively working with relevant stakeholders to progress a herd health initiative to deal with non — regulated diseases and conditions in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The initiative has been proposed to enable Ireland achieve international best practice in the area of animal health and is intended to complement existing animal health programmes.

My officials have had discussions with the principal stakeholders, including farming organisations and representatives of industry, service providers and relevant state agencies and all have indicated their broad support for the initiative. Following on this, formal proposals were circulated to the stakeholders inviting them to indicate if they can support the initiative and its intended objectives and seeking commitments from them to funding. I am satisfied that there is a genuine commitment by all parties to work together on this initiative to improve animal health. A number of those contacted have already responded positively to the formal proposals circulated and we are awaiting definitive responses from the remaining stakeholders.

Sheep Industry.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

373 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to fully implement the recommendations of the Sheep Industry Strategy Group. [18151/08]

The Sheep Strategy Implementation Group reported in April 2007 and addressed the various recommendations of the Sheep Industry Strategy Group. The Implementation Group recognised that many of the recommendations fell to be implemented by the industry itself but my Department and the state agencies under my aegis are also playing an active role. Progress is being made in implementing the recommendations. Some have already being implemented whereas work is continuing on others. The following paragraphs set out the position regarding those recommendations specifically directed at my Department and related agencies:

Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure specially targeted at sheep farmers has been introduced and development of this measure is being kept under review. Plans for the upgrading of a Sheep Genetic Improvement Programme are well advanced and I hope that agreement can be reached and a new programme put in place for the 2008/2009 sheep breeding year.

My Department has recently facilitated trials on mechanical grading for sheep and the results will be assessed in the coming months. Farmer confidence in the pricing system operated by plants will be improved if mechanical grading can be introduced and this should result in efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market.

Teagasc has developed a comprehensive plan to restructure their sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which includes hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity for developing a dialogue with sheep farmers about the application of the latest management practices to their enterprises and identify research and development needs.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established by Bord Bia in 2007. Some 6,000 farms have been registered and over 4,200 farm audits have been carried out. In 2007 the Department made available €0.4m to support inspections under the scheme and this funding was repeated in 2008.

In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, promotional efforts are very necessary. Bord Bia will continue to organise strategic marketing campaigns in selected European markets. The downward trend in lamb consumption in certain markets presents a real challenge. To address this, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts on a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the very important French market to promote lamb to younger consumers.

Food Safety.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

374 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to assist and expand the quality assurance schemes in the cereals, pigmeat and poultry sectors. [18152/08]

The poultry and eggs quality assurance schemes are working well and have helped to alleviate consumer concerns as regards the sourcing and quality of product. In excess of 80% of eggs sold at retail level are covered by the Egg Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) which is accredited to EN45011 which is the European standard for bodies operating certification systems such as quality assurance schemes. This QAS is being currently updated to include hygiene legislation for both packers and producers. This year Bord Bia plans to upgrade the chicken QAS to EN45011. The Pigmeat QAS also operates under the provisions of EN45011 which includes independent inspection and certification. Bord Bia plan to increase the number of farmers who are participating in the pigmeat scheme.

The Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) assures customers that grain is produced, handled, stored and transported according to a defined Code of Practice. Almost 6,000 cereals producers are now participating in the scheme, which accounts for approximately 90% of grain traded in Ireland. My Department is supportive of the scheme and has engaged in discussions with the Cereal Association of Ireland concerning their aim of achieving EN45011 accreditation for the scheme. Teagasc carries out assessments of merchant members of the scheme.

Forestry Sector.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

375 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the forestry premium levels and ensure by 2012, that a minimum of 30% broadleaf will be planted annually. [18153/08]

The annual forestry premium increased by 15% from 2007, with a maximum payment of up to €574 per hectare per annum paid over 20 years. Under the new FEPS an additional premium of up to €200 per hectare for five years is available to farmers in REPS who join FEPS.

The target of 30% broadleaf planting has been achieved in 2005 and 2006 and this broadleaf planting target remains in place for the 2007-2013 programming period. The incentives for broadleaf planting continue with higher premiums payable for broadleaf species.

Grant Payments.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

376 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the forest environmental payments scheme pilot underway with a view to a full roll out in the years ahead. [18154/08]

Following a full review and consultation with the sector, the Forest Environmental Payments Scheme (FEPS) has been amended and has been rolled out as an established scheme. The threshold of 8 hectares has been reduced to 5 hectares for small farms (less than 30ha), attracting a €150/ha rate for plantations between 5 and 8 ha, and €200/ha thereafter. At the other end of the scale, a standard rate of €200/ha will apply for all plantations irrespective of the size of the farm on which they are established; before this a sliding scale applied, whereby the FEPS payment reduced progressively in line with the relevant REPS payment.

Proposed Legislation.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

377 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to initiate a review of the Forestry Acts and programmes to reflect sustainable social and environmental objectives. [18155/08]

The review of the main elements of the 1946 Forestry Act has now been completed and draft Heads of a Forestry Bill have been prepared. The draft Scheme of the Forest Bill, along with the Screening Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and Memorandum for Government have been prepared and will be submitted to Government shortly for approval to send to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. Any additional amendments of existing forestry legislation will be considered subsequently.

Farmers Markets.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

378 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to encourage more direct selling from farmer to customers by restoring and promoting a national network of farmers markets. [18156/08]

Bord Bia as part of its function to promote marketing opportunities continually assists producers and market organisers on sales, marketing, product development, consumer aspects. It has taken the lead in publishing a guide on ‘Alternative Routes to Market'. This provides step-by-step plans, checklists and guidelines to assist growers and food entrepreneurs who wish to set up in business through farmers' markets, farm shops and box schemes. The Guide was launched at the National Conference on Local Food in Mullingar organised by my Department and Bord Bia in October 2007.

Over 100 farmers markets operate throughout the country and in December 2007, Bord Bia and my Department surveyed the organisers of Farmers' Markets to monitor progress and highlight any issues which need to be addressed. The findings of the survey were presented at a Local Authority Forum on Farmers Markets in January which brought together key representatives — Mayors, Local Authority Managers, Cathaoirligh, and Town Clerks — from local authorities to discuss direct routes to market for local food and, in particular, farmers' markets. Examples were also presented of markets operating in Ireland, UK and France. Discussions have since taken place at inter-Departmental level and a group will shortly be established to work on draft guidelines for local authority farmers markets and to consult widely to promote a common approach to assist authorities and small local food producers. Teagasc has also established a training programme for "Direct Selling" designed to meet the needs of traders involved in farmers markets.

Bord Bia has worked with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop the exceptionally successful Farmleigh market model, which has been used seasonally on Fota and in the JFK arboretum, and is working with Dublin City Council on the Smithfield market project. An all-Ireland St Patrick's Day food market was held in Covent Garden London on 15th & 16th March 2008. Some 50 artisan producers took space in the market selling farmhouse cheeses, traditional breads, smoked fish, and luxury confectionery. Bord Bia is also promoting Farmers Markets through sponsorship of the 2008 RTE television series ‘Fresh from the Farmers Market'. This will feature 16 markets and 24 producers from around the country providing the public and producers with experiences of the real opportunities in this area.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 358.

Food Industry.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

380 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement policies to ensure Ireland’s clean and green food marketing image is protected and actively promoted. [18158/08]

Bord Bia continues to operate Quality Assurance Schemes for beef, lamb, pigmeat, poultry and eggs. At present there are more than 25,000 certified farms in the Beef Quality Assurance Scheme and close to 4,000 members in the Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme. Horticulture schemes are also in place. Deputies will have seen the increasing display of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance logo on a range of produce.

The Suckler Welfare Scheme introduced by my Department and the exceptional take-up by producers have the potential to demonstrate to international buyers even further the standards underlying Ireland's clean and green food and the commitment of all stakeholders to maintaining those standards. Bord Bia continues to bring food companies together with targeted buyers internationally and to highlight via market/sector specific publications the strengths of Ireland the Food Island.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

381 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the regional food forum concept to develop a forum through which researchers, producers, processors and consumers may engage and interact. [18159/08]

The Regional Food Forum initiative was launched by my Department to build closer links between state agencies and food businesses and to develop regional and local foods. The Fora showcased local food and drinks products, research was presented on emerging market opportunities, regional food business and agency directories were published and successful local food entrepreneurs generously shared their experiences. In 2007 two Regional Food Fora were held in the West (Claregalway) and the South West Forum (Cork) regions completing the series of six. The earlier fora were in the North-West (Killybegs), the North-East (Carrickmacross), Midlands (Port Laoise) and South-East (Kilkenny). The positive response from small, speciality and artisan businesses attending was borne out by a qualitative survey conducted by Bord Bia. The survey was an input into the decision to hold a National Conference on Local Food.

The National Conference on Local Food held in Mullingar in November 2007 was a joint initiative by my Department and Bord Bia and aimed to raise awareness of local food, provide practical information for those involved in local food production and address some of the issues highlighted at the Regional Food Fora. The audience comprised local food producers, relevant producer associations and organisations, key opinion formers and influencers, industry representative bodies and relevant state agencies. Some 250 people attended.

In February 2008 an Artisan Industry Committee was established under the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan complementing the other industry, agency and research groupings and providing a structure for the sector and the Department to examine issues to promote regional and local food strengths. The widening of the membership of the Department's Consumer Liaison Panel announced on 5 May, will maximise consumer input into the Department's activities having regard to increased attention on food production and agri-environmental matters.

Waste Management.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

382 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide supports to facilitate and ensure the implementation of EU Directives on water, waste, nitrates and integrated pollution. [18160/08]

Waste management is primarily a matter for the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The control authorities for water, nitrates and integrated pollution are the Environmental Protection Agency and/or local authorities.

Under the cross-compliance arrangements operated by my Department for certain schemes, including the Single Payment Scheme, checks on farms are undertaken for compliance with the requirements of the nitrates regulations. The Department has also taken steps to assist farmers meet their obligation under the Regulations, such as the publication of an Explanatory Handbook, information meetings for farmers and providing statements of nitrogen and phosphorus produced on farms.

In addition, a revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive. Under the Scheme, grant-aid is available at a standard rate of 60% (70% in the four Zone C counties) to farmers who complete investment works under the Scheme. 48,580 applications were received from farmers under the Scheme and, to date this year, €68 million has been paid out to farmers under the Scheme, compared to €114 million in the calendar year 2007.

Agricultural Colleges.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

383 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to invest in agricultural colleges and restructure the environment through which they are supported. [18162/08]

A review of college infrastructure was undertaken by an outside consultancy body and was finalised early in 2008 and agreed by the Teagasc Authority. Four colleges (three Teagasc colleges and one private college), were prioritised in terms of future capital expenditure. The remaining four colleges of which three are private colleges and one Teagasc college will be required to deliver the overall Teagasc Education Programme and together with Teagasc senior management are agreeing a work programme to ensure their future viability.

Grant Payments.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

384 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if arrangements have been made, similar to previous years, for the acceptance of area aid forms in the Loughrea and Tuam Agricultural Environment and Structures office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18195/08]

I am very anxious that all those farmers who have still not submitted their 2008 Single Payment application would do so immediately. I am concerned that so many applications are still outstanding from farmers who made an application in 2007. There is absolutely no scope to extend Thursday's closing date, which is the latest date for receipt of applications allowed under the governing EU rules. I urge all farmers to complete their application form and return it immediately in the envelope provided. The form can be posted to the address on that envelope to reach my Department no later this Thursday, 15 May, or it can be handed in to any of my Department's offices around the country, including those mentioned by the Deputy, up to close of business on that day.

As a further help to farmers to meet Thursday's deadline, I am arranging that all Department offices, including those mentioned by the Deputy, will remain open until 9 pm on Thursday next to accept applications. I cannot stress enough the importance of the application being submitted on time, not only in the context of the Single Payment, but also for farmers who are applicants under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the REPS Schemes, Energy Crops Scheme and Protein Crops Scheme as these farmers are obliged to submit a Single Payment application by the 15 May deadline.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

385 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure farmers, who for personal reasons, wish to have their payments under the single payments scheme posted to their home address as usual, can continue to do so. [18246/08]

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

386 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience it will cause elderly farmers if their payments are paid directly into the bank, especially with the closure of many branch offices in rural towns (details supplied) and the lack of rural transport. [18247/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.

At present, farmers can choose to have their payments made by cheque or electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account and this situation will continue during the 2008 EU financial year which ends on 15 October. However, as and from the 2009 EU financial year commencing on 16th October 2008, payment by cheque will no longer be permitted under EU rules on the financing and management of the Common Agricultural Policy. From that date, my Department is required to make all payments under EU funded or co-funded schemes, including the Single Payment Scheme, directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. As the designated paying agency for EU funds, my Department is obliged to implement this new requirement.

My Department has notified the new requirement to farmers on a number of occasions over the past year and did so again in the past two weeks or so. A very large number of farmers have now ‘signed up' for electronic funds transfer. Farmers who have not yet done so still have a number of months in which either to open a bank account or to notify my Department of the details of existing bank accounts. I will be urging all farmers to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible so as to avoid disruption to their payments.

My officials have briefed the banks on the new requirement and have also met with Postbank which I understand is launching a new current account which will facilitate the electronic transfer of funds for farmers and which can be opened and operated through the Post Office network. My Department will also arrange payments to accounts in any Credit Unions which has the facility to process electronic transfers.

My Department will continue to issue a remittance note to each farmer in respect of all electronic payments setting out the amount and details of their payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

387 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on issuing a partial payment to REP scheme four 2008 applicants as farmers had been reliant on this money and that at least in 2009, applicants would be more prepared for the payment to issue in late autumn. [18253/08]

The European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.

The Commission agreed that payments under REPS 2 and REPS 3 could continue to be made at the beginning of each contract year, as before, but insisted that the new rules must apply from the outset to participants in REPS 4. I believe that there is no prospect of securing any further concessions.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

388 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on issuing even a partial payment to a REP scheme four applicant (details supplied) in County Mayo with the remainder of their payment issuing later in 2008. [18254/08]

The European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.

The Commission agreed that payments under REPS 2 and REPS 3 could continue to be made at the beginning of each contract year, as before, but insisted that the new rules must apply from the outset to participants in REPS 4. I believe that there is no prospect of securing any further concessions.

Land Acquisitions.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

389 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when files of Irish Land Commission estate distributions will be released for research and inspection. [18274/08]

The files of the former Land Commission are retained in the Records Branch of my Department, which is currently located in the National Archives Building in Bishop Street. These files have not been formally handed over to the National Archives as they contain title documentation of all land acquired by the former Commission for distribution under the Land Purchase Acts. My officials regularly access these files to service queries from the public relating to current and past transactions involving the former Land Commission.

Certified copies of title documents are issued to vendors or purchasers their successors in title or their respective solicitors under Order XIX of Statutory Instrument No 341 of 1939. Access to these documents is also governed by Statutory Instrument No 230 of 1964.

Personal and other information contained in the files is also accessible under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts. There are no plans at present to make the files generally available for research purposes. However, limited access may be made available following application to the Legal Services Division of my Department.

Harbours and Piers.

John Deasy

Ceist:

390 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide the additional funding required for the completion of Boat Cove at Ardmore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18559/08]

Boat Cove at Ardmore, Co Waterford is owned by Waterford County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department provided funding of €106,860 towards the raising of the deck at this location in 2000 as well as a further €47,656 in funding in 2005.

In December 2007, my Department invited Waterford County Council to submit its proposals for inclusion in the Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008. No application was however received in respect of the above mentioned location.

Any future applications submitted by Waterford County Council in respect of Boat Cove or any other location will be given due consideration based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.

School Curriculum.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

391 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a new syllabus for leaving certificate agricultural science. [18161/08]

Work on a revised syllabus for Agricultural Science has largely been completed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). However, the assessment arrangements for the revised syllabus have not yet been finalised as they will have to be considered in the context of the assessment of other senior cycle science subjects, including the introduction of a second assessment component.

Medical Education.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

392 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the Fottrell Report recommendations on undergraduate places in medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18344/08]

A programme of reform and expansion of undergraduate medical education and training commenced in 2006 following the acceptance by the Government of the report entitled "Medical Education in Ireland A new Direction" ( the Fottrell Report) published jointly by the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science. The measures being implemented under the programme include an increase in the intake of Irish/EU medical students, changes to the entry criteria for medical courses, the introduction of a graduate entry programme and curriculum reform.

The Fottrell Report recommended an increase in Irish/EU places in medicine from 305 to 725 over a four year period. The increased intake is being achieved through the provision of an additional 180 undergraduate places and the introduction of a new programme of graduate entry to medicine which will provide 240 places. In the 2006/07 academic year, an additional 70 undergraduate places were provided amongst the existing five medical schools and an additional 40 places were provided in the 2007/08 academic year. A further 35 places will be provided in 2008/09 and again in 2009/10.

The programme of graduate entry to medicine has commenced in the current academic year with 60 new places created. A further 60 graduate places will be provided in the 2008/09 academic year and the graduate stream will grow to 240 places by 2010/2011. This includes 95 places in a new medical school which has been established at the University of Limerick, bringing the total number of medical schools to six.

The reforms in medical education which have been agreed with the universities and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland include a new entry mechanism to undergraduate medical education to be introduced from 2009 to replace the current selection system. The new selection process will be open to all students who achieve a threshold level of 480 points and meet matriculation requirements. In addition it will include a medical school admissions test that complements the Leaving Certificate examination by assessing a range of general and personal skills and competencies. Weighted credit will be given for performance in the Leaving Cert up to 550 points, with significantly moderated credit for any points above 550.

The new selection criteria are designed to provide students who reach the threshold of 480 points in the Leaving Certificate with a reasonable prospect of achieving the entry standard based on strong performance in the admission test. More details of the revised entry criteria will be available shortly.

The Fottrell Report highlighted the need to enhance investment in medical education and training to meet the standards of training expected internationally and in response significant investment has been committed under the National Development Plan. Some €32m of extra dedicated funding has been provided since 2006 for medical education through the Higher Education Authority to support the expansion programme and to provide for the employment of academic clinicians and curriculum reform.

Adult Education.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

393 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to enable more older people to attend college through the enhanced availability of mature student places and the introduction of a new system of means-tested free fees for third level education. [18588/08]

Over the seven years of the NDP €13 billion will be invested under the Human Capital Priority to develop the capacity of the higher education sector to meet a number of key national objectives, including that of increasing the numbers of students participating in the sector.

Levels of mature student participation have seen an unprecedented growth from just 4.5% of full-time new entrants in 1998 to 12.8% in 2006-07. In fact, over the three academic years from 2004-05 to 2006-07, there has been a 29% increase in the number of mature students taking up places in the universities and institutes of technology. In that suite of institutions alone there are now over 4,100 mature students commencing undergraduate studies each year.

In addition to the core funding of institutions, innovative new initiatives on the part of third level institutions to increase levels of access and lifelong learning are also being supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). Over the course of the NDP it is planned that €510 million will be allocated to third level institutions through this fund. This funding is supporting some interesting new collaborations on the part of networks of higher-education institutions focusing on the needs of learners from disadvantaged communities.

A number of projects aim to significantly increase part-time and flexible learning opportunities for adults who wish to develop their levels of education and skills. The National Access Office are currently developing a new action plan which run concurrently with the National Development Plan (from 2008-2013). The plan will examine emerging issues and challenges, including progression from further to higher education. It will highlight ongoing and new areas of action, including work with institutions on the development of an ‘access plan' as an integral element of the overall strategic planning process. The National Access Office will propose new national targets for participation in higher education. Strategies to support the achievement of those targets will be linked to the allocation of funding by the HEA.

The implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses will be considered over the life time of the Government. In relation to the commitment on part time fees in paragraph 7.9 of Towards 2016, my Department and the HEA have initiated the process of developing proposals for a targeted fund, to be financed from the National Training Fund, to support workers pursuing part-time courses at third level in public institutions.

In developing criteria for the operation of the fund regard will be given to the following objectives:targeting people in work who have not had the opportunity to pursue third level education previously to level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework; reducing the amount of fees that workers pay; maintaining the current benefits in relation to employer support and tax relief available to workers in respect of third level fees; and allowing for a part refund to be paid on successful completion of each academic year of the relevant course.

The criteria for accessing the fund will be developed in close consultation with other stakeholders. My Department will be initiating these consultations in the coming weeks.

UNESCO Property.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

394 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 24 April 2008, he is in a position to provide further and additional information to his initial answer; the books which were destroyed; and the director general’s plans to ensure such an incident does not recur. [18034/08]

The Director-General of UNESCO, in his report to the Executive Board of UNESCO on this issue, did not set out which books were destroyed nor did he specifically state what actions the Secretariat would be putting in place to prevent a re-occurrence.

I have directed my officials to request further information from UNESCO, through Ireland's Permanent Representation to the Organisation in Paris, about the volumes destroyed and the specific processes which will be put in place to prevent a re-occurrence. I will forward the information to the Deputy once I receive it.

Third Level Fees.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

395 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on discussing a deal with his Northern counterpart which would allow students from the South to study free north of the Border, with students from the North being allowed to study free south of the Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18035/08]

Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students, including those from Northern Ireland and other EU Member States, who are attending approved undergraduate third-level courses in the State. There are no plans to extend this initiative to cover third level institutions in Northern Ireland.

Under my Department's Higher Education Grant Schemes, maintenance grants are available to eligible students pursuing approved undergraduate courses in other EU Member States, including Northern Ireland. In general, approved courses are those pursued in a third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. However the payment of undergraduate tuition fees under these schemes does not extend to approved courses outside the State and there are no plans to change this position at present.

It is understood however that students attending Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland and who are ordinarily resident in a Member State of the European Union will be eligible for a fee loan from the Northern Ireland Authorities up to the amount charged by the Higher Education Institution. Further clarification can be sought by the individual from Department of Employment and Learning in the Northern Ireland. The e-mail address is studentfinance@delni.gov.uk.

Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 also provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states.

Teaching Qualifications.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

396 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will quantify the number of teachers teaching here who gained their qualifications in another jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18036/08]

The recognition and registration of teachers in Ireland is a function of the Teaching Council. The Teaching Council is obliged to establish and maintain a register of teachers and this database is capable of providing statistics on registered teachers in various disciplines and sectors and on the qualifications of registered teachers. However, it is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy at this stage as the establishment of the Register of Teachers is ongoing and as a number of teachers have not responded to correspondence requesting details of their qualifications.

Educational Disadvantage.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

397 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the announcement on 28 March 2008, the 20 DEIS schools in Limerick that have been offered funding to stay open after hours, at weekends and during holidays; the way these schools were identified; the amount of money offered to each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/08]

One of the four funding measures that have been approved for support under the 2008 Dormant Account Fund Educational Disadvantage Programme is a scheme to enable up to 22 DEIS Urban Band 1 Schools in Limerick City to open after school hours. A total of €1.7m has been allocated to the scheme.

This scheme had been developed as part of my Department's response to the education-related recommendations contained in John Fitzgerald's report, ‘Addressing issues of Social Exclusion in Moyross and other disadvantaged areas of Limerick City: Report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion', which were accepted fully by the Government.

The scheme aims to support up to 22 DEIS Band 1 schools in Limerick City to enable them to make their school premises and facilities available to children and the wider community after school hours, at the weekend and during school holidays. The names of the schools are included in the lists following. The intention is that the school premises would be available for a wide range of activities, including homework clubs, drama, art and craft, adult literacy and sports.

Eligible schools will be able to apply for a once–off capital grant of up to €25,000 to cover the additional cost incurred to make the premises suitable for use out of school hours. The schools can also apply for a grant of up to €26,000 per annum for a period of two years to cover additional operating costs.

Preparatory works to roll out this scheme are at an advanced stage and my Department hopes to be in a position to invite the eligible schools to apply for the funding before the end of this month.

List of post primary schools in the School support programme (SSP) under the DEIS action plan for eductional inclusion

Roll No.

Name

Address

County

64200R

Coláiste Mhichil

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

64250J

Presentation Secondary School

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

64280S

Salesian Secondary School

Fernbank, Limerick

Limerick

64290V

Ardscoil Mhuire

Corbally, Limerick

Limerick

71920T

St Nessan’s Community College (VEC)

Moylish Park, Limerick

Limerick

91446G

St Endas Community School

Kilmallock Rd, Limerick

Limerick

Lists of primary schools in the School Support Programme (SSP) under the DEIS action plan for educational inclusion.

Roll No

Urban

School Name

Address

County

00570R

Urban

Mhuire Naofa Cailíní

Mhuire Naofa, Limerick

Limerick

06936R

Urban

St John NS Convent

Cathedral Place, Limerick City

Limerick

15320C

Urban

St Michaels NS

CBS Grounds, Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

16715H

Urban

St John The Baptist Boys N S

Downey Street, Pennywell, Limerick

Limerick

16910F

Urban

Scoil Iosagáin

Sraid Seasnain, Limerick

Limerick

17445J

Urban

Scoil Lile Naofa

Kileely, Limerick

Limerick

17737W

Urban

Our Lady Queen of Peace School

Janesboro, Limerick

Limerick

17941V

Urban

St Munchins G N S

Ballynanty, Limerick

Limerick

17942A

Urban

Scoil Mhainchin Buach

Bothar Siolbroin, Limerick

Limerick

19372S

Urban

South Hill N S

South Hill, Limerick

Limerick

19667O

Urban

Our Lady Of Lourdes N S

Rosbrien, Limerick

Limerick

19830W

Urban

Corpus Christi N S

Moyross, Limerick

Limerick

19931F

Urban

Gaelscoil Sheoirse

Clancy, An Cnoc Theas, Luimneach

Limerick

20018H

Urban

Maria King Presentation Primary

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

20184B

Urban

Galvone NS

Kennedy Park, Limerick City

Limerick

20185D

Urban

St Marys Boys NS

Island Road, Limerick

Limerick

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

398 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the announcement on 28 March 2008, the number of DEIS schools that have been contacted by his Department in respect of the provision of assistance to achieve digital school status; the way these schools were chosen; the proposed financial assistance which will enable those schools to upgrade information and communication technology equipment and purchase new computers, laptops, printers, digital cameras or enhance their network capacity; if financial assistance has been provided to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18048/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the announcement of 28th March last indicated that details of the schemes under the Dormant Accounts Fund and Rapid Leverage Fund would be announced at a future date. In relation to the Fund to assist up to 100 DEIS schools achieve Digital School Status, my officials are finalising the scheme arrangements with the National Centre for Technology in Education and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the Fund in the near future.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

399 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the announcement on 28 March 2008, the number of the 130 DEIS schools that have been contacted to date in relation to the proposed library enhancement programme; the way these schools were selected; the amount of funding each school has received to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/08]

Among the priority funding measures approved for support in 2006/2007 under the Educational Disadvantage category of the Dormant Account Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund was a scheme addressing educational infrastructure in disadvantaged schools. Eligibility for the scheme was restricted to primary and post primary schools participating in my Department's DEIS programme, schools in, or serving, RAPID areas and special schools.

The scheme consists of four measures and a number of sub-measures. The four measures are: Outdoor Play Facilities, Libraries, Parent Rooms and Dining Areas. Schools were allowed to submit prioritised proposals under each of the measures. Due to the volume of applications received, the assessment process has had to be carried out on a phased basis. Under previous funding rounds, 447 outdoor play facilities and 146 library enhancement projects have been approved for a total of €11.26 million in grant aid.

€20.5 million has been made available to fund the scheme under the 2006 and 2007 Dormant Accounts Programmes. In March, 2008, the Government announced that a further €4 million of funding, consisting of €2 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund and €2 million from the RAPID Leverage Fund, would be made available to fund a further tranche of library enhancement projects that could not be included in the first tranche due to insufficient funding being available.

Further library enhancement proposals have now been assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Dormant Accounts Board Disbursement Plan 2006-2009 and the applications rated as meriting funding have been determined. The general criteria applied to the assessment of such proposals are:

1. Evidence of need

2. Evidence of capacity

3. Consistency with Government policy programme and objectives

4. Evidence of additionality

5. Strength of proposal

6. Consideration of sustainability

In accordance with Dormant Accounts legislation, Government approval for funding the recommended projects will be sought by my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the near future. Following approval, my Department will write to the schools concerned to advise them of the outcome of their applications.

Schools Building Projects.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

400 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20; when the school authorities including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at a very advanced stage of the architectural planning process.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, 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.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

401 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; when the school authorities including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last. [18067/08]

It is proposed to provide an extension to the school to which the Deputy refers.

Revised schedules of accommodation have been forwarded to the VEC for acceptance. Once the schedules have been accepted, the question of the appointment of the design team will arise and this will be considered in the context of the Department's school building and modernisation programme.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

402 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; when the school authorities, including, the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/08]

Agreement has been reached to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers on a V.E.C. owned site. The site was recently master planned to ascertain if it would be feasible to facilitate both this school and two other all-Irish schools on the site.

With the completion of the masterplan, progress on the project can now be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

403 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; when the school authorities, including, the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers is currently operating in temporary accommodation on a site that is in the ownership of Co. Dublin VEC. The Department is in consultation with the VEC on the possibility of using this site, together with an additional portion of VEC lands, to cater for this school's long term accommodation needs. A study has been conducted to determine the feasibility of this proposal. Delivery of permanent accommodation for the school in question will be considered in the context of the Department's Building and Modernisation Programme.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

404 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; when the school authorities, including, the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/08]

The Deputy will be aware from Minister Hanafin's recent announcement that Educate Together was granted provisional recognition to establish the school referred to. The Department intends to provide accommodation for that school on lands currently in the process of being acquired in Lucan, Co. Dublin.

My Department in the context of Lucan's rapidly developing status is providing as phase I, an 8 classroom school with appropriate ancillary space on the site to accommodate the school from September 2008. When the new school building is fully developed it will comprise 16 mainstream classrooms and appropriate ancillary space as per Department guidelines.

The patron of the school has been informed.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

405 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of the new schools which he has announced for Kilcolgan-Clarenbridge, Ballinasloe, Tuam and Carraroe; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed in each case; and the length of time he expects the construction period to last in the different projects. [18095/08]

Newly established schools are generally required to undergo a period of provisional recognition, during which the operation of the school and the growth of pupil numbers are monitored. Among the factors to be considered is the long-term viability of the school, current and projected enrolments and suitability of accommodation.

During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to acquire a site and provide a permanent school building. Interim accommodation must comply at all times with planning, fire and health and safety and building regulations.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

406 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied); when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/08]

The Department is exploring as an option the provision of a new building on the existing school site. The further progression of the acquisition of the site and the associated building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when a new school building will be available.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

407 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which has applied for funding for much needed additional classroom facilities. [18107/08]

A grant was sanctioned in March 2007 to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and modernise their school. This scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project.

I understand that construction is due to commence during the summer holidays and the initial portion of the grant will be paid to the school at that stage.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

408 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the payment of grant aid to a primary school (details supplied). [18122/08]

A grant was sanctioned in March 2007 for the school in question to enable the management authority to extend and modernise their school. The Scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project.

I understand that construction work is due to commence in the next few weeks and the initial payment of the grant will then be paid to the school.

Computerisation Programme.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

409 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the €250 million announced in January 2007 under the National Development Plan for the provision of technology in schools; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread interest in this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18125/08]

The National Development Plan provides for investment of €252m in a comprehensive new ICT in Schools strategy over the period of the plan from 2007-2013. The new strategy will address the upgrading and renewal of hardware, the provision of software and digital content for learning, teacher professional development, curriculum development, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools and technical maintenance and support requirements. The Strategy Planning Group appointed to advise on the prioritisation of measures under the planned investment over the period of the NDP has reported and the Group's Report will be published shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

410 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/08]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school in question. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area was carried out in order to inform the determination of the long term projected staffing on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. This has been finalised and notified to the school. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, 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.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

411 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Cork: when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/08]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the Management Authority of the school referred to by Deputy.

Applications for large scale capital funding are assessed and banded in accordance with published prioritisation criteria. These criteria were agreed following consultation with the Education Partners. The progression of individual projects, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project in question.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

412 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will accept a deputation from a school (details supplied) in County Cork with regard to the provision of a new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18203/08]

Schedules of overall accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers have been agreed with Co. Cork Vocational Education Committee to cater for a long term enrolment of 325 pupils. 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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on this project.

School Accommodation.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

413 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of school-going children in County Laois educated in prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18214/08]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

414 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabs that comprise part of school facilities in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18215/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 413 and 414 together.

My Department is currently working on compiling a database which will provide the type of information the Deputy has requested. Work on this database is underway as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken.

Information will be collated on approximately 900 schools which have received approval from the Department to rent temporary accommodation, including but not limited to prefabs.

This will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area. This work is well advanced and I anticipate it will be completed shortly.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

415 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be making a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied); when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; the length of time he envisages that the school will continue to use prefab buildings; his views on the school planning more prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18240/08]

The Department has agreed a long-term plan for the development of the school referred to by the Deputy. A proposed Schedule of Overall Accommodation for the school was recently sent to the school authorities for their consideration and the Department is currently awaiting a reply in this regard.

The Department is also in the process of arranging a technical site visit to the school and will be in contact with the school authorities further on this matter shortly.

The Department has sanctioned the provision of additional temporary accommodation for this school to cater for its immediate accommodation needs pending the provision of additional permanent accommodation. The decision regarding the provision of permanent accommodation for this school will be made in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

416 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 270 autism units established by his Department within primary schools that have more than a ratio of one teacher and two special needs assistants to six children; the number that have more than six children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18248/08]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs, including autism.

Special classes for children with autism are staffed by a teacher and a minimum of 2 SNAs for every 6 children. Additional SNAs may be sanctioned depending on the needs of individual pupils.

I have arranged for the Deputy's request for information to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

417 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will release funding for an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the fact that school have raised their share of contribution. [18273/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, 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.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

418 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4,000 and the staffing schedule to be reduced from a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 pupils by 2007/2008, by one point a year, to one for every 24 pupils by 2010/2011. [18349/08]

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.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to provide 4,000 additional primary teachers between 2007 and 2012. With the extra teachers already put in place this year and those provided for in the Budget, we are ahead of target with about 2,000 extra primary teachers to be delivered within just two years.

Over the lifetime of the Government, we are committed to providing more primary school teachers specifically 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.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

419 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to prioritise reductions in the size of classes in the core subjects of Irish, English and maths at second level. [18350/08]

Teacher allocations to second level 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 Certificate courses and Leaving Certificate Applied. The rules for allocating 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 school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.

Significant improvements have been made in the staffing of our second level schools in recent years. In the 2001/2002 school year, there were approximately 24,477 wholetime equivalent teaching posts allocated to second level schools. For 2006/2007, the corresponding figure is 25,454 wholetime equivalent posts.

This increase in staffing has dramatically improved the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The pupil teacher ratio has fallen from 13.9:1 in the 2001/2002 school year to 13.13:1 in the 2006/2007 school year.

Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options including Irish, English and Maths having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector.

Teaching Qualifications.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

420 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to reform the initial teacher training programmes, ensure that all teacher-training colleges reserve places for students from disadvantaged areas, and prioritise high quality in-career professional development for teachers and principals. [18351/08]

The Deputy may be aware that the Teaching Council has a statutory role in relation to the review of standards required for entry into the teaching profession, including the standards of knowledge, skill and competence required for the practice of teaching. The Council has begun its work in relation to this review and will produce a Strategy for initial teacher education. To this end, the Council held a series of consultation for a for stakeholders in education in February of this year, and the Council will continue to consult with education partners, including my Department, over the course of their work. I look forward to receiving the Council's Strategy in due course.

Regarding the reservation of places for students from disadvantaged areas, all of the Colleges of Education have a direct entry scheme for such applicants. The intake of students via this stream of entry to initial teacher education programmes has admittedly been low, this is due to a number of factors including low numbers of applicants and the fact that some students from disadvantaged areas apply successfully for teacher education programmes via the ‘normal' route. My Department will continue to monitor the intake of students from disadvantaged areas in the Colleges of Education and will liaise with the Colleges as necessary. These programmes are reviewed and adapted on an ongoing basis to address the evolving nature of the education system and the factors affecting teachers on the ground.

My Department will continue to prioritise high quality in-career professional development for teachers and principals. There are a range of national programmes in place to support teachers' professional and personal development covering such diverse areas as curricular or syllabus change, support for teaching and learning methodologies, improving teachers' competence in the teaching of the Irish language as a communicative tool, child protection, student behavioural issues, development of leadership skills in schools, whole school planning, addressing the teaching of children with special educational needs and so on. In addition, the national network of education centres provides a range of local and summer courses for teachers, which respond to identified needs and advance the quality of teaching and learning generally.

Capitation Grants.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

421 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase day to day funding for schools in real terms and double the capitation grant for primary schools. [18352/08]

I want to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully aware of the funding pressures on schools. The Government is committed to doubling the primary capitation grant by 2012 and to significantly increasing the value of the ancillary services grant that is used by schools for the employment of support staff such as caretakers and secretaries.

These commitments are a direct follow-on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of primary schools in particular.

Since 2001, the standard rate of primary capitation grant has been increased by 86%. In the same period, the value of the ancillary services grant has been almost doubled.

In 2001, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €52,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school today is receiving almost €100,000. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by the Department. By any standards this is a very significant improvement within a relatively short period of time.

In 2008, primary schools are getting €330 per pupil in such grants — €21 more per child than they got last year. At a national level, this adds up to an investment of around €167 million in standard day-to-day funding for schools. In addition to this, enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools.

Extra funding is also being targeted at schools serving disadvantaged communities. Indeed, funding for additional grants for the most disadvantaged schools increased by 15% this year, reflecting the Government's determination to prioritise those that need extra resources the most.

I want to assure the Deputy that this Government has a track record of significantly increasing funding for schools and we will continue to build on this and deliver on our Programme for Government commitment.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

422 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to complete the process of equalisation of funding at second level within two years. [18353/08]

The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.

My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils.

There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2008, the standard per capita grant was increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil.

The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €300,000.

Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector along with those in the VEC sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants.

These significant increases in the funding of post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools. My Department will be considering how best to complete the process of equalisation of funding at second level, as envisaged in the Programme for Government 2007-2012, having regard to available resources.

Water Charges.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

423 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to examine the provision of waste and water allowances to schools, with charges becoming effective after these agreed allowances are exceeded. [18354/08]

As the Deputy is aware, on 4th January 2008, details were announced by Government of the transitional arrangements which will apply for schools water services as part of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. This statement reiterated the Government's commitment to the implementation of the Directive, which has as its objective the promotion of water conservation and the efficient use of water as an important and scarce natural resource.

The legal advice available to the Government is that under the EU Framework Directive all non-domestic users must pay for water used. Schools, like other non-domestic water services users, must pay water charges. This advice also confirms that schools will be required to pay the full cost of water services used on a metered basis with effect from 1st January 2010. The Directive also requires that measures are put in place up to 2010 to move towards full cost recovery.

For the transition period the Government agreed that non-fee paying recognised schools will pay a flat rate per pupil fee as follows:- 2007- €3 per pupil, 2008 — €3.50 per pupil and 2009- €4 per pupil enrolled. For 2007, charges applied based on metering will be recalculated on the transitional flat rate with a credit given for any excess payment.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised local authorities of the detailed arrangements for implementing this decision.

The new arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place the necessary water conservation arrangements and practices and undertake necessary works to ensure that when full water charges are introduced in two years time schools will have significantly reduced their water usage and, by virtue of good water conservation, be in a much stronger position to meet their water charges. Those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.

Water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. A circular has issued from my Department to schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists.

On the issue of waste allowances, progressing that particular strand of the commitment is primarily a matter for my colleague — the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My predecessor was in contact with Minister Gormley on this issue and my Department will of course input to and support as required any work being done by that Department on the commitment.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

424 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a developing areas unit in his Department to liaise with local authorities, identify where new schools are needed and ensure that they are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe. [18356/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit.

Initial work on establishing and assigning dedicated staff to the Unit began in the latter part of 2007 and it is now fully operational.

In terms of its work programme for 2008, the Developing Areas Unit is advancing the delivery of 30 new primary schools which are planned to be in place for September 2008. These projects are being delivered in areas which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. Minister Hanafin announced the details of the individual projects in February.

To deliver its 2008 programme, the Developing Areas Unit has been working closely with relevant Local Authorities on the acquisition of sites and on general pre-planning issues.

Project Managers, together with architectural, engineering and quantity surveying services were recruited from the private sector in October 2007 to prepare the planning applications, undertake the necessary surveys and oversee the delivery of the schools on each site. Sites for each of the projects have been identified and site master-plans have been developed by the technical teams.

An EU tendering process to establish a drawdown contract for the off-site construction of permanent and temporary accommodation has been completed. The successful tenderers for the construction of each individual project have been notified and at this stage, construction of a number of the schools has already commenced. The programme for the delivery of these projects is broadly on target, however, the time-frames are very challenging and risks to the timely delivery of these new schools still exist and are being managed by the Developing Areas Unit.

When taken with a number of other projects in developing areas involving extensions to existing schools, approximately 9,000 additional school places will be provided for September 2008.

In the meantime, the Forward Planning Section of the Department is identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed for 2009 and onwards. This is also being done in close consultation with local authorities. Forward Planning Section's findings will feed into the Developing Areas Unit for further action.

My Department is satisfied that the approach which it is now taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places in rapidly developing areas will, subject to the availability of funding, ensure that those places will be provided when and where they are needed.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

425 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to improve the arrangements for acquiring sites. [18357/08]

The Programme for Government sets out a number of measures in relation to school provision including improving arrangements for the planning for new schools.

My colleague, the Minster for Environment, Heritage and Local Government Minister Gormley published draft planning guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas for public consultation in February which reinforces the need for new development to be phased in line with the availability and provision of essential social and community infrastructure such as schools, amenities and other facilities, and for timely consultation with my Department in relation to new schools needs. Moreover, the draft guidelines state that:

"No substantial residential development should proceed without an assessment of existing schools capacity or the provision of new school facilities in tandem with the development."

In addition, the procedures to be adopted by planning authorities in integrating schools planning issues into their development planning processes are outlined in the Planning Guidelines on Development Plans.

My Department has been developing in partnership with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the City and County Managers Association a code of practice for planning authorities on the provision of schools in the planning system. It is intended that these guidelines will be issued in the coming weeks.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

426 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure the maximum use of the top-class standard designs for primary schools that have been developed to deliver new buildings in the fastest timeframe possible. [18358/08]

The Professional and Technical staff in my Department regularly reviews and update the design of school buildings. A suite of technical guidance documents is available on my Departments website to assist design teams in best practise in the design development of projects and to encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception.

My Department has developed Generic Repeat Designs to reduce the cost, speed up the delivery of new schools particularly in developing areas and ensure that the most up to date technologies are used. This year further design templates are being developed, using appropriate off site construction technologies, for repeatable buildings.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

427 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to prioritise energy efficiency and eco-design in new school buildings. [18359/08]

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to prioritise energy efficiency and eco-design in new school buildings. Indeed my Department has a strong record in developing low energy educational buildings. For the past eight years my Department has been using a process called the DART approach to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. This acronym focuses on four key areas, namely; Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology.

The Department takes a holistic approach and has developed technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents. These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception. There is particular emphasis on elimination of over design, improved thermal envelope design and improved passive solar design, natural ventilation and day lighting along with advanced heating and lighting controls.

It has been demonstrated that all Primary Schools designed and built in line with the above policy and the technical guidance documents can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than international best practice. The performance of my Department in this area has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification and recently by the Taoiseach's Public Service Excellence Awards.

The development of energy efficiency and eco-design will continue to be kept under review to take account of improvements in technology in the market place.

School Facilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

428 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to promote and support the use of school facilities by community groups and other appropriate services and design new schools in order to facilitate multi-use. [18360/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits my Department to promote and support the use of school facilities by community groups and other appropriate services and design new schools in order to facilitate multi-use.

The primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the curriculum. In addition, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level.

However, the Government recognises that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to all school authorities in late 2005 urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes.

Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.

My Department has also progressed a number of school building projects within the Fingal and Adamstown areas of Dublin with local Authority/Developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. I believe this model can be used to advantage across the country in future particularly in the area of shared community facilities. In respect of PPP schools, the contract arrangements provide for school facilities to be available for community use when not required by the school.

My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use. It is of utmost importance that schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that the school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

429 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to abolish the local contribution to building projects and to the rental of accommodation. [18361/08]

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to abolish the local contribution to building projects and to the rental of accommodation.

This matter is currently under consideration.

Schools Refurbishment.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

430 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the minor works grant to improve funding to schools to maintain their buildings in good condition. [18362/08]

In November 2006 the funding for the minor works grant was increased by 44% on the previous year. Around €27m was paid out that year and a similar amount for the 2007/8 school year to primary schools throughout the country to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.

It is intended that the Minor Works Grant for the 2008/2009 school year will be paid in the early part of 2009. The level of grant to be paid under the grant scheme will be considered in that context and in the light of the trend in the cost of building works generally.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

431 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that where the State builds a new school on land which it owns, the building will be in the ownership of his Department. [18363/08]

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to ensure that where the State builds a new school on land which it owns, the building will be in the ownership of the Department of Education.

Those sites that are acquired by my Department for the purposes of providing permanent accommodation for schools are generally green-field sites and the school buildings provided thereon remain in the ownership of the Minister or the relevant VEC. In the case of PPP projects the Minister also retains ownership of both the site and school building.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

432 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the number of release days for teaching principals at primary level and expand the pilot scheme of substitute cover for principals release days. [18364/08]

I am conscious of the workload issues affecting Principal teachers and am aware of the key role they play in determining the shape of our schools.

The scheme of release time for principals enables teaching principals of primary schools to be released from their teaching duties for a specified number of days annually to undertake administrative leadership and management functions. The number of days release time allowed varies between 14 and 22 and is determined by the number of mainstream class teachers in the school. Paid substitution is provided by my Department for the days that Principals are on release time.

In the 2005/2006 school year my Department, following consultation with the relevant education interests, introduced on a pilot basis, a system whereby a fully qualified primary school teacher may be employed to act as a nominated substitute teacher for the Principals in a cluster of schools taking release days. Twenty clusters have been established under the pilot scheme.

As part of the Programme for Government there is a commitment to increase the number of release days for teaching principals and to also expand the pilot scheme for substitute cover for principal release days. It is intended that progress on these commitments will be made during the lifetime of the programme having regard also to the need for overall prudent financial management of the economy.

Teacher Training.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

433 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide improved training options for principals, middle management and aspiring school leaders. [18365/08]

Since 2003 the Leadership Development for Schools Programme (LDS) has expanded the range of supports and services that it offers to school leaders and over 8000 teachers from principals to middle managers have successfully completed LDS module programmes such as Misneach, Spreagagh, Forbairt, Tánáiste, Cumasú and Cothú. This investment has now led us to a point where there are structured professional development opportunities for all school leaders in our system from their point of appointment to day of retirement.

In June 2008 my Department will be launching "Toraíocht" a Programme for Aspiring Leaders. Such a programme is both timely and necessary in the provision of high quality leadership to meet future challenges. The Tóraíocht Programme is designed, delivered and assessed by one of our Programmes LDS (Leadership Development For Schools) and NUI Maynooth. It is an accredited course at post-graduate diploma. The course is open to any teacher, primary or post-primary with a minimum of four years teaching experience who aspires to be a future Principal at some stage of their career. The course will begin in September 2008.

School Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

434 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the role of middle management and put a new system in place. [18366/08]

Discussions in relation to the revised responsibilities of middle management in schools are taking place under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council which is the agreed forum for dealing with pay and conditions of service of teachers. The purpose of these discussions is to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from the management structure in schools to assist school authorities in the running of schools.

Computerisation Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

435 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to maximise the use of information technology to cut down on administration and put a database in place to track primary pupils. [18367/08]

Work on the development of a Learner Database at Primary Level is continuing. A Feasibility Study has been undertaken in relation to the use of a single data portal or gateway to facilitate schools in relation to data transmission to my Department and a number of associated agencies. The results of this Study will be considered along with options for the development of a single Database to cover Primary and Post-Primary. It is expected that the first phase of this will extend to Primary level once the necessary specification, user-testing and training has been undertaken.

The timing of the implementation of the Database depends on available resources and the management of competing priorities. However, in line with the Programme of Government and the Data Strategy of my Department, and taking advantage of the existing Education Services Interactive (esinet) portal already used by schools to access the On-Line Claims System, I am fully committed to the development of such a Database as a means of better quality information on pupils as well as reducing the administrative burden on schools.

School Boards of Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

436 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that the new boards of management that will take up office in late 2007 have access to training and support on a wide range of issues. [18368/08]

In recognition of the responsibility which the Education Act has imposed on Boards of Management and the increasingly complex environment in which they must operate, the Teacher Education Section (TES) of my Department has developed a scheme for the provision of support to school management bodies for the purpose of training and development of boards of management in the discharge of their duties and consistent with national and DES priorities.

This scheme, which is administered through Drumcondra Education Centre has significant input from the representative bodies from both the Primary and Post-Primary Sector. The essential core areas covered in the training are Financial Management, Child Protection Guidelines, Health & Safety and Employment and HR. Other areas to be covered in training include Background Information re: Education System, Role and Function of the Board, How a BOM Operates, Policies and Procedures. The representative bodies may provide training in additional areas which they identify pertaining to their respective areas.

The new boards of management appointed in late 2007, to which the Deputy refers are predominantly in the primary sector. Consequently, a training of trainers session was held earlier this year by the School Development Planning Service, using materials and supports developed by the SDP. This session was tailored for trainers selected by the various primary school management bodies to provide direct training to Boards of Management. A further training for trainers day will be held in the Autumn.

Physical Education Facilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

437 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide a dedicated fund for investment in physical education facilities for schools. [18369/08]

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department provide a dedicated fund for investment in PE facilities for schools.

I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to promoting strong levels of exercise for our children and young people — both in their community and at school. Over €2.6 billion has been provided for school building infrastructure between 2000 and 2006 and a further €4.5 billion is to be invested under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013. Close to €600m of this will be provided this year alone. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension PE facilities are included as an intrinsic part of the design.

At primary level, Physical Education is one of the seven curriculum areas and is an intrinsic element of the Primary School Curriculum. A revised curriculum in physical education at primary level was introduced in September 2005 supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers. The programme provides for six strands of activity — athletics, dance, gymnastics, games, outdoor and adventure activities and aquatics. Five of the strands are outlined for implementation for each of the four class groupings, junior and senior infants, 1st and 2nd class, 3rd and 4th class, and 5th and 6th class. The aquatics strand is designed to be implemented at one or more levels, depending on the availability of facilities. The recommended minimum timeframe set out for PE at primary level is one hour per week. All qualified Primary teachers are qualified to teach the full spectrum of the Primary Curriculum including Physical Education.

The PE curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many primary schools have a general purpose room and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the PE programme. A similar situation with sports halls and outdoor facilities applies at second level. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

Primary schools received €2000 each in PE equipment grants in 2006, at a total cost of €6.5 million. In addition, since 2000 my Department has provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally have a useful life of several years.

The extent and quality of local sports facilities has been improved dramatically in recent years, with more than €450 million invested by the Government since 1998 in over 5,000 projects through the Sports Capital Programme. At the same time, PE, general purpose and outdoor play facilities have been provided for schools all over the country through the School Building Programme.

So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, the Government is 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.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

438 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to make physical education mandatory at second level and put a revised PE curriculum for senior cycle students in place. [18370/08]

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second-level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered in the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non examinable subject at Junior cycle was introduced in post primary schools in September 2003 and implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2005. No implementation dates have been set as yet for further reforms in this area.

Curriculum support services 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 PE Association of Ireland 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.

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.

A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc.

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.

Physical Education Facilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

439 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide physical education equipment grants to schools every three years. [18371/08]

The Government is committed to promoting appropriate levels of exercise for our children and young people. New curricula for PE in primary schools and at Junior Cert level have also been put in place.

Since 2000 my Department has provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally have a useful life of several years.

In addition Primary schools received €2,000 each in PE equipment grants in 2006, at a total cost of €6.5 million. A similar grant of €4,000 per pupil, at an overall cost of around €3 million, issued to post-primary schools in 2007.

The payment of future PE equipment grants will arise for consideration in the context of the funding available for my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. I am not in a position at this stage to say when such grants will be paid.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

440 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the number of guidance counsellors at second level. [18372/08]

My Department makes a specific allocation of teaching posts in respect of guidance to schools in the post-primary system. This allocation is based on the pupil enrolment in September of the preceding school year.

As a result of the decision to allocate an additional 100 posts to guidance from September 2005 an enhanced guidance allocation provision has been put in place from the commencement of the 2005/06 school year. This enhanced provision means that in the case of schools in the Free Education/Block Grant Schemes, the level of allocation ranges from 8 hours per week for schools with enrolments below 200 pupils to 47 hours per week for schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more. The additional posts included provision for a further improvement in the allocation of Guidance hours for post-primary schools participating in the DEIS programme — Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. The allocation for these schools now ranges from 11 hours per week for schools with enrolments below 300 to 55 hours per week for schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to increase the level of guidance within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector.

Road Safety Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

441 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that education is provided in road safety at different stages of the school system, including a specific transition year course. [18373/08]

I believe that schools have a role to play both in teaching students about road safety issues and in helping them to develop the attitudes necessary to promote safe behaviour on the roads.

The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others, can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.

In February of 2007, the Road Safety Authority launched the RSA MACE "Safe to School" campaign at primary level. Due for its second phase in February of this year, the programme is aimed at helping primary school children learn effective road safety lessons. The 2007 campaign covered walking to school safely, in 2008 the campaign is focused around the topic of Cycling to School Safely. A dedicated website, www.safetoschool.ie, has also been launched as part of the campaign.

The Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched in UN Road Safety Week on 24 April 2007. It covers road safety across 9 topics — walking, cycling, seatbelts, airbags, speed, driver fatigue, motor cycle safety, hazard recognition and the engineering aspects of road safety, to be delivered over nine class periods.

In addition, a Road Safety programme for Transition Year, developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second level Support Service is being piloted in schools in the current school year for rollout in the 2008/09 school year.

This programme was launched on 29th April 2007 in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority, and applications have been issued to schools inviting them to participate in the programme from September next.

My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.

Child Abuse Prevention Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

442 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to require all primary schools to implement the Stay Safe child abuse protection programme. [18413/08]

Following the survey of all schools carried out some time ago to establish to what extent the Stay Safe programme was being implemented in schools my Department has been taking a targeted approach to the provision of training.

Two additional primary school teachers were seconded to the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP) in September 2007 to assist with this training which is being directed at those schools that had indicated they are not implementing the programme.

By the end of the 2007/2008 school year over 50% of these schools will have received training. In addition to this targeted training, CAPP continues to offer training and support to all new Designated Liaison Persons (DLPs) and Deputy DLPs.

In the 2007/2008 school year it is anticipated that CAPP will have provided training to approximately 615 schools, over 5,000 teachers and 1,100 special needs assistants.

Student Councils.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

443 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to encourage the establishment of student councils and provide for formal liaison arrangements between them and their respective school’s board of management. [18414/08]

Section 27 of the Education Act 1998 provides that Boards of Management in second level schools shall facilitate and give all reasonable assistance to Student Councils. Student Councils are established in the majority of post-primary schools. It is important not only to ensure that each school has a Student Council which is representative of all students in the school but also that Councils are given a meaningful role in school decision-making.

The Act provides that Boards shall have procedures for the purposes of informing students of the activities of the school and to facilitate the involvement of students in the operation of the school, having regard to the age and experience of the students, in association with their parents and teachers.

An active Student Council can be a most effective way to involve students in the affairs of the school, in cooperation with the board, parents and teachers.

In 2002, my Department issued guidelines on the establishment and operation of Student Councils, ‘Student Councils: A Voice for Students'. In November 2005, a curriculum development project on the setting up and development of Student Councils, entitled Giving Young People a Voice, through the Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) curriculum was established. This was a partnership project between the Office for the Minister for Children and the Curriculum Development Unit of City of Dublin VEC. The Project has assisted and supported schools, teachers and students in the establishment of effective Student Councils in schools through the development and piloting of a teaching and learning resource for the CSPE curriculum. It is important that schools engage with the issues which Student Councils themselves highlight as matters of concern.

In post-primary schools where Student Councils have been established, my Department's Inspectorate meets with the representatives of the students during a whole-school evaluation. This meeting is intended to provide the students' representatives with opportunities to give an account of their participation in school life, their achievements during the year, how they manage meetings, who they communicate with and how and to talk about some of the issues that have been raised at meetings. Students' views are also sought on the atmosphere of the school and the extent to which students are involved in decision-making.

In September 2007 my Department appointed a Student Council Co-ordinator to design and deliver a programme of professional development to respond to identified needs and to support Student Council Liaison teachers and schools involved in establishing and developing effective Student Councils at second-level. The Student Council Co-ordinator works within the CSPE Support Service with specific responsibility for Student Councils.

The second level support service of my Department is providing training at national, regional, local and school level for both the liaison teachers and the Student Councils. The purpose of this training is to develop effective student councils. Support is also being provided to encourage the networking of Student Councils.

In relation specifically to Boards of Management, the advice being delivered at in-service and in schools is that Student Councils should be proactive in engaging with the Boards of Management of their schools.

They should present their reviewed Constitution to the Board of Management for ratification every year, soon after the elections.

The students are being encouraged keep the Board updated on meetings and issues by sending agendas and minutes to the Board through the Secretary which is usually the Principal of a school.

Reports should be sent regularly to the Board and the Student Council should look to meet with the Board a minimum of twice a year, at the beginning and at the end.

Funding applications for needs identified in the school or for the day to day running of the Student Council should also be made directly to the Board.

Student Councils are being encouraged to evaluate the year's work. This would include asking the Board, school staff, students and the parents' associations, to evaluate their engagement with the Council during the year.

Resources are currently being developed to support the Liaison Teachers in their work with the Student Councils one of which will specifically address the practical needs of the Student Council in e.g. how to present and draw up plans, proposals, funding applications, the constitution, reports etc. to the Boards of Management. This resource will be presented to Liaison Teachers at national in-service for consultation and review, prior to dissemination to schools.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

444 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the senior cycle review that is currently being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. [18415/08]

The NCCA proposals for reform envisaged re-structuring of senior cycle programmes into subjects, short courses and Transition Units, a strengthening of practical project and portfolio assessment, a spread of assessment events with subjects having two assessment components, and embedding of key skills into subjects.

In response, the then Minister Mary Hanafin. T.D. welcomed the embedding of core skills, the inclusion of a second assessment component, and the moves to standardise transition units. She asked that change be implemented on a phased basis over a significant period of time, minimising disruption, taking account of logistical and cost factors and system capacity to change. The Minister asked the NCCA to prioritise the reconfiguration of subjects generally within the Leaving Certificate in order to embed key skills, and to provide for a second assessment component. She indicated her concern the TYP should remain as a single year programme for equity reasons. On short courses, she asked the NCCA to develop as an exemplar a short course in Enterprise Education, building on the existing Links Modules, so that the Department could better assess the implementation issues.

The NCCA has established a network to undertake development work with schools. A standardised framework for Transition Unit descriptors has been developed, and organisations are using these as new programme options for TYP are being developed. Reforms are under way in Irish to strengthen oral competence and to increase the proportion of marks for the oral examinations to 40% for all new entrants beginning second level in 2007/8.

Reform in Mathematics Education at junior and senior cycle is also beginning on a phased basis. This will start in 24 project schools with effect from 2008/9, and will begin in mainstream schools from September 2010. The reforms are designed to provide a bridging framework from the revised primary curriculum into second level, promote greater maths literacy across the school population, bring changed emphasis in the mathematics learnt and, in particular, a strong focus on context and applications and problem solving and a greater ICT dimension, encourage greater take up at higher level, and provide a solid foundation which prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering, business or humanities options. For schools involved in the initial implementation from September 2008, students will experience mathematics in a new way. Teachers will be provided with classroom materials to enable them to adopt the new approaches and will be supported professionally in embracing change. These materials and supports will include lesson plans, with teacher guides and student worksheets, on-line exemplars and a range of assessment materials. Examination questions will also be changed for these students.

Recommendations are expected shortly from the NCCA in regard to senior cycle science subjects, and a number of short courses and Transition units. Work is also at an advanced stage in regard to proposals for the subjects Social Personal and Health Education and Politics and Society in senior cycle, but proposals in this area have not as yet been submitted to my Department.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

445 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to review the format and content of transition year. [18416/08]

The proposals of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for reform of senior cycle envisaged a re-structuring of programmes into subjects, short courses and transition units. The Council proposed the development of Transition Units as 45 hour units of study which would provide a broad range of experiences for learners, incorporating innovative methodologies and supporting the development of key skills. The Council proposed that school based assessment would be inbuilt into each transition unit, and models for the validation of schools to develop their own Transition Units would be explored. The units would cover such areas of learning as creative applications, skills, personal achievement, sampling of subjects, enterprise, civic and social education, and work and future.

In response, the then Minister Mary Hanafin TD welcomed the measures to standardise transition units, and indicated her concern that the Transition Year Programme should remain as a single year programme for equity reasons.

The NCCA has established a network to undertake development work with schools. A standardised framework for Transition Unit descriptors has been developed, and organisations are using these as new programme options for TYP are being developed. The decriptors are designed to promote better planning and communication and provide for greater clarity and coherence in the implementation of the programme. They require schools to set out the aims of the unit, its learning outcomes, how key skills are being integrated, what methodologies and assessment approaches will be taken and how it will be evaluated.

New Transition Units have been developed and posted to the NCCA website in a range of areas and a guide has been produced to help schools to develop their own units in keeping with the descriptor format. Schools may forward their Transition Units to the NCCA for further feedback and support.

Science Education.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

446 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ring-fence funding for science laboratories, improve science equipment in schools, and ensure a greater focus on high quality science education at all levels. [18417/08]

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to Ring-fence funding for science laboratories, improve science equipment in our schools, and ensure a greater focus on high quality science education at all levels.

As part of the multi-annual school building programme, the Government has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major projects at post-primary level. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science. Under the current NDP €4.5 billion will be spent on school infrastructure between 2007 and 2013.

Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Schemes 2004 -2007 to refurbish science laboratories. In the 2006 application form for the Summer Works Scheme, post-primary schools were asked to identify specifically, and provide details of, any science and technology upgrade or refurbishment projects separate from any other projects being applied for, so that consideration could be given to approving these projects for 2006. Over 60 schools were approved for funding in 2006 and 2007 under my Department's Summer Works Scheme to enable them to get science laboratories refurbished on a devolved basis.

Additionally, the Government has funded the provision of class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences. My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.

Special Educational Needs.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

447 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase resources and services for gifted children. [18418/08]

Schools at both primary and second level use strategies such as curriculum differentiation, curriculum enrichment and acceleration to facilitate the development of pupils who are exceptionally able.

Recently devised syllabi and curricula for second-level schools have been designed in such a way to enable teachers cater for the wide range of pupil ability. The revised primary curriculum, which has been supplied to every primary teacher, recognises the importance of developing the full potential of the child and caters for pupil diversity, including meeting the needs of exceptionally able pupils.

Content is outlined in the curricula at both levels and process is also heavily emphasised. Enabling children to learn how to learn is stressed and facilitated. The development of language skills, investigatory and problem-solving skills, higher-order thinking skills and working individually, and as a member of a group, are all encouraged at both levels. While the use of information and communication technologies and the use of class and school libraries are of benefit in project work with all pupils, they have a special importance for pupils who are exceptionally able.

In addition, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), in collaboration with its counterparts in Northern Ireland, the Council for Curriculum Examination and Assessment, has produced draft guidelines for teachers of exceptionally able students. These guidelines issued to all Primary and Post Primary schools in November 2007 along with a questionnaire for feedback. Over the last few months the NCCA has sought feedback on the draft guidelines from teachers, school management and other interested individuals and organisations.

These draft guidelines are designed to raise awareness of the social, emotional and academic needs of exceptionally able students and to assist teachers in planning their teaching and learning. They feature ways in which teaching and learning can be effectively differentiated for such students, in particular how learning skills can be embedded in increasingly complex content. Case studies included in the guidelines present rich real-life contexts which consider the issues around exceptionality through the eyes of teachers, parents and students.

My Department provides annual funding to the Centre for Talented Youth at Dublin City University to support its work in delivering programmes, which are designed specifically for exceptionally able children of first and second level age. Of particular significance at second level are the International Olympiads in the science subjects, in information technology and in mathematics, in which the exceptionally able and highest achieving pupils compete.

The 1998 Education Act requires Boards of Management of each school to publish the policy of the school relating to participation by students with special educational needs, including students who are exceptionally able. The measures schools take in this regard are required to be stated in the school plan. It is the duty of the Board of Management to ensure that appropriate education services are made available to such students.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

448 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to encourage more schools to offer alternative curricula such as the junior certificate schools programme and the leaving certificate applied course. [18419/08]

In February 2008 a letter issued to all second-level schools participating in the DEIS programme inviting them to participate in the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP). 25 schools have been selected to join in 2008, which is in addition to the 28 schools which joined the JCSP programme in September 2007 on foot of a similar invitation issued in March 2007. Participation in the programme is supported by an enhanced pupil:teacher ratio and a once-off per capita grant.

138 DEIS schools are currently providing the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, and 370 centres are offering the programme overall, including 46 out of school centres of education. All DEIS schools are being encouraged to provide the LCA by 2010. An invitation to participate in the programme is issued to all schools each year.

Youthreach Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

449 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the number of Youthreach places in line with Ireland’s Towards 2016 commitments. [18420/08]

Youthreach was established in 1988 to provide second chance education to unemployed early school leavers aged 15-20. It is designed to offer courses of integrated general education, vocational training and work experience.

Towards 2016 set out to increase the number of Youthreach places by 1,000 by the end of 2009. In 2007, 400 additional places were allocated. Provision was made in the 2008 Revised Estimates for a further 100 places. The total number of places available on the Youthreach programme funded by my Department stands at just under 3,700. A total of just over €59 million was expended on the Youthreach programme in 2007.

Educational Disadvantage.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

450 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a scholarship scheme for children from disadvantaged areas to attend courses in the Gaeltacht and funding for summer courses in the children’s local areas. [18421/08]

Both schemes to which the Deputy refers have been established and are running successfully.

With regard to the summer courses in Irish for primary school children in designated disadvantaged schools, these are referred to as Campaí Samhraidh. Children's command of Irish is improved through participation in a range of activities, including music, arts and crafts and games, conducted through the medium of Irish. The programmes are developed by teachers working to guidelines produced by the Department of Education and Science.

A grant of €5,420 is paid to each participating school to cover the project costs. In 2008, funding of €150,000 has been provided to cover the costs of training the teachers and project costs for participating schools.

The Gaeltacht Scholarship scheme has also been established. It is designed to enable children enrolled in designated disadvantaged post-primary schools to attend approved summer colleges for teaching Irish.

Funding of €100,000 has been made available for the scheme for 2008. Applications for the 2008 scheme are still being processed and, to date, approximately 100 have been received.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

451 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to give the opportunity to second level students to acquire an ECDL qualification in computers by the time they leave school. [18422/08]

The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. This sets out the types of learning appropriate for students during the period of compulsory education, and provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT across the curriculum. It will be supported by a website which will provide exemplars of teaching and learning in different settings, and show the classroom application of learning outcomes and demonstrations in the ICT framework. The overall implementation of ICT in schools is supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education which provides for extensive training and guidance for schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning.

The European Computer Driving Licence is a widely used private sector qualification providing basic competences in a range of functions such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, web browsing and e mail. There are also other qualifications attesting to similar or higher levels of skill, some of which are included in the national framework of qualifications. The 2005 census of post primary and special schools undertaken by the National Centre for Technology in Education indicates that 75.7% of schools, and 46% of special schools offered certification opportunities in ICT. 74% of post primary schools and 32% of special schools offered external certification, primarily using ECDL. Other awards in ICT offered included FETAC, City and Guilds, Royal Society of Arts, Microsoft etc. Many schools offer ECDL as part of the Transition Year Programme.

Educational Disadvantage.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

452 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to compete the roll-out of the DEIS action plan to ensure a comprehensive package of targeted supports for school children in the most disadvantaged areas. [18423/08]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). As a result of the identification and review processes, 873 schools have been included in the new School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS. These comprise 670 primary schools (urban and rural) and 203 second-level schools.

The plan is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period to 2010. The following progress has been made in relation to the roll out of the action plan. In respect of the 2007/08 school year, grants amounting to approximately €10 million issued to the 670 Primary schools which are participating in the DEIS Initiative. Almost €5 million was paid in the course of the year in respect of the 203 Post Primary schools participating in the initiative and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes. Also approximately another 1,900 primary schools received almost €4 million of grant assistance to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage.

2006 saw the implementation of targeted class size reductions of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes in urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

In the 2006/2007 school year access to teacher/co-ordinator support for any of the rural primary schools, not already in receipt of such support under a previous measure, was implemented.

The roll-out has seen the extension of literacy and numeracy programmes, including Reading Recovery and ready set go, maths for schools in the urban primary strand of DEIS and the commencement of the family literacy project under which 7 projects have been selected for support.

25 schools have been selected to join the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) in 2008, which is in addition to the 28 schools which joined the JCSP programme in September 2007. 138 DEIS schools are currently providing the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme. It is intended to have all DEIS schools providing LCA by 2010.

Templates for three year action plans to support school planning were introduced into schools in the primary strand of DEIS during autumn 2007. Planning templates will be introduced in DEIS post primary schools in the coming school year. My Department has commenced an evaluation of measures under DEIS that will continue over the period to 2010.

Under DEIS, Home/School/Community liaison and School Completion Programme services have been extended to any of the urban/town primary schools and second-level schools not already benefiting from them.

An additional 80 posts were provided under DEIS for the expansion of HSCL and in the region of €30 million has been allocated to HSCL for 2008. 184,000 pupils attending 651 schools (281 post primary & 370 primary) have access to Home School Community Liaison, with approx. 50,000 of these pupils' families being specifically targeted for the services of 450 local Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinators.

€31.160 million has been allocated to the School Completion Programme. 124 projects, targeting over 36,000 young people, are now participating in the School Completion Programme and spanning 26 counties.

The 124 projects include 81 projects originally selected to participate in SCP in 2002 and 43 new SCP clusters created in 2006/07 including the new DEIS schools. An evaluation of the SCP is scheduled to take place in 2008 in order to measure the effectiveness of interventions in place in tackling early school leaving, to identify models of good practice and to inform future policy in relation to appropriate integration of SCP, along with other programmes, within the DEIS framework.

School Standardised Tests.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

453 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that all children are tested in literacy and numeracy at two stages during their primary school education. [18424/08]

My Department issued Circular 0138/2006 in December 2006 to primary schools requesting that they ensure that standardised testing is implemented on an annual basis for all pupils in English reading and Mathematics 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, beginning in the calendar year 2007.

The introduction of the measure was supported by a national programme of teacher professional development in assessment for learning. Grants of €1.65m and €1.7m issued to schools in December 2006 and December 2007 for the cost of test materials, teachers' manuals, test scoring services or test-related software. It is intended that the implementation of standardised testing at school level will be complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring so that national trends in different categories of school can be tracked over time. Schools in the DEIS programme have already been sampled by the Educational Research Centre for this purpose, and the sample of non-Deis English and Irish medium schools is planned for 2009.

Guidelines on assessment developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment were published in October 2007 to assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents. The guidelines also provide teachers with information on what to assess in individual subjects of the Primary School Curriculum and how to use assessment information to plan for children's future learning in that subject.

National report card templates for recording and reporting data on pupils' attainment to parents will be available on the NCCA website shortly.

Educational Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

454 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to recruit extra staff to the Education Welfare Board and the National Educational Psychological Service, both of which will prioritise disadvantaged schools. [18425/08]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

455 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to prioritise early assessment and increase the number of educational psychologists in his Department’s National Educational Psychological Service to 200 by 2009. [18426/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.

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 and paid for by NEPS.

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.

The recently published document Special Needs Education — A Continuum of Support, which has been circulated to all primary school teachers, outlines this process which moves from simple classroom based interventions to more specialised and individual interventions. These guidelines describe a graduated problem solving model of assessment and intervention in schools and comprise three distinct school based processes which are summarised as follows:

Classroom Support — is an intervention which is co-ordinated by the Class Teacher and is carried out in the regular classroom,

School Support — is an assessment and intervention process which is usually co-ordinated by the learning support/resource teacher working alongside the class teacher. Interventions at this stage will be additional to those provided through classroom support.

School Support Plus — is generally characterised by the school requesting the involvement by the relevant external service in more detailed assessment and development of intervention programmes. This level of intervention is for children with complex and/or enduring needs and whose progress is considered inadequate, despite carefully planned interventions at previous levels.

Since May 2007 the number of psychologists employed within the NEPS service nationally has increased from 128 to 138 and during 2008 this complement will increase to 169. In this regard, following a national recruitment process, put in place in late 2007 by the Public Appointments Service, interviews have recently been completed and regional panels have been formed from which recruits will be drawn for appointment to priority regions. Currently some 28 offers have been made and some 21 of these are currently subject to the garda vetting process.

As these candidates are recruited, and following the normal period of induction and work-shadowing, these psychologists will be assigned schools with particular emphasis on those with DEIS status, continuing the ongoing priority afforded by the service to designated disadvantage schools.

It is my Department's intention to increase NEPS psychologist personnel to 200 during 2009. It is envisaged that this expansion in NEPS numbers will enable all schools to be served directly by NEPS psychologists.

NEWB

An additional 15 staff were approved for the NEWB in 2007 to bring the authorised staffing complement for the Board to 109. Twelve of these additional posts have now been filled. The Board is currently in the process of filling the remaining posts. These additional posts will enable the Board to build upon the existing service and enhance service delivery.

The service provided by the NEWB is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to support schools, families and young people themselves. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and the provision of breakfast and homework clubs.

In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Completion Programme (SCP) is a preventative measure designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving. School attendance is a central objective of SCP with targeted interventions for children at risk of early school leaving through a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. These supports cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education.

Work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration. This approach aims to develop the delivery of services in a cohesive way and ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

Special Educational Needs.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

456 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide each child with special needs with the right to an individual education plan. [18427/08]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

457 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in full. [18428/08]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

458 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve second level provision for children with special needs. [18429/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

471 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the roll out of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, giving all children with special needs, the right to an individual education plan to ensure the best outcome for them, and putting in place a new appeals procedure. [18530/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 to 458, inclusive, and 471 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced — 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53.

When the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004, was enacted it was recognised that implementation would require a considerable change agenda, in order to further develop and support inclusive schools as the cornerstone of special education needs provision.

The National Council for Special Education was required under the Act to make a report on the implementation of the Act. Following consideration of the issues raised in the Council's implementation plan, and the consultations to date with the Education Partners, it is envisaged that the five year timeframe to 2010 acknowledged in the legislation is the appropriate period in which to implement the provisions of the Act in full.

My Department is at an advanced stage in finalising proposals to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans (IEP). The time taken to finalise proposals is as a result of the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act and define protocols and guidelines in regard to how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.

As the EPSEN Act does not provide for phased commencement by age cohort the education sector must be in a position to provide the required services to all children before the relevant provisions are commenced. My Department's priority, therefore, is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act.

In parallel with these processes, my Department has also advanced a number of areas relevant to the implementation of EPSEN:

proposals for pre-school services developed

establishment of the Standards Body

recruitment of additional staff for the Council and staffing review of the NCSE

appointment of Chairperson and members to the Special Education Appeals Board

recruitment of educational psychologists

review of the scheme for commissioning private assessments

publication of agreed standards for assessment

contributing to assessments under the Disability Act

It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network through the work of the National Council for Special Education.

With regard to second level provision, the Programme for Government commits to improve post-primary provision for children with special educational needs. Inclusive mainstream education is now the desire of the vast majority of parents and the inclusion of children with a range of additional needs is a growing issue for all schools, including those at post-primary level. My Department considers that the process of implementing the EPSEN Act is an appropriate framework in which to further develop the continuum of appropriate provision for post-primary age children. Specific proposals are being developed to advance post-primary provision for students with special education needs in this context.

The Deputy may wish to note that the development of the "Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post-Primary Guidelines" published by my Department's Inspectorate in June 2007 is a further component of the preparation for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act in post-primary level schools. These guidelines, which were circulated to all second level schools, advocate a whole-school approach to effectively meet the educational needs of special needs students. Practical advice and guidance are provided on the organisation and co-ordination of resources to maximise the support to each individual student.

Furthermore, in preparation for the statutory introduction of the individual education plan (IEP), the NCSE has published guidelines on the IEP process and a copy issued to all primary and post primary schools at the commencement of the 2006/2007 school year. These guidelines provide advice and assistance to schools, teachers and parents on devising and implementing individual education plans. It is intended that schools will use these guidelines to develop school practices and procedures in relation to individual education plans in advance of the mandatory requirement for them to do so.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

459 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further increase the number of language support teachers from 1,450 to 1,800. [18430/08]

This Government has significantly exceeded its commitment to provide 1,800 Language Support Teachers, as outlined in the Programme for Government. My Department has already allocated almost 2,000 language support teachers in the current school year. The corresponding figures for the 2006/07 and 2005/06 school years are approximately over 1,400 and over 800 respectively.

Additional supports are provided for children in schools who do not meet the qualifying criteria for the appointment of full-time teachers in the form of grant aids for the employment of part-time English language support teachers. 469 schools have benefited from this type of financial support in the current school year.

The substantial increase in the number of language support teachers underlines the important improvements made in this area in recent years. The previous limit of two teachers per primary school and the limit of two years' support to an individual pupil was changed. An individual primary school may now be allocated up to six language support posts under the improved arrangements in place.

In order to ensure that schools can accurately and objectively assess the language requirement of children, my Department will be sending to schools assessment materials which have been developed by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT). The assessment materials will enable schools to ensure that the specific language requirements of children needing support are met in a targeted way. The IILT materials will also enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of the child and his or her need for continued language support.

Languages Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

460 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants. [18431/08]

The Department of Education and Science provides for English language training for adult immigrants (English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL) under its adult literacy budget. Funds are allocated to VECs who are the main statutory providers of ESOL training. Currently, there are approximately 100 VEC colleges, 10 Prison Education providers, 100 Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) colleges, 100 Youthreach centres and some community groups providing ESOL classes.

Between 1997 and 2007, funding for adult literacy has increased from €1m to €30m and in the same period, the number of participants has increased from 5,000 to 44,000. Of these 44,000 participants, some 13,000 are ESOL students.

An independent review has been commissioned to assist in the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally-resident adult immigrants based on extensive stakeholder consultation. This is due for completion in summer 2008.

School Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

461 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to review the school transport system, including the catchment boundaries. [18432/08]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport system including catchment boundaries. The Department is currently finalising proposals for progressing this commitment.

Adult Literacy.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

462 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expand the number of adult literacy training places by 4,000 on top of the extra 3,000 places put in place in 2007. [18433/08]

Between 1997 and 2007, funding for adult literacy has increased from €1m to €30m and in the same period, the number of participants has increased from 5,000 to 44,000.

There are also a number schemes targeted at people with special literacy needs, e.g. deaf people and a literacy service in Irish for people in Gaeltacht areas.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment makes provision for literacy in the workplace through FÁS.

3,000 places were put in place in 2007. Provision has been made in the Revised Estimates for 2008 for the allocation of an additional 500 places in 2008.

Education Schemes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

463 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of places on the back to education initiative to 10,000 and expand the vocational training opportunities scheme. [18434/08]

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for adults to give them an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Programmes are offered on a part-time basis, in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or at weekends.

There is a commitment in the programme for government to expand the number of BTEI places to 10,000. 1,000 additional BTEI places were allocated in 2007 bringing the number of BTEI places to 9,000. Funding has been made available in 2008 for an additional 500 places.

Since its inception, funding for the BTEI has increased from just over €6m in 2002 to €18m in 2007. BTEI eligibility criteria were amended to allow free tuition to any adult with less than upper second level education with effect from 1st September 2007. Originally only people with a social welfare entitlement or medical card were entitled to free fees.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme provides a full-time education option for people who are over 21 years of age and in receipt of certain social welfare payments. The Government remains committed to increase the number of places on VTOS as outlined in the Programme for Government.

Youth Work Sector.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

464 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide extra resources to progress the implementation of the national youth work development plan and the Youth Work Act 2001 on a phased and prioritised basis. [18494/08]

The youth work sector has received unprecedented financial support over the past number of years. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector, there has been a growing emphasis on consolidating current provision.

The 2008 provision of €52.6m for Youth Affairs will enable the high level of provision achieved over recent years to be maintained as well as a continued focus on the further consolidation of existing provision.

With regard to the National Youth Work Development plan, steady progress has been made in the implementation of a number of priority actions, as identified by the National Youth Work Advisory Committee. These include areas such as Child Protection, upgrade of one worker projects to two-worker status, the establishment of a North/South Education and Training Standards Committee for youth work and the capacity development of youth work organisations to engage with the provisions of the Youth Work Act, 2001. Ongoing support is being provided in respect of these and other initiatives.

With regard to the Youth Work Act, 2001, Section 1 provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced to date.

A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC), representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as of my Department, has been progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further coherent implementation of the Act. The work of this sub-committee is continuing.

Significant progress has been made since 2006 in the roll out of the Act at local level. This includes the assignment of Youth Officers and related financial support to the VEC sector.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

465 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to support a new youth work development plan for the period 2008 to 2012. [18495/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, provides for consideration to be given to the need for a further plan following a review in 2008 of the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to supporting a new Youth Work Development Plan for the period 2008-2012.

In that context, as part of its workplan for 2008, the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) is undertaking a review of the 2003-2007 Plan and is in the process of commencing this work. The outcomes of this review and any other relevant advice and information will help inform me and my Department in relation to the above provisions.

Third Level Education.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

466 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further increase third level participation rates, with a special focus on those from disadvantaged areas. [18496/08]

Over the seven years of the National Development Plan (NDP) €13 billion will be invested under the Human Capital Priority to develop the capacity of the higher education sector to meet a number of key national objectives, including that of increasing the numbers of students participating in the sector. The focus will continue from the previous NDP on measures targeting the increased participation of under-represented student groups, such as those from disadvantaged areas and older learners.

The recurrent grant to higher education institutions supports the core activities and services of all state-aided third level institutions, including the development of access programmes, the objective of which is to encourage and support the increased access and retention of young people and adults from disadvantaged schools and communities. Funding also supports measures targeting the progression of learners from the further and community education sector, people with a disability and members of the traveller community.

It has been over a decade since targeted access funding was introduced to the budgets of third level institutions. While the investment is, by its nature, a long-term one it is fair to say that so far there have been some very positive outcomes. For example, since 1998 the semi and unskilled manual group, who are a long-standing priority target group have increased their participation by at least 10%. An estimated one-third of young people from these backgrounds now enter higher education.

In addition to the core funding of institutions, innovative new initiatives on the part of third level institutions to increase levels of access and lifelong learning are also being supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). Over the course of the NDP it is planned that €510 million will be allocated to third level institutions through this fund. As a first step, in 2007 an allocation of €42 million was made and in 2008 under the second cycle of funding a further €130 million was allocated.

This funding is supporting some interesting new collaborations on the part of networks of higher-education institutions focusing on the needs of learners from disadvantaged communities. A number of projects aim to significantly increase part-time and flexible learning opportunities for adults who wish to develop their levels of education and skills.

Having invested in infrastructure and strategies to ensure a more diverse and representative student body, it is equally important to ensure that those students are adequately supported in their participation. The Social Inclusion Priority of the NDP commits that €2 billion will be dedicated over the period 2007-13 to address inequities in participation by students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups (including members of the travelling community and refugees); students with a disability and mature students. This funding underpins the allocations that will be made through the Higher Education Grant scheme as well as the significant reforms to that scheme that are proposed by the Student Support Bill.

This priority also encompasses the Third Level Access Sub-Programme, which includes the annual allocations through three funds: the Fund for Students with a Disability, the Student Assistance Fund and the Millennium Partnership Fund. This measure also supports the work of the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education which manages these three funds on behalf of my Department and advises national policy on access to higher education for under-represented groups.

A new "access plan", which will run concurrently with the National Development Plan (from 2008-2013), is currently being prepared. The plan will examine emerging issues and challenges, including progression from further to higher education. It will highlight ongoing and new areas of action, including work with institutions on the development of an ‘access plan' as an integral element of the overall strategic planning process.

Third Level Fees.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

467 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses. [18497/08]

The implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses will be considered over the life time of the Government. In relation to the commitment on part time fees in paragraph 7.9 of Towards 2016, my Department and the HEA have initiated the process of developing proposals for a targeted fund, to be financed from the National Training Fund, to support workers pursuing part-time courses at third level in public institutions. In developing criteria for the operation of the fund regard will be given to the following objectives:

targeting people in work who have not had the opportunity to pursue third level education previously to level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework;

reducing the amount of fees that workers pay;

maintaining the current benefits in relation to employer support and tax relief available to workers in respect of third level fees; and

allowing for a part refund to be paid on successful completion of each academic year of the relevant course.

The criteria for accessing the fund will be developed in close consultation with other stakeholders. My Department will be initiating these consultations in the coming weeks.

Student Transfers.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

468 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to promote more explicit arrangements for student transfer between institutes of technology and universities and open new routes of access from the further education sector to third level sector. [18498/08]

In 2007, in consultation with stakeholders, the National Qualifications Authority Ireland reviewed the extent to which new and existing transfer and progression routes are operating effectively within the National Framework of Qualifications. This review concluded that the traditional web of transfer and progression arrangements prior to the Framework is gradually evolving to take account of the changes arising from the introduction of the Framework. The NQAI has since then examined in more detail the progression routes available.

The NQAI's overall objective in this area, as articulated in its policies, is to ensure that there is at least one transfer or progression route onwards from every programme leading to an award in the National Framework of Qualifications; that these routes are mapped and documented; and, that information on transfer and progression routes is made available to learners.

Significant improvement has been made in the acceptance of many Level 5 Certificates for progression to programmes in the Institutes of Technology leading to higher education awards. Work is underway in relation to the acceptance of the full range of Level 5 Certificates as valid for this progression route. Progression arrangements from the Level 5 Certificate to programmes in the universities are less developed and are still in the form of specific programme-to-programme links. This is a situation where significant progress has been made in recent years and positive future development is anticipated.

The arrangements for transfer and progression from those Advanced Certificates formerly known as the National Craft Certificate are currently being developed. FETAC is in the process of finalising a publication setting out the routes available into programmes provided by the institutes of technology. Work is also underway within the SIF 1 strand on education in employment — in a consortium of higher education institutions led by Cork Institute of Technology a strand on apprentice progression is to be completed by December 2008. Linked work on a new programme at level 7 which will provide another progression route for holders of the Advanced Certificate is also underway in FÁS.

The main route of access to third level each year continues to be the school-leaving certificate (including access programme entrants and entrants with school-leaving qualifications from other countries).

A growing number of students are also gaining access through two other main routes: on the grounds of mature years (12% of entrants); on the basis of further education awards (10% of entrants).

The proportion of entrants with further education award has grown significantly from almost 3% of acceptances in 2005 to almost 10% in 2007. This is an important access route for adult learners who form at least half the participants in the further-education sector.

The NQAI, HETAC, FETAC and the Higher Education Authority continue, in their policy documents, discussions with partners and funding of institutions (HEA) to promote and support increased progression and participation on the basis of awards linked to the framework of qualifications. The evidence of increased progression by further education graduates to higher education, particularly over the last two years would indicate that the concerted efforts of all of these bodies are now bearing fruit.

Higher Education Institutes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

469 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a multi-annual capital fund of €2 billion for higher education institutions to support investment in the development of modern campus facilities with leading edge teaching and learning infrastructure. [18499/08]

Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, an envelope of close to €2 billion has been provided for investment in higher education infrastructure. At the end of the first year of the programme, implementation of this measure is progressing satisfactorily with 2007 funding used to deliver additional capacity for apprentices in 4 institutes of technology as well as equipping institutes to enable the implementation of revised curricula for apprentices. Funding was also deployed to enable a series of minor improvements works be carried out within the sector. Sites purchases were grant aided, design costs of major projects in planning were funded and large scale projects at construction were similarly supported.

A sample of some large scale projects at construction that were funded include an new IT Building at National University of Ireland Cork, new Tourism and Hospitality facility at Waterford Institute of Technology, refurbishment of facilities at Limerick Institute of Technology and necessary improvements works to Dublin Institute of Technology facilities. Pipeline projects for which design costs were incurred include a new Engineering building at Athlone Institute of Technology, redevelopment of primary teacher training facilities at St Patrick's College Drumcondra and phase 2 of the Mary Immaculate College of Education project, a new library at Tralee Institute of Technology and expanded facilities at Dundalk Institute of Technology. In addition, 17 individual projects are being progressed for delivery through the public private partnership process.

The Deputy will be aware that the €2 billion referred to above is separate and discrete from planned investments in building and expanding research capacity and capabilities in higher education institutions. In this regard, NDP capital funding of over €750m has been allocated. In 2007, this funding enabled the introduction of a dedicated research equipment grant as well as the launch and approval of awards under Cycle 4 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions. Cycle 4 has a capital component of €108m which will be disbursed across 13 higher education institutions and involving 36 individual capital projects that are targeted to deliver over 20,000 m2 of new research facilities. In the current year, the Research Facilities Enhancement Scheme has already been successfully launched where €58m of capital investment is targeted at improving and refurbishing existing research provision within higher education institutions in the course of the year.

Annual funding is set to increase significantly from its 2008 level of €184.4m to €320m in 2009 and beyond for conventionally procured projects.

Student Representation.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

470 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to appoint two student representatives to each of the Higher Education Authority and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. [18500/08]

The commitment under the Programme for Government to appoint a further student representative to the HEA can be accommodated under existing legislation and will be considered when future vacancies arise. The composition of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is set out in Section 6 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, and provides for one representative of learners. The Authority is committed to working in a participative manner and engages extensively with student and other stakeholder interests as an integral part of its work, through a variety of consultative fora.

Question No. 471 answered with Question No. 456.

Teacher Training.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

472 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that all teachers and assistants have access to specialist training. [18531/08]

Teacher Education Section has provided for a comprehensive system of continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the area of special educational needs. Central to this is the "Special Education Support Service" (SESS). The Teacher Education Section of my Department established the Special Education Support Service (SESS) in September 2003. The service consolidates co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings. These settings include mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and special classes.

The CPD provided by the SESS covers a range of specialities, including inter alia:

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Dyslexia

Challenging Behaviour

Post-primary issues in Special Educational Needs

Specialist training for Autism Units attached to schools. As part of an initiative rolled out for the 08/09 school year, teachers can have SESS training in the area of ASDs accredited by St Angela's College in Sligo.

In addition, Teacher Education Section funds several third level courses in teacher training colleges and universities. These include:

Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support & Special Education (available in seven colleges across the country) (300 places available annually).

Masters in Special Educational Needs (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (16 places available annually)

Graduate Certificate in the education of pupils with ASD (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (18 places available annually)

Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) (150 places available annually).

In terms of training for Special Needs Assistants, Teacher Education Section currently funds a certificate for Special Educational Needs Assistants delivered by:

St. Angela's College, Sligo (55 places available annually)

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick (45 places available annually)

Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines (25 places available annually).

Introductory courses are also provided through Education Centres, which can be taken as a stand alone course or as part of the above-mentioned certificate.

In total it is estimated that over 20,000 places will be provided to teachers for Continuing Professional Development in Special Educational Needs in 2008. Special Needs Assistants availed of almost 530 places in 07/08.

Adult Education.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

473 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide for improved access to lifelong learning for adults with disabilities. [18532/08]

My Department's policy is to seek to encourage and facilitate the participation of people with disabilities in Further Education by making available the supports required to enable them to access the various programmes on offer.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), while primarily targeting the unemployed, also facilitates people with disabilities. Under VTOS, full-time courses of one or two years duration are provided to participants to enhance their employability.

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for adults to give them an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. People with disabilities are one of the target groups of the programme.

Adults with disabilities may also avail of adult literacy courses provided by VECs around the country. A grant has been provided to the Irish Deaf Society to train tutors to give literacy tuition and a grant is awarded annually the Dyslexia Association of Ireland as a contribution towards assessments.

An action research pilot project is continuing in a number of Further Education Colleges in the Dublin area. This project is supported by two Disability Support Officers, the National Training and Development Institute and flexible additional funds for transport, equipment, interpreters, etc. The service identifies and offers support to students and staff around the area of disability. The provision of awareness-raising sessions and participation in college open and recruitment days is also an integral element of the role of the Support Officers.

My Department is also currently working with the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) to address special education needs of adults in further education. In February of this year, AHEAD, in conjunction with the National Council for Guidance in Education (NCGE) launched a Handbook for Guidance and Information Officers on disability issues in Further Education.

In June 2007, building on earlier conferences, a workshop on adults with intellectual disabilities was held at which key stakeholders shared their experiences and discussed possible ways forward for the development of services for people with intellectual disabilities. A scoping paper on the parameters of provision for adults with disabilities in adult education and lifelong learning was commissioned and recently received. This is now under consideration within the Department and will form part of the development of policy in this area.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

474 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 4 March 2008, if he is satisfied that a primary school (details supplied) in County Roscommon falls into the category of a developing area in view of the fact that the majority of the pupils are within the catchment of Athlone where it is intended to prioritise investment; if he will approve this project and release the required funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18555/08]

A tender report for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently under examination by my Department. The contract for the project has not yet been awarded.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, 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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

475 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for funding for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the time-frame for delivery of this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18574/08]

It is proposed to provide an extension to the school to which the Deputy refers. Revised schedules of accommodation have been forwarded to the VEC for acceptance. Once the schedules have been accepted, the question of the appointment of the design team will arise and this will be considered in the context of the Department's school building and modernisation programme.

Institutes of Technology.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

476 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the time schedule for the proposed review of Section 9 of the Universities Act 1997 as it pertains to the application by Waterford Institute of Technology to be upgraded to university status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18629/08]

To date applications have been received to invoke Section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997 from Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. These applications raise significant issues regarding Government policy towards higher education, in particular the existing roles of the Universities and Institutes of Technology which have distinctive missions from each other, provide different levels and types of academic programmes, fulfil different roles in the community and have separate academic and governance structures.

I will be reviewing the appropriate next steps in relation to these applications and would intend to present proposals to Government in this regard.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

477 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which has applied for temporary classroom accommodation. [18632/08]

An application for funding for the provision of temporary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The assessment of the application is nearing completion. The school authorities will be informed of the position shortly.

School Staffing.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

478 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department is deducting teaching hours from a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork that was allocated the additional hours in 2007 under development school status which are being fully utilised by children attending the school who are experiencing learning difficulties and which will also result in the loss of a permanent teaching position at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/08]

In April, 2008, my Department notified the school in question that based on its enrolments it has an over-allocation of 5 hours under the General Allocation Model for the 07/08 school year. My Department is liaising with the school on this matter and given that this issue has only recently come to light it is not intended to reduce the school's allocation for this school year.

All primary schools, including this school, have recently been asked to complete an application form for the allocation of Learning Support/Resource Teaching posts for the 2008/09 school year.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

479 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will assist in a case (details supplied). [18689/08]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

I understand that the child in question is currently undergoing an assessment and his educational placement will be considered in the context of the outcome of this assessment.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

480 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Limerick will be allowed to go to tender on the sanctioned building project at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18724/08]

The proposed extension for the school in question will cater for a long term enrolment of 700 pupils. The accommodation to be provided will consist mainly of specialist rooms (Mathematics, Arts/Crafts, Physics Lab., Construction Studies etc.) with stores, staff accommodation and circulation making up the rest. The architectural planning of the project is at an advanced stage. The further progression of the project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Planning Issues.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

481 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 2 March 2004, which confirmed that a draft protected area order proposed by his Department in the 1950s provided for four sub areas A, B, C and D in the general environs of Baldonnel Aerodrome; if a site (details supplied), to which his Department objected was situated within any of the said sub areas A, B, C or D; if so, the sub areas in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/08]

The site referred to by the Deputy was situated in Area C where a maximum height restriction of 131.6 meters Ordnance Datum (O.D.) applied. The site in question was calculated at 127 m O.D.

National Emergency Plan.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

482 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the cost of establishing and equipping the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre in Kildare Street, Dublin, including staffing levels and costs, maintenance costs and ancillary costs such as its website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18628/08]

The National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre is located in Agriculture House. Its primary purpose is to provide a dedicated multifunctional facility in which ministers and/or senior officials would convene to coordinate the response in the event of a major emergency. The centre is equipped with the latest robust communications systems.

The initial capital cost of providing the centre is approx €3.5 million. The ongoing maintenance costs of running the centre will be in the order of €200,000 per annum. The centre is available to all departments with an emergency planning/management role and is manned by those departments from their core staff as required.

The design of the website "emergency planning.ie" formed part of the Public Information and Awareness Campaign on emergency planning which was launched recently. The routine maintenance of the site is undertaken by the IT section of the Department of Defence.

Internet Safety Proposals.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

483 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the concerns raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied). [18200/08]

I am very aware of the concerns of parents, teachers and voluntary organisations regarding the content available to children via the internet. The establishment of the Office for Internet Safety (OIS) as an executive office within my Department will continue to build on the work of the Internet Advisory Board which was set up in February, 2002 following the Report of the Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful use of the Internet. The Office became operational on 3 March 2008. It will oversee and further develop the self-regulatory regime for the Irish internet service providers, encourage best practice procedures; promote awareness of the internet downside issues and provide advice and facilitate research on internet related issues regarding child safety.

The OIS will also continue to oversee the operation of the Hotline (www.hotline.ie — the system for dealing with reports of illegal content on the internet). The Hotline is funded by the Internet Service Providers' Association of Ireland with support from the EU Safer Internet Action Plan. It accepts and investigates reports from the public in relation to child pornography and other illegal material on the internet. It plays an important part by accepting reports, providing the resources to validate them and channel those that are illegal directly to the appropriate jurisdiction and authority. If the material is hosted in Ireland, it will request the relevant Internet Service Provider (ISP) to remove it, in accordance with their Code of Practice and Ethnics. Special protocols operate between the Gardaí and the Hotline that maximise cooperation on law enforcement issues. The Hotline provides a first port of call for parents and members of the public in general who encounter illegal material on the internet.

The Deputy may be aware of the booklets in the GET with IT! Series on behalf of the Internet Advisory Board (IAB). The first booklet "Get with IT" A Parents Guide to new media technologies is an update on the Board's first "Get with IT" booklet which was originally published in September, 2005 and was a major success. That booklet gave an overview of new technologies for parents in an effort to address their potential worries about the dangers of the new media for their children.

The second booklet "Get with IT" A Parents' Guide to filtering technologies helps parents navigate the processes of how to use filtering technology. One of the more effective measures a parent can use to protect children from the dangers of illegal or harmful content on the internet is through the use of filtering software. Filtering software is a program that ‘filters' out and blocks inappropriate internet content before children can see it on the computer screen. Experience has shown that filtering tools are capable of filtering potentially harmful content without seriously degrading the internet experience of the youngster. In most cases, computers will already have ‘filters' that one can use for free. All a person has to do is switch them on including options for downloading additional filtering software. This booklet should assist parents in deciding on how to choose a particular package to suit their needs.

A Parents' Guide to social-networking websites is the third in the GET with IT! series. This booklet explains what social-networking websites are and how they operate in a simple user-friendly format. This booklet will help parents to understand and use these websites, and help them to safeguard their children on-line.

Copies of these publications were distributed widely and can be had on request through a freefone number 1800 24 25 95. They are also available on the website of my Department at <www.justice.ie> or from <www.internetsafety.ie>.

Proposed Legislation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

484 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to double the penalties for all offences relating to the sale of alcohol to children, the purchase of alcohol for children and the breach of the restrictions on the presence of underage persons on licensed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/08]

The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, which I intend to bring before the Oireachtas shortly, provides for increases in fines for certain offences under the Licensing Acts, including the sale and supply of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 years. It will also provide that a minimum closure period of two days will apply in future in cases where a temporary closure order is imposed by the courts.

The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill later this year which will modernise and streamline all the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated provisions. I intend to review and update the penalties for all licensing law offences in the context of that Bill.

Asylum Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

485 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers and persons seeking humanitarian leave to remain, who are currently in receipt of a social welfare payment in addition to their direct provision allowance; if his Department will provide a breakdown by payment type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18631/08]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. Asylum seekers in direct provision avail of free full board accommodation with no utility or other costs associated with that accommodation. This cohort would include a number of persons who have made applications for leave to remain on, for example, humanitarian grounds. The direct provision allowance payment, detailed as follows, seeks to reflect the value of these services to the asylum seeker.

In addition to meeting basic living costs, a direct provision allowance of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child is paid by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) operating on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

On 1 May 2004, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs introduced an Habitual Residency Condition which prohibited certain social welfare payments — child benefit or one parent family payment, for example — to a number of non-qualifying groups including asylum seekers. All persons applying for asylum from that date have been subject to the terms of the Habitual Residency Condition in respect of social welfare assessment.

It continues to be open to any asylum seeker to apply to Community Welfare Officers for assistance for a particular once-off need by way of an exceptional needs payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Payments under this category cover once-off costs such as back-to-school clothing and footwear.

In addition to direct provision accommodation, the RIA operates a small number of ‘self-catering' accommodation units where residents receive a higher rate of Supplementary Welfare Allowance through the Community Welfare Officer service, adjusted to take into account the benefit-in-kind of this accommodation which is rent free and free of utility and associated costs. This accommodation is specifically set aside for those with special needs, including special medical needs. As at 12 May 2008, there were 455 persons in such accommodation, comprising a number of family units and single persons to whom higher rates of SWA payment would apply. The full rate of SWA payment stands at €197.80 per week at the maximum personal rate (€131.30 for a qualified adult) with a €24 rate applying for a qualified child.

As at 12 May 2008, the RIA was providing accommodation to 6,994 persons in 63 accommodation centres across 22 counties. Of the 6,994 persons accommodated, 6,539 were accommodated in standard direct provision accommodation to which the direct provision allowance payment (i.e. €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child) would apply. Of these 6,539 persons, 4,416 were aged 18 years or older and would be entitled to payment at the adult rate while the remaining 2,123 would be entitled to payment at the child rate.

Persons in direct provision accommodation qualify for the direct provision allowance payment and can apply for exceptional needs payments. Both payments are administered by the Community Welfare service on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. As indicated, in accordance with the Habitual Residency Condition referred to above, asylum seekers who arrived in the State since 1 May, 2004 are not entitled to any other social welfare payment.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

486 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure the implementation of the quota for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector. [18662/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

487 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that the 3% disability employment target for public services is met. [18665/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.

Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for a statutory target, currently set at 3%, for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector. Part 5 also provides a framework for monitoring the employment target in all public bodies by committees under the aegis of relevant Ministers of the Government. Under the Act, public bodies are required by 31 March each year to submit reports to monitoring committees on their compliance with the target; the monitoring committees are required to report on such compliance by 30 June each year to the relevant Minister and the National Disability Authority (NDA).

The Department of Finance is responsible for monitoring the target in relation to all Government Departments and public bodies whose staff are civil servants. In the case of other public bodies the target is monitored by the parent Department. The NDA has an overall monitoring and reporting role under the Act.

Last year the NDA prepared its first report under Part 5 of the Act on the employment position in 2006. This report was submitted to the Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability and Mental Health, Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D. who arranged for submission of it to the Government. The report was published by the NDA on 4 January 2008. The outturn figure of 5.3% was based on a staff census return rate of 45%.

Following the first year of reporting under the Act, the process was reviewed by the NDA in consultation with my Department and other Government Departments, and revised reporting formats have been agreed and are currently being used to gather 2007 data.

2007 data relating to public bodies are to be submitted to Ministers and the NDA by 30 June 2008. The NDA is then due to submit the second statutory report on the 3% employment target to the Minister of State by 30 November 2008 and that report will be forwarded to the Oireachtas library.

Crime Prevention.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

488 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to bring sniffer dogs to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18039/08]

I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is a national unit based at Kilmainham Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region, under the direction and control of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services.

Following the successful evaluation of a pilot scheme to establish a Garda Dog Unit in the Southern Region, the Garda Commissioner, on the 4th April 2008, approved the permanent establishment of a Garda Dog Unit in the Southern Region and remaining regions i.e. South Eastern, Western, Eastern and Northern regions (which includes Co. Donegal).

The preparation of a fully costed business plan in respect of each Region is currently being addressed and, on receipt of financial approval, it is anticipated that a Garda Dog Unit will be established in the remaining four regions by mid 2009 and will comprise a selection of Drug, Explosive and General Purpose dogs.

In the interval, the Garda Dog Unit based in the Dublin Metropolitan Region will continue to perform its national brief and respond to requests for operational assistance throughout the country.

The Revenue's Customs Service also currently deploys 12 detector dogs teams. In addition to performing searches for the Customs Service the detector dog teams are also used in Garda drugs searches, on request. The Sligo-based detector dog team is regularly called out to assist the Gardai in the North West region.

The breakdown of deployment per Revenue region is as follows:

Dublin Region — 6

East/South East Region — 2

South West Region — 3

Border/Midlands/West Region — 1 (based in Sligo)

10 of the detector dogs teams are used for drug detection. One is trained to detect tobacco. In response to the enhanced powers given to Customs in the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005 a cash detector dog team has been deployed.

Proposed Legislation.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

489 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to enforce the new alcohol laws with regard to underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18040/08]

Provisions for controlling supply to and consumption of intoxicating liquor by persons under the age of 18 years are contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 and subsequent legislation.

The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, which I intend to bring before the Oireachtas shortly, will further strengthen provisions relating to underage drinking. For example, it will provide a statutory basis for test purchasing of alcohol which will assist the Gardaí in their enforcement activities. Parental approval will of course be required in all cases and appropriate safeguards will also be taken to protect the welfare of the young person concerned. The Bill will also provide for increases in fines for certain offences under the Licensing Acts, including the sale and supply of alcohol to persons under 18 years. Moreover, a minimum closure period of two days will apply in future in cases where a temporary closure order is imposed by the court.

The Bill will also contain provisions permitting the Gardaí to seize alcohol from persons under 18 years where the Garda believes the alcohol is being or is to be consumed by persons under 18 years. In addition, the Gardaí will have new powers to seize alcohol and to move on persons found with alcohol where there is an apprehension of nuisance or fear for other persons or a likelihood of a breach of the peace. I am also taking the opportunity presented by this Bill to increase the fine levels in the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. The Bill when enacted, will significantly increase the powers available to An Garda Síochána in tackling the problems caused by consumption of alcohol.

The national age card scheme of An Garda Síochána has facilitated the Force, in co-operation with the licensed trade, in addressing and combating the problem of underage drinking. The age card scheme allows any person who has attained 18 years of age to apply for an age card at his/her local Garda Station in order to confirm that they have attained the legal age for the purchase of intoxicating liquor.

The new age card introduced in 2006 has state of the art security features. Its design has been greatly enhanced and includes an image security feature that is supplied only to Government projects worldwide. Currently there is no matching technology or method by which this technology can be copied.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has the power to set policing priorities for An Garda Síochána. One of the priorities set for 2008 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including under age drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the legal mechanisms being made available, including behaviour warnings and closure orders.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter was commenced by the Commissioner in February, 2002 to target public disorder and anti-social behaviour against the community and local businesses. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1996 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.

Section 184 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure in relation to the public order offences of intoxication in a public place (section 4) and disorderly conduct in a public place (section 5) as an alternative to proceedings being taken in the first instance. I am informed by the Garda authorities that work on the necessary arrangements for the introduction of these provisions is under way with a view to their introduction as soon as possible this year.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

490 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will include a proposal (details supplied) in the Intoxicating Liquor/Public Order Bill 2008. [18076/08]

The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication later this year of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill which will modernise the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated and streamlined provisions.

It is intended that this legislation will clarify matters relating to the relationship between licensing law and the planning and development code. It will provide, for example, that a certificate entitling the applicant to obtain a licence to sell alcohol shall not be granted by the Court unless it is satisfied that appropriate planning permission for the premises concerned has been obtained and that any conditions attached to such permission have been complied with.

Asylum Applications.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

491 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 585 of 12 February 2008, the country of origin of each person granted subsidiary protection, either prior to or since that date; and if he will make a statement on the basis of the decision to grant the application in each case. [18131/08]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are that, to date, 4 persons have been granted Subsidiary Protection in the State. I do not propose to provide information regarding the nationalities of those persons as to do so may cause them to be identified. With regard to the decisions taken to grant Subsidiary Protection to date, I would remind the Deputy that applications for Subsidiary Protection are considered on their individual facts, merits and circumstances and in accordance with the criteria set out in the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006. I have nothing further to add in this matter.

Residency Permits.

John Curran

Ceist:

492 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for leave to remain in the State by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be decided on. [18169/08]

The person referred to by the Deputy has recently been requested to provide further documentation to my Department. When that documentation has been received a decision will be made in relation to the person's request and she will be notified accordingly.

Visa Applications.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

493 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a long stay visa by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18186/08]

I can inform the Deputy that the application referred to was approved on the 2nd May 2008.

Business Permission Applications.

Peter Power

Ceist:

494 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received an application for permission to establish a business from a person (details supplied); when he expects to make a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18205/08]

The business permission application referred to by the Deputy is currently being processed and a decision will issue shortly.

Registration of Title.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

495 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money the Land Registry paid into central Exchequer funds each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18212/08]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

496 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money the Land Registry received from central Exchequer funds each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18213/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.

The figures sought by the Deputy are available from the Revised Books of Estimates for each of the years in question. Insofar as 2007 is concerned, the total amount of fees received by the Authority was €79.7m. Cash expenditure on the Authority's Vote in that year was €41.5m. As pointed out in the response to Parliamentary Questions 401 and 402 of 29 April 2008, however, it would be misleading to compare fee income with cash outlay only for the purposes of determining whether the Authority operate on a self-financing basis. Any such determination would have to include the full costs, including indirect costs, of items such as pension provision, services from other Departments and so on.

Passport Applications.

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

497 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 4 will have a stamp reinstated on their American passports. [18218/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have not received an application from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question. All the information required in relation to the procedure for reinstatement of stamps on passports is available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. The persons referred to by the Deputy should write in to the General Immigration Division, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 to make an appointment with the appropriate officer to have the stamps reinstated on their passports, or alternatively they may forward their passports by registered post to the same address.

Firearms Legislation.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

498 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal position for adults using airguns for sports shooting; if he will bring in legislation securing their position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/08]

Section 26 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 declared air guns with muzzle energy greater than one joule to be firearms. Such firearms are subject to controls and require a firearms certificate for all users. Adults using such firearms are required to hold a firearms certificate and use them in accordance with any conditions attached to their firearms certificate and current firearms legislation. Where a muzzle energy is less than one joule these items do not fall within the definition of firearms in the Act and, accordingly, are not subject to such controls.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

499 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application (details supplied) has been submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18241/08]

The Community-based CCTV Scheme provides financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The scheme also offers pre-development grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal. Pobal administers the scheme on behalf of my Department and it carries out thorough assessments of all applications received. I have been informed by Pobal that an application for Stage 1 funding was received from a CCTV steering group in the area referred to. It was successful and a pre-development grant of €4,900 was paid in September 2007.

It is intended to invite applications for funding under the Community-based CCTV Scheme on a periodic basis and it will be open to any group to submit an application for funding at that time. Further details of the scheme and the relevant documentation are available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or on Pobal's website (www.pobal.ie).

An Garda Síochána operates a number of CCTV systems, mainly in the central areas of larger towns and cities. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda CCTV Advisory Committee, which advises the Commissioner on Garda CCTV systems, has not received an application for a Garda CCTV scheme for the area referred to.

Garda Strength.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

500 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and resources available to the Garda Siochána since 2002 to date in 2008 in an area (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18242/08]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Newcastle West Garda Station and Garda District on 31 December 2002 to 2007 and 31 March 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table.

Year

Station

District

31/12/02

24

43

31/12/03

26

44

31/12/04

27

45

31/12/05

27

46

31/12/06

29

49

31/12/07

29

47

31/03/08

28

46

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

I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that for the years 2002 to 2007 inclusive there were five official vehicles allocated to Newcastle West. For the year 2008 to date there are 6 official vehicles allocated to that area. There is currently one mountain bicycle on issue to Newcastle West Garda Station.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel and other resources throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Newcastle West Garda District will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts throughout the country.

Visa Applications.

John Curran

Ceist:

501 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a visa application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and when he expects a decision to be made in this case. [18258/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that no application for residency or permission to remain in the State has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Residency Permits.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

502 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for residency here of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18272/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to their immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining their case.

Legislative Programme.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

503 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he is taking to reduce the legal and conveyancing cost for home buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18501/08]

The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2006, which is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil, provides for simplification of the conveyancing process, particularly the procedures involved, in order to reduce delays and associated costs. When enacted, these provisions will prove of assistance to home buyers in reducing conveyancing costs. In addition, the Government Legislation Programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 1 April 2008 includes the Legal Costs Bill. The Scheme of the Bill being developed in my Department aims:

to reform the manner in which disputed legal costs are assessed with the allied objective of making the market for civil legal services more predictable, consistent and transparent to consumers

to provide for significant improvements in the quality and quantity of the information that a solicitor is required to provide to clients and the manner in which it is to be supplied

to ensure the litigant has a central role to play in controlling his or her legal costs and to ensure that the timely provision of information to clients is central to this empowerment.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

504 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drivers who have been prosecuted for drug driving offences each year since 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18510/08]

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

505 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of the high road death figures in January and February 2008 which were higher than for the same months in 2007, and the fall in casualties in March that was clearly associated with two successive weekends of high levels of Garda enforcement, he will bring forward measures with the Department of Transport to increase enforcement of all road safety measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18511/08]

Enforcement of road traffic legislation by the Garda Síochána is continuous and is planned and carried out in response to the developing situation with road traffic at national and local level and at different times. The trend in fatal traffic collisions has been favourable over the past number of years. The number of such collisions has decreased from 396 in 2005 to 365 in 2006 (a reduction of 8%) and to 338 in 2007 (a further reduction of 7%). I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 12 May, there were 102 road traffic fatalities in 2008, which represents a reduction of 23 on the same period last year. While we should be cautious about drawing conclusions from developments over short periods of time, I welcome this continuation of the favourable trend, to which Garda enforcement activities have made a significant contribution. This trend however should give no grounds for complacency.

The Garda Síochána continue to focus their enforcement activities on the main causes of death and serious injury on the roads — drunk driving, speeding and the non-wearing of safety belts. The continuing increase in the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps, which will reach its planned level of 1,200 by the end of this year, is enabling a continuing increase in enforcement activity to take place. Along with the increase in its strength, a corresponding allocation of vehicles and other resources is being made to the Traffic Corps.

Mandatory alcohol testing (MAT), which was introduced by the Road Traffic Act 2006, is increasing the compliance culture among road users. By detecting incidents of drink-driving, it is reducing road traffic fatalities and deterring incidents of alcohol-impaired driving by systematically selecting drivers and assessing their level of alcohol related impairment. MAT checkpoints operate in conjunction with general enforcement of drink driving legislation.

With regard to speeding, the Garda Síochána are planning to replace their existing vehicle-based mobile speed detection systems this year. They are also planning to introduce an automated number plate recognition capability in a range of Garda vehicles, which in addition to assisting in detecting suspect and untaxed vehicles will have a speed detection capability.

In the recent past, the Garda Síochána have undertaken targeted campaigns directed at use of alcohol and drugs by drivers (December 2007), non-wearing of seatbelts (February 2008) and compliance by heavy goods vehicles (March 2008). They will undertake further such campaigns and other initiatives, including specific operations at holiday periods, in the light of what is considered necessary.

Garda Equipment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

506 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the completion date for the full roll-out of the nationwide speed camera network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18512/08]

A tender process for procuring an outsourced safety camera network is under way, the contracting authority for which is An Garda Síochána. Following a two stage tender and evaluation process, a preferred bidder has been identified. The Government has confirmed that it will be proceeding with the outsourcing of a countrywide safety camera network and the financial resources necessary to do so will be provided. It is expected that contract negotiations with the preferred bidder will commence imminently. As the tender process is not concluded, I am not in a position to indicate at this time the completion date for the full roll-out of the safety camera network.

In addition to the camera network, significant resources are being provided to enforce road traffic law and thereby increase road safety. As well as the ongoing increase in personnel for the Traffic Corps, there has also been a significant increase in the financial resources provided for road traffic equipment, including for the replacement and upgrading of current mobile speed detection equipment and the introduction of an automated number plate recognition system.

Citizenship Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

507 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a submission dated 31 March 2008 from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has lived here since 1992 and is an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation; if he has had an opportunity to read this submission; if he will sympathetically review the refusal of this person’s application for Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18558/08]

I understand from officials in the Citizenship section of my Department that the submission dated 31 March, 2008 was received by my predecessor. This submission seeks to appeal the decision of my predecessor to refuse the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question. The Deputy will be aware, however, that once an application for naturalisation is refused, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended does not provide for any such appeals process. I further understand that the reasons my predecessor decided to refuse the said application were disclosed to the applicant in letters dated 3 July 2007 and 29 April 2008.

It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

508 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made regarding an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, particularly in view of the reply to this Deputy on 31 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18561/08]

An application for naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 18 May 2005.

Officials in that section inform me that a letter requesting further documentation was sent to the applicant on 10 December 2007, but to date no reply has been received. Further processing of the application will commence once the documentation requested has been received.

I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

509 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on an application for asylum in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18667/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

A final decision on the application will be made upon receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

510 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18668/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in August, 2006.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Residency Permits.

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

511 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency under subsidiary protection of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if he will confirm that his Department is in receipt of same; if so, if the application will be assessed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18677/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 568 of Tuesday 12 February 2008 and No. 495 of Tuesday 4 March 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions.

The person concerned, and her three children, arrived in the State on 31 May 2005 and applied for asylum on 8 June 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 May 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.

Mine Disaster.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

512 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the facts surrounding a mine explosion on 15 May 1943 in Mullaghduff, County Donegal in which 19 people died (details supplied) and that the coroner at the time said there would be a full inquiry into the events of the time; the reason no such inquiry occurred; if at this late stage, such an inquiry will be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18678/08]

The Deputy is referring to a tragic incident that occurred on Ballymanus Strand, Donegal on 10th May 1943 in which 18 people tragically lost their lives. This tragic incident was recently the subject of an adjournment debate in the Seanad on 23rd April 2008.

Officials of my Department recently retrieved the file on this matter from the National Archives and the details of the incident were outlined in the Seanad debate.

An inquest was held the day after the incident and, in view of requests for a special inquiry into the matter, the proceedings were adjourned. Consideration was given at the time to holding an inquiry. However, it seems from the file that there was little local demand for an inquiry into the matter at the time. It was noted that a number of local representatives were of the view that nothing would be gained from an inquiry. A meeting of local clergy apparently also came to the same conclusion. A report on file states that a meeting of the next-of-kin of the deceased was held on the 24th of May 1943 and it was decided unanimously by them that no demand be made for an inquiry. The Departments of Defence and Justice came to the conclusion that an inquiry would not serve any useful purpose. The coroner was informed that no official inquiry was proposed and the inquest was reconvened on the 28th of May 1943.

I am saddened by what happened, but it is very difficult, at this distance in time from the tragic event, to be able to pass judgement on the actions of the individuals or organisations involved. With the 65th anniversary just passed, I can understand the enduring sadness of the families of those who were killed and injured. As well as the suffering of the families involved, this was a terrible event for the local community and the grief was shared by the country as a whole.

Few of those involved directly are still alive and those who are would have distant memories of what occurred. It is hard to see how any further investigation of the matter would add anything to what was found at the time.

The file is now in the National Archives and is available for anyone who wants to examine the reports and statements of those who were involved at the time.

Citizenship Applications.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

513 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be assisted in their application for Irish citizenship. [18688/08]

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that having checked their records, no trace of an application for a certificate of naturalisation for the person referred to in the Deputy's Question can be found.

Housing Grants.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

514 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will advise on a case (details supplied). [18075/08]

While the sourcing of contractors to carry out works under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability Scheme is primarily a matter for applicants themselves, in order to assist applicants, my Department has advised local authorities to advertise for interested contractors who wish to have their names included on a panel of contractors available for the carrying out of works under the Scheme. This panel is not intended to be an exclusive list of contractors available to applicants to employ, but rather to serve as an administrative mechanism to assist applicants.

Issues regarding the availability of contractors will be examined further in the context of the independent evaluation of the new framework of grant schemes which is to be carried out following the first year of implementation.

Planning Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

515 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that no rezoning of land for residential development can take place without a prior commitment of an appropriate proportion of land for schools. [18355/08]

Section 10(2)(l) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to include objectives for "the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities". This requirement is restated in my Department's Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which was published in June 2007, and which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Draft planning guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas were issued by my Department in February 2008 for public consultation and reinforce the need for new development to be phased in line with the availability and provision of essential social and community infrastructure such as schools, amenities and other facilities, and for timely consultation with the Department of Education and Science in relation to new schools needs. Moreover, the draft guidelines state that:

"No substantial residential development should proceed without an assessment of existing schools capacity or the provision of new school facilities in tandem with the development."

My Department is also working with the Department of Education and Science and the County and City Managers Association in finalising a new protocol that elaborates on the guidance already provided and sets out procedures for the integration of development planning and schools planning by addressing, inter alia, the following key issues:

Roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders;

The forecasting of future education demand;

The interventions required at various stages of the development plan process;

Location and site development standards; and

Site transfer and acquisition procedures.

Housing Grants.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

516 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide funding to local authorities for the provision of specialised housing units for older people which is both affordable and appropriate to their housing needs. [18590/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

536 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to reform the disabled person’s grant scheme to improve equity and targeting and to ensure that when work is completed under the scheme, the house will be lifetime adapted for the disabled person. [18541/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

537 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to examine ways of assisting those needing to change housing because of care or disability needs. [18542/08]

I propose to take Question Nos. 516, 536 and 537 together.

The Government has undertaken a broad range of actions as part of a strategic response to enhance the range of housing supports and services available to the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society, including people with a disability and older people. These actions range from the introduction of better-targeted financial supports to the development of inter-agency protocols to ensure coordinated service delivery at local level where there is a care dimension in association with meeting housing need.

My Department operates a number of dedicated grant schemes designed to assist people with a disability with their accommodation needs.

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability Scheme has replaced the old Disabled Persons Grant Scheme. The scheme is administered by local authorities, and assists in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the specific needs of people with a disability. The types of works grant aided under the Scheme are varied and may include the provision of access ramps, grab rails, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions etc.

People with a disability may also apply for grant aid under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme. The Scheme, which is also administered by local authorities, provides grants to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems. The Scheme fast tracks grant aid to people on lower incomes, and the types of works grant aided under the Scheme may include grab-rails, access ramps, level access showers and stair-lifts.

These schemes were introduced on 1 November 2007 following a review of the operation of the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme.

To ensure the effective coordination of services provided by housing authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE), my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, has also developed a protocol to govern arrangements for interagency co-operation in service delivery for people with a disability, who have been identified by the HSE under the Assessment of Need process consistent with Section 8 of the Disability Act 2005. This protocol currently applies in respect of children aged under 5 years and will be rolled out in tandem with the extension of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 to all age groups. A protocol to govern funding arrangements between the HSE and the Housing Authorities in relation to the provision of funding by the HSE for ongoing support costs, where necessary, for social housing projects provided by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector for people with a disability is currently being finalised.

My Department is also responsible for the development of a national housing strategy for people with a disability, as set out in the Government's Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, and in line with a commitment under Towards 2016. Work on this strategy, which will have particular regard to the needs of adults with significant disabilities and people who experience mental health issues, has commenced, under the remit of a National Advisory Group, and will be progressed with a view to completion in 2009. The range of housing options and related supports available to people with a disability will be examined further in that context.

In relation to the specific accommodation needs of older people, these can be directly met through a wide range of available supports including local authority housing and voluntary and cooperative housing. In addition, a cross-departmental team on sheltered housing, also chaired by my Department, was established last year to develop and oversee policy and to agree, as a priority, local structures and protocols for integrated management and delivery of housing and related care services. The work of this group will ultimately feed into the new National Positive Ageing Strategy, outlined in the Programme for Government.

In addition, the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, also introduced in November 2007, aims to provide targeted support to assist older people in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.

In the context of Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, my Department continues to keep the matter of financial contribution schemes, whereby private housing is part-exchanged for social rented accommodation appropriate for older people, under review.

Local Authority Housing.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

517 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that people on the rental accommodation scheme are pro-actively helped to move to housing accommodation appropriate to their individual needs. [18596/08]

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which is at the mid point in its initial implementation period, is now operational in all housing authorities. All authorities have transferred cases from Rent Supplement to RAS and since the commencement of transfers in September 2005 the pace of delivery has steadily increased. Local authorities actively source accommodation for people who are receiving Rent Supplement, usually for more than 18 months, and who have a long-term housing need. To date some 12,500 cases nationally have been accommodated, of which 6,473 were housed directly under RAS, and a further 6,048 were accommodated under other social housing options.

In assessing accommodation for RAS, local authorities take into account that the quality of the accommodation meets local authority standards and, also, that the accommodation is appropriate to the person's housing needs.

Water Charges.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

518 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason farmers are being asked to pay such high levels of water charges, in view of the fact that they do not require ultraviolet, chlorinated or fluoridated treated water for their cattle and sheep; his views on whether it is fair that farmers must pay such rates as farmers do not fix their prices, the buyer does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18041/08]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

519 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on meeting with farmers to discuss the issue of water charges with farmers who have refused to pay charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18042/08]

I propose to take Question Nos. 518 and 519 together.

Local authorities are required to recover from non-domestic water consumers the costs incurred in the provision of water services to those consumers in accordance with the polluter pays principle and the requirements of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive. The requirement for non-domestic consumers to pay for water services supplied applies regardless of the use to which the water is put. Public water supply schemes provide only treated water to their customers so it would not be practicable or appropriate to attempt to supply a lower quality of water to farm customers.

In addition, a sufficient supply of good quality water is essential to dairy farming for example, in view of the potential for impacts on milk quality. Dairy farmers are a major beneficiary of the significant levels of investment in water services under the National Development Plan which has resulted in improved quality of water from both public and rural group water schemes.

I have met farming representatives on two occasions within the past year on a number of issues, including water charges.

Building Regulations.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

520 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations currently in place regarding the safety of hot water storage and piping systems; his views on whether these could be strengthened in view of recent moves in the UK to improve safety standards following the death of a baby girl from scalding as a result of faults in the hot water system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18051/08]

Part G of the Building Regulations sets requirements for Hygiene. Among these is the requirement for a suitable installation for the provision of hot and cold water to baths or shower baths, washbasins and sinks in dwellings and to washbasins associated with sanitary conveniences in buildings. Technical Guidance Document G refers to standards that cover the design, installation, testing and maintenance of services supplying water for use within buildings, as well as specifications for individual products associated with hot water storage and piping. Where works are carried out in accordance with this guidance, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with the Regulations.

Part D of the Building Regulations deals with Materials and Workmanship. It stipulates that all works are to be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. It defines proper materials as those materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used. This can be demonstrated by a product bearing CE Marking in accordance with the EU Construction Products Directive; complying with an appropriate harmonised standard; a European Technical approval or a national technical specification; or complying with an appropriate Irish Standard, an Irish Agrement Board Certificate, or an alternative national technical specification of another State which provides an equivalent level of safety and suitability.

I understand that the National Standards Authority of Ireland, which is under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, set up an Expert Group to examine the area of heating and plumbing in December 2006. On foot of this, work has advanced on a Standard Recommendation for Heating and Plumbing, SR50. This will cover all types of hot water services. It is also intended that a registration/certification system will be set up for installers of heating and plumbing systems.

Water Quality.

David Stanton

Ceist:

521 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the counties for which ground water protection schemes have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18080/08]

There are two elements to Groundwater Protection Schemes: land surface zoning or mapping and generic groundwater protection responses to particular issues.

The mapping is undertaken by the Geological Survey of Ireland and, as of May 2008, the counties with full land surface zoning/mapping are as follows; Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, South Cork, Wicklow. All other counties have had interim mapping completed.

Groundwater protection responses have been completed in respect of landfills, waste water systems for single houses, landspreading of organic waste and earth-lined slurry stores.

David Stanton

Ceist:

522 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a management plan is in place for every river basin here; if such management plans have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18081/08]

I envisage that a comprehensive series of draft river basin management plans will be published for public consultation during 2008, in order to meet the Water Framework Directive requirement that river basin management plans be in place by 22 December 2009.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

523 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an update to Parliamentary Question No. 1315 of 30 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18082/08]

In order to comply with Ireland's obligations and ECJ judgments following on the Birds Directive, my Department has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to devise a prescription for the implementation of grazing restrictions in the Twelve Bens/Maumturks regions of Galway.

My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and I intend to implement the necessary measures starting in November 2008, following consultations with the relevant landowner stakeholders.

Public Procurement Policy.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

524 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policies that his Department have in relation to ensuring that, wherever possible, goods and services that are being purchased with public funds are used to maximise employment levels locally. [18172/08]

In purchasing goods and services my Department seeks to comply fully with national and EU procurement rules, as set out in guidelines from the National Public Procurement Policy Unit of the Department of Finance, and in line with EU Treaty principles and EU procurement Directives, which provide for free movement and non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality in the provision of goods and services.

The majority of contracts for goods and services in my Department fall below EU thresholds and these contracts provide an important business opportunity for small and medium sized businesses in the local and national economy. Public procurement guidelines recommend that contracting authorities ensure that recently established firms or firms with no previous experience of public contracts are not excluded from the tendering process. Measures have been introduced which make it easier to bid for public contracts. A national public procurement website (www.etenders.gov.ie), where all significant public sector contracts are now advertised, was developed by the Department of Finance in recent years. This central facility is available free of charge.

Contracts for goods and services are awarded by my Department either on the basis of the lowest priced tender or the most economic advantageous tender (specifying, in addition to price, various other criteria including running costs, servicing costs, level of after sales service, technical assistance, technical merit, environmental characteristics).

Social and Affordable Housing.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

525 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/08]

The income eligibility and loan limits for the shared ownership scheme were reviewed and increased with effect from 1 January 2006. The income eligibility for a single income household increased to €40,000 while in the case of a two-income household, the income limit is based on the formula that 2.5 times the main income plus once the secondary income does not exceed €100,000. Income thresholds are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure they are meeting the needs of the target groups for which they are intended and in this regard my Department is currently completing such a review. Any decision, on foot of this review, to increase the various limits will be notified to local authorities in due course.

However, persons with incomes greater than the limits mentioned above may be eligible for affordable housing provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 or the Affordable Housing Initiative. Eligibility for these schemes is determined on the basis that a person's income is insufficient to meet the mortgage repayments on a house suitable to their needs, by virtue of the fact that the mortgage payments on such accommodation would exceed 35% of the person's income after tax and PRSI.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

526 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18185/08]

My Department has no active proposal in respect of this project.

Energy Conservation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

527 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if that proves ineffective, if he proposes appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18194/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

530 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should in his view outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if that proves ineffective, if he proposes appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18269/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 530 together. My Department has no function with regard to the standard conditions included in the leasehold purchase of apartments, which are a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The issue of energy efficiency is more appropriate to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

528 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement arising from Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 23 April 2008 in which he failed to respond to part of the question which asked the regularity with which the working group examining the proposed sale of local authority apartments has met and, the dates on which it has met since being set up. [18216/08]

The reply to Question No. 220 of 23 April 2008 referred to the reply to Question No. 537 of 11 March 2008, which outlined the dates on which the Working Group has met to date. A further meeting of the Group is due to be held shortly.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

529 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the J2 list, he will introduce legislation to establish a new tribunal or appoint a special investigator to investigate those matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18227/08]

Under paragraph J(2) of its amended Terms of Reference, the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments was required to decide, before 1 May 2005, upon matters additional to those specified in paragraph J(1) of the Terms of Reference that would be proceeding to a public hearing, and to record that decision in writing. The Tribunal prepared a document purporting to comply with this requirement — the so-called "J2 list". In July 2007, the Supreme Court found that this document did not record a decision on additional matters that should proceed to public hearings, and that accordingly the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to proceed to such hearings under paragraph J(2). The substantive content of the document concerned is regarded by the Tribunal as confidential and, apart from the proposed module of public hearings that gave rise to the legal proceedings referred to above, matters specified therein have not been publicly disclosed.

A Tribunal of Inquiry is established by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas. I have no proposal for the establishment by Government of a Commission of Investigation into any matter.

Question No. 530 answered with Question No. 527.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

531 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount he has spent on the provision of affordable housing in each of the past ten years; the amount he will spend in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18502/08]

My Department provides direct funding to local authorities for the provision of affordable housing under the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme through the subsidisation of the site costs. A subsidy is available to local authorities to make houses affordable by covering all or part of the cost of the site so that the selling price of the unit is within the income range of the target group.

To further assist households with household income below €28,000 in the previous tax year, a mortgage subsidy or, as appropriate, a rental subsidy under the Shared Ownership Scheme is available to these purchasers. This subsidy is paid by my Department to the local authority who advanced the loan and is intended to reduce the monthly outgoings of the purchaser. A mortgage allowance of €11,450 spread over 5 years is also available to assist householders who are tenants or tenant purchasers of local authority houses to become owner-occupiers of other dwellings. Eligibility was extended to tenants of dwellings provided by approved voluntary housing bodies under the Capital Loan and Subsidy scheme, who return their accommodation to the body, thus making it available for re-letting.

Details of this expenditure by my Department is set out in the following table:

Year

Site Subsidy

Total Rental & Mortgage Subsidy Paid

Mortgage Allowance Scheme.

€m

€m

€m

1998

N/A

1.71

1.29

1999

N/A

1.58

1.14

2000

0.51

1.43

1.01

2001

3.81

1.53

0.82

2002

19.74

2.10

1.09

2003

24.23

2.04

1.72

2004

14.50

3.86

2.28

2005

11.28

4.03

2.61

2006

10.53

3.63

3.13

2007

9.61

5.30

3.34

In addition, €24,835,263 and €24,924,737 was allocated in 2006 and in 2007 to the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) to fund the purchase of 502 homes on the private market, for subsequent sale to eligible affordable housing applicants at discounted prices. For 2008, my Department has set aside €71m for site subsidy and a further programme of affordable housing acquisitions by the AHP, €4.2m for Mortgage and Rental subsidy and €3.8m for Mortgage Allowance.

This direct funding by my Department represents only one element of the overall range of supports for the various affordable housing schemes. Significant support under the schemes is provided by way of non-voted capital expenditure. This allows local authorities to purchase the units and also provide mortgage finance, where necessary, by means of borrowing through the Housing Finance Agency. In addition, investment in affordable housing is also supported through the assignment of State lands for this purpose and through the delivery mechanism under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

532 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent on the provision of social housing in each of the past ten years; the amount he will spend in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18503/08]

Exchequer expenditure on the provision of local authority and voluntary & co-operative housing from 1997 to 2007 is set out in the table below:

Year

Total Expenditure

€,000

1997

245,075

1998

277,515

1999

323,612

2000

459,370

2001

736,015

2002

886,004

2003

814,693

2004

813,217

2005

944,021

2006

1,076,993

2007

1,092,822

The 2008 provision for these programmes is €1.2 billion and full details of the entire housing programme are set out in the Revised Estimates for the Public Services 2008 and the Public Capital Programme 2008.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

533 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 14 November 2007, the progress to date in providing a sewage treatment plant for the town of Ennis, County Clare; if his attention has been drawn to recent problems with sewage effluent in Ennis; if he will provide emergency funding to resolve this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18506/08]

My Department has approved the Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare Contract Documents for the scheme, subject to some amendments. I understand that the Council is now finalising the brief with view to appointing consultants as soon as possible.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

534 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the proposed guidelines on the designation of public safety zones at the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18507/08]

My Department is finalising draft planning guidelines on public safety zones around Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports. It is intended shortly to issue the draft guidelines for public consultation under the Planning and Development Act 2000. All comments received during the consultation process will be considered before the guidelines are finalised and issued.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

535 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to make public buildings, footpaths, parks, information and services more accessible to people with disabilities, with real targets set and achieved. [18540/08]

My Department's Sectoral Plan, as provided for in section 31 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in providing the measures required in the Sectoral Plan. Following the completion of accessibility audits, local authorities are required to draw up implementation plans setting out programmes to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the Disability Act and the related Sectoral Plan.

Each implementation plan will be published and placed on the authority's website and is required to contain targets and timeframes for carrying out the required works. Priority will be given to local authority buildings and other facilities to which people with disabilities most frequently require access, including footpaths, public amenity areas, information and other services. My Department provides €15 million annually to local authorities to assist them in carrying out actions under the national disability strategy. While information on a national scale is not available, local authorities are required to include the progress they have made in implementing the Sectoral Plan in their annual reports.

Question Nos. 536 and 537 answered with Question No. 516.

Student Accommodation.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

538 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the student accommodation taskforce will be set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18552/08]

Student accommodation provided on college campuses is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science and the Third Level Colleges themselves. Insofar as tax incentives for the provision of student accommodation are concerned, these are a matter for the Department of Finance.

With regard to accommodation provided for students in the broader housing market, my Department's role is as part of its overall responsibility for the regulation of the private rental sector. An accommodation taskforce for students does not come within my Department's remit. However, following a meeting with student representatives in October 2007, I am proposing, with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, to co-fund a study with that Department on the availability of student accommodation in the Dublin Region. I have asked the Private Residential Tenancies Board to undertake this study which will commence shortly.

A steering group has been established to oversee progress on the study and the first meeting of the group will take place this month. Officials from my Department, the Department of Education and Science and representatives from both the Union of Students in Ireland and the Private Residential Tenancies Board will participate in the group.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

539 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the water main project from Kileglan to Monksland on the south Roscommon regional water supply; the reason it has taken 12 months to approve the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18554/08]

The South Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of a grouped project to begin construction in 2009. Roscommon County Council is being requested by my Department to revise the Contract Documents for the scheme to take account of new public works contracts and conditions of engagement.

Waste Management.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

540 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy on the development of incineration facilities by private developers; the meetings or contact he has had with the promoters of such a site regarding such projects in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; his views on the necessity for such projects; if they are compatible with national waste management policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/08]

Under the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for the making of regional waste management plans, which includes determinations in regard to the waste management infrastructure appropriate to each region, rests with the local authority (or local authorities) concerned and my Department has no function in this regard.

The proposed development in question is by a private company and my Department has no function in relation to this facility which it is understood will be the subject of an application to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. Under the Planning and Development Acts the Minister is specifically precluded from involvement in a matter for which the Board has statutory responsibility.

My Department and I hold regular consultations with stakeholders in the context of the ongoing implementation of Government policy on waste management. Consulting widely, with a range of stakeholders, is designed to ensure that my Department and I have as full as possible an understanding of the issues and concerns of stakeholders and are therefore in a position to address them, where it is possible and appropriate to do so. Such consultations are also useful to assist me and my Department in keeping up to date on alternative technologies to landfill and to traditional incineration. In July 2007 I met with an environmental consultant acting on behalf of the proposers of the project. The purpose of this meeting, and of a separate meeting with my Department, was to outline a form of thermal treatment of waste which differs from conventional municipal waste incineration. There was, of course, no question of these discussions comprehending matters proper to the physical planning or environmental licensing processes from which I, and my Department, are precluded from involvement.

The Programme for Government clearly sets out the approach to waste management that will be reflected in national policy in the years ahead. It is firmly grounded in a continuing commitment to the waste hierarchy with a renewed drive towards the achievement of international best practice in the reduction, re-use and recycling of our waste. This, coupled with an increasing emphasis on technologies for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste, will significantly reduce potential reliance on landfill and incineration.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

541 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of the change advertising and information campaign from instigation to the end of its five year duration, including the cost of television and billboard advertising, set up and maintenance of its website, consultants costs and all other associated expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18630/08]

The Climate Change Strategy provides for a minimum of €15m to be made available over 5 years for the Change communications and awareness campaign. A contract has been signed for the first two years only with the option of extending it or going back to the market after year two. The overall cost of the campaign for its first two years will be approximately €12.5m (exclusive of VAT), which will be funded from the Environment Fund. The breakdown of costs is provided in the table below.

Year 1 costs

Year 2 costs

Advertising (incl TV and Billboard) (3rd party)

1,772,647

1,725,000

Media

1,828,712

1,848,500

Set up/maintenance of website

90,000

50,000

Advertising and Media Consultants costs (fees)

914,280

960,912

Stakeholder & PR Costs

464,887

472,100

Stakeholder & PR Consultant Costs (fees)

1,057,349

1,056,676

Sponsorship

n/a

100,000

Research and Evaluation

78,000

58,000

Total

6,205,875

6,271,188

Climate change is the single most important global environmental issue. Since 1 January 2008, every tonne of greenhouse gas emitted in Ireland has a monetary cost. For the Kyoto period, the purchase of emission credits from outside the country will be necessary to contribute towards meeting our target. The more successful Ireland is in changing national attitudes and behaviours towards limiting our emissions, the less will need to be spent on these credits.

Overall, the campaign is designed to raise public awareness of climate change, its causes, impacts and implications for Ireland. It includes a significant advertising element as well as extensive stakeholder engagement to develop specific programmes and initiatives tailored to achieve emission reductions at sectoral level. My Department will also be working closely with a number of Government Departments and bodies to ensure close collaboration on initiatives in areas such as Sustainable Transport, Biodiversity, Agriculture, Tourism etc and to ensure synergies are achieved.

Hunting Licences.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

542 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 1 May 2008, if it was part of the settlement that a licence to hunt deer will be granted to a hunt (details supplied) for the 2008/2009 season. [18676/08]

I can assure the Deputy that this is not the case. The agreed settlement confirms that I, as Minister, will determine any future application for a licence in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions, and reserves my entitlement to grant or refuse any such application for a licence for a future season with the proviso that certain conditions included in the licence issued in December 2007 will not be re-imposed.

Environmental Policy.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

543 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to a special amenity order designation, there is a standard set of planning restrictions which apply in each case or if each SAO can be established on the basis of particular factors that might apply in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18687/08]

The power of planning authorities to make a Special Amenity Area Order derives from section 202(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This permits a specified area to be declared an area of special amenity by reason of:

its outstanding natural beauty, or

its special recreational value,

and having regard to any benefits for nature conservation. Such an order may state the planning authority's objectives in relation to the preservation or enhancement of the character or special features of the area, including objectives for the prevention or limitation of development in the area.

Under section 202(2) where it appears to the Minister that an area should be declared a Special Amenity Area he can direct a planning authority to make a Special Amenity Area Order in respect of the area, and may require that objectives specified in the direction be included by the planning authority in the order.

Section 34(2) provides that when making its decision in relation to a planning application, a planning authority must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to a number of matters, including the provisions of any Special Amenity Area Order relating to the area. The development restrictions to be imposed in the case of any special amenity area will therefore depend on the provisions of the particular Special Amenity Area Order.

Offshore Exploration.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

544 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to provide for compulsory purchase orders for the construction of oil pipelines, particularly as such orders are available for gas pipelines, and as oil pipelines are subject to fast-track planning rules under the strategic infrastructure legislation. [18072/08]

The Irish downstream oil industry, which is fully privatised, liberalised and de-regulated, is served by a number of multi-national and domestic independent companies operating in accordance with their own commercial policies. Ireland's commercial oil distribution system is currently based on sea and road transport and the question of compulsory purchase orders for oil pipelines has not arisen at this point.

As part of the Government's commitment to review the security of Ireland's oil supplies, I have commissioned an expert study on Ireland's access to commercial oil supplies. This study will include an examination of distribution systems currently operating and will assess a range of options for future developments including pipeline distribution within Ireland and interconnection with Britain and/or continental Europe, and of pipeline distribution within Ireland. The recommendations of this study, which will be completed in June, will be used to inform any future policy decisions and regulatory actions that may be required to support continued adequate supplies of commercial oil to the Irish market.

Fisheries Schemes.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

545 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the Foyle fishermen who applied for compensation under the salmon hardship scheme who have received their payments to date; and the number awaiting payment. [18546/08]

I understand from the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, who are administering the salmon hardship scheme in the Foyle, that there were a total of 156 applications for compensation under the scheme. To date, 128 claimants have received payment while 7 applications are still being processed. The remaining 21 applications were deemed ineligible.

Energy Efficiency.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

546 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department or if Sustainable Energy Ireland on behalf of his Department has plans to introduce a grant scheme for people to insulate their homes or improve the insulation of their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18723/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

550 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects the new pilot home energy saving scheme to be rolled out nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18271/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 550 together.

I launched the pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme on 24 April. The pilot scheme, for which funding of €5 million is provided in 2008, is designed to encourage owners of older homes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, primarily through insulation measures. The ongoing results of the pilot scheme will inform the roll-out of the full scale national scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government which I expect to take place next year.

The costs, impacts and effectiveness of the different incentives and delivery models deployed in the pilot scheme will be assessed on an ongoing basis by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and my Department. The costs and benefits of a scheme of the scale envisaged in the Programme for Government will be fully appraised in that context. Informed by the emerging outcomes of the pilot scheme I will be discussing the funding of a national roll-out of the scheme from 2009 with the Minister for Finance in the Estimates context.

Previous studies have shown that the private and societal benefits of investment in energy efficiency improvement measures greatly outweigh the costs. Preliminary estimates from SEI show that a household participating in the pilot scheme could save up to €500 in energy bills every year as a result of the energy efficiency investments undertaken. The pilot scheme is expected to result in reduced CO2 emissions of 6,000 tonnes per year, while the full €100 million scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government could be expected to yield CO2 savings of 175,000 tonnes per year.

My Department's Warmer Homes Scheme has been in operation for a number of years now and also provides support for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. This scheme is managed by SEI and implemented by 18 community groups. The scheme specifically targets low income homes.

My colleague, John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, introduced a new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme on 1 November 2007, which also provides supports for insulation works.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

547 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will arrange a new form of assessment for miners from the Sliabh-Arda coalfields and the Arigna coalfields in respect of their claims of the work related disease pneumoconiosis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that miners in these locations have suffered other diseases, including bronchitis, asthma, white finger syndrome, arthritis and heart disease, which were caused in part by working conditions over the years; if his attention has been further drawn to the small number of miners suffering from this type of ailment and of their concern at being treated unfairly by the Irish State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18184/08]

The question of assistance to former miners or any other type of employees who suffer health problems as a consequence of working conditions in the past is, primarily a matter between them and their employers, and, in so far as the State is concerned, of disability or occupational injuries benefit entitlement under the social welfare code. Accordingly the question of a new form of assessment for such miners is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Alternative Energy Projects.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

548 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way people can apply for the scheme to sell excess electricity to the national grid; the criteria used to select applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18192/08]

I announced last month a new micro-generation programme, to be carried out by Sustainable Energy Ireland, which will support a range of research and demonstration activities in renewable and Combined Heat and Power electricity micro-generation. An initial focus of this programme will be to commission analysis on the options for commercial arrangements for small scale generation in Ireland. This analysis will contribute to informing policy on appropriate mechanisms for payment for exports from small scale renewable electricity generators. The pilot project underpinning the roll-out of the national smart metering programme is also addressing the technological aspects of net metering as part of the various work streams.

The CER has also recently issued a decision on micro generation. This decision is set out in the document CER/07/208, ‘Arrangements for Micro Generation'. My Department intends rolling out further measures, which have significant long term potential should new generation technologies be built into all new buildings from their construction start.

Energy Conservation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

549 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if that proves ineffective, if he proposes appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18193/08]

My Colleague John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for setting guidelines for planning authorities concerning design standards for new apartments, and for the regulation of apartment block management companies.

My colleague Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for property law, including matters in relation to leases. I would be supportive of any measures which help people cut back on fossil fuel consumption for drying purposes.

Reducing excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption is a critical part of energy efficiency strategies. Where the use of household energy appliances is unavoidable the strong message to consumers is to purchase the most energy efficient models. The energy and emissions saved over the lifetime of the appliance more than justifies any additional purchase cost. My Department's Power of One, the National Energy Efficiency campaign has been promoting this message since its launch in 2006. The campaign will shortly be launching new awareness advertisements in conjunction with in store promotions concerning energy efficient appliances.

Question No. 550 answered with Question No. 546.

Proposed Legislation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

551 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to modernise and consolidate all mineral development legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18288/08]

The programme for Government includes the commitment to "modernise and consolidate all mineral development legislation". The Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999 comprise five pieces of primary legislation and a number of regulations have been made thereunder. Consolidation is required to address problems and changes in policy and environment which have arisen since 1999. It will also serve to streamline the permitting process. Heads of a Bill were agreed by Cabinet in June 2006 and drafting by the Parliamentary Counsel is currently under way.

Offshore Exploration.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

552 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has been informed of positive results from the drilling for oil and gas which has commenced off the coast of Donegal. [18522/08]

Drilling operations by Shell and by Statoil Hydro off the north-west coast have not yet commenced but are expected to do so in the coming weeks. My Department is kept informed continually of progress in all drilling activities. On completion of exploration wells, the results normally require careful technical assessment over a period of some months.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

553 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to fast forward subtitling and sign language interpretation targets for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and audio description for people who are blind or visually impaired. [18533/08]

I propose to address the matter raised by the Deputy in the context of the Broadcasting Bill 2008 which I intend to introduce into the Oireachtas shortly.

Postal Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

554 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure An Post addresses access issues at company owned post offices within two years. [18534/08]

The delivery of commitments by An Post in regard to access issues at company-owned post offices is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post.

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