Written Answers.

Departmental Staff.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

12 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the number and percentage of each grade of civil servant within his Department who are work-sharing and e-working respectively; the number and percentage of each grade who have applied to participate in the term time scheme in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20009/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The number and percentage of Civil Servants who are worksharing in the Department of Defence are as follows.

Grade	Total Worksharing	% of Grade
		%
Principal Officer	3	21
Higher Executive Officer	11	19
Executive Officer	22	25
Staff Officer	10	27
Clerical Officer	40	24
Services Attendant	1	50

The number and percentage of Civil Servants who applied to participate in the term time scheme in 2008 in the Department of Defence are as follows.

Grade	No. of Applications	% of Grade
		%
Assistant Principal	1	3
Higher Executive Officer	2	3
Executive Officer	16	18
Staff Officer	4	11
Clerical Officer	20	12

The number of civil servants in this Office is 2.

The Secretary General & Management Advisory Committee

The number of civil servants is 5.

International Security and Defence Policy Branch

International Security and Defence Policy Branch has 19.4 civil servants and is responsible for policy and administrative functions in relation to formulation and development of defence inputs to International Security and Defence Policy, the service of members of the Permanent Defence Force overseas with UN–led and UN–mandated missions, with the EU, with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to which the permanent Defence Forces contribute. Six staff members are based in Brussels.

Defence Forces Personnel Policy Branch

Defence Forces Personnel Policy Branch has 6.4 civil servants and is responsible for policy analysis and monitoring of human resource policy implementation in the Defence Forces. The Branch also liaises with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

Litigation Branch

Litigation Branch has 14.4 civil servants and has responsibility for policy and management of civil legal claims arising from accidents or injuries to members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees, and civilians injured in road traffic accidents involving military vehicles. The Branch also manages judicial reviews involving the Minister and the Department.

Contracts Branch

Contracts Branch has 6.5 civil servants who provide a procurement function in relation to defensive equipment, building and engineering services and materials and certain Naval Service and Air Corps equipment and maintenance services.

Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Branch

Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Branch has 12 civil servants and is responsible for the administration of a Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and for the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA).

Legislation Branch

Legislation Branch has 7 civil servants and is responsible for managing the Department's legislative function.

Executive Branch

Executive Branch has 10 civil servants and has policy and administrative functions in relation to many aspects of the roles performed by the Defence Forces, such as Air Corps and Naval Service involvement in air/sea rescue, provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, Naval service operations, including its involvement in marine protection and control, the Army Equitation School and domestic security including the provision of aid to the civil power (ATCP) by the Defence Forces.

Finance Branch

Finance Branch and Internal Audit Section has 143 civil servants and provides finance, accounting, payments and payroll services for the Department and Defence Forces. The Branch also administers all military pensions, legislation and schemes.

Internal Audit Section

Internal Audit has 13.5 civil servants and provides internal audit for the Department and the Defence Forces.

Human Resources Branch

Human Resources Branch has 80 civil servants and manages the HR function, Decentralisation, Accommodation, Training & Development for the Department and the Defence Forces' civilian employees. Service Officers, cleaners and other support staff are included in the staff of HR Branch.

Information Systems Branch

Information Systems Branch has 22 civil servants and provides Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services to the Department.

Office of Emergency Planning

The Office of Emergency Planning co-ordinates emergency planning across all Departments and public authorities involved in emergency planning. The Office has a staff of four (4) civil servants and two (2) military officers.

Planning and Organisation Branch

Planning and Organisation Branch has 7 civil servants and its function is to support the ongoing modernisation of the Department and the Defence Forces and to assist senior management and the Branches in implementing the modernisation agenda. It also manages the Department's Press and Information Office.

Property Management Branch

Property Management Branch has 21 civil servants and is responsible for managing the Department's property portfolio.

Defence Forces Promotions.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

18 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop the commissioning from the ranks programme. [20173/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

21 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop the role and contribution of the medical corps and expand its capacity to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. [20172/08]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

27 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence his views on offering a rotation in the Defence Forces as part of the postgraduate medical training scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19426/08]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

30 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to making the Defence Forces medical corps more attractive to doctors in order that the critical shortage of doctors in the Defence Forces can be dealt with. [20148/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 27 and 30 together.

Military medical services and facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training. The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the Representative Associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.

The review has already produced a Patients Charter. The agreement on the Patients Charter identifies the rights of members of the Defence Forces as patients and their obligations as users of the Defence Forces medical services. It also identifies the obligation on the providers of the services. The implementation of the Patients Charter is under way. However, the full implementation of the Charter is clearly dependant on the resolution of the structural, resource and other challenges facing the Medical Corps. In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The consultancy will focus on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces. The Consultancy is expected to deliver the following items:

A review of the medical input required for the DF in the light of the roles and operations of the DF.

An assessment of the current arrangements for the provision of medical services.

A recommendation regarding sustainable future provision of the required medical input.

A work plan, outlining the main projects necessary, with timescales and a costing matrix for the implementation of recommendations.

It is expected a contract will be awarded shortly and I expect the report to be delivered before the end of the year. In relation to offering a rotation in the Defence Forces as part of post-graduate medical training scheme, I am open to any suggestion that will help to provide the medical resources required. I expect that this and other possibilities for dealing with the shortage of medical personnel will be taken into consideration by the consultants. However, I do not want to anticipate the analysis that will be undertaken.

The Consultants will also look at the career prospects being offered to young Doctors, opportunities for career development and membership of specialist registers. They will also examine the range of services required by the Defence Forces at home and overseas and for options on the most appropriate skill set and qualifications for sustainable future provision. I eagerly await receipt of the report and I can assure the House that following consideration of the recommendations I will publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead. The development of the Medical Corps forms part of the agreed programme for Government. This includes the expansion of the capacity of the Medical Corps to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. Notwithstanding the current situation I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

22 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number recruited into the Reserve Defence Force since 1 January 2008; the number who have retired in that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20159/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

A breakdown of the number recruited into and discharged from the Reserve Defence Force since 1 January 2008 is in the form of a Tabular Statement. The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) comprises the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. As of 31 March 2008, the number serving in the Army Reserve is 7,948 and in the Naval Service Reserve is 317. The White Paper on Defence outlines the blueprint for the RDF. An Implementation Plan has been developed to realise the White Paper vision and is being rolled out over the period to end 2009. The RDF has already seen significant improvements in terms of organisation, clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. It is now structured along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the development of the integrated element of the Reserve is in its second year. All of these developments enhance the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF.

Reserve Defence Force Recruitment and Discharge
1 January 2008-30 April 2008
	Enlistments	Discharges
	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total
January 2008	58	25	83	96	14	110
February 2008	95	31	126	81	37	118
March 2008	98	19	117	108	49	157
April 2008	114	44	158	64	34	98
Total	365	119	484	349	134	483

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 6.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

The Lisbon Treaty will have no effect on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. As I have said on many occasions, Ireland's neutrality is in our hands and that is where it will be staying at all times. The Lisbon Treaty does not change or alter this position. The triple lock, requirement of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation for any overseas deployment of members of the Defence Forces, is also unaffected by the Lisbon Treaty.

The existing safeguards in the EU Treaties for Ireland's distinctive national approach are retained in the Lisbon Treaty. These include the general requirement for unanimity in relation to decision-making in the Common Foreign and Security Policy area, in particular with regard to the launch of any European Union crisis-management mission. No such mission can go ahead without our express approval. The Treaty of Lisbon states that the Union's policy in this area "shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States". This recognises and protects the position of Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed Constitutional amendment to allow the State ratify the Lisbon Treaty also confirms the prohibition on Ireland entering an EU common defence, unless the people of Ireland were to decide otherwise at some future point. As a result, any proposal relating to Ireland's participation in an EU common defence would require the express approval of the Irish people in a further referendum.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 21.

Interdepartmental Meetings.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

31 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence if he had recent discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the possible use of the Defence Forces under their ATCP commitment in cases of serious public order circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

I have not had any discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

32 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure Irish troops have the most modern and effective range of protective equipment, weaponry and training available. [20176/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years across all facets and elements of the Defence Forces. This investment has been assisted by pay savings arising from the reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in the context of the White Paper of 2000, which have been re-invested in the provision of equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The level of investment has ensured that Defence Forces' personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment to carry out their day-to-day roles both at home and overseas and for training purposes. I will ensure that this investment will continue into the future taking into account the clear commitment in the Programme for Government.

From the Army's perspective the major investment has been in the contracts for Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers. In the period from 2001 to 2007 the Defence Forces acquired a total of eighty Mowag APCs at a cost of €120m. The APCs have been used extensively on overseas service. Currently there are twenty-two APCs in Chad and nine in Kosovo. A tender competition has recently been initiated for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles and tenders are due back in early July 2008. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag APCs in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags.

The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas mission and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for two additional options, for another twenty-seven vehicles. There is a sum of €6m in this years Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract. In recent years, significant work has been carried out on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System for individual soldiers. This system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Back Packs (Rucksacks) and Battle Vests. 8000 units of Body Armour, 12,000 Helmets and 12,000 Rucksacks have been delivered in recent years at a combined total cost of €13.5m.

To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system, an order has been placed for the supply of 12,000 Battle Vests at a cost of some €2.2m. The Battle Vests are used for the carriage of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. The order will be completed by the second half of 2008. Other equipment acquisitions for the Army in recent times, includes 400 General Purpose Machine guns acquired from FN Herstal in Belgium at a cost of €4.4m. A further 500 GPMGs have been ordered from FN Herstal for delivery late this year at a cost of €5.7m. In addition 1,400 pistols were purchased from Heckler and Koch to replace the FN 9mm Browning Automatic at a cost of €800,000.

On the issue of training, I am very satisfied that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them under the White Paper on Defence of February 2000. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards.

Commemorative Events.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

33 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the all-party 1916 centenary commemoration committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20156/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

An All-Party Consultation Group on the commemoration of the 1916 Rising was established in 2006. Following on from the General Election in 2007, the Group had to be re-constituted from the current Oireachtas membership. I wrote to all party leaders on the 17th January 2008, inviting them to nominate a representative to the Group. The nominations have been received and arrangements for the completion of the Consultation Group, including representation of Independent members, will be completed shortly.

Naval Service Vessels.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

34 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the replacement of three of the older Naval Service vessels between the present date and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20157/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an 8-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those 8 vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. The White Paper specifically provides that "New vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.

Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level.

Following Government approval in July 2007 notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition is for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme. The competition uses a Restricted Procedure which comprises two stages — The first stage comprises a Request for Proposals and the second stage comprises an Invitation to Tender. The closing date for stage 1 was 26 October 2007. Evaluation of proposals has now been completed. The second stage of the competition for the OPV will proceed as planned in late May/early June with the issue of a detailed specification to those who have qualified. Tender evaluation will take place in July/August and it is intended to award a contract in late 2008.

In relation to the larger EPV, my Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals in relation to the EPV project before the second stage is initiated. Once this has been completed, my Department will review the matter with a view to initiating the second stage of the EPV competition, probably later in the Autumn. The vessels will, subject to Government approval on funding, be delivered on a phased basis between 2010 and 2012. The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service to enable it to carry out the roles assigned to it.

White Paper on Defence.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

35 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prepare a second White Paper on defence for the period 2011 to 2020. [20165/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The current White Paper on Defence, which was published in February 2000, was the first-ever White Paper on Defence and set out the policy framework and development strategy for the period 2000 — 2010. The overall Government objective was to achieve affordable and sustainable Defence Forces capable of fulfilling the roles laid down by Government.

A detailed review of White Paper implementation has been conducted and a report was published in April 2007 outlining the findings. The report found that substantial progress has been made. The many detailed recommendations for change that were laid out in the White Paper have been implemented or are being implemented according to agreed timetables. The report also concludes that all the detailed targets should be met within the time-frame of the White Paper i.e up to 2010. The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2008 — 2010 includes the commitment to prepare a new White Paper on Defence, in line with the Agreed Programme for Government. Work on this important project will be progressed over this period.

Departmental Programmes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

36 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that in view of the success of the USAC scheme, the scheme will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18882/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

All Army Officers, on commissioning after completion of Cadet Training, who meet the academic entry requirements for third level education, and who do not already hold a Level 7 Qualification, are eligible to participate in the USAC Scheme. The USAC Scheme permits such newly commissioned Officers to attend university on a full time basis as undergraduates for 3-4 years and to complete a primary (Bachelor's) degree. There are no plans to change this Scheme at present.

Defence Forces Strength.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

37 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number of females who are serving with the Defence Forces at present at various levels; the number that were recruited each year since 2005; the projected number for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20221/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

Seven (7) females have been enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force to-date during 2008 out of a total intake of 169. It is not possible to project the number of females who might apply to enter the Defence Forces and who might succeed in that application. However, based on previous years, this figure might be expected to rise to fifty-five (55) by year end. A detailed breakdown of the number of females in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank and the number of females that were recruited each year since 2005 are in the Tabular Statements.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Female strength in the Permanent Defence Force has increased from 468 at the end of 2001 to 560 as at 19 May 2008. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

Table 1: Female PDF Strength as at 19 May 2008
Service	Lt. Col.	Comdt.	Capt.	Lt.	Total Officers	CS	CQMS	Sgt.	Cpl.	Total NCOs	Pte.	Cadet	Total
Army	1	20	42	46	109	3	1	26	107	137	205	8	459
Air Corps	Nil	Nil	3	2	5	1	Nil	2	9	12	15	1	33
Naval Service	Nil	Nil	10	8	18	Nil	Nil	Nil	6	6	38	6	68
Total	1	20	55	56	132	4	1	28	122	155	258	15	560

Table 2: Female Enlistments 2005-2008
2005
Service	Cadet	Private	Officer	Total
Army	6	38	Nil	44
Air Corps	Nil	1	Nil	1
Naval Service	1	Nil	Nil	1
Total	7	39	Nil	46

2006
Services	Cadet	Private	Officer	Total
Army	7	36	1*	44
Air Corps	1	5	Nil	6
Naval Service	5	14	Nil	19
Total	13	55	1*	69

*Direct Entry.

2007
Service	Cadet	Private	Officer	Total
Army	8	24	2*	34
Air Corps	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Naval Serivce	1	8	Nil	9
Total	9	32	2*	43

*Direct Entry.

2008 to date
Service	Cadet	Private	Officer	Total
Army	Nil	6	Nil	6
Air Corps	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Naval Service	Nil	1	Nil	1
Total	Nil	7	Nil	7

Defence Forces Reserve.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

38 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to fully execute the Reserve Defence Forces implementation plan by the 2009 target. [20170/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009. Revised organisation structures came into effect in October 2005. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF with three brigades, a Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. Improvements in clothing, equipment and training have been delivered. These factors were identified as being important issues for members of the Reserve, as well as being necessary to improve the overall capability of the Reserve.

In addition, the Plan provides for the development of an Integrated Army Reserve. A pilot scheme for the Integrated Reserve was run in 2007 and while numbers participating were small (180 completed training), very valuable lessons were learned. The Integrated Reserve will continue to be developed in 2008 in the light of experience gained in 2007. In line with the Implementation plan timeframe, recommendations with respect to the First Line Reserve are to be brought forward during phase 2. Development of the First Line Reserve is also included in the Modernisation Agenda agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of Towards 2016 and will be advanced accordingly.

While there are no plans for participation by members of the Reserve in overseas missions in the current year, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists may be available to serve overseas by the end of next year (2009). This is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate training. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a publicity and awareness campaign to promote recruitment to the RDF is being prepared and will be carried out later in the year.

Overseas Missions.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

39 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his talks with the Austrian Defence Minister, Mr. Norbert Darabos, regarding the involvement of both Ireland and Austria as neutral countries in the UN mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

On 24 April 2008, I met with Mr. Norbert Darabos, the Austrian Minister of Defence in Vienna. I was accompanied in the talks by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Michael Howard; the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Dermot Earley; Assistant Secretary General, Ciaran Murphy; and Mr Frank Cogan, Irish Ambassador to Vienna.

A number of issues were discussed at our meeting including the situation in Kosovo and Chad, where both countries are involved in peacekeeping operations, as well as ESDP, Battlegroups and the Lisbon Treaty. Minister Darabos informed me that he had visited Chad two weeks before our meeting. Minister Darabos was accompanied on his visit by representatives from the Austrian Media. He stated that all concerned were reassured by what they saw of the Force on the ground despite the difficult operating environment. He welcomed the fact that the EUFOR Operation Commander (General Pat Nash) was from a fellow neutral country, Ireland, and that there was participation also by Sweden and Finland. The independence and multinational nature of the mission along with its humanitarian objectives were important issues for Austria. In addition, Minister Darabos was very impressed by what Gen Nash had achieved as Operation Commander.

I advised him that our preparations for the Defence Forces deployment in Chad were going well and that all 400 Irish troops would be in place by end-May. I also informed him that public opinion, in Ireland, was supportive of the mission, particularly in view of its humanitarian objectives, to support those fleeing from the conflict in Darfur and also the Internally Displaced Persons in Chad. We both agreed on the need to ensure that the UN would step in to provide the necessary continuity for EUFOR, which was essentially a bridging operation and also on the need to avoid "mission creep" both in terms of tasks and duration.

Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 6.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

41 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his briefing by the military in Kosovo regarding the situation on the ground since Kosovo became independent in February 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20153/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

During my visit to Kosovo on 23rd April 2008, I visited the Irish Troops based there. I was given a comprehensive briefing by Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty, Commander Multinational Task Force (Centre). I also had meetings with:

Mr. Colm Ó Conaill, Political Adviser;

Mr. Joachim Rücker, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General (UNSRSG), and Head of the UN mission in Kosovo;

Deputy Prime Minister Kuci, and;

Major General Steltz, Deputy Commander, the International Security Force in Kosovo (KFOR) also briefed me on recent incidences in Kosovo.

General Steltz was highly complimentary of the quality of the Irish Contingent and of its contribution to the discharge of the KFOR mission. I was informed that following the declaration of independence by the Kosovo Government on 17 February 2008, the overall security situation continued to remain relatively calm in south Kosovo but still tense in the north. However, the situation is being monitored continuously. The Kosovo-Albanian's celebrations were peaceful and well managed. However, demonstrations continued in North Mitrovica, peaking on 17 March 2008 when UNMIK Police supported by KFOR intervened in order to remove and arrest the occupants of the courthouse in Mitrovica. In the clashes that followed, a number of UNMIK and KFOR personnel were injured and one (1) Ukrainian member of UNMIK died as a result of injuries sustained in an explosion. There has been no further violence in Mitrovica since 17 March 2008 and UNMIK Police has resumed normal duties in Mitrovica.

The situation in the Irish Area of Responsibility was described as calm and stable, though unpredictable. The threat of attacks on KFOR personnel was assessed as low. The Irish Defence Forces Personnel are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. I would like to assure the House that ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. No mission is without danger, but I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in KFOR.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

42 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to continue the ongoing policy of recruitment to the Reserve Defence Forces through regular and targeted recruitment campaigns. [20171/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a publicity and awareness campaign to promote recruitment to the Reserve Defence Forces is being prepared and will be carried out later in the year. The campaign is likely to include advertising in print, broadcast media and via the Internet. A Request for Tender issued in March 2008 and seven tenders have been received. The tenders are currently being evaluated and it is expected that the contract will be awarded shortly.

Air Corps Equipment.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

43 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the additions to the Air Corps fleet scheduled for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20158/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

As Minister for Defence I am delighted with the level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps in recent years.

The comprehensive investment programme included:

The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT.

Two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT.

Six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from the AgustaWestland at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT, the final two of which are scheduled for delivery in 2008.

A major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m, is under way — work on the first aircraft was completed in 2007, work on the second aircraft will be completed in 2008.

The question of replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet is under active consideration at present. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for same.

Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 6.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

45 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if the Army Equitation School recruited the required number of grooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20160/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The position is that the day to day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff. I am informed by the military authorities that the Army Equitation School has an establishment of thirty-four (34) other ranks and vacancies presently exist for two (2) Non-Commissioned Officers and ten (10) Privates (Grooms). The 2008 recruitment process is ongoing at this time. To date a total of 19 persons have been identified as suitable for the position of Private (Groom). Prior to enlistment all such persons undergo normal intake procedures i.e. medical screening, physical training test and Garda Síochána Security Clearance. On successful completion of the above procedures candidates are placed on a panel for enlistment in the Defence Forces as an Army Equitation School Private (Groom).

Defence Forces Property.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

46 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that investment in the Defence Forces continues to grow with the full commercial value of all defence property disposals to be received by his Department for investment in capital projects and new equipment. [20167/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, or Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta (ONET) has enjoyed the long-standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. ONET is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. A main objective of ONET is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women by way of providing accommodation to homeless members in need of such domestic accommodation and providing other assistance that may be required by way of advising referrals to the relevant agencies.

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed in 1990. Membership is available to those, both serving and retired, who have successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation. Both associations are financed primarily through membership fees, voluntary contributions and fundraising. The Agreed Programme for Government of June 2007 commits to the provision of annual subventions to support ONET and IUNVA in their valuable work. I have decided that this can best be achieved through the payment of an annual grant-in-aid to both of these voluntary organisations. I recently announced that arrangements have now been put in place for ONET and IUNVA to receive an annual grant-in-aid from my Department. This year, ONET and IUNVA will receive €40,000 and €10,000 respectively. It is planned to increase these amounts in subsequent years in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 6.

Commemorative Events.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

51 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish the General Post Office as a museum of celebration of Irish progress and achievement across a broad spectrum as a landmark 1916 centenary project. [20387/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works is heading a project group, which is currently developing proposals for the refurbishment of the GPO. It is expected that the OPW will soon bring a project plan outlining the scope, plan and timetable to the Project Steering Group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

52 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to advance the redevelopment of Glasnevin Cemetery as part of the preparations for the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. [20390/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery began last year and is being carried out by the Dublin Cemeteries Committee with the assistance of the Office of Public Works. The work is progressing well and extensive refurbishment of graves, monument and pathways has already taken place. As part of the work, construction of a new front entrance/visitor building will commence this year.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

53 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to restore 16 Moore Street and establish therein an interpretative centre, linked to the refurbished General Post Office to honour those who fought in the 1916 Rising. [20391/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

It is understood that 16 Moore Street is owned by a development company (Chartered Land) and is included as part of a recent planning application which is currently being considered by Dublin City Council.

Architectural Heritage.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

54 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if there has been progress in relation to the reopening of negotiations for the purchase of a site from a college (details supplied) in County Kildare by the Office of Public Works to provide further facilities at Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare. [20415/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works has no plans at present to purchase additional lands adjoining Maynooth Castle.

EU Directives.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

55 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the status of the EU payments services directive; if it will enable him to outlaw card payment surcharges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20512/08]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Payment Services Directive (PSD) provides the necessary legal framework to support the development of the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA), a major payments industry initiative aimed at eliminating any remaining difference between domestic and cross-border payments within the eurozone. This Directive comes into effect on 1 November 2009. My Department is currently preparing legislation to apply the provisions of the PSD into Irish law. Stakeholders were invited to respond to a public consultation, which closed on the 16th May. Responses to that consultation are currently being studied in my Department.

Article 52(3) of the Directive prohibits payment service providers from preventing merchants applying a surcharge or offering a reduction for the use of a given payment instrument. This is to ensure that the costs of efficient and inefficient payment instruments are transparent. Otherwise, all consumers would bear the costs of inefficient payment instruments as merchants would pass on charges in the form of a generally higher price level. This Article does allow Member States to forbid or limit the right to request charges. However, this can only be done if two conditions are satisfied, namely, that such a measure is consistent with the need to encourage competition and promote use of efficient payment instruments.

In the context of its ongoing work on the transposition of the Directive my Department will be assessing the implications of Article 52 (3). It would, however, be a priority to ensure that the use of efficient payment instruments is not disadvantaged. As the Deputy will be aware, the greater use of more efficient electronic payments could yield significant competitive benefits to the Irish economy.

Tax Yield.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

56 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the total amount of tax forfeited by Revenue by virtue of the tax exemption on stud fees since this scheme was first introduced. [19592/08]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a letter has issued to the taxpayer requesting the necessary information to enable them issue a form P21 balancing statement for 2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

62 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a refund of tax on foot of rental accommodation is due in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20521/08]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of having received a claim for rent relief from the taxpayer in question. Form Rent 1 has now been sent to the taxpayer and, following receipt of the completed form, the claim will be processed and any refund of tax due will be made.

Public Play Facilities.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

63 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the development of public play and recreation areas for children. [20400/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

77 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 invest in playgrounds here under the national play policy in order that every child in every community has a reasonable access to at least one modern playground. [20367/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 77 together.

Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. While the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has an overall role in supporting implementation of the Play Policy, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the HSE retain responsibility for implementation of actions falling within their remit. Since the publication of the Play Policy, over €28m has been allocated to the provision of play facilities which has resulted in the development of an additional 300 play facilities throughout the country.

In addition to the development of these play facilities, up to €1 million has been allocated, via dormant accounts funding, for a Playbus Scheme. This measure is intended to provide interventions that support the family unit, by providing play development and parenting development outreach services to children and their parents, experiencing social exclusion in disadvantaged and isolated areas.

In addition to the Play Policy, Teenspace National Recreation Policy for Young People was launched in September 2007. The policy provides a strategic framework for the promotion of positive recreational opportunities aimed principally at young people aged 12 to 18. The policy adopts an evidence-based approach and makes proposals to address issues which emerged from a public consultation process which was undertaken by my Office and was also informed through the findings of independent research commissioned by my Office. In particular, this included places for young people to hang out with their friends, such as 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 under way 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.

Sponsorship of Sporting Events.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

64 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to discuss the question of the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with the aim of phasing it out. [20404/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Mary Wallace)

In April of this year the Government decided to establish a Working Group to consider how the commitment in the Programme for Government is to be delivered. This Working Group will be established by my Department following consultation with other relevant Government Departments. On the basis of existing voluntary codes of practice, the Irish alcohol industry may not sponsor any sporting competitions, leagues, events or competitors where such events are designated specifically for participants under 18 years of age. I expect to launch Revised Voluntary Codes on Alcohol Advertising and Sponsorship shortly.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

65 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the medical records of a person (details supplied) in County Cork were found amongst those recently uncovered in a landfill site at Glounthaune, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20265/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

66 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she personally pays the toll charges incurred on her travels; if not, the cost to the tax payer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20276/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

67 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [20281/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Máire Hoctor)

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

68 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a service (details supplied) as a priority. [20282/08]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

98 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [20516/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 98 together.

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

Medical Cards.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

69 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [20289/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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.

In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The main exception is persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card. The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold. Under the assessment guidelines, persons whose weekly incomes are derived solely from Department of Social and Family Affairs payments and Health Service Executive (HSE) payments, even if these exceed the stated threshold, qualify for a medical card.

The commitment in the Programme for Government to which the Deputy refers is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and Science. That Department provides some pre-school provision for children with special educational needs through the visiting teacher service and, more recently, through the expansion of the home tuition scheme to provide funding for home programmes for pre-school children on the autistic spectrum. In addition, the Department of Education and Science funds 24 early intervention classes for children with autism — these classes are attached to mainstream schools. I understand that, under the Programme for Government, it is not envisaged that a formal network of pre-schools for children with disabilities will be established. Rather support will be provided, as necessary, to the parents and child with special educational needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

74 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to further invest in and support the roll-out of affordable school age child care. [20364/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP). The NCIP is the successor programme to the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) which concluded at the end of 2007. The NCIP has been allocated €575 million over 5 years, and is designed to deliver 50,000 additional child care places with approximately 5,000 for school age child care. The Programme which is Exchequer funded aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services which are grounded in an understanding of local needs.

The NCIP focuses in particular on the provision of capital grant funding for community based and private child care providers. At the end of April, €180 million in capital funding has been approved under the programme and it is expected that approximately 24,000 new child care places, of which more than 3,000 will be school age child care places, will be created as a result of this investment. Under the NCIP a new Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), to support community not-for-profit child care services with a focus on disadvantage, was introduced this year. The CCSS has been allocated €154.2 million over the period up to the end of 2010 representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme. Under this scheme, services will be grant aided according to the service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from the service. In turn, the subvention received by the service will be reflected in the reduced fees for parents qualifying under the scheme.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community child care services generally. Services supported under the scheme will include those for school going children, including breakfast and homework clubs which are important elements in the development of high quality school age child care.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

75 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide services in schools or in other suitable premises, that will operate until 6 p.m. and on a full-time day basis during school holidays. [20365/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

The commitment to which the Deputy refers, concerning the provision of such services in schools, is a matter for the Department of Education and Science. However, under the National Childcare Investment Programme, for which I have responsibility, capital grant funding is provided to develop child care services including services which cater for school age children, that is services which care for children out of school hours. This would normally consist of breakfast clubs, after school provision and child care during school holidays. Community-based school aged child care facilities with a focus on disadvantage may also apply for support funding under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme which enables their services to provide reduced fees to qualifying parents.

Under the Education system, the large majority of schools are run by independent Boards of Management, and it is a matter for them whether they decide to provide such a service. A number have applied for funding under the Programmes operated by my Office, and have received grant aid for such services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

76 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to accelerate the establishment of a children services committee in each county. [20366/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

The National Economic Social Council, in its report, the ‘Developmental Welfare State', introduced the lifecycle approach to social policy discourse in Ireland. This is a holistic approach that places the individual at the centre of policy development and service delivery, and which was adopted in the national partnership agreement Towards 2016.

This new approach was adopted in the context of a growing body of international research which emphasises the importance of early interventions in securing better longer term outcomes for children. For children disadvantaged by background or family circumstance especially, positive supports provided in the very first years positively impact life chances by promoting child emotional and physical development. Prevention and early intervention with children is likely to be most successful when nested within integrated supports for families — to provide parents experiencing difficulties with the personal resources and skills they need, and to foster positive family environments in which children can develop and achieve.

The Government is committed to improving the lives of our children, and to that end, a practical application of the lifecycle approach can be seen in the establishment of the Children's Services Committees (CSCs). These committees are focused on using a streamlined, crosscutting approach to the design and delivery of services for children and their families across sectorial and agency boundaries.

A National Children's Strategy Implementation Group (NCSIG), was established at the end of 2006 under Towards 2016 to support these developments. The NCSIG approved the establishment of four initial multi-agency Children's Services Committees (CSCs) in the following areas: Donegal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Limerick City Council. These CSCs are charged with progressing the implementation of strategic plans and policy documents already devised in relation to children's services in their respective areas. The aim is to test models of best practice which promote integrated, locally led, strategic planning for children's services across agencies. Each area is working towards the identification of shared priorities and, in time, an implementation plan for children's services in the area. The view of the NCSIG is that the development of CSCs should be locally determined and led within a flexible framework devised and agreed at national level.

A broad framework for the development of a work programme for the CSCs in the start-up stage has been agreed and is being implemented. Technical assistance to support the change management process in delivering on this framework was commissioned and is currently being provided to the four sites based on their specific needs. Collaborative working, across all four CSCs, to assess progress, compare and assess practices will commence in mid 2008 as part of the change management process. The timing of the establishment of further committees will be guided by the developments in these pioneer sites although the necessary development work to support "readiness" for the establishment of further committees in other areas is ongoing in the interim. In this regard the OMC is working with agencies at national level through the NCSIG and promising local initiatives to foster interagency relationship building and collaborative working.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 63.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

78 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to the response received from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 28 November 2007, the reason it is taking six months to review service provision arrangements to reduce child optical waiting lists and the current waiting times for children for eye tests in Maynooth and Naas health centres. [20414/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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 Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

83 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting list for orthodontic treatment for children in Kildare has increased from 171 children in June 2006 to 331 children in April 2008; and the action she will take to reduce these waiting times. [20427/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the provision of orthodontic treatment for children. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the question raised by the Deputy. 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

84 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that phase 3C of Naas General Hospital, Naas, County Kildare is included in the final Health Service Executive capital plan for 2008. [20433/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Government's sustained high level of investment in health care has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of approximately €594m has been provided to the Health Service Executive.

In drawing up its Capital Plan the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, taking account of the NDP targets for division of capital investment between the Acute and Primary, Community & Continuing Care pillars. The HSE has submitted a draft Capital Plan covering the period 2008 — 2013 to my Department for consideration and approval in the normal way. This draft plan sets out the HSE's proposed short and longer term capital investment priorities and commitments. Consultation on this draft Capital Plan is ongoing between the HSE, the Department of Finance and my Department. The HSE has undertaken to provide additional clarification on its proposed capital developments and is currently engaged in this process. Details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the capital plan is approved.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

85 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 445 people are awaiting assessment for occupational therapy in County Kildare and that seven and a half posts remain vacant in the service; the reason these posts have not been filled; and the action she will take to reduce the waiting list for occupational therapy. [20436/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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.

I wish to advise the Deputy that almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

86 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when the 2008 development funding for the intellectual disability sector will be allocated to the various voluntary agencies nationwide; if the amount available for 2008 is less than the amount available in 2007 and by how much; and the reason for the delay in the current allocations. [20442/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

Mental Health Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

90 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the types of support, subsistence and travel payments made to persons attending a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo; the criteria that are applied in order to grant them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20454/08]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

91 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding paid to a person (details supplied) attending a facility in County Mayo under the remit of Mayo mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20455/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. 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.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

92 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be provided with a facility for home-use to meet their needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20457/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

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.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

93 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20461/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Máire Hoctor)

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

Cancer Screening Programme.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

94 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has recently awarded a contract for medical examination of cervical smears to an American company notwithstanding the fact that the HSE recently upskilled its medical laboratory staff with a view to carrying out these examinations by HSE staff and that this training involved study and examination in the UK; her views on whether this decision is medically in the best interests of patients and financially prudent for the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20469/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) have announced a preferred bidder for the provision of laboratory testing services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. This is an important milestone which will enable the NCSS to launch the first quality assured, population based National Cervical Screening Programme for women in Ireland aged 25-60 years.

The NCSS is a statutory agency and is entirely separate from the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE had no involvement in the process to select a preferred bidder to provide laboratory services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. In keeping with EU procurement legislation, the procurement process is being conducted in an open and competitive manner. Submissions were invited from local and international laboratories during the process. The NCSS has concluded that the preferred bidder can deliver a service that meets all of the required quality criteria. The Deputy will appreciate that quality is a critical requirement of the new programme in the context of patients' best interests. As the procurement process has not yet concluded, there are no details available on the cost of the service.

The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE has a commitment to staff currently employed in cytology services, and has met with their representative. Any decisions regarding reassignment of employees will be addressed after the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process for cytology services.

Child Care Services.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

95 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children her views, in view of the ongoing difficulties for many not-for-profit community child care facilities, many of which are faced with job losses, financial difficulty and closure, on amending the newly implemented funding arrangements. [20494/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP) under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being implemented.

The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their child care costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of child care they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government child care policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.

The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme was introduced on 1st January 2008 with an allocation of €154.2 million over 3 years. The Scheme will continue to support community-based child care services to provide reduced child care fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Community child care services will qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The parent profile of each service, and the amount of subvention it will receive, are determined on the basis of completed parent declaration forms which they return as part of the application process. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

The new scheme provides an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community child care services generally. The subvention to services is responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage and the ceiling for funding which existed under the previous scheme has been removed. Account is also being taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones which, in some cases, were previously inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

In addition, transitional arrangements have been put in place to facilitate community services which were funded under the previous scheme to adjust to the new arrangements, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. This will mean that community services which were funded under the previous scheme and which continue to operate, are guaranteed at least 95% of their 2007 grant aid in 2008.

When the framework for the new scheme was announced in July of last year, my predecessor, Mr Brendan Smith T.D. signalled his intention to undertake a review of the Scheme on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which was to be forwarded to the Office of the Minister for Children in late 2007 as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed and the following adjustments were made to the scheme in December:

the child care subvention rates, which form the basis for assessing the level of grant funding payable to community child care services, have been increased from €80 to €100 per week in the case of Band A parents and from €30 to €70 per week in the case of Band B parents;

services will also be grant aided to enable them to provide reduced child care fees for parents in Band C who are marginally above the Family Income Supplement (FIS) threshold and low income parents who qualify under this measure will benefit by €45 per week per full-time place;

where a parent moves to a lower Band (e.g. from social welfare into employment), the subvention paid in respect of them will be withdrawn on a tapered basis with the effect that where a parent would no longer qualify for a Band A payment, he or she will be treated as a Band B parent in the following year;

special provisions will be provided for in the case of child care services where, for valid reasons, it is not possible to assess grant funding on the basis of annual parental declarations alone (e.g. women's refuges, special services for children of drug misusers) and, in exceptional cases, where special levels of funding provision may be required;

in recognition of the on-going input of the community and voluntary sector, and to provide stability for services which would otherwise receive very low levels of grant subvention (e.g. small rural services) a minimum grant level of €20,000 per annum has been introduced, provided services meet the conditions of the scheme in full.

As a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which could otherwise face a significant decrease in their existing level of grant support from July 2008, will continue to receive grant aid equal to not less than 90% of their previous grant level during July-December 2008, equal to not less than 85% of that amount in 2009, and equal to not less than 75% of that amount in 2010. The transitional grant funding is conditional on all requirements of the Scheme being complied with, including the return of annual applications together with completed parent declaration forms and the implementation of tiered fees based on the subvention levels for Band A, B and C parents.

The changes which have been introduced will ensure that the most affordable child care is available to families according to their means. Put simply, the tiered fee structure is the most effective way of ensuring that the considerable and ongoing Government support for the community child care sector, will be targeted at those who need it most. I am sure that the Deputy will agree that, with an allocation of €154.2 million over a 3 year period for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme, the Government is continuing to offer very generous support to this important sector of Ireland's child care infrastructure. Given the cost of the previous staffing Scheme was €37 million in 2007, this represents a very significant increase in resources to support the Community Childcare sector.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

96 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied)) in Dublin 3. [20495/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Medical Cards.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

97 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a change (details supplied). [20497/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Health Service Executive has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment of medical card applications. The purpose of these is to ensure that every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement and that there is a consistency of approach to means-testing nationally. I am informed that the guidelines include provisions dealing with medical card review dates. The guiding principle is to set a date in each case at which an income/dependency change or other change could reasonably be expected to occur which would affect eligibility.

The HSE has also indicated that such reviews are conducted in a manner that takes due account of the personal circumstances of the card holder and that arrangements are in place to limit the need for frequent reviews where a review would normally result in the renewal of the medical card.

Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 68.

Health Service Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the severe shortage of public health nurses in the Celbridge area resulting in neglect of routine health checks for children; if she will address this issue as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20518/08]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Rail Network.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

100 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will support a halt stop on the Ennis-Galway railway line at Crusheen, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20459/08]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The location of stations on the rail network is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

101 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20279/08]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993.

Railway Stations.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20275/08]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

The official car assigned for my use is driven by members of an Garda Síochána. I have been advised that such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, there is no cost to the Exchequer.

Rapid Response Initiative.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

106 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the size and capacity of the rapid response corps, the civilian corps of volunteers trained and equipped by the Government to be on the ground in an area of humanitarian crisis in a short period. [20298/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

Following the launch of the campaign to recruit a Rapid Response Corps in February, 2007, 52 volunteers were recruited, and completed their pre-deployment training and preparations during 2007. A second campaign to recruit members to the Rapid Response Corps began on 14 February, 2008. This campaign focused mainly on the logistics, engineering and humanitarian skills most in demand by our stand-by partners. However, new public health, protection and education profiles were added at the request of those partners.

From this campaign a further 36 volunteers were invited to join the Corps. A group of 24 completed the compulsory pre-departure training course from 7-14 May and have begun the necessary medical preparations. This will bring the number of Corps members ready to deploy if requested to 76. A further pre-departure training course is scheduled for early October, 2008. In building the capacity of the Corps, Irish Aid has facilitated the attendance by 24 members of the Corps on training courses designed and delivered by our humanitarian partners. This is a policy which will be actively pursued in the future. In addition, Irish Aid arranges separate workshops for Rapid Response Corps members on topics of relevance for humanitarian response. To date, there have been 12 deployments of the Corps, the most recent in early May to Darfur, Sudan. Other Corps members have been deployed to Sri Lanka, Somalia, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nepal and Ethiopia.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

107 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to double the amount of emergency relief supplies held in, and distributed from, Ireland’s new pre-positioned humanitarian relief centres at the Curragh, Kildare and Brindisi, Italy. [20299/08]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

108 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made with the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase funding to the regional supply depot for Africa, based in Accra, Ghana. [20300/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

Irish Aid entered into a Letter of Agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in October, 2006. Under this agreement, the WFP was tasked with the set up, procurement, management and transportation to the field of Ireland's stocks of essential humanitarian supplies. By mid 2007, essential non-food supplies — blankets, tents, jerry cans, water tanks, kitchen sets, etc — were pre-positioned at the central UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Brindisi, Italy and at a smaller facility provided by the Defence Forces at the Curragh Camp.

In 2007, disbursals involving Irish supplies were made to emergencies in Sudan, Peru, Pakistan, Mali, Uganda and Burkina Faso. Already in 2008, there has been a significant increase in the rate of uptake of our stocks, with emergency shipments to Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and, most recently, Burma/Myanmar. An airlift to China will take place within the next few days and a large shipment to Iraq is at the planning stage. All these stocks will be replenished. Further increases in the level of humanitarian supplies will be made possible when the new central UNHRD in Dubai becomes fully operational. We plan in due course to move our supplies to the new Depot. This will enable more rapid and effective disbursal of stocks, particularly to emergencies in South East Asia, the Middle East, and North and East Africa.

Under the terms of the 2006 Letter of Agreement with the WFP, Irish Aid makes an annual contribution of €400,000 towards the annual operating costs of the UNHRD hub for Africa based in Accra. Up to now, this hub has been housed in temporary premises. In 2008, Irish Aid made an additional contribution to the WFP of €600,000 towards the construction of a new facility which is now expected to be completed by the end of 2008. When completed, we will pre-position additional supplies at this Depot, enabling faster delivery of supplies within Africa.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

109 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase funding by at least €40 million to the Irish Government emergency response fund and increase funding to the UN central emergency response fund. [20301/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

The programme for Government envisages an increase in funding for Ireland's response to humanitarian emergencies in the amount €40 million during the lifetime of the Government. Funding for humanitarian emergencies arises from a number of budgetary headings in Irish Aid, though the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund (EHAF) is Irish Aid's primary source of such funding. In 2007, in response to the increasing number and severity of humanitarian emergencies, the allocation was increased by 50% from €60 million to €90 million. This substantial increase approved in 2007 clearly signals the Government's commitment towards increasing Ireland's response to humanitarian emergencies and is fully in line with the undertakings contained in the programme for Government.

Ireland was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and remains one of its strongest supporters. The CERF enables the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) to respond immediately to any sudden on-set emergency. In 2007 we doubled our contribution to the CERF from €10 million to €20 million making Ireland the sixth largest donor to the CERF. In 2008, we further increased our contribution by a further 13% to €22.6 million. This brings Ireland's total contribution to the CERF since its inception to €52.6 million. This is fully in line with the undertakings contained in the programme for Government.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

110 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to work to strengthen the capacity of Irish and international non-governmental organisations to respond more quickly to international emergencies. [20302/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

An important element of the Government's Rapid Response Initiative is a commitment to provide funding to our Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), Red Cross and UN partners to assist them in enhancing their capacity to respond to international emergencies. To that end, over €4.75 million has been provided since 2007 to our main international and national partners to help them build their organisational capacity to respond to and prepare for humanitarian emergencies. Of that amount, almost €1.1 million has been provided to Irish NGOs primarily for humanitarian staff development and training purposes.

An initiative was also implemented in 2007 on a two year pilot basis to assist our main NGO partners respond more rapidly to international emergencies. The initiative provides each of our three main NGO partners — Concern, Trócaire and Goal — with their own rapid response fund which they can immediately access following an emergency. This major rapid response initiative will be evaluated in 2009.

Overseas Development Aid.

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

Irish Aid provides support, through the Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Scheme, to over 160 organisations, including academic institutions, community groups and volunteer based organisations as well as professionally staffed non-governmental organisations. The Civil Society Fund has co-funded development interventions from many sectors of Irish society including applications from the legal, medical, construction and information technology areas. In addition the Micro-Projects Scheme, established in 2006, supports the development activities of smaller Irish organisations. This scheme was established in recognition of the great interest that exists amongst individuals, organisations and communities in Ireland who want to make their own contribution to development.

The Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre which was opened by the former Taoiseach in January provides information and guidance on all aspects of the Irish Aid programme. In particular, it works to raise awareness of how individuals and organisations can volunteer and get involved in development work. To date, the Centre has facilitated over seventy five meetings and events on development related issues, held seven temporary exhibitions and hosted over sixty five schools groups involving 1,200 pupils. About 700 visitors use the Centre each week.

A programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education Research Institutions was launched in 2006. The overall aim is to support Irish Aid's policy objectives in reducing poverty through collaborative research and academic exchange programmes initiated by Irish third level institutions. The Programme ultimately aims to promote capacity building in higher education and research institutions in developing countries. The thematic areas that activities focus on include health, HIV and AIDS, infectious diseases, education, food and livelihood security, pro-poor economic growth, governance and gender equality. The programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of Irish Aid.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

114 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop regional aid programmes in southern and western Africa to address transnational threats such as disease and food insecurity. [20306/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

The Government's White Paper on Irish Aid strongly affirms that Africa will remain the principal focus of Ireland's official aid programme in the years ahead. It is in Africa that progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is slowest. The majority of the 50 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are located in Africa. Approximately 80% of Ireland's Overseas Development Assistance goes to Africa. It is by continuing to focus on that continent that Ireland's development assistance can best respond to the needs of the world's poorest people and make a real difference in their lives.

The White Paper on Irish Aid and the Programme for Government include a commitment to support regional development programmes to address issues which do not respect national borders. A number of programmes are now funded which have a regional focus, particularly in the humanitarian area, including food security and HIV/AIDS. It is intended that an enhanced regional programme will be developed in the next 2 years and a small task team has been established to progress this objective, including the placement of a senior official in Africa to drive this forward.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

115 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure funding mechanisms for non-governmental organisations are accessible and simplified. [20307/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)

Irish Aid is committed to supporting civil society organisations as partners in the attainment of the Millennium Declaration and associated goals to reduce global poverty. Irish Aid currently provides development funding to NGOs through a number of schemes in support of their work in developing countries. The Multi-annual Programmes Scheme (MAPS) and Civil Society Fund (CSF) are the main conduits for Irish civil society organisations to access Irish Aid funding for overseas development work. Irish Aid also supports the work of missionaries through the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS).

Reaching out to and strengthening links with the Irish community in Britain and with those of Irish ancestry has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of Government policy. This commitment is reflected in the unprecedented level of funding secured for emigrant services in recent years. Since the establishment of the Irish Abroad Unit in 2004, the range and extent of the Emigrant Support Programme has been considerably expanded. This year the Government has made €15.183 million available for emigrant services. This figure is three times greater than the 2004 allocation, and is a clear reflection of our firm and ongoing commitment to the welfare of Irish people abroad.

The capacity of the Irish Abroad Unit and that of our network of Missions which support and coordinate the Programme has also increased. This ensures that these additional resources continue to be allocated and monitored efficiently. This was confirmed by a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Support for Emigrants Subhead which was completed in July 2007 by Goodbody Economic Consultants — copies of the Review were lodged in the Houses of the Oireachtas Library and are also on the Departmental website (www.dfa.ie ). The Government is committed to incrementally increasing funding levels to groups working with our emigrant communities, subject to overall budgetary considerations.

Broadcasting Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

124 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the process whereby RTÉ can be broadcast into the UK. [20317/08]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

The extension of RTÉ and TG4 television programming to the Irish community in Britain has been a long-standing and key objective of the Government. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, following a series of meetings between the Irish Abroad Unit, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and RTÉ, my colleague Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, announced in March that RTÉ's international service is scheduled to be on air in Britain by March 2009. Advances in satellite technology have facilitated the achievement of this goal. This new service will be provided through a digital satellite TV service called Freesat. Freesat was launched by the BBC and ITV earlier this month and is available without subscription to almost every household across Britain and Northern Ireland. The Freesat package offers a range of services not available on other systems, including High Digital programming, and access to more than 180 TV channels.

The only cost in accessing Freesat is a once-off payment of approximately €200 for a digital box and satellite dish. The service is totally free thereafter. I would intend, through the Irish Abroad Unit, to assist those less well-off and vulnerable Irish emigrants who may have difficulty in meeting the initial cost of the satellite dish and decoder required to access Freesat. The precise content to be broadcast on this new international service is currently being considered by RTÉ. We know, however, the service will provide some of the programmes most sought by the Irish in Britain, including news and current affairs, and most of RTÉ's indigenously produced programming. Current contractual arrangements in most cases, however, will preclude the transmission of sports events and acquired programming.

This new international service will provide the Irish abroad with a valuable link to home. I believe it will be particularly welcomed by the more elderly and isolated members of our community in Britain, a group whose welfare has always been central to the Emigrant Support Programme.

Emigrant Support Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

125 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to work to deliver free public transport for emigrant pensioners when they visit Ireland. [20318/08]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

The Government continues to be fully committed to extending the free public transport scheme to Irish emigrants of pensionable age when visiting Ireland. The most recent development in this regard is that the Department's Irish Abroad Unit, working closely with our network of Missions in EU Capitals, has researched the type of provisions made in other EU countries to subsidise pensioners' travel, and the extent to which any such subsidies extend to all or some EU nationals.

The Unit has been able to confirm that certain, albeit limited, precedent exists for the provision of domestic free or subsidised travel schemes to all EU nationals of pensionable age in several EU Countries. Exceptionally, Hungary is alone amongst EU States in providing unrestricted free travel to all nationals of pensionable age, irrespective of their place of residence. The Department of Social and Family Affairs have been made aware of these findings, and are set to consider the information in greater depth, in coordination with this Department.

Energy Conservation.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

126 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the content of the submission from her Department to the study into domestic lighting being carried out by the European Commission under the eco design directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20507/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Directive 2005/32/EC, which establishes a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products, and proposals on individual products arising under the Framework Directive, fall within the aegis of my Department. The Department deals with proposals in conjunction with an Inter-Departmental/Inter-Agency Group including representatives from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Enterprise Ireland and Sustainable Energy Ireland. The European Commission has split work on domestic lighting into two strands, Domestic Lighting part 1 including incandescent bulbs, and Domestic Lighting part 2 on directional light sources. The Study on part 1 has been carried out and on part 2 it is still under way.

Ireland has not made a written submission on the studies on domestic lighting. However, at a recent Consultation Forum meeting chaired by the Commission we expressed support in principle for the application of ecodesign requirements in relation to part 1, and looked forward to receiving an early proposal from the Commission. As with all proposals being developed under the Directive, the Commission proposal on domestic lighting part 1 is being prepared in a three-stage process. Firstly, a detailed technical study on the issue has been prepared for the Commission, in a process that was open for inputs by Stakeholders. Secondly, a more summary Commission Working Paper on the issue was submitted for views to a Consultation Forum of representatives of Stakeholders, including industry bodies, environmental protection groups and Member States.

The Commission is now preparing the third stage of the process in this case, in which it is expected to submit a draft proposal on domestic lighting part 1, setting out proposed ecodesign requirements and a timetable for their application to such products on the EU market, to a Regulatory Committee for opinion. Proposals receiving a favourable opinion are then adopted by the Commission. A Commission proposal on domestic lighting part 1 is expected to come before the Regulatory Committee later this year. A separate implementing measure is expected to be proposed on part 2 at a later date.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she personally pays the toll charges incurred on her travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20272/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Work Permits.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

128 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will speed up the process of issuing a work permit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [20290/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that the proposed employee is currently resident in the State on a Student Stamp and is completing his studies. He is, therefore, ineligible to enter full-time employment. This decision was upheld on appeal. However, should the applicant successfully complete his studies and apply to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to change his status, following graduation, he may re-apply for an Employment Permit under the Graduate Permit Scheme. Full details of this scheme is available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.

Consumer Protection.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group report to promote the usage of codes of practices by all businesses and to encourage self-regulation schemes; the efforts she has made to promote such codes and schemes; the outcome of those efforts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20294/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Consumer Protection Act 2007 empowers the National Consumer Agency to prepare and publish Guidelines to traders in relation to matters of consumer welfare and protection and matters related to commercial practices. The Act also entitles the Agency to review or approve Codes of Practice voluntarily submitted to it by traders or their trade associations where the Agency is satisfied that the Code of Practice protects consumer interests and is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act or any other enactment.

I am advised that the National Consumer Agency is currently discussing the development of possible Codes of Practice with a number of businesses and their representative bodies. The Agency is also preparing Guidelines to businesses in two specific areas namely, the Retail Sector and the Health and Fitness Sector. I understand that once it has concluded its consultations in relation to these matters, the Agency hopes to publish its final Guidelines to these sectors as soon as possible thereafter. I recognise the important part that codes of practice can play in protecting the rights of consumers and in ensuring consistent, high quality goods and services and very much welcome the positive approach of the National Consumer Agency in working with traders and their representative associations to develop a strong consumer culture amongst Irish business. I am confident that the development and promotion of such a culture through the initiatives embarked upon by the Agency will benefit not only consumers but businesses and the economy as a whole.

Enterprise Support Services.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

130 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available from her Department or Enterprise Ireland for small service companies to start up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20447/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It supports companies employing 10 or more people and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years. The flow of innovative start-ups into the Irish economy is critical for future growth. High growth potential start-ups that can develop innovative products and services, underpinned by the imaginative use of technology, will be significant drivers in Ireland's continued economic success.

Encouraging and supporting these innovation-led high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) with an export focus is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and is fundamental to building the next generation of world-class Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of services, including financial and non-financial supports to companies with a business strategy that encompasses all elements required for business success. For example, Enterprise Ireland provides the "Innovative HPSU offer" to support the development of start-ups with a high potential for growth. Under this programme, Enterprise Ireland provides a financial contribution towards a Company's business plan where it involves the development of innovative and technological products, services or processes.

Other initiatives include the Enterprise Start Programme, which was developed by Enterprise Ireland and FÁS to help potential entrepreneurs to develop their new business ideas into business plans. The programme is aimed at individuals with new business ideas in technology or knowledge intensive sectors that are capable of achieving export sales. Participants have the opportunity of presenting their business plans to representatives of Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County Enterprise Boards. This gives the entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to receive immediate feedback, support and advice on how to further their business idea. Participants who complete a business plan can also avail of one-to-one mentoring as well as receiving a Certificate from the Institute of Leadership Management.

Another incentive available is the Enterprise Platform Programme, a one-year rapid incubation programme designed to provide hands-on support and management development for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business. Small service companies may qualify for seed and venture capital funding. A dynamic and healthy venture capital market is a prerequisite for the growth and development of high potential start-up companies in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has focused on stimulating seed and venture capital funds in order to promote the availability of this important source of funding. Under the 2007–2012 Seed and Venture Capital Programme Enterprise Ireland is investing €175 million in a new round of venture capital funding.

The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards provide a source of support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports such as business advice and information services, management capability training and development programmes, mentoring initiatives and targeted promotion activities to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises. These supports are designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. I am satisfied that the above programmes and supports, along with a wide range of other initiatives, will assist small service companies to start-up, grow and adapt in today's economic climate.

Consumer Protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the extent to which diesel prices at the pumps are vastly higher than petrol prices; if an investigation has been undertaken to identify the cause of such disparities, having particular regard to the fact that people are encouraged to switch to diesel as a more eco-friendly fuel but are being penalised by the oil companies; if steps are being taken or are expected to be taken to bring diesel prices at least back into line with petrol prices or lower as was previously the case; if she will use her influence at EU level to ensure that consumers here are not in any way victimised by such price structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20530/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Deputy will be aware that since the beginning of the year there have been significant increases in both the wholesale and retail price of petrol and diesel products, caused by a combination of strong demand, tight capacities and some market speculation. Ireland has no control over world oil prices. Government policy in relation to prices, including the price of commodities such as petrol and diesel, is concentrated on the promotion of competition, consumer choice and awareness. There is no price control on these products and in common with most other goods and services price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy.

It is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur and my Department encourages consumers to raise price concerns directly with retailers. The Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order, 1997 requires petrol stations to display their prices in a clear and prominent manner so that consumers can make an informed choice. The Order enables consumers to readily compare prices and purchase their fuel on the basis of an informed choice. The National Consumer Agency (NCA) enforces this Order. Any infringements should be reported to the NCA.

It is important, therefore, particularly in times of rising oil prices, that consumers inform themselves of the prices being charged by different traders for fuel products such as diesel and petrol so that they can achieve the best value for their money. I am satisfied that the statutory Regulations in this area ensure that consumers are given the necessary price information to allow them to make informed choices when purchasing fuel.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the extent to which multi-national chain stores operating here are charging up to 50% higher prices for food products here than in the UK; if it is intended to take action to identify the cause of such practices; the extent to which it is intended to take action to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20532/08]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of concerns expressed that some multi-national retailers are charging higher prices for food products in Ireland than in the UK. Whilst undoubtedly rising food prices are being experienced across the world, the findings of recent surveys showing that the cost of certain food items to Irish consumers is significantly greater than the cost of such items to UK consumers are certainly matters of concern. A major factor in this debate relates to concerns that some retailers may not be passing on the benefits of the appreciation of the Euro's value vis a vis sterling to Irish consumers.

The National Consumer Agency has raised this issue in bilateral discussions with retailers. In the course of those discussions, retailers have advised that the benefits of recent exchange rate movements may not be fully reflected in their prices for a variety of reasons including hedging arrangements and invoicing by UK suppliers in euro. Nevertheless, the Agency is firmly of the view that the benefits of the Euro's appreciation should be passed on to consumers. The Agency is also of the view that, in some instances, the price charged by retailers reflects a price level that the retailer anticipates the Irish market will bear irrespective of exchange rate movements. I fully share the Agency's view that consumers are entitled to expect a fair deal from business and that business has an obligation to treat their customers fairly which includes passing on the benefits of exchange rate movements and not seeking to profiteer from such movements.

I met yesterday with the Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency. The Chief Executive advised me that the Agency has initiated a series of actions to pursue this matter with the retail sector. It is vitally important that disproportionate price differentials on basic items such as food should be tackled and where retailers fail to provide credible reasons for such differentials their failure should be put under the spotlight. I fully support the initiatives being undertaken by the Agency.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20267/08]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of the Garda Síochána and are exempt from tolls in accordance with Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Sports Capital Programme.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

134 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to an application for funding for a club (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the sports capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20339/08]

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

135 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to an application for funding for a club (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the sports capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20340/08]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 156, inclusive, together.

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of An Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act, 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

175 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason jobseeker’s allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was stopped from the date of their inquiry about travelling to a UK wedding rather than from the actual date of their travel to the UK; and if their payment will be restored from 2 to 18 April 2008. [20292/08]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The person concerned advised his local Social Welfare Office that he would be in the UK from 8 April 2008. He was paid for the maximum 2 week holiday period from 8 April 2008 to 21 April 2008. He failed to present himself at the Social Welfare Office again until 1 May 2008. It is understood that he remained outside the State from 22 April 2008 until 30 April 2008, and accordingly he sustained a loss of 8 days' jobseeker's benefit. It is open to him to contact his local Social Welfare Office if he has evidence to show that he was in the State for that period.

Social Welfare Code.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

176 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of doubling the threshold for the means test for carer’s allowance, of eliminating the means test for carer’s allowance and of extending the period of carer’s benefit from two years to four years; if she has carried out an assessment of the case for making changes such as these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20355/08]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended. Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means-tested. This ensures scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need. The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. It has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings.

Increases to the carer's allowance income disregard, provided for in Budget 2008, mean that from April 2008, a single person can have an income of €332.50 per week and a couple can have an income of up to €665 per week and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance (the previous levels were €320 and €640 per week respectively). This ensures that a couple can have an income in the region of €37,200 per year and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package and the respite care grant. This increase surpasses the "Towards 2016" commitment of ensuring that those on average earnings can qualify for carer's allowance.

It is estimated that the cost of doubling the threshold for the means test for carer's allowance would be in the region of €100 million and that eliminating the means test for the scheme entirely would cost in the region of €150 million per year. Budget 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people can receive a maximum payment equivalent to a half rate carers allowance while receiving another social welfare payment, other than jobseekers benefit or allowance. In June 2006 the number of hours for which a person can engage in employment, self-employment, education or training and still be considered to be providing full time care for the purposes of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. A carer who is caring for two or more people is entitled to a full grant for each of the care recipients. The rate of the grant will increase to €1,700 per year from June 2008.

Carer's benefit is specifically intended to support people who leave the workforce temporarily to care for someone who is in need of full-time care and attention. Budget 2006 extended the duration of carer's benefit from 15 to 24 months. The associated carer's leave scheme which allows for the protection of the carer's employment rights for the duration of the caring period was similarly extended in 2006. The carer's leave scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

It is estimated that extending the duration of the carer's benefit scheme from 2 to 4 years would cost in the region of €20 million per year. However, this would depend on scheme take-up which is difficult to estimate. In this regard, employers have noted that they would experience difficulties in preserving employees' rights for more than 2 years. If the need for income support still exists after carer's benefit has expired, the carer may apply for carer's allowance. I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure commitments on income support are delivered.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in making one parent family allowance payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20522/08]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned was received by that Office on 3/4/08 and a summary decision was issued on 22/4/08 disallowing the appeal. In the decision the Appeals Officer noted that "by failing to co-operate with the Social Welfare Inspector as to his means, appellant has not shown that he satisfies the conditions as to means for receipt of One Parent Family payment".

The Appeals Officer has now decided to re-open the case by way of an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Care of the Elderly.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

178 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the schemes his Department operates which would offer financial support for the installation of a house alarm for an old age pensioner. [20296/08]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

My Department manages the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, which assists qualifying older people, aged 65 years and older, by means of a community based grant scheme. Funding is provided towards the once-off cost of installing monitored alarm systems, door and window locks, door chains, security lighting, smoke alarms and in the case of qualifying older people living on our offshore islands, interior emergency lighting. The Scheme does not cover house alarms and I have no plans at present to extend the Scheme.

Community Development.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

179 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he refused to meet a delegation representing community development projects in south Dublin which sought a meeting with him to discuss its support needs in the context of his plan to terminate contracts with the existing regional support agencies on 31 May 2008 and if he will agree to meet with the delegation. [20254/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy John Curran)

I refer the Deputy to responses to earlier questions on this topic, in particular Questions Nos. 20, 27 and 41 on 3 April 2008 and Question No. 433 of 19 February 2008. As indicated, a key objective of my Department is to ensure that the skills and talents of the volunteers and staff of Community Development Projects are recognised and developed to enable the objectives of the Programme to be realised. To this end, Projects have recently been afforded the opportunity and resources to determine their own particular support requirements in addition to those supports provided and funded centrally by the Department. Tenders for centrally provided support will be advertised publicly in the very near future as part of the development of future support services for the Programme.

My predecessor met with the Eastern Regional Network, of which the South Dublin projects are a part, earlier this year. In addition, a senior Department official met with the South Dublin CDP Cluster in late April to discuss the situation regarding the provision of continued support services to all Community Development Projects. My officials are available for further contacts from the group if these are required.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

180 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the counties, in relation to the twelve approved rural recreation officers, the eight RROs appointed to date in 2008 to date have been allotted to; and the locations of the four areas which are only at interview stage. [20258/08]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

At this stage nine Rural Recreation Officers have been recruited for the following areas:

Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development Limited, in Kilkenny;

Donegal Local Development Company Limited;

Laois Rural Development Company Limited;

South Kerry Development Partnership Limited;

West Cork LEADER Co-operative Society Limited;

South West Mayo Development Company Limited;

Wicklow Rural Partnership Limited;

Rural Resource Development Limited, in Clare; and

Meitheal Forbartha Na Gaeltachta Teoranta.

The three areas that are still in the process of recruiting Rural Recreation Officers are:

Mid South Roscommon Rural Development Company Limited;

County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Limited; and

Tipperary LEADER Group Limited.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

181 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20269/08]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of An Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

182 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20266/08]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Departmental Correspondence.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

183 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to correspondence sent to his Department in February 2008 regarding a company (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20356/08]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The company named applied for aid under the Compensation Scheme for Sugar Beet Machinery Contractors which is one element of the EU restructuring aid package for the sugar industry. Under the EU Regulations governing payment of the EU restructuring aid, eligibility for aid is confined to sugar processors, beet growers and machinery contractors who worked with their specialised agricultural machinery for the beet growers during a reference period. In accordance with the Regulations compensation was paid to the applicant for equipment used by them in beet contracting work. The stock of spare parts is not eligible for compensation under the Regulations.

Physical Education Facilities.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

184 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a dedicated fund of at least €100 million over five years from within the national development plan allocation for school buildings. [20405/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The Programme for Government commits the provision of a dedicated fund of at least €100 million for investment in school sports facilities over five years from within the NDP allocation for school buildings. I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to promoting 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. 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.

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.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

185 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to work towards making physical education mandatory at second level and put a revised PE curriculum for senior cycle students in place. [20406/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

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 my 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.

Telecommunications Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

186 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a school (details supplied) in County Sligo whose broadband provision is just one half MB; if this is an insufficient broadband speed for a school; his further views on recent EU figures showing Ireland ranked 19th out of the EU 27 for broadband for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As the Deputy will be aware my Department is providing broadband connectivity to primary and post-primary schools under the Schools Broadband Access Programme, which is being supported by industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement. A competitive, technology neutral, central procurement process for the provision of local connectivity for schools was undertaken based on a tiered bandwidth provision, ranging from 0.5 Mbps in the case of small primary schools with less than 100 pupils up to 2 Mbps for larger post-primary schools.

The school in question, which is a small primary school, was installed with a 0.5Mbps satellite broadband connection in December 2005. In general, satellite connections were recommended only for those schools where no alternative access technology was available at the time. Having regard to observed usage levels, my Department has procured additional bandwidth from its two satellite providers to improve the broadband connection speeds for schools on this portion of the Schools Broadband Network and the situation continues to be monitored closely.

I have received representations from this school in relation to broadband and I am aware that, while being a small primary school, it is actively using its broadband connection. A new Request for Tenders for the next phase of the Schools Broadband Programme will be issued shortly and will be based on a minimum requirement that each individual school receives a service that is at least equivalent, in terms of speed and reliability, to that currently provided. Having regard to the general developments in broadband availability nationally, I expect that improved service offerings will be received under the new tender process.

The Deputy also refers to recent EU figures on broadband for schools. I assume that the Deputy is referring to the European Commission's Study on Benchmarking Access and Use of ICT in European Schools, which was published following two surveys carried out in Spring 2006. The study found that 66% of Irish schools had broadband internet connections as compared with 67% of European schools generally, which ranked Ireland at number 20 of the 27 countries surveyed. The surveys underpinning this Report were undertaken during the roll-out of the Schools Broadband Access Programme and I understand that at the time of survey in March/April 2006, the percentage of schools connected under the Programme would have been in the mid 80s. Having regard to the current almost universal availability of broadband connectivity in our schools as a consequence of the Schools Broadband Access Programme, I am confident that our relative performance internationally has improved significantly.

Schools Building Projects.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

187 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the present conditions, he will sanction the works to go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20253/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of applications for large scale capital funding from the schools to which he refers. The projects have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.

School Transport.

John Deasy

Ceist:

188 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in payment of the out of area school transport grant for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; if he will ensure that payment issues to those in receipt of this payment at the end of each term as is the case at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20255/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

In general, remote area grants are paid at the end of the school year and my Department is currently reviewing cases where payments are made on a more frequent basis. The person referred to in the details supplied is eligible for a remote area grant and the case is among those under review.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

189 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide details of all grant schemes and funding available to an organisation (details supplied) in Limerick west. [20263/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Barry Andrews)

The Order of Malta Cadets is the national youth work division of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ireland) and receives funding from my Department through the Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS). Funding under this scheme is made available on an annual grant-in-aid basis to national and major regional voluntary youth work organisations. In 2007, 31 organisations received funding under this scheme including the Order of Malta Cadets which received €64,673 towards the provision of developmental programmes and services for its young members.

197 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for funding for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20341/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The National Council for Special Education was required under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 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 now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals on this basis to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections of the Act, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans. The time taken to finalise proposals reflects 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, 2005 and define 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. As the Deputy will be aware, during this necessary period of preparation 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.

Ceist:

208 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction the appointment of a design team for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that his Department has already agreed the expansion of the school to a 24 classroom school. [20431/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 208 together.

The process of appointing design teams to the school building projects referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including these projects, is 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 early stage to say when construction will commence.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

207 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of a permanent school for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [20430/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at stage 3 of the architectural planning process. The Client for this project is the School Board of Management. The stage 3 submission is currently being reviewed by the Client's design team in advance of being referred to my Department for approval.

Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 206.

Psychological Service.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

209 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Kildare which do not have direct access to the National Educational Psychological Service. [20434/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I attach for the Deputy's information a list of primary and post-primary schools in Co. Kildare which do not have an assigned NEPS psychologist in the current academic year but who can avail of the Scheme for Commissioning of Psychological Assessment (SCPA) to have assessments carried out.

Roll No.	Name	Address
01821V	S N Rath Mór	Naas, Co Kildare
07790U	Churchtown N S	Churchtown, Athy, Co Kildare
09414C	St Laurence’s N S	Crookstown, Ballytore, Athy, Co Kildare
11976K	Scoil Chóca Naofa	Cill Chóca, Co. Chill Dara.
14643V	S N Na Cloiche Móire	Ballyraggan, Rathvilly, Co Carlow
16345A	Scoil Bhríde	Nurney, Co. Kildare.
16535F	Timolin N S	Timolin, Co. Kildare.
16654N	S N Brighde	Milltown, Newbridge, Co Kildare
16817P	Brannocktown N S	Brannocktown, Co Kildare
17650K	S N Íde	Kilmeade, Athy, Co Kildare
17714K	S N Cill Cae	Castledermot, Athy, Co Kildare
17787O	S N Colmcill Naofa	Moone, Athy, Co Kildare
17968S	Ursaille Naofa	Teach An Da Mhíle, Naas, Co Kildare
18055B	S N Mhuire	Ballymore Eustace, Naas, Co Kildare
18063A	S N Naomh Lorcáin	Levitstown, Maganey, Athy, Co Kildare
18179T	S N Bríde	Lackagh, Monasterevan, Co Kildare
18378C	S N Naomh Ioseph	Baile Ailbhir, Kilcullen, Co Kildare
18675I	S N Cill Daingin	Kildangan, Monasterevan, Co Kildare
18988G	St Raphael’s Special Sch	Celbridge, Co Kildare
19277B	St Anne’s Special School	The Curragh, Co Kildare
19455W	St Mark’s Special School	Piercetown, Newbridge, Co Kildare
19786W	Castledermot Ns Mxd	Castledermot, Co Kildare
20192A	Gaelscoil Átha Í	Athy Town Afc, Pairc Aldridge, Dublin Road, Athy
20271T	Scoil Na Naomh Uiligh	C/O Parish Office, Parish Centre, Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
61680T	Newbridge College	Newbridge, Co. Kildare
61720F	Clongowes Wood College	Naas, Co Kildare
68072I	Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara	An Bóthar Glas, An Currach

Schools Refurbishment.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

216 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for the emergency works grant; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20467/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

My Department received an application for Emergency Funding for various works from the school in question. Emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. Following assessment of the application from this school and in light of the large number of projects seeking funding from my Department for works of this nature from the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding under the Emergency Works Scheme on this occasion for the works sought.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

217 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will approve an extra year in a special school for a pupil (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20468/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I wish to advise the Deputy that special schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year. At that point, the Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years. My Department, at that stage, may allocate resources towards an education component of such provision. I understand that the person in question may remain in the special school for the 2008/2009 school year as he will not reach 18 years of age until 2009.

Higher Education Grants.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

218 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the income limits applied by his Department for eligibility for higher education grants in 2008/09; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only a 3.5% increase on the limits in the 2007/08 income eligibility criteria, which is inadequate in view of the inflation figures for the said period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20489/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The income limits for the 2008/09 academic year are currently being examined. It has been my Department's practice in recent years to increase the reckonable income limits under the maintenance grant schemes in line with movements in the average industrial wage in the previous year. In 2007/08 the income limits were increased by 3.5% on that basis.

School Staffing.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

219 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support an issue (details supplied). [20496/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government. The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes.

Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last Summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments, to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children. This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target.

All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to class size are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment all things considered.

Schools Building Projects.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

220 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will allow a school (details supplied) in County Donegal to proceed to the next stage which is the tender stage for the necessary extension to the school; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the first application for the new school was made 11 years ago and that many obstacles have been put in the board of management’s way over this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20498/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

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 will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date and location by which it is expected to meet the educational needs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; the way this child’s needs can best be met in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20528/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The SENOs operate within the policy outlined in my Department's circulars for allocating such support.

Each SENO works in an assigned local area with parents, schools, teachers, psychologists, health professionals and other staff who are involved in the provision of services in that area for children with special educational needs. All schools have contact details of their local SENO. It is also open to parents to contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, including issues that arise in relation to suitable educational placements, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and have been advised that the local SENO has not been made aware of the pupil referred to by the Deputy. It is open to the parents of the pupil to contact the local SENO regarding their child's special educational needs.

The Deputy may also be aware that it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.

Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.

Cyber Bullying.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the extent of Internet and cyber mobile phone bullying presenting a particular threat to young people, sometimes ending in suicide; the extent to which action is taken or is expected to be taken to deal with the issue. [20534/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I can assure the Deputy that I am aware of the recent survey conducted by the Irish Independent in conjunction with RTE on the issue of "cyber bullying", through the use of the internet and mobile phones. I share the Deputy's concern that any child would feel upset in school because of bullying — be it physical, verbal or what is being termed cyber bullying and I assure him that supports are in place to enable schools both to prevent bullying and to deal with cases that may arise.

There is no requirement for schools to report incidents of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. I also believe that it is unreasonable to expect schools to have a sole responsibility for tackling it, responsibility extends beyond the school and parents and young people themselves must take protective measures. It is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. However, I am anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number supports have been put in place in recent years. Each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. In view of the increasing demands which have been placed on schools as a result of statutory obligations and the requirement for policies in a range of areas, my Department has been working to ensure greater availability of guidelines and template policies to assist schools.

My Department has published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. These guidelines have been informed by broad consultation. The guidelines are currently being distributed to schools. It is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year. Once schools have had an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the NEWB Guidelines, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour". This review will take into account issues such as legislative developments, the involvement of the support services available to schools, technological advancements such as use of the Internet, e-mail, mobile phones and camera phones and the latest developments in International best practice on dealing with bullying behaviour.

My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying. I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the "think b4 u click" internet safety campaign. This new campaign seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when online. The key messages of the campaign are:

be creative

be yourself

but be in control.

The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive online service, www.watchyourspace.ie developed by the National Centre Technology in Education (NCTE). This site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites. This new initiative perfectly complements the other NCTE safety activities that are already up and running successfully such as Webwise, SAFT and the Once projects. The site offers invaluable help to those who may encounter cyber-bullying:

DO NOT respond to the message as this will only make things worse

DO keep a record of the message so that the problem can be dealt with properly

DO block the sender and

DO talk to someone in authority about what has happened.

The NCTE provides ongoing advice and support to all schools to have an up to date Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) in operation to deal with use of the Internet. Schools cannot be connected to the schools broadband network until they confirm that they have an AUP in place. Within the school environment access to social networking and computer based instant messaging services are blocked under current filtering arrangements, inherent in the Schools Broadband Network, to which 99% of schools have connected.

The NCTE has advice on tackling cyber bullying on both www.ncte.ie. and on www.webwise.ie. The NCTE works with the National Parents' Councils (NPC) on developing and promoting advice to parents. Webwise.ie is the key Irish website for advice and guidance to schools, pupils and parents. The site has materials and resources for both teachers and parents to assist children to develop safe online skills and a sense of responsibility about what to write and post on websites. Working with the NPC (Primary) the NCTE has developed a seminar to advise parents on how to engage with their children's online lives. Since September 2007, over a 100 seminars have been delivered in schools around the country. The NCTE has 41 trainers throughout the country.

Through the combined work of the Department, the NCTE and the NEWB schools will have available to them extensive guidance to enable them fulfil their responsibilities in relation to this issue. Dealing with bullying has also been incorporated in training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme. I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with. The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.

Departmental Records.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

223 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to make available to historians and to the public, records of the military pensions archive in his Department. [20389/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

An Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., announced in the context of the 90th Anniversary celebrations of 1916 that the Government had decided to make the Military Pension Archive, covering the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence, available to historians and to the public. It is the intention of the Government that the records will be made available in good time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in 2016.

I am pleased to report on progress with the project. Additional staff have been recruited for the Military Archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks. Of these, 1 senior civilian archivist/project manager and 3 archivists have been assigned the Military Pensions Archive project. The assignment of a dedicated project manager and archivists will ensure that the project proceeds in a timely manner.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

224 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20270/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

In response to the Deputy's questions I wish to state that ministerial cars are driven by members of An Garda Siochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Defence Forces Training.

John Cregan

Ceist:

225 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Defence the reason discussions are taking place under the conciliation and arbitration scheme in relation to payment of the permanent instructors allowance to qualified MT instructors with the transport company, Collins Barracks, Cork, in view of the fact that two corporals in Transport G, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin are already being paid this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20280/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

A claim for the payment of Instructors allowance to qualified MT Instructors with the Transport Company, Collins Barracks, Cork was received from the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme (C&A Scheme) for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The claim is the subject of correspondence between the Department and the Representative Association. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the C&A scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that all Irish troops based at home or abroad including the Navy and Air Corps are trained to the highest possible international standards and that the same degree of modern technology is made available to them as is available to other armies worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20535/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

On the issue of training, I am very satisfied that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government under the White Paper on Defence of February 2000. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years across all facets and elements of the Defence Forces. This investment has been assisted by pay savings arising from the reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in the context of the White Paper of 2000, which have been fully re-invested in the provision of equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The level of investment has ensured that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment to carry out their day-to-day roles both at home and overseas and for training purposes and I will ensure that this investment will continue into the future.

Defence Forces Security Escorts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of cash in transit missions supported by the Defence Forces in each of the past three years; the extent to which payment has been made to the Exchequer in lieu thereof by the various financial agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20536/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

Following a detailed formal agreement with the Irish Bankers Federation, which was signed on 11 May 2005, the banks pay the total actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of cash escorts. Costs in respect of each 12 month period to end-December, are paid the following year on or before the 1st June. This is to allow for the compilation of returns from the brigades and allocation of costs following the year-end. The total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 2005 to 2007 was as follows:

Year	2005	2006	2007
Total number of escorts	2,252	2,259	2,291
Payment received from Irish Bankers Federation	€6.03m	€6.47m	Payment due June 2008.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Navy and Air Corps personnel currently involved or expected to be involved in present or future EU or UN overseas deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20537/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

As of 20 May 2008, a total of 792 members of the Permanent Defence Force are serving overseas. Of the 792 currently serving overseas, 13 are Air Corps personnel and 4 are members of the Naval Service. When full deployment to Chad is completed on 1 June 2008 a further 10 members of the Air Corps and 16 members of the Naval Service will have been deployed overseas. No Air Corps or Naval Service assets are deployed overseas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of discussions he has had with his UN or EU colleagues in the matter of participation by Irish personnel in battlegroups or rapid response forces at various locations in Europe or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20538/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG) which will stand up again in 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Informal discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from Austria, Germany, Czech Republic and Croatia regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup that will be on stand-by in the second six (6) months of 2012. During my visit to Vienna on 24 April 2008, I held discussions with Mr. Norbert Darabos, the Austrian Minister of Defence. The issue of Battlegroups was one of the items we discussed. Mr. Darabos advised me of the progress made to date in setting up arrangements for 2012 and the contacts that had taken place with other EU states with a view to such an arrangement. I responded that it was too early yet for Ireland to decide on any follow-up arrangement to the one we had agreed with the Nordic battlegroup. Government approval would be required before any decision to participate in the Austrian/German Battlegroup was made.

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 14.

Coastal Surveillance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of coastal surveillance here having particular regard to the degree to which Navy and Air Corps personnel are required in the context of such surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20540/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.

The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability.

Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.

I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force is appropriately resourced to meet its operational requirements, including in relation to its role in coastal surveillance and supporting the civil authorities in this regard.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 6.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the extent of military hardware available to Irish troops on all overseas missions at present is adequate to meet military as well as health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20542/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

As the Deputy will be aware, significant investment has been made in Defence Forces equipment in recent years to provide them with the most modern equipment to undertake tasks assigned to them by Government. The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements from the health and safety perspective. Ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case and will continue to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence.

The net result is that Defence Forces personnel serving both at home and on overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment, including body armour and breathing apparatus. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. In the case of the EU mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, the Defence Forces have deployed a full range of Force Protection assets. This equipment includes twenty-two Mowag APCs, armoured vehicles and indirect fire capabilities.

Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and a continuous review process on both personal equipment and force assets is in place to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles in specific missions.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number and location of Irish troop deployments on overseas missions; the strength and nature of the mission in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20543/08]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

Ireland is currently contributing 763 Defence Forces personnel to 15 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas on UN mandated operations, observer missions or undertaking representative or staff postings are listed in the tabular statement.

The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are deployed, are the UN Mandated EU multi-national mission to Chad and the Central African Republic — EUFOR TCHAD/RCA with 394 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 280 personnel and EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 45 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO.

Members of the Irish Defence Forces serve on peacekeeping missions under Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

KFOR, EUFOR, ISAF and EUFOR TCHAD/RCA operate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, that is, they are entitled to use force to implement their mandates and to protect themselves and the international civil presence. Peacekeeping operations mounted under this Chapter are commonly known as peace enforcement operations where the consent of the parties is not required.

The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January 2008. The mission achieved Initial Operational Capability on 15 March 2008. This marked the start date for the 12-month duration of the Operation. The 97th Inf Battalion is being deployed to Chad and when fully deployed Ireland will be the second largest contributor to the mission with 425 personnel. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.

KFOR was established in June, 1999 to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo, so as to develop a climate of safety and security, which will enable the transfer of increased responsibility to the civil authorities.

Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999. The Irish (38th) Infantry Group currently serves in the Multi-National Task Force (Centre). In addition to Ireland, the Task Force also comprises troops from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. The Task Force's area of responsibility is generally the Pristina region, covering 7 municipalities with a population of approximately 1 million.

The Irish contingent currently comprises an APC Mounted Infantry Group of some 215 personnel, including a number of personnel in staff posts at various KFOR Headquarters. Last August, Ireland assumed the role of Framework Nation for the Multinational Task Force (Centre) in Kosovo for a period of 12 months. An additional 57 Irish personnel are serving with KFOR in support of the Framework Nation role, bringing Ireland's current total deployment to the force to 280.

Ireland has participated in EUFOR since December 2004, the successor mission to the Stabilisation force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina with which Ireland had previously been serving since 1997. The Irish contingent with EUFOR currently comprises 45 personnel. The role of the Defence Forces personnel currently serving in EUFOR is to provide personnel for the headquarters, the Military Police Unit, Verification Teams and the National Support Element. All Irish personnel are located at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

Members of the Permanent Defence Forces Serving Overseas as of 20 May 2008
	No.
1. UN Missions
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ	7
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon	12
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)	3
(iv) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo)	4
(v) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo)	3
(vi) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)	2
TOTAL	31
UN Mandated Missions
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	45
(viii) EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) OHQ — Paris	18
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) FHQ — Chad	10
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) Initial Entry Force	51
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) 97th Inf Battalion	168
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) Advance Group, RSOM, Working Party	147
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) Framework Nation	57
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ	11
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 38th Inf Group	212
(x) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)	7
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions	757
2. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina	2
(ii) OSCE Mission in Tbilisi — Georgia	1
(iii) OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia	1
(iv) OSCE Mission in Skopje — Macedonia	1
(v) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
Total number of personnel serving OSCE	6
3. EU Military Staff
Brussels	7
New York	1
4. HQ EU Nordic Battlegroup	12
5. Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
(iii) Military Representatives to EU (Brussels)	4
(iv) Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)	2
(v) Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme	1
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium
Total Number Defence Forces Personnel Serving Overseas	792

Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 6.

Garda Training.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

236 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise effective enforcement of the Criminal Justice (United Nations Convention Against Torture) Act 2006 and the Geneva Conventions Acts 1962 to 1998 by making resources available for specialised training in the provisions of those statutes to members of An Garda Síochána and by other means as may be required by An Garda Síochána in order to ensure effective protection for the dignity of all persons within or passing through the State. [20315/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The importance attached to human rights compliance in policing in Ireland is highlighted by Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This Section sets out the functions of the Garda Síochána, which include providing policing and security services with the objective of protection of life and property and of vindicating the human rights of each individual.

Human Rights training forms an integral part of ‘Contextual Policing Studies', which is incorporated into the ‘Student/Probationer Development and Training Programme' at the Garda College. New members of the Garda Síochána now make a declaration of the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. Human rights training also forms part of the training provided by the ‘Continuous Professional Development' staff allocated to each of the Garda Divisions for serving members of the Garda Síochána.

My Department has been in communication with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that these commitments are fully honoured, particularly in the ongoing development of training programmes within the Garda Síochána. I can also assure the Deputy that all necessary resources are being made available in this regard.

Parental Leave.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

237 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the possibility of introducing paternity benefit. [20362/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

My Department is examining the issue of paternity benefit as part of a review of maternity, parental and paternity leave as promised in the Agreed Programme for Government and the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016". The issue of the introduction of a statutory entitlement to paternity leave was examined before, in 2002, by a working group, as part of the Review of the Parental Leave Act, 1998. The Working Group could not reach consensus on the issue.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

238 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the possibility of shared parental leave. [20363/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 contains a provision whereby parents employed by the same employer may transfer all or part of their parental leave to the other relevant parent, subject to the employer's agreement. This Bill is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Seanad. A wider examination of the issue of shared parental leave will be undertaken as part of the ongoing review of leaves such as maternity, parental and paternity as promised both in the Agreed Programme for Government and the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016".

Juvenile Offenders.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

239 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to double the number of Garda youth diversion projects and fund the development of other programmes for children who offend. [20368/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as part of Student/Probationer training all members of An Garda Síochána receive training to prepare for and assist them in the investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. They receive this in two modules, namely Social & Psychological studies and Legal & Policing studies. Additional training is also provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes and a dedicated training programme is provided for those selected for the Detective Branch. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) incorporated domestic violence in the 1997 Core Programme for all members of Garda and Sergeant rank after the Domestic Violence Act came into force in 1996. Furthermore, a policy document was issued to all members.

The Core Continuous Professional Development Programme for 2006 contained a module on Sexual Crime, developed in consultation with the Rape Crisis Counselling Network and covered areas pertinent to domestic violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development. There is a Garda Inspector in each Garda Division nominated to monitor all incidents of domestic violence within the Division and to ensure that members of An Garda Síochána investigating such incidents adhere to the Garda Síochána Policy on domestic violence.

Traffic Fines.

James Bannon

Ceist:

243 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has received 41 parking tickets, despite being assured by the letting agent that parking was included with the rental property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20343/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the parking tickets in question were issued to the person concerned on behalf of the local authority in the area mentioned and is therefore outside the remit of An Garda Síochána. My Department has no responsibility in respect of the matter.

Citizenship Applications.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

244 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20349/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in June 2005. Processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

245 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20350/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in June 2005. Processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Garda Deployment.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

246 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Commissioner to provide additional resources to Tallaght Garda station to allow special action to be taken to deal with the significant increase in reported burglaries in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20449/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 30 April 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 180. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers etc.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including of course population but also including other factors such as crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the allocation of Gardaí to Tallaght Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Citizenship Applications.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [20456/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2007. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in late 2005 and have approximately 12,600 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

248 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will issue to the higher education grant section of Galway County Council a letter stating that a person (details supplied) in County Galway has applied for naturalisation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person needs this letter in order to qualify for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20465/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in January 2008. The person concerned was issued with an acknowledgement of receipt of her application on 28 January 2008. This letter was re-issued on 19 May 2008. I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question 507 of 8 May 2008. The position remains as stated.

Prisoner Transfers.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

249 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners transferred from Cork Prison to Shelton Abbey in the past six months; the number of those prisoners subsequently approved for early release and their average length of stay in Shelton Abbey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20470/08]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The provision of childcare facilities is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for children. My Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Childcare Facilities in June 2001, which provide a framework to guide all local authorities in the preparation of development plans and in assessing applications for planning permission; assist developers and childcare providers in formulating development proposals; and aim to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the treatment of applications for planning permission for childcare facilities. The matter is also addressed in Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans, which were published by my Department in June 2007, reflecting that the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community, including childcare facilities, is a mandatory objective for development plans under section 10 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

In addition, the need for essential community facilities, including childcare, to be incorporated into the design and development of new residential developments is set out in the draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas which will issue in their final form later this year.

Under section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area, based on a scheme of contributions adopted by the elected members of the authority. The money collected in development levies is used to fund public infrastructure, including community facilities, servicing new development. As indicated in the reply to Question No. 584 of 20 May 2008, the operation of the development contributions system will be kept under review by my Department.

Wildlife Protection.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

256 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to overcome the spread of Lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib, Galway; if he will set up a full-time, adequately staffed and fully resourced task force to deal with this serious infestation of Lough Corrib waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20260/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Lagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005.

A Lagarosiphon Task Force has been established to address the spread of the pondweed in the lake. The Task Force includes representatives of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Central Fisheries Board, the Western Regional Fisheries Board, the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council. Last year my Department provided funding to the Central Fisheries Board to purchase a weed cutting boat to be dedicated exclusively to removing Lagarosiphon major in the lake. I understand that the boat is now moored on the lake and will begin operations in the next few weeks. In this regard, I have provided additional funding of €200,000 this year to the Central Fisheries Board for work involving the removal and control of Lagarosiphon major in the lake.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

257 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20273/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Ministerial cars are driven by members of An Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Water Supply Contamination.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

258 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the protocols he has issued to local authorities in respect of dealing with the potential for cryptosporidium entering public water supplies; the funding he has put in place to deal with the issue from a prevention point of view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20286/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

While my Department has in the past issued guidance to local authorities in relation to cryptosporidium in water supplies, since the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007 came into effect, the Environmental Protection Agency is the supervisory authority for public water supplies. I understand that, in that capacity, the Agency issued a Guidance Booklet "Risk Screening Methodology for Cryptosporidium" to each local authority in January 2008. My Department's current Water Services Investment Programme includes 300 water supply schemes with a combined estimated value of €2.4 billion. A primary objective of these, and similar schemes funded under previous phases of the Programme, is to ensure that water supplied to the public is clean and wholesome.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

259 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress on the seven-village sewerage scheme in County Waterford with particular attention to the Cappoquin sewerage scheme; the reason its progress is being delayed due to the proposed introduction of a new tender procedure that a Department working group is putting together and is not expected to have finalised for the next few months. [20287/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme is approved for construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. I understand that the upgrading of the wastewater collection system in Kilmacthomas is underway and that the works to improve Tallow's collection system have already been completed. I also understand that the Council is finalising contract documents for the wastewater treatment plants for the seven locations covered by the scheme.

In October 2006, the Department of Finance, which is responsible for public procurement rules, issued instructions requiring all traditional public works projects to use new forms of construction contracts from February 2007 onwards. The new forms of contract were introduced to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more timely and efficient delivery of publicly funded projects. However, contracting authorities were given the option of either switching over to the new forms of contract or completing any contract documents on which detailed drafting was already underway. I understand that Waterford County Council elected to complete the contract documents they were working on for five of the collection systems, including Cappoquin.

This interim arrangement has been brought to a conclusion by the Department of Finance. All public works contracts must now be awarded using the new forms of contract. Waterford County Council has been informed accordingly. The contract documents for the treatment plants, which are being procured under a Public Private Partnership arrangement, are not affected.

Election Management System.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

260 Deputy Ciarán 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 establish an independent electoral commission to take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight. [20319/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system. My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission. The consultants' work has recently begun.

Seanad Reform.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

261 Deputy Ciarán 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 determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the report on Seanad reform to advance proposals for implementation. [20320/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the April 2004 Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, and to advance proposals for implementation. The Report sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann.

I consider that Seanad reform should be advanced on the basis of an All-Party, consensus approach, insofar as possible. Representatives of each of the Parties have been invited to attend a meeting of the All-Party Group on Seanad Reform on 18 June 2008. The aim of the Group will be to establish, in a small number of meetings, the extent of cross party agreement on the recommendations of the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform's 2004 Report.

Local Government Policy.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

262 Deputy Ciarán 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 local government making it more transparent and more responsive to its customers. [20323/08]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

267 Deputy Ciarán 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 review the operation of local government legislation to ensure that the decision making processes in local authorities are rebalanced in favour of the democratically elected representatives of the people. [20328/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 267 together.

I published the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change on 22 April 2008. The Green Paper presents a set of options which share a common theme of strengthening local democratic leadership. For example, Stronger Local Democracy proposes a Regional Mayor for Dublin to meet the strategic challenges the city faces. The Paper also contends that local leadership, accountability and connection with the citizen can be achieved through the provision of directly elected mayors for all counties and cities with key powers of initiative. Copies of Stronger Local Democracy have been sent to all members of the Oireachtas. Stronger Local Democracy represents the initial phase of a transparent, inclusive policy formulation process. The purpose is not to arrive at a single solution, but to present options for further consideration.

My Department is now embarking on a public consultation process to inform the drafting of the White Paper which I hope to finalise by year end. I look forward to receiving the views of all concerned. Details of how to contribute to the consultation process are available on my Department's website. I will also be holding a number of regional seminars in the coming weeks to gather as full a range of perspectives as possible.

Planning Issues.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

263 Deputy Ciarán 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 ensure that advice given in pre-planning discussions is consistent and does not get overturned every time there is a change in planning staff. [20324/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

266 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to build on the experience gained from the service indicators initiative by putting in place more challenging indicators for the years ahead, including additional indicators on environmental performance and water quality. [20327/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The local authority service indicators initiative has been in place since 2004, and in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to build on the experience gained from the service indicators, the Local Government Customer Service Group recently completed a review of the indicators. This group is representative of the local government sector (elected members and officials) and my Department.

As a result of this review, from 2008 onwards there will be indicators across 46 headings as compared to the original 42. The new indicators cover housing, motor tax, unaccounted water, planning, library services and community participation, in some cases replacing existing indicators in order to make them more meaningful. In addition, a large number of existing indicators, including some in relation to the environment, have also been amended.

Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 262.

Library Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

268 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure that the library service responds to changing public demand for services as a result of the revolution in communications technology. [20329/08]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael P. Kitt)

I intend shortly to launch Branching Out — Future Directions, a policy document which will drive the development of the public library service in Ireland over the next five years. A number of ICT initiatives which have been implemented throughout the library service in recent years will continue to be developed, to enhance the quality of access to a rich diversity of information which is now freely available through the Internet at public libraries. Further development of the Student Zone of www.askaboutireland.ie is ongoing. This is designed to support school curricula by providing National Council for Curriculum and Assessment approved, age-appropriate structured modules for teachers and students and for independent learning.

Under the Changing Libraries programme a number of nationally significant historic datasets have been developed into a collection of electronic services for the public. The Irish Times Archive was digitised in a joint partnership with my Department and is freely accessible from the www.askaboutireland.ie website in public library branches and schools. The Ordnance Survey historic map viewer provides on-line access to a national map set originally mapped by the Ordnance Survey between 1829 and 1913.

An on-line version of Griffith's Valuation, the most important surviving genealogical source from the nineteenth century is in the final test stages, and is due to go live and freely available on the www.askaboutireland.ie website shortly. A core collection of seminal local studies texts is in the process of being digitised and will be made available on-line this year. Future Public Library Capital Programmes will also build on previous investment in ICT developments and promote its continuing spread throughout the public library service.

Fire Service.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

269 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure the fire services operate to best international standards with a new community focus on fire prevention. [20330/08]

I greatly respect the contribution made by old folks associations to their local communities; however, it is not possible to exempt these or other community or voluntary organisations from water charges. Ireland has, under the EU Water Directive, secured an exemption but this is restricted to dwelling houses using water for ordinary household purposes.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

273 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 985 of 2 April 2008, if there has been further progress. [20428/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

286 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of sites which Ireland is the subject of proceedings by the European Court of Justice or warnings by the European Commission for failures under the landfill directive or other European Union environmental law directives; the counties in which the sites concerned are located; the breaches for which these warnings or court cases have been initiated; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20511/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 286 together.

In areas for which my Department has responsibility, the European Commission is currently in correspondence in respect of 29 cases relating to possible infringements of EU environmental legislation. The cases are at various stages of proceedings as listed in the following table. There is no case awaiting a fines decision against Ireland, and fines have never been imposed on Ireland in relation to an environmental infringement.

There are currently three Directives that are outstanding for transposition. Work is ongoing with a view to completing their transposition at the earliest possible date. In one case that would have been listed as outstanding, I have made the necessary regulations and these have been formally notified to the Commission, so I would expect the Commission formally to close this case soon. In the other 25 cases the Commission has raised issues about the implementation and transposition of the Directives listed; in 8 of these cases the European Court of Justice has issued judgements and my Department is working to meet their requirements.

As indicated in the table nearly all cases are of national application. Some are also site specific and location information is provided. Given that the ‘pre court' cases are the subject of correspondence which could lead to court proceedings it would not be appropriate to provide more site specific information in relation to these cases.

Stage in Proceedings	Locations: Site/County
Directive Reference	Article 226 Letter of Formal Notice	Article 226 Reasoned Opinion	Being Referred to the European Court of Justice	Before the European Court of Justice for hearing or awaiting judgement	European Court of Justice Decision to be Implemented	Article 228 Letter of Formal Notice	Article 228 Reasoned Opinion
Directives Outstanding for Transposition
2003/35/EC on public participation in certain plans and programmes relating to the environment				1				Of national application; not site specific
2004/107/EC on Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air		1						Of national application; not site specific
2004/35/EC on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage		1						Of national application; not site specific
Directives Recently Transposed
2005/33/EC on the sulphur content of marine fuels			1					Of national application; not site specific
Directives where there are Issues on Implementation or Transposition
75/439/EEC on the disposal of waste oils	1							Of national application; not site specific
75/442/EEC the waste directive	1							Of national application; not site specific
1							—
	1						—
		1					Of national application; not site specific
					1		A case of national application and also related to certain sites. (See note one.)
76/464/EEC on dangerous substances in water							1	Of national application
79/409/EEC on wild birds					1			Of national application
						1	Of national application

Stage in Proceedings	Locations: Site/County
Directive Reference	Article 226 Letter of Formal Notice	Article 226 Reasoned Opinion	Being Referred to the European Court of Justice	Before the European Court of Justice for hearing or awaiting judgement	European Court of Justice Decision to be Implemented	Article 228 Letter of Formal Notice	Article 228 Reasoned Opinion
80/68/EEC on groundwater					1			Ballymurtagh, Co. Wicklow
80/778/EEC on the quality of drinking water for human consumption							1	Of national application
85/337/EEC On the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment	1							Of national application
		1					Of national application but also site specific
			1				Of national application but also site specific
			1				Of national application
91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment		1						Of national application
			1				Of national application but also site specific
92/43/EEC on habitats			1					Of national application but also site specific
				1			Of national application
						1	Of national application
98/81/EC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms	1							Of national application; not site specific
99/31/EC on landfill		1						Of national application; not site specific
2000/60/EC the water framework directive	1							Of national application; not site specific
2001/42/EC on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment	1							Of national application; not site specific
2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment	1							Of national application; not site specific

Note 1: Poolbeg, Dublin City; Powerstown, Co. Carlow; Cullinagh and Ballard, Fermoy Co. Cork; Drumnaboden Co. Donegal; Lea Rd. and Ballymorris, Portarlington Co. Laois; Limerick City wetlands, Co. Limerick; Greenore, Co. Louth; Various wetlands at Ballynatin, Pickardstown, Ballygunner Bog and Castletown, as well as Tramore and Killbarry, Co. Waterford; Pembrokestown, White Rock Hill Co. Wexford; Bray Co. Wicklow.

Local Authority Staff.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

282 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an audit or count has been carried out by his Department to identify the number of local authorities that have appointed or designated biodiversity officers; the local authorities that his Department has information confirming that a biodiversity officer has been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20506/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

My Department has not carried out an audit on the number of biodiversity officers employed by local authorities. However, from bilateral contacts, my Department is aware that biodiversity officers are currently employed in Fingal County Council, Clare County Council and Dublin City County Council. Biodiversity Officers, or indeed Heritage Officers who discharge the biodiversity function in a number of other areas, play an important role in the development and implementation of local biodiversity action plans. I have provided €300,000 to support the implementation of local biodiversity action plans during 2008.

Local Authority Housing.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

283 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses that were completed in the years 2006 and 2007 and to date in 2008 including a table showing the number of houses completed broken down into each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20508/08]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

Data in relation to the number of social housing completions in each local authority area, including data for 2006 and 2007, are published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. These data are also available on my Department's website. Data for the first quarter of 2008 will be published shortly.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

284 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on the waiting list for local authority housing for each local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20509/08]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

The results of the 2005 statutory assessment of housing need indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. More comprehensive data in relation to that assessment for each housing authority are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.

Strategy on Homelessness.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

285 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers of homeless people in Ireland and by county for the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20510/08]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 555 of 20 May 2008 which set out the most recently published national figures for homelessness. Details of the number of homeless households in each local authority area are published in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 281.

Local Authority Housing.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

287 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the effectiveness of public private partnership projects in view of a number of housing projects under threat in Dublin City in particular the regeneration of an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20513/08]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

288 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the regeneration schemes underway in Dublin city; the action he will take to ensure that projects already in the pipeline and at an advanced stage will go ahead as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20514/08]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

The regeneration of estates is a key element of the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities and over €120 million has been provided from the Exchequer in 2008 to aid this process. This is in addition to funding from the private sector and from local authorities' own resources. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are one of a range of options used by Dublin City Council to renew and regenerate their social housing estates and provide new social and affordable housing in the city. PPPs are a way of promoting sustainable development through encouraging social, income and tenure mix in an economically efficient way.

Dublin City Council recently announced that the PPP regeneration projects which it had with Castlethorn/McNamara Construction in St Michael's Estate and O'Devaney Gardens, and with McNamara Construction on Dominick Street, Convent Lands in Sean McDermott Street, and Infirmary Road will not now go ahead as planned. The Council is working with its tenants to explore options for regenerating the five areas concerned and is also to examine all the social, economic and legal implications of the recent announcements, with a view to putting forward alternative proposals so that the process for the regeneration of these areas can proceed. My Department will be actively engaging with the City Council in relation to alternative proposals for these projects. It will also be considering the wider implications, if any, for the approach to PPPs generally.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

289 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant aid available to farmers for the installation of wood log gasifiers. [20501/08]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

291 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a wood log gasifier grant scheme under the greener homes schemes; his views on whether this is an ideal carbon neutral renewable fuel resource for domestic homes and should be encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20472/08]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 291 together.

The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006. On foot of the achievement of the original scheme targets three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007. Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007 with assistance still provided under the above mentioned headings.

The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. Continuing the scheme is helping secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.

The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review, and will continue to evolve in light of the maturing technologies and market developments, including the consideration of additional technologies such as wood log gasifiers. Wood energy is a sustainable and renewable energy source. There are however supply chain issues with any new technology and I am cognisant of the issues involved.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

290 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of such tolls for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20268/08]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

When travelling in a private capacity I would be liable to pay toll charges as appropriate. As the Deputy will be aware, Ministers do not personally pay toll charges incurred on official travels. Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Question No. 291 answered with Question No. 289.

Motor Fuels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the extent to which diesel prices at the pumps are vastly higher than petrol prices; if an investigation has been undertaken to identify the cause of such disparities having particular regard to the fact that people are encouraged to switch to diesel as a more eco-friendly fuel but are being penalised by the oil companies; if steps are being taken or are expected to be taken to bring diesel prices at least back into line with petrol prices or lower as was previously the case; if he will use his influence at EU level to ensure that consumers here are not in any way victimised by such price structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20529/08]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I have no function in relation to oil, diesel or petrol prices. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. There is free entry into the market. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. The Competition Authority is a statutory independent body with a specific role in the enforcement of competition law. The National Consumer Agency has specific responsibilities for protecting the rights of consumers. Their function is to ensure that competition works optimally for the benefit of consumers throughout the country. Ireland's high dependence on imported oil makes us price takers, sensitive to the volatility of the markets and reflecting the combination of world prices and the relative strength of the Euro against the Dollar.

Traditionally, diesel has been cheaper than petrol in Ireland at the forecourts. This was due to the fact that international prices for both products were previously in the same range, and excise duty is lower on diesel. The excise differential in favour of diesel is 7.46 cents. Figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that the international price of diesel is now higher than the price of petrol. This is because of increased demand for diesel both within Europe, and in China and other developing economies. European refineries are currently not able to keep pace with the demand for diesel, which means it must be sourced from further afield, particularly from Russia. Conversely, the IEA's reports show that US refineries have been producing more barrels of petrol than usual and domestic US stocks have been well above their 5 year range. High stocks and low US prices are likely to have curbed exports of petrol from Europe to the US, leaving North West European petrol stocks high. The combination of these market factors has contributed to the rise in diesel prices across Europe relative to petrol.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Thursday, 22 May 2008

Departmental Staff.

Seán Barrett

Defence Forces Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Search and Rescue Service.

Emmet Stagg

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Defence Forces Promotions.

Sean Sherlock

Defence Forces Reserve.

Pat Breen

Overseas Missions.

Bernard Allen

Defence Forces Medical Corps.

Pat Rabbitte

Leo Varadkar

Jack Wall

Defence Forces Reserve.

Ciaran Lynch

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Commemorative Events.

Brian O'Shea

Civilianisation of Military Posts.

Ruairí Quinn

Military Neutrality.

Joe Costello

Interdepartmental Meetings.

Paul Connaughton

Defence Forces Equipment.

Róisín Shortall

Commemorative Events.

Michael D. Higgins

Naval Service Vessels.

Joe Costello

White Paper on Defence.

Jan O'Sullivan

Departmental Programmes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Defence Forces Strength.

Seymour Crawford

Defence Forces Reserve.

Ruairí Quinn

Overseas Missions.

Eamon Gilmore

Eamon Gilmore

Defence Forces Reserve.

Pat Rabbitte

Air Corps Equipment.

Ciaran Lynch

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Kathleen Lynch

Defence Forces Property.

Willie Penrose

Bullying in the Workplace.

Emmet Stagg

Overseas Missions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Departmental Funding.

Sean Sherlock

Commemorative Events.

Mary Upton

Mary Upton

Mary Upton

Architectural Heritage.

Emmet Stagg

EU Directives.

Leo Varadkar

Tax Yield.

Michael Ring

Departmental Bodies.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 May 2008