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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2008

Vol. 669 No. 2

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 71, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 72 to 78, inclusive, answered orally.

Departmental Programmes.

James Bannon

Ceist:

79 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to the roll out smart metering in homes and business across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43659/08]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

89 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in the pilot scheme for smart electronic metres; the initial timeframe given for delivery of the pilot scheme; the number of people approached to take part in the pilot scheme; the number of people who agreed to take part in the pilot scheme; when the pilot scheme will be completed; the cost of the pilot scheme; the projected total cost of the overall scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43615/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 89 together.

The rollout of a national smart meter programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government. The Smart Meter programme is a central component of the strategy to significantly enhance management of energy demand and to achieve greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.

The pilot phase, the electricity element of which is being led by ESB, will critically inform the launch of a national scheme. This is a highly complex technological project and the trials are essential to ensure that we have the right technology and systems for the full rollout.

The pilot phase encompasses two strands — a technology trial, which is testing a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure — and a customer behaviour trial, which will determine the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour.

The technology trial will look at meter functionality and supporting information and communications systems. There are many challenges involved in developing a metering system for Ireland that will reflect the dispersed nature of our population and, as a result, by extension, the electricity network. This trial will involve the installation of 15,000 meters. Installation of meters for the pilot phase is under way and is expected to be completed by mid 2009.

Testing the capability of advanced meters to distinguish between the import and export of electricity will also form a key part of the technology trial. This will facilitate the development of microgeneration where consumers generate their own electricity and sell their surplus back to the grid.

Participants for the customer behaviour trial are being selected to ensure that the sample is representative of Ireland's electricity consumers both in terms of usage profiles and geographical spread. Invitations to participate in the trial are being issued on a phased basis with 8000 letters of invitation issued thus far. To date the response has been very positive with 36% of electricity customers contacted expressing an interest in participating. The number of participants needed for the electricity customer behaviour trial is 6,000. The incorporation of gas customers into the pilot phase is being progressed.

The pilot phase overall was launched on 15 September and will last eighteen months in total. This will facilitate the introduction of smart metering initiatives and resulting electricity consumption behavioural changes measured. It is important to have a trial lasting a full year so that seasonal changes in usage are captured for peak demand management purposes. The results of the pilot will inform the timing of a national roll out.

The pilot phase is expected to be completed at end December 2010 and the outcome should be a fully informed decision on the most suitable model of smart meter(s)/IT system(s), tariffing structure, communications system and demand stimuli, all of which works effectively and has the capability to deliver the anticipated benefits of smart metering in the Irish market.

The costs of the pilot to end 2008 will be approximately €6m in total. As part of the preparation for the ‘go live' of the pilot, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is currently considering submissions from ESBN, ESBCS, SEI, BGN and industry participants on the budget for the entire pilot phase.

The cost of a national rollout will be quantified when the pilot phase has been completed and the preferred metering system capable of delivering the level of functionality required for smart metering in the Irish market has been selected.

Energy Prices.

John Deasy

Ceist:

80 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on instructing the energy regulator to set a price ceiling for electricity and gas instead of an absolute price in order to encourage cheaper gas and electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43687/08]

The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

I also note that the CER made the decision to end tariff regulation for large electricity users in September 2006. It concluded that there is a sufficient level of generation capacity in the upper end of the market to allow customers to receive offers of a competitively priced supply of electricity. As a result, the vast majority of large industrial and commercial electricity customers are currently supplied by independent suppliers and companies and are free to negotiate alternative supply offers with the alternative suppliers in the marketplace.

In regard to those areas of the market which remain subject to price regulation, residential and small business customers supplied by the ESB, the legislation is not prescriptive in terms of the methodology to be used by the CER in reaching its decisions. The legislation does not preclude any particular approach. The CER is required to examine the costs underlying the regulated tariffs to ensure they are cost reflective.

I note yesterday's announcement by the CER of its Phase 2 decision on ESB and BGÉ tariffs for 2009, which is reflective of recent softening in international wholesale prices for gas and coal. I also note the substantial rebate being provided by ESB to all electricity customers, which helped mitigate the need for a tariff increase.

The two phase approach to tariff regulation adopted by the CER this year has been prudent in terms of minimising the impact of volatile international fuel prices for energy consumers in Ireland. Flexibility is clearly important in addressing our energy costs, which are a key challenge for the competitiveness of the economy.

I therefore welcome the CER's intention to review tariffs and tariff methodologies next year, in light of global trends in fuel prices and all other relevant factors.

Departmental Expenditure.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

81 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of maintaining the Power of One and the Change websites; his views on the merit of merging the two websites to reduce costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43620/08]

The Power of One electronic campaign consists of a suite of three complementary websites — PowerOfOne.ie, PowerOfOneStreet.ie and PowerOfOneAtWork.ie — each targeting a specific segment of society. In 2008, €220,000 has been spent on developing and maintaining the websites.

My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has informed me that €450,000 has been spent on developing and maintaining the Change.ie website in 2008, which has included extensive scientific and technical design for its core element — the carbon calculator and database.

The websites for both Power of One and Change act as the central informational portal for each campaign. All media activity, including TV, radio, outdoor and press are used to drive traffic to the sites. To date, the Power of One campaign has had over 700,000 page impressions and earlier this year received an eGovernment Award in recognition of excellence illustrated in the marketing of ICT based services. Visitors to the site can:

Use the new energy calculator which demonstrates how much energy and money can be saved by making simple changes.

Take an interactive energy survey which helps to identify key areas where energy can be saved.

Watch all Power of One TV ads and specific energy efficiency videos that provide advice on how best to reduce energy use.

Download or request information packs and posters, of which 60,000 have already been distributed to consumers across the country.

The Change website is an innovative vehicle for raising public awareness of climate change, its causes, impacts and implications for Ireland as well as to drive significant behavioural change to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions in how we live, work and travel. Since the carbon calculator was launched as part of the development of the website on 5 May 2008, almost 90,000 people have calculated their carbon count number. Users are directed to the Power of One site where they can then find ideas, which help to reduce their carbon number.

The remit of the Change campaign covers a broad spectrum of transport, waste, water, energy, biodiversity and planning across the agriculture, transport, construction, tourism, business, industry and the public sector. Officials from my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) are members of an inter-Departmental steering committee which ensures that there is no duplication of activities and that synergies between campaigns are maximised. Significant synergies have been achieved in 2008.

Both campaigns have worked closely to link the concepts of energy efficiency, carbon reduction and monetary savings, and have recently run joint mass media campaigns on TV, radio, press and online to promote energy efficient heating, appliance purchase and usage.

In combining the carbon reduction, energy saving and monetary saving messages, consumers are presented with holistic energy and environmental advice and guidance. A key component of these recent media campaigns has been the use of families that have clearly demonstrated how easy it is to make simple changes that translate into significant financial and carbon emission savings.

My Department has today received the latest campaign survey results and the results will be published next week. I am informed that 82% of people agree that it makes sense to combine the energy saving, monetary saving and carbon saving messages.

Officials from my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and SEI are currently analysing the potential to further align and merge other elements of the campaigns.

Windfall Profits.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

82 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views in terms of whether or not windfall profits earned by energy companies, due to the price of carbon being factored into the price of electricity, should be recouped to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43724/08]

The Single Electricity Market Committee, which is statutorily responsible for the operation of the all-island electricity market on the island of Ireland, have determined that all electricity generators must include the full opportunity cost of carbon when bidding into the gross mandatory pool of the Single Electricity Market. This raises the wholesale cost of electricity and gives rise to the windfall profits being earned by electricity generators.

In deciding on the level of regulated electricity price increase effective from 1 January 2009, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) announced that they have agreed with the ESB that the latter will provide a significant rebate to electricity consumers in 2009. This rebate will be applicable to all electricity customers irrespective of their supplier. This rebate has a value of approximately 9.5% of the cost of electricity. It will mitigate the need for a price increase and largely address the issue of windfall gains earned by ESB in 2009.

My Department, in conjunction with the CER, will be examining options to address in the future, any windfall gains that might arise for electricity generators while they continue to receive free carbon permit allocations.

More generally I would point out that the emissions trading system established by the European Union, is the cornerstone of our climate change response and will be the basis of any subsequent international responses to climate change. This system currently allows for the free allocations of 90% of carbon credits in the electricity generation area.

My personal view is that the allocation of carbon credits, which is the basis for trading, should be done by auction rather than free allocation. I note that the European Commission is now proposing that post 2012 all carbon permits will be bought on the open market and producers can compete on the basis of carbon costs. This will eliminate any windfall gains for electricity producers and promote competition between generators as to who can produce electricity using the least carbon. In my view this is a welcome development which will be good for the environment and good for the consumer.

Telecommunications Services.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

83 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 29 October 2008 if he has the recommendations from the working group; if so, if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43698/08]

I published a consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband in July 2008. The introduction of a regulation to require the installation of open access fibre connection in new premises, where practicable, was one of the proposed policy actions. Fibre has been deployed in a number of residential developments but they are proprietary systems. I am interested in putting open access networks in place.

The working group referred to by the Deputy is one I have set up to examine a range of practical issues that need to be addressed before a regulation can be put into effect. The group comprises of officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, ComReg and my own Department.

These issues are quite complex and span legal, financial, technical and regulatory matters. For example they include the technical specifications and standards that will be required by the industry for open access fibre, ownership, maintenance and cost implications and whether universal application is practicable. The installation of open access fibre in new premises is an innovative proposal and some of the issues have not had to be considered in Ireland before. They will take some time to work through but I can assure the Deputy that the group is addressing them as a matter of urgency.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

84 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to publish a report into the recommendations of the International Broadband Advisory Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/08]

The International Advisory Forum met on the 26th and 27th February 2008 to advise me on the optimum role for Government in the development of Next Generation Broadband in Ireland.

The members of this forum brought a diverse range of knowledge and experience from around the world and critiqued a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was prepared by my Department. The insight and views of the Advisory Forum were considered in the context of the preparation of the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband which was published in July 2008 for public consultation.

A separate one-day Forum on the draft policy paper was held on the 30th September, this year. This brought together representatives from the Telecoms and Broadcasting industries, policy makers and broadband users to discuss options on the optimal role of Government in the development of Next Generation Broadband in Ireland. In addition, an online consultation process was conducted. The consultation period has now ended for receipt of written submissions. My Department is considering these and the results from the one-day Forum. I intend to publish a final report before the end of the year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

85 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount his Department has spent on consultants, forums, working groups and consultation documents in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43720/08]

The expenditure on consultancy in my Department to date in 2008 amounts to €6,921,989. This amount includes major spends of €1.4m in respect of the Power of One Energy Efficiency advertising campaign and €765k in respect of the procurement process for the National Broadband Scheme.

As with all Departments the 2009 allocation for consultancies in my Department has been greatly reduced. In the case of the A7 subhead which relates fully to consultancy services this reduction is 38%.

The accounting records within the Department are not held in a manner which would facilitate the ready availability of the other data as categorised in the Deputy's question but the amount involved would not be significant.

If the Deputy has an interest in a specific case or cases I will make the appropriate enquiries.

Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

86 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to a previous parliamentary question the progress made on the provision of access to ducting to improve infrastructure here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43712/08]

The consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband committed to providing access by private operators to public sector broadband assets. In particular access will be facilitated to ducting that already exists along publicly owned infrastructure, which could be used to provide backhaul connections.

While the private sector has the primary role in investing in telecommunications infrastructure, it makes sense to utilise State infrastructure assets to facilitate broadband connectivity on commercial terms, particularly where there may be market failure. The consultation process has indicated a largely positive response to this particular initiative, by the commercial and semi-State sector.

In identifying relevant State assets, which can be used for ducting and laying fibre, my officials have met with a number of State agencies, mainly in the electricity, gas and transport sectors to examine how best their assets can be accessed.

A number of practical issues have been identified by the agencies which must be addressed.

My Department and the agencies are committed to working out how best such issues can be addressed quickly and ensuring that the interests of the agencies and the telecommunications industry are balanced.

My Department is progressing this work as a matter of urgency. I am determined that there will be tangible progress on this initiative in 2009.

Postal Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

87 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish details of the cost benefit analysis on the introduction of post codes; the initial cost and the ongoing cost of this project; the amount of this which will be financed by the taxpayer; when he expects to bring a further proposal to Cabinet in relation to the introduction of postcodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43617/08]

Following the Government decision in May 2007 that further evidence and evaluation was required of the monetary benefits that would arise from the implementation of a national postcode, my Department recruited consultants to assist with an additional study on the costs and benefits of the postcode system, as they would relate to the public sector. The consultants have recently submitted their report to my Department.

The report is currently being assessed by my officials with a view to progressing the project and when complete, I will make a decision on how best to take the proposal forward. In this regard I fully accept that a postcode system can deliver economic and social benefits, assist with the future development of competition in the postal sector and assist with the efficient, effective and innovative delivery of certain public services. It is therefore my intention to bring a further proposal to Government in relation to the introduction of postcodes.

The National Postcode Project Board, in presenting its report on a national postcode system in July 2006, estimated that the cost of implementing and promoting a national postcode system would require approximately €15 million of Exchequer funding. There has been no significant revision of this figure in the new report, although the eventual cost cannot be determined until a licence holder, who will be responsible for developing, communicating and maintaining the postcode system, has been selected through a competitive process.

The annual maintenance costs for the postcode management licence holder have been estimated as amounting to approximately €2.5m and it is expected that those ongoing costs will be met by income generated by the eventual licence holder. The recent supplemental report on postcodes found that significant financial benefits would accrue in the public sector if the proposed national postcode is introduced. The financial benefits identified in the public bodies consulted amounted to approximately €22m in net present value terms and the report also finds that there is likely to be a range of benefits, which public sector bodies cannot at this stage quantify but concludes that there is still a strong basis for a national postcode in Ireland.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

88 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe under which he expects to see commercial energy generation coming from wave energy projects onto the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43677/08]

Earlier this year I launched the Ocean Energy Initiative to ensure Ireland is well positioned in the development of ocean energy technologies. Ireland's ocean energy resource offers significant potential to become a key contributor to the development of our renewable energy capacity.

The programme includes:

The establishment of the Ocean Energy Development Unit based in Sustainable Energy Ireland to oversee the programme and ensure coordinated delivery of all programme elements;

The creation of a state-of-the-art National Ocean Energy facility in University College Cork to support scale model development;

The development of a grid-connected wave energy test site off the west coast to support the next generation of research models;

A €2 million Ocean Energy Prototype Fund and

The introduction of a new feed-in-tariff under the REFIT scheme for wave energy of €220 per Megawatt Hour.

The ocean energy sector, which includes a variety of technological applications, is moving progressively from early stage tank and model testing to scale testing in sea environments with several prototypes already being tested in our existing Galway Bay test site.

A small number of wave and tidal energy-capture technologies are being tested in open-ocean environments internationally.

This is frontier technology, which must be able to operate over long periods with a high degree of reliability in an extremely hostile and changeable environment.

It is, of course, difficult to predict with precision when the ongoing research and demonstration programmes in Ireland and internationally will deliver fully commercial options into the market. Industry estimates are that it may be 3-5 years before fully commercial-scale wave-farm systems are available for deployment anywhere in the world.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 79.

Electricity Generation.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

90 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the consultation process has been completed on the creation of a tariff that would allow micro generation facilities in homes and businesses to sell power back onto the grid; when a conclusion to this matter will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43704/08]

The Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support scheme operated by my Department supports the construction of new renewable energy powered plants with sufficient generating capacity, typically at or a multiple of 1 megawatt, to attract market interest from electricity suppliers interested in purchasing the power in commercial quantities. Micro-scale plants, on the other hand, are typically of a much smaller size requiring different solutions.

My Department is working closely with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and other stakeholders to put in place in the short term an appropriately structured payment system for micro-generated electricity exported to the grid, which will operate separately from the REFIT mechanism.

In addition, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is implementing a Micro-generation Pilot Programme, which will conduct research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis of micro-scale projects. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power security, safety and quality of installations. CER/ESB Networks have amended the rules associated with connecting micro-scale plants whereby generators of less than 6kW on single phase cables and 11kW on three phase electricity supply cables can now connect to the grid without prior authorisation.

SEI will also shortly publish a guide to connecting renewable and CHP electricity production plants to the electricity network including advice for micro-generators, which will be of assistance to those connecting micro scale plant to the network following the changes announced by CER/ESB.

Broadcasting Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

91 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding arrangements agreed with RTE for the provision of RTE broadcasting in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43640/08]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

102 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on RTE’s announcement that the promised diaspora channel is to be postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43621/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 102 together.

Section 3(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2007 requires RTÉ to establish and maintain a television broadcasting service and a sound broadcasting service, which services shall be made available, in so far as the RTÉ Authority considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside of the island of Ireland.

RTÉ has reviewed the potential for providing these services over different media, including via the Internet, over radio, over satellite and on the UK Freesat service.

RTÉ provides a radio service to Great Britain and Northern Ireland using the long wave radio service. In addition, RTÉ has improved its FM radio service near the border with Northern Ireland in order to improve reception of RTÉ 1 in the Belfast area. Radio coverage is also provided over satellite and over the internet.

In relation to the availability of television and radio over the internet, RTÉ has indicated a commitment to continue to enhance the activities and operations of RTÉ online and to provide both television and radio programming. RTÉ has also indicated that if resources permit, it proposes to enhance the service in the course of 2009 through the introduction of an i-player type service which will allow live access to a greater range of programming than is currently available through live streaming.

RTÉ has also committed to rolling out an International television service on the UK Freesat network. RTÉ had initially expected that this service would launch at the end of 2008. In September my Department was informed by RTÉ that, due to the rapidly worsening economic conditions and falling advertising revenue, they would need to postpone the launch of the RTÉ International television service by a year. I understand this is one of a number of measures taken by RTÉ in the current economic climate. My Department has written to RTÉ expressing disappointment at the decision while acknowledging the current economic climate.

RTÉ has highlighted that this decision may be reviewed if circumstances change significantly in the course of the year.

Electricity Generation.

Damien English

Ceist:

92 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the energy used in his Department that comes from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43693/08]

40% of all energy used in my Department is from renewable sources. All of the electricity supplied to my Department's main buildings at Adelaide Road and Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, and the storage facility at Sandyford, is from renewable sources.

This results from a contract with a specific supplier negotiated by the Government Supplies Agency under which 100% of electricity supplied is from renewable sources. Under this contract 1,920,573 kilowatts of energy was supplied in the buildings mentioned for the period 1st November 2007 to 31st October 2008.

Electricity is supplied to the decentralised office in Cavan town by the ESB. This building is not included in the electricity contract as it was not occupied by my Department at the time of contract. 111,056 kilowatts of energy was supplied by the ESB in the period mentioned representing 2% of all energy used. A portion of this also comes from renewable sources.

The energy for heating the Dublin buildings referred to is supplied by Bord Gáis. For the period mentioned a total of 2,820,320 kilowatts of energy was supplied by An Bord Gáis or 58% of the total energy consumption. While natural gas is considered a clean fuel it is not renewable energy.

Departmental Expenditure.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

93 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of studies and reviews carried out in his Department in 2007 and to date in 2008; the cost of these studies and reviews; the number which are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43633/08]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested.

My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Alternative Energy Projects.

David Stanton

Ceist:

94 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the electricity market made up from sustainable energy sources; if he is working towards the indicative sustainable energy source penetration targets for the electricity market of 13 to 20% for the year 2010 as included in the 2003 consultation document Options for Future Renewable Energy Policy, Targets and Programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43743/08]

The share of electricity from renewable energy in 2007, the latest year for which published data is available, was 9.4%. This is a significant increase, which more than doubles the contribution from renewable energy sources within a decade from 3.6% in 1997. We also remain on track to deliver the national targets of a 15% contribution from renewable sources to the electricity market by 2010 and 40% by 2020%.

Corrib Gas Terminal.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

95 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of his initiative to facilitate a dialogue between local residents and those proposing to bring gas ashore from the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43713/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

119 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the Corrib gas terminal and the proposed routes; if the proposed forum has had its first meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43635/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 119 together.

On 6th November I, together with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaelteacht Affairs, announced the establishment of the North West Mayo Forum. The Forum, which is separate from the planning and statutory consent processes, will offer a positive opportunity for furthering the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo region, through a coordinated engagement involving a number of Government Departments and State Bodies, with members of the local community and their public representatives. It will also provide an opportunity for dialogue between all parties with an interest in the Corrib project and help promote understanding of how the project is regulated by providing the local community and their public representatives with an opportunity for a coordinated engagement with the Government Departments and other State Bodies that have a regulatory role in relation to the project.

The forum will be chaired by Mr. Joe Brosnan and the first meeting will take place on Friday 5th December in Belmullet, County Mayo.

The location of an onshore gas terminal is a matter for the developer who must then obtain the necessary planning permission. I have no statutory role in this regard. In the case of the Corrib Gas Project, the onshore gas terminal at Bellanaboy is currently under construction having been granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development Acts in October 2004.

With regard to the route of the pipeline, in implementing a recommendation made by the State appointed mediator, Mr. Peter Cassells, to route the pipeline away from houses in the Rossport area and, following a route selection process involving several months of public consultations, the developer submitted a new application to me for the construction of the Corrib pipeline along a modified onshore route, together with an application for the associated change to the Corrib Plan of Development in April of this year. A decision on each of these will be made in the coming months.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

96 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of a grid connected wave energy test site at Annagh-French Point near Belmullet, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43645/08]

The Marine Institute was engaged to survey the sea area during last summer, in preparation for a detailed engineering and technical design for the facility. The final survey requirement, the near shore and landfall for the cable route, will be conducted in the coming weeks.

The arrangements for the technical and engineering management for the development of the facility are currently being finalised and work to deliver the facility in 2010 will commence shortly.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

97 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, due to the Taoiseach’s request, he has investigated semi-State bodies under the control of his Department, to ensure they have not abused public funds in relation to expenditure on expenses or travel on behalf of their agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43729/08]

As the Deputy will be aware expenditure by the State Agencies on travel and subsistence in relation to the conduct of their business is, subject to application of the various Department of Finance regulations in this area, a day-to-day operational issue and therefore a matter for the Agencies themselves.

In addition all expenditure by the relevant Agencies is subject to review and scrutiny by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Pursuant to the request by an Taoiseach, my Department has contacted the relevant State Agencies in relation to ensuring that the use of travel and subsistence budgets within their overall allocations complies with the existing regulations and guidelines.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

98 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views in relation to a proposed peat and bio-fuel energy plant in County Mayo; if he has a problem in principle with the use of peat as a fuel for energy generation in the context of it being part of a bio-fuel energy mix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43672/08]

The Government's policy in relation to energy is set out in the White Paper, "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland — The Energy Policy Framework 2007 — 2020". The three pillars of Government energy policy are security of energy supply, environmental sustainability and delivery of real and effective competition in energy markets. In relation to environmental sustainability, it is the Government's policy to reduce energy-related emissions and the carbon intensity of electricity production through various initiatives, including changes to the fuel mix, one of which is the co-firing of the existing peat-fired plants with biomass.

A target of 30% co-firing of the existing peat-fired power plants with biomass by 2015 has been set, with the intention of reducing the amount of peat being used in these plants by about one million tonnes per annum. This is reflected in the projections in the Energy Policy Framework, which indicate a decrease in the amount of peat in the fuel mix up to 2020.

The Energy Policy Framework refers to Government being supportive of biomass co-firing with peat. This is in the context of the existing State-owned peat-fired power generating plants. An inference that the Government would encourage new peat-fired plants should not be drawn. The Government's clear focus is instead on the development of new renewable energy and energy-efficient measures to achieve its overall energy policy goals.

Under the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, the Minister has no function in relation to authorisations to construct generating stations or licences to generate electricity. This is the responsibility of the independent energy regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Energy Prices.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

99 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will instruct the energy regulator to put a new structure in place around the consultation process for making a decision on energy prices, that will give the consumer and those affected by fuel poverty a formal say; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43684/08]

The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act and the Gas (Interim) Regulation Act 2002. I have no function in setting or regulating energy prices.

I note yesterday's announcement by the CER of its Phase 2 decision on ESB and BGÉ tariffs, which is reflective of recent easing in international prices, particularly for gas and coal. I also note the substantial rebate being provided by ESB to all electricity customers, which helped mitigate the need for a tariff increase.

The two phase approach to tariff regulation adopted by the CER this year was prudent in terms of minimising the impact of volatile market prices for energy consumers in Ireland. Flexibility is clearly important in addressing our energy costs, which are a key challenge for competitiveness. I therefore welcome the CER's intention to review tariffs and methodologies next year in light of global trends in international fuel prices and all other relevant factors.

In September 2007, the CER published a consultation paper on a review of its consultation process. Following a review of the comments received, the Commission then published in February of this year, a number of proposals designed to address other areas identified as in need of improvement and also enhance the areas. In June 2008, following further consultation, the Commission published its final decision on these proposals which resulted in the implementation of 15 out of its original 19 proposals. One of the decisions made involved the holding of public forums as part of certain consultation processes.

In the context of Phase Two of the Commission's price review of ESB and Bord Gáis Energy Supply tariffs, the CER as part of the public consultation process held a public forum on 10 November with ESB and BGÉ, which all stakeholders and interest groups were encouraged to attend. This was in addition to the ‘regular' full open consultation. The CER also launched its new customer service — energycustomers.ie — in late October 2008, which is aimed at the provision of additional information to customers on the energy sector.

The Open Forum initiative by the CER provided an important opportunity for consumers and interested groups to debate in public with CER, ESB and BGÉ on the complex issues around energy prices. Attended by representatives of a broad range of business and consumer groups, as well as ordinary customers, the forum provided an opportunity for consumers to voice their concerns about energy costs. Stakeholders were also invited to make written submissions directly to the CER to inform the Commission in making its second phase decision on prices. The forum was well attended and I believe the CER has received favourable comments in relation to the event itself and its objectives. The CER is also committed to continually looking at ways in which its consultative process can be improved.

The CER also has a statutory role in protecting vulnerable customers in the energy markets. Under the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 the CER is tasked with ensuring that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers. The CER has set out guidelines for the protection of household electricity and natural gas customers, particularly the elderly, customers relying on life support equipment and those with disabilities. The CER also regularly meets with customer representative groups to discuss their concerns.

In addition to this, the Commission will in 2009, look at ways of introducing greater flexibility into electricity and gas tariff structures including payment options. The CER is also leading the ongoing smart metering project, one of the aims of which is to provide greater empowerment for customers over their energy usage and bills.

The Government is fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of society from the impact of rising energy costs through a combination of social welfare supports and investment in structural improvements to enhance the energy efficiency of the housing stock. I am working with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach in this regard across Government and Agencies.

Electricity Interconnector.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

100 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress being made on the construction of an east-west interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43690/08]

The East-West Interconnector is a 500 MegaWatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. This project is of vital strategic importance to Ireland and its delivery to schedule by 2012 is a key Government priority.

The East West Interconnector will significantly enhance security of supply and will facilitate increased competition in the single electricity market. It will also underpin Ireland's progressive integration with the UK and European electricity market.

EirGrid, the State Body responsible for Transmission, has been entrusted with the development and ownership of this interconnector by the Government. Working closely with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and with my Department, EirGrid is progressing the project to schedule. The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Act 2008 provides the necessary legal basis for EirGrid to construct, own and operate an interconnector.

I am advised that EirGrid expects the contract for design and construction of the interconnector to be completed in the coming months, when the successful bidder will be announced. EirGrid has secured Woodland in County Meath as the connection point for the interconnector on the Irish transmission system and Deeside in Wales on the UK side. EirGrid has undertaken a marine survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable.

Work is also progressing on the various applications for authorisations and permissions required along the entire route of the interconnector. On November 18th, EirGrid submitted a planning application to the Strategic Infrastructure Division of An Bord Pleanála for the project.

Late 2011 is the target for the completion of works and 2012 is the target for the completion of commissioning and testing and the start of commercial operations. The project remains on track to meet these target completion dates, subject to the outcome of the planning processes.

Financing options for this project are being finalised by EirGrid with the objective of achieving the most cost-effective and efficient financial package. The interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned and operated by EirGrid.

Greener Homes Scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

101 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the greener homes schemes; the number of applicants waiting to receive grants; the budget for this scheme in 2008 and 2009; the reasoning behind the drop in budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43647/08]

The Greener Homes Scheme, since its launch in March 2006, has provided support for home owners investing in renewable energy heating technologies. The scheme has been modified over that period, supported by appropriate budgetary allocations year on year. Phase III continues to support the installation of a range of technologies in existing homes. Demand trends under the scheme continue to evolve in response to the ongoing adjustments which take account of market developments and changes to the Building Regulations. These adjustments will be reflected in the Budget allocation for the scheme in 2009. Sustainable Energy Ireland advises that there are approximately 76 applications for grant assistance on hand, which are currently being processed. The allocation for the Greener Homes 2008 is €22.5m. The allocation for 2009 remains to be definitively finalised.

Any support scheme such as Greener Homes must evolve over time to a point where the industry is self sufficient and this overall approach has been reflected in the adjustments made to this scheme over its lifetime.

The stimulus that the scheme has given to the development and maturing of the industry, with 16,000 systems already installed, has focussed primarily on improving the supply chain for the products, services and fuels. The application of product standards and installer training and quality framework has ensured that consumers are both informed and confident in their choices.

There are currently 940 products registered under the scheme. All these products meet minimum quality and efficiency criteria which allows for informed choice on the part of the consumer whether attracting financial support or not.

Quality and training is an important aspect of supporting the development of a sustainable industry. Training courses have been developed for residential heating technologies. These courses are FETAC accredited and mandatory for registration under the Greener Homes Scheme since March 2008. There are currently 1,300 installers registered under the scheme who have completed these training courses and it will continue to be a requirement for any installer wishing to register under the scheme.

The Greener Homes Scheme (and the REHeat scheme for the commercial sector) was also designed to enable a reliable supply chain for wood pellet fuels. Securing a significant installed base of appliances has created a demand that has resulted in increased and more geographically diverse supply and more competitive pricing.

The Building Regulations 2008, which came into force on July 1st, make the inclusion of renewable energy in new homes mandatory. It is therefore no longer appropriate to grant aid installation of renewable technologies in new homes and future budgetary allocations for the Scheme will reflect this decision. The Building Regulations' mandatory requirement will of itself significantly stimulate demand for renewable energy products and services. The existence in the market of 1,300 installers who have successfully completed nationally accredited training will underpin this regulatory requirement. The installation of renewable heating systems in existing homes, which is typically more complex and more expensive, warrants continued support in the short to medium term while the market reaches maturity.

Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 91.

Telecommunications Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

103 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on doubts over the accuracy of the broadband coverage map and therefore the area to be addressed by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43626/08]

"3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, was appointed as the Preferred Tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) on 25 November 2008, following an open tender process using the "competitive dialogue" procurement process.

As regards the accuracy of the mapping for the scheme, a comprehensive mapping process has been undertaken. This process involved:

contacting service providers for details of their broadband coverage;

inserting service provider data on a broadband coverage map using specialist expertise and software;

consulting with the Irish Regional Authorities to request that they confirm, as far as was possible, the broadband coverage information provided in the maps;

requesting from the Regional Authorities information on any other service providers excluded from the mapping process; and

contacting additional service providers identified by the Regional Authorities and including their coverage on the map.

The resulting broadband coverage led to the creation of the indicative NBS map, which was updated during the procurement process as appropriate, in consultation with the service providers. In light of the above I am satisfied that all reasonable have been taken steps to ensure the accuracy of the map.

Broadcasting Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

104 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ease the effects of the close down of analogue television in Wales on Counties Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow and Dublin; the timescale of this impact; his views on the consequences of this signal shutdown; the way he will ensure that vulnerable groups are not adversely affected by this shutdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43638/08]

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding digital terrestrial television; his views on whether preparations for the switch over in 2012 will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43622/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 114 together.

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 puts in place a flexible framework for the licensing of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) into the future. The Act provides for the establishment of a free to air DTT service to replace the existing analogue terrestrial services offered by RTÉ, TG4 and TV3. The Act also provides for the development of commercial DTT services, which are anticipated to provide further choice to those who wish to avail of additional channels to the Irish free to air channels. Under the Act, RTÉ, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) have obligations to provide for the rollout of DTT and to assist in the development of a plan for analogue switch off.

In order for Ireland to benefit fully from the switch to DTT, a switch-off of analogue television services is necessary. Ireland has indicated that this switch off is likely to take place in 2012, in line with other European countries.

The BCI is responsible for contracting commercial DTT service providers. In this regard, a Swedish company Boxer Ltd, in partnership with Communicorp has been offered the contract and contract terms are being finalised. It is anticipated that the launch of commercial DTT services will be coordinated with the launch of the free to air DTT service in 2009.

The UK has a schedule to switch off analogue TV in different regions from 2008 to 2012 in favour of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Analogue TV services in Wales, for instance, are expected to switch off from August 2009 and this will impact on viewers in Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow and Dublin who receive UK TV channels via overspill from the UK.

Viewers on cable and satellite will not be affected by these changes and will continue to receive the UK terrestrial channels.

The anticipated 2009 launch of commercial Irish digital terrestrial services will provide a significant range of television services which will be available in the south east of the country, including to those persons who will be impacted by the switch off of analogue services in the UK.

Telecommunications Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of metropolitan area networks that have been constructed around towns here under the most recent MANs roll-out programme but which are not currently functioning as part of the counties information technology infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43666/08]

Under phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) 27 MANs are available to customers from eNet which is operating, managing and maintaining the networks on behalf of the State under a 15 year concession agreement.

Under Phase II of the MANs Programme, 58 of a total of 60 MANs covering 64 towns have been completed during 2007 and 2008. Construction of the remaining two networks will be completed during 2009.

All completed Phase II networks are being managed on an interim basis by technical services firm Magnum Opus on behalf of my Department pending the engagement of a Management Services Entity for the Phase II MANs (MSE 2). The engagement of an MSE 2 is currently the subject of a procurement process, which is expected to conclude in Q1 2009.

The Phase II MANs contain duct, sub duct, dark fibre and co-location facilities. Under the interim MSE maintenance arrangement currently in place, dark fibre is made available to service providers, who in turn use their own equipment to light the fibre for their customer.

Currently there are three Phase II MANs being used by service providers; Killarney, Tralee and Carrigaline. Longford will be in use within the next two weeks. A number of other requests have also been received from service providers. The Phase II MAN's continue to be available to service providers on the basis referred to above pending the outcome of the MSE procurement process.

Departmental Schemes.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

106 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the way a person can apply and benefit from the warmer homes scheme or the home energy saving scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43651/08]

The Warmer Homes Scheme is overseen by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), and is targeted at households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit. The Warmer Homes Scheme will install cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. These measures are provided free or at a nominal cost.

The service is delivered principally through community based organisations. There are 20 such groups currently approved by SEI. Applications for assistance under the Scheme should be made via the relevant community organisation, details of which can be found under the grants section of SEI's website (www.sei.ie/grants).

Householders in receipt of energy efficiency improvements under the Scheme can potentially reduce their energy consumption by up to 60%, depending on the number of measures implemented and their energy behaviour. Funding of €10 million has been made available for this Scheme in 2009, which includes a contribution of €5 million from ESB and Bord Gáis.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is also managed by SEI, will provide grant assistance to householders generally to install energy efficiency measures from next year. I launched the Scheme on a pilot basis earlier this year, in a selected number of areas and with a budget of €5 million. The pilot Scheme is grant aiding cavity wall insulation, wall lining insulation, external insulation, attic insulation, heating controls and low-e double glazing. This pilot phase is informing the design of the wider roll out of the Scheme in 2009 for which provision of €20 million has been made. The operational details of the Scheme are in the process of being finalised and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in respect of new applications later this year.

Indicative results from the pilot phase indicate that supported upgrade actions can bring a house from an F-rating starting point on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale to a D2 rating. This represents an energy saving of up to €700 per year for each house, equating to reduced CO2 emissions of 3 tonnes.

Energy Prices.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he has taken at national or European level to ensure that consumers here gain full benefit from the lower energy prices on world markets with particular reference to the fact that oil prices on international markets are approximately one third of those applying when prices were at their peak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43655/08]

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. There is free entry to the market. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. Price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy and it is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur.

I would advise the Deputy that the National Consumer Agency is currently undertaking a survey into the relationship between pump prices for petrol and diesel and the wholesale price of crude oil. I understand that as part of its work, the Agency will seek to benchmark movements in prices in Ireland against those in other EU countries and that it will also seek to examine the frequency and the timeliness with which changes in the wholesale price are being passed on to consumers. I understand that the Agency expects to finalise its report into this matter very shortly.

The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and BGÉ gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act. I note yesterday's announcement by the CER of its Phase 2 decision on ESB and BGÉ tariffs, which is reflective of the recent easing in international market prices for gas and coal.

The upward global trend in energy prices generally reinforces the imperative for Ireland to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and to use energy wisely and efficiently. The Government is committed to accelerated delivery of our targets for renewable energy, which in the area of electricity has recently been increased to 40% by 2020, and energy efficiency, which are essential to ensure a sustainable energy future for the economy and consumers. My Department is working with other key Government Departments on initiatives to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in electricity, transport and heating, and to implement major energy efficiency and demand management programmes for both domestic and business consumers.

The continued global volatility in energy prices is a cause for concern among EU Member States and I am working with my EU colleagues on strategies to enhance security of supply sustainability and competitiveness. These include the acceleration of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, ongoing investment in energy infrastructure, increasing the transparency of oil and gas markets, and enhanced dialogue with oil and gas producing countries.

Telecommunications Services.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

108 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the repurchase of Eircom infrastructure as part of the telecommunications infrastructure strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43728/08]

The Government has not considered the issue of possible purchase of eircom infrastructure. The issue of whether this infrastructure would be offered for sale is a matter for eircom, under the Government's telecommunications infrastructure strategy the private sector has primary responsibility for the development of such infrastructure. There are a number of infrastructure providers of which eircom is one. Eircom is on record as saying it remains committed to developing broadband to as many parts of the country as possible.

Ireland has a vibrant broadband market with service providers offering services across a range of platforms at increasingly fast speeds. In addition the National Broadband Scheme for which the preferred bidder was recently announced, will bring broadband to those parts of the country where a commercial service cannot be provided. This will result in broadband being available universally throughout the country.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

109 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount and percentage of wind power with access to the national grid; the number of applications awaiting access to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43632/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

385 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind farms currently contributing to the national electricity grid; the number of such farms in respect of which planning permission has been granted but not admitted or cleared for admission to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43999/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

386 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of electricity currently provided through wind energy; his preferred options for future development in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44000/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative energy currently contributes to the national electricity grid; the various components in this contribution; when it is expected to reduce dependency on imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44001/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 385 to 387, inclusive, together.

In 2007, the latest year for which published dated is available, electricity from renewable energy resources contributed 9.4% of electricity consumed. The contribution by resource was 6.7% wind, 2.2% hydro and 0.5% biomass. These technologies harness indigenous energy sources thereby reducing our dependency on imports.

The dominant renewable energy technology is now wind-powered. Eirgrid calculates that there are 97 wind-farms currently connected to the electricity grid with a combined installed capacity of 1002 megawatts and a further 490 projects with a combined installed capacity of 11500 megawatts in different stages of the connection application process. Any disputes about connection offers, including access to offers, are within the statutory authority of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER has recently published a decision on access to connection offers for at least 3,900 megawatts of capacity.

The projects awaiting connection offers are at different stages within the planning application process. Planning applications are submitted to the local Planning Authority in the first instance. There is no central register of such applications or their status. It Is not possible, therefore, to quantify the number of projects in any particular phase within the planning application process. However every compliant project which has been submitted to the REFIT support programme, with both planning permission and a connection offer, has been offered support.

The Government targets are to increase the contribution by renewable energy technologies to electricity consumed to 15% at least, by 2010 and 40% by 2020. Wind-powered plants will continue to be the dominant technology to 2010 and will be a substantial contributor to the 2020 target. It is expected that current support and research into other alternative technologies will also see technologies harnessing biomass and ocean-power play an increasing role in delivering the 2020 target.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

110 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on findings that show that broadband connections here are among the most expensive in the OECD; his further views on the poor performance with regard to broadband speeds by Ireland in the OECD countries; the steps he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43639/08]

The provision of telecommunications services including broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. The relevant service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The broadband market is a fast moving and dynamic one; this applies to all OECD countries.

On this basis, annual comparisons of broadband metrics between different countries cannot capture the full extent of market developments. For example, the OECD statistics do not include mobile broadband, which now has 222,300 subscribers in Ireland and accounts for approximately 21% of all broadband delivered, making it one of the highest rates within the EU. In addition, a number of offers available in Ireland now include broadband speeds of 20 Mbps and would not be reflected in most recent OECD figures.

A survey conducted by the OECD on the affordability of a broadband product in the various markets based on the "cost of broadband as a proportion of GDP per capita" instead of simply looking at the price ranks Ireland 6th, as at October 2007.

Recent surveys conducted by ComReg indicate that the majority of Irish people are content with existing broadband speeds and the value for money of their Internet service.

While investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for telecoms operators, Government has invested and will continue to invest in broadband infrastructure in order to address the digital divide and regional inequalities. The broadband policy consultation paper, which I published last July, sets out a number of proposed initiatives including the utilisation of State infrastructure for broadband connectivity, establishment of a one-stop shop to facilitate this and opening up of broadband access to new buildings. These proposals are being advanced. In addition, the preferred bidder for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was recently announced. The NBS will significantly improve broadband coverage, especially in rural areas.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 77.

Electric Car Industry.

David Stanton

Ceist:

112 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 3 July 2008, if he has received reports on the success to date of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council pilot project for plug in parking-charging facilities for electrical vehicles; if he will support similar pilot projects in other areas of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43742/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

113 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has met with the Department of Transport with regard to the potential growth of the electric car industry; the position regarding the potential for electric cars here; the current and projected emissions for the transport sector; the way he envisages that the 10% target set in the budget will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43641/08]

David Stanton

Ceist:

378 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he will stimulate uptake here of hybrid electrical and battery electric vehicles to reach the 10% target set for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43790/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113 and 378 together.

Following on from the recent Government decision to establish an inter-departmental/agency group to look at deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland, it was agreed that my Department would oversee the group. All relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Transport, and agencies are represented on the group. The group will examine the best way forward to promote the use of electric vehicles in Ireland.

My Department has also been working directly with the Department of Transport to progress matters in the context of the Sustainable Transport and Travel Action Plan currently being finalised by my colleague, the Minister for Transport.

In association with the Minister for Transport, I recently announced plans for the mass deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. We have set a target of 10% of all vehicles in the transport fleet to be powered by electricity by 2020 which will represent up to 250,000 cars on Irish roads over the next 12 years. We propose to aid this by introducing tax incentives for businesses to purchase electric vehicles allowing them to write off 100% of the cost of purchase against tax under the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will also be funding a €1 million project to research, develop and demonstrate alternative transport technologies including electric vehicles nationally. SEI has also published a Buyers Guide and a Cost of Ownership Calculator to aid individuals interested in purchasing electric vehicles. We will be establishing a National Task Force to examine the infrastructure options for the national roll-out of electric vehicles, including street charging. I attended a press event in relation to the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council motion and as such I was aware of their intent.

With regard to emissions for the transport sector the latest figures, which relate to 2006, show transport accounted for 13.72 million tonnes of CO2 which equates to 19.7% of all green house gas emissions. In 2020 transport is expected to account for 16.9 million tonnes of CO2, which equates to 20.6% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 104.

Seirbhísí Poist.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

115 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cén fáth go bhfuil an Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha ag beartú ar chóras cód poist ina bhfuil meascán litreacha agus uimhreacha bunaithe ar an gcóras Sasanach agus ar leaganacha Béarla de logainmneacha na tíre a chur i bhfeidhm in Éirinn, de réir tuairiscí i nuachtáin an Domhnaigh le tamall anuas, nuair is tír dhátheangach í Éire agus nuair is cóid poist ina bhfuil uimhreacha amháin a bhíonn in úsáid i dtíortha dátheangacha eile, áit go mbíonn cead ag duine an seoladh a scríobh ina rogha teanga ó bhíonn an t-eolas ar fad a theastaíonn chun an post a sheachadadh sna huimhreacha; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [43402/08]

Mhol an Bord um Thionscnamh na bPostchód Náisiúnta i 2006 go dtabharfaí isteach cineál postchód bunaithe ar litreacha agus uimhreacha le haghaidh earnáil na bpost ach ní bunaithe ar an gcóras Sasanach. Measadh go mbeadh sé ar an tslí dob oiriúnaí mar nach gcuireann sé iallach ar bhaill den phobal malairt a chur ar leagan amach na seoltaí atá acu agus mhol an Bhord na postchóid a bheith mar line breise den seoladh. Níl i gceist toirmeasc a chur ar éinne a sheoladh a úsaid i gceachtar de theangacha oifigiúla an Stáit. Sonraím chomh maith nach bhfuil córas postchód bunaithe go fóill.

Offshore Exploration.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of locations at which oil and gas exploration is taking place on or offshore; if there are any positive indications arising from such activity in the past 12 months; the number of new licences issued during this period; the number of licences issued in the previous four year period excluding the past 12 months; when it is expected that product will become available from any or all of the previous satisfactory commercially viable explorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43656/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

122 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of revenue collected to date under the new tax rates announced in January 2008 in view of the announcement of the opening of the 2009 Rockall licensing round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43642/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

125 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of exploration wells drilled off the coast to date in 2008; the locations of the drilling operations; the names of the exploration companies in question; the revenue which will be gained for the Exchequer from these explorations; the income derived from the increase in the tax rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43636/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 122 and 125 together.

Exploration for oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, is carried out under licence by my Department. Details of authorisations in place are published on my Department's website. Most of the exploration activity is carried out offshore where there are currently 24 Exploration Licences in place, along with five Licensing Options and nine Prospecting Licences. Onshore, there are two exploration licences.

The following tables provide details of the number of exploration authorisations granted in each year from 2004 to 2008, along with details of exploration wells drilled in 2008.

Exploration Authorisations granted 2004-2008

Year

Exploration Licences

Licensing Options

Petroleum Prospecting Licences

2004

3

10

5

2005

8 (including 1 Reserved Area Licence)

4

3

2006

4

1

3

2007

5

2

3

2008

5

2

4

Exploration Wells 2008

Area

Operator

Authorisation

Rig Release Date

Rockall Basin

Shell E&P Ireland Ltd

EL2/94

28 July 2008

Erris Basin

Statoil Exploration Ireland Ltd

EL5/94

08 July 2008

North Celtic Sea Basin

Providence Resources Plc

EL2/07

01 September 2008

North Celtic Sea Basin

Providence Resources Plc

EL2/07

28 September 2008

While exploration activities are continuing under all of these authorisations, no new discovery has been declared commercial in the past twelve months. The Corrib Gas Field is the only commercial discovery being developed at this time and the developers have stated that first gas is expected in late 2009.

In relation to a possible financial return to the State in terms of tax revenue from future commercial discoveries that might be made under existing exploration licences, it is not known at this stage whether or not any of the current exploration licences will result in commercially extractable finds of hydrocarbons. Where any future commercial discovery is brought to production, the tax regime that will apply, will be determined by the date of the exploration licence under which the discovery was made. In the case of exploration licences issued prior to 1 January 2007, a tax rate of 25% will apply and, in the case of licences issued from 1 January 2007, a tax rate of up to 40% will apply in the case of very profitable fields. To date, no new commercial discoveries have been made to which the revised tax regime would apply.

Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 78.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

118 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Cabinet Sub-committee on Climate Change meetings that he has attended. [43623/08]

I have attended six meetings of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.

Question Nos. 119 answered with Question No. 95.

Telecommunications Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

120 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on calls for a functional separation of Eircom’s business rather that a full structural split of its networks and its retail arms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43637/08]

The corporate structure of eircom, which is a private company, is a matter for that company subject to appropriate engagement taking place with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) on any regulatory issues that might arise. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

More generally, the EU Commission's proposals for reform of the legislative framework for the sector include adding functional separation to the remedy tool box of national regulators. I have supported this proposal from the start as effective remedies are key to realising the benefits of a competitive market key.

There is some debate around whether customers would be best served by functional opening of the network or by a structural split between the retail and network divisions of the business. The key issue is the implementation of the operational model that provides the optimum competitive environment and promotes investment and innovation in the development of telecoms networks which facilitate the widespread introduction of new digital devices and applications.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

121 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from Moneypoint power station; the steps being taken to pursue the option of carbon capture and storage; the legislation required to advance this method of addressing CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43649/08]

While the issue of emissions levels at Moneypoint Generating Station is, in the first instance, a day-to-day management matter for the company, I have included with this reply, at Table 1, details of the annual CO2 emissions from Moneypoint Generating Station for the period 2005-2007. These emission levels have been verified in accordance with the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme Directive and recorded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its CO2 emissions Registry.

I can advise the Deputy that emissions are directly related to fuel use, which is determined by generation output. The historic emission trend is not an indicator of future emissions. The future emissions profile will depend on market conditions, in particular the economics of generation from coal which is relative to gas and the price of EU (CO2) allowances.

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the report entitled "Assessment of the Potential for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide for the Island of Ireland", which was commissioned by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSINI). The report quantifies potential carbon storage capacity on the island which is considerably greater than the actual total annual CO2 emissions in Ireland from large single point sources such as Moneypoint Powerstation.

Following on the publication of the Report in September, at my request, my Department is chairing an Inter-Departmental/Inter-Agency Group representative of all stakeholders which is now examining the Report's recommendations as well as the complex range of regulatory and legal matters inherent in carbon capture and storage.

Negotiations are underway on the Carbon Capture and Storage Directive proposed by the EU Commission as part of the Climate Change and Renewable Energy Package. The Directive will provide guidance for Member States on appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks to govern carbon capture and storage from all perspectives. The EU Commission is also proposing the establishment of at least 12 demonstration plants in Europe designed to test and prove the various technological options for the sequestration of carbon.

Developments on carbon capture and storage in Ireland, including appropriate legal frameworks, will continue to be fully informed by EU and International developments.

Table 1: Verified ESB Moneypoint CO2 Emissions

Year

Verified emissions (tCO2)

2005

5,696,215

2006

4,935.148

2007

4,714,498

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 116.

Electricity Generation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

123 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a call from Eirgrid for more to be done to construct the 250MW per annum needed to reach the Government’s renewables targets; if, in view of the increased target for renewables to 40%, this has increased the need for faster construction of the grid; if this is on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43634/08]

EirGrid, as the State body responsible for the national transmission system, is working to deliver the necessary upgrading and expansion of the transmission grid in the interests of the economy and regional development. I welcome the call by EirGrid's Chief Executive for collective engagement by all stakeholders in meeting the challenges inherent in delivering vitally needed new transmission infrastructure, which is safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable.

I share his view that all stakeholders working together have to find a way to balance overall public good and economic and social policy objectives with the concerns of individuals and local communities.

The development of our high capacity grid network is needed to meet overall demand for electricity by business and consumers, to provide the critical infrastructure needed for balanced regional development and security of supply and to deliver on Ireland's renewable energy targets. If we are to achieve significant levels of penetration of renewable energy onto the network, major development of the transmission grid is required.

EirGrid launched its Grid Development Strategy, Grid25, on 8th October 2008. It sets out a roadmap for the development of the electricity transmission network for the next 17 years and aims to invest €4bn in the grid over that period, effectively doubling the grid's current capacity. The strategy is designed to meet forecasted national electricity demand and to attract and maintain industry in the regions. It also allows for increased interconnectivity with the European grid, thereby allowing increasing competition in the market, contributing to security of supply and providing opportunities for indigenous renewable energy generation. Grid25's strategies and assumptions around renewable energy generation are consistent with the All-island Grid Study and provide for renewable energy penetration of up to 40% by 2025, in line with Government targets.

I welcome the progress that EirGrid is already making in rolling out key grid infrastructure projects such as the East West Interconnector, North South and Meath Cavan Transmission lines. These projects are scheduled to be delivered in 2012. These projects are critical in terms of regional and national demand and will support the increased penetration of renewable generation, particularly wind generation, in the Irish market. The East West Interconnector will also allow surplus power to be exported to Britain in times of high wind generation.

There are very many challenges ahead. I have every confidence that EirGrid, as the State-owned transmission company, will continue to work in the national interest and in conjunction with all stakeholders, to deliver a sustainable transmission system in support of economic and social needs. I look forward to continued positive engagement from stakeholders and public representatives on this important national priority and I am confident, that EirGrid will remain on track to deliver on our ambitious but achievable renewable electricity targets.

Consumer Protection.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

124 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fuelwatch website in Australia which is a government fuel monitoring service; if he envisages a role for a similar initiative here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43631/08]

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. Retail prices reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs.

I would advise the Deputy that the National Consumer Agency, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is currently undertaking a survey into the relationship between pump prices for petrol and diesel and the wholesale price of crude oil. I understand that as part of its work, the Agency will seek to benchmark movements in prices in Ireland against those in other EU countries and that it will also seek to examine the frequency and the timeliness in which changes in the wholesale price are being passed on to consumers. I understand that the Agency expects to finalise its report into this matter very shortly.

The Australian website referred to by the Deputy is essentially a consumer protection initiative. My Department has brought it to the attention of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the National Consumer Agency.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 116.

Fuel Poverty.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

126 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the fuel poverty action research project has completed its report; if this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43625/08]

The Fuel Poverty Action Research Project was established by Combat Poverty and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to inform public policy on the merits of domestic energy efficiency programmes. The project involves an integrated and systematic ex-post assessment of the energy, environmental, thermal comfort and health benefits of the SEI-administered Warmer Homes Scheme, which retrofits low income private homes with insulation and other energy saving measures.

The draft final report is due for completion in January 2009. SEI anticipates a 2 month consultation period, with a view to publication of the final report in March or April 2009.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

127 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his Department’s target as part of the programme for Government’s target of a 3% cut in carbon emissions; the way he will meet that target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43643/08]

The Programme for Government target refers to a 3% reduction per year on average in greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy sector for which I have policy responsibility will make a leading contribution towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a range of measures designed to improve energy efficiency and increase the penetration of renewable energy across the electricity, heat and transport sectors.

Among the significant energy efficiency initiatives introduced already this year are the extension of the accelerated capital allowance scheme, which allows companies to write off for tax purposes the full capital cost of certain classes of energy efficient equipment in the year of purchase and the Pilot Home Energy Savings Scheme.

The 2009 Budget indicated that the range of tax allowance qualifying energy efficient equipment is being widened to include energy efficient data server systems and on site electricity generation equipment.

I am allocating significant resources of €20 million to the Home Energy Saving Scheme in 2009, an increase of €15 million on 2008, in order to provide grants of up to 30% of the cost of retro-fitting homes. This scheme will increase energy efficiency and lead to CO2 savings and complements the Warmer Homes Scheme, which provides insulation and energy advice to low income households. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is introducing a new scheme to examine the potential for energy savings in local authority housing stock through the retrofitting of older heating systems with new green energies.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which I intend to publish before the end of the year, will set out the Government's comprehensive programme of action to be implemented across all sectors to deliver on our national and EU targets for energy efficiency, along with resulting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government has recently increased the target for renewable electricity to 40% by 2020. The target is underpinned by analysis conducted in the recent All Island Grid Study, which found that a 40% penetration is technically feasible, subject to upgrading our electricity grid and ensuring the development of flexible generating plant on the electricity system. The study concluded that achieving this higher level of renewable electricity would reduce our carbon emissions from electricity by 25% over the business-as-usual scenario, a saving of around 5 million tonnes.

Last week, in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, I set out our plans for the mass deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles in the transport fleet to be powered by electricity by 2020. This will represent some 250,000 cars on Irish roads over the next 12 years.

This sends a signal to national and international players developing new transport technologies that Ireland is ‘open for business', as a centre for electric vehicles. This initiative has multiple benefits. In addition to reducing fossil fuel imports and helping to tackle climate change, it will attract investment and jobs to Ireland and will stimulate our motor, electricity and green technology industries.

Other energy initiatives funded by my Department and designed to move us towards lower carbon emissions include the major ocean energy research and development programme and Sustainable Energy Ireland's heating sector programmes (the Greener Homes Scheme and the Reheat and Combined Heat and Power programmes).

Alternative Energy Projects.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

128 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the progress made on the implementation of the new tariff scheme in respect of offshore wind; when this tariff scheme for offshore wind was announced by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43619/08]

In February of this year I announced a tariff of €140 per megawatt hour of power produced for offshore wind energy projects within the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support scheme. This announcement was made well in advance of the planned development of offshore wind projects to send a strong market signal and to ensure all State aid requirements could be clarified and resolved in a timely way.

Under the existing State aid clearance for REFIT, all projects are required to be commenced by 2010. The imposition of this timeline was designed to ensure that Ireland met its 2010 target for renewable energy. My Department is now working to put in place more appropriate timelines to support progressive delivery on the 2020 target. Under the Commission's new Block Exemption Regulation, my Department is now in a position to adjust the REFIT timelines without notification to the Commission. The timeline for the offshore category should appropriately reflect the projections for actual delivery of connections to individual projects. A number of offshore projects are included in the list of Gate 3 projects for connection offers recently published by the Commission for Energy Regulation. It is expected these developers will be in a position to provide realistic projections of their commissioning plans to my Department shortly. I intend to publish amended timelines for all REFIT categories including the offshore category in the near future, which will facilitate delivery of our renewable energy target up to 2020.

Geothermal Heat.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

129 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the potential of the deep geothermal heat source on the Newcastle Blackrock geological fault line; when he expects the geothermal working group to report on its findings; if he will bring forward legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43618/08]

The publication of the Geothermal Resource Map of Ireland by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in July 2004 highlighted the potential of deep geothermal energy. The report recommended that support be given for a medium-depth pilot borehole, for example on the Blackrock–Rathcoole Fault in an area with many potential users. SEI has funded a study, in conjunction with University College Dublin and Conodate, to examine the economic and technical potential of deep geothermal energy sources along the Fault. Following on this a private company is undertaking exploratory work at Newcastle, County Dublin. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter in advance of the company's own announcement.

In relation to the work of the Geothermal Working Group, the Deputy may be aware that a public consultation process was held between June and August 2008. Over 30 submissions were received, mainly from people and organisations closely associated with geothermal development in Ireland. The consultation exercise has now closed and the results are being analysed. I expect that the Working Group will report to me before the end of the year.

The Working Group will report on effective regulatory and other measures that could be taken to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to meeting Ireland's targets for use of alternative energy. The legal aspects of a regulatory framework are of course among the issues under examination. Complex legal issues are involved and the timing of the report will depend on their resolution but I am hopeful that I will receive it by the end of the year, at which time I will decide on the need for legislation.

I am sure the Deputy will understand that it would be premature for me to comment further at this stage.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

130 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans for extra provision of storage facilities similar to Turlough Hill; his views on whether additional storage would permit higher levels of generation from renewable sources; if he will commission a study that considers increased storage as a mechanism for facilitating greater generation from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43648/08]

The Government targets are to increase the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity consumed to a minimum 15% by 2010 and 40% by 2020.

The provision of back up capacity to ensure security of electricity supplies to consumers as increasing volumes of undispatchable renewable energy technologies contribute to targets delivery can be provided from a number of sources including pumped storage technologies and interconnection as well as other flexible power-generation plants. This is demonstrated in the All-Island Grid Study, which was published earlier this year. The roll-out of additional projects will also be facilitated by EirGrid's recently launched Grid Development Strategy to 2025, which sets out overall plans for investment of €4 billion in the transmission system over the period.

There are no plans to conduct additional studies of particular technologies at this time. However, new technology developments may well enhance the viability of additional storage options in the future or bring forward new project proposals from developers within the liberalised electricity market, which will be examined on the merits of the case arising.

Telecommunications Services.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

131 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; his views on whether the 1MB service that it offers is sufficient and competitive; the most up to date cost of this project; the timeframe for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43646/08]

On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December.

NBS consumers will be provided with a reliable and price competitive broadband connection consisting of an always on service of at least 1mbps contended at 30:1. Higher speeds will be experienced by some consumers located closer to base stations. The service will be upgraded to higher specifications during the 68 month contract without any increase in charge to the consumer.

In order to protect the integrity of the procurement process, I do not propose to release details of the value of the contract at this time.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

132 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action, in view of the difficulties experienced accessing broadband in Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, he is taking to deal with this problem; if he will confirm if Kilmacanogue appears as being covered by broadband on his Department’s broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43653/08]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Matters in relation to service provision are for the service providers and if necessary, ComReg.

The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

It is important to note that in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, satellite, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Kilmacanogue already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers. Details of the services available in Kilmacanogue are available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.

Semi-State Bodies.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

133 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on growing speculation regarding the privatisation of the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43644/08]

As I have stated consistently the Government has no plans to privatise any part of the ESB. Government policy in relation to the ownership of the electricity transmission and distributions networks is clearly set out in the Energy Policy White Paper and reconfirmed in the Programme for Government. It is the Government's explicit position that the transmission and distribution network assets will remain in State ownership in perpetuity as strategic national assets.

The Government fully supports the continuation of ESB as a strong and commercially viable vertically integrated utility within State ownership. This will continue to be the position. ESB Group will continue to own and run the distribution network and will continue to undertake the major networks infrastructure investment programme to provide enhanced levels of continuity of supply for the economy and the consumer.

The ESB-CER Asset Management Strategy Agreement will see ESB power generation reducing its market share by 2010 and becoming more efficient and commercial in the process. The ESB Group will continue to compete successfully with Viridian, Airtricity and other independents in power generation and electricity supply in the all-island electricity market. ESB will also continue to develop its renewable energy portfolio on the island.

In addition, ESB Group will, through ESB International, continue to expand its increasingly profitable all-island, UK, European and international business in power generation and supply, renewable energy and consultancy services. The company's recent launch of its plans for the UK market should be seen as an important step in delivering on this strategy, which will help underpin the company's continued development and growth.

Energy Prices.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the findings from the Sustainable Energy Ireland 2008 report Understanding Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland that found that gas and electricity prices were higher here than the EU average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43654/08]

Encouraging a competitive, least-cost energy supply is a key policy objective for the Government. Rising energy costs are a major concern for all sectors of the economy and for consumers. It is a major concern for the European Union and globally.

In this context, I welcome Sustainable Energy Ireland's report on Understanding Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland, which provides a valuable insight into the drivers of higher energy costs in our market. In particular, the report underlines the imperative to reduce Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels and our exposure to volatile international market prices for these commodities.

I note yesterday's announcement by the Commission for Energy Regulation of its Phase 2 decision on ESB and Bord Gáis Éireann tariffs, which is reflective of recent easing in international prices, particularly for gas and coal. I also note the substantial rebate being provided by ESB to all electricity customers, which helped mitigate the need for a tariff increase.

In the medium to long term, the Government's Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government set out the actions being taken to deliver security, sustainability and competitiveness of energy supply. We must use energy far more efficiently, deliver on our ambitious renewable targets and progress vital strategic energy infrastructure such as the East West Electricity Interconnector. Initiatives in all these areas are being progressed.

While investment in energy infrastructure is also identified as a cost factor in Irish energy prices, the delivery to schedule and at least cost of vital projects will ultimately deliver secure, sustainable, competitive and cost efficient electricity and gas supplies for the benefit of Irish consumers.

Electricity Interconnector.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

135 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans for an interconnector to France; if this would have implications for policy in relation to nuclear power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43650/08]

Under the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government, we are committed to the progressive development of a regional electricity market with the UK and North West Europe underpinned by new interconnection. The current focus is on the East West Electricity Interconnector, which is of vital strategic importance to Ireland and its delivery to schedule by 2012 is a key Government priority.

EirGrid, the independent transmission system operator, has recently published its Grid25 study, which provides a strategy for the development of Ireland's electricity grid for a sustainable and competitive future. This study states that it is likely, that by 2025 at least, one further interconnector from this system to another offshore system, either Britain or France, will be in place.

The Government maintains, as have successive Governments over many years, that nuclear power is neither sustainable nor the answer to meeting Ireland's energy needs. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under Section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Furthermore, Section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 states that "Nothing in this Act shall be construed as enabling the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission".

These prohibitions do not include the importation of electricity generated by nuclear energy. Legal advice received by my Department states that such a prohibition would be in breach of Article 28 of the EC Treaty, which prohibits quantitative restrictions on imports and all measures having equivalent effect between Member States.

I am therefore advised that a prohibition on the importation of electricity generated with the use of nuclear energy would be highly unlikely to have a legal justification even if it were technically feasible.

I am further advised that it is not technically possible to guarantee that electricity imported over an interconnector is not generated from nuclear sources as it is not physically possible to prevent the flow of nuclear generated electricity onto the network. Nor is it possible to distinguish the flow of electricity across interconnectors by reference to the original source of supply or generation.

Telecommunications Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

136 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the growing digital divide across rural and urban Ireland as outlined in a report of the Central Statistics Office; the steps he is taking to combat the growth of a digital divide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/08]

Broadband services are crucial in bridging digital divide. The provision of telecommunications services including broadband is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard, my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will ensure that all requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS will be met.

On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the NBS following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December.

NBS consumers will be provided with a reliable and price competitive broadband connection consisting of an always-on service of at least 1mbps. The service will be upgraded to higher specifications during the 68-month contract without any increase in charge to the consumer.

Unemployment Levels.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

137 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the monthly breakdown commencing January 2008, of the number of people who have signed on to receive unemployment benefit in the towns of Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Cobh, Youghal and Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43767/08]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each local social welfare office. The most recent information is for October 2008.

The table contains the number of persons signing on in each local social welfare office in County Cork for each month in 2008. It should be noted that there is no local social welfare office in Mitchelstown.

Persons on the Live Register (Number) in County Cork by Social Welfare Office and month

2008 Jan

2008 Feb

2008 Mar

2008 Apr

2008 May

Cork County Total

17,670

18,378

19,177

18,951

19,552

Bandon

660

693

710

697

725

Bantry

396

410

415

441

396

Bantry (SWLO)

161

161

184

174

163

Carrigaline

773

815

874

878

873

Clonakilty

515

500

527

526

547

Cobh

441

461

479

462

456

Cork City

8224

8620

9037

8969

9368

Fermoy

1,092

1,111

1,179

1,148

1,179

Kinsale

659

661

659

679

709

Macroom

593

633

664

638

678

Mallow

957

1,044

1,085

1,046

1,082

Midleton

1,282

1,277

1,323

1,340

1,357

Newmarket

624

650

660

644

693

Skibbereen

413

444

459

425

428

Youghal

880

898

922

884

898

2008 Jun

2008 Jul

2008 Aug

2008 Sep

2008 Oct

Cork County Total

21,762

23,581

24,464

23,753

24,210

Bandon

811

878

901

881

951

Bantry

404

489

521

479

508

Bantry (SWLO)

174

186

187

180

182

Carrigaline

1,008

1,163

1,176

1,136

1,211

Clonakilty

598

642

652

649

693

Cobh

524

539

570

536

608

Cork City

10,540

11,338

11,900

11,575

11,295

Fermoy

1,330

1,470

1,538

1,490

1,538

Kinsale

723

758

800

813

843

Macroom

737

816

852

856

935

Mallow

1,206

1,291

1,319

1,290

1,272

Midleton

1,492

1,602

1,611

1,588

1,643

Newmarket

753

836

855

813

924

Skibbereen

488

537

544

491

528

Youghal

974

1,036

1,038

976

1,079

Tax Code.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

138 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives she has undertaken since her appointment to support Border businesses in this State who are at a competitive disadvantage because of the weakness of sterling, and because of the relatively low VAT rate there. [43436/08]

John Deasy

Ceist:

142 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that following the announcement in the United Kingdom pre budget report that the rate of value added tax in the UK will be reduced to 15%, the Irish rate will be 6.5% greater than in the UK and that this, combined with the fall in the value of sterling, is causing trading problems to retail outlets and other small businesses; the measures she plans to alleviate these adverse effects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43825/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 142 together.

Any comparison of the respective VAT rates between the UK and Ireland must take account of the fact that the fiscal positions of both countries are very different. In this regard it should be borne in mind that Ireland already has a low tax economy by comparison with other competing economies, especially in the area of direct taxation on both business and labour, which has a direct impact on all companies and workers in the State. This lower starting position for taxation makes it more difficult to reduce taxes further.

I am aware that some businesses in the retail sector have taken initiatives to respond to the sterling differential and the effect of the VAT rate in the North. My Department does not have programmes or policies to specifically support the retail sector. However, my development agencies are providing specialised assistance to firms to help them develop products and services that are better able to withstand purely cost-based competitive pressures. Total Enterprise Ireland approvals to the end of November across the Border region were €9.86m to 122 companies and payments up to the end of November totalled €8.66m to 152 companies.

Enterprise Ireland has more than 730 client companies, employing more than 21,400 people across the Border region. Enterprise Ireland Border regional offices are involved in various support activities aimed at developing capabilities and encouraging companies that are currently only trading locally to expand their markets abroad.

The County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) play an extremely important role in the development of indigenous enterprise in the Border region and it is my intention that an appropriate level of financial support for all CEBs will continue to be made available. The local base of the CEBs who are responsible for the delivery of the micro-enterprise measure in the Border regions means that the projects supported are tailored to the particular needs of that regional economic environment. In relation to non-financial support the CEBs engage in a range of activities to stimulate enterprise and to support small businesses such as mentoring and training programmes.

Live Register.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

139 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will host a special event in Tralee, County Kerry, together with the CEO’s of Industrial Development Authority, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS to address the serious increase in the live register in County Kerry, which represents a yearly change of 67% and a monthly change of 12%, the highest in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43551/08]

The recent increase in the numbers on the live register is unwelcome and is an indication of the challenges that are now facing the labour market and the economy as a whole.

The Government is taking specific measures to address these challenges and to ensure that job losses are minimised as much as possible. Our priority is to create the environment that will allow those who have lost their jobs to quickly return to the labour market. The enterprise development agencies, along with FÁS, are actively engaged in facilitating job opportunities in Kerry.

IDA Ireland's strategy for Kerry has been to promote the county as part of an integrated region with access both to the county population as well as to the expanded population of both the Mid West and South West Regions. At the end of 2007 there were 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing approximately 1,838 people. Based on the strengths of the region IDA Ireland is particularly targeting the ICT (incl. software), International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors via its network of overseas offices and project divisions.

In Tralee, IDA Ireland is marketing Shannon Development's Kerry Technology Park. Enterprise Ireland has provided over €2m in capital as well as other supports for the development of Incubation facilities also located in the Park. IDA Ireland continues to market all available land and buildings in the county including its 12 acre Business and Technology Park at Tiernaboul, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

New indigenous companies have also been established and have created new employment in the county. In 2007 an investment of €21 million was announced under the Community Enterprise Centre scheme which will run over three years (2007-2009). It is expected to generate 330 new businesses and create over 1500 new jobs. In September 2008, 70 new jobs were announced for Aetna in Castleisland. Earlier this year it was announced that the Tralee-based company Donseed Ltd is to invest €1.2m to accelerate international growth. This investment will enhance the company's in house R&D and sales functions and create 26 new high-value positions at the company over the next two years.

In response to the changes in the labour market, the FÁS Training Centre in Tralee is currently finalising activity proposals for next year. A new range of training initiatives will be rolled out, which include a number of new short courses, of approximately six weeks duration, which will be scheduled through contract arrangements at locations throughout Kerry. These courses are aimed at providing additional skills to recently unemployed people with a view to equipping them to quickly re-enter the work force.

Additional places will also be offered to the unemployed who wish to participate in self-financing evening courses at a number of venues in the county. Also, on-line training options using a number of learning supports will be available with priority access for the unemployed.

The Government and the State development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, are fully committed to meeting the economic and employment challenges being faced in Kerry.

Community Employment Schemes.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

140 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons registered on community employment schemes in County Laois each year for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43744/08]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

141 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons registered on community employment schemes in County Offaly each year for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43745/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of persons registered on Community Employment Schemes in County Laois and County Offaly for each of the past five years is set out as follows.

Community Employment Registrants

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Current

Laois

264

344

331

318

310

301

Offaly

311

394

389

398

375

369

Total

575

738

720

716

685

670

Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 138.

Work Permits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

143 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 18 November 2008 (details supplied), the details of the information requested; the position in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43844/08]

An Appeals Officer has contacted the company in question and has requested the relevant additional information in relation to the applicant's passport. The application is currently being considered and following receipt of this additional information a decision will issue within two days.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

144 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the numbers of FÁS registered apprentices whose employment has been terminated due to insufficient work being available to sustain their employment as an apprentice; the number who have informed FÁS Services to Business of their redundant status; the number who have registered with their local FÁS employment services office for assistance in securing new employment to enable them to continue their apprenticeship; the way same will take place; the number who have availed of the interim measure whereby apprentices who are made redundant can progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43906/08]

The current apprenticeship population is 26,479 and, of these, FÁS has been notified by 2,859 of these that they have been made redundant. Of these notifications, 2,359 were recorded to date in 2008. All apprentices who become redundant and notify FÁS, either through FÁS Services to Business or FÁS Employment Services, are captured on the same IT system. It tracks the current training and employment status of persons throughout their apprenticeship.

In addition, FÁS has agreed with the Department of Social and Family Affairs that apprentices who make a claim for Jobseeker Allowance/Benefit, will be directly referred to FÁS for assistance. Following such referrals FÁS works closely with apprentices to support them in obtaining suitable employment and to allow them to complete their apprenticeship as soon as possible.

When an apprentice is made redundant, and has notified FÁS or the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the FÁS Services to Business and FÁS Employment Services Divisions work in collaboration to assist the apprentice in finding a new employer to allow them to complete their apprenticeship.

Data regarding the placement of redundant apprentices with new employers is only available on an aggregate basis for 2007/8. During this period 757 redundant apprentices were placed with an employer. During 2007/8 a further 133 redundant apprentices completed their apprenticeships. Redundant apprentices are scheduled for their next off-the-job phase in accordance with the existing scheduling policy and priority is given to getting the apprentice back into employment to complete their apprenticeship with a FÁS approved employer. FÁS continues to work hard to match these redundant apprentices to vacancies in their trade.

The Apprenticeship Management System has been altered as an interim measure to permit redundant apprentices to attend the next off-the-job phase of their training, within the existing scheduling policy. 439 redundant apprentices are attending one of the off-the-job phases (phases 2, 4 and 6) and 505 redundant apprentices have been scheduled to attend on of these off-the-job phases. The detail of these figures is as follows:

Phase 2: 123 of the 2,689 apprentices currently attending phase 2 are classified as redundant. In addition, 68 of the 763 apprentices who are due to attend phase 2 within the next 12 weeks are classified as redundant.

Phases 4 and 6: 316 of the 3,832 apprentices currently attending phases 4 and 6 are classified as redundant. In addition, 437 of the 3,720 apprentices who are due to attend phases 4 and 6 in January 2009 are classified as redundant.

Work Permits.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

145 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 25 November 2008, the industries to which work permits were granted; the nationalities of those granted permits who entered each respective industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43925/08]

Information in relation to the industries and nationalities to which permits were granted in 2008 is set out in the following table.

Nationality

Sector

New Permits

Renewals

Issued

Refused

8,057

4,880

12,937

2,181

Albania

2

17

19

3

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

2

2

0

Catering

1

6

7

1

Industry

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

1

8

9

2

Albanian

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Algeria

13

21

34

4

Catering

7

15

22

3

Domestic

0

1

1

0

Education

1

1

2

0

Entertainment

0

1

1

0

Industry

1

1

2

0

Service Industry

4

2

6

1

Argentina

27

7

34

7

Agriculture & Fisheries

6

2

8

4

Catering

0

0

0

1

Education

0

1

1

0

Industry

5

0

5

0

Medical & Nursing

3

1

4

1

Service Industry

9

3

12

1

Sport

4

0

4

0

Armenia

5

1

6

0

Service Industry

5

1

6

0

Australia

287

101

388

82

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

1

2

2

Catering

6

6

12

9

Domestic

0

2

2

0

Education

16

7

23

2

Entertainment

5

1

6

2

Industry

27

5

32

8

Medical & Nursing

102

31

133

19

Service Industry

115

45

160

39

Sport

15

3

18

1

Azerbaijan

3

0

3

0

Service Industry

3

0

3

0

Bahrain

10

1

11

1

Medical & Nursing

10

1

11

1

Bangladesh

122

148

270

75

Catering

93

116

209

69

Education

4

0

4

0

Entertainment

0

1

1

0

Industry

2

6

8

1

Medical & Nursing

2

4

6

0

Service Industry

21

21

42

5

Barbados

2

1

3

1

Catering

0

1

1

0

Industry

0

0

0

1

Sport

2

0

2

0

Belarus

39

92

131

9

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

7

8

0

Catering

6

29

35

2

Domestic

1

1

2

0

Education

0

1

1

0

Industry

2

7

9

2

Medical & Nursing

1

2

3

0

Service Industry

28

45

73

5

Belize

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Benin

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

0

0

0

1

Bhutan (Kingdom of)

1

1

2

0

Education

1

1

2

0

Bosnia Herzegovina

3

17

20

2

Catering

0

0

0

1

Education

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

3

17

20

0

Botswana

18

5

23

5

Education

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

16

3

19

4

Service Industry

1

2

3

1

Brazil

358

226

584

136

Agriculture & Fisheries

106

57

163

28

Catering

31

25

56

10

Domestic

1

1

2

1

Education

1

3

4

2

Entertainment

1

0

1

0

Industry

39

17

56

29

Medical & Nursing

7

3

10

9

Service Industry

172

119

291

56

Sport

0

1

1

1

Brunei

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Bulgaria

21

0

21

23

Agriculture & Fisheries

4

0

4

0

Catering

2

0

2

6

Industry

3

0

3

4

Medical & Nursing

2

0

2

1

Service Industry

10

0

10

12

Burma

1

0

1

0

Catering

1

0

1

0

Cambodia (Kampuchea)

0

0

0

1

Education

0

0

0

1

Cameroon

1

3

4

0

Catering

0

1

1

0

Entertainment

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Canada

162

44

206

31

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

0

0

1

Catering

4

2

6

3

Education

4

10

14

2

Entertainment

1

2

3

0

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

16

5

21

2

Medical & Nursing

40

5

45

10

Service Industry

94

20

114

13

Sport

2

0

2

0

Cape Verde

0

1

1

0

Industry

0

1

1

0

Chile

6

4

10

2

Catering

1

1

2

0

Education

1

1

2

0

Industry

1

0

1

1

Service Industry

3

2

5

1

China

389

236

625

227

Agriculture & Fisheries

8

13

21

0

Catering

95

129

224

107

Domestic

0

2

2

2

Education

8

11

19

2

Entertainment

2

0

2

0

Industry

77

19

96

28

Medical & Nursing

24

8

32

15

Service Industry

174

52

226

73

Sport

1

2

3

0

Colombia

10

0

10

0

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

0

1

0

Industry

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

7

0

7

0

Congo Republic of

1

0

1

1

Education

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Congo (Democratic Republic of)

1

1

2

0

Catering

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Costa Rica

2

0

2

2

Industry

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

2

Croatia

30

22

52

7

Catering

1

0

1

0

Domestic

1

0

1

0

Education

0

1

1

0

Entertainment

0

1

1

1

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

3

1

4

2

Medical & Nursing

2

1

3

0

Service Industry

22

18

40

4

Cuba

4

2

6

0

Catering

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Sport

4

0

4

0

Cyprus

0

0

0

2

Catering

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

0

0

0

1

Ecuador

1

1

2

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Egypt

36

40

76

30

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

12

13

0

Catering

14

17

31

10

Education

0

2

2

1

Industry

2

0

2

3

Medical & Nursing

3

1

4

0

Service Industry

16

8

24

16

El Salvador

3

0

3

2

Catering

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

0

0

2

Service Industry

2

0

2

0

Ethiopia

2

2

4

2

Catering

2

0

2

1

Education

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

1

Fiji

3

1

4

1

Sport

3

1

4

1

Georgia

4

2

6

3

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

0

1

0

Catering

2

2

4

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

0

0

0

3

Ghana

5

1

6

1

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

2

1

3

1

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Grenada

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Sport

1

0

1

0

Guatemala

0

2

2

2

Education

0

2

2

0

Service Industry

0

0

0

2

Guinea

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

0

0

0

1

Guyana

1

0

1

0

Sport

1

0

1

0

Haiti

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Honduras

0

2

2

0

Catering

0

2

2

0

Hong Kong

15

11

26

16

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

1

1

0

Catering

10

9

19

9

Industry

0

0

0

4

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

1

Service Industry

4

1

5

2

India

2,205

964

3,169

272

Agriculture & Fisheries

22

11

33

2

Catering

203

150

353

58

Domestic

13

7

20

2

Education

18

14

32

5

Industry

221

79

300

10

Medical & Nursing

869

314

1183

98

Service Industry

858

389

1247

97

Sport

1

0

1

0

Indonesia

10

18

28

10

Catering

5

13

18

6

Domestic

0

0

0

1

Industry

2

1

3

0

Service Industry

3

4

7

3

Iran

11

10

21

3

Catering

0

3

3

0

Education

1

0

1

0

Industry

4

0

4

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

5

7

12

3

Iraq

5

3

8

1

Education

1

0

1

0

Entertainment

0

2

2

0

Industry

0

0

0

1

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

3

1

4

0

Israel

91

8

99

4

Catering

2

0

2

1

Education

1

2

3

0

Industry

72

1

73

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

15

5

20

3

Ivory Coast

0

0

0

2

Service Industry

0

0

0

2

Jamaica

1

3

4

0

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

1

1

0

Catering

0

2

2

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Japan

42

19

61

11

Agriculture & Fisheries

2

1

3

2

Catering

2

1

3

3

Education

2

0

2

2

Entertainment

5

0

5

0

Industry

5

1

6

2

Medical & Nursing

8

3

11

1

Service Industry

18

13

31

1

Jordan

15

6

21

4

Education

2

0

2

0

Industry

2

0

2

0

Medical & Nursing

5

4

9

1

Service Industry

6

2

8

3

Kazakhstan

6

3

9

2

Catering

0

0

0

1

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

5

3

8

0

Kenya

14

2

16

6

Industry

1

0

1

1

Medical & Nursing

4

0

4

3

Service Industry

9

2

11

2

Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic of (North))

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic of (South))

1

1

2

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Korea (Republic of (South))

35

9

44

10

Catering

0

1

1

0

Education

0

2

2

0

Industry

8

0

8

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

1

Service Industry

26

6

32

9

Kosovo

2

11

13

1

Catering

1

7

8

0

Industry

0

2

2

1

Service Industry

1

2

3

0

Kuwait

5

0

5

1

Medical & Nursing

5

0

5

0

Service Industry

0

0

0

1

Kyrgyz Republic

5

1

6

0

Agriculture & Fisheries

3

0

3

0

Service Industry

0

1

1

0

Sport

2

0

2

0

Latvia

5

6

11

4

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

3

3

2

Catering

0

1

1

0

Industry

0

1

1

1

Medical & Nursing

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

5

1

6

0

Latvia (Alien)

1

11

12

1

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

2

3

1

Catering

0

1

1

0

Industry

0

2

2

0

Service Industry

0

6

6

0

Lebanon

6

4

10

0

Catering

0

2

2

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

4

2

6

0

Libya

1

1

2

1

Catering

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

0

0

0

1

Macau

0

0

0

1

Industry

0

0

0

1

Macedonia (FYR)

3

0

3

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

2

0

2

0

Malawi

7

1

8

0

Education

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

6

0

6

0

Malaysia

359

155

514

91

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

2

2

1

Catering

75

84

159

58

Domestic

0

3

3

0

Education

1

3

4

0

Industry

4

5

9

0

Medical & Nursing

202

21

223

10

Service Industry

77

37

114

22

Maldives

0

1

1

0

Education

0

1

1

0

Mauritania

2

1

3

4

Catering

1

1

2

1

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

3

Mauritius

45

10

55

64

Catering

8

6

14

20

Education

1

0

1

1

Industry

5

0

5

5

Medical & Nursing

20

2

22

12

Service Industry

11

2

13

26

Mexico

20

8

28

7

Catering

2

2

4

0

Education

3

0

3

1

Entertainment

0

1

1

0

Industry

3

1

4

2

Service Industry

12

4

16

4

Moldova

79

122

201

19

Agriculture & Fisheries

12

16

28

1

Catering

16

26

42

5

Domestic

2

0

2

1

Education

1

1

2

0

Entertainment

0

2

2

0

Industry

6

17

23

4

Medical & Nursing

3

3

6

1

Service Industry

39

55

94

7

Sport

0

2

2

0

Mongolia

2

4

6

3

Catering

0

2

2

1

Industry

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

1

Service Industry

1

1

2

1

Morocco

34

17

51

21

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

1

1

1

Catering

9

9

18

8

Education

1

0

1

0

Entertainment

15

2

17

5

Industry

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

9

5

14

5

Sport

0

0

0

1

Myanmar (Formerly Burma)

10

7

17

0

Catering

7

6

13

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

2

1

3

0

Namibia

1

1

2

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Nepal

29

9

38

12

Agriculture & Fisheries

6

1

7

0

Catering

12

5

17

9

Domestic

0

0

0

1

Education

2

0

2

0

Entertainment

2

0

2

0

Industry

1

1

2

0

Medical & Nursing

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

4

2

6

2

New Zealand

155

59

214

49

Agriculture & Fisheries

4

3

7

2

Catering

5

4

9

2

Education

2

4

6

1

Entertainment

1

0

1

1

Industry

14

5

19

6

Medical & Nursing

32

8

40

4

Service Industry

83

32

115

30

Sport

14

3

17

3

Nicaragua

3

0

3

1

Industry

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

1

Niger

1

0

1

0

Education

1

0

1

0

Nigeria

90

56

146

43

Catering

0

5

5

4

Domestic

1

1

2

0

Education

3

3

6

1

Entertainment

1

0

1

1

Industry

3

3

6

2

Medical & Nursing

57

25

82

21

Service Industry

25

18

43

14

Sport

0

1

1

0

Oman

3

1

4

1

Medical & Nursing

2

1

3

1

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Pakistan

203

152

355

152

Agriculture & Fisheries

19

29

48

11

Catering

53

54

107

77

Domestic

1

1

2

1

Education

3

5

8

4

Entertainment

0

1

1

0

Industry

21

5

26

12

Medical & Nursing

13

2

15

7

Service Industry

92

53

145

40

Sport

1

2

3

0

Palestine

3

0

3

0

Service Industry

3

0

3

0

Panama

0

0

0

1

Industry

0

0

0

1

Paraquay

1

0

1

1

Education

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Peru

0

3

3

0

Catering

0

1

1

0

Domestic

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Philippines

962

1,147

2,109

209

Agriculture & Fisheries

12

15

27

1

Catering

119

140

259

28

Domestic

82

106

188

30

Education

16

11

27

3

Entertainment

0

0

0

2

Industry

55

63

118

9

Medical & Nursing

321

419

740

65

Service Industry

354

390

744

71

Sport

3

3

6

0

Romania

119

6

125

65

Agriculture & Fisheries

8

0

8

3

Catering

7

1

8

11

Domestic

1

0

1

0

Education

4

2

6

0

Entertainment

0

0

0

1

Industry

35

0

35

16

Medical & Nursing

19

2

21

6

Service Industry

45

1

46

28

Russian Federation

89

75

164

27

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

6

7

2

Catering

5

10

15

2

Domestic

0

1

1

0

Education

9

11

20

5

Entertainment

0

0

0

1

Industry

13

5

18

1

Medical & Nursing

2

4

6

1

Service Industry

58

38

96

15

Sport

1

0

1

0

Samoa (USA)

6

2

8

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Sport

5

2

7

0

San Marino

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Saudi Arabia

0

0

0

2

Service Industry

0

0

0

2

Senegal

0

1

1

0

Education

0

1

1

0

Serbia

12

2

14

3

Education

1

0

1

0

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

9

2

11

3

Sierra Leone

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Singapore

22

2

24

3

Agriculture & Fisheries

1

0

1

0

Catering

1

0

1

1

Education

1

1

2

1

Medical & Nursing

12

0

12

0

Service Industry

7

1

8

1

Solomon Islands

0

0

0

1

Sport

0

0

0

1

South Africa

405

289

694

110

Agriculture & Fisheries

5

6

11

1

Catering

26

30

56

19

Domestic

1

2

3

1

Education

18

12

30

5

Entertainment

0

3

3

0

Industry

39

21

60

15

Medical & Nursing

119

65

184

19

Service Industry

179

147

326

46

Sport

18

3

21

4

Sri Lanka

51

30

81

10

Catering

37

25

62

5

Education

1

0

1

0

Entertainment

1

0

1

0

Industry

1

1

2

0

Medical & Nursing

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

9

4

13

5

St Vincent and the Grenadines

3

0

3

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Sport

1

0

1

0

Sudan

6

1

7

6

Catering

0

0

0

1

Medical & Nursing

4

1

5

5

Service Industry

2

0

2

0

Swaziland

0

0

0

1

Education

0

0

0

1

Syria

8

3

11

5

Catering

1

0

1

2

Education

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

1

Service Industry

7

1

8

2

Taiwan

2

1

3

1

Education

1

1

2

0

Industry

0

0

0

1

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Taiwan (Republic of China)

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Tanzania

0

1

1

0

Education

0

1

1

0

Thailand

104

128

232

57

Agriculture & Fisheries

3

17

20

3

Catering

89

97

186

43

Domestic

1

0

1

0

Industry

2

1

3

0

Medical & Nursing

1

1

2

0

Service Industry

8

12

20

11

The Republic of Togo

0

0

0

1

Catering

0

0

0

1

Tibet

2

0

2

0

Medical & Nursing

2

0

2

0

Timor East

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Tonga

6

0

6

1

Sport

6

0

6

1

Trinidad & Tobago

12

1

13

2

Catering

0

0

0

2

Industry

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

10

0

10

0

Service Industry

2

0

2

0

Tunisia

10

7

17

5

Catering

2

6

8

4

Industry

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

6

1

7

0

Sport

1

0

1

0

Turkey

72

34

106

17

Catering

9

12

21

3

Education

2

2

4

1

Exchange Agreements

1

0

1

0

Industry

21

3

24

3

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

39

16

55

10

Turkmenistan

1

0

1

0

Entertainment

1

0

1

0

Uganda

3

1

4

1

Education

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

1

2

1

Ukraine

222

242

464

50

Agriculture & Fisheries

64

100

164

22

Catering

12

23

35

3

Domestic

2

2

4

0

Education

3

3

6

0

Entertainment

2

0

2

0

Industry

23

18

41

1

Medical & Nursing

3

4

7

2

Service Industry

111

91

202

22

Sport

2

1

3

0

United Arab Emirates

12

1

13

0

Medical & Nursing

12

1

13

0

United States of America

697

126

823

88

Agriculture & Fisheries

3

0

3

4

Catering

12

4

16

12

Domestic

1

0

1

0

Education

48

12

60

7

Entertainment

2

2

4

0

Exchange Agreements

4

0

4

0

Industry

142

12

154

10

Medical & Nursing

42

15

57

8

Service Industry

414

80

494

44

Sport

29

1

30

3

Uruguay

3

3

6

1

Industry

0

2

2

0

Service Industry

3

1

4

1

Uzbekistan

1

4

5

2

Industry

0

1

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

1

2

3

2

Venezuela

5

4

9

2

Catering

1

1

2

1

Industry

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

0

1

1

0

Service Industry

3

2

5

1

Vietnam

24

11

35

7

Catering

3

5

8

6

Domestic

1

0

1

0

Education

1

0

1

0

Industry

17

4

21

0

Medical & Nursing

0

0

0

1

Service Industry

2

2

4

0

West Indies

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Western Samoa

1

1

2

1

Sport

1

1

2

1

Yemen

2

0

2

0

Medical & Nursing

1

0

1

0

Service Industry

1

0

1

0

Yugoslavia (Federal Republic of)

13

16

29

7

Catering

1

2

3

1

Education

1

1

2

0

Industry

4

4

8

2

Service Industry

4

9

13

4

Sport

3

0

3

0

Zambia

7

1

8

1

Catering

0

0

0

1

Education

1

0

1

0

Medical & Nursing

2

0

2

0

Service Industry

4

1

5

0

Zimbabwe

66

38

104

12

Agriculture & Fisheries

0

2

2

1

Catering

5

3

8

0

Education

3

2

5

0

Industry

1

4

5

2

Medical & Nursing

32

18

50

7

Employment Permits issued to the Meat Industry to 28 November 2008

Number

New Permits

324

Renewal Permits

213

Applications Refused

55

Total

592

Nationality

Number of Permits Issued

Algeria

2

Bangladesh

2

Belarus

1

Brazil

382

China

2

Egypt

33

India

2

Latvia (Alien)

4

Lybian

1

Malaysia

2

Maurititius

2

Moldova

19

Pakistan

18

Philippines

11

Romania

15

Russian Federation

3

South Africa

9

Ukraine

84

Total

592

Employment Permits Section Nov 2008.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

146 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to the meat industry in 2008; the nationalities in receipt of these permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43926/08]

A total of 592 Employment Permits which includes 213 renewed permits has been issued to the meat industry to 28 November 2008. A breakdown of this number and nationalities can be found in the following table.

Employment Permits issued to the Meat Industry to 28 November 2008

Number

New Permits

324

Renewal Permits

213

Applications Refused

55

Total

592

Nationality

Number of Permits Issued

Algeria

2

Bangladesh

2

Belarus

1

Brazil

382

China

2

Egypt

33

India

2

Latvia (Alien)

4

Libya

1

Malaysia

2

Mauritius

2

Moldova

19

Pakistan

18

Philippines

11

Romania

15

Russian Federation

3

South Africa

9

Ukraine

84

Total

592

Employment Permits Section Nov 2008.

Services Sector.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

147 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps which have been taken to date to implement the recommendations of the services strategy group; the forthcoming actions on this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43934/08]

I launched the report of the Services Strategy Group, "Catching the Wave: A Services Strategy for Ireland" in September. This report sets out new policy proposals on how we can ensure the continued development and growth of Ireland's services sector.

The report aims to develop a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of how to maximise the returns to Ireland from services activities, and in so doing it identifies three strategic aims for future services policy in Ireland:

1. Realising the opportunities to further grow and diversify Irish services exports;

2. Encouraging internationalisation, where Irish service enterprises establish operations in overseas markets;

3. Recognising the important role of Irish service enterprises that trade locally on the domestic market, and ensuring that these are efficient and productive.

The report makes a number of wide ranging recommendations, which cut across a number of Government Departments. The Secretary-General of my Department has written to his counterparts in other Departments seeking their views on those recommendations that fall within their policy remit and how these might be implemented. In addition, officials of my own Department are currently undertaking an examination of the recommendations within the report, relevant to the enterprise agenda, When this process is complete, I expect to be in a position to formulate a comprehensive response to the various recommendations set out in the strategy.

Actions are already taking place in some areas. For example, on 19 November, I launched Enterprise Ireland's strategy for the internationalisation of Ireland's services sector, which the agency estimates could yield up to €1.14bn in new export sales for Ireland by 2010, and a doubling of exports sales in this sector to €5.25bn by 2015. On the same day I also announced Enterprise Ireland's new "Going Global Fund" — a €3m government fund specifically aimed at locally traded companies that have successfully established businesses in Ireland and wish to explore opportunities to sell abroad. These plans and supports will give ambitious services firms, particularly those that have not looked beyond the Irish market yet, the confidence to offer their quality services in global markets, generating wealth and prosperity for the economy back home.

We continue to be one of the world's leading service exporting countries and are currently ranked the 10th highest exporter of services in the world. Over the next ten years, services will be one of the key drivers of Ireland's economic success and job creation. We already have a strong base from which to drive this internationalisation of Irish services — the Irish services sector accounts for two-thirds of the workforce in Ireland and 60 per cent of the value.

Implementation of the recommendations of the Services Strategy Group — some of which are already being acted on by the Enterprise Agencies — will enable Irish service companies to exploit new and exciting opportunities, such as eLearning, business and financial services, professional and consultancy services and others. Given a relatively solid foundation to begin with, Ireland can be an ideal location for services to develop and prosper.

Tax Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

148 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the fuel duty rebate received by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in the first three quarters of 2008; the way this compares against the corresponding quarters in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43378/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that details of the repayments granted to particular taxpayers are confidential between the Revenue and those taxpayers.

However, repayments in respect of mineral oil tax used in the provision of all passenger road transport services under Section 99, Finance Act 1999 (as amended) totalled €23,896,752 during the period 1 January to 30 September 2007 and €27,831,473 during the corresponding nine months of 2008. These figures represent the total repayments made to all claimants under the passenger road transport scheme during the periods in question.

Flood Relief.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

149 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has received a request from a council (details supplied) to fund works in respect of summer flooding; and if provision has been made by his Department to fund such works. [44227/08]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

150 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has received a request from a county council (details supplied) to fund works in respect of summer flooding in an area; if provision has been made by his Department to fund such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43358/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.

The Office of Public Works has not received a request for funding from Limerick County Council for works at Newcastle West.

The OPW is currently examining potential options to mitigate the risk to the town of flooding from the River Arra, which is maintained by the Office. The aim of such measures would be to provide the level of protection normally afforded by urban flood relief schemes, i.e. protection against flood events that would be expected to have a 1% chance of occurring each year.

If options are identified that are economically and environmentally acceptable, they will be included in OPW's flood relief programme, subject to other commitments and the availability of resources. The OPW is in discussion with Limerick County Council regarding the installation of an alarm system that would alert residents when water levels in the river are high.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

151 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the value of the National Pension Reserve Fund; the estimate of its expected value at the end of 2008, 2009 and 2025; the rate of return to the fund for the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43359/08]

The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission publishes a report on the performance of the National Pensions Reserve Fund at the end of each quarter. The report for the third quarter of this year shows that the market value of the Fund at 30 September was €18.7 billion.

This represented a return of -17.3% for the first nine months of 2008, reducing the Fund's annualised return since inception to 2.8%. As the Deputy will appreciate, investment returns have been extremely volatile in recent times. For example, the Fund's return was 12.4% in 2006 and 3.3% in 2007, and the Fund's annualised return from its inception in April 2001 to end-2007 was 6.0%.

In relation to estimates for the end of this year and for 2009, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission does not make near-term return projections given the Fund's long-term investment horizon, the fact it is invested mainly in real assets and the volatility of the performance of such assets over short time periods.

I do not propose to speculate on the value of the Fund in 2025. In its 2007 Annual Report, the Commission states that, in seeking to meet the Fund's objective, it has adopted an investment strategy primarily focused on building up a diversified portfolio of equities and other real assets. Such an asset allocation offers the prospect of superior long-term returns but can expose the Fund to high levels of short-term volatility. However, one of the critical factors underlying the Commission's investment strategy is the Fund's long-term investment horizon. With no drawdowns before 2025, it can afford to accept periods of volatility as a trade-off for achieving a long-term return that will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland's future pension costs and the sustainability of the pension system.

Departmental Properties.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

152 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 2 October 2008, the cost for each of the years 2006 and 2007 of leasing office space at Dock Gate in Galway city on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; the area being utilised by the Department as against the area originally leased from the developers; the cost of the parking spaces provided to service the personnel at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43403/08]

The annual rent for the office space at Dockgate in Galway was €744,825.84 for 2006 and 2007. This included a cost of €53,646.45 per annum for 65 car park spaces. In addition, service charges of approximately €74,000 were paid each year.

The entire space leased by the Commissioners of Public Works at this location is allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I understand from the Department that the space is being utilised for staff in the Veterinary Office, Agricultural Environment and Structures Office, Inspectorate, Irish Language Unit, and is being considered as a location to accommodate other Department staff in Galway City and County.

Tax Collection.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

153 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 12 November 2008, the amount of tax for each of the categories, with an identical breakdown, paid by public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43404/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that comparable information is not compiled separately in respect of public sector employees and there is, therefore, no statistical basis on which the information requested by the Deputy could be provided.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

154 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there are many motorists escaping the payment of VRT by driving foreign registered cars which remain undeclared to the authorities here; the amount of revenue he estimates to be lost to the Exchequer on an annual basis as a result; the measures in place to crack down on this practice; if he will bring in more stringent measures to ensure that significant amounts of VRT are not lost to the Exchequer and that cars are not being driven on roads here on a long-term basis without appropriate taxation being paid; if his attention has been drawn to the practice whereby car dealers import foreign cars which do not possess a correct TAN number and therefore escape the payment of VAT and VRT; the measures in place in order to crack down on this practice; if he will introduce further such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43431/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) purposes within one working day of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non EU persons. In practice, Revenue allows latitude of a maximum of seven days for registration.

However, Section 135(a) of the Finance Act 1992 permits a European or other foreign-registered vehicle which is temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State to be exempted from the requirement to register for VRT purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State.

There is no requirement for vehicles imported under temporary exemption provisions to be presented to the Revenue Commissioners in order to avail of the relief. Documents relating to ownership, registration and the importation of the vehicle into the State must be kept with the vehicle when it is in use in the State. When such vehicles fail to meet the conditions for temporary exemption, they must be permanently removed from the State or presented for registration. Details of such vehicles are therefore not normally captured or held in the vehicle registration system.

Statutory Instrument No. 60 of 1993 prescribes the criteria for eligibility for the granting of temporary exemption on registration. These provisions are in line with Article 39 of the EU Treaty, which provides for the free movement of people within the EU; and a reciprocal arrangement is also in place for our own State residents in fellow Member States.

The Deputy may wish to note that Revenue mobile units and An Garda Síochána continue to monitor both Irish and foreign-registered vehicles on our roads as part of their regular and ongoing enforcement activity. For their part, Revenue mobile units challenged 16,831 vehicles up to the end of October this year. Of these, some 12,177 satisfied Revenue officials that the registration status was in order at that particular time and no further action was taken. 2,142 vehicles were registered for VRT purposes as a direct consequence of these investigations and a further 1,286 were seized. In addition to the VRT collected, penalties in excess of €960,000 were charged in respect of these vehicles. Up to the end of October 2008, some 50,000 second hand vehicles were registered and the total VRT paid amounted to €170m. There is no doubt that there is some evasion of VRT with individuals delaying registration as long as possible. The Deputy will be aware that I have brought forward proposals in the Finance Bill to address this issue, by tightening the rules in relation to the registration of second hand vehicles and the late payment of VRT.

Dealers in vehicles are entitled to import second-hand vehicles. If they are authorised to hold and deal in unregistered vehicles (TAN holders), they must register the vehicle on the sale of the vehicle to a private individual or other unauthorised person. If they are not a TAN holder, they must register the vehicle in the normal way. In relation to the registration of second hand vehicles by dealers who are either not TAN holders or who are abusing their authorised status, Revenue officials are constantly monitoring potential evasion of VRT and VAT. I am advised by Revenue that new measures to cancel an authorisation to hold unregistered vehicles introduced since the 2008 Finance Act are being implemented in specific cases of abuse of the authorised dealer status.

I am very conscious of the area of VRT evasion and the distortion of competition. The measures I am introducing in the Finance Bill are part of our response. Ongoing enforcement activity by the various agencies within the sector — the Road Safety Authority, the Gardaí, local authorities and Revenue — aim to ensure compliance with all aspects of traffic management of the national vehicle fleet. Indeed, it should be borne in mind that the right to import a vehicle, register it and pay the appropriate taxation on time is protected and honoured by the majority of those who source their vehicles abroad. Notwithstanding this, I believe the measures proposed in the Bill will improve the regulatory framework in this area.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

155 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will take immediate action to address the competitive disadvantage which Border businesses are relative to businesses in Northern Ireland. [43432/08]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

157 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to reduce VAT rates in view of the recent decision by the UK; his views on the serious trading problems caused to small and medium enterprises here as a result of same; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43494/08]

John Deasy

Ceist:

163 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that following the announcement in the United Kingdom pre-budget report that the rate of value added tax in the UK will be reduced to 15%, the Irish VAT rate will be 6.5% greater than in the UK and that this, combined with the fall in the value of sterling, is causing trading problems to retail outlets and other small businesses; the fiscal measures he plans to alleviate these adverse effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43824/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 157 and 163 together.

As part of a fiscal stimulus package, the UK Government reduced their standard VAT rate from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis with effect from 1 December 2008 to 31 December 2009. There are no plans to make a similar reduction in the standard VAT rate in Ireland or to reduce the rate to the UK level of 15%.

It must be recognised that our starting point is different from the UK's. We already have a low taxation economy, especially in the area of direct taxation, both income and corporation taxes, which has a direct impact on all employment in the State. This lower starting position for direct taxation makes it is more difficult to reduce taxes further.

Already we are borrowing 10% of all day to day spending on public services (before capital spending). This is unsustainable and we faced difficult choices in bringing forward corrective measures. In the recent Budget, the Government introduced a general package of revenue-raising measures to fund key public services in this regard, one measure of which was increasing the standard VAT rate by 0.5%.

Each 1 percentage point reduction in our standard VAT rate would cost around €450 million in a full year. For Ireland to reduce the standard VAT rate by 2.5 percentage points would cost around €1,125 million in a full year. For Ireland to reduce the standard VAT rate to the UK level of 15%, which would mean a reduction in the standard VAT rate of 6.5 percentage points, would cost almost €3 billion in a full year. This is equivalent to around two and a half times the amount of revenues to be raised in a full year through the new income levy.

Some of the goods and services that will be affected by the increase in the standard rate are alcohol, cigarettes, cars, petrol, electrical equipment, furniture, telecommunications, cosmetics, confectionery, soft drinks and adult clothing and footwear. The effect of the 0.5% increase in the standard rate is that goods and services that apply at this rate will increase by around0.41%. In other words, it means an increase of 8 cent on an item costing €20, or 41 cent on an item costing €100.

It should be noted that around half the value of goods and services purchased in the State are not subject to the standard VAT rate and therefore are unaffected by the recent Budget changes in Ireland and the UK. For example, all Government services, local authorities, hospitals and schools etc., are exempt from VAT. The majority of foodstuffs, oral medicines, books and children's clothes and shoes are at the zero rate of VAT. Furthermore, the 13.5% reduced rate of VAT applies to housing, electricity, gas, domestic fuels, restaurant services, and labour intensive services such as hairdressing and shoe repair.

Although the reduction in the UK standard VAT rate, will have an impact on the price differential on some goods between the North and the South, I would point out that the UK have increased excise on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on those items. Consequently there will be no reduction in the price of those products in Northern Ireland as a result of the reduction in the UK VAT rate to 15%.

As a small open economy, many of our standard rated goods are imported, and cutting the VAT rate could benefit the economies from which we import more than our own. In other words, while, it might help the consumer, it would not be the most effective way of helping our own economy. There are other means of stimulating the economy, outside of the VAT system. The Government is providing a long term fiscal stimulus through capital investment of approximately 5% of GNP, which is twice the average in the EU. This fiscal stimulus will not only support jobs in the short term but will also add to our long term productive capacity.

Irish taxation policy has given us a significant competitive advantage over the past 15 years. We have ensured that we have had the lowest levels of direct taxation on income, therefore we have had marginally higher indirect taxation. That model of taxation has worked well for our economy and will be even more important now in leading us back to the path of economic growth. According to the latest OECD data relating to 2007, Ireland has the lowest tax wedge in the EU for single, married one-income and married two-income couples on average earnings. A low tax wedge makes it easier for employers to employ staff. After the Budget changes, we are still one of the lowest taxed economies in the EU.

Departmental Properties.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

156 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the buildings in County Donegal owned by the State which are vacant; and when these buildings were vacated. [43433/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled, and, when finalised will be forwarded directly to him.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 155.

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

158 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an appeal of a decision not to grant an application under the disabled drivers and tax concessions scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43503/08]

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

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

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

159 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the measures he is taking to ensure that the guarantee scheme for credit institutions is not operated by covered institutions in a way that will cause competitive distortions in the banking market here or lead to abusive trading practices by such institutions; the mechanisms and commitments he has in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur; the way and when these measures will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43504/08]

As I have emphasised on several occasions, the Scheme imposes very strict conditions to ensure that balance sheet growth is measured and in accordance with prudent banking practice, that risk is properly measured and managed and that the interest of taxpayers are safeguarded. The Scheme itself refers to several particular objectives, including "preventing abuse of the guarantee" and "ensuring compliance with the requirements of EU State aid and competition law". There are several sections of the Scheme that ensure compliance with its overall objectives.

For instance each covered institution is required to comply with the Irish Banking Federation Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears and the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code. Furthermore, Paragraph 36 states that the Financial Regulator in consultation with me may regulate the commercial conduct of covered institutions strictly in order to achieve the objectives of the Scheme and impose conditions regulating the commercial conduct of a covered institution's business, in order to minimise any potential competitive distortion that may otherwise arise and to avoid any abuse of the guarantee or any use in a manner irreconcilable with the purpose of the guarantee. My Department and the Financial Regulator are monitoring the operation of the Scheme.

Departmental Schemes.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

160 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if a person opts to avail of the bicycle tax break via a salary sacrifice arrangement will that person, in the same tax year, be prohibited from participating in the salary sacrifice scheme for employees who received tax saver commuter tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43525/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Cycle to Work Scheme that I announced in the Budget and its compatibility with the existing Travel Pass Scheme.

There is no prohibition on participating in both schemes in the same tax year. However, employers must be satisfied that the bicycle will be used for cycling to and from work or between workplaces. It should be noted that participation in both schemes is voluntary for employers.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

161 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the way the cycle to work scheme will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43566/08]

I announced the introduction of the Cycle to Work Scheme in Budget 2009.

The purpose of the scheme is to encourage more employees to cycle to and from work, to contribute to lowering carbon emissions, to help reduce traffic congestion, and to improve health and fitness levels.

The scheme allows an employer to provide an employee with a bicycle and cycle safety equipment as a benefit of their employment, without the employee being liable to benefit-in-kind taxation. The scheme applies where the bicycle will be used by the employee for travelling to and from work or for travelling between workplaces.

The scheme can be implemented through salary sacrifice arrangements in a similar manner to the existing Travel Pass Scheme. Under such an arrangement, the employer provides the bicycle and safety equipment to the employee who agrees to forego or sacrifice part of his or her salary every pay period in order to cover the cost of the bicycle and safety equipment. Any salary sacrifice arrangement must be completed within a maximum period of twelve months and the arrangement will be reflected in the employee's pay over that period.

The bicycle and safety equipment are exempt from benefit-in-kind taxation up to a limit of €1,000. Thus the employee will not be liable to income tax, employee PRSI, or levies on the cost of the bicycle and safety equipment. The employer will also benefit in that employer PRSI is not payable on the cost of the bicycle and safety equipment.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary for employers. However, where an employer agrees to participate, he or she must make the scheme generally available, on an equal basis, to all employees requesting it.

There are no in-built restrictions in the scheme regarding where the bicycle and associated safety equipment can be purchased. This is a matter for employers as they will be purchasing the bicycles and safety equipment in all instances. The tax exempt benefit-in-kind will be limited to €1,000. Where the cost exceeds this amount, a BIK charge will apply to the balance. The bicycle and safety equipment may only be provided to an individual employee once in a five year period.

It is not envisaged, at this stage, that there will be a notification procedure for employers to indicate to the Revenue Commissioners that they are operating the scheme. However, the purchase of bicycles and associated safety equipment by employers for employees will be subject to the normal Revenue audit procedure with the normal obligations on employers to maintain records (e.g. invoices, salary sacrifice agreements between employer and employee, such agreements to include a statement from employees that the bicycle and safety equipment are for their own use and will be used for travelling to and from work).

Guidelines on the operation of the scheme will be made available by the Revenue Commissioners when the Finance Bill is approved by the Oireachtas.

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

162 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the reason an application under the disabled drivers and passengers tax concession scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43776/08]

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

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

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 153.

Tax Code.

John Perry

Ceist:

164 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the loss of trade business by suppliers in this jurisdiction to cross-Border purchasing he will carry out a review of the control procedures in place, both here and in Northern Ireland, to prevent the use of invalid VAT registration numbers in cross-B order trade purchase transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43829/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that traders selling goods at zero rate of VAT to traders in other EU Member States have obligations in relation to verifying the VAT numbers of those traders. This may be done through the EU Internet website to which they have free access. Otherwise, traders leave themselves open to being held liable for the VAT on the goods if the number is invalid. Traders also have obligations in relation to justifying the application of the zero rate, that is, that the goods have left the State and are not simply re-sold in the State.

Checking the validity of VAT registration numbers, and indeed other tax compliance information, in cross Border transactions with their counterparts in Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs in Northern Ireland is part of the checks carried out by Revenue officers during audits and assurance checks where risk or suspicions arise. These checks are carried out using the EU Mutual Assistance Programme. This programme allows for exchanges of information between EU Member States in relation to VAT matters and it also allows the presence of officials from a Member State in another Member State while enquiries are being carried out. These are VAT anti-fraud measures and Ireland plays a full role in the exchange of information with all other Member EU Sates, including the UK, with whom we have a very good working relationship.

The Revenue Commissioners advise that checks of the control procedures in place between the State and Northern Ireland will continue as part of the relevant work programmes in 2009 and that they will continue to liaise, as appropriate, with the competent authorities in Northern Ireland, under the EU Mutual Assistance programme.

Financial Services Ombudsman.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

165 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the details of the Financial Services Ombudsman; the remit of the said ombudsman in dealing with complaints from consumers in relation to whole of life insurance policies which were taken out appropriately 25 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43830/08]

The Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) is a statutory body that deals independently with complaints from consumers about their individual dealings with financial service providers that have not been resolved by the providers after they have been through the internal complaints resolution systems of the providers. All personal customers, limited companies with a turnover of €3m or less, unincorporated bodies, charities, clubs, partnerships, trusts etc. can complain to the Ombudsman in relation to financial services providers, including providers of whole of life insurance policies, that fall under the remit of the FSO. It is a free service to the complainant, compensation up to €250,000 can be awarded and decisions are binding subject to appeal to the High Court.

The Financial Services Ombudsman began work on 1 April 2005 and is governed by the provisions of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004. This Act provides that the Ombudsman cannot deal with complaints if the conduct complained occurred more than six years before the complaint is made.

The Deputy may wish to see the FSO Annual Report 2007 in which the Ombudsman refers specifically to whole of life insurance policies. The report is available on the FSO website www.financialombudsman.ie.

Job Losses.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [43839/08]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under normal circumstances the person would get a P45 from his employer when his employment ceases.

Revenue records indicate that his employer has ceased trading and if the person has encountered difficulties in obtaining the P45, he should contact the Revenue Commissioners as soon as possible and speak to Ms. Mary Donoghue (01-8894885).

Decentralisation Programme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

167 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the proposed move of the Office of Public Works staff from their location in St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2; the location to which it is proposed that the OPW staff will relocate in Dublin; if a deal has been agreed; if so the persons who are the landlords or owners of the building; the terms agreed; the fit-out cost in the proposed new location for OPW staff; the number of OPW staff who have refused to decentralise to Trim, County Meath; if he will confirm the original and current owners or landlords of the new OPW office and premises in Trim; the terms agreed on that premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43841/08]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is due to decentralise 525 posts to three locations under the current decentralisation programme. The Minister of State and 333 posts will move to Trim, the new location of the OPW HQ. The OPW HQ is currently based in 51 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Some 104 posts will move to Claremorris, and the moving of 88 posts to Kanturk is deferred pending a review in 2011. 525 posts represents the majority of OPW Dublin-based personnel, and, as the OPW is not decentralising in its entirety, there will be a number of personnel remaining in Dublin.

OPW is currently reviewing its options regarding accommodation for those staff remaining in Dublin, and no decision has yet been taken on this issue. The construction of OPW's new headquarters in Trim, which is located on a site purchased from the Local Authority, is due for completion in the second quarter of 2009. The estimated cost of expenditure to date on this project is in the region of €19,377,206. The advance office in Trim is accommodated in a leased building for a period of 3 years at a cost of €67,752 per annum, and expenditure to date on this office is of the order of €110,752.

Banking Sector.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

168 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the information he has received from the Central Bank on the state of the flow of lending to small businesses; and the monthly statistics for the volume of outstanding credit and the flow of new credit to small businesses under different lending categories. [43849/08]

Officials from my Department, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator are in continuous contact with the banks regarding the flow of lending to small business.

At this stage, the Irish results of the Euro Area Bank Lending Survey for October show tightening credit standards for SMEs, somewhat higher costs, especially for riskier loans, and an increased requirement for security (including personal guarantees). The Lending Survey data also point to a decreased demand for loans. This fall in demand was primarily due to a fall in the need to finance fixed investment. Demand for finance inventories and working capital was only marginally lower.

The Central Bank's October Monthly Statistics showed that lending to the Irish economy was essentially flat in October and this is a matter of concern. However, we should be cautious about drawing strong conclusions from one month's data. Forfas/Enterprise Ireland are surveying 200 clients or County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland in order to gather more detailed information.

Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, at my meetings with certain financial institutions last week, I asked those institutions covered by the Government's guarantee Scheme to consider the contribution that they can make to the economy through appropriate credit initiatives in relation to small and medium sized businesses and otherwise. I have, therefore, welcomed the fact that certain institutions are already considering or have announced initiatives in this regard.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that I recently met Mr Plutarchos Sakellaris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, which recently announced that it was providing additional funding through its lending facility for SMEs in the European Union. Mr Sakellaris confirmed that the Bank has been in discussion with a number of Irish financial institutions about participating in this facility for SMEs and that the EIB hopes that agreements to provide such loan facilities can be finalised as soon as possible. I have urged Irish banks to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding available to SMEs as soon as possible.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has instructed the Central Bank to monitor changes in the conditions of loans being imposed on small business borrowers in order that an accurate picture of lending conditions can be compiled; and if he plans to require banks to give minimum notice periods to its customers of intentions to change such conditions. [43850/08]

Nobody wants a situation where viable businesses fail because banks will not lend them money. However we need to be sure that difficulties in accessing credit by business reflect an overly restrictive approach by banks rather then the impact of the economic recession on creditworthiness.

At this stage, the Irish results of the Euro Area Bank Lending Survey for October show tightening credit standards for SMEs, somewhat higher costs, especially for riskier loans, and an increased requirement for security (including personal guarantees). The Lending Survey data also point to a decreased demand for loans. This fall in demand was primarily due to a fall in the need to finance fixed investment. Demand for finance inventories and working capital was only marginally lower.

Forfas/Enterprise Ireland are surveying 200 clients or County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland in order to gather more detailed information.

As the Deputy will be aware, at my meetings with certain financial institutions last week, I asked those institutions covered by the Government's guarantee Scheme to consider the contribution that they can make to the economy through appropriate credit initiatives in relation to small and medium sized businesses and otherwise. I have, therefore, welcomed the fact that certain institutions are already considering or have announced initiatives in this regard.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that I recently met Mr Plutarchos Sakellaris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, which recently announced that it was providing additional funding through its lending facility for SMEs in the European Union. Mr Sakellaris confirmed that the Bank has been in discussion with a number of Irish financial institutions about participating in this facility for SMEs and that the EIB hopes that agreements to provide such loan facilities can be finalised as soon as possible. I have urged Irish banks to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding available to SMEs as soon as possible.

Finally, I can inform the Deputy that the Financial Regulator Consumer Protection Code requires firms to act honestly and fairly in the best interests of their consumers and also that if they intend to amend or alter the range of services offered they must give consumers at least 30 days' notice. The Code states:

"A regulated entity must, where applicable:

a) provide the consumer with details of all charges, including third party charges, which the regulated entity will pass on to the consumer, prior to providing a service to the consumer and where such charges cannot be ascertained in advance, the regulated entity must advise the consumer that such charges will be levied as part of the transaction;

b) advise affected consumers of increases in charges, or the introduction of any new charges, at least 30 days before the change takes effect;

c) detail in each statement provided to the consumer, all charges applied during the period covered by that statement; and

d) where charges are accumulated and applied periodically to accounts, advise consumers at least 10 business days before deduction of charges and give each consumer a breakdown of such charges."

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the conditions which have been included in the individual agreements with banks under the scheme for the deposit guarantee to secure a continuing flow of credit to small businesses. [43851/08]

The objective of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme is to maintain financial stability in the best interests of the public and the economy of the State. To that end, the Scheme provides for the regulation of the commercial conduct of covered institutions and, in particular, requires each covered institution to appropriately manage its balance sheet in a manner consistent with the overall purposes of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act. While individual agreements with covered institutions, as provided for in paragraph 6 of the Scheme, are confidential, each individual agreement complies fully with all the relevant requirements and overall objectives of the Scheme.

Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, at my meetings with certain financial institutions last week, I asked those institutions covered by the Government's guarantee Scheme to consider the contribution that they can make to the economy through appropriate credit initiatives in relation to small and medium sized businesses and otherwise. I have, therefore, welcomed the fact that certain institutions are already considering or have announced initiatives in this regard.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that I recently met Mr Plutarchos Sakellaris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, which recently announced that it was providing additional funding through its lending facility for SMEs in the European Union. Mr Sakellaris confirmed that the Bank has been in discussion with a number of Irish financial institutions about participating in this facility for SMEs and that the EIB hopes that agreements to provide such loan facilities can be finalised as soon as possible. I have urged Irish banks to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding available to SMEs as soon as possible.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

171 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the procedure which is being used to draw up potential names for public interest directors of the banks; if he will reveal the list before discussions begin with the banks regarding appointments; and when he will complete the process. [43852/08]

The Scheme states that in order to promote the public interest, a covered institution will, at the direction of the Minister for Finance, take all reasonable steps to appoint at least one but no more than two non-executive directors to its board from a panel approved by the Minister during the period of the guarantee. I expect to announce the panel Directors for the covered institutions this week and Deputies will be informed in due course.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

172 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the findings of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report on the Irish banks; and the aggregate data across all banks for loans likely to default, loans requiring intensive care and so on. [43853/08]

The Deputy will appreciate that this review is detailed commercially sensitive and accordingly my Department will not be publishing the results of the PWC work.

Lottery Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

173 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the way an organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford can access national lottery funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43870/08]

Cliff and mountain rescue services are not included in the list of categories which may be funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery. However, I understand that the organisation can apply to the National Coordination Committee for Mountain and Cave Rescue for capital grant aid funding.

Garda Stations.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

174 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works have for the redevelopment of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43913/08]

The OPW was recently notified of the requirement for the provision of a new Garda Station at Clonark, Co. Roscommon following the introduction of new Garda Divisional Boundaries with effect from 01/01/2009. Planning is proceeding with a view to demolishing the existing Garda Station and going ahead with a new building on the site in 2009.

Departmental Bodies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

175 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the frequency with which the consumer panel of the Irish Financial Services Regularity Authority meet; the date of its last meeting; and the membership of same. [43920/08]

The Financial Services Consultative Consumer Panel was formally established by the Financial Regulator under the Central Bank Act, 1942 (as amended by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act, 2004), with effect from 1 November 2004.

I have been advised by the Financial Regulator that the Consumer Panel schedules eleven monthly meetings in a calendar year. The last meeting of the Consumer Panel was held on 8 September 2008 and the membership of the Panel at that time was Mr Raymond O'Rourke (Chair), Ms Frances Byrne, Mr James Doorley, Mr John Maher, Prof Noel Mulcahy, Mr Sean O'Sullivan, Ms Fiona Reynolds, Mr Michael Culloty, Ms Eileen Walsh, Mr Fidele Mutwarasibo, Ms Kathleen Barrington, Mr Michael Connolly, Ms Ann Hogan, Ms Joan Morrison, Mr William Ryan and Ms Grainne Hannon. The term of office of the Consumer Panel has expired on 16th October this year and I will be appointing a new Panel as soon as possible.

Public Service Remuneration.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

176 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the saving in 2009 of the 4% reduction in public service pay off 2008 outturn; the sectors that have been excluded from this requirement; the cost in 2009 of the carryover from pay settlements made earlier; the cost in 2009 of the new increase due in August 2009; the carryover cost of extra staff employed in 2008 on the 2009 pay bill; the additional employee numbers expected to be taken in 2009 and the extra pay bill involved; and if he will reconcile these elements with the final figures for the increase in gross public service pay and in gross public service pensions. [43921/08]

The Government decided in July 2008 to secure payroll savings of 3% for Government Departments and public bodies, with the exception of primary and secondary level teachers and Special Needs Assistants in the education sector and staff involved in the direct delivery of essential health services. This decision is reflected in the Estimates for 2009 through savings of €260 million that would otherwise have been included in the allocations for pay. The Government subsequently decided that Government Departments and public bodies would have to meet the cost of the pay increase due in September 2009 from within the existing pay provisions set out in the Budget for 2009. The savings arising from this measure will amount to an additional €234 million in 2009. The combined effect of both these elements is equivalent to 4% of payroll for Government Departments and bodies in 2009, with the exception of the health and education areas referred to above.

The estimated carryover cost of pay increases (net of pensions) awarded in 2008 is €372 million. Based on staff number projections supplied to my Department in preparation for the Budget, it is projected that the number of Civil and Public Servants (excluding Local Authority employees whose pay is not included in the Estimates) employed at the end of 2008 will be some 4,428 higher than at the end of 2007. The corresponding projection for the end of 2009 over 2008 shows an overall reduction of 280 staff.

The pay and pensions allocation included in the 2009 Estimates is €20.042 billion (including €1.765 billion for pensions) in gross terms, an increase of €610 million over the figure in the 2008 Revised Estimates Volume. There are a number of factors which explain this increase including:

€106 million increase for pensions (carryover cost of general increases made in 2008 and increases in the number of pensioners);

€224 million for the full year cost of additional teachers and Special Needs Assistants taken on in 2008;

€170 million in the health area (€140 million for the new consultants' contract and €30 million for Industrial Relations settlements); and

€110 million, which is a residual figure after factors such as the 2008 pay increases and the payroll reduction are taken into account.

Flood Relief.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

177 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to alleviate the severe flooding that affects Sneem, County Kerry several times annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43951/08]

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

178 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance if he has investigated the cause of the serious flooding in Sneem, County Kerry which occurs several times annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43952/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The Office of Public Works has this week formally confirmed to Kerry County Council that funds will be provided towards the cost of a study to identify potential options to reduce the risk of flooding in Sneem. If options are identified that are economically and environmentally acceptable, they will be included in OPW's flood relief programme, subject to other commitments and the availability of resources.

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

179 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the delay in processing applications under the disabled drivers and passengers tax concession scheme and that this hold up seems to be as a result of no available doctor in the north Galway area; the length of time this position has been vacant; when the vacancy will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43835/08]

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

Departmental Facilities.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

180 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children when this Deputy will receive the details requested in Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 2 April 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43381/08]

The information requested in relation to my Department has already been conveyed to the Deputy in my replies to parliamentary questions Nos. 376 of 2 April 2008 and No. 42038 of 2008 (order No. 90). The agencies under the remit of my Department have already been contacted by my Department asking them to respond directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency. I understand from the Health Service Executive that a letter has issued recently to the Deputy outlining the position.

Health Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

181 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason audiology services are no longer available in Drogheda; the location to which those who need the service should go; the existing waiting list by location in County Louth; the annual cost of the delivery of this service in County Louth for each of the past three years; the locations to which the service was delivered; the individual cost of each such location; if a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be given an urgent appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43382/08]

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

Hospital Services.

James Reilly

Ceist:

182 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the new 30 bed modular build maternity unit due to open later in November 2008 at Portlaoise Hospital in view of the fact that births have increased from 900 to 2,000 and the new unit is urgently required for the safe and efficient provision of maternity services in Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43385/08]

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

James Reilly

Ceist:

183 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on cardiac services at Waterford Regional Hospital; if an angioplasty service will be available when a surgeon (details supplied) has departed; her plans to replace this surgeon with a permanent surgeon and fund the coronary laboratory adequately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43386/08]

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

Hospital Staff.

James Reilly

Ceist:

184 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that Waterford Regional Hospital has lost three orthopaedic surgeons in recent times and that some of these surgeons have been replaced by temporary appointments (details supplied); her further views on the level of staff turnover in Waterford Regional Hospital; her plans to appoint permanent orthopaedic surgeons; and if she will make a statement on the level of orthopaedic services in Waterford Regional Hospital and the future of such services. [43387/08]

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

James Reilly

Ceist:

185 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one dermatologist for a population base in the south east of more than 400,000; if this is an adequate or safe level of service; her plans to appoint more permanent consultant dermatologists to service the population of the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43388/08]

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

James Reilly

Ceist:

186 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of temporary consultants employed in the south east area; the locations at which they are employed; the speciality of same; the length of time they have been in temporary employment; when permanent consultants will be employed for those positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43389/08]

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.

Tax Code.

James Reilly

Ceist:

187 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her undertaking to examine the way users of expensive IVF treatment could be assisted, to take into account that claiming for such expensive treatment has fallen under the health expenses relief from 41% to standard rate 20%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43390/08]

My colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Finance is responsible for issues that concern tax relief on medical expenses such as those incurred on IVF treatment. I am conscious of the financial burden that IVF treatment can place on the couples concerned and have asked my Department to consider policy in this regard as part of the process of developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area. Any proposals that might emerge from that process will have to be considered in the context of the difficult economic situation that now prevails and other competing funding demands across the full range of health issues.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

188 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a scheme pursuant to an Act (details supplied) is near completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43395/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

217 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated time for completion of all applications and winding down of the health repayment scheme; the cost of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43768/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 217 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed Scheme Administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald. The HSE has informed my Department that since commencement of the scheme over 35,000 applications for living and deceased patients have been received by the Health Repayment Scheme. To date over 18,900 claimants have received offers of repayment totalling over €362m and in excess of 14,900 payments have been made totalling over €317m. Further offers continue to be issued every week.

The HSE has advised that the Scheme is progressing as speedily as possible and every effort is being made to settle the remaining outstanding claims. The HSE has advised that the Scheme Administrator is confident that the vast majority of claims submitted by the public will be concluded by the end of the year. However, it should be noted that offers of repayment made towards the end of the year cannot be paid until the statutory 28 day period for appeals has elapsed and a completed acceptance form has been returned to the Scheme Administrator. Claimants who receive an offer must be given the opportunity to appeal the Scheme Administrator's decision regarding their claim and this may have an impact on the timeframe for finalisation of the Health Repayment Scheme.

The Scheme Administrator continues to work closely with the HSE to ensure that the scheme is finalised as quickly as possible.

Ambulance Service.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

189 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the operation of ambulance services in the Dublin region in view of the existence of both the Health Service Executive and Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43396/08]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

203 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department continues to pay Dublin City Council in excess of €10 million per annum to operate 11 ambulances in the city of Dublin on behalf of the Health Service Executive in view of the fact that she has a HSE national ambulance service at her disposal that could operate the 999 system in Dublin for a fraction of the cost; and the reason there are two ambulance services in Dublin competing with each other who have no integrated communication system. [43531/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 203 together.

For many years Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, has provided the emergency ambulance service in Dublin City on behalf of the statutory health authorities. The relevant authority since 2005 is the Health Service Executive. The HSE provides mainly the non-emergency patient transport in the Dublin area under the auspices of its National Ambulance Service.

I am committed to ensuring that ambulance services throughout the country are both safe and effective. The arrangements in the Dublin area have been in place for many years. There are potential benefits to be gained from a close alignment of ambulance and fire services, as occurs in Dublin. Equally, a case can be made for applying the model that operates in the rest of the country, where ambulance services are provided separately from the fire service.

Safety is, of course, the primary concern. For this reason, work is at present being undertaken by the health and local government sectors to consider the best long-term approach to the provision of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. This includes examination of the potential for improved efficiency in the delivery of these services, to ensure that the best value for money is obtained.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Ceist:

190 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national review of autism services will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43461/08]

The Department of Health and Children is not carrying out a national review of autism services. However, I understand that the HSE is currently reviewing autism services. Therefore as the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, 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.

David Stanton

Ceist:

191 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive conducted research into the national prevalence of autism and Asperger’s syndrome; if not, if they have plans to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43462/08]

The Department of Health and Children does not collect information on children identified with Autism and Asperger's on a national or international basis. Information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded from the National Intellectual Disability Database as the database is not designed as a medical epidemiological tool. Accordingly the database does not record the incidence of Autism or any other disability. In 2004, the Department of Health and Children, through the Health Research Board, approved expenditure of €5 million on autism research to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. This €5 million is the Irish contribution to a new major international research initiative called the Autism Genome Project which will receive a total investment of €12 million from a variety of international organisations over the next three years. The other co-funders in the international consortium include Autism Speaks (US), the British Medical Research Council (CIHR), Southwest Autism Research and Resource Centre (SARRC), and the Hilibrand Foundation. This unique combination of international, public and private partners funding a consortium of clinicians and scientists is a new and welcome departure in the field of autism research. The Health Research Board has informed my Department that this funding was awarded as follows:

€2.8 million: Professor Michael Gill, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin

€2.2 million: Professor Andrew Green, Director National Centre for Medical Genetics, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin (affiliated to UCD).

This figure represents the largest tranche of funding to be awarded by any of the four funders within the international consortium. The Irish researchers are at the forefront in unravelling the genetic determinants of autism and related disorders. They are using novel state of the art genetic sequencing technology to analyse DNA samples taken from autistic patients to identify candidate genetic markers for autism. They will collaborate with their international colleagues to then link these genetic markers with clinical outcomes. This unique international research effort will greatly improve not only our understanding of the causes of autism, but its diagnosis and treatment.

Pension Provisions.

James Bannon

Ceist:

192 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath did not receive part of superannuation payments in respect of additional hours work as a psychiatric nurse, which were not accounted for in calculations for both their pension and lump sum; when their pension will be altered as appropriate to rectify this omission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43465/08]

The Health Service Executive administers the pension scheme in question and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

James Bannon

Ceist:

193 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath did not receive part of superannuation payments in respect of additional hours work as a psychiatric nurse, which were not accounted for in calculations for both their pension and lump sum; when their pension will be altered as appropriate to rectify this omission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43466/08]

The Health Service Executive administers the pension scheme in question and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Ceist:

194 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason dental services have been withdrawn in an area adjacent to a primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath, the pupils of which have been treated for many years in the local health centre; when such services will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43468/08]

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

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

195 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist on a matter in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [43475/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

196 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [43476/08]

The Deputy will appreciate that since the end of August 2008, the new Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme has been administered by the local authorities. The issue raised in this case is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

With regard to the other supports sought from the Health Service Executive, operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider these matters raised by the Deputy. In the circumstances, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this person's case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Healthcare Associated Infections.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

197 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 28 May 2008, the progress in implementing the recommendations of the Health Service Executive report into the incidents of C-difficile at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; if all the recommendations have been implemented; if not, when she expects this to happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43492/08]

Every outbreak of a serious infection such as Clostridium difficile is a cause of concern and I would like to express my sympathy to any patient and/or family who was affected by the outbreak in Ennis General Hospital last year. Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for health care systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here, including C. difficile, continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

As I stated in the House last May, most of the recommendations in the report have been implemented by the HSE. The HSE continues to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and have assured me that all outstanding issues are receiving attention with a view to full implementation as quickly as possible.

While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and C. difficile in particular and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

198 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients over 70 years of age in County Clare in receipt of a medical card as of 31 October 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43493/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is not routinely provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

199 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if a couple who are both over 70 years with a gross pension income of €54,000 annually between them, and €80,000 in a roll-over savings account, and €75,000 in an interest accruing account will retain their medical cards. [43516/08]

The Government's proposal, to be effected in legislation, is that automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 and over will end on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January, 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over will be €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple. As part of the means test, any savings up to €36,000 (single) / €72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes.

People whose gross income is above the stated thresholds may, depending on their personal circumstances, still qualify for a medical card or a GP visit card under the standard means-testing arrangements.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

200 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children further to parliamentary Question No. 64 of 21 April 2005, her views on the practice of dumping crutches, zimmer frames and wheelchairs returned because they are no longer needed by patients on requiring repair by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43522/08]

The Health Service Executive recently responded to a similar parliamentary question regarding its policy on reusing aids and appliances such as crutches, zimmer frames and wheelchairs. I am arranging for a copy of the reply to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

201 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if financial assistance will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [43526/08]

Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides, inter alia, that people who are insured with or covered by the health care system of one member state may access healthcare in the public system of another member state in certain circumstances. Article 22 (1) (c) of the Regulation governs the referral of patients for public health services to another member state. In accordance with this article, a person eligible for health services in Ireland must be authorised by the HSE to go to another member state for treatment in the public health system there, where certain criteria are met. When authorisation is granted, Form E112 is issued by the HSE and is confirmation that the HSE will bear the cost of the treatment.

It is a matter for the HSE to determine whether authorisation for treatment abroad should be granted. Therefore, the person referred to by the Deputy may wish to apply to the HSE for authorisation for treatment abroad in accordance with these entitlements. Outside of entitlements arising under EU law, financial assistance in relation to treatment abroad is at the discretion of the HSE.

Cancer Screening Programme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

202 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of laboratories that have closed as a result of the outsourcing of smear tests; the number operating part time; the amount that was invested in these laboratories in each of the past five years; the amount that was invested in 2007 and 2008 either by way of capital expenditure in equipment or via lease arrangements for such equipment; the liability for such leases; the capital value of equipment lying idle in hospitals as a result of the decision to outsource; if the relevant staff have been reallocated to alternative useful employment; if staff have lost jobs as a result of the decision to outsource the smear tests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43527/08]

The specific question raised by the Deputy relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 189

Hospital Services.

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

204 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the plans for St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43539/08]

It is important to note that the transfer of services from St. Luke's Hospital to new facilities at St. James's Hospital is not due to take place for a number of years. In the meantime, two additional and two replacement linear accelerators were commissioned at St. Luke's this year in order to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.

The decision to transfer services from St. Luke's was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology.

No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's. However, I am anxious to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health services.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Seán Connick

Ceist:

205 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the State is paying the administrator of the health repayment scheme; if payments are made per claim or are fixed; the deadlines the State has put on processing the health repayment scheme; the number of claims submitted; the way claims have been processed; the number of claims that remain outstanding; the processing time for fully submitted claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43543/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed Scheme Administrator KPMG and McCann Fitzgerald.

The HSE has informed my Department that since commencement of the Scheme over 35,000 applications for living and deceased patients have been received by the Health Repayment Scheme. To date over 18,900 claimants have received offers of repayment totalling over €362m and in excess of 14,900 payments have been made totalling over €317m. Further offers continue to be issued every week. The HSE has indicated that payments to the Scheme Administrator are paid at a fixed rate per concluded claim and are subject to a maximum fee of €15m excluding VAT.

The HSE has advised that as provided for in the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 the Scheme Administrator in processing the claims received was very focused on prioritising a repayment to those claimants who are still living. The time taken to process each claim received varies depending on the complexity of the application and the availability of accurate records. Every effort is being made to complete repayments as quickly as possible. The HSE has advised that it anticipates that the remaining offers, upwards of 300, will be processed by the end of the year. Repayment amounts offered cannot be paid until the statutory 28 day period for appeal has elapsed and a completed acceptance form has been returned to the Scheme Administrator.

Hospital Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

206 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a follow up study has been undertaken of the major hospitals to see the progress that has been made in factors critical to the efficiency of the operation identified in a consultants report some years ago; and if she is satisfied with the progress being made in the management of accident and emergency caseloads. [43545/08]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

207 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the practical changes in the operation of accident and emergency departments that will be possible as a result of the implementation of the new consultants contract; if consultants from all specialties will play a role in speeding up the flow of patients through accident and emergency on a 24 hour basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43546/08]

I propose to take Question Nos. 206 and 207 together.

The Health Service Executive constantly works at improving efficiency across the hospital system and closely monitors progress in this regard. There have been considerable improvements made since 2005 in improving the delivery of services in Emergency Departments. For example, the average daily number of patients awaiting admission at 2 pm fell from 179 in 2005 to 92 in 2007. The figures over the first eleven months of 2008 show an increase to 107 in the numbers awaiting admission.

Findings from a recent second National Bed Utilisation Review indicate some improvements with regard to bed utilisation in hospitals. However, there is still significant scope to improve the way in which beds in the acute hospital system are managed. The Review shows a slight reduction in the numbers admitted that could potentially have been cared for elsewhere (13% down to 12%). There has been a more significant reduction in the number of people in hospital who could potentially have been cared for in an alternative care setting (down from 39% to 34%). There has been a significant increase reported in the number of elective surgical patients admitted on the day of surgery (up from 25% to 41%). While there was an 8% increase in evidence of discharge planning, there has been no change in predicted dates of discharge.

Hospitals need to further improve their admission and discharge processes, to ensure that people are appropriately admitted and that their care is efficiently managed, both during their hospital stay and their follow up care in the community. Steps are being taken to ensure that patients have an expected date of discharge within 24 hours of admission, that patients are discharged in a more proactive manner at weekends and that communication between the hospital system and primary care services is improved. Implementation of a new Code of Practice on Discharge Planning has commenced. This should help to deliver further improvements in overall bed utilisation.

As part of the Winter Initiative, Hospital Managers have been asked to develop an action plan to reduce the average length of stay in hospital of patients, based on the findings of the Bed Utilisation Study and to increase the rate of Day Surgery in line with best international practice. The HSE is also working to increase long-stay capacity and to free up beds in acute hospitals over the Winter period. This is being matched by an intensive focus on improved processes and efficiency.

I believe that setting clear targets for improvement and measuring performance against these targets helps to drive further improvements in services. My Department has asked the HSE to set a revised maximum waiting time target of no more than 6 hours from registration to admission or discharge in 2009 for all patients attending Emergency Departments. The HSE has also been asked to introduce a measurement system in 2009 to record the total waiting time for all such patients.

New contractual arrangements for medical consultants were agreed with their representative organisations (Irish Hospital Consultants Association and Irish Medical Organisation) earlier this year following more than four years of protracted negotiations. The contract addresses the operation of the hospital, rather than a single department such as the Emergency Department. Consultants will work a 37 hour week in an extended span of the working day from 8 am to 8 pm where appropriate, Monday to Friday; and a scheduled attendance of up to five hours where required on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. The extended hours will also facilitate the discharge process, thereby improving the flow of patients through hospital departments, including the Emergency Department. The introduction of new private practice provisions are designed to improve the position of public patients in terms of their access to the public health system.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

208 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours worked by home support workers in Counties Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal for 2008 on a monthly and quarterly basis. [43553/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

209 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to extend the BreastCheck facility for those over 64 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43562/08]

The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in the National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national roll out of the programme to women between the ages of 50 and 64 years, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focussed at present on the completion of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

210 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for nursing home subvention in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43563/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.

Child Protection.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

211 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the function of the child protection notification system established by the Health Service Executive; the difficulties experienced with the system; the length of time it has been in operation; the cost to date in both establishing the system and in its usage; and the progress made in establishing a fully integrated national communication system as recommended in the national review of compliance with the Children First guidelines published in July 2008. [43593/08]

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

Health Services.

James Bannon

Ceist:

212 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason €640,000 was spent in 2001 on three houses in Castlepollard, County Westmeath, which have not been used since purchase; the reason no funding was put in place to furnish the houses or recruit staff to care for patients, who have remained in institutional care during this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43595/08]

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

Child Protection.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

213 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the audit announced in October 2005 into child protection measures applicable in every Catholic diocese in the country has been completed; if the report has been received by her Department; the extent to which each diocese has been found to be in compliance with the Ferns standard; when the report will be published; and the action that is proposed by her and the Health Service Executive. [43596/08]

The audit announced in October 2005 by the HSE has been completed in relation to all but one Catholic diocese. The report on that diocese is expected in the next few days. When that report has been received the overall reports of the audit from the HSE will be further considered by myself, and will enable me to decide what actions I will take in the matter. This will include consideration of the publication of the reports (which are currently subject to the deliberative process).

Hospital Staff.

John Deasy

Ceist:

214 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that medical staff at Waterford Regional Hospital are concerned that her policy of developing the hospital as the regional acute centre is not being implemented due to the failure of the Health Service Executive to make required consultancy appointments; if she will instruct the HSE to ensure that WRH is adequately staffed to ensure that it is enabled to provide regional cardiology services, regional vascular surgery services, regional medical oncology and cancer services, regional urology services and regional acute general surgical services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43756/08]

The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible, in an effective and efficient way. Ensuring patient safety is of paramount importance, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved. It is essential that we prioritise patient safety and quality and that we organise and manage services accordingly.

The priority is to provide safe services as close as possible to where people live. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange have the information sought in relation to consultant appointments and other staffing matters provided directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

215 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the non-allocation of funding in 2008 to a project (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no accommodation exists to provide core services; if she will make an allocation to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43757/08]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

216 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the national paediatric hospital and in particular the national paediatric hospital development board; the moneys expended on the project to date; the address of the national paediatric hospital development board; the persons who are the members; the number of support staff they have; if capital funds have been allocated and ring-fenced for the national paediatric hospital; if taking into account the new financial climate here her plans to review this decision to examine if the same project and its objectives could be achieved in alternative locations at reduced cost; if there are no plans to review the project, the completion date for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43762/08]

The development of the National Paediatric Hospital continues to be a priority project for the Government. The Health Service Executive Capital Plan 2008 — 2013 includes provision for the development of the new hospital and the associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board was established in May, 2007. Its primary function is to plan, design, furnish and equip the hospital. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project. The Board operates from 2/3 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1. The appointed members of the Board are as follows:

Mr. Philip Lynch (Chairman)

Mr. John O'Brien

Mr. Brian Gilroy

Ms. Kathryn Raleigh

Ms. Vera Wegner

Mr. Harry Crosbie

Dr. Alan Finan

Dr. Owen Hensey

Ms. Linda Dillon

Mr. Michael Flaherty

Ms. Norah Casey

Dr. Emma Curtis

The project is currently at initiation stage. A contract has been awarded for business advisory services. A detailed Development Brief for the new hospital is being prepared and is due for completion by the end of the 1st Quarter 2009. The Development Brief will be converted into a detailed design, outlining the exact dimensions and specifications for the new hospital, to allow the project proceed to tender for construction. A more accurate estimate of costs will be available at that point.

The legal requirements to enable the transfer of the designated site for the hospital to the HSE have been agreed and the transfer has been finalised. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued to the Deputy on the operational issues raised.

Question No. 217 answered with Question No. 188

Health Services.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

218 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that persons practising psychotherapy are regulated effectively in order to ensure patient-client protection; if regulatory provisions are inadequate, the measures she proposes to ensure that persons practising psychotherapy are regulated thus preventing maltreatment and abuse of power and the undermining of professional psychotherapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43814/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the practice of conventional medicine and healthcare in this country is controlled and regulated. However, the practice of other disciplines of healthcare, including psychotherapy, have not been subject to the same level of oversight. Standards of education, professional qualifications and experience required are not as well established and the level of qualification and length of training among practitioners can vary.

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act was passed by the Oireachtas in 2005. This Act provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for 12 health and social care professionals as follows:

Clinical Biochemists;

Dieticians;

Medical Scientists;

Occupational Therapists;

Orthopaedists;

Physiotherapists;

Podiatrists;

Psychologists;

Radiographers

Social Care Workers;

Social Workers; and

Speech and Language Therapists.

The system of statutory registration will apply to the twelve professions regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector or are self-employed and is the first time that fitness to practice procedures will be put in place for these professionals on a statutory basis. The structure of the system of statutory registration will comprise a registration board for each of the professions to be registered, a Health and Social Care Professionals Council with overall responsibility for the regulatory system and a committee structure to deal with disciplinary matters.

The first step in the implementation of the system was the establishment of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, which was launched in March last year. The Council has now recruited a Chief Executive Officer in May of this year and is currently putting in place a suitable organisational structure. The Council must establish a registration board for each of the twelve professions currently covered by the Act.

The Council has examined which professions from within the designated twelve are most suitable for early registration and decided to appoint the first two of twelve statutory Registration Boards, the Social Worker Registration Board and the Physiotherapy Registration Board, provided for under the Act, to be established by early 2009.

The Health and Social Care Professionals Council's priority is to put in place the regulatory structures for the 12 designated professions initially. While the proposed system of statutory registration applies, in the first instance to twelve health and social care professions, the legislation provides for the inclusion of, on the basis of specific criteria, additional health and social care professions in the regulatory system over time, as appropriate. Within this context, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council may then consider whether statutory registration is warranted and appropriate for other disciplines of healthcare practitioners.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

219 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the Health Service Executive to meet with and address the concerns of former patients of a doctor (details supplied); if the HSE has received correspondence from a group who act on behalf of these victims; the HSE response to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43815/08]

The Deputy's request has been brought to the attention of the Health Service Executive (HSE) who have been in contact with the group in question regarding the provision of support services for the former patients involved. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised.

James Reilly

Ceist:

220 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of developers and builders, in relation to primary care facilities, who have entered into legally binding contracts to build primary care centres; the number of general practitioners who have entered into legally binding contracts with the Health Service Executive to provide general practice services in the primary care centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43816/08]

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

Pat Breen

Ceist:

221 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 17 June 2008 when a refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43820/08]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

222 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to include motor neurone disease on the list of illnesses and conditions for inclusion on the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43826/08]

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with specified conditions, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Hospital Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

223 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 24 June 2008, the position regarding this project. [43832/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that it has written on a number of occasions to the Deputy setting out the position with regard to the development of improved facilities at St Vincent's University Hospital for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis. The refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single en-suite rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis was completed in August 2008 and the beds are now operational. In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation.

The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. A design has been prepared and planning permission has been granted for the new ward block. A design team and project managers have been appointed. Tender documents are currently being prepared and it is planned to seek tenders for construction in the spring of 2009.

Health Service Staff.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

224 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an application from a person (details supplied) has not been validated to enable them to get employment here as an occupational therapist; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant is unable to source employment as a result of the validation office at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway not being in a position to validate such an applicant; the reason such applications for validations are not forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43834/08]

Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications applies to all EEA nationals wishing to practise a regulated profession in an EU Member State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications, on either a self-employed or employed basis. Its intention is to make it easier for qualified health professionals to practise their professions in European countries other than where they have qualified, but due safeguards are provided in the assessment of the qualifications for both public health and safety and consumer protection. In certain circumstances, non-EEA nationals who are legally resident in Ireland can benefit from the provisions of the Directive.

In relation to professional qualifications in occupational therapy, the Directive is transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument No. 139 of 2008 and Statutory Instrument No. 166 of 2008. The Minister for Health and Children is the competent authority for the assessment of these professional qualifications and the process is administered by the Health Service Executive (National Validation Office (NVO)). The Minister and the Executive are advised in this function by the Association of Occupational Therapists.

Article 51 of the Directive provides for the competent authority to issue its decision on an application within four months from the date on which the complete application was received. In the case of the person referred to by the Deputy, the completed file was received on 27 August 2008 and hence a decision is due on or before December 27 next.

The Deputy will understand that the assessment process is a detailed one, as prescribed in the Directive, in which, on a case-by-case basis, the qualifications of an applicant are assessed against those required to practise in Ireland. If the activities covered by the profession in the home and the host member state are not comparable, then the qualifications cannot be recognised. If the activities are comparable but deficits in the qualifications are identified, subsequent post-qualification professional experience of the applicant must be considered. If deficits still remain, the host Member State must offer an applicant a compensation measure, a choice of completing an adaptation period or taking an aptitude test.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

225 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will receive an appointment date for psychology and occupational therapy; when they will receive an appointment date for an audiology test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43837/08]

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

Departmental Properties.

James Reilly

Ceist:

226 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the proposed relocation of her Department to the Office of Public Works building in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2; the action that will be taken in relation to Hawkins House; if it has been sold, or sale agreed and if so with whom; the expected proceeds from such a sale; if it is not sold, if it will be offered and advertised for sale publicly; if a deal has been agreed on the disposal of Hawkins House, if the premises was advertised publicly beforehand; the estimated cost of providing private offices and other fittings in the OPW building for her Departmental staff; the amount expended; when it was expended on a new data centre for Hawkins House; if the benefit of this expenditure will be lost when staff relocate to new premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43842/08]

It has long been recognised that Hawkins House is not a viable long-term Headquarters for the Department of Health and Children. Following discussions with the Office of Public Works and consideration of various options it was agreed that my Department's HQ would relocate from Hawkins House to the premises on St. Stephen's Green currently occupied by the Office of Public Works, following OPW's vacating of that premises and their relocation to Trim under the Government's decentralisation programme.

With regard to the future of the Hawkins House site, I am informed that the Office of Public Works considered a number of options, and that these options were subject to independent valuation. These assessments concluded that a Lease Agreement with the owner of the Apollo premises, which would allow that owner to develop the consolidated Hawkins/Apollo sites, was most beneficial to the State. The costs of the redevelopment will be borne entirely by the owner of the Apollo premises.

In accordance with standard practice the OPW engaged Consultant Architects to review the Stephen's Green premises and identify any work needed to meet my Department's requirements. Based on accepted accommodation norms, the initial estimate received suggests a cost of the order of €3.2 million to complete necessary works. Every effort will be made to minimise the costs arising in this context.

A new IT Computer Room was provided in Hawkins House in 2007 as part of a number of refurbishment works carried out by the Office of Public Works that year. This work was necessary to ensure that IT services and security were maintained. The cost of this facility, including VAT, was slightly under €400,000. The bulk of the equipment installed as part of the refurbishment of the computer room can be reused elsewhere.

Health Services.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

227 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 26 November 2008, she will supply the emerging recommendations of the multi-disciplinary working group she refers to created by the Health Service Executive and Government in the aftermath of the Pollack report, including the service requirements established by them. [43843/08]

Following publication in 2005 of the report by Dr Ronnie Pollock which was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, the Health Service Executive established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group, which was multi-disciplinary in its composition, was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Group identified a range of service improvements required for persons with Cystic Fibrosis, including the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in Cystic Fibrosis units around the country. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the recommendations made by the Working Group.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

228 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when hip replacement surgery will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [43854/08]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

229 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected or estimated cost of the proposed extension to Kenmare Community Hospital; the estimated cost of the proposed new hospital at Kenmare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43857/08]

Responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including estate management was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to respond to the particular query 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.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43867/08]

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

Departmental Correspondence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

231 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of requests she has received, inside or outside of Dáil Éireann to have the Grove Hospital, Tuam re-opened. [43930/08]

I fully appreciate the concerns expressed to me to develop health facilities on this site. However, as I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to his Parliamentary Question of 18 November last, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is the appropriate statutory body to consider in the first instance any proposals in this regard. I understand that the Executive subsequently wrote to the Deputy following my reply of 18 November outlining its position to develop a Health Campus at this location in Tuam.

The question of developing modern, high quality health infrastructure on this site has been brought to my attention in many guises in recent times, both inside and outside the Dail. Given the multi-disciplinary nature of proposed service developments at the site, my Department is regularly kept aware of this issue by the HSE. In this context, it is not feasible to specify, in my capacity as Minister, the number of requests, whether oral or written, I have received on this matter over an unspecified period of time.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Ceist:

232 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report of the audit of the national intellectual disability database; when such report was received; when she will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43990/08]

The National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) was established in 1995 and has in excess of 25,500 registrations. The database was established to ensure that information would be available to provide appropriate services to people with an intellectual disability and their families.

An Audit of the Intellectual Disability Database has been carried out. The aim of the audit is to assess the level of accuracy of the data held on the database. The results of the Audit will be used to make recommendations on improving the accuracy and integrity of the data extracted from the NIDD. A report on the Audit will be produced in 2009.

Health Service Staff.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

233 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 544 of 24 September 2008 the progress made in the filling of positions at a facility (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44015/08]

I have identified the need to improve services for persons with cystic fibrosis as a priority in the Estimates process over recent years. Since 2006, additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services for patients with cystic fibrosis. The HSE has advised that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the development of the service at the Mid West Regional Hospital, Limerick.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

234 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of workdays lost through sick leave as a result of work related stress in each of the Health Service Executive areas for 2007 and 2008; if there are indicators as to the cause of this stress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44018/08]

Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cycle Facilities.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

235 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he will explain the details of the proposal in budget 2009 for funding for cycle lanes in Dublin City; the way this scheme will operate; the person who will be responsible for overseeing its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43774/08]

My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government indicated on 15 October 2008, in his response to the 2009 Budget, that we will be providing a special cycling package for Dublin to the tune of €5 million to include funding for work on the city centre portion of the proposed Sutton to Sandycove Cycle route and funding to upgrade and maintain existing cycle routes in Dublin.

Operational arrangements for delivery of the package by the local authorities concerned are currently under consideration and will be put in place to enable progress to be made as early as possible in the New Year.

Public Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

236 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the average age of the bus fleet at both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann; the number of vehicles and passenger capacity of the fleet; the average age after the extra buses recently tendered for by Dublin Bus are added to the fleet; the number of vehicles and the passenger capacity of the fleet after the extra buses recently tendered for are added to the fleet; if Dublin Bus believes that its fleet is of adequate size to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43363/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

238 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles retired from service by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus over the past five years; if these vehicles are considered still serviceable, and therefore are sold on to other operators, or are considered beyond service and scrapped; the amount of revenue that has been derived by the companies from the sale of vehicles over the past five years; the locations in the company accounts at which this revenue is referenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43365/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

241 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a fuel management and measurement strategy is in place in each of the three CIE companies; the metrics used to evaluate fuel performance; and the performance improvements, energy and cost efficiencies that have been achieved. [43368/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

242 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the average distance travelled by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann vehicles per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

249 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann for each of the first three quarters in 2008; the way these numbers compare against the previous four quarters in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43376/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

250 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the revenue generated by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Eireann for each of the first three quarters in 2008; the way this compares against the corresponding quarters in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43377/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 238, 241, 242, 249 and 250 together.

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets are operational matters for the companies and I have asked them to compile the information sought and forward it directly to the Deputy. In relation to the adequacy of the Dublin Bus fleet to meet demand, the forthcoming cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus will give an independent assessment of the current position in that regard.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

237 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the reason Dublin Bus has gone to tender for 350 new vehicles; the purchase cost associated with these vehicles; when these vehicles will be purchased; when these vehicles will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43364/08]

The procurement of vehicles for its bus services are matters for Dublin Bus and not one in which I have any role.

Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 236.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

239 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views, in view of the pressure on Government finances, of availing of the spare capacity that exists in the private bus sector to meet the continuing growth in public transport demand and in doing so, minimise the additional capital cost to the taxpayer of having to purchase new bus vehicles for Dublin Bus. [43366/08]

It is open to Dublin Bus, within the funding resources available to it, to avail of private sector capacity on a contract basis in the provision of bus services. It is also open to private sector operators to seek licences under the Road Transport Act 1932 to provide bus services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

240 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the reason the 2007 annual accounts of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus provide only collective profit total for the whole businesses, and do not provide separate financial information for the various divisions, that is the profit-making expressway services and airport services, the school transport operations which are wholly separate from the PSO business, and the PSO business itself; if it would aid the transparency of the accounts to list these items separately; if he will provide the profitfigure for each of these three areas for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43367/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

252 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the provision for liabilities and charges of €48.5 million for Bus Éireann and €87.5 million for Dublin Bus are justified; if he has satisfied himself with the accounting treatment of these annual charges in these companies accounts and the release from these provisions after calculation of annual subvention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43380/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 252 together.

The annual accounts and financial statements of CIÉ and its subsidiary companies are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1986 and applicable company law and generally accepted accounting practice, and are subject to independentaudit.

The annual accounts include details in the notes to the accounts (Note 18 in the case of Bus Éireann and Note 1 in the case of Dublin Bus) to the 2007 accounts of revenue and costs broken down by commercial and public service obligation services.

The basis for the provisions included in the financial statements of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus for liabilities and charges, which I understand relate mostly to potential 3rd party and employer liability claims and are based on professional accounting and claims advice, is set out in the notes, to the accounts.

Questions Nos. 241 and 242 answered with Question No. 236.

Rural Transport Initiative.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

243 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the cost per annum for each of the years 2003 to 2007 of the rural transport initiative; the number of passengers carried in each of these five years under the RTI service with a county breakdown of RTI services in operation in each of these five years; the distance in kilometres in total in each of these five years RTI the bus services cover; the amount of fuel in litres per 100 km RTI bus services used in each of these five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43370/08]

My Department provided Euro 3.0 million in each of the years 2003 and 2004, Euro 4.5 million in 2005 and Euro 5.1 million in 2006 for the pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2002-2006). Euro 9.0 million was provided in 2007 for the new Rural Transport Programme (RTP).

Pobal, which administers the RTP on behalf of my Department, is currently working with 37 individual rural community transport groups around the country to expand the programme on a phased basis in response to local public transport service needs and having regard to the availability of resources. I understand that most of the services are provided for the RTP groups are by private transport operators and that many of the services operate across county boundaries. The transport modes utilised by the individual RTP groups vary in accordance with the needs that they are trying to address and can include mini-buses, taxis and private cars.

The following table indicates the number of RTI/RTP services provided and passenger journeys recorded for each of the years 2003-2007.

Year

Number of Services

Number of Passenger Journeys

2003

39,990

150,918

2004

64,954

514,137

2005

74,914

651,391

2006

93,419

791,264

2007

120,753

998,350

Information relating to kilometres travelled or the amount of fuel in litres per 100 km is not currently recorded for the RTP. I have asked Pobal to maximise efficiency and effectiveness with regard to all expenditure incurred under the Programme and to ensure that the available funding is concentrated as much as possible on the provision of transport services rather than administration.

Bus Passenger Licences.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

244 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of annual bus passenger licences applied for to his Department in each of the past five years; the average length of time taken to acquire an annual passenger bus licence from his Department; the average length of time taken to amend an annual passenger bus licence from his Department; the number of outstanding annual passenger licence applications that exist in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43371/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

245 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the average length of time taken to authorise a new bus service or amend an existing bus service for Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus on expressway services or different routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43372/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.

The statistical information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table. My Department currently has a total of 34 outstanding annual passenger licences applications.

Year

Applications received for new annual passenger licences

2003

73

2004

170

2005

60

2006

91

2007

116

2008 (to date)

73

Applications for annual licences are generally dealt with on a first come, first served basis. However the processing of applications is critically influenced by issues such as the complexity of the application, the presence of other services on the route, or part of the route, to which the application relates or prior applications from other bus operators. Accordingly it is not possible to establish a specific time frame within which all licence applications are assessed. However, where applications are straightforward, they are processed within a matter of weeks.

The remit of the 1932 Act does not extend to the operation of services by Bus Eireann or Dublin Bus. However since 10 January 2001, both of these companies are required by Ministerial direction to notify my Department of any proposed new services or proposed changes to existing services at least four weeks prior to their introduction. Where proposed services by either company are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence under the 1932 Act, they are required to obtain my consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before they can introduce such services. Therefore, it is not possible to establish a specific time frame within which all notifications are processed. Again, where applications are straightforward they are processed within a matter of weeks.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

246 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements being made to transfer the licensing function from his Department to the Dublin Transport Authority; if new legislation is required; and when the process is expected to be complete. [43373/08]

The forthcoming Public Transport Regulation Bill, which is currently being drafted, will introduce a new bus route licensing regime and replace of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. The Bill will also include the transfer of statutory responsibility for the licensing of commercial public bus services from my Department to the Dublin Transport Authority.

It is my intention to seek shortly Government approval to a General Scheme of the Bill with a view to publication early in 2009. It is not possible at this juncture to indicate when the necessary legislation will be enacted.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

247 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a recent High Court settlement has resulted in changes to the procedures for the issuing of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43374/08]

My Department, in consultation with its legal advisers, is currently giving consideration to its bus licensing procedures in the light of the recent settlement.

Public Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

248 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the amount of capital that has been invested in intercity services by Bus Éireann for each of the years 2003 to 2007; the grants given to Bus Éireann in relation to vehicles used on these services; and the profit generated by these services in each of the past five years. [43375/08]

No Exchequer grants have been paid to Bus Éireann towards the cost of vehicles used on its (Expressway) intercity services. My Department has asked Bus Éireann to compile and forward the other information sought by the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 249 and 250 answered with Question No. 236.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

251 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the way the 260 new coaches provided to Bus Éireann in the past year were financed, are being used, and where publicly they were funded; and if he will provide an assurance that they are not being used on expressway routes, coach touring or other commercial activities. [43379/08]

Total Exchequer funding of €33.9 million has been allocated to Bus Éireann in the period 2007/2008 towards the cost of 239 new buses for its city and town services and other local services. Bus Éireann has taken delivery of 158 of these buses, which have been deployed on city and town services and local services, that is, public service obligation services throughout the country. Separately Bus Éireann has purchased and funded from its own resources in this period a total of 60 coaches for use on its commercial Expressway and touring services.

Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 240.

Commemorative Events.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

253 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the views of a person (details supplied) seeking Government recognition for a national day of remembrance for victims of road accidents. [43415/08]

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was on Sunday 16th November, and I understand the Road Safety Authority in conjunction with local Road Safety Officers, the Emergency Services and the Gardaí marked the day with a number of events.

The Government's Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 includes a specific Action 14, for which the Road Safety Authority is the lead agency, to "integrate international road safety awareness events such as UN Global Road Safety Awareness Week, EU Road Safety Day and into road safety plans."

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

254 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to introduce public safety zones at the State airports in view of the fact that the final ERM report has been with his Department since 8 March 2005; if it is proposed to introduce similar PSZs at each regional airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43542/08]

The Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government jointly commissioned consultants (Environmental Resources Management — ERM) to address public safety on the ground based on current scientific practice. The final report was formally presented to the Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government on 30 September 2003.

In January 2005, the Government approved the drawing up of planning guidelines by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to be issued to Local Authorities regarding Public Safety Zones at the three State Airports (Cork, Dublin and Shannon) based on the Report by ERM. These Guidelines are being drawn up by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and will be issued for public consultation. The question of applying similar Public Safety Zones to regional and privately owned aerodromes/ airports is under consideration.

Public Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

255 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of buses used for public transport nationwide which are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43559/08]

My Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, titled ‘Transport Access for All', provides that by end 2012 urban bus services will be fully accessible and that by 2015 practically all vehicles used for stage carriage and rural services will be accessible.

I understand from Dublin Bus that over 70% of its fleet is accessible. Bus Éireann has already met its target of one hundred percent accessibility of its city bus services (Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford) and has purchased a number of new generation accessible inter-urban coaches, which have only recently come on the market. The company also operates accessible buses on some commuter routes and in a number of rural areas.

I understand from Pobal that in funding services under the Rural Transport Programme they require community groups to take accessibility features into consideration when evaluating tenders for local services. In addition, community owned vehicles are either already accessible or are being adapted to ensure that they meet accessibility requirements.

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires contracts for the procurement of public transport service to provide, inter alia, for accessibility standards for services. At present I am not empowered in law to make the use of accessible vehicles a requirement for obtaining a licence under the Road Transport Act 1932.

I intend to include such a requirement in the proposals that I am developing to modernise the 1932 Road Transport Act.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

256 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of Dublin Bus vehicles which are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43560/08]

The percentage of Dublin Bus vehicles which are currently wheelchair accessible is 72%.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

257 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of Iarnród Éireann train carriages which are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43561/08]

Currently 95% of all Iarnród Éireann trains are accessible.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

258 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on a meeting held between his Department and a community group (details supplied) in County Dublin in June 2008 regarding a public transport matter; the progress to date in addressing the matter discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43771/08]

The Minister of State Noel Ahern T.D. along with an official of my Department met with a delegation from the Kew Park Residents Association on 18th June 2008 to discuss residents' needs for the provision of a bus service for their housing estate. The delegation explained that residents in that area currently have no direct access to a bus service to the city centre.

It was explained to the delegation that in August 2007 my Department informed Dublin Bus that a notification to reroute some of their services on the 25 route to serve Kew Park would require Ministerial consent in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Act 1958, due to competition with an existing licence operated by Morton's Coaches. My Department received no such application under section 25.

It was explained to the delegation that it is open to any operator, whether they are a private operator or a state body, to make an application to the Department for the provision of services in any area. The Department can have no influence in directing an operator to serve a particular route and the operation of services is a matter for individual companies.

It was also explained that Dublin Bus is exempt from the current licensing regime but, where proposed services by Dublin Bus are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence under the 1932 Act, they are required to obtain Ministerial consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before they can introduce such services.

Since that meeting Morton's Coaches has ceased to operate the route licence they held for the area. However my Department has not received any further applications from either private operators or notifications from Dublin Bus for the provision of services in the Kew Park region.

Taxi Regulations.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

259 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43788/08]

Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is now the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation, including licensing, of taxis, hackneys, limousines and their drivers. However, the Commission for Taxi Regulation does not have any remit or statutory power under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 in relation to the control of the number of licences issued.

While there are no quantitative restrictions on entry to the taxi market, there are, however, restrictions of a qualitative nature which are determined by the Commission. In that context, the Commission has appointed consultants to undertake an extensive review of the small public service vehicle sector. The review is expected to be completed before the end of this year.

Coast Guard Services.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

260 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the cost incurred for pay at each coast guard station here in each of the past three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43899/08]

The Irish Coast Guard has fifty-five Stations from which marine rescue services are delivered by volunteer units available for emergency callouts. Each Unit has an Area Officer and a Deputy Area Officer. These officers are paid an annual retainer of €888.80 and €444.40 respectively.

Accordingly, the cost incurred for pay for each station for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 was €1,333.20 with some slight variation where the post of Area Officer or Deputy Area Officer was vacant for a period of time. A list of the Stations is as follows.

Coast Guard Stations

Achill

Doolin

Mulroy

Ardmore

Drogheda

North Aran

Arklow

Dun Laoghaire

Old Head of Kinsale

Ballybunion

Dunmore East

Oysterhaven

Ballycotton

Fethard

Rosslare

Ballyglass

Glandore

Seven Heads

Baltimore

Goleen

Skerries

Bonmahon

Glenderry

South Aran

Bunbeg

Dunmore East

Summer Cove

Carnsore Point

Greencastle

Toe Head

Castlefreke

Greenore

Tory Island

Castletownbere

Greystones

Tramore

Cleggan

Guileen

Waterville

Clogherhead

Helvick Head

Westport

Costello Bay

Howth

Wicklow

Courtown

Kilkee

Youghal

Crosshaven

Killala

Lough Derg

Curracloe

Kilmore Quay

Dingle

Knightstown

Residency Permits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

261 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for long-term residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43384/08]

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years, may also apply for long-term residency. This particular long-term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.

While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in October 2007. I understand that applications received in January 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Road Traffic Offences.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

262 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding fines issued on non-national roads and primary roads within the northern divisional area of Cork County Council for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43764/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

263 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding fines issued on non-national roads, national secondary roads and primary roads within the southern division of Cork County for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43765/08]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

264 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding fines issued on non-national roads, national secondary roads and primary roads within the northern division of Cork County for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43766/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 to 264, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of fixed charge notices issued for speeding in each of the following Garda Divisions to date in 2008:

Division

Total

Cork City

5,412

Cork North

5,074

Cork West

2,654

Figures provided are operational, provisional and liable to change.

I am also informed that it is not possible without a disproportionate use of resources to provide the information by road type as requested by the Deputy.

Garda Operations.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

265 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the applications to the Garda vetting unit including the nature of the request for vetting, the number of requests submitted, the number of clearance certificates issued and the average length of time to process applications in each of the years 2003 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43361/08]

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a number of organisations in Ireland, registered with the Unit, which employ personnel to work in a full-time, part-time or voluntary capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. The procedure is also conducted for fostering and the Adoption Board. The service being provided is continually being extended, on a phased basis to such organisations.

It is estimated that in the years 2003 to 2005 the following was the position:

2003 — approximately 100,000 applications were received, with an average processing time of between 7 to 9 weeks;

2004 — approximately 120,000 applications were received, with an average processing time of 6 to 8 weeks;

2005 — approximately 150,000 applications were received, with an average processing time of 6 to 7 weeks.

The details for the period since 2006 are as follows:

2006 — 137,600 applications were received, with an average processing time of 5 to 6 weeks;

2007 — 187,864 applications were received, with an average processing time of 4 to 5 weeks;

2008 (to date) — almost 201,500 applications have been received, with an average processing time of 4 weeks from the date of receipt.

It should be borne in mind that the average processing time can be longer where further enquiries by the GCVU are necessary in relation to any given application.

Citizenship Applications.

David Stanton

Ceist:

266 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for citizenship being processed; the average time it takes to process an application for citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43362/08]

There are currently 15,600 applications for naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department that are still awaiting a decision. The number of applications which were made more than 18 months ago is 6,400 and of these 30% (1,900) are on hold awaiting a response from the applicant and 44% (2,800) are awaiting a response from other statutory bodies as part of the normal applications checking process.

Following the recent decentralisation of the Citizenship Division to Tipperary Town, substantial resources have been made available to it in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times and the average time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications is now at 23 months. It is expected that this will progressively improve over the coming year and the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. A significant number of applications are initially found to be invalid for a variety of reasons and these are now being dealt with and returned to the applicant within a week. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale.

The Deputy will appreciate that there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Proposed Legislation.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

267 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce controls on the buying, use and selling of air soft rifles which are virtually indistinguishable in appearance from firearms, having regard to the fact that they are not subject to any laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43406/08]

I intend to introduce measures that will address the Deputy's, and my own, concerns in relation to this matter in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which will be published in the coming weeks.

While I recognise that further measures are necessary, I should point out that the use of such equipment during the course of committing an offence carries with it heavy penalties.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

268 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the countries which are designated by ministerial order as safe countries for the return of refugees and the parts of the countries which are designated by ministerial order as safe parts of countries; the way these designations are made; the frequency with which they are reviewed; if the Democratic Republic of Congo or parts of that county have ever been designated as safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43428/08]

The Refugee Act 1996 is the principal legal instrument in Irish law dealing with refugee matters.

The Act provides for the designation of a country as a safe country of origin. There is no provision providing for the designation of a country as a safe country for the return of refugees as referred to in the question.

Section 12(4) of the Act provides for the procedure for the designation of a country as a safe country of origin. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, after consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, by order designate a country as a safe country of origin. In deciding whether to make such an order the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform shall have regard for the following matters:

(i) whether the country is a party to and generally complies with obligations under the Convention Against Torture; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and, where appropriate, the European Convention on Human Rights;

(ii) whether the country has a democratic political system and an independent judiciary;

(iii) whether the country is governed by the rule of law.

Section 12(4) does not make provision for a review of a designation. However, the Minister may by order amend or revoke a designation order.

Apart from some countries which were designated as safe countries of origin prior to their accession as Member States of the European Union, there are currently 2 other countries which are designated as safe countries of origin by order under Section 12(4). These countries are Croatia and the Republic of South Africa.

Neither the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor any part of that country, has ever been the subject of an order under Section 12(4). I have no proposal at present to make such an order in respect of that country.

Juvenile Offenders.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

269 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of minors detained in juvenile detention centres here; the number of minors who were detained in juvenile detention centres here in 2007; the cost to the State of this detention in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43434/08]

The following table outlines the number of young people in detention on the 26th November, 2008:

Males under 18

Females under 18

Total

St. Patrick’s Institution

55

55

Children Detention Schools

38

6

44

Total

93

6

99

The total number of young people under 18 years detained by order of the Courts in 2007 is detailed in the following table:

Males under 18

Females under 18

Total

Irish Prison Service

242

5

247

Children Detention Schools

104

33

137

Total

346

38

384

I refer the deputy to the published Annual Report of the Children Acts Advisory Board, available online at http://www.srsb.ie/, which provides detailed information in relation to admission to children detention schools. The Annual Report 2007 of the Irish Prison Service will also provide further statistical data, when published.

With regard to the cost of detaining children under 18 years of age in 2007, I refer the Deputy to my reply to parliamentary question 319 of Tuesday, 4th November 2008.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43451/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2007.

Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.

Officials inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second person referred to in the Deputy's Question. It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a stamp four will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43452/08]

An extensive search conducted by the relevant officials in my Department has not located any record of the application to which the Deputy refers.

As such, the position remains unchanged from that given in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 955 of 24 September, 2008. Any application received will be given prompt attention by the relevant officials, and the person concerned will be contacted directly and informed of any decisions made regarding his application.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43453/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency and refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43454/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in September 2004 under family reunification.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if leave to remain here on a subsidiary protection application will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43456/08]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 22 August 2007. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 August 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and, following consideration of this application, it was determined that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 21 October 2008.

Following consideration of his case under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 30 October 2008. Notice of this Order was served by registered letter dated 6 November 2008 requiring the person concerned to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 27 November 2008 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State.

The person concerned has submitted further representations requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked. These representations are under consideration at present and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome when this consideration has been completed. The Deputy might wish to note that the submission of further representations is non-suspensive of the deportation process and, as such, the person concerned should continue to meet the reporting requirements placed on him by the GNIB.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position regarding an application for visas in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43457/08]

Based on the information provided, my Department has no record of current visa applications for the persons in question.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position regarding an application for citizenship or family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43458/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in February 2007.

Officials in that section inform me that a letter requesting further documentation was sent to the applicant on 25 June 2008. To date, no reply has been received. Further processing of the application will commence once the documentation requested has been received.

An application for family re-unification was received from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question on the 14 October 2008. The applicant was requested to submit further documentation on that date. To date, no documents have been received. Further processing of the application will commence once the documentation requested has been received.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

277 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43459/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 134 on 23 October 2008. The position remains as stated.

Residency Permits.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

278 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of an Adjournment debate question (details supplied) he will indicate the other form of photographic identification document that is acceptable in this regard. [43470/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have requested the information sought from the Garda Authorities. The Immigration Division will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Asylum Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

279 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing religious persecution of Ahmedin people in Pakistan; and if this persecution is taken into account in the event of persons of this community applying for asylum, citizenship or other such applications here. [43471/08]

Persecution, within the meaning of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, arises in relation to an application for asylum.

Applications for asylum in Ireland are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether refugee status should be granted.

An application for asylum in Ireland is examined in accordance with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996 and the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. This legislation provides that acts of persecution and the reasons for persecution are essential elements of the assessment of an application. The Regulations provide that for the purposes of making a decision on an application for asylum a decision maker shall take into account all relevant facts as they relate to the country of origin, the relevant statements and documentation presented by the applicant and the individual position and personal circumstances of the applicant, so as to assess whether, the acts to which the applicant has been or could be exposed would amount to persecution. These provisions of the Regulations apply, in relation to an application for asylum under the Refugee Act, to a recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner under section 13(1) of the Act or an affirmation or recommendation of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal under section 16(2)(b) of the Act.

The Minister has no role in relation to the decision-making functions of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal including the elements relating to acts of persecution and the reasons for persecution.

Under section 17 of the Refugee Act, a final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.

Firearms Offences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

280 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licensed handguns that have been reported stolen each year for the past five years. [43480/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

281 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licensed handguns that have been used in criminal activity each year for the past five years. [43481/08]

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

290 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will substantiate the threat to public safety posed by licensed firearms holders; the number of legally held handguns that have been used in crime since 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43604/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 281 and 290 together.

I understand from the Garda Authorities that records indicate that 27 handguns (to 14th November, 2008) have been stolen since 2005 — primarily during burglaries from dwelling houses. A further 1,236 other firearms were stolen during the same period, with a total of 373 recovered. I am further advised that stolen firearms are used in the course of the commission of other criminal offences but, because not all stolen firearms or firearms used in the commission of offences are recovered, it is not possible to say precisely how many formerly licensed handguns have been used in a criminal offence in the years 2003 to 2008.

As I have stated on a number of occasions I am concerned with the situation we now find ourselves in following the growth in the licensing of handguns over the past few years. We now have about 1,800 handguns licensed which was not as a result of a considered or deliberate public policy decision. I would have concerns about the suitability of a large number of these firearms for legitimate target shooting purposes and I am not going to permit the growth of a ‘hand gun' culture. It was against this background that I recently announced my proposals for reform in this area, which include a ban on issuing new licenses for handguns and a strict regime for renewal of existing licenses, with limited exceptions made in relation to Olympic sports. These proposals will be reflected in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which I will be publishing in the coming weeks.

It is important to say that my proposals in relation to handguns will not impinge directly on the activities of the vast majority of licensed firearms holders. I recognise that those firearms holders pursue their legitimate interests in a law abiding way and am anxious to have a well-regulated sector in which those interests can be successfully pursued, in cooperation with the relevant authorities.

Garda Stations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

282 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the inaccessibility of Donnybrook, Sundrive Road and Crumlin village Garda stations to people with disabilities; the reason wheelchair ramps are not in place at all Garda stations; if and when ramps will be put in place at all stations; and if not the reason for same. [43482/08]

I am advised that it is the policy of the Office of Public Works to provide for universal access in all new projects, including Garda stations, and as far as is practicable in all other projects. Older buildings and/or protected structures, many of which predate the introduction of current accessibility legislation, can present issues that make such provision problematic. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Office of Public Works have been requested to examine the stations referred to by the Deputy with a view to providing the requisite access facilities.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they will consult with the National Disability Authority to ensure that its requirements are taken into account where new Garda stations are built or where Garda stations are refurbished, insofar as this is possible.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

283 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions in place to ensure members of the public with sensory disabilities can access gardaí at a local level. [43483/08]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that all divisional and district stations have been supplied with an audio frequency induction loop system which allows a person with impaired hearing and who is equipped with an appropriate hearing aid to communicate with Garda. In addition, the new public access call-box systems currently being installed at non-24 hour stations are equipped with a similar induction loop system. The new public access call-box systems also have a braille script to advise visually impaired persons to press the button to communicate with gardaí. Eircom continues to support the minitel service for contacting emergency services through the 999 or 112 system. I am further advised that the Garda college works with the National Learning Network, which is part of the Rehab group, to raise awareness amongst student gardaí in respect of disability. The focus in respect of sensory disability is providing guidance to students in respect of people who are visually impaired and those who suffer from deafness or hard of hearing. The National Learning Network provide awareness training to student gardaí as well as general etiquette training when interacting with persons suffering from sensory disability.

Crime Prevention.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

284 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected timeframe for the launch of the dial to stop drug dealing non-Garda confidential freefone line by local authority area. [43489/08]

The "Dial to Stop Drug Dealing" initiative is being delivered under the aegis of the National Drugs Strategy Team which reports to my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, its rollout is, therefore, a matter which falls under the remit of that Department.

In relation to the launch and implementation of the campaign I am informed that during 2006, the Blanchardstown local drugs task force ran a pilot "Dial to Stop Drug Dealing" campaign that was deemed to be successful by the local community, the drugs task force and the Garda Síochána. Based on the model of that initiative, funding was secured to run a national "Dial to Stop Drug Dealing" campaign from October 2008. This funding, totalling €450,000, consists of €300,000 which is being made available through the Dormant Assets Fund, €100,000 which is being provided directly by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and €50,000 that my Department is contributing towards the campaign costs. The National Drugs Strategy Team with the help of a marketing and communications company, PCC Limited, is in the process of rolling out a national initiative, which involves a series of local and regional campaigns. These campaigns will be run by a number of local and regional drugs task forces which are interested in and are in a position to participate in the project. Each campaign is designed to encourage people to provide, anonymously if preferred, through a confidential national free phone telephone line, 1800 220 220, any information they may have on drug dealing activity in their area. Information provided is, as appropriate, being forwarded to designated contacts in the Garda National Drugs Unit of the force, which directs it appropriately locally and regionally within the Garda system.

The campaign was launched nationally on 30 September 2008 by the Minister of State, Deputy Curran. Five drug task forces — the Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Dublin north inner city and Dublin north-east local drugs task forces and the south-west regional drugs task force — are participating in phase 1 of the campaign, which is running from early October to early December. Phase 2 of the campaign, which will be conducted between January and February 2009, will feature the participation of the southern, south-eastern, north Dublin and mid-western regional drugs task forces and the Cork city local drugs task force. The final phase of this initiative will be run between April and May 2009 with the following task forces participating — the east coast and midlands regional drugs task forces and the Bray, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Finglas-Cabra local drugs task forces. I understand that an overall evaluation of the project is expected to be available next summer. I fully endorse this initiative and urge all members of the public to support the campaign.

Road Traffic Offences.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

285 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of traffic related convictions in all Clare Garda divisions from 1 January 2008 to the 31 October 2008 broken down as by dangerous-careless driving and motorway offences, failure to produce or display a driving licence, failure to produce or display an insurance certificate, no tax, non-display of tax or unregistered vehicle, speeding offences or other motor offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43491/08]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency. The CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Asylum Applications.

Mary O'Rourke

Ceist:

286 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath who seek leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds. [43520/08]

The people in question, a husband and wife, made separate applications for asylum on 7 September 2004. Their infant child was included in her mother's application. Their applications were refused following separate consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 ,as amended, the people in question were informed, by letter dated 13 May 2005 in her case and by letter dated 25 May 2006 in his case, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and their child. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned. These representations will be fully considered, under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, on the prohibition of refoulement, before the files are passed to me for decision.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

287 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have been granted asylum here, the number of people who have been refused asylum here and the number of people with asylum appeals pending here in relation to applicants for asylum from the Democratic Republic of Congo in respect of each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43534/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The bodies make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to asylum applications from nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo is set out in the following tables:

Table 1: Recommendations to grant refugee status to asylum applicants from the Democratic Republic of Congo at first instance and at appeal stage 2005-31 October 2008

2005

2006

2007

2008 (31/10)

First Instance

*

14

12

*

Appeal Stage

17

*

10

*

Total

22

Please note that figures less than 10 are not made public due to confidentiality reasons.

Table 2: Recommendations to refuse refugee status to asylum applicants from the Democratic Republic of Congo at first instance and at appeal stage 2005-31 October 2008

2005

2006

2007

2008 (31/10)

First Instance

229

106

139

135

Appeal Stage

180

123

64

84

Total

409

229

203

219

As at 31 October 2008 there were 200 appeals relating to asylum applications from the Democratic Republic of Congo pending in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Drugs in Prisons.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

288 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement regarding a matter (details supplied). [43536/08]

The Irish Prison Service has, in recent months, introduced a package of new security measures across all closed prisons. The purpose of these measures is to eliminate, in so far as is possible, the smuggling of contraband, such as drugs, weapons and mobile phones into our prisons. Not only do these measures enhance the security and safety of our prisons, but they reduce the possibility of prisoners' families and friends being pressurised into attempting to smuggle these items during visits. All visitors to Limerick Prison must pass through recently enhanced security measures aimed at combatting the trafficking of contraband into the prison. These measures include metal detectors, x-ray scanners and a passive drug-detection dog. A positive indication from the drug-detection dog does not necessarily mean that someone is attempting to smuggle drugs into the prison, but rather that they may have recently been in contact with an illicit substance. In order that the safety and security of our prisons be maintained, persons who receive a positive indication are offered either a screened visit or a visit on an alternative day. I trust the Deputy will accept that a balance must be maintained which preserves prison security at all times.

Domestic Violence.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

289 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has in regard to domestic violence against women (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43557/08]

The Government's commitment to tackling domestic violence is reflected in the establishment in June 2007 of Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. Cosc's key responsibility is to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Its major priority is to produce a national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which has the support of State and non-governmental organisations in the sector. This strategy will set out the policy on addressing the forms of violence concerned as well as the preventative and responsive actions to be taken by a broad range of organisations to ensure a well co-ordinated system is in place. Work on preparing the strategy is well advanced. A round of regional consultations with State and non-governmental organisations is taking place, which includes a consultation in Waterford city today for organisations in the south east.

Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 280.

Asylum Support Services.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

291 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances and discussion that took place between the Reception and Integration Agency and a person (details supplied) in respect of their moving out of the direct provision centre in County Wicklow and the circumstances involved; if the person continues to be eligible to qualify for direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43610/08]

The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The person referred to in the details supplied made an application for asylum on 15 December 2005. This person and her two children were transferred from Beechlawn accommodation centre, Rathdrum, County Wicklow to the Montague accommodation centre, Emo, County Laois on 15 August 2008 at her own request. This person and her children continue to reside at the Montague accommodation centre.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

292 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the attacks on firemen at Hallowe’en; if he will amend the legislation to ensure that the emergency services personnel have the same entitlement to protection and compensation when injured in the line of duty as the Garda Síochána have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43769/08]

All attacks on members of the emergency service are reprehensible and a matter of concern to all right thinking members of society. The law makes specific and robust provision for attacks on members of the emergency services. The Criminal Justice Act 2006 strengthened the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to make it an offence to assault, or to threaten to assault, or to impede medical personnel in a hospital, people assisting such personnel or a peace officer acting in the course of duty. The definition of peace officer was expanded to include members of the fire brigade and ambulance personnel as well as a member of the Garda Síochána, a prison officer and a member of the Defence Forces under these provisions. In addition, the penalties for the offence of assault, or threatening to assault, a peace officer were increased to a fine of €5,000 or up to 12 months' imprisonment, or both, on summary disposal and to an unlimited fine or up to seven years' imprisonment, or both, on indictment. The Act also creates specific offences of threatening, assaulting, resisting, wilfully obstructing or impeding doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, other health and social care workers and any persons assisting them in or at a hospital. Conditions of employment of local authority employees are not within the remit of my Department, but are a matter for local authorities in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001.

Citizenship Applications.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

293 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will receive their naturalisation papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43770/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the question was received in the citizenship section of my Department in March 2008. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course. I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from people with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. I am informed that there is a discrepancy between the address the Deputy has provided and the address my Department holds on file. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service informed of any change of address in writing.

Asylum Support Services.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

294 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be transferred to a hostel close to a place of worship for Nigerian Muslims. [43789/08]

The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The mother referred to in the details supplied made an application for asylum on 21 January 2008. The father made an application for asylum on 31 March 2008. An application was made on behalf of the child on 9 May 2008. The family was provided with accommodation at Atlas House accommodation in Killarney in accordance with dispersal policy. Following the request for accommodation close to a place of worship for Nigerian Muslims, the Reception and Integration Agency made inquiries with the Islamic Foundation of Ireland which has stated there is no dedicated mosque for Nigerian Muslims in the State. Notwithstanding this, the agency has made an offer of alternative accommodation to the family at Old Convent accommodation centre, Ballyhaunis which has access to a mosque in the vicinity.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

295 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if accommodation will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [43798/08]

The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The person referred to in the details supplied, along with her child, has been accommodated by the agency in direct provision accommodation since she applied for asylum on 13 March 2007. This person has accepted a transfer of accommodation from Atlas House accommodation centre in Killarney to the Ursuline Complex accommodation centre in Waterford.

Road Traffic Offences.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

296 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda authorities on the action they are taking against a company (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in view of the fact that there is a constant and daily offending in relation to illegal parking on footpaths and so on; and the number of prosecutions they have instituted to date in 2008 against this company for parking offences. [43821/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while local Garda management had not been aware of difficulties of the kind outlined by the Deputy being experienced in the vicinity and no prosecutions have been commenced to date in 2008 for parking related offences by this business, the issue of parking has been discussed with the management of the business referred to. Local Garda management will continue to monitor this situation and ensure that any breaches of the Road Traffic Acts are dealt with appropriately.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if extended leave to remain will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 pending further appeal on foot of a deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43862/08]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to his Question No. 366 of Tuesday, 25 November 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that reply. The person concerned has continued to meet his presentation requirements with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. He is due to present again on Thursday, 4 December 2008. The enforcement of the deportation order remains an operational matter for the bureau.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43863/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

299 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a PACE facility (details supplied) in Dublin 9; his views on recent speculation that the Mountjoy Dóchas Centre is overcrowded and that prisoners have been released as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43875/08]

My Department, through the Probation Service, provides funding to over 50 voluntary bodies to assist with the management of adult offenders in the community and to add value to the core work of the Probation Service. The PACE organisation is one such facility, which provides training and accommodation services for ex-offenders. In 2008, my Department through the Probation Service provided €1.5 million to PACE. I can confirm that my Department has not received any application from PACE for additional funds for the development of the premises that is the subject of this question. With regard to the number of women in custody since the opening of the Dóchas Centre in 1999, there has been a serious overcrowding problem at the centre, despite the provision of an additional 20 spaces during the final phase of its construction. For example, on 1 December 2008 there were 110 prisoners in custody in the Dóchas Centre. This figure exceeded the bed capacity by 29%. In addition, there are 41 female prisoners on temporary release from the Dóchas Centre. Social and demographic trends indicate that we will continue to experience an increasing level of women prisoners in our prison system. In anticipation of this increase, the Government intends to include an expanded version of the Dóchas Centre in the plans to move the entire Mountjoy Prison Complex to a greenfield site in the greater Dublin area. Further accommodation for women prisoners will also be included in the planned Munster prison.

The Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 provides that the Minister may approve the temporary release of a sentenced prisoner. This discretionary instrument assists in gradually preparing suitable offenders for release, in administering short sentences and is an incentive to well-behaved prisoners. Temporary release arrangements operate similarly to a system of parole, which is a feature of prison systems worldwide. They are an important vehicle for reintegrating an offender into the community in a planned way. The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned reintegration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's local Garda station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Garda.

Passport Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

300 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry can apply for an Irish passport on the basis of their marriage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43877/08]

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of an applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen, those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age; be of good character; be married to the Irish citizen for a period of not less than three years; be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting; be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse; have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; and have made, either before a judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State. It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Departmental Correspondence.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

301 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has furnished a response to correspondence from a person (details supplied); the steps being taken to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43917/08]

Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004 allows members of the Garda Síochána to require a non-national to produce on demand a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality. Members of the Garda are, of course, aware that Irish citizens are not required to carry proof of their citizenship. At the same time, however, it cannot be the case that any foreign national could, by simply claiming to be Irish, negate Ireland's immigration laws and in particular the requirement to carry identification. Members of the Garda may on occasion need to carry out certain checks in order to confirm a person's identity and citizenship. The Garda Customer charter outlines the Garda Síochána's commitment to respecting customers and their needs, protecting human rights, and ensuring a caring service approach.

Members of the Garda Síochána are not subject to direction by me in the discharge of their powers under section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004. However I can say that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is charged with ensuring that admissible complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána are examined in a way which is both transparent and equitable and increases public confidence in the force. The Commission is independent in the exercise of its functions and is not subject to direction by the Minister or the Garda Commissioner in relation to the manner in which complaints are investigated. The Commission's powers include the power to refer a complaint to the Garda Commissioner for investigation. It also has the power to have the matter investigated by one of its own trained investigative staff. If the ombudsman commission decides to refer a case to the Garda Commissioner for investigation, it can do so with or without supervision and can take over a case if it is not satisfied with the progress or even the outcome of an investigation. The ombudsman commission therefore retains ultimate control over every investigation.

A complaint may be made to any member of the Garda Síochána at any Garda station; to any member of the Garda Síochána at or above the rank of Chief Superintendent at a place other than a Garda station; to the Garda Commissioner or directly to an officer or member of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. A complaint may also be made directly to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by calling in person to the Dublin office during the stated hours of public business; in writing; by fax; or by using www.gardaombudsman.ie. A response to the letter referred to by the Deputy will issue in due course.

European Council Meetings.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

302 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the council conclusions adopted at the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting recently regarding the second Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development. [43918/08]

On 27 November 2008, the Justice and Home Affairs Council adopted the conclusions of the second Euro-Africa Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development, which was held in Paris on 25 November last. The joint declaration of African and European ministers at the conference included a multi-annual co-operation programme for the period 2009 to 2011. The programme will focus on practical and operational measures concerning legal migration, irregular migration and migration and development. The link to the joint declaration by African and European Ministers who attended the conference is: www.ue2008.fr/webdav/site/PFUE/shared/ import/1125conferenceimmigration/FinalstatementParisconferenceEN.pdf.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

303 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the result of discussions at the recent Justice and Home Affairs meeting on the Metock case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43919/08]

The Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting of 27 and 28 November last discussed the topic of "free movement of persons: abuses and substantive problems". The discussions, which follow a debate at the September 2008 Council meeting on the action to be taken following the judgment of the European Court of Justice in the Metock case, focused primarily on this occasion on the potential for abuse of the Free Movement Directive by those involved in serious or persistent criminal activities. Following the discussion, the Justice and Home Affairs Council agreed a set of conclusions. The official English language version of the conclusions has not yet been published on the Council website. Subject to minor changes of translation, the conclusions are as follows:

The Council recalls the discussion it held at its meeting on 25 September 2008 concerning the action to be taken following the judgment of the Court of Justice in the Metock case (C-127/08) and on the question of the residence of third-country nationals married to EU citizens in the context of tackling illegal immigration. The Council recalls that the right of free movement within the European Union is one of the main principles on which the Union is based, for the benefit of European citizens, Member States and the competitiveness of the European economy. That right constitutes a fundamental freedom for citizens and, for those who exercise it, entails responsibilities, including respect for the rule of law in the State where they are staying or residing. The Council also emphasises its commitment to developing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice, of which the fight against crime constitutes an essential aspect. The Council considers that, in compliance with and in the interests of the right of free movement, every effort must be made to prevent and combat any misuses and abuses, as well as actions of a criminal nature, with forceful and proportionate measures with due regard to the applicable law, against citizens who break the law in a sufficiently serious manner by committing serious or repeated offences. In this connection the Council notes the relevant provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council , in particular those set out in Chapter VI concerning restrictions on the right of entry and the right of residence of Community nationals and their family members on grounds inter alia of public policy and public security and the provisions of Article 35 concerning abuse of rights and fraud, such as marriages of convenience and the presentation of forged documents. The Council welcomes the Commission's intention to submit between now and mid-December an assessment report on the operation of Directive 2004/38/EC and the work which the Commission is organising in close liaison with representatives of the Member States meeting in an expert group to identify problems in the implementation of the Directive and good practice at national level. Concerned that the provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC should be fully and correctly implemented in order to improve the prevention and combating of misuses and abuses, while adhering to the principle of proportionality, the Council requests the Commission to publish guidelines for the interpretation of that Directive early in 2009 and to consider all other appropriate and necessary proposals and measures. The Council will make a more extensive examination of the issue after the report has been submitted and in the light of the other discussions that will continue at the same time.

Transfer of Prisoners.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

304 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the repatriation and treatment in the case of a person (details supplied); if an effort has been made to establish contact with the person or their family here to offer assistance or protection, legal, medical or psychiatric advice; if an effort has been made to ascertain the extent to which they have been treated in accordance with their constitutional rights as an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44009/08]

The 1983 Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons provides a mechanism whereby prisoners can be repatriated to their home state in order to serve prison sentences they have incurred abroad. The convention is provided for in legislation in this State by virtue of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995 and 1997 and the process is administered by my Department. The process requires extensive documentation to be exchanged between the relevant jurisdictions if an application is to be fully considered. A three-way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place — from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents, assuming they are forthcoming, an application must be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and their continued detention here. As advised in previous answers, my Department has not yet received a formal application for a transfer to Ireland in respect of this person from the United Kingdom authorities. My officials have contacted the UK authorities responsible for such repatriations regarding this matter and they have stated that they have not received an application from the person concerned either. If she has not already done so, she should apply for a transfer via her prison governor in the United Kingdom.

I would also like to inform the Deputy that officials from my Department have brought this matter to the attention of their colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Department of Foreign Affairs has indicated that the person concerned has not sought consular assistance from it. In relation to the treatment of this individual, I am informed by the Department of Health and Children that operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has asked the Department of Health and Children to request the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

International Agreements.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

305 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made on negotiations with the Belorussian authorities to secure continuance of Irish charitable projects working to provide summer holiday opportunities for children from the Chernobyl region in Ireland, and at Christmas time; if continuance of such Irish projects will be governed by a new three year term regulation whereby visiting children from the Chernobyl region who may have stayed with Irish families for three years may not be permitted to return to Ireland again; his views on whether the introduction of such a new regulation will cause heartbreak for many children from the Chernobyl region and for many families from all parts of Ireland particularly since Irish charities and the people of Ireland have been the biggest contributors of support, including international humanitarian aid to the Belorussian community since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 26 April 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43928/08]

This is an issue of great importance to me and to the host families and organisations who give so generously of their time to the children of Chernobyl. I am determined to bring it to a successful conclusion. Every effort is being made to ensure that the children can continue to visit Ireland for the purposes of rest and recuperation. I spoke on this matter during an Adjournment debate on 18 November last. In addition, I have replied to a number of questions on this important issue, most recently on 11, 12 and 19 November last. Copies of those replies will follow this reply. Late on 14 November, a Belorussian response to a draft agreement between Ireland and Belarus to regulate the children's visits which my Department had sent to Minsk was received through our embassy in Moscow. The text of the revised agreement was examined closely by officials in my Department and in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Our response was conveyed to the Belorussian authorities on 26 November. Following an invitation from Belarus, an Irish negotiating team will travel to Minsk on 8 December with a view to negotiating and concluding the agreement and ensuring that restrictions are either removed or, at worst, minimised. I spoke to the Belorussian Foreign Minister on Friday last, 28 November, and expressed the hope that the negotiations could be concluded satisfactorily on 8 December. I also laid stress on the need to allow visits by children over the Christmas holiday period, irrespective of longer term issues. I will continue to give the matter the highest personal priority.

Reply to Question No. 168 of 19 November last:

As the Deputy may be aware, this is an issue of great importance to me personally and I am determined to bring this matter to a successful conclusion. Every effort is being made to ensure that Belorussian children can continue to visit Ireland for the purposes of rest and recuperation. I have replied to a number of questions on this matter, most recently on 11th and 12th of November and I spoke on this matter during an adjournment debate yesterday evening. Late on 14 November, a Belorussian response to a draft Agreement between Ireland and Belarus on the matter which my Department had sent to Minsk was received through our Embassy in Moscow. The text of the revised Agreement is being examined closely by officials in my Department and in the Office of the Minister for Children, and it is intended to forward our response to Minsk shortly with a view to the very early conclusions of negotiations. My Department has also received positive indications at official level that visits by children from Belarus can continue while the negotiating process is ongoing. I hope that this can be confirmed with the Belorussian Government in the coming days. Close contact is being maintained with the charities dealing with Chernobyl children as the situation evolves.

Reply to Questions Nos. 233 and 234 of 12 November last:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together. I would refer the Deputy to my reply yesterday to Question No. 410 on developments on this issue. As set out there, a second draft of a proposed Bilateral Agreement between Ireland and Belarus, to facilitate visits to Ireland by Chernobyl children, was conveyed to the Belorussian authorities on 26 October. I expect a response from the Belorussian authorities on this very shortly. Once this is received, my Department will move immediately to try to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. The Deputy can be assured of my ongoing personal commitment and engagement in that regard.

Reply to Question No. 410 of 11 November last:

As I mentioned in answer to questions on Wednesday 29 October, once I became aware of possible restrictions on the children's travel, I met with Adi Roche of Chernobyl Children's Project International on 8 September to review the situation, and also asked the Chargé d'Affaires of the Belorussian Embassy in London to visit Dublin later that week to open discussions on an agreement to provide a framework for visits by Chernobyl children. Following intensive discussions at official level, a draft Agreement was forwarded to the Belorussian authorities on 6 October. On 13 October, I discussed progress at a meeting with Belorussian Foreign Minister Martynov and expressed the Government's strong hope that — even if negotiations with the Belorussian Government were not fully concluded — Christmas visits by the Chernobyl children to Ireland should be allowed to go ahead. A Belarus response to the draft agreement, requesting further information, was received by my Department on 16 October. Separately, Ireland's Ambassador to Minsk was notified by the Belorussian authorities on 16 October that a Presidential Decree had been signed on 13 October relating to travel by Belorussian children overseas. Given its potential impact on future visits by children from Chernobyl, and following further consultations with Adi Roche and other Chernobyl NGOs, it was decided to deal with the issues arising through our proposed draft agreement. On 24 October, this approach was conveyed to the Belorussian authorities. A reply has been promised to Ireland's Ambassador on this and is still awaited. Officials remain in constant contact with their Belorussian opposite numbers and an Irish delegation is ready to visit Minsk at short notice with the intention, depending on the Belorussian response, of quickly concluding an agreement which will allow the visits to continue. I am also remaining in very close touch with developments on an issue that is of course of considerable concern to many Irish charities and to individual families, and I am ready to intervene again personally if necessary.

Foreign Conflicts.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

306 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing religious persecution of Ahmedin people in Pakistan; and if this persecution is taken into account in the event of persons of this community applying for asylum, citizenship or other such applications here. [43472/08]

As my predecessor stated in the House on 6 February last, Ireland, together with its EU partners, continues to have concerns about human rights issues in Pakistan, including the situation of the Ahmedin. Promoting religious tolerance remains a key EU objective in Pakistan. We have urged the government there to make every effort to promote effectively the rights of minorities and to improve their current conditions. EU Council Conclusions on 28 April 2008 reaffirmed the importance of human rights in Pakistan as a central priority for the EU. Regular human rights demarches are carried out by the EU at official level with the Pakistani authorities. The situation of minorities was among the issues raised at the last demarche, which took place in June 2007. The EU expressed its continued concerns over abuses of the blasphemy laws, which are often used to harass members of minority communities as well as Muslims. Issues relating to applications for asylum and citizenship are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

307 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support proposals in relation to Colombia (details supplied). [43473/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the third session of the Universal Periodic Review of UN Human Rights Council is being held from 1 to 15 December 2008. Colombia will be reviewed on 10 December. In the lead up to this review, a number of submissions have been received by the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the submission from ABColombia referred to by the Deputy. Ireland will participate actively in the review of Colombia and our contribution will be informed, inter alia, by contributions from a wide range of UN and civil society sources, including those from ABColombia.

Foreign Conflicts.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

308 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Zimbabwe which appears to be on the brink of collapse both economic and humanitarian; the efforts he and the EU are taking to avert this major crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43490/08]

I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. Over the last number of years, but especially in recent months, ordinary Zimbabweans have suffered from state violence, economic chaos and the collapse of basic social services such as health and education. Now, as a result of drought, the disruption caused by violence, and a lack of basic inputs such as seeds and fertilisers which farmers can no longer afford, many Zimbabweans are facing a season of hunger. The United Nations believes that the number of people who depend on food aid will reach 5 million in January 2009. The European Commission has allocated an additional €10 million in relief assistance for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, while Irish aid to the affected people for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date) amounts to approximately €25 million. At present, there is a serious outbreak of cholera in the country. Substantial political change is urgently needed to bring Zimbabwe back onto a path to stability, peace and economic growth. Despite the appalling violence against Movement for Democratic Change supporters since the relatively free elections of March 2008, Morgan Tsvangirai has expressed his willingness to work with Zanu-PF in a unity government. However, the MDC can only represent the Zimbabwean people's interests effectively in government if Zanu-PF honours its commitments under the 15 September power-sharing agreement. The fact that Zanu-PF is not prepared to allow the MDC to take on the two Ministries — Finance and Home Affairs — which are most crucial for reform is a clear demonstration of bad faith on the part of Robert Mugabe.

I am frankly disappointed at the outcome of the Southern African Development Community summit in Pretoria on 9 November, when regional leaders did not press Mugabe to do what it takes to make a unity government workable. Talks resumed in South Africa on 26 November. I believe that some progress has been made on the constitutional changes necessary to implement the power-sharing agreement. However, constitutional change will not be sufficient to allow a unity government to tackle Zimbabwe's problems if political will is still lacking. The Government has engaged at EU level in the discussion of the current crisis in Zimbabwe and actively contributed to the preparation of the conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council in October. After that meeting, EU Foreign Ministers stated that the EU stands ready to support a transitional government which is taking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. That commitment still stands. The situation in Zimbabwe was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 10 November, and I expect that EU Foreign Ministers will wish to comment again on the situation in December.

Ireland has conveyed its concerns directly to our partner countries in Africa. We have encouraged the countries of the southern Africa region and organisations such as SADC and the African Union to continue to press the two sides to come to a workable agreement and to respect the democratic verdict of the Zimbabwean people. Most recently, last month I instructed our ambassadors in SADC countries once again to convey our concerns to the authorities in our partner countries in southern Africa, in advance of the 9 November SADC Summit. The Irish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who is based in Pretoria, has had contact with Zimbabwean Ambassador there, and the Zimbabwean authorities can be in no doubt about our strong views. My Department has also ensured that African embassies based in Dublin are aware of our position.

State Visits.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

309 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43836/08]

While this is a completely hypothetical question, I emphasise, as I have done previously, that no protest was made to the Government of the Czech Republic relating to the programme of its President while in Ireland recently.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

310 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is a fund available to repatriate a person with a serious illness who requires to be transported by air ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43911/08]

Over the past decade, the number of Irish citizens travelling and living abroad has increased dramatically. Irish residents made almost 8 million visits overseas in 2007. As a result, requests to my Department for consular assistance and support have increased significantly. Every effort is made to assist families who experience difficulties. While the vast majority of visits abroad are trouble free, some result in death or serious illness, unfortunately. Our missions overseas provide a wide range of practical assistance when Irish citizens experience serious illness. This includes the provision of lists of English speaking doctors and appropriate local medical facilities; communicating with medical personnel or hospital authorities; visiting hospitals and transferring funds from family and friends. We also liaise with insurance or medical evacuation companies. My Department, of course, strongly advises intending travellers to take out adequate travel insurance prior to departure. Failure to take out insurance can lead to considerable financial and logistical difficulties for the traveller and his/her family should problems arise. There is no specific fund available for the repatriation of Irish citizens to be transported home by air ambulance. Repatriation by air ambulance is usually organised directly by the family concerned and, where the person concerned is insured, their travel insurance company.

Foreign Conflicts.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

311 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a petition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43931/08]

The Government has consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the reopening of crossing points for the movement of people and goods. Gaza has been isolated, in effect, since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, even during the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas that was broadly respected from 19 June 2008 until 4 November 2008. Since June 2007, Israel has maintained the closure of all border crossings for the movement of people, with limited exceptions. Rafah International Crossing Point, the only border crossing via a country other than Israel, also remains closed since June 2007, with very limited openings. Since 4 November, Israel has also effectively closed all border crossings for commercial goods, and even for humanitarian supplies. While there have been some limited openings for humanitarian supplies since 17 November, the volume of supplies remains greatly reduced and insufficient to meet the needs of the local population. The Government agrees with those who say that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law. The 1.5 million people in Gaza have been facing unsustainable conditions of daily life, which have been even more acute since 4 November. Ireland will continue to work with its EU partners to ensure that concerns about these matters are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity. At the same time, the Government unreservedly condemns the rocket attacks from Gaza on towns in southern Israel. Our clear message is for an immediate end to all violence.

As regards the call in the petition "for the immediate release of 38 elected Palestinian parliamentarians held in Israeli jails", it is understood that this refers to 37 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who are imprisoned in Israel. A large majority — 33 parliamentarians — are members of Hamas, together with three members of Fatah and one member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. A number of the parliamentarians have been convicted by military courts in Israel of various crimes related to affiliation with, or membership of, a terrorist organisation, while others await trial and sentencing. I understand that some of the prisoners were elected as members of the Palestinian Legislative Council after their imprisonment. I would call for the release of all prisoners who have not been subject to due judicial process. In relation to the European Campaign to end the Siege on Gaza, I understand that it is an umbrella body of 31 non-governmental organisations in various European countries who advocate on behalf of Palestinians living in Gaza. One Irish NGO, the Palestinian Rights Foundation, is listed among its membership. The director of the campaign, Dr. Arafat Shoukri, is based in London, and works as an Executive Director of the Palestinian Return Centre.

Irish Prisoners Abroad.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

312 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to the repatriation and treatment in the case of a person (details supplied); if an effort has been made to establish contact with the person or their family here to offer assistance or protection, legal, medical or psychiatric advice; if an effort has been made to ascertain the extent to which they have been treated in accordance with their constitutional rights as an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44011/08]

The Embassy in London has contacted the relevant prison in Britain (Foston Hall). The prison authorities were, however, reluctant to release any information on the person concerned as prisoners have the right not to have information about their personal circumstances used without their express permission. Personal information is, I should add, safeguarded under the British Data Protection Act.

Foston Hall is a dedicated female prison with a capacity of just under 300, of which 80 are usually on remand. It is not a mental hospital and does not have a dedicated medical/ psychiatric facility. It would seem, therefore, that the person mentioned by the Deputy may be held on a "normal" criminal charge.

My Department has not been contacted either by the person mentioned or any member of her family, but will, of course, be happy to receive an approach from them.

Sporting Events.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

313 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans to host the World Equestrian Games in 2014; the steps being taken to receive the games for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43935/08]

Responsibility for applying to host the World Equestrian Games rests with the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, in this case Horse Sport Ireland, and not the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism or the agencies under its aegis.

I was informed by Horse Sport Ireland at the end of October, that following consideration of the matter at board level they decided not to proceed with a bid to host the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Horse Sport Ireland is confident that Ireland would bid for the World Equestrian Games at some stage in the future.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

314 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if there is an active application on file for this road, particularly as previous information given in this regard would appear to be outdated. [43444/08]

In view of the additional information provided by the Deputy, I have asked my officials to re-examine the application in question and I will revert to him as soon as possible.

Crime Prevention.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

315 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected timeframe for the launch of the dial to stop drug dealing non-Garda confidential freephone line by local authority area. [43487/08]

The Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaign, which I launched in September, is being rolled in three phases through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. As the geographical spread of the Drugs Task Forces does not necessarily replicate local authority areas, the campaigns are not being delivered on a local authority area basis. A breakdown of the areas covered by Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces is in Appendix 1.

The 5 campaigns in the first phase have been funded mainly by my Department and were rolled out in October and November in the Drugs Task Force areas listed below. For the Deputy's information, I have referenced them also by local authority area.

Dublin North East LDTF — in Dublin City Council area;

Tallaght LDTF — in South Dublin County Council area;

Blanchardstown LDTF — in Fingal County Council area;

South West RDTF — in South Dublin County Council, Kildare County Council and Wicklow County Council areas

North Inner City — in Dublin City Council area.

The second phase of the campaign is scheduled to run in mid January 2009 and will cover Southern RDTF, Southeast RDTF, Midwest RDTF, North Dublin City & County RDTF and Cork City LDTF.

The third and final phase, to run in April 2009, will involve East Coast RDTF, Midlands RDTF, Bray LDTF, Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown LDTF and Finglas / Cabra Local Drugs Task Force.

These will be supported from funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund while the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has also contributed to the development of the campaign.

Appendix 1

Local Drugs Task Force areas

Ballyfermot

Ballymun

Blanchardstown

Bray

Canal Communities

Clondalkin

Cork City

Dublin North East

Dublin 12

Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown

Finglas / Cabra

North Inner City

South Inner City

Tallaght

Regional Drugs Task Forces

East Coast RDTF — Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown and East Wicklow.

North Dublin City & County RDTF — North Dublin City and Fingal.

Southwest RDTF — South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow.

Midland RDTF — Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois.

Midwest RDTF — Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick.

NorthEast RDTF — Monaghan, East Cavan, Meath and Louth.

Northwest RDTF — West Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

Southern RDTF — Cork County and Kerry Southeast RDTF — Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South and Waterford.

Western RDTF — Mayo, Roscommon and Galway.

Phase 2 Mid January 2009

Southern Regional Drugs Task Force

South East Regional Drugs Task Force

Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force

North Dublin City & County Regional Drugs Task Force

Cork City Local Drugs Task

Force Phase 3 April 2009

East Coast Regional Drugs Task Force

Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force

Bray Local Drugs Task Force

Dun Laoghaire Local Drugs Task Force

Finglas / Cabra Local Drugs Task Force.

Physical Education Facilities.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

316 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that four schools in the Tallaght and Clondalkin areas of Dublin have had funding for the community use of their sports halls stopped; if the schools concerned have been promised a continuation of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43500/08]

The four facilities referred to by the Deputy are in Killinarden and Firhouse in South Dublin and Palmerstown and Collinstown in West Dublin. They were built as part of a programme to develop combined community/school sports facilities in drugs task force areas in Dublin and Cork. The objective was that each facility (nine in total) would serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they would put good sporting and recreational facilities at the disposal of the school-going population of the areas of South, West Dublin and Cork, and secondly, the facilities would be accessible for the wider communities too. The Department of Education and Science (D/E&S) provided funding in excess of €34m towards the capital cost of constructing the halls and Dormant Accounts monies was used to enable the opening of these facilities. The Dormant Account funding will be fully expended by the end of December 2008.

In view of the circumstances, the D/E&S approached my Department with a view to securing a longer-term and more sustainable funding source. My Department has examined the matter and, in recent days, has reached agreement with South Dublin VEC and South County Dublin County Council on the broad principles of an arrangement to secure the community use of these facilities for the longer-term. While the details of the proposals are yet to be finalised, I am satisfied that the facilities will remain available to the community without any interruption of services and that their longer-term use will be secured.

Community Development.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

317 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the South Tipperary Local Development Company will be open for applications for funding. [43592/08]

The Deputy will be aware that I announced the results of the process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme and the respective funding allocations for the successful Groups on the 4th November last. I hope to be in a position to sign contracts with the Groups in the near future. However, contracts will only be signed with those Groups who are fully cohesed and who have completed the transfer of Rural Social Scheme participants from the old LEADER companies.

South Tipperary Local Development Company has been awarded an allocation of €11,106,187 under Axes 3 & 4 of the Programme and it is expected that the Group will be open to applications for funding from project promoters in the near future.

Consumer Protection.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

318 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will revisit the issue of possible regulation in the sale of so called bogus Mass cards. [43608/08]

The matter of the sale of so called bogus Mass cards has been the subject of debate during the passage of the Charities Bill 2007 through both the Dáil and the Seanad, where Committee Stage is scheduled for 4th December 2008.

I am taking legal advice as to whether it is possible to make provision in the Bill to address this particular practice with a view, subject to the legal advice available to me, to proposing amendments before the Bill completes its passage through the Houses.

Community Development.

Niall Blaney

Ceist:

319 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding avenues available to a group (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43772/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department administers a scheme in the Gaeltacht under which community groups may apply for funding for local projects, subject to certain criteria. The maximum assistance that can be given under this scheme is 80% of the admissible costs and this percentage would include any assistance given by other organisations out of public funds.

My Department received an application from the group referred to by the Deputy during 2007. The works involved and the costing of the project were evaluated by the engineering staff of my Department. Based on that evaluation and taking account of assistance that had been sanctioned from other public funds, it was deemed that grant assistance of over 80% had already been approved. In the circumstances, therefore, it was not possible for my Department to grant further State assistance to the project.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

320 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the announcement that CLÁR funding for water and sewerage schemes has been suspended for the remainder of 2008 with immediate effect, that this has had an adverse effect on a number of schemes, which would normally advance with the help of CLÁR top up funding; if his attention has been drawn to the position, whereby up to 16 such proposed schemes were on hand with Longford County Council, none of which were at the offer stage of contract when the scheme was suspended and it is anticipated that only one of these schemes will proceed as the others are not economically viable with the suspension of CLÁR funding; when he will announce recommencement of this element of CLÁR funding for water and sewerage projects which are important in rural hinterlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43991/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 213 and 217 of 14 Deireadh Fómhair 2008.

Under the CLÁR programme, a total of approximately €637,000 in CLÁR funding has been approved for water/sewerage schemes in Co. Longford since 2002. All such approvals for CLÁR funding will be honoured as they fall due.

I would like to advise the Deputy that there is no record of any new applications for CLÁR funding in respect of water/sewerage schemes having been received in my Department from Longford County Council during 2008.

In relation to accepting applications for new schemes, consideration will be given to re-opening the measure for group water schemes in 2009.

The Deputy may wish to note that the CLÁR funding approved for water and sewerage schemes in Longford in the years 2002-2008 was as set out below.

The Deputy may also wish to note that applications for CLÁR funding may only be submitted to the Department after the receipt of evaluation of tenders.

Group Water Schemes

Public Water/Sewerage

Group Sewerage Schemes

2002-03

34,006.41

Nil

Nil

2003-04

23,334.00

Nil

Nil

2004-05

Nil

Nil

Nil

2005-06

31,147.62

Nil

Nil

2006-07

170,808.36

312,979.34

Nil

2007-08

64,269.71

Nil

Nil

Social Welfare Code.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

321 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the contribution her Department and the Revenue Commissioners have made to a report into the take up of family income supplement; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43903/08]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

336 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the terms of reference for her Department’s report into the take up of family income supplement; when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43901/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 336 together.

Family income supplement is an income support scheme for people, in low-income employment, with children. It is designed to provide the incentive to remain in, or take up, employment rather than be fully welfare dependent.

The Department commissioned a research project to establish the reasons for the apparent lack of take-up of Family Income Supplement (FIS), to establish the level of public awareness of the scheme and to examine the level of non-take up of the scheme.

The terms of reference for the project are: to measure current levels of awareness of the Family Income Supplement; to measure perceived eligibility to apply among respondents, to establish whether they had applied in the past and to identify any perceived barriers to applying for the scheme; to gain an understanding of how the Department can effectively maximise uptake of FIS; to investigate awareness and effectiveness of the Department's advertising for the FIS, with particular emphasis on the campaign initiated in March 2006; to review the effectiveness of communications about FIS from the Department itself and through different information channels available to customers; and to examine and reconcile the findings from the ESRI in 2005 which suggested that there was a large group of potentially eligible claimants of FIS who were failing to do so.

This project was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs with no direct involvement by the Revenue Commissioners. However, income data provided by the Revenue Commissioners to the Department of Social and Family Affairs, as part of the normal course of events, was used to identify potential FIS recipients. The project is at the final stage at present and is expected to be completed shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

322 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will send out a new UP2 letter to persons in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit who have been affected by the recent retrospective budget 2009 changes advising them of the change in the duration of their entitlement to jobseeker benefit; the number affected by the changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43440/08]

All jobseeker's benefit claimants are notified 3 months in advance of exhausting their benefit. This is to allow sufficient time to undertake a means test where a person wishes to apply for jobseeker's allowance. This arrangement will apply to those claimants affected by the changes announced in the budget. The earliest date on which the new conditions as to duration can have an effect is mid April 2009. Consequently, the Department will begin contacting persons affected in January.

The change announced in the Budget that will affect existing jobseeker's claimants is a reduction in the duration of benefit. Jobseeker's Benefit will now be paid for 12 months (previously 15 months) where 260 or more PRSI contributions are paid. This will apply to new claimants and those with an existing duration of less than 6 months on Jobseeker's Benefit on 15th October. Jobseeker's Benefit will be paid for up to 9 months (previously 12 months) where less than 260 contributions are paid. This will apply to new claimants and those with an existing duration of less than 3 months on Jobseeker's Benefit on 15th October. It is estimated that the maximum number affected will be some 48,000 and 20,000 approximately.

On the 17th October, the nearest date to the Budget change for which figures are available, 115,441 people had a claim for jobseeker's benefit. 39,606 were in receipt of benefit for less than 3 months. Of this number 20,090 have less than 260 contributions recorded up to the end of the 2007 tax year, the latest year for which the department has contribution details. 75,835 were in receipt of benefit for less than 6 months and of this number 47,996 appear to have less than 260 contributions.

I should point out to the Deputy that some of these people will have stopped claiming jobseeker's benefit before their entitlement ceases and others will have commenced claiming. Some will also be affected by the changes announced in Budget 2009 in relation to the length of time for which jobseeker's benefit will be paid.

It is envisaged that in 2009 a weekly average of 2,400 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 312 days to 234 days and 3,860 people in a full year. A weekly average of 6,750 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 390 days to 312 days and 9,200 people in a full year.

Some claimants who have less than 260 PRSI contributions may have additional contributions paid in 2008 which would not yet be recorded in the Department. These contributions could bring their total to 260 or more and this would extend their entitlement from 234 days (9 months) to 312 days (12 months). Similarly, others could have insurance in another EU member state which could also bring their total contributions to 260 or more.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

323 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [43443/08]

Further to my response to PQ 240 on 12 November 2008, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given in that response. Every effort will be made to have this appeal dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

324 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a State non-contributory pension appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [43479/08]

Further to my response to PQ 427 on 21 October 2008, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the person concerned was notified on 25 November 2008 that his case was referred to an Appeals Officer and that it was proposed to hold an oral appeal hearing. A time and date has not yet been arranged, but every effort is being made to have this case dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

325 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will answer a question (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43506/08]

Permanent and pensionable employees in the public service, other than those who were recruited after 6 April, 1995, are liable to pay social insurance contributions at modified PRSI rates during their working lives.

The contributions payable by employees determine the range of benefits and pensions towards which they can build up entitlement. Employees liable for modified contributions pay a lower rate of 0.9 per cent, whereas PRSI class A contributions, which are generally payable in the private sector, are paid at 4 per cent by employees and 10.75 per cent by employers. Subject to having the required number of PRSI contributions, employees who pay modified contributions may be entitled to the following payments:

a. widow's/widower's (contributory) pension;

b. guardians payment (contributory);

c. bereavement grant, and

d. carer's benefit.

Modified contributors at PRSI classes B and D may also be eligible for occupational injuries benefits in certain circumstances.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

326 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families waiting for child benefit claims to be processed; the number of these in which the parents are foreign nationals; the average waiting time to process an application for child benefit; and the way these figures compare with November 2005, November 2006 and November 2007. [43511/08]

There is no delay in processing the majority of Child Benefit applications. Awards for Irish-born children are processed either automatically or in a partially automated way using the child's birth details when they are registered with the General Registrar's Office. The average processing time for these claims is less than 10 days. Payments on behalf of some 70,000 children were paid this way in 2007.

Currently there are delays in processing Child Benefit claims for children born outside Ireland who have come to live in Ireland with their parents, and also claims for children who reside in another EU member state but have an entitlement to Irish Child Benefit under EU regulations (non-resident children).

In the case of non-Irish born children resident in Ireland, these cases are slower to process as the customer must satisfy the Habitual Residency condition test and this may entail contacting employers, the Department of Justice and other relevant bodies to confirm their status in the state. The residence of the children in Ireland must also be confirmed. This additional complexity, combined with an increase in the volume of applications received in recent years, has led to arrears of claims to be processed. This is currently being addressed. There are a total of 5,300 such claims awaiting processing. A further 2,250 cases, where the Department is waiting on additional information to finalise the claims have been partially processed.

Additional staff resources have been assigned to this area and it is envisaged that the remaining claims on hand will be cleared in the early part of 2009. Average processing time for these claims at present is 8 months. EU nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families remain in their home country may have an entitlement to Family Benefits in Ireland under EU Regulation 1408/71. Before payment of Child Benefit is made for these non-resident children it is necessary amongst other things, to contact the authorities in the country of residence of the children to confirm details and establish what, if any, family benefits are payable in the home country as this will determine entitlement to Irish payments. This process can take a number of months to complete in normal circumstances. There are some 7,100 such claims awaiting processing, with a further 3,000 cases where the Department is waiting on additional information to finalise the claims. These claims are being processed with the assistance of additional temporary staff recruited for this purpose. It is anticipated that these claims will be cleared during the first half of 2009. At this point it is taking an average of 18 months to process these claims to completion.

Details of the average waiting time to process an application and the comparative figures for 2005-2007 are not available, however 15% more claims were cleared in 2008 to end October than in the same period in 2007.

The processing time for a Child Benefit claim depends on the complexity of the individual claim and the volume of such claims that have been received at that point in time. Claims for children born outside Ireland, whether living in Ireland or not, are taking significantly longer to process at present than they did prior to the substantial increase in the number of claims received since 2006.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

327 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average cost per applicant of the rent allowance scheme; the number of persons accommodated under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43613/08]

As of 21st November 2008, there were 71,219 people in receipt of rent supplement and the average weekly supplement was €127.61.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

328 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications received for mortgage interest supplement, the number of claimants awarded mortgage interest supplement and the number of applicants refused mortgage interest supplement to date in 2008; the number of appeals received to reverse the decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement; the average length of time it takes to decide an appeal in both the Health Service Executive and the social welfare appeals office; the number of successful appeals; the number of outstanding appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43758/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department, provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. As of 21st November 2008, there were 7,347 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, an increase of 3,236 (80%) over those in payment at end 2007.

Statistics are not held on the number of people who applied for or were refused mortgage interest supplement. The scheme is delivered locally by community welfare officers (CWOs), who interview claimants when they first present to enquire about their possible entitlement for mortgage interest supplement. Claim details are recorded electronically only in cases where it is established that mortgage interest supplement is payable.

Under existing arrangements, an appeal against a decision on entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance is made in the first instance to a designated appeals officer in the HSE. A person may, if they so wish, make a further appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, if they are dissatisfied with the decision of the HSE appeals officer. Details of the number of mortgage interest supplement appeals to the HSE Appeals Office are currently being compiled by the HSE and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they become available.

Statistics on the number of mortgage interest supplement decisions appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the outcomes are provided in the following tabular statement. This shows that 37 appeals were finalised in the first ten months of 2008 in relation to mortgage interest supplement. Some 25 of these were disallowed. That office has advised that they do not hold details of the average duration of a mortgage interest supplement appeal. The average duration of a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in 2007 was 8 weeks while the average for all appeals determined during 2007 was 22 weeks.

Mortgage Interest Supplement Appeals to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, 2008.

Year

Received

Allowed

Partially Allowed

Disallowed

Pending

2008

37

9

3

25

N/A*

*The issue under appeal (SWA appeals — Basic SWA, Rent Supplement, Mortgage Interest Supplement, etc.) is only recorded once an Appeals Officer has determined the appeal i.e. as the appeal is closed. However there were 100 SWA appeals outstanding at 31/10/2008.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

329 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a pension forecast will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43783/08]

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned will not reach 66 until 24 August 2012. She has been provided with a copy of her contribution record, together with an information guide on State Pension (Contributory). The Department does not provide forecasts on possible future pension entitlement.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

330 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have availed of the mortgage interest supplement in each local authority area over the past five years with figures listed for each year per local authority. [43804/08]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

331 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have availed of the mortgage interest supplement in each county over the past five years with figures listed for each year per county. [43805/08]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

332 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have availed of the mortgage interest supplement in County Limerick over the past five years with figures listed for each year. [43806/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 to 332, inclusive, together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department, provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

The table shows the number of recipients of mortgage interest supplement by county, including Limerick, for the past 5 years. A breakdown of the number of recipients of mortgage interest supplement by local authority area is not available.

Recipients of Mortgage Interest Supplement by County

County

2004

2005

2006

2007

21/11/2008

Carlow

42

45

52

87

171

Cavan

49

60

76

92

240

Clare

51

56

65

78

152

Cork

431

440

457

533

816

Donegal

102

103

96

97

174

Dublin

1,190

1,080

1,129

1,295

2,061

Galway

115

128

122

171

333

Kerry

80

86

84

90

158

Kildare

132

134

159

222

466

Kilkenny

68

60

71

86

133

Laois

15

19

25

35

52

Leitrim

8

6

7

9

12

Limerick

130

113

110

149

272

Longford

16

11

11

13

25

Louth

65

61

57

75

130

Mayo

135

148

163

168

280

Meath

79

85

117

169

379

Monaghan

39

30

36

38

71

Offaly

16

14

18

22

53

Roscommon

47

44

50

62

135

Sligo

18

12

12

12

24

Tipperary

123

130

129

147

234

Waterford

76

68

76

91

204

Westmeath

31

25

27

36

88

Wexford

128

127

139

178

401

Wicklow

132

135

136

156

283

Total

3,318

3,220

3,424

4,111

7,347

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

333 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43864/08]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

The Executive has advised that payment of rent supplement was suspended in this case as a notification had been received that the landlord was not receiving rent from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that following a review of entitlement, payment of rent supplement has now been reinstated.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

334 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43865/08]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

The Executive has advised that as the person concerned is in receipt of income from maintenance which had not been previously disclosed, it was necessary to review her entitlement to the supplement. Following the review, it was decided that the person concerned is entitled to a reduced rate of payment. The Executive has advised that arrangements have been made to issue revised rent supplement to her.

Departmental Expenditure.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

335 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will itemise the research carried out by her Department and the Office of Social Inclusion each year for the past five years; the cost of each individual piece of research; the research which was done in house and that which was done by outside agencies or companies; the amount of same which has been published; if she will make a copy of all research available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43900/08]

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 336 answered with Question No. 321.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

337 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has examined the impact proposed changes to jobseeker’s and illness benefit will have on the criteria for the back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43902/08]

The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the work force. The scheme is designed to enable people in receipt of social welfare payments to pursue an approved full-time education course, subject to fulfilling the qualifying conditions. The underlying objective is to raise education and skill levels among the long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market.

One of the conditions for the back to education allowance is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for a specified period immediately prior to commencing the relevant course.

For jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance, the specified period is 6 months (156 days) for 2nd level courses and 12 months (312 days) for 3rd level courses. In order to support the activation of the unemployed the specified waiting period for access to the third level option was reduced to nine months for participants in the National Employment Action Plan. There is no waiting period for an unemployed person who is awarded statutory redundancy and who has established entitlement to a social welfare payment. In relation to illness benefit, in order to qualify for the back to education allowance, a person has to be 2 years on illness benefit immediately prior to commencing an approved course.

The recent changes to the duration of the payment of jobseeker's benefit and illness benefit are necessary to control expenditure on these schemes by aligning the contribution conditions for these benefits more closely to the level and duration of the benefits being provided. The changes are designed to ensure a uniform, rationalised, approach across the short-term social insurance schemes.

The back to education scheme is subject to review on an ongoing basis to ensure that it meets its objectives. The relationship between the qualifying criteria for the BTEA and the revised conditions for receipt of illness and disability benefit will be reviewed as appropriate.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

338 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number who have availed of the back-to-education allowance at second level and at third level subdivided into the number individually entitled because they received redundancy payments and entitled because they are in an NEAP area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43904/08]

The back to education scheme is a second chance education opportunity designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education. It encourages and facilitates people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market.

The statistics on participation in the back to education scheme are collated and validated at the end April each year in order to get an overview for the full academic year. The full-year figure for 2006/2007 was 8,090 with 3,359 participating on the second level option and 4,731 availing of the third level option. This increased to 8,883 for 2007/2008 with 4,242 participants on the second level option and 4,641 participating in third level courses. This represents an increase of 9.8% in the number availing of the back to education allowance during this period. The figure in November 2008 is 9,796. This is the highest ever recorded and is expected to rise further in the coming months.

One of the conditions for the back to education allowance is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for a specified period immediately prior to commencing the relevant course. For jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance, the specified period is 6 months (156 days) for 2nd level courses and 12 months (312 days) for 3rd level courses. In order to support the activation of the unemployed the specified waiting period for access to the third level option was reduced to nine months for participants in the National Employment Action Plan. There is no waiting period for an unemployed person who is awarded statutory redundancy and who has established entitlement to a social welfare payment. According to the data currently available, of the 9,796 who are recorded as participating in the back to education allowance in November 2008, there are 113 who were awarded statutory redundancy and 75 who were referred earlier to the third level option as a result of their participation in the NEAP.

The figures for the 2008/2009 academic year will be validated and collated fully in April 2009 and more complete information will be available at that time.

Departmental Staff.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

339 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the office the additional 115 staff will be allocated to; the various grades of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43907/08]

The Department recently undertook a review of the staffing levels in Local Offices due to the continued increased number of claims for jobseeker's payments. An additional 115 staff, at Clerical Officer (CO) and Staff Officer (SO) levels, are to be assigned and arrangements are being put in train to assign these resources. There will be no recruitment of additional staff. They are being sourced from existing Civil Service numbers, both from within the Department and from other Government Departments. The table outlines the grades and locations of the additional posts.

Local Office

Grade

Total

CO

SO

Dublin Offices

Apollo House

1

0

1

Ballyfermot

2

0

2

Ballymun

1

0

1

Bishops Square

2

2

4

Blanchardstown

1

2

3

Clondalkin

2

2

4

Coolock

2

1

3

Dun Laoghaire

2

2

4

Finglas

1

1

2

Kilbarrack

2

0

2

Navan Rd

2

0

2

North Cumberland St.

2

1

3

Nutgrove

2

1

3

Swords

2

0

2

Tallaght

2

2

4

Thomas St

1

0

1

Provincial Offices

Arklow

2

0

2

Athlone

2

0

2

Ballina

1

0

1

Bray

2

1

3

Buncrana

2

0

2

Carlow

1

1

2

Carrick-on-Shannon

1

0

1

Castlebar

1

0

1

Cavan

1

0

1

Clonmel

2

0

2

Drogheda

1

2

3

Dundalk

2

0

2

Dungloe

1

0

1

Ennis

1

2

3

Galway

1

4

5

Kilkenny

2

1

3

Letterkenny

1

1

2

Limerick

2

4

6

Listowel

1

0

1

Longford

1

0

1

Loughrea

1

0

1

Mullingar

2

0

2

Navan

2

2

4

Newbridge

2

3

5

Newcastlewest

1

1

2

Sligo

1

1

2

Thurles

1

0

1

Tralee

2

1

3

Tullamore

1

1

2

Waterford

1

4

5

Wexford

1

2

3

Social Welfare Benefits.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

340 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will include chronic illnesses of miners under the occupational injuries benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43914/08]

The Occupational Injury Benefit scheme operated by the Department provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment.

Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed in relation to that disease. In addition, benefits may be payable if the claimant can show that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed in relation to that disease.

Employment under a contract of service as a miner is insurable for occupational injuries benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. Miners who are unable to work due to an accident arising from their employment may be entitled to occupational injury benefit for the first 26 weeks of their claim. If their incapacity extends beyond that period they may receive illness benefit or invalidity pension, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions for these payments. Miners may also be entitled to disablement benefit under the occupational injury scheme.

Disablement benefit is a compensation payment specifically for those who suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty as a result of an accident at work or a disease prescribed in legislation that they contracted at work. Medical assessments are undertaken in all such cases to determine the degree of disablement, which is calculated by comparison of the state of health of the applicant with the norm for a person of the same age and gender.

I understand that the Deputy's concerns lie with the fact that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not amongst the specific diseases specified in the legislation governing entitlement to Disablement Benefit under the Occupational Injury Benefit scheme.

Following a careful examination of the matter, it has been found that it would be inappropriate to specify COPD as a prescribed illness for the purposes of determining entitlement to Occupational Injury Benefit. COPD is a common clinical condition which is not specifically linked to a particular occupation. It is not possible to establish a causal link between coal mining (or indeed, any other occupation) and the experience of COPD.

I should point out that the current position is that where miners develop pneumoconiosis, which is a prescribed disease, as a result of their occupation, then Occupational Injury Benefit is awarded by the Department. Persons claiming benefit in such cases are referred to a Consultant Respiratory Physician in the first instance for an examination and report. This examination consists of a clinical assessment and pulmonary function testing. The latter is a standardised test that establishes the extent of lung malfunction irrespective of the specific medical condition giving rise to that malfunction. Disablement Benefit is awarded on the basis of the consultant's objective report, including the results of the pulmonary function testing. I should mention also that if COPD is present in such a case, and it can be reasonably linked to exposure to coal dust, the disablement award will reflect this.

Commemorative Events.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

341 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising; if an interdepartmental committee has been established; and if so, the persons who are the members of same. [43751/08]

Nominations in respect of the composition of the Oireachtas Consultation Group are now complete. The party nominations are: Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Joe Costello T.D., Aengus Ó Snodaigh T.D., and Michael Lowry T.D. as a representative of Independent members. Arrangements are being made for a meeting of the Group to be held at an early date.

The initial meeting of the re-constituted group will be informed of progress on current heritage projects related to the Independence period and the consideration towards a framework for the Centenary commemorative programme. This includes:

Status report on the possibility of development of cultural and amenity use in the GPO complex in O'Connell Street;

Position on the possible restoration of 16 Moore Street;

Progress on the restoration of the Asgard;

Programme of works at Glasnevin Cemetery;

Support for the creation of programmes of events in all cities and towns in Ireland;

The preparation for public access to personal files and records in the Military Archives.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

342 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence if persons who had been successful in recruitment to the Defence Forces in 2008 but who did not commence training because of a cut in the Defence Forces budget have to go through the application process again in the future when recruitment begins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43391/08]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

343 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence when in view of the decision to cut the payroll by more than 4% in the defence vote in 2009, recruitment to the Defence Forces will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43392/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs will apply to the Defence Forces. The initial step towards achieving this reduction has been to stop further recruitment for the remainder of 2008. The priority for recruitment is likely to be in areas such as cadets, medical and apprentices.

Recruitment in 2009 will be rescheduled. The situation will be closely monitored. This monitoring will take account of projected and actual natural wastage in establishing the appropriate level of recruitment in 2009.

The military authorities have advised that they will continue to accept application forms from those interested in general service recruitment. The applications will be kept on a register, applicants will be issued with an acknowledgement letter advising them of the position in relation to recruitment and they will be kept informed on the status of their applications on an on-going basis. Similarly, those who have already applied and have completed some of the recruitment selection process have been informed in writing of the current status regarding recruitment.

In addition to notifying each applicant individually a note to this effect has been placed on the Defence Forces internet site www.military.ie

The Defence Forces is maintaining all applications on its register for 2009 and therefore if recruitment proceeds candidates will not have to apply again. However some stages in the recruitment process such as medical examination, physical fitness testing and Garda Síochána Security Clearance are time dependant. Where there is a considerable time lapse between these stages and commencement of training, candidates would be required to undergo these stages again. Any stage that is not time dependant, such as interviews, would not have to be repeated. These arrangements are dependent on recruitment proceeding.

Departmental Files.

David Stanton

Ceist:

344 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if files relating to persons who served in the Army before and during the Second World War were stored by his Department; if such files are available for viewing by members of the public; the arrangements for such possible viewing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43427/08]

The Military Archives, located in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, are the place of deposit for the records of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Army Pensions Board under the terms of Section 14 of the National Archives Act 1986. Personal files relating to persons who served in the Defence Forces, including those who served before and during the Second World War, are stored in the Military Archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks and, because of storage space constraints, in other locations. Due to Data Protection requirements they are available to next-of-kin only.

Members of the public may arrange access to the archives by a system of prior appointment. This is necessary due to limitations on available space. In order to make an appointment, interested members of the public should contact the Officer-in-Charge, Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6 at telephone number (01) 8046457. These contact details are also available on the Defence Forces website at www.defenceforces.ie.

Army Barracks.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

345 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 25 November 2008, when a gym and football pitch will be made available at the Dundalk barracks; if he will confirm funding has been withdrawn towards the provision of a gym; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43871/08]

My Department is engaged in an on-going capital programme designed to modernize and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The provision of training facilities and equipment are reviewed as part of this programme.

Consultants have recently been appointed to design a new gymnasium for Aiken Barracks, Dundalk. It is expected that work will commence in late 2009.

Projects are prioritised in terms of addressing Defence Force operational requirements taking into account the annual capital allocation for the on-going building programme. Should the current allocation change the building programme will be reviewed and projects in the programme will be prioritised on a needs basis.

Air Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

346 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if his Department or the Defence Forces assist with air ambulance transportation from the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43912/08]

A Service Level Agreement between my Department and the Department of Health and Children for the provision of an Air Ambulance Service by the Air Corps was signed in September 2005 to formalise the arrangements for the existing service in relation to the provision of an air ambulance service. The signatories to the agreement are the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Defence, the Health Service Executive, the Defence Forces and the Air Corps.

The Air Ambulance Service as provided by the Air Corps is an emergency inter-hospital transfer service for the essential rapid transfer of patients requiring urgent medical treatment. The service is not designed for the repatriation of Irish citizens who fall ill or who are the victims of accidents while overseas. The service is provided by the Air Corps in the following circumstances:

1. Inter-hospital transfer of patients with spinal or other serious injury or illness;

2. Air transport of Neonates requiring immediate medical intervention in Ireland;

3. Air transport of patients requiring specialised emergency treatment in the UK;

4. Air Transport of Organ Retrieval Teams within Ireland;

5. Air Transport of patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Coast Guard service is not available;

6. Air Transport of paediatric patients (> 6 weeks <16 years) requiring immediate medical intervention.

Air Ambulance transportation from the US is not covered under this agreement.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

347 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of budget allocated to housing aid for the elderly in the former mid west region of the Health Service Executive. [43929/08]

The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme is currently administered by a Task Force under the aegis of my Department and operated at a local level by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Funding is provided to the HSE on a regional basis and it is a matter for the HSE to apportion funding within regions. The total allocation to the Western Region of the HSE in respect of Housing Aid for the Elderly in 2008 is €5.5million.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

348 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason there are no disabled berths on the Killarney lakes adjacent to Ross Castle for disabled fishermen or boating enthusiasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43953/08]

A berthing facility for disabled persons at Reen Pier, close to Ross Castle, was constructed in 2006 and is available for use.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

349 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to sewage schemes (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43356/08]

The combined Athea, Askeaton, Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden Sewerage Scheme, the combined Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff Sewerage Scheme and the Adare Sewerage Scheme have been included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.

Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the Athea, Askeaton, Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden scheme was received in my Department in September 2008 and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. Further consideration will be given to the Council's Preliminary Report for the Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff scheme, which was also received in September 2008, on receipt of additional information requested from the Council in the meantime.

My Department approved Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the Adare Sewerage Scheme in 2002 and Contract Documents are awaited from the Council.

Drainage Works.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

350 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the National Parks and Wildlife Service will give approval to the Office of Public Works in respect of works (details supplied). [43393/08]

I understand that the Office of Public Works has proposed to undertake drainage works within and adjacent to the Kilglasson/Cahervoostia Turlough Complex Special Area of Conservation, County Mayo. The predominant habitat within the SAC is turlough, which is a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive. Under EU law, Ireland is obliged to ensure that all potential impacts to an SAC arising from proposed works are appropriately assessed before a decision can be taken on whether to proceed. My Department is currently assessing the likely impacts of these works. I expect to be in a position to make a determination in relation to the proposed works in January 2009.

Water Quality.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

351 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an agreement in place in relation to the provision of a clean, potable water supply to all households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43394/08]

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean.

Each local authority is responsible for delivering quality public water supplies to meet current and future needs in its functional area. Under the Regulations local authority drinking water supplies are subject to supervision by the EPA and each local authority is responsible for supervising the quality of private group water supplies in its functional area.

A local authority is required to ensure that any failure to meet quality standards in any water supply in its functional area is investigated immediately to determine the cause. The authority is also required to consult with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Where a local authority is advised by the HSE that a supply of drinking water constitutes a danger to public health, the local authority has powers to prohibit or restrict the supply in question or to take other action as necessary to protect human health.

Departmental Schemes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

352 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 19 November 2008, the way he will ensure that incorporating the rental portion of shared ownership into the new scheme does not result in significant increases in the mortgage protection insurance premium paid by the low-income homeowners participating in this scheme in view of the fact that they are already paying over the odds for their insurance. [43399/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

353 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether participants in the shared ownership scheme should be able to avail of the same discounts in their mortgage protection insurance that are available to private mortgage holders, such as a non-smoker’s discount, rather than being subjected to a one size fits all rate. [43400/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

354 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is appropriate that the Housing Finance Agency relies for a significant amount of its funding on the premiums charged to shared ownership participants of mortgage protection insurance in view of the likelihood that this will result and has resulted in these low-income homeowners being charged a rate significantly above that available to private mortgage holders. [43401/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 to 354, inclusive, together.

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 197 of 19 November 2008, a new local authority mortgage protection insurance scheme is to be put in place from 1 January 2009. It is intended that the rental portion of shared ownership will be incorporated into the new scheme.

Participation in the mortgage protection insurance scheme is compulsory and, in terms of comparison to other schemes of mortgage protection, it is important to note that it covers disability as well as death. The Mortgage Protection Committee sub-committee of the County and City Managers' Association which oversees the scheme endeavours to achieve a balance between the most economic rate to be charged for the scheme and the benefits provided.

Premiums paid under the scheme are channelled directly by the local authorities to the insurance provider. The Housing Finance Agency does not receive any income from the scheme.

Building Energy Ratings.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

355 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress or otherwise being made in respect of the building energy rating programme; the person who is responsible; the way the process will operate; when enforcement will be implemented to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43410/08]

The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which was transposed into Irish law in the form of the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006, introduced a requirement for a Building Energy Rating (BER) system.

I am strongly committed to meeting Ireland's national and international obligations in relation to the energy performance of buildings and good progress has been made to date in developing and implementing Ireland's BER system, which is being introduced on a phased basis, in line with the Regulations, as follows:

BER certification for new dwellings was introduced with effect from 1 January 2007, with a transitional exemption applying to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 31 December 2006, provided they were substantially completed by 30 June 2008;

BER certification for new non-domestic buildings was introduced from 1 July 2008, with a transitional exemption applying for buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 30 June 2008, provided they are substantially completed by 30 June, 2010;

BER certification for existing buildings of any class being offered for sale or letting will commence from 1 January, 2009; and

BER certification for large public service buildings occupied on or from 1 January 2009 will commence from 1 January, 2009.

While responsibility for the Regulations rests with my Department, responsibility for the operational roll-out of the BER system rests with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) which operates under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and which is designated as the issuing authority under the Regulations. BER assessments are undertaken by qualified BER assessors who have completed the necessary training and have been registered by SEI to carry out the assessment of particular categories of buildings. To date, 3,759 persons have successfully completed training courses with training providers accredited by SEI in relation to BER certification of new dwellings and some 939 of these trained assessors have so far registered with SEI as BER assessors.

With regard to enforcement, a person who offers a building for sale or letting on or from 1 January, 2009 or any agent acting on their behalf, is required to produce a copy of the Building Energy Rating certificate to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or taking a letting in the building. A person who contravenes these requirements commits an offence, unless the building in question is specifically exempted under Article 3 of the Regulations, and is liable, on prosecution by the Building Control Authority in whose functional area the building is situated, to be fined a sum not exceeding €5,000.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Sustainable Energy Ireland and the 37 local Building Control Authorities to make sure everyone concerned is aware of their obligations under the Regulations and acts accordingly.

Local Authority Staff.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

356 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of public money that was spent annually on advanced driving courses for temporary workers by local authorities here between 1997 and 2007; if he will provide this information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43435/08]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements, including the provision of training, necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.

Architectural Heritage.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

357 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has agreed to include items in a list (details supplied); and the reason he has included so many items from this location. [43448/08]

Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time.

The Act enables me, as Minister, to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures, and a planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities.

In July 2008 I made recommendations to Cork County Council concerning the inclusion of specific structures in Mitchelstown in the Council's Record of Protected Structures. My recommendations were based on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) survey of North Cork. This survey, the structures included in which are objectively recorded and rated in accordance with international guidelines, is available on www.buildingsofireland.ie. Inclusion of a property on a Record of Protected Structures does not imply a prohibition on works and/or development in the future. In addition, the Local Authorities Conservation Grant Scheme may be availed of to provide grant assistance for the conservation of buildings on a local authority's Record of Protected Structures. The scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

David Stanton

Ceist:

358 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 20 November 2008, if he will provide a breakdown of the €42,008,184.26 expenditure on site surface clearance works, including disposal costs for solid and liquid hazardous waste in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43460/08]

The breakdown of expenditure is as follows:

Disposal of hazardous soil

32,407,952.49 + VAT

Disposal of hazardous liquid waste

2,069,966.15 + VAT

Jetting lorry hire

230,250.00 + VAT

Section stage completion and backfilling of pits/tunnels

278.710.01 + VAT

Sub-Total:

34,986,878.65 + VAT

Less ferrous metal rebate

269,371.00 + VAT

Total

34,717,507.65 + VAT

Inclusive of VAT

42,008,184.26

Domestic Violence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

359 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of refuges for victims of domestic violence here; the number of spaces available; his plans to increase the number of refuge spaces; if so, the number by which the spaces will be increased; and when these will be available. [43484/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

360 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s current spending on emergency and transitional accommodation for victims of domestic violence by local authority area in 2007 and 2008. [43485/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

361 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s capital spending on emergency and transitional accommodation for victims of domestic violence by local authority area in 2007 and 2008. [43486/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 to 361, inclusive, together.

Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (an executive office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) was established by Government in June 2007, with the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well coordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The major priority for Cosc is to produce a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which has the support of Government and non-governmental organisations in the sector. This work should inform actions needed to improve service provision, including emergency accommodation and refuge provision places.

Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet the special housing needs of groups including the elderly, the homeless, persons with disabilities and victims of domestic violence. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the scheme, including the appraisal of new applications, the management of the planning and procurement stages of projects and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme, are the responsibility of the appropriate local authority.

Given that the accommodation provided by voluntary housing bodies for victims of domestic violence may often be in multi-purpose accommodation or may not be categorised specifically as refuges, a separate figure is not available for capital expenditure on accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

While my Department does not hold details in relation to all refuges for victims of domestic violence, information is available in relation to the funding provided towards the operational costs of certain refuges and transitional accommodation which are used for such purposes. The expenditure recouped to local authorities by my Department under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 for this purpose in 2007 and to date in 2008 is set out in the Table which follows.

Housing authorities have statutory responsibility for homeless accommodation and any proposals for additional accommodation for homeless persons are a matter for consideration in the first instance by the relevant housing authority.

Refuges

2007

2008 to date

Local Authority

Clonmel Borough Council

102,577.52

102,577.52

Cork City Council

64,106.52

64,292.28

Donegal County Council

28,196.10

13,500.00

Drogheda Borough Council

24,096.60

24,096.60

Dublin City Council

241,362.00

181,021.50

Dundalk Town Council

41,220.90

82,782.00

Ennis Town Council

242,024.40

226,274.28

Galway City Council

88,285.49

87,301.41

Kilkenny County Council

58,384.31

67,127.83

Limerick City Council

230,573.85

172,930.41

Mayo County Council

35,603.27

22,500.00

Meath County Council

41,376.60

0.00 Claim received 1 December 2008 now being examined

South Dublin County Council

57,376.56

58,813.77

Kerry County Council

148,664.71

124,225.20

Waterford City Council

99,734.40

74,799.45

Wexford Borough Council

91,782.90

83,736.18

Total Refuges

1,595,366.13

1,385,978.43

Transitional

Dundalk Town Council

65,752.20

33,441.50

Mayo County Council

48,920.00

19,568.00

Dublin City Council

256,355.85

261,481.56

South Dublin County Council

113,517.89

56,758.95

Total Transitional

484,545.94

371,250.01

Total Funding

2,079,912.07

1,757,228.44

Social and Affordable Housing.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

362 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available for an organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary that has a site earmarked to build voluntary housing on this site; if Clúid has available funding that can be applied for; if not, when it will be allocated funding again in order that the organisation can apply in good time; the other organisations that have funding for voluntary housing; if there is available funding in any of these organisations; and if not, when funding will be allocated to them again in order that the organisation can apply in good time. [43507/08]

Under my Department's funding schemes for voluntary and co-operative housing, grants of up to 100% of the approved cost of projects are available for accommodation provided by approved housing bodies. The administration of the schemes, including the processing and appraisal of new applications, the management of the planning and procurement stages of projects and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

In the case of the project referred to, the group should discuss the proposal with South Tipperary County Council in the first instance.

Local Authority Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

363 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the consequences of job losses in Donegal County Council, he will provide additional funding to the council to prevent such job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43510/08]

It is a matter for each local authority to prioritise its spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides. Equally, local authorities must ensure full value for money for the resources invested, and seek the maximum efficiency across their operations.

General purpose grants are important in assisting local authorities to balance their budgets, and comprise about one fifth of the funding required by authorities to provide their day to day services, although the proportion varies between authorities. Local authorities receive income from a range of sources including rates, charges for goods and services, specific State grants and general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund.

Donegal County Council's general purpose grant allocation for 2009 is €41,475,164. General purpose grants to Donegal County Council have increased by some 218% since 1997.

I am satisfied that the general purpose allocation I have provided for 2009, together with the income available from other sources, will enable Donegal County Council to provide an acceptable level of service to their customers.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

364 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable houses and apartment units that remain unsold including those in which contracts have issued to purchasers but sale is not complete; the unit cost paid by local authorities for each and the date of completion; the current market value and date of valuation for each unit; and the total purchase cost of all such units held by local authorities. [43530/08]

Responsibility for the operation of the affordable housing schemes is primarily a matter for individual housing authorities. Accordingly, detailed information in relation to the position regarding contracts for sale or other matters in relation to individual affordable homes is not available in my Department.

It is a feature of the operation of the schemes that individual authorities would ordinarily have a certain quantum of completed affordable homes on hands at any given time, principally comprising units either being prepared for, or in the course of, sale. In the context of my Department's ongoing monitoring of progress on the various schemes, and against the current market background, my Department will be reviewing the overall position in regard to activity in the affordable housing sector at year-end. However, the information available from local authorities would suggest that the strong level of affordable housing delivery in 2008 and wider market considerations are combining to increase the stock of homes on hands. As an input to reviewing the end year position, my Department has requested the Affordable Homes Partnership to examine the position in selected areas, in conjunction with the relevant housing authorities, with a view to identifying actions that might assist in the sale of such units or in their deployment for other housing purposes.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

365 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to his confirmation by way of reply to Parliamentary Question No. 450 of 18 November 2008 relating to the notification of land owners affected by the designation of special areas of conservation and special protection areas, that his Department undertakes extensive consultation with each landowner so affected; his views on whether all landowners whose property rights may be similarly affected by other similar but equally invasive designations are entitled to similar notification measures; the steps he will take to ensure that all such affected land owners are not deprived or their entitlement to natural and constitutional justice in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43540/08]

In the reply to Question No. 450 of 18 November 2008 I outlined the landowner notification procedures followed by my Department in relation to the proposed designation of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The designation process is provided for in the Regulations that transpose the European Union Birds and Habitats Directives.

The procedures that apply in relation to other forms of land or site designation are covered, as appropriate, by relevant legislative codes. In particular, the European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations (S.I. No 476 of 2000) made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are the main regulations that give effect to the Seveso Directive in Irish law. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been designated as the central competent authority for enforcement of these regulations. The Directives requirements in relation to land use policies are reflected in the development planning provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the development consent procedures set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and 2006.

Issues relating to buffer zones at sewage treatment plants are a matter for local authorities or relevant statutory authorities. I will give careful consideration to the matter of the designation of Public Safety Zones around the three State airports in the context of the forthcoming Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill.

Planning Issues.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

366 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 18 November 2008 relating to development consent in respect of strategic infrastructure projects, if he will confirm the stipulated fee in such instances; the details of each proposed project inclusive of applicant name, brief description of the works involved and the decision of the board on determined cases with respect to all such applicants received to date by An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43541/08]

Under the Planning Acts, as Minister, I may only intervene in the planning process in respect of heritage matters, i.e., I may comment on planning applications or appeals, or give expert advice to planning authorities or An Bord Pleanála, in relation to the protection of the built and natural heritage only. In all other circumstances, I am precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

The prescribed fee for making an application for development consent under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 is €100,000. The processing of individual cases under the Act is a matter for An Bord Pleanála, and one in which I have no function. Details of all applications and decisions made under the Strategic Infrastructure Act are available on the website of An Bord Pleanála at www.pleanala.ie.

Homeless Persons.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

367 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties that are arising for a project (details supplied) in County Meath; the action he will take to resolve such financial difficulties to ensure the service provided by the group does not result in a negative impact on the service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/08]

Housing authorities have statutory responsibility for homeless accommodation and other related services and any proposals in this regard are a matter for consideration in the first instance by the relevant housing authority.

The housing authority must establish the need for the service and determine the level of emergency/transitional accommodation and related services to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation and services within their area. Local authorities must ensure that maximum efficiency and value for money are achieved, and accordingly, services and associated costs must be determined strictly in accordance with evidenced need, and on the basis of rigorous appraisal of the type and level of service that is warranted and the cost involved.

My Department currently recoups expenditure in respect of two outreach workers in Meath. I understand that the issue of funding for an outreach worker for the Supported Transitional Housing Project in Windtown, Navan, Co. Meath, is currently being examined by the local authority.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

368 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average cost per applicant of the rental accommodation scheme; the number of persons accommodated under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43612/08]

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is designed to cater for the accommodation needs of persons in receipt of rent supplement who have a long-term housing need. As indicated in the table which follows, in the period to end-October 2008, over 16,400 households eligible for the scheme were transferred from rent supplement to accommodation provided by local authorities, either to RAS directly or to some other type of social housing.

RAS

Social Housing

Total

No. of households accommodated

8,640

7,783

16,423

The individual cost per applicant is not held by my Department. However, based on figures supplied to my Department by local authorities to the end of 2007 the average rent paid per month by local authorities to private landlords participating in the Rental Accommodation Scheme was €763. Tenants under RAS would pay a contribution towards these rental costs in line with each local authority's differential rents scheme.

Local Authority Staff.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

369 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations in place in regard to employment in the private sector of senior local authority staff whether on leave of absence or on a career break, former or retired, working part-time or full-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43787/08]

All local authority staff are subject to the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995; the Standards in Public Office Act, 2001; the ethics provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001; the Code of Conduct for Local Authority Employees, and the Equality Act 2004. An Outside Appointments Board for the Local Government Sector was established in June 2008 to consider applications from senior local authority employees, including City and County Managers, who intend to take up appointments outside the local government sector following resignation or retirement. The role of the Board is to maintain public trust in the local government service through independent assessment of post employment appointments that local authority employees propose to take up within one year of resigning or retiring from the local government service.

Emergency Services.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

370 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking in respect of his Department’s direction to local authorities to implement a 3% reduction in pay costs, to ensure that this measure does not result in diminution in emergency public services such as the fire service; if he will issue a directive to local authorities to maintain their fire services at least at their present level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43796/08]

I refer to the reply to question No. 366 of Tuesday 7 October 2008. My Department directed all local authorities, in line with Government policy on Public Sector pay costs, to implement a 3% reduction in payroll costs for 2009. Local Authorities have a range of measures at their disposal for deployment at local level to meet this requirement, and will take account of their responsibilities and obligations in regard to the maintenance and delivery of front line services.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

371 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) in County Laois will be given approval to go to contract and invite tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43800/08]

The Laois Grouped Towns Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Laois County Council's Tender Documents for the treatment plants element of the scheme are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Contract Documents for the collection networks are awaited from the Council.

Planning Issues.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

372 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the contraction in the construction industry and difficulties in the financial services sector, he will review relevant legislation in order to provide that planning permission can be extended from five to eight years when commencement of construction is delayed specifically as a result of the recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43810/08]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 205 and 208 of 13 November 2008. The position is unchanged.

Hunting Licences.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

373 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis of the decision to specify a five and a half month hunting season in the recent licence granted to a hunt (details supplied). [43827/08]

Section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 provides that I may grant to the master or other person in charge of a pack of stag hounds, a licence authorising the hunting of deer by that pack, during such period or periods as is or are specified in the licence. The Ward Union hunt applied for a licence for the 2008/2009 season from 13 October, 2008 to 31 March, 2009 and the duration of the licence issued was in line with previous licences which were valid for similar periods. While the licence for the 2007/08 season was valid from mid December, 2007 to 31 March 2008, this was due to issues of serious concern to me which needed to be addressed prior to my decision on the licence application.

Local Authority Charges.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

374 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount charged by each local authority for commercial water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43840/08]

The following table, based on information supplied to my Department by the local authorities sets out the charges levied by each local authority for water and waste water supplies to non-domestic consumers in 2008.

Local Authority charges for water and wastewater (in euro) per cubic metre (2008)

Local Authority

Charge for water

Charge for Wastewater

Combined Charge

Carlow

1.00

1.30

2.30

Cavan

1.08

1.34

2.42

Clare

1.10

0.98

2.08

Cork

0.94

1.15

2.09

Cork City

0.97

1.33

2.30

Donegal

1.45

0.96

2.41

Dublin City

1.07

0.46

1.53

South Dublin

1.43

0.36

1.79

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

1.09

1.15

2.24

Fingal

0.82

1.01

1.83

Galway

0.89

0.61

1.50

Galway City

0.71

0.28

0.99

Kerry

1.07

0.72*

1.79*

Kildare

0.85

0.56

1.41

Kilkenny

0.91

1.62

2.53

Laois

1.14

1.26

2.40

Leitrim

0.85

0.84

1.69

Limerick

1.10

1.50

2.60

Limerick City

1.07

0.59

1.66

Longford

1.25

1.15

2.40

Louth

0.85

0.70

1.55

Mayo

0.88

1.30

2.18

Meath

1.22

1.08

2.30

Monaghan

1.01

1.10

2.11

Offaly

1.10

1.40

2.50

Roscommon

0.82

1.09

1.91

Sligo

1.29

0.78

2.07

Tipperary North

1.10

0.80

1.90

Tipperary South

0.95

1.75

2.70

Waterford

1.06

1.06

2.12

Waterford City

1.16

0.37

1.53

Westmeath

1.19

1.26

2.45

Wexford

1.26

1.45

2.71

Wicklow

1.34

1.11

2.45

*As a transitional measure Kerry County Council propose in 2008 to issue bills for water charges on a metered volumetric basis and separate fixed rate bills using a banding system for wastewater that the Council estimate to be equivalent to a waste water charge of €0.72 per m2.

Departmental Correspondence.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

375 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm receipt of correspondence from a person (details supplied); his views on the matters outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43869/08]

I can confirm that I have received correspondence from the person concerned, to whom I will very shortly reply. In the meantime, I do not consider it appropriate to comment on the substance of that correspondence.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

376 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of properties registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; the number of cases of non-registration which have been examined in each local authority area; the action taken in each year for the past three years; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43908/08]

I have no function in this matter as the operation of tenancy registration is the responsibility of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Since its establishment, the Board has achieved considerable success in the registration of tenancies and I understand that in excess of 240,000 tenancies are now registered. The Board may be contacted at their offices at O'Connell Bridge House, Dublin 2 or by telephone or email. Contact details are available on the Board's website at www.prtb.ie.

Building Regulations.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

377 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process whereby he will enforce the legislation in respect of the energy performance of buildings S.I. No. 662 of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43409/08]

I am assuming the Deputy is referring to the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations (S.I. No. 666 of 2006). The regulations in question are made by the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government. Under the regulations, enforcement is a matter for authorised officers of the local authorities.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) as Issuing Authority under the regulations may also appoint additional authorised officers. SEI has appointed a number of such authorised officers for the purpose of carrying out quality assurance of the building energy rating scheme. In addition, SEI has secured the agreement of the Law Society to issue a practice note to all solicitors advising them of their duties as agents under the Regulations and has published notices in the media to further assist in raising awareness of rights and obligations under the Regulations.

Question No. 378 answered with Question No. 112.

Alternative Energy Projects.

David Stanton

Ceist:

379 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 29 October 2008 the number of submissions his Department received on the recent public consultation document on a proposed bio-fuels obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43791/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

384 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has incentivised or proposes to incentivise plant oil production for energy purpose; his future intentions in this regard with a view to maximising home production and reducing dependency on imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43998/08]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 379 and 384 together.

The public consultation process in relation to the Biofuels Obligation Scheme has recently been completed and there were over 30 submissions received as part of the consultation process. My Department will now be analysing the submissions with a view to preparing specific details for a final Biofuels Obligation Scheme which will be cognisant of the views expressed by stakeholders. I will bring a proposal to Government in the early part of next year and introduce the necessary legislation required in order that the Biofuels Obligation Scheme can be introduced in January 2010.

As set out in the public consultation document, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme will provide for trading of certificates between suppliers. This is expected to particularly benefit those producers of high blend biofuels, such as 100% Pure Plant Oil (PPO), as they will have surplus certificates to trade with those suppliers bringing lower blends to the market.

Health and Safety Issues.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

380 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether monitoring the operation of coal mines by his Department failed in the past to address the working conditions of miners; if in view of same, he has had discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding the inclusion of miners in the occupational injury benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43915/08]

As I explained in response to a supplementary question on 29 October 2008, the functions of the mines inspectorate which relate to working conditions of miners are carried out by the Health and Safety Authority. The person with responsibility in this area was identified under the Mines and Quarries Act 1965 as the Minister for Industry and Commerce. The functions of said Minister have devolved to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Neither I nor my Department have any function in this regard. I have not had discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to the matter of inclusion of miners under the Occupational Injury Scheme. That is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Environmental Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

381 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has evaluated the economic impact of national and EU climate change measures; the provision he will make to offset such negatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43995/08]

The Government has established a Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and energy security to ensure that a comprehensive and cohesive policy is in place to deliver in these critical policy areas. The committee has established an inter-departmental senior officials group to address the challenges posed to Ireland in achieving these targets, including consideration of the costs and benefits of various policy options. This work feeds into the carbon budget process, which is presented to the Dáil by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The annual carbon budget reports on the effectiveness of our response in meeting these challenging targets.

Offshore Exploration.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

382 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of oil, gas or other mineral exploration licences sought and issued in the past year; the number activated in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/08]

In 2008, five Petroleum Exploration Licences were issued. Four of these licences are Frontier Exploration Licences awarded under the 2007 Porcupine Licensing Round. The other licence is a Standard Exploration Licence over an area in the Celtic Sea. All these licences are active.

To date in 2008 there have been 117 applications for prospecting licences for non-petroleum minerals and 86 licences have been issued. All these licences are active.

Broadcasting Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

383 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent and nature of discussions he has had with the public and private broadcasting sectors in the context of the future development of the broadcasting services here; if he has discussed broadcasting policy with the relevant executives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43997/08]

In the context of the development of broadcasting policy my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including, but not limited to, commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers. Discussions cover a wide range of broadcasting issues and help inform my consideration of policy options.

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 379.
Questions Nos. 385 to 387, inclusive, answered with Question No. 109.

Information and Communications Technology.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

388 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received or issued advice or instructions nationally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues in the matter of the prevention of spam, computer hacking or the use of the Internet for child abuse, pornography or other illegal purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44002/08]

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the authorities in Northern Ireland, private sector companies and not-for-profit organisations recently conducted a public awareness campaign called "makeITsecure" to promote the safe use of the internet.

The campaign was designed to increase awareness among citizens of the most common security risks related to accessing and transacting on the Internet, such as identity theft, spyware, phishing and child safety particularly with regard to the potential risks from social networking and accessing inappropriate content.

Legislation for the control of spam is provided for in the European Communities (Electronic Communications Network and Services) (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 2003. Implementation of these regulations is a matter for the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner which is under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will shortly sign new regulations that will strengthen the Data Protection Commissioner's capacity to tackle spam.

Responsibility for issues relating to the use of the internet for illegal purposes such as child abuse and pornography is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

389 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options in regard to the future operation of parcel and letter delivery services here on a next day all week basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44003/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions directly or indirectly with current or potential service providers in regard to the future letter and parcel delivery services nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44004/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues or An Post in the context of the future development of the postal services here and throughout Europe; if he has discussed how best it is intended to meet public service obligations in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44005/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 to 391, inclusive, together.

The Government's policy with regard to the future development of the postal service is to ensure Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services on a par with the highest quality standards in key comparator economies elsewhere in the EU. Electronic communications services, while providing threats to the postal service in the form of electronic substitution, will also provide opportunities in the form of e-fulfilment.

I believe that there will continue to be a key national role for An Post in delivery of mails and parcels. However, over the coming years, competition can be expected to increase in these sectors, whether from the privately owned express sector, from the large European public operators now looking for international business or from electronic substitution. Indeed, liberalisation of the mail market in Ireland has already commenced and there are currently in excess of thirty operators with authorisations from Communications Regulation.

An Post has a statutory obligation to provide a universal postal service, including the provision of a delivery to the home or premises of every natural or legal person not less than five days per week. The third postal directive, which will be transposed into Irish law by 31 December 2010, maintains the universal service obligation at the current level whilst providing for the completion of the liberalisation process in the postal sector.

It is also Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market and provide a high quality, nationwide postal service. It is, however, the responsibility of the board and management of the company to make strategic decisions regarding its future and how it will prepare itself for future competition, particularly in advance of the full liberalisation of the postal sector. My department and I regularly meet with An Post to receive updates on the key issues affecting the company including those as they relate to market liberalisation.

Following on from the recently held public consultation process on the key decisions to be made when transposing the directive, my officials have examined the submissions received in response to the consultation, including those from An Post and other postal operators, and are drafting proposals on the legal framework which will apply in a liberalised market. Such draft legislative proposals will be subject to a regulatory impact analysis and will include further engagement, early in 2009, with interested stakeholders on issues arising from the process. As part of the transposition process my officials will also examine the experiences of other EU countries in liberalising and developing the postal market.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied regarding the availability of broadband here; if previous and recent efforts for the provision of such services have been successful; if efforts to date compare favourably or otherwise with the availability of service throughout the other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44006/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has taken initiatives nationally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues to advance the cause and provision of state of the art communications technology; the degree to which discussions have taken place which might result in improvements in this sector in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44007/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In this regard my Department has undertaken to implement a National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. It will bridge the digital divide, create greater equality in terms of social and economic inclusion and remove the disadvantage caused by a lack of broadband services. It will also facilitate competition in the broadband market in the regions leading to greater choice, quality and value for money to the consumer.

On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December.

NBS consumers will be provided with a reliable and price competitive broadband connection consisting of an always-on service of at least 1mbps. Higher speeds will be experienced by some consumers located closer to base stations. The service will be upgraded to higher specifications during the 68-month contract without any increase in charge to the consumer.

According to the latest OECD report, which includes data up to June 2008 Ireland has one of the strongest per capita broadband subscription growths being ranked 4th out of 30 countries. We have closed the gap on the OECD average with extraordinary improvement over the past 2 years. The OECD average increase is 2.7 subscribers per 100 inhabitants; Ireland's growth was 4.1 subscribers per 100 inhabitants. It should be noted that mobile broadband is not yet being published for international statistic comparison but is expected to be in the future. The publication of mobile broadband statistics should improve Ireland's ranking.

The policy framework for future broadband development is set out in the consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband, which I published last July. A central commitment is that Ireland will have universal access to broadband by 2010 and that by 2012 our broadband speeds will equal or exceed those in comparator EU regions. The consultation period on the paper has now concluded and my officials are evaluating the submissions received. I will publish the final policy paper shortly.

I am also actively engaged with the EU Commission's review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications. Effective regulation, and more consistency in regulatory approaches across all the Member States, will enhance the conditions necessary for investment in communications technology and allow Ireland exploit the opportunities such technology brings for the benefit of our economy and society.

Information and Communications Technology.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in regard to the development of the digital hub and the benefits accruing there from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44008/08]

The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) continues to develop and grow the Digital Hub. There are now 857 employees working in 101 companies located in the Digital Hub. When contract employees are taken into account the number rises to over 1,000 people working daily in the Digital Hub. Approximately one in six digital media companies currently operating in Ireland is based in the Digital Hub. The work of these companies encompasses computer gaming, animation, online bookings, Internet security, website development, mobile technologies, broadcasting, design and Internet services. Such highly-skilled knowledge economy companies are key to maintaining and developing economic success.

Recently, GOA Games Services, a subsidiary of France Telecom, which already employs 200 people in the Digital Hub, announced an expansion to 400 employees in the next 12 months. It is also notable that two Digital Hub companies, Lincor and Zamano, took first and second place in the Deloitte Fast 50 rankings of Ireland's fastest growing enterprises. Apart from enterprise, the DHDA also has remits relating to education, community and urban regeneration. The DHDA delivers a very successful learning programme, which provides state-of-the-art digital media education to schools and the wider community in Dublin's south west inner city, with a view to improving learning, employment and leisure opportunities for local residents. The programme is hugely successful and almost 40 digital media learning programmes have been delivered to almost 3,300 participants in local schools and community groups to date.

In relation to community engagement, the DHDA delivers an award-winning consultation process, the Community, Public, Private Partnership (CPPP) process. The process is chaired by Mr. Peter Cassells, and brings together around 60 community, public sector and private sector organisations. The process monitors delivery of the DHDA's development plan. As a direct result of this engagement, the employment service for the local community and a local adult education centre are both now operating from the Digital Hub campus.

Physical development/urban regeneration at the Digital Hub is provided in three ways:

1. Direct development by the DHDA;

2. Contracts entered into with two private developers; and

3. Leasing of space in the locality by the DHDA.

In order to meet the demand for commercial property for digital media companies at the Digital Hub, the DHDA has leased office space to meet the requirements of its tenant companies. The DHDA has now reached the point where all of its own available space has been occupied — approximately 80,000 sq.ft in State ownership by the DHDA or OPW — with a further 80,000 sq.ft occupied by Digital Hub tenants under interim lease arrangements with third parties. A further 20,000 sq.ft is likely to be delivered during the first half of 2009 under a proposal to redevelop another State owned building.

Planning permission was granted earlier this year for 140,000 sq.ft of digital media offices. The aim is to deliver a complete new city quarter, encompassing enterprise, retail, residential and community learning space by 2012.

Because of the above successes, the Digital Hub has gained an international reputation as a model of best practice. The project now serves as a showcase for Irish innovation, attracting delegations from over 50 different countries each year.

Grant Payments.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

395 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if REP scheme four payments will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon before Christmas 2008. [43430/08]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.

The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.

While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to prioritise the processing of payments and to give me regular updates on the situation.

Farm Waste Management.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

396 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of his declaration of 19 November 2008 that his Department has not prepared an estimated cost to the State of the extension of the farm waste management scheme, he will provide financial explanations for his refusal to extend the scheme; his views on whether in principle an extension of the scheme would prevent job losses in the agricultural construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43437/08]

The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The EU Commission has since reaffirmed that this deadline must be respected strictly.

Accordingly there are no further plans to approach the European Commission for approval to extend the deadline and I have not had any estimates prepared as to the likely cost of such an extension.

Milk Quota.

James Bannon

Ceist:

397 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the temporary transfer of milk quota under force majeure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43469/08]

Mr Farrell's application for a Ministerial Declaration to allow him to temporary lease his milk quota for the 2008/2009 milk quota year was received in my Department on 13 October 2008. His application was refused on the grounds that it did not come under the category of force majeure. Mr Farrell has been informed of his options regarding his quota, including the possibility of selling it through the 2009/2010 Milk Quota Trading Scheme, the second stage of which will be announced in early January.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

398 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when all outstanding payments which are due to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted. [43498/08]

An application was received on 15 May 2008 requesting the transfer of 30.86 Single Farm Payment entitlements from the joint names of the person named and his late father into the sole name of the person named.

As the requested transfer was by way of inheritance, it was necessary to request the normal testamentary documentation in support of this transfer. The required documentation has now been received and the requested transfer has been fully processed. Payment will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

399 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slatted house grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43502/08]

Payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme issued to the person concerned on 28 November 2008.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

400 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the decision to refuse an application for early retirement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43505/08]

An application under the Early Retirement (ERS3) Scheme for the person named was received in my Department on 16 October 2008. It could not be accepted for processing as the Scheme was suspended for new applications with effect from 15 October 2008.

I have no plans, at present, to reopen the Early Retirement Scheme to new applications, but the limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

401 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to a previous parliamentary question, when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their outstanding payments. [43524/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1st May 2008.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment will issue within one week.

David Stanton

Ceist:

402 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43529/08]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Industrial Disputes.

John Perry

Ceist:

403 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding an industrial dispute (details supplied) which is holding up single farm payment applications in his local Department offices; if he will give assurances that the situation will be rectified as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43538/08]

Following a series of meetings at the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial dispute which commenced on Monday 6th October, 2008 was resolved. Normal work resumed last week in all of the Department's local offices and work is ongoing to ensure the prompt delivery of all payments to farmers.

Grant Payments.

John Cregan

Ceist:

404 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a 60% grant payment did not apply to the application of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43550/08]

Under the terms and conditions of the Farm Waste Management Scheme, the grant-aid is paid on the lesser of the receipts/invoices lodged by the applicant together with costs of own contributions in terms of labour and machinery or my Department's Standard Costs. In this case, the grant-aid of 60% was calculated on the basis of my Department's Standard Costs.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

405 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 21 October 2008 when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43601/08]

The person concerned was paid grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by my Department on 24 October 2008.

Farm Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

406 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 19 November 2008, if he will confirm that there is no staff member to sign off on these schemes in the southern half; if his attention has been drawn to the financial hardship that this is causing; and the steps which he is taking to address this situation. [43607/08]

Applications under the Farm Waste Management Scheme continue to be approved for payment in the South Roscommon office of my Department.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

407 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry following their application for a farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43609/08]

The person named is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. Payment will be made by my Department to the person concerned shortly.

Poultry Industry.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

408 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that imported gas flushed chicken fillets comply fully with the stringent health and safety food production regulations governing the chicken fillets produced here. [43775/08]

Chicken fillets produced within the EU are subject to the same health and safety requirements regardless as to their origin.

For poultry products imported from outside the EU these must come from plants approved under the European Union veterinary inspection regime and having equivalent standards as that within the EU. There is a set of inspection procedures in place to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements.

The practice of selling individual fillets taken from gas flushed packs in retail outlets is currently being examined by my Department in association with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the industry.

Farm Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

409 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will issue a response as quickly as possible to a memo regarding persons (details supplied) in County Mayo which was sent to him on two different occasions. [43777/08]

A response was issued on this matter on 1 December 2008.

Farm Waste Management.

Damien English

Ceist:

410 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend the farm waste management scheme beyond the 31 December 2008 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43786/08]

As the EU Commission has consistently indicated its position that the 31st December deadline must be respected strictly, I have no plans to extend the deadline.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

411 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 21 October 2008, the position regarding an application for a milk tank grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [43794/08]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

412 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated saving in 2009 in respect of the suspension of the early farm retirement scheme; the estimated saving in respect of the suspension of the young farmer installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43799/08]

I have made provision of €56.7 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. It is not possible to quantify the savings that will arise due to suspension for new applications of the Early Retirement Scheme and Young Farmers' Installation Scheme.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

413 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the cases of people who have incurred expense in lodging proceedings with their solicitors for applications under the early retirement scheme from farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43811/08]

It is not possible to determine precisely the number of people who may have intended making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming, though I am aware of figures submitted to my Department by various farming organisations.

I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme to new applicants. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

414 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people about to apply or who currently have leases prepared for the early retirement scheme from farming; the cost to his Department of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43812/08]

It is not possible to give an accurate assessment of the number of people who may have intended making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme, though I am aware of figures submitted to my Department by various farming organisations.

I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme to new applicants. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

415 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of the early retirement scheme from farming to the State over the past five years; the breakdown for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43813/08]

The following table shows a breakdown by year of the cost (including EU funding) of financing the Early Retirement Scheme for the Years 2003-2007:

Year

€ million

2003

78.1

2004

71.2

2005

61.8

2006

54.7

2007

53.3

Total

319.1

The amount of EU co-funding claimed in respect of Early Retirement for the years 2003-2007 was €164.26 million.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Ceist:

416 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo whose parcel of land of 7.6 hectares has been reduced to 7.46 hectares as a result of being measured by satellite; if his Department will correct their files to show the original mapped holding of 7.6 hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43818/08]

The forage area of the parcel in question was reduced to 7.46 hectares in 2005 to reflect the available forage area for Single Payment purposes following deduction of ineligible area (buildings).

Michael Ring

Ceist:

417 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be awarded REP scheme four. [43831/08]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.

The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.

While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1Cs) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to prioritise the processing of payments and give me regular updates on the situation.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

418 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43833/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 30th April 2008. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility inspection. The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment will issue within one week.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

419 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify his position in relation to the request by the polyvalent sector to be allocated an increased share of the Irish mackerel quota. [43855/08]

My colleague, Minister Tony Killeen has already received a range of diverse views from industry representatives and operators regarding how any additional mackerel quota for Ireland should be allocated. In that context, he held a meeting last week with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and other industry groups with a view to establishing whether an agreed industry approach to this matter can be found. Minister Killeen is now considering the views put forward at that meeting and the issues arising.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

420 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of single farm payment applications which have been received from applicants in County Roscommon and County Leitrim respectively in each year since the introduction of the SFP; the value of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43916/08]

The following table outlines the position in relation to applications lodged, paid and the value of those payments, in respect of each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, in respect of the Single Payment Scheme, for counties Roscommon and Leitrim.

County

Applications Recd

Applications Paid

Amount Paid

Roscommon

2005

6,606

5,896

41,352,654

2006

6,169

5,796

41,174,845

2007

6,149

5,743

40,967,647

2008

6,089

5,476

39,503,413

Leitrim

2005

3,918

3,479

17,354,714

2006

3,732

3,415

17,353,852

2007

3,703

3,382

17,437,563

2008

3,670

3,152

15,861,881

In addition to those applying under the Single Payment Scheme, SPS applications are also lodged by farmers in connection with participation in the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, in addition to SPS applications also being lodged in connection with the transfer of SPS entitlements. The 2008 payment figures quoted represent the current position, balancing payments having commenced issuing on 1 December 2008.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

421 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their single payment. [43924/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 8th April 2008.

This application was selected for a satellite eligibility inspection. This inspection raised a number of issues relating to the parcels claimed by the person named. As a result this file has been forwarded for a ground eligibility inspection to clarify the issues. The ground eligibility inspection will be carried out as a matter of priority. No payment will issue until this matter is resolved.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

422 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive payment from his Department following a May 2008 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43947/08]

An application was received on 1 April 2008 requesting the transfer of 80.63 Single Payment entitlements to the person named from another farmer by way of lease. The entitlements in question are categorized as ‘National Reserve' entitlements. EU Regulation provide that National Reserve entitlements may not, except in the case of gift or inheritance, be transferred for a period of five years from the date of their allocation. Consequently, the transfer application has been rejected and letters to this effect have issued to the herdowners concerned.

In addition the person named also submitted an application for consideration under Category B of the 2008 National Reserve which caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2005. My Department received a letter dated 14 January 2008 from the Agricultural Consultant on behalf of the person named requesting that his National Reserve application be withdrawn. A letter issued to the person named on 25 November 2008 confirming that the National Reserve application was withdrawn as requested.

However the Agricultural Consultant subsequently contacted my Department late last week and confirmed that the person named did not want to withdraw his National Reserve application. This application is currently being further reviewed and a decision will issue shortly.

An application under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 8 May 2008. One of the primary provisions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is that applicants must maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as potentially not meeting this minimum stocking density requirement, the applicant is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports.

The person named was written to on 13 October and again on 12 November inviting him to submit appropriate evidence of the numbers of livestock maintained on his farm. On receipt of a satisfactory responses from the person named, the application will be further processed with a view to payment at an early date.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

423 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their 40% dairy hygiene grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43948/08]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Coastal Protection.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

424 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the submissions made in September 2008 (details supplied), he is in a position to allocate funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43949/08]

In line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Office of Public Works with effect from 1st January 2009. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.

The Office of Public Works will therefore be responsible for the allocation of funding for Coast Protection works in 2009. Any queries with regard to 2009 funding should be directed to that office.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

425 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the farm retirement pension for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44016/08]

My Department has no record of an application under the Early Retirement Scheme by the person named.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

426 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the REP scheme payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44017/08]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.

The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.

While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1Cs) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to prioritise the processing of payments and give me regular updates on the situation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

427 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is proposed to cut funding to a college (details supplied) in Dublin 2; his views on the consequences for the deaf community of such a reduction, in terms of teacher, university lecturer and sign language interpreter education, and educational delivery to deaf and hard of hearing students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43360/08]

The Universities Act, 1997, confers autonomous statutory responsibilities on universities in relation to the day to day management of their affairs and it is a matter for each university to manage their financial resources. The Universities receive a recurrent block grant from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), which is the statutory planning and development body for higher education and research in Ireland and is the funding authority for the universities.

I understand from the HEA that in recent years the University referred to by the Deputy requested and received specific funding for the Centre referred to, as part of their overall recurrent grant. The University again made a request to the HEA for specific funding for the Centre for 2009. This request was recently agreed by the HEA and I understand that the Authority has notified the University of the position.

With regards to general recurrent funding allocated by the HEA, it is a matter for each institution to determine how it is allocated internally and each institution may determine the internal disbursement of such funding and may allocate additional funding over and above that earmarked by the HEA if they so wish.

School Transport.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

428 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals in relation to having an independent review of the post-primary school transport system; when such a review will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43397/08]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the proposals for progressing the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the school transport system including catchment boundaries are almost complete. I expect to be making an announcement on the matter shortly.

Whole School Evaluations.

John Perry

Ceist:

429 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of whole school evaluations and subject inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43416/08]

As the Inspectorate is part of the Department of Education and Science, all costs associated with its work are paid from the administrative budget of the Department.

Whole school evaluations and subject inspections form just part of the Inspectorate's business plan in any given year. In 2007, for example, the Inspectorate carried out 303 whole school evaluations, 758 subject inspections, 23 programme evaluations, 23 evaluations of centres for education, the evaluation of 57 Irish-language summer colleges and the probation of 2,362 primary teachers (3 visits on average per teacher). The total number of inspections/evaluations carried out in 2007 was 3526.

In addition, inspectors were also involved in a wide range of other work such as participation in over 200 Section 29 cases (expulsion or refusal to enrol pupils by schools), the preparation of composite evaluation reports, continuing professional development, advice and support to schools and teachers and also in contributing to curriculum development and policy formulation & development.

It is not possible at present to separate out the costs specifically associated with whole school evaluations and subject inspections from other evaluations and from other costs incurred in carrying out the wider range of duties undertaken by inspectors. Other costs associated with the work of the Inspectorate include the Departmental secretarial and support services provided to support its evaluative and other work.

In 2007, there were 159 inspectors at various grades and the total gross salary cost for 2007 was €13,450,363. The total travel and subsistence expenses paid, in accordance with Civil Service rates, in 2007 was €1,688,886.

State Examinations.

John Perry

Ceist:

430 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of oral exams and practical exams held in school term as opposed to holiday time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43417/08]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including charging and collecting fees for examinations and applying such monies to the carrying out of its functions, and designate places where examinations may be held.

In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Departmental Programmes.

John Perry

Ceist:

431 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of school development and planning programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43418/08]

The School Development Planning Initiative (SDPI) is a support service established by my Department to assist and strengthen a culture of collaborative development planning in post primary schools, with a view to promoting school improvement and effectiveness and to further the process of whole school planning.

The SDPI is based in Marino Institute of Education and has a team of one national co-ordinator and eleven regional co-ordinators.

For 2007 a total of €1,370,737 was allocated to this programme by my Department and for 2008 the programme had an allocation of €1,381,270.

The School Development Planning Service (SDPS) was a support service established by my Department to assist and strengthen a culture of collaborative development planning in primary schools.

The Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) has joined with the SDPS to become the PPDS (Primary Professional Development Service) in 2008/09. From September 2008, the first steps were taken towards the creation of a cohesive single professional development support service for the primary sector. The new service will, in time, merge other primary support services and, while continuing to provide professional development programmes in response to system priorities, will be primarily concerned with the provision of customised support to schools and teachers. The organisation, which is managed by Dublin West Education Centre, has begun offering support to schools. Prior to September 2008 the SDPS had been based in Drumcondra Education Centre.

For 2007 a total of €1,040,532 was allocated to this programme by my Department and for 2008 the programme had an allocation of €1,046,830.

Departmental Expenditure.

John Perry

Ceist:

432 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of in-service courses organised by second level service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43419/08]

In 2008 the Second Level Support Service has a budget of €4.092m. The budget covers the provision of support for a large number of curricular areas and programmes. In 2008-2009 the full range of subjects/programmes offered by SLSS are:

English;

Irish;

Mathematics;

History;

Geography;

Biology;

Physics;

Chemistry;

Junior Science;

Religious Education;

Civil, Social and Political Education;

Home Economics;

Student Councils;

Leaving Cert Applied (LCA);

Junior Cycle Schools Programme (JCSP);

Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP);

Transition Year (TY).

The SLSS supports second level teachers in curriculum implementation and continuing professional development. A feature of support is a focus on generic areas such as teaching and learning methodologies, the curriculum aspect of school development planning, independent learning skills, enterprise education, preparation for the world of work, school-industry-community links, citizenship education and literacy across the curriculum. The SLSS provides school-based support, staff development workshops, regional cluster-based support and modular courses. The service also produces journals and maintains an extensive web site and promotes and supports a range of ancillary projects and initiatives which enhance the provision of support to schools and teachers.

Psychological Service.

James Reilly

Ceist:

433 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide for a necessary up to date psychological assessment for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin with dyslexia prior to transition from primary to secondary school in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43421/08]

I can inform the Deputy that NEPS, in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

Students approaching the end of their primary education and their ensuing transition to Post-Primary constitute a significant focus in the interaction between school authorities and the NEPS psychologist.

I understand, from the Principal of the school, that the child detailed in the Deputy's question will not transfer to post-primary until September 2010. I can assure the Deputy that the appropriate response will be delivered by both the school and the NEPS service, at the appropriate time having regard to the child's particular needs.

Teacher Inspection.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

434 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be assessed and inspected in their place of employment in view of the fact that they are in their second year and teaching in Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43425/08]

While the teacher in question is in her second year of employment she did not register for probation last year. An application to register for probation from the teacher in question was received during Round 3 of the submissions process in this school year which closed on November 7th 2008. Inspectors are currently in the process of being assigned to teachers who registered for probation in round 3. This process will be completed within a week or so. The teacher will then receive a letter of notification and it is expected that initial visits will be made during the following three school weeks.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

435 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 30 October 2008, the position regarding the programme; if a school (details supplied) is to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43429/08]

My Department is examining the feasibility of grouping a number of schools including the school referred to by the Deputy in the 3rd Bundle of school projects to be procured via Public Private Partnership.

This examination is nearing completion and it is my intention to make an announcement about the matter as quickly as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

436 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place since Dáil Éireann last debated the issue of wider recognition for the applied behavioural analysis approach to the education of children in the autistic spectrum; if he will sanction the approval of more schools dedicated to the use of this approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43447/08]

Officials in my Department have met on a regular basis with the relevant groups in relation to the commitment in the current programme for Government to long-term funding for the centres that are in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism.

I am pleased to advise that broad agreement has been reached on the core conditions to enable the centres to be recognised as special schools for children with autism and discussions are ongoing in relation to existing contractual arrangements.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department supports and promotes the use of ABA in schools, including special schools, as part of the range of autism specific interventions drawn on by teachers in the education of children with autism. What is important is that there is now a range of educational placements available which ensures that all children on the autistic spectrum can receive an appropriate education. Training and professional development in ABA, TEACCH, PECS, Social Stories etc for teachers in special classes for autism remains a firm priority for my Department.

The National Council for Special Education has sanctioned the establishment of special classes for children with autism in special and mainstream primary and post-primary schools across the country and it will continue to do so in line with need.

School Enrolments.

David Stanton

Ceist:

437 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students enrolled on the junior certificate schools programme and leaving certificate applied programme respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43463/08]

The information available to my Department at this time relates to the 2007/8 school year. In that year the number of pupils enrolled in the Junior Certificate Schools Programme was 7,649 and 7,437 pupils were enrolled in the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.

James Bannon

Ceist:

438 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Longford are not being admitted to their local national school; the action their parents can take to provide a local, accessible education for their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43467/08]

Enrolment in individual state funded schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission or the terms or conditions of admission of a person as a student to the school.

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 themselves, 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 in 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. Information relating to Section 29 appeals is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie

Departmental Expenditure.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

439 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost in terms of wages and salaries for the provision of special needs assistants in the education service; if SNAs are paid when the school is on holidays; the expected savings to his Department if SNAs were to go on a part time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43495/08]

The estimated cost for the provision of special needs assistants in 2008 is €323.5 million. The breakdown is as follows: Primary €267 million; Post Primary €56.5 million.

The purpose of the provision in this Department's Estimates for special needs assistants is to meet the costs of salary, employer's PRSI contributions, substitution and pensions for these staff members in primary and post-primary schools.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports from primary and post primary schools. SNA support is provided specifically to address the care needs of pupils with special educational needs. The nature and level of support provided is based on the assessed needs of the individual child having regard to the criteria set out in my Department's circulars. Posts are sanctioned on either a full or part-time basis depending on the assessed care needs of the pupils. Where part-time hours are allocated, special needs assistants work the appropriate hours and are paid pro-rata to their full-time counterparts.

Full-time and part-time special needs assistants are paid for all school holidays apart from the summer holidays where payment is allowed in certain circumstances. Payment arrangements for special needs assistants for the summer vacation (July and August) are outlined in the following circular.

To the Management Authorities of Primary, Secondary, Community and Comprehensive Schools

Special Needs Assistants Payment Arrangements for July and August Annually

1. Introduction

1.1 The Minister for Education and Science wishes to advise management authorities and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) of the payment arrangements for SNAs for July and August 2008and subsequent years.

1.2 This Circular replaces Circular Pay 0011/2007 which issued in February, 2007.

2. Arrangements which will apply in July and August 2008

2.1 SNAs who are appointed on or before 07 January 2008, will be paid for the full duration of the 2008 summer holidays.

2.2 SNAs who commence employment on or after 08 January 2008, will be paid up to and including 12 July 2008 irrespective of the date the school closes. They will only be retained on the Department's payroll for the full duration of the 2008 summer holidays if the school management authorities provide the Department's Non Teaching Staff (NTS) Payroll with the following:

a) Documentary evidence from the SENO for the relevant post for the 2008/09 school year, and

b) confirmation that the SNA in question is returning to the post in September 2008.

3. Entitlement to Benefit from the Department of Social and Family Affairs

3.1 SNAs who are not in receipt of salary for the duration of the summer holidays, may have an entitlement to claim benefit from the Department of Social and Family Affairs for this period. SNAs should be advised to contact their local DSFA office for further advice in this regard.

4. Entitlement to Summer Pay from the 2008/09 school year onwards

4.1 SNAs appointed on or before the first school day following the Christmas break will be paid up to and including 31 August.

4.2 SNAs appointed on or after the second school day following the Christmas break will be paid up to and including 12 July.

4.3 The conditions which apply to the payment of salary from 13 July 2008, outlined in Paragraph 2.2 of this Circular, will also apply from the 2008/09 school year onwards.

5. Non Resumption in September

5.1 Management authorities are reminded to inform the NTS Payroll of any SNAs, either full-time or part-time, who are not returning to their posts in September.

5.2 The form ‘ Notification of Special Needs Assistant Leaving’ should be completed and sent to NTS Payroll before 01 August each year. This form can be down-loaded from the Department’s website www.education.ie – follow the links to Education Personnel/Special Needs Assistants.

6. Dissemination of Information

6.1 Management authorities are requested to bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of all SNAs in their schools, including those on maternity leave, sick leave etc. and also to the attention of the members of the Boards of Management.

6.2 This Circular should be retained for reference in the school and may also be accessed on this Department's website at www.education.ie – follow the links to Education Personnel/Special Needs Assistants.

7. Queries on this Circular

7.1 If you have any query in relation to this circular please contact the NTS Payroll at 090 648 4136 or e-mail your query to sna_pay@education.gov.ie

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

440 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by his Department in each year over the past five years, including 2008, on the distribution of publications from his Department to schools, teachers, boards of management and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43496/08]

The amount spent by my Department on the distribution of publications to schools etc. cannot be separated from the overall cost of postage including bulk postage issued from my Department. My Department's total expenditure on bulk postage, which is the general means of distributing publications, for the years in question is as follows:

2004 — €1,313,203.75

2005 — €1,458,607.33

2006 — €1,652,104.16

2007 — €1,546,530.87

2008 — €1,553,803.54 (to end October)

These figures include the cost of posting a variety of materials to schools and teachers including payslips (approximately 2.1 million payslips are issued annually), publications, circulars etc. It should also be noted that my Department agrees on occasion to circulate relevant materials produced by other organisations to schools, the postage costs given above do not exclusively relate to material emanating from the Department.

My Department regularly reviews its postage arrangements with a view to achieving maximum value for money. In this regard, last year my Department introduced a system of regular bulk mailings to schools in order to avail of discounted rates and to minimise postal costs. In addition, the rollout of the Department's Online Claims System, which enables schools to submit claims electronically to the Department, has resulted in a reduction in postage costs at both Department and school level of approximately €500,000 per annum.

In a further effort to reduce the costs of printing and distribution of publications in 2009 it is now corporate policy within my Department that all publications will be web based and will only be printed and distributed by post in exceptional circumstances.

Schools Building Projects.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

441 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the appointment of a design team to initiate the architectural planning of the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork, authorisation for which was originally given on 24 April 2002; the reason no progress has been made in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43497/08]

The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered 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 further progression of the project at this time.

Schools Refurbishment.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

442 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1671 of 24 September 2008, the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43515/08]

The school in question submitted an application to my Department for emergency funding.

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, unfortunately, it was not possible to provide funding under the Emergency Works Scheme on this occasion for the works sought. The application was also not successful on appeal.

Educational Disadvantage.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

443 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the impact on staffing levels the budget 2009 announcements on education will have on a DEIS school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the steps he will take to ensure that the work of this school on behalf of disadvantaged students continues in a satisfactory manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43554/08]

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures, deployed by my Department to combat educational disadvantage, will be to target available resources in schools included in DEIS (the Action plan for Educational Disadvantage). This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that the Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. The measures and supports received by this school under the DEIS programme will not be affected by the recent Budget.

Specific information in relation to the detailed staffing allocations that individual schools will have for the commencement of the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation processes have fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation processes include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. This is particularly relevant at post-primary level where the appellate process considers in particular any specific curricular needs of the school concerned. At post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota, and in addition discrete allocations are made to post-primary schools for example to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties and these allocations can also alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.

Schools are currently returning data to the Department of Education and Science in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. The Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.

Distance Learning.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

444 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures his Department is taking to increase the affordability and the number of third level distance learning courses here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43558/08]

The Higher Education Authority is currently conducting a review of Open and Distance Learning provision in Ireland. The Review will address: best practices internationally for the provision of Open and Distance Learning with regard to increasing lifelong learning participation; the extent to which lifelong learning participation is supported by current policies and funding frameworks; potential demand for Open and Distance Learning in Ireland; the views of higher education providers; the basis for a national strategy for Open and Distance Learning

The future development of Open and Distance Learning in Ireland will have regard to the recommendations of the Review, which is expected to be finalised in the Spring.

School Staffing.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

445 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43567/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

449 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43571/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

450 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43572/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

452 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43574/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

453 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43575/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

456 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43578/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

457 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

458 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43580/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

459 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43581/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

460 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43582/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

461 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43583/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 445, 449, 450, 452, 453, 456 to 461, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

446 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43568/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

447 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43569/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

448 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43570/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

451 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43573/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

454 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43576/08]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

455 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes following Budget 2009 to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reduction in the grants to the school for the forthcoming year vis-à-vis the funding level in 2007-08; the educational schemes for which support has been cut for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43577/08]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

474 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to meet the problems which are being faced by a secondary school (details supplied) in County Waterford arising from the budget 2009 cuts in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43627/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, 451, 454, 455 and 474 together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputies, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 449 and 450 answered with Question No. 445.
Questions Nos. 452 and 453 answered with Question No. 445.
Questions Nos. 451, 454 and 455 answered with Question No. 446.
Questions Nos. 456 to 461, inclusive, answered with Question No. 445.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

462 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the building programme for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43584/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all major building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered 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 further progression of the project at this time.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

463 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the building programme for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43585/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all major building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered 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 further progression of the project at this time.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

464 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the building programme for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43586/08]

My Department has received an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers.

The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered 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 this project at this time.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

465 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the building programme for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43587/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered 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.

Third Level Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

466 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of revenue funding allocated to each of the universities and each of the institutes of technology in 2008 and in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43588/08]

The information requested by the Deputy for the years 2003 to 2007 is contained in the tables. The recurrent grant breakdown per institution for 2008 is not yet available pending end of year allocations by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) who is responsible for the disbursement of funding to the HEA institutions.

I will arrange to forward the information concerned to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Recurrent funding to Universities

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

University

Recurrent Grant inc. Free Fees

Recurrent Grant inc. Free Fees

Recurrent Grant inc. Free Fees

Recurrent Grant inc. Free Fees

Recurrent Grant inc. Free Fees

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

University College Dublin

153,561

152,592

158,837

179,032

179,164

University College Cork

99,710

100,938

108,271

123,977

127,081

National University of Ireland Galway

76,611

77,125

83,375

96,423

103,838

National University of Ireland Maynooth

36,722

37,355

41,402

47,508

48,426

Trinity College Dublin

108,946

107,784

114,362

127,751

131,503

Dublin City University

62,461

63,817

66,340

70,699

73,738

University of Limerick

74,771

75,153

81,640

91,414

96,995

Totals

612,782

614,764

654,227

736,804

760,745

Notes

DCU includes St. Patricks College, Drumcondra & Mater Dei.

UL includes Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Recurrent Funding to Institutes of Technology

Institute

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

incl free fees

incl free fees

incl free fees

incl free fees

incl free fees

€ 000’s

€ 000’s

€ 000’s

€ 000’s

€ 000’s

Athlone Institute of Technology

21,526

22,904

24,617

26,520

27,944

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

9,666

10,627

10,995

12,548

13,439

Institute of Technology, Carlow

19,171

14,812

21,769

22,716

24,420

Cork Institute of Technology

53,248

55,476

56,722

61,923

62,328

Dublin Institute of Technology

112,618

120,156

123,204

126,267

133,717

Dundalk Institute of Technology

21,129

22,000

23,772

26,229

27,166

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology

11,846

10,387

13,003

14,318

14,917

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

33,776

35,273

39,002

40,940

42,822

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

15,167

16,265

17,352

28,466

18,238

Limerick Institute of Technology

22,724

23,385

26,351

28,203

30,307

Institute of Technology, Sligo

21,954

23,743

25,652

23,433

29,310

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

18,869

19,771

22,163

20,791

24,801

Institute of Technology Tralee

20,029

20,832

22,919

9,897

23,222

Waterford Institute of Technology

35,911

38,798

42,420

45,551

48,651

Tourism College, Killybegs

2,401

2,813

3,033

3,223

3,572

Totals

420,035

437,242

472,974

491,025

524,854

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

467 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the average number of pupil-teacher ratios in both national and secondary schools in County Kilkenny. [43589/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

In terms of the position in respect of any one school for September 2009 my Department has commenced processing enrolment data that has been received from schools. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

School Staffing.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

468 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of days uncertified leave taken by teachers in both national and secondary schools in County Kilkenny to date in the 2008-09 school year; and the cost to his Department to provide substitute teachers for that period of leave. [43590/08]

In the 2008/2009 school year the managerial authorities of primary schools in Co. Kilkenny have recorded that teachers employed in their schools have taken 765 uncertified sick leave days. In the secondary and community/comprehensive schools 173 uncertified sick leave days have been taken.

The estimated cost of the uncertified sick leave for the primary teachers is €158,000 and €38,000 for the teachers in the secondary and community/comprehensive schools.

Schools Refurbishment.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

469 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will implement the summer works scheme; and when schools can make an application under this scheme. [43591/08]

Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.

However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

470 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43605/08]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied for a grant of €13,000 to enhance its outdoor play facilities under the Dormant Accounts / RAPID Leverage Fund Small Scale Capital Grant Scheme for Disadvantaged Schools. The school was proposing to develop a playground and all weather pitch at a cost in excess of €500,000.

One of the terms and conditions of the scheme is that proposed projects must be carried out within the confines of the school's vested site. During the assessment process, the Department was advised by the school that the proposed project was to be developed on parish lands, which were not part of the school site.

On 12 July 2007, the Department wrote to the principal and the chairperson of the board of management of the school to advise them that their application for funding had not been recommended for approval on the basis that the location for the proposed development was not part of the school's vested site.

School Placement.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

471 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a second level school place has not been offered to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43606/08]

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools 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. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

In 1993, the Department issued a circular (M 51/93) to post-primary schools, advising of a memorandum of agreement between the Department and the post-primary schools managerial association, that selection for the purposes of enrolment based on academic ability should be discontinued.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents’ choice are respected.

Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department. In the case of the latter, only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

472 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if further to correspondence (details supplied), he will confirm that rent allowance is considered reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43611/08]

Rent allowance is included in the calculation of reckonable income for grant purposes.

School Transport.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

473 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if further to correspondence (details supplied) he will confirm that the rules state that eligibility is to the nearest suitable school and in view of the fact that the nearest school cannot physically cater for the pupil, this can then be determined as suitable; if he will review this decision in view of the fact that physically disabled children are not deemed ineligible if the nearest school is unable to cater for the child’s needs and a similar situation arises if the child wishes to be taught through the medium of Irish when the nearest school does not provide this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43614/08]

The pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is not eligible for transport as he resides less than 3.2 kilometres from his nearest school. Furthermore, there is no provision under the terms of the school transport scheme to provide transport in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.

In order to be eligible for transport, under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils must reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and be attending their nearest primary school or Gaelscoil as determined by my Department.

The distance criteria does not apply to pupils with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need. These pupils are eligible for transport to the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Science criteria.

Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 446.

School Staffing.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

475 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to address the problems that will arise for a primary school (details supplied) in County Waterford resulting from the budget 2009 cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43628/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect my Department, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared, and I acknowledge the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources prudently. These decisions included increasing the pupil teacher ratio across all second-level schools from 18:1 to 19:1. In the case of fee-charging post-primary schools, there will be an additional one-point adjustment to 20:1.

As the processing of the September 2008 enrolment returns for post-primary schools are not yet finalised, it is not possible at this time to state the impact the changes will have on the allocation of mainstream teaching posts for the 2009/10 school year for the school in question. The staffing schedule for the 2009/10 school year will issue to all schools as soon as possible, and at that time, a more accurate indication of the mainstream staffing levels will be available.

The allocation processes include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. This is particularly relevant at post-primary level where the appellate process considers in particular any specific curricular needs of the school concerned. At post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota, and in addition discrete allocations are made to post-primary schools for example to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties and these allocations can also alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.

My Department is aware of funding pressures on schools. However, progress has been made in recent years that has seen the post-primary school capitation grant increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil.

The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to 40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services.

Departmental Expenditure.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

476 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost to his Department of in-service training for teachers at post primary level for 2009 and 2010. [43749/08]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

477 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost to his Department of in-service training for teachers at primary level for 2009 and 2010. [43750/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 477 together.

The budgets in 2009 for the individual programmes that provide continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers are currently being finalised so the breakdown between primary and post primary is not yet available. However, I can inform the Deputy that the current allocation in the 2009 AEV for Subhead B.6 of my Department's Vote — In Career Development — amounts to €28.772m.

As the B.06 subhead is not a multi annual budget, I am not in a position to advise the Deputy of the allocation for 2010.

Library Services.

John Deasy

Ceist:

478 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the withdrawal by him of a grant to a service (details supplied) in County Waterford will result in that service being discontinued in 2009 and that this mobile service provides the only access to a library service by pupils in most primary schools in County Waterford; if he will reconsider his decision to withdraw this grant in view of the consequences it will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43753/08]

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included the decision to discontinue the funding that my Department made available to local authorities to support school library services.

The amount of the grant payable to each local authority was based on the number of pupils in the relevant area and amounted to €4.52 per pupil. There will be no direct impact on the funding of individual schools as a result of the decision to discontinue this grant to local authorities. The indirect impacts of this measure in individual library areas will be a matter to be determined by each local authority in the context of its overall resources and the services it provides.

The priority of this budget was to provide as much as was possible of available resources to direct funding to schools and it was not possible in this context to continue to provide money to the local authorities to support school library services.

School Accommodation.

John Deasy

Ceist:

479 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost per year of providing prefabricated buildings for the past ten years at all schools in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/08]

John Deasy

Ceist:

480 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost per year of providing prefabricated buildings for the past 10 years at all schools nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43755/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the cost of providing prefabricated buildings in County Waterford are not readily available but I will arrange to have them forwarded to him as soon as possible. The cost of providing this type of building nationally for the last 8 years, the period available, is included in the following statement. The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation in the last 8 years is as follows:

2007: €35.5m (5.49% of total spend of €647m on school buildings);

2006: €24.5m (4.95% of total spend of €495m);

2005: €15.7m (3.1% of total spend of €501m);

2004: €11.3m (3.4% of total spend of €333m);

2003: €9.4m (2.9% of total spend of €327m);

2002: €8.4m (2.4% of total spend of €344m);

2001: €6.1m (1.9% of total spend of €318m);

2000: €4m (1.6% of total spend of €258m).

Expenditure on purchasing temporary accommodation in the last 8 years, has been as follows:

2007: €4.3m (0.66% of total spend of €647m on school buildings);

2006: €3.5m (0.7% of total spend of €495m);

2005: €6.5m (1.3% of total spend of €501m);

2004: €12.7m (3.8% of total spend of €333m);

2003: €25.8m (7.9% of total spend of €327m);

2002: €21.5m (6.25% of total spend of €344m);

2001: €9.1m (2.9% of total spend of €318m);

2000: €4.4m (1.7% of total spend of €258m).

School Staffing.

John Deasy

Ceist:

481 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the withdrawal of substitute cover for teachers on uncertified sick leave will have particularly acute consequences for small schools in view of the fact that such schools neither will have another teacher available nor will be in a position to split classes; if he will exempt such schools from this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43759/08]

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, in making the announcement of the Budget measures for education, I stressed that tough choices had to be made in meeting the needs of the education sector in these difficult times. The resources available to the Department have meant that these choices have been very challenging. The decision made to suspend the substitution cover for uncertified sick leave in primary and second level schools was a difficult one.

The supervision / substitution scheme will continue to operate without any changes and teachers who agree to participate will continue to receive an annual payment of €1,789 in addition to their normal salary.

I am aware that from January the changes regarding substitution will present particular challenges for school managers but I felt that suspending part of the improvements made in 2003 to the substitution scheme was preferable to impacting more significantly on teacher numbers.

As we manage through this difficult period I am asking teachers in all schools to co-operate fully with school managers in coping with this change in the interest of the students. I am also requesting the school managerial bodies to ensure that the supervision / substitution scheme is operated with maximum effectiveness in all schools.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Deasy

Ceist:

482 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the situation of a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this school will lose one of its four teachers because it has 80 pupils on roll in September 2008 and that the school currently has 82 pupils on roll and will have at least 81 in September 2009; if he will reconsider the decision to reduce the number of teachers approved for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43763/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. The preparatory work for the staffing allocations has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall net impact of the budget measures on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation process has been completed.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for the school referred to by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

School Curriculum.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

483 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to a query that has twice been sent to him directly (details supplied). [43778/08]

I have arranged for an official from my Department to contact the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Schools Building Projects.

John Deasy

Ceist:

484 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost per year of providing prefabricated buildings for the past ten years at a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43779/08]

John Deasy

Ceist:

485 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be appointed and plans drawn up in respect of a permanent building for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43780/08]

John Deasy

Ceist:

486 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the band rating in regard to prioritisation criteria of the application in respect of a permanent building for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43781/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 484 to 486, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the cost per year of providing prefabricated buildings for the past 10 years at the school to which he refers is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. Under the criteria, each project is assigned a Band Rating which reflects the type of works required and the urgency attaching to them. There are four Band Ratings in all with Band 1 being the highest and Band 4 the lowest. A Band 2.2 rating has been assigned to the project in question.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered 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.

School Accommodation.

John Deasy

Ceist:

487 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no permanent structures to accommodate school pupils have been built in Tramore, County Waterford since 1982, in spite of the fact that the town has been identified by his Department as an area of rapid development; if he plans to develop an overall strategy to address the permanent accommodation needs of all schools in Tramore; when such a strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43782/08]

Since 2004 my Department has provided funding under the Summer Works Scheme and/or Emergency Works Grant for Stella Maris, the CBS, Holy Cross NS and Glór na Mara NS in Tramore. This funding has enabled these schools to carry out works such as windows replacement, heating systems/pipes, ramps, replacement of water tank and girders, and fire alarm.

Applications for major extensions are planned for Holy Cross National School and Glór na Mara National School. The building project for Holy Cross National School is currently at Stage 2b (detailed design) whereas the proposed building project for Glór na Mara National School is at an early stage of architectural planning.

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school for Gaelscoil Philib Barún has been assessed and the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school.

My Department announced a Public Private Partnership Programme in 2005 which included a project for Tramore consisting of a new school to provide 1,000 pupil places for the amalgamation of CBS Tramore & Stella Maris.

As an interim measure while the schools in Tramore are awaiting their extensions/new buildings my Department has sanctioned the rental/purchase of temporary accommodation.

The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including the projects in Tramore will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of these projects at this time.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

488 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the invitation of tenders for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [43801/08]

I am pleased to advise that the tender documents for the school in question have been reviewed. Notification of approval and requirements for proceeding to tender issued on 27 November.

School Staffing.

John Perry

Ceist:

489 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the impact the cutbacks in education will have on the staffing levels in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo, including all full-time and part-time teaching posts; the teacher numbers in this school from September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43828/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. The preparatory work for the staffing allocations has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall net impact of the budget measures on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation process has been completed.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for the school referred to by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Schools Recognition.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

490 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for granting permanent recognition to a school; the criteria a school (details supplied) must fulfil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43847/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation in September 2002 with provisional recognition from my Department on the basis that it would be providing multi-denominational education in the Clontarf/Marino/Fairview area of Dublin. Its current location in Glasnevin, which is already served by two multi-denominational schools, was intended to be a purely temporary measure. It is my Department's intention ultimately to locate the school in a more appropriate location if and when suitable accommodation becomes available and subject to the availability of funding. When this happens, the Department will review the question of permanent recognition.

Site Acquisitions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

491 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which a decision to acquire a site for a school (details supplied) was made; the action which has been taken since that decision was made; the reduction in the capital allocation for 2008 and 2009 which has been imposed since that decision was made; and the criteria against which it was decided that this project no longer had sufficient priority to be included. [43848/08]

My Department requested the Office of Public Works to identify a suitable site for the school in question in September 2007.

The Deputy will appreciate that the acquisition of a site has to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.

In relation to the prioritisation of projects the Deputy may be aware projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need. This is reflected in the band rating assigned to a project which indicates the urgency, type and extent of work required at a school.

The Band Rating system involves all applications for capital funding being assessed in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. The assessment process determines the extent and type of need presenting, based on the demographics of an area, proposed housing developments, condition of buildings, site capacity etc. leading ultimately to an appropriate accommodation solution. As part of this process, a project is assigned a band rating under published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. These criteria were devised following consultation with the Education Partners. This project has a Band Rating of 2.2.

Special Educational Needs.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

492 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to make provision for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo at a school in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43858/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Road Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

493 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when road markings will be undertaken by his Department as per planning conditions on foot of grant of permission to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will provide an assurance that this matter will be concluded at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43859/08]

My Department is currently awaiting further information from its consultant architect with regard to the outstanding issues at the school referred to by the Deputy.

This matter will be considered further as soon as this information is received.

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

494 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 qualifies for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43860/08]

The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

495 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied); his views on whether this is the proper structure with leaking roofs, no hot water and inadequate sewerage systems in which to educate the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43874/08]

An application for an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy and an assessment of the long term needs of the school has been concluded.

The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered 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.

Disadvantaged Status.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

496 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the difference in funding, each school (details supplied) in Dublin 1, 7, and 9 will receive under the DEIS programme in 2009, compared to 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43876/08]

All of the schools referred to by the Deputy are included in the DEIS programme and will continue to be following Budget 2009.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period 2005-10, and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years).

The action plan provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). It brings together, and builds upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. There are 876 schools in DEIS. These comprise 673 primary schools and 203 second-level schools.

DEIS provides various supports for both primary and post primary schools which include additional financial supports which take account of schools' levels of disadvantage and enrolments.

In respect of the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 school years, grants amounting to €11.8 million and €13.6 million have issued to the 873 primary and second level schools included in the DEIS programme.

For the current school year, 2008/2009, grants amounting to €10.5 million have issued to the 673 primary schools in the programme and arrangements are currently being made to issue in the region of €3.5 million to the 203 second level schools identified for inclusion in the programme.

The Deputy should be aware that it is not the practice of my Department to publish the resources provided to individual schools without the consent of the schools in question.

Health and Safety Issues.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

497 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place to ensure electrical safety in primary and post-primary schools here; if regular inspections are carried out by appropriate contractors; and the body responsible for arranging these inspections. [43878/08]

Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. In this regard, in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. Schools are obliged to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and to put appropriate safeguards in place.

Provision is built into the School Building Programme to enable schools to address urgent health and safety problems. Primary schools are given an annual allocation, currently amounting to €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at the discretion of school management to address basic health and safety issues relating to school infrastructure.

In addition, the Summer Works Scheme was introduced during 2004. This Scheme provides capital grants for improvement works at primary and post-primary schools. Since it was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. While it was not possible to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2008, there will be a Scheme in 2009.

My Department also sets aside a contingency sum each year to deal with emergency works in primary and post-primary schools, including health and safety works.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

498 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the impact of the budget 2009 cuts on smaller rural schools and on pupil-teacher ratio in larger primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43909/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile such information as requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

School Staffing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

499 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected number for specifically trained language support teachers in the primary and post-primary system from September 2009; the number of projected posts in each sector from September 2009; the conclusions of the review of the language support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43910/08]

The budget measures will mean that the level of language support will be reduced from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007.

Nonetheless, schools that require language support will still be entitled to get it. We still envisage having over 1,400 language support teachers in our schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

As I announced on budget day we will also provide for some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment. This will be done on a case by case basis.

The allocation process for language support teachers is an annual one and existing provision is not rolled over automatically. Schools will be applying afresh in the spring and early summer of 2009 for the 2009/10 school year, based on their assessment of the prospective needs of existing pupils and any new pupils they are enrolling. The position for individual schools will become clear at that stage.

Moreover, OECD research in this field (PISA 2006) shows that Ireland is the OECD country with the highest distribution of newcomers across schools meaning that schools with higher concentrations of newcomer children are relatively unusual. ESRI data also shows that only a small percentage of schools have high concentrations of newcomer children.

I realise that standards are not simply achieved by supplying teaching resources and that the quality of the supports that the child receives and the inclusive atmosphere cultivated in schools are important factors influencing the quality of learning achieved by migrant children. My Department recognises that we must monitor and review the educational experiences that are provided to migrant students so that we can improve the quality and effectiveness of our provision. The Department is undertaking a range of research to consider the question of integration in schools and how best to deploy our resources to ensure that all the children in our schools can benefit from learning in an intercultural Ireland.

My Department is providing support and training for teachers of English as an additional language in the current school year. A dedicated team within the Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS) is in place for the provision of support at primary level and the first of days of training is currently ongoing. Design and provision of the second day will take place in early 2009.

At post primary level, the Second Level Support Service (SLSS) have identified members of their team to provide training and support for teachers of English as an additional language. The training has been designed and will be rolled out in early 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

500 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the decision on the allocation of a special needs assistant to a child (details supplied) in County Meath; and if this child is entitled to additional SNA support from the National Council for Special Education. [43922/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Higher Education Grants.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

501 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43923/08]

The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

502 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) were not facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43933/08]

The candidates referred to by the Deputy submitted appeals to my Department on the 24th November 2008. A decision will issue to them following the examination of their appeals.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

503 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet a deputation from a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43950/08]

I have already received a request to meet the school referred to by the Deputy. Due to other diary commitments, I will not be in a position to meet with delegations for several weeks but I will consider the request on hands in the New Year.

Health and Safety Issues.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

504 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the safety concerns, which have been expressed about the safety of children and the very real dangers that exist at a school (details supplied) in County Longford, in relation to parking and the lack of a safe exiting area for the children leaving school each afternoon, he will take steps to have the situation examined in situ and assist the school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43992/08]

Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care including traffic management measures. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. Schools are obliged to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and to put appropriate safeguards in place.

Issues of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., are a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority.

The vast majority of existing primary school sites is owned by parish/diocesan authorities, not by my Department. The funding arrangements relating to the purchase of sites, in place since January 1999 were approved by the Minister for Finance subject to the condition that ownership of the property thus financed was vested in the State. Consequently, my Department does not fund the purchase of site extensions unless the whole site is vested in the State.

Teaching Council.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

505 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers at primary and secondary level who have not joined the Teaching Council to date. [44012/08]

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

507 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the moneys spent to date by the Teaching Council; and the source of those moneys. [44014/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 507 together.

As the Deputy will be aware the Teaching Council Act 2001 provided for the establishment of a Council for the purposes of promoting teaching as a profession, maintaining and improving the standards of teaching, providing for the establishment of standards, policies and procedures for the education and training of teachers, and other matters relating to teachers and the teaching profession.

The Act provided for the Teaching Council to be funded by my Department for 2 years after the establishment day. The funding provided by my Department is set out as follows.

Department of Education and Science

Year

€m

2006

2.991

2007

3.082

2008

0.849

The Teaching Council became a self funding body from 28 March 2008. The Council raises its funding from, in the main part, teachers' initial registration and renewal of registration fees. The annual registration fee is currently €90. In addition the Council has the capacity to charge fees for other services associated with registration including providing copies of or additional registration certificates, letters of professional standing, reviewing programmes of teacher education and qualification recognition.

The Teaching Council's total expenditure to end of November 2008 amounts to €3.687m.

The recognition and registration of teachers in Ireland is a function of the Teaching Council. The Council has informed my Department that as of 27th November 2008, there are 64,366 persons registered with the Teaching Council.

The Council is not in a position to provide details of those not registered with the Council at this time. The Council will be in a position to provide a more substantive picture when section 30 is commenced.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

506 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the legislative basis for the threatening letters sent to teachers who have not joined the Teaching Council telling them that they will not be paid their salaries. [44013/08]

Since its establishment in 2006, the Teaching Council is responsible for the promotion of teaching as a profession; the promotion of the professional development of teachers and for the regulation of standards in the profession. All teachers must be registered with the Council and have their qualifications verified to be enrolled on the register of qualified teachers.

While all sections of the Teaching Council Act have not been enacted, the policy of my department is outlined in circular Letters 0016/2008 and 0055/2008. These Circulars outline that to be eligible for recruitment to an Oireachtas funded teaching post, a teacher shall be registered by the Teaching Council and shall satisfy the recruitment policy in the relevant second-level sector as approved from time to time by the Minister for Education and Science. Circular Letter 0055/2008 contains the terms of the most recent and all previous agreements in relation to implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003.

The application form for appointment as a post-primary teacher states that schools should not submit applications from candidates who do not have current registration with the Teaching Council.

Where an appointment form was received by my Department on behalf of an unregistered teacher, a letter was sent to the person in question explaining the requirements for registration with the Teaching Council. On receipt of confirmation from the Teaching Council that the registration procedure was complete the teacher's appointment was processed.

Question No. 507 answered with Question No. 505.
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